Obama: 'Millions of jobs' in danger

From MSNBC

""If we don't act swiftly and boldly, most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year," Obama said in prepared remarks for the weekly Democratic radio and video address.

"We now risk falling into a deflationary spiral that could increase our massive debt even further," he said. " Obama: 'Millions of jobs' in danger next year - White House transition- msnbc.com

Really, you don't say.

Do we need to raise all taxes?

Tax Your Pets

From Market Watch, which I heard on Rush's show.

"A Recommended Sales and Use Tax Proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger Will Tax Veterinary Services, Says Social Compassion in Legislation
Pets are not furniture. New 'luxury' tax (also applied to furniture repair, auto repair and golf) will result in higher veterinary costs and further shelter overpopulation! " A Recommended Sales and Use Tax Proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger Will Tax Veterinary Services, Says Social Compassion in Legislation - MarketWatch

Last update: 11:50 a.m. EST Nov. 21, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Nov 21, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In a recent announcement, Governor Schwarzenegger recommended broadening the Sales and Use Tax to include "luxury" items such as veterinary services, which is sure to cause an increase in animal shelter overpopulation. Animal welfare advocates across the state are joining forces and urging all pet owners to take action and contact the governor and state legislature to stop this tax.

What next?

30 Point Buck

From Try 2 Focus

Found in the Northwoods? « Try 2 Focus

Wisconsin Freedom Eroded

From Richard Moore at The Lakeland-Times

If you care about our freedom here in Wisconsin, please pass it on

Wisconsin's dirty little secret

"It's been called Wisconsin's dirty little secret. It most certainly is a skeleton in the democratic closet - a scandal if it ever gets out.

Well, it's time to out it.

I'm talking about the state's administrative rule process, by which - you may not know - the state's bureaucracies have effectively staged a coup d'etat over our elected lawmakers. That enables unelected bureaucrats to countermand the intent of laws passed by elected officials.
" Wisconsin's dirty little secret

Link to "Invasives rule would allow DNR to enter private property."

WDNR To Enter Private Property

From the Lakeland-Times

"11/21/2008 9:36:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Invasives rule would allow DNR to enter private property
Legislative council seeks constitutional justification"
Invasives rule would allow DNR to enter private property
Richard Moore
Investigative Reporter

A proposed rule being promulgated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would allow DNR wardens to enter private homes and properties to conduct searches for invasive species.

The wardens would have the right to enter property whenever they "reasonably" believed an invasive species was present on the premises.

I feel a lot better that the dems control all three branches of the state of Wisconsin.

I know they wouldn't do anything to infringe on any of our personel freedoms.

Thank you to those that voted democrat.

Lefties Can't Cut It

From the Wisconsin State Journal.

"FRI., NOV 21, 2008 - 2:21 PM
More people in Dane County falling behind on property taxes
MATTHEW DeFOUR
608-252-6144
mdefour@madison.com
Cambridge property manager Henry Gobel and his wife Wendi were having trouble paying their property taxes on 13 duplexes on Madison's East Side — and then the economy collapsed."
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL

What seems to be the problem?

Don't worry, Barack will come to the rescue.

Fairness Doctrine

Concerning all the talk about the fairness doctrine. You moderates and all those scared of the left throwing the fairness doctrine in our faces. I have two videos for you to watch. Yea, I know it's a movie but I'm not giving up! Their are people I thought had guts and now are rolling over and running scared. Wimps, cowards, sniffling children!

From You Tube

I am not taking any crap from the moderates and lefties!

They can try to pass the fairness doctrine, regulate blogs. try to take it all away but they can never take away my freedom! Even after I am gone I will still have my God given freedom!

There is more than one way to skin a cat! It's never over, till it's over, especially concerning my freedom!

To the left, bring it on!

To the moderates and RINO's, go hide under a rock!

The Conservative movement has just begun! And it will not go away!

A Conservative?

From the Times Online.

"Business big shot: Arianna Huffington, online entrepreneur
" Business big shot: Arianna Huffington, online entrepreneur - Times Online

Ian King

Arianna Huffington looks set to cement her position as the Queen of Capitol Hill in the next few days.

There, she met and married Michael Huffington, the oil billionaire, becoming one of Manhattan's leading socialites and a champion of the Republican revolution led by Newt Gingrich, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her marriage ended in 1994.

Does this mean Ms. Huffington would help a conservative like me help put two boys though collage? Naw, were just simple folks!

Maybe Ms. Huffington could be our savior someday. Does she find it in her heart to do what is right. Hope so. Not sure.

Don't know if the writer is really giving me the honest truth?

Just struck me kind of odd that she is a conservative?

I Can't Link For Nutin

From B & S and From Where I Sit. Dog gone it, I forgot who to link to.

"I’m sorry, Elliot. I love reading your stuff, but I’m not going to join this circular reach around. " Boots and Sabers - The blogging will continue until morale improves...

Elliot, sorry I was trying to link to your blog and must of made a mistake.

Who do I apologize to, Owen or Elliot?

No problem if I get no response.

To you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Do I have to link to your site?

Elliot. Elliot. Elliot. Elliot. Elliot. Elliot. Elliot. Elliot.

To My Friends And Family In The Democratic Party

From one of our best, Dad 29.

"From a friend:

No Hard Feelings...


The election day is over,

The talking is done.

My party lost, your party won.

So let us be friends,

Let arguments pass.

I'll hug my elephant,

You kiss your ass"

Dad29

Can't Be Right

Link from Fairly Conservative.

TV Reviews

Daz dat mean sumtin?

Jetro taght me reeden an rithmatic.

hooooooowwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Al Gore, Sorry Dear

From Al's Journal

Former Vice President Al Gore in his home office in Nashville, TN. (Time magazine)

"Honey I know my birthday card for you is here some where."

How can a guy that everyone thinks so highly of has such a trashed, disorganized, mess in his own office and we are to believe everything he say's when it comes to the environment is true?

Hog Wash, liar, ...............

The Love Of My Life

Personal post.

To Mrs. Berry Laker in Milwaukee.

It's been 23 years since I meet the love of my life.

We had our highs and our lows. The good and the bad.

Right now we don't have much, but what we have is our family. I could not ask for anything else.

From the first moment I met you, I knew you were special.

Tonight you were our star, one of the judges on the Food Networks,

"Throwdown with Bobby Flay."

I know your mom smiled down on you tonight. Thanks Jackie.

Just want to say ,

"Love you dear",

Proud of you.

Mr. Berry Laker

Wisconsin Deer Hunt 08

It's Thursday night and the traffic is building

To all the hunters this weekend.

May your journey be safe and your friends be many.
Say what you will, but don't stretch the truth.
When you see that buck, drop it like a rock.

Good and safe hunting to all in this years Wisconsin deer hunt.

Good luck Hunters.

Wisconsin Tavern League

From The Green Bay Press

To the Wisconsin Tavern League, There's a budget shortfall.

They will raise the beer tax!
They will raise your license fee!
They will increase the Cigarette tax!
They will go smoke free state wide!
And now they will take your pull tabs.

"Lottery says illegal pull-tabs cost Wisconsin millions

The Associated Press • November 20, 2008 " Lottery says illegal pull-tabs cost Wisconsin millions | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

MADISON — Illegal pull-tab games are costing the Wisconsin Lottery millions in revenue, but prosecutors rarely go after their operators, according to an audit released Thursday.

The Lottery’s sales of such tickets fell 22 percent to a low of $3.2 million in the budget year that ended June 30, according to the Legislative Audit Bureau report. Twenty years ago, pull-tab games brought in $25 million a year.

The Lottery offers 10 such games ranging in cost from 50 cents to $2 per ticket. Players pull back tabs and win money if their tickets reveal certain symbols, such as three cherries in a row.

Taverns, gas stations and other retailers are choosing to sell games offered by private vendors because they get commissions of up to 30 percent compared to no more than 6.25 percent under the state-run program.

Lottery officials say the private games are being sold illegally or under a loophole in Wisconsin law.

State law specifically bans private vendors from operating lotteries but exempts “promotional games of chance” that are sold with products. The Lottery says that’s a loophole that vendors are exploiting to sell tickets, commonly with coupons or collectible “milk caps.” A court decision in 2001 found such tickets qualified for the exemption.

In a letter to auditors, Revenue Secretary Roger Ervin said a staff analysis has concluded the Lottery could generate up to $23 million more per year if state law were changed to put shady competitors out of business.

The private tickets may be a bad deal for customers, the Lottery says, because there is no way to verify their advertised odds or audit whether prizes are awarded appropriately.

The audit said the Wisconsin Department of Justice receives requests from the Lottery, private citizens and local agencies to investigate suspected illegal operators. In recent years, the department has referred 13 cases to local district attorneys for prosecution.

But district attorneys have been reluctant to bring charges, saying they have more pressing priorities and noting the private tickets are prevalent at bars and other retailers, the audit found.

As a result, the Department of Justice has investigated fewer cases in recent years. In the recent budget year, the agency only looked into one such case compared to five in 2005.

The audit bureau is required under state law to review the Lottery’s operations every two years. Thursday’s report also recommended the Lottery make changes to better hold two major contractors accountable for their work.

When will they take your video machines?

Next thing you know they will put security cameras in your bar to make sure you don't cheat the state out of revenue!

The time will come! They need more money!

Tonight 7:30 p m

Food Network Throwdown / Elegent Farmer.
7:30 P M tonight.

Link to Living Lake Country article

You Asked For It, Looks Like You Will Get It

From the Wausau Daily Herald

"State agencies to Doyle: We can't cut 10 percent

The Associated Press • November 19, 2008 " State agencies to Doyle: We can't cut 10 percent | wausaudailyherald.com | Wausau Daily Herald

MADISON (AP) — At least three Wisconsin state agencies say they can’t meet Gov. Jim Doyle’s orders to come up with plans to cut spending by 10 percent, an ominous sign of the tough budget-balancing task ahead.

Secretary of State Doug La Follette said a 10 percent cut is “simply impossible,” in a letter sent to Doyle’s budget director. Railroad Commission Secretary Roger Breske said such a cut would reduce his office to a “dog-and-pony show.” And the state Board on Aging and Long Term Care said meeting the governor’s order to cut “makes no sense.”

Doyle’s administration issued the order in light of a projected $5 billion budget shortfall by July 2011. All agencies were originally asked to submit a plan by Monday, but Doyle waived the deadline saying deeper cuts may be needed.

It’s not uncommon for smaller agencies to bristle when asked to come up with 10 percent cuts, said Doyle’s budget director Dave Schmiedicke. His office will work with all agencies in the upcoming weeks on their budgets, including those that said they can’t come up with cuts.

“It’s going to be a difficult budget, there’s no question about that,” Schmiedicke said today. “We’re going to have to look at all programs and there will have to be reductions.”

Doyle warned last week that solving the budget problem will require job reductions, cuts in state government and possibly tax increases, although he said he would do “everything humanly possible” to avoid raising general sales or income taxes.

Oh Yea, possible tax increases. You asked for it, you will get it!

Not everyone within state government seems prepared to give up anything to help solve the problem.

Breske, the railroad commissioner who was appointed from the state Senate by Doyle earlier this year, said he had serious concerns with the order to come up with 10 percent cuts. He said that would amount to a $48,700 cut that would require laying off one of two full-time safety analysts.

The analysts are responsible for investigating rail crossing sites, drainage, bridge, clearance and other safety compliance issues across the state. Laying off one of them, in order to meet the budget cut, would put public safety at risk and “reduce this office to a dog-and-pony show and undermine Wisconsin’s strong railroad tradition,” Breske wrote.

How many miles of track do we have left ? How many people work in his department? Oh Yea, possible tax increases. You asked for it, you will get it!

Breske was at a meeting today and did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

La Follette, in his 30th year as secretary of state, was even more blunt in a Nov. 14 response to Schmiedicke.

“This office is operating on the absolute minimum in terms of staffing and funding, and it is simply impossible to offer a functional plan at a 10 percent reduction,” he said.

Oh Yea, possible tax increases. You asked for it, you will get it!

La Follette was out of the office today and did not immediately return an e-mail message seeking comment.

Heather Bruemmer, executive director of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, said the cut would have to come from its ombudsman program, which is state-funded and charged with looking after the rights and welfare of people using long-term care.

“In light of the importance of the agency’s programs to the public health, welfare and safety, it makes no sense to follow through with the plan to reduce this agency’s operating expenses by 10 percent,” Bruemmer said. She asked that the agency be exempted.

I thought she was going to say we should make the elderly eat dog and cat food. Oh wait, that will come next week!

Agencies this week also submitted their plans showing where they would cut roughly $500 million in the current fiscal year. No agencies said they would not comply with that cut, Schmiedicke said. That cut was required under the budget passed into law by the Legislature earlier this year.

So they said they could cut 500 million, I thought Doyle said 5 BILLION. Oh Yea, possible tax increases. You asked for it, you will get it!

Doyle’s next budget, covering July 2009 through June 2011, will be released in February.

For those that vote democrat and RINO , just remember, it will only be possible tax increases. You asked for it, you will get it!

Appleton Lay Offs

From JSOnline

"Miller Electric to eliminate 95 jobs

Posted: Nov. 19, 2008 12:06 p.m.

Appleton-based Miller Electric Mfg. Co. said today it will eliminate 95 jobs, or about 6% of its 1,500-person work force in response to the national economic situation and the slowing demand for Miller's commercial and industrial products.

Miller makes arc welding and plasma cutting tools. The company is a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Glenview, Ill.

Most of the work force reductions will be in the Appleton area, where 60 office positions will be eliminated and 35 plant workers will be laid off by early January 2009, the company said. Miller is also offering voluntary separation packages to interested employees. All personnel affected would receive one week's pay for each year of service, as well as outplacement counseling." Miller Electric to eliminate 95 jobs - JSOnline

Mrs Berry Laker, Food Network

From MATC web Site

"MATC Instructor to Appear on The Food Network

Just in time for Thanksgiving, The Food Network’s Bobby Flay visited The Elegant Farmer, a farm kitchen, bakery and deli in Mukwonago. MATC master baking instructor Debra Socha was a key part of the visit.

Socha, who has been an MATC faculty member for 14 years, was contacted by representatives of The Food Network in mid-September to serve as an apple pie expert on the Thanksgiving special. The Elegant Farmer creates a delicious “Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag,” which was recognized as the nation’s best apple pie by The Wall Street Journal and Gourmet. The apple pie would be a featured item on the show, or so Socha thought.

Socha arrived at The Elegant Farmer, ready to share her knowledge of apples, pies and baking secrets. Upon her arrival, she and Alice in Dairyland (Ashley Huibregtse of Plymouth), the day’s other special guest, were pulled aside by the program’s producers who clued them in on the real story – that Bobby Flay would compete against The Elegant Farmer staff to see who could create the tastier apple pie.

“Our mouths dropped open and we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into,” said Socha.

Just as filming was set to get underway, The Elegant Farmer staff and loyal customers, who numbered about 80, were surprised when Flay drove onto the set in a limousine. Rather than a holiday-themed show, a “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” would be filmed that day.

“The crowd went wild!” remarked Socha. “He is a big star and for him to be in our area for a show is a really big deal.”

Flay is one of the biggest celebrities on The Food Network and “Throwdown” is one of the most popular programs. On “Throwdown,” Flay travels across the country to challenge masters in a specific style of cooking. Adding to the intrigue and fun is that the cooks believe The Food Network is featuring their restaurant, shop, or food item. Flay and the experts compete in the “Throwdown” and the gathered audience chooses the winner.

While sworn to secrecy about the show’s outcome, Socha shares that it was an unforgettable experience.

“I am anxious to see the show,” admitted Socha. “It was really fun to be a part of it and it is just great for MATC.”

To see the results, tune in to “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on The Food Network:
Thursday, Nov. 20 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 21 – 2:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29 – 3 p.m.

For more information on MATC’s baking production program, please visit http://matc.edu/student/offerings/bakeprod.html" Milwaukee Area Technical College - [ Socha on Food Network ]

Michigan Deer Hunt Local Tie

From the Escanaba Daily Press.

12 year old from Oconto Falls bags good size buck.

"Not all successful hunters are necessarily seasoned hunters. Brooks Polczinski, 12, proved that when he showed up at the gathering with an 8-point. Many were impressed by the youngster, who said it was his first time hunting.

Polczinski, of Oconto Falls, Wis., said he shot the buck on opening day, while hunting in Nadeau Township with his uncle.

"I shot it from 45 yards away while it was at the bait pile," he said.

Polczinski said the buck weighed 207 pounds and had a 19 inch spread." Bucking tradition - News, Sports, Jobs, Escanaba Information | The Daily Press

Steve Kagen, "Here I Come To Save The Day.........

Steve Kagen to the rescue from that evil Cerberus.

See how one punch puts Cerberus Capital Management out of commission, Chrysler, no money for you from our Wisconsin 8th District hero.

Oh thank you kind sir!.
From You Tube

"Press Release
Media Contact:
Jake Rubin 202.225.5665
KAGEN: NO TAXPAYER MONEY FOR CHRYSLER UNTIL WISCONSIN PAPER MILLS ARE UP AND RUNNING

November 18, 2008
Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. says no taxpayer money should be given to Chrysler until after Wisconsin papermakers go back to work. Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., one of the largest private equity investment firms in the United States, owns many corporations including automaker Chrysler and NewPage Corporation, which recently closed two paper mills in Northeast Wisconsin putting over 750 people out of work.

“If Cerberus needs to raise cash to bailout Chrysler, then they should sell our idle paper mills in Kimberly and Niagara,” said Kagen. “Local community leaders have given them opportunities to sell - they have turned them down - and now hard working families in Wisconsin are being asked to help the very people who have taken away their jobs. Outrageous. I am strongly against any taxpayer funds being given to Chrysler until their parent company gives us our jobs back. Cerberus already has millions of dollars of assets in these mills which they can sell tomorrow, putting my friends and neighbors back to work, and generating the capital necessary to keep Chrysler afloat.”" Kagen (WI08) - Press Release - KAGEN: NO TAXPAYER MONEY FOR CHRYSLER UNTIL WISCONSIN PAPER MILLS ARE UP AND RUNNING

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. says no taxpayer money should be given to Chrysler until after Wisconsin papermakers go back to work. Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., one of the largest private equity investment firms in the United States, owns many corporations including automaker Chrysler and NewPage Corporation, which recently closed two paper mills in Northeast Wisconsin putting over 750 people out of work.

“If Cerberus needs to raise cash to bailout Chrysler, then they should sell our idle paper mills in Kimberly and Niagara,” said Kagen. “Local community leaders have given them opportunities to sell - they have turned them down - and now hard working families in Wisconsin are being asked to help the very people who have taken away their jobs. Outrageous. I am strongly against any taxpayer funds being given to Chrysler until their parent company gives us our jobs back. Cerberus already has millions of dollars of assets in these mills which they can sell tomorrow, putting my friends and neighbors back to work, and generating the capital necessary to keep Chrysler afloat.”

Kagen spoke this weekend at the dedication of Camp Kimberly, an area set up across the street from the quiet NewPage paper mill. Former mill workers are holding daily vigils to urge NewPage executives to run the mill, or sell it.

"If we do not make anything in this country, we will not have anything. To secure our nation and grow our economy, the United States must maintain a prosperous manufacturing base, one that includes the ability to build automobiles and maintain industries like paper that have formed the backbone of the economy in my district. I am working hard to strengthen manufacturing across Northeast Wisconsin and to protect the families of hundreds of papermakers whose jobs were taken away through no fault of their own by unfair trade with China.”

The closure of the mill in Kimberly caused the loss of over 450 papermaking jobs and the Niagara mill closing put over 300 people out of work. Both closures were due to unfair competition from foreign-made paper. Recently, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favor of Appleton, another local paper company, citing damage from foreign paper being dumped into the U.S. market. The ITC’s ruling means it will take stronger steps to enforce anti-dumping laws against Chinese and German paper manufacturers that endanger U.S. producers. NewPage has yet to appeal an unfavorable ruling by the ITC made in November of 2007.

Here is my post from Nov. 15th, it only took Kagen three days to respond.

Nice going staff.

Sorry, for the question. What about the Chrysler workers. Will Mr. Kagen vote for the bailout for all three? Will he vote no for the big three bailout? Will he say he voted yes for Ford and G M and no for Chrysler?

Interesting.

Regulation, Wood Burning Units.

I'm a day late but wonder what came out of the meeting. We shall see.

"11/14/2008 2:15:00 PM Email this article • Print this article
Health board to hold public hearing on outdoor wood burning units
Regs would restrict location of wood-fired furnaces" Health board to hold public hearing on outdoor wood burning units

Richard Moore
Investigative Reporter
The Oneida County Board of Health will hold a hearing next week to take public input on the proposed regulation of outdoor wood-fired furnaces.

The hearing will take place Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. in the second-floor boardroom of the Oneida County Courthouse in Rhinelander.

The board of health had already advanced the proposed regulations to the county board for approval, but supervisors thought the matter was of sufficient magnitude to order a public hearing.

Why the regulation is needed

The ordinance has been drafted, Oneida County Health Department director Linda Conlon said this past summer, because outdoor wood-fired furnaces can pose a serious health hazard, particularly in residential areas.

No consensus

Not everybody is on board with the proposed regulations.

Many county supervisors say they have received a lot of calls from people opposing the regulations, which in part prompted the demand for a public hearing.

Zoning committee chairman Scott Holewinski has been skeptical of the regulations. This past year he referred to the whole issue as a "can of worms."

"This sounds good, but what about the people who use firewood because they can't afford gas?" he asked. "Now you're going to tell them they can't have this, which is what is going to happen. It's just like anything else. How much do we want to regulate?"

Where's the windmills? That would look nice in Minocqua.

Trophy Bucks / Buck Fever

Wisconsin: Lisa Brunner downed this tremendous buck on opening day of the Wisconsin gun season. It is reported to green score 179-5/8 as a typical. The buck weighed 217 lbs.

The above picture is a buck from Lisa Brunner, not sure where she got it but wanted to at least show you a monster to get you excited for the up coming hunt. If you want a bigger or better one, you can read on. Above picture from Gooogle images.

With the upcoming deer season, in case you want to get that big trophy buck from a local deer ranch.

Here is a great place to get that buck of a lifetime. A great place with a great staff to help you get that prize trophy. They also have other hunting packages. Give them a look.

Apple Creek Whitetails Ranch

"Welcome to Apple Creek Whitetails Ranch! Located in Northern Wisconsin, we are excited to offer some of the finest Whitetail habitat available in North America. Combined with a continuous hunting tract of 1,000+ acres, Trophy Whitetails that were only once imaginable in your dreams, can now become a reality...

Take a moment and picture yourself walking among some of the greatest Whitetails known to man. Imagine your blind nestled among Cedar Swamps, lush Food Plots, Hardwoods or the choice of hunting over Agricultural Ground. At Apple Creek Whitetails Ranch, you can enjoy all of this in one location. We are truly excited to offer a diverse range of Accomodations from luxury to rustic. Learn more now..." Welcome to Apple Creek Whitetails Ranch - Enhancing the American Whitetail Experience!

NASCAR 2008

From NASCAR.com

"Crowning achievements for Johnson, Bowyer, Benson
By NASCAR.COM
November 17, 2008
04:35 PM EST"

NASCAR.COM - Celebrations at Homestead put capper on NASCAR '08 - Nov 17, 2008

To Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, and Johnny Benson,

Congratulations to all of you on a GREAT year.

Hey Jimmie, look out for your team mate in the # 5 next year.

5 Billion And Your Money

From Marketplace of Ideas.

A good read from a good blog to follow.

"Gov. Jim Doyle and the state Legislature get to plug the $5 billion hole in state finances when the Legislature convenes in January.

Ripon Mayor Aaron Kramer, a former state legislature staffer, has some ideas, including:

* Abolish the State Patrol. (Where did that idea come from?)
* Start selling, not buying, state land.
* Reduce or eliminate state shared revenue, and let local units of government “determine their own tax rates.”
* Merge the technical college system and the University of Wisconsin two-year colleges.
* Stop raiding segregated funds to fill budget holes.
* Adopt a “paygo” system, where every spending increase has to be matched by a spending cut or a tax increase. (Then again, Congress has that, and how well is that working?
* Revise the state employee retirement system — probably the best idea of all, given the huge unfunded pension obligations of governmental bodies throughout the state.

If the last item doesn’t convince you by itself, this part of a Nov. 2 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story should:

Taxpayers are also expected to take a hit, as the Department of Employee Trust Funds is warning municipalities, counties, school boards and the state that they will have to boost contributions to the pension fund that covers approximately 540,000 active employees and retirees.…

If the city or county pension funds ever did go sour, local taxpayers would be required by state law to make good on retirees’ pension checks, officials said.

These and other ideas are worth discussing at least." Marketplace of Ideas Blog

Pujols MVP

From JSOnline.

"Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th
By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 1:07 p.m. | St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Link

Schneider Expands

blockquote>
Schneider expands import-export operations
By Rick Romell of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 10:20 a.m. | The logistics division of Schneider National Inc. has opened five new freight-forwarding offices in the United States and Europe as the company continues to expand in the import-export sector.

The new offices are in New York; Atlanta; Chicago; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Schneider Logistics, which operates 13 million square feet of warehouse and transloading space at U.S. ports, already has operations in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Miami, as well as a growing presence in China.

Schneider National, based in Green Bay, is among the largest trucking companies in the U.S." Schneider expands import-export operations - JSOnline

Fraud Alert

From Sheboygan Shenanigans

"As part of a fraudulent scheme to extort money from consumers, callers have falsely identified themselves as officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consumers should know that FDA officials never contact consumers by phone to demand money or any other form of payment. “Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law,” says Michael Chappell, FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

Offers of Discounted Prescription Drugs
Several instances have been reported to FDA of calls enticing consumers to purchase discounted prescription drugs by wiring funds to one of several locations in the Dominican Republic. No medications are ever delivered.

A subsequent call is received from a fraudulent “FDA special agent” informing the consumer that a fine of several thousand dollars is required to be sent to an address in the Dominican Republic to prevent incarceration or other legal action.

Though the fraudulent calls appear to be from telephone numbers located within the United States, they are from either ported voice-over-the-Internet-protocol numbers (calls made directly from a computer and moved or “ported” to other computers to avoid detection) or cellular phones.

This scheme most likely began with the theft of personal information from consumers who previously purchased drugs via the Internet or telephone, or who were victims of credit card fraud. FDA reminds consumers to purchase prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies located in the United States.

Report complaints or information regarding this scheme to FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations at (800) 521-5783" Sheboygan Shenanigans

Throwdown With Bobby Flay

08:30pm eastern - 7:30 central. November 20th.

Throwdown With Bobby Flay

Brown Bag Apple Pie

An apple-pie bake-off against the owners of the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, Wis., is featured.

Mrs Berry Laker from Gillett Wis. and Alice in Dairyland from Plymouth Wis. are the judges.