Saturday, May 08, 2010

Lady In Balck, Sexy But Cruel

Like a sexy gal in a black nightie, the closer you get the more excited you get. Then when you get real close, "BAM" you hit the wall. Sorry, I was talking about Darlington Raceway. As they call her the lady in black.

In yesterday's cup practice, I think seven cars hit the wall and had to go to back up cars. In last nights Nationwide race Hamlin pulled it out in the end. If what happened Friday night is any indication, Saturday night at Darlington should be worth the seat you sit in.



From NASCAR.com.

"This week, weakness may well be your strength.

Darlington Raceway has a tendency to separate the fainthearted from the racers and it did not earn the nickname "The Track Too Tough to Tame" without reason. Its very nature will help you select a profitable roster. This track is not for the faint of heart. With an ideal groove that is located about 2 feet outside of the track, drivers have to settle for the second-best way around the course, which is 1 inch from the retaining wall.

Drivers who misjudge once usually miss the groove multiple times and fall back through the pack. Drivers who succeed go on to have very profitable careers.

Running well at Darlington requires precision and that is typically earned only by logging laps on this rough old track. As tough as she can be, however, the Lady in Black is often predictable; and when a driver wins her affection, he develops a long-term relationship. This week, six drivers enter the weekend with at least four consecutive top-15s and one other driver has a worst result of only 16th during that span."
NASCAR.COM - Darlington has all makings of Johnson, Gordon scrum - May 5, 2010

As Larry might say, "buckle in and pull those belts straps tight, were going racing at Darlington.

Did I tell you the "OLD MAN" is starting fifth.



As Owen would say,

"OFF DUTY"

Wisconsin Rip Van Winkle



My God, am I Rip Van Winkle?

We are here in northern Wisconsin and there is snow on the ground.

Is it November December 2010. Did I sleep through summer and fall?

Is Walker the the new Wisconsin Governor?

Did conservatives take back the house and senate with super majorities?

Did Brett really retire?

Help me out here. What happened while I was asleep.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Obey Out, Kagen's Strings Held Tight

A good read from Lakeshore Laments on Obey.

You have to give Duffy his due. But then what do you expect from a conservative.

"4) Kagen Must Really Be Scared Now.

Admittedly, this demand by Marc Savard for Kagen to follow Obey's lead and resign from Congress is about the dumbest thing I've read today, but the adding on from a number of 8th Congressional campaigns (WisPolitics links to press releases by Trager and Ribble) is just a reminder to Kagen that it's going to be a tough year for Democrats on the Congressional level.

When you have Dave Obey bailing on re-election, what does it say about Kagen's chances?" Obey to Retire
Also in his post, interesting take (links) from some of the candidates in the 8th press releases about Obey and Kagen. .

WisPolitics has a Trager's press release.
"“People all over the state of Wisconsin are unhappy and that includes the 8th District,” said Dr. Trager. “The political climate is changing, and Kagen should realize now more than ever that people want real change in Washington and not the same politics as usual.”" WisPolitics.com

Trager has it right "people want real change."

WisPolitics press release from Ribble.

"Ribble Campaign: Obey’s departure signals time to “clean the House” in Wisconsin
5/5/2010

Contact: Kerry Niemcek
(920) 257-9746

The following statement can be attributed to Reid Ribble, candidate for the 8th Congressional District:

“Today, Congressman David Obey announced his retirement after more than 40 years in the House. His decision marks a major sea change in both Wisconsin and in Washington. Perhaps the Congressman realized that the voters were no longer interested in massive health care reform packages, or cap-and-trade proposals, or so-called stimulus plans. They definitely are not supportive of our $14 trillion deficit. “To Congressman Obey, I bid adieu: There is a very qualified candidate ready to take up the mantle and represent northern Wisconsin for you. “To Congressman Kagen, I say this: If you are willing to follow the liberal lead of Obey in Washington, perhaps you should consider following him into retirement. It’s time to ‘Clean the House.’”

Ribble is a Kaukauna-area small businessman who has raised more than $250,000 in his bid to sweep Dr. Steve Kagen out of the House. " WisPolitics.com

First, what's this? "Following statement can be attributed to Reid Ribble." Is this from Ribble or not from Ribble? Attributed? Two, correct on reasons of 'massive health care reform packages, or cap-and-trade proposals, or so-called stimulus plans."
Third, what does the $250,000 have to do with Obey, Kagen, and the future of the 8th?

WisPolitics press release from Savard

Savard Campaign: 8th congressional candidate Marc Savard calls for Rep. Steve Kagen to step down
5/5/2010

Contact: Kerry Geocaris, Media Relations Coordinator
(920) 265-7883

Green Bay, WI – Republican candidate Marc Savard calls on Democratic Representative Steve Kagen to follow in the footsteps of Congressman David Obey and step down. The Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee announcement that he will not seek re-election is welcoming news as the Tea Party movement has scored another victory in the effort to restore power to "We the People". The overwhelming majority of Representative Obey's constituents have disagreed with his votes in the last 1 1/2 years since President Obama took office.

"In the same way the overwhelming majority of Representative Steve Kagen's constituents are fed up with his similar voting record. Therefore, Congressional candidate Marc Savard calls on Representative Kagen to consider doing the same thing Congressman Obey has done, not seek re-election. “The overwhelming sentiment in the 8th Congressional District is for real change, the type of change my campaign has been talking about since the beginning,” says Savard. The leader of the Tea Party movement in Wisconsin has been building a strong campaign that is focused on returning power to the people, where our Founding Fathers intended it to be.

Savard was the first Republican to announce his candidacy for the 8th Congressional District election in 2010. He is known as the Tea Party candidate and organized the two Green Bay rallies where more than 1,000 attended. For more information on Marc Savard, head to www.savardforcongress.com. To schedule an interview with Marc Savard, please call Kerry Geocaris at (920) 265-7883." WisPolitics.com

Calls on Kagen to retire, yea, I had the same thought when I heard of Obey. Like that will happen.

Pelosi has Kagen's strings held pretty tight. She won't let him leave even if he wants to.




Yes Marc, we all agree we need change.

"Tea party leader?" The tea party has no leader. The tea party is a movement, It is average people "MAD as HELL" and will not take it anymore. Those that attended the two tea parties in Green Bay appreciate Marc's help but they did not go because they were looking for a leader.  Most who went in the past, or those that will attend future rallies never really attended something like that before. They are standing up for their beliefs, their God given rights in this country and want change in politics from both parties.

I will admit in 2009 I was looking at a third party. I was wrong. What I am looking for is a conservative candidate. I need to stop there, don't get me going. Back to the press release. 

I thought Marc announced running in 2009? What's with 2010?

Again I know it's his press release but please stop with the "Tea Party candidate", you might insult the intelligence of the tea party movement people. Let me leave it at that.


Can't find a press release from the McCormick Campaign. If anyone does see one, please let me know.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Now That's What We're Talking About

From Rush Limbaugh show.
"RUSH: Now, the Obey question. This is from Dave Weigel, who is a blogger at the Washington Post: "What do we know about the retirement of Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.)? Why would one of the most powerful men in Congress, elected in 1969[er], in a district that went for the Obama-Biden ticket, bail out of reelection? Republicans point to the campaign of Sean Duffy, a telegenic (literally) district attorney who raised a lot of money, built a following among national conservatives and, according to everything I'm hearing, was giving Obey a real battle in his internal polls. I've talked to Duffy several times and been so impressed -- and so convinced that this was the sort of race that would determine this was a good or a watershed year for Republicans -- that I dubbed him the No. 3 conservative to watch this year." The bottom line is here" David Obey, one of the most powerful men in Congress elected 1969er, in a district that went for Obama-Biden is quitting because he's being outpolled by a dyed-in-the-wool conservative Republican. Not a "moderate" Republican, not an "independent" Republican but a dyed-in-the-wool conservative Republican. Once again: A teachable moment.

END TRANSCRIPT"
David Obey (D-WI) Says "No Mas"

PSA Storm Watchers

Marketplace has some great pictures and information on Tuesday's night storm in the valley. We thank him for giving the people of the north some information on a storm spotters training up the road in Wabeno.

"By the way: For those interested, storm spotter training sessions will be held at the Wautoma Fire Department Thursday at 6 p.m. and at the Wabeno Town Hall Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m."
 Marketplace of Ideas Blog

For information, Marketplace has the link.

I would but I'm so deep in the Nicolet that I won't see a storm coming until it's too late. Maybe I will go, what do i have to lose? By the way, hope lightning doesn't strike the same place twice.

Remember a couple years ago when Shawano-Menominee-Langlade-Oconto Counties were hit on June 7th, 2007.

"A long-track tornado touched down at 4:31 pm east of Mattoon in Shawano County and continued northeast to the Oconto-Marinette County line. The tornado was on the ground for at least 40 miles, and was over 1/2 mile wide at times. Over 14000 acres of trees were snapped or flattened and many dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed. The twister was rated an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated winds of 140 to 160 mph. Damage by this tornado alone exceeded $15 million (property and timber)." June 7, 2007 Tornadoes and Monster Hail

WDNR Finally Earns It Pay

Looks like the WDNR can finally do something they are paid to do. 

From JSOnline.

"By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: May 4, 2010 |(56) Comments

Badgers are nocturnal and spend much of their lives digging and living in holes, so just what Wisconsin's state animal was doing at the downtown Milwaukee post office Tuesday morning is anyone's guess.

Night shift workers returning from a meal break around 5 a.m. were surprised - OK, shocked - to see a large badger wander in an open garage door at the post office's vehicle maintenance building.

The badger waddled in and took the first left, which led down a small hallway, ducked into an office, decided it didn't want to stay there, walked back into the hallway, looked around and then scampered through the next open door, which happened to be the men's locker room. Officials are unsure if indeed the badger was male.

The furry, striped creature sporting sharp claws took refuge underneath a locker, occasionally hissing at workers but otherwise seeming to be content, even though it was past its bedtime. Barricades were put up and only workers who had to get car keys or uniforms were allowed near the lockers.

Though other animals have been found in the maintenance facility, located directly north of tracks leading to the Amtrak station and the Menomonee River, this was the first time anyone could remember seeing a badger.

"The face is so distinctive. It was like, wow, it's a badger," said John Patrick, supervisor of vehicle maintenance.

A lifelong Wisconsinite, Patrick has worked at the post office for 29 years and can recall muskrats, opossums and a bald eagle finding their way in to the postal facility. But not a badger. The workers nicknamed it Stamper.

Employees first called Milwaukee police and were told police didn't handle badgers. Then they called the Humane Society, which didn't open for a couple of hours. They tried Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control but were told that badgers were not domestic animals. Then they called the Department of Natural Resources.

Warden Nick Blankenheim has been assigned to Milwaukee County for 3 1/2 years and normally handles calls for illegal fishing, chemical or garbage dumping and car-killed deer. But a wild badger stuck in a men's locker room? That was a first." Badger enters new frontier at downtown post office - JSOnline

"When people left it alone in the corner it was calm and just wanted to be left alone. At the point when we started chasing it out of there it was making some growling noises and hissing noises," Blankenheim said.

Blankenheim decided not to put the badger into a cage because they can be vicious and it would have stressed the animal. Besides, its burrow was likely nearby and since the females have given birth to kits by now, it's possible the post office's badger simply wanted to return to its family.

After a runway with plywood and office furniture was set up, the badger was coaxed into leaving the locker room. Blankenheim carried a shovel while a postal worker wielded a broom to shoo it out the door. It fled past white postal trucks parked outside the maintenance facility and into an outdoor storage area, where it hung out near stacks of tires for a while before wandering away, presumably back to its home in the ground.

Yep, a shovel works everytime.

Bunker Get's Rain

It's been real dry up here.
Received 1/2 in of rain, thank You Lord.

Thank God, no significant damage and no life lost with the storm that went through the valley last night. The bunker lost power for two hours. Time to pick up extra "C" batteries for the radio.

Need to look into this bad boy.



Generac provides peace of mind for homeowners with 24/7 automatic power protection from blackouts whether you are home or away. Back up preselected circuits or the whole house within seconds of a power outage. Permanently installed. Runs on LP or natural gas. Includes prewired, prepackaged, 16-circuit automatic transfer switch for easy installation. , 5-ft. and 2-ft. prewired conduits Flexible fuel line connector Outdoor connection box Composite mounting pad UL listed Standby generators require installation involving permanent outdoor placement, electrical wiring and fuel source connections. We recommend the use of a trained professional for


Not sure if the $4000. 00 expense plus installation is worth the investment. Need to fill the ammo box first.

Update. Does anyone have a generator unit set up at their home?

How much LP or Nat Gas does it use when it runs?

Can anyone give me information or a contact info for how much hooking one up would run.

I was looking at Generac because they are from Wisconsin. Any others companies I can look at?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

No, Not Queen Nancy

Jo at FoxPolitics has a question.

"5/3/2010
Pelosi disengenuous?

Is Pelosi just a bit disingenuous here?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is renewing her call on committee chairmen to take a more active role in chipping away at the federal budget, part of a broader attempt to demonstrate that Democrats are serious about fiscal discipline.

Pelosi sent her chairmen a letter on Wednesday asking all of them to "redouble your efforts in conducting oversight of all aspects of federal spending and government operations to help achieve deficit reduction and long-term fiscal responsibility." This is the third time the Speaker has written the committee heads on this topic since early last year.

Saying that "more work needs to be done to reduce the deficit and restore accountability,” Pelosi asked each House chairman to send her back a letter, by May 28, outlining any oversight hearings already held or planned for this session that are “intended to scrutinize departments, agencies, and programs under your jurisdiction."

Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net"
 FoxPolitics.net - Appleton, WI News - What's really going on in the Fox Cities

Wonder if her puppet Steve Kagen received a letter to help reduce the budget, oh yea, he not a chairman. That's right, Nancy pulls the strings and Steve follows her command.  

Monday, May 03, 2010

Wisconsin 8th District, "OUCH"

From Lakeshore Laments.



"Is Her Maiden Name “McCormick” By Chance?"
Is Her Maiden Name "McCormick" By Chance?

Does this link have anything to do with the Wisconsin 8th district race?

Need I say more or "hell has no fury like a woman's scorn."

To Door County S M, OUCH!

Great Gift Idea

From B&S and You Tube



We need two for the Berry Laker family. And no, it's not for me.

Critter Update UP

From the Pine River News.
Upper Michigan: Bear spotted on Marquette streets
WLUC-TV6, 02 May
[Excerpt:] - MARQUETTE, Mich. - The U.P. is known for its wide array of animals that live in the forests, but never would you expect to look out the window and see one in your driveway. " Pine River World News


State of Wisconsin petitions to delist wolves
Rhinelander Daily News, 02 May
[Excerpt:] - The great wolf debate continues in the upper Midwest, but the state of Wisconsin took another step toward stronger management this week when it joined Michigan and Minnesota in officially seeking removal of the gray wolf from the Federal Endangered Species List. " Pine River World News

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Birthday Boy

Almost missed this but wanted to wish Berry Laker son # 2 a

Happy 19th birthday.



Many more to come son.

Work hard ,study hard, play hard.