Saturday, July 03, 2010

Jimmy Get's # 5

From NASCAR.com
""... What we're talking about is enhancing it in a way that will bring out more of the winning moments, the big moments that happen in sports. And if there's a way we can do that, and there are a couple of ways, we're going to give that a lot of weight."" NASCAR.COM - France sees changes to Chase, schedule in future - Jul 2, 2010

Looks like they want Johnson to get a fifth championship.

This One's For Daddy

From NASCAR.com
"Earnhardt Jr. drives the No. 3 to Victory Lane at Daytona
By Sporting News Wire Serivce
July 2, 2010
10:33 PM EDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Driving the No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet in honor of his late father, Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke a Nationwide Series drought of almost four years in winning Friday's Subway Jalapeno 250 Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway."
Earnhardt Jr. drives the No. 3 to Victory Lane at Daytona | NASCAR Nationwide Series

This was good to see.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

How Can Steve Kagen Justify His Job?

From Yahoo Finance. There's that word "unexpected" again.

Can Congressman Steve Kagen justify this?

"New jobless claims rise in sign of weak job market
New unemployment claims rise unexpectedly as employers lay off more workers
ap
On Thursday July 1, 2010, 8:35 am

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose last week for the second time in three weeks, a sign that layoffs are rising.

The Labor Department says new claims for jobless benefits jumped by 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 472,000. Analysts expected a small drop, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

Greater layoffs by construction firms contributed to the increase, a Labor Department analyst said. Home sales slumped last month after the expiration of a popular homebuyer tax credit. Summer layoffs in many school districts also added to the total.

The number of people continuing to claim benefits rose by 43,000 to 4.6 million, the department said. But the number of people collecting extended benefits fell by 376,000, as lawmakers have refused to continue the extra aid."
New jobless claims rise in sign of weak job market - Yahoo! Finance

I'm glad he's working hard for the people from Wisconsin.
I am SHOCKED, SHOCKED!

Who's At Fault Here

From the Escanba Daily Press.
"NewPage workers picket
Upset with no contract agreement

By Jenny Lancour
POSTED: June 30, 2010

Members of the United Steel Workers Union from NewPage picket Wednesday in a local neighborhood to show their frustration with the lack of a fair labor agreement . The union contract expired more than two years ago.

ESCANABA -A group of union employees from NewPage displayed their frustration on the lack of a fair contract agreement and picketed with signs in front of a boss' home Wednesday.

About 40 members of United Steel Workers Union Local 2-21 carried signs reading "Labor Dispute" in front of the Lake Bluff home of mill manager Mike Entz. The employees' labor pact expired in June 2008 and negotiations have failed to reach a settlement.

"We're beyond two years for a labor contract," said union team leader Jim Sivertsen on the picket line. "Negotiations have been slow and mostly unproductive.""
NewPage workers picket - DailyPress.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Escanaba Information | The Daily Press

Let's see, since 2008, their guy becomes president. Bart Stupak and the democrats run congress. How's that hope and change going?

As Mark Belling from WISN said yesterday, Do the steel workers understand the dems and their union leaders are selling them out. Look what might of happened at Bucyrus and the steel workers union in Milwaukee.

From JS Online.
"Despite skepticism from government officials in Washington, a Milwaukee business group is standing by its contention that nearly 1,000 U.S. jobs would be retained or created if Bucyrus International Inc. salvages an order to supply equipment for a coal-mining operation in India.

The order for $600 million in mining machines is at risk of falling through after the U.S. Export-Import Bank - citing environmental concerns - last week denied loan guarantees for the project. The company says it will probably lose the orders, and the jobs, to an overseas competitor." Business leaders insist 1,000 jobs at risk if Bucyrus loses India contract - JSOnline

The economy is bad, unemployment is high and these people in Escanaba are picketing. Did the picketers remeber what New Page did to Niagara and the Fox Valley mills? Are they looking for New Page to shut down the plant?

Keep contributing your dues to democrats and your union leaders and you will see in the future what you will get. For the last two years companies do not know what the Obama administration will do to them and the rank and file think they will get a contract done to their benefit?

I do not know all the issues in Escanaba but the workers in Escanaba are in the same boat as the rest of America. We're all scared of the future and the dems are in charge. We're scared. we're worried and we're mad as heck about our future.

Upper East Siders, Wash You Bag

From Ag Day and U A.

Just to clarify, my definition of the term "upper eastsiders" are people (including some of my children who attend UWM) who live on the east side of Milwaukee who are liberals, who want all eco laws passed and look down on average people as peasants. All you typical  liberals who carry reusable grocery bags.

News for all you upper eastsiders, geeenie wienie, liberal wackos.
Ban plastic grocery bags, buy reusable, do what you can for the environment. And what do you get, E Coli..
"Reusable Grocery Bags Contamcinated With E. Coli, Other Bacteria
Grocery bags
By University Communications June 24, 2010
These are some of the dozens of grocery bags that were tested for contamination during the study.

Salmonella, shown here growing in a culture dish, is one of the contaminants found in some of the reusable grocery bags studied.
These bags may be friendly to the environment, but not necessarily to you, according to a new report by researchers at two universities.
By University Communications June 24, 2010

Reusable grocery bags can be a breeding ground for dangerous food-borne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health, according to a joint food-safety research report issued today by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University in California." Reusable Grocery Bags Contaminated With E. Coli, Other Bacteria | UANews.org

This reminds me of Milwaukee residents didn't use enough water and the water department says it has to raise rates.

The research study – which randomly tested reusable grocery bags carried by shoppers in Tucson, Los Angeles and San Francisco – also found consumers were almost completely unaware of the need to regularly wash their bags.

"Our findings suggest a serious threat to public health, especially from coliform bacteria including E. coli, which were detected in half of the bags sampled," said Charles Gerba, a UA professor of soil, water and environmental science and co-author of the study. "Furthermore, consumers are alarmingly unaware of these risks and the critical need to sanitize their bags on a weekly basis."

So now you have to waste water and soap to sanitize your grocery bags.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Why Buy Ford

From Yahoo Finance.
"DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co., the only Detroit automaker to avoid bankruptcy protection, said Wednesday it will reduce its huge debt by another $4 billion as it continues to show signs of financial strength." Ford Motor to repay $4B more in debt - Yahoo! Finance


Why buy Ford?

Because they are not
G
overnment Motors

Wisconsin Business Report Card

Marketplace has the numbers and grades on the business climate in Wisconsin.
"If Wisconsin were your child, and your child brought home this report card, I’m guessing you wouldn’t be terribly happy. (The “teacher” is a tough grader, with “class” grades ranging from a B-minus to a D.) Some might complain about mean teachers (the center) or the tests (the various comparisons) being too hard. Others would make their children do what it takes to improve the grades. In Wisconsin’s case, that would seem to include improving taxes and the parts of our transportation system that benefits business (mainly roads), promoting more venture capital investment, and reducing health care costs.

The next time you run into a candidate for governor or the Legislature, ask him or her what he or she thinks about the state’s business climate and how to improve it." Marketplace of Ideas Blog

You need to read the details.

Yes, elections and your vote do affect the business and your future in Wisconsin.

The Limbaugh Effect

Rush Limbaugh has always been on the cutting edge in marketing his show for now 21 years. Not sure if Rush knows or has already mentioned this but seems Squawk Box on CNBC picked up on his success and is doing it on their show.

Lately, before work I watch and listen to Squawk Box. I like listening to Joe Kernen. The show seems to be very successful for CNBC. My opinion the only successful show on CNBC.

I couldn't put my finger on it and then it hit me. They're running bumper music before and after commercial breaks. I know in the past they would play some music or had their standard lead ins but now it's changed for the better.

They will not admit it but in my opinion they see success and had to run
with it on the show.


Bumper music. 

From Wiki.
"Bumper music, or a bump, is a term used in the radio broadcasting industry to refer to short clips of music used to buffer transitions between programming elements. Bumper music is commonly employed when a syndicated program takes a break for local station identification or "goes to commercial." More often than not called a "Bump" in today's radio." Bumper music - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rush leads and others follow. As Rush would say, he is on the cutting edge of broadcasting. This sure proves it.


That's Me Too, Area Code 715

Inteltrends reminds me of the change. I forgot I'm in the 715 area code.
"30 Jun – Telephone customers in the Wisconsin 715 area code… The entire northern half of Wisconsin has existed thus far with only 1 telephone area code (715). However, it appears that the telephone companies are running out of numbers – so a second area code is being introduced this year: 534. Back when I lived in California, whenever they needed to add a new area code, they would simply divide an area code district into two parts. The first part would retain the original area code, while the second part would be assigned a new area code. It’s simple, really.

Alas, if my understanding of Wisconsin’s scheme is correct then this will not be the case here in the North…

Apparently, all households currently using 715 will keep their area code whereas NEW households (after the remaining 715 numbers are depleted) will be assigned the new 534 code. This means that it is possible for the family living across the street to have a different area code than me. Sort of like a checkerboard.

According to a notice I received from the local telephone company, beginning July 17, 2010 residents of 715 must dial the area code in order to complete their call – even to call across the street, and even if the person you are calling also has a 715 number. How screwy is this?" | Inteltrends

I always had the 920 area code until we moved to the compound.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Best Friend You Can Have

From the Rhinelander Daily News via Inteltrends.
"
Northwoods: Anything can happen in the woods, but trust your compass
Rhinelander Daily News, 21 Jun
[Excerpt:] – RHINELANDER, Wis. – With 82,000 acres of county forest and many miles of recreational trails, Oneida County has become a popular destination for tourists looking for a place to get away from it all. In fact, last week the Chicago Tribune named Oneida County as one if its top three Best Bets for Great Summer Vacations in Wisconsin…" | Inteltrends

Never doubt your compass

Here in the north woods I'm glad I carry my compass.

Monday, June 28, 2010

We're Not Talking About a Car Hop Here, Are We?

From Fox News.
"The Democrats, meanwhile, including chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, lauded the 50-year-old solicitor general as a moderate and mainstream legal scholar.

"I believe the fair-minded people will find her philosophy well within the legal mainstream," Leahy said. "I welcome questions but urge senators on both sides to be fair. No one should presume that this intelligent woman who has excelled during every part of her varied and distinguished career, lacks independence.""
FOXNews.com - Kagan Pledges to Uphold the Law, as Republicans Raise Concern Over 'Activism'

We are talking about a justice on the U.S. Supreme court.

"Party Of Know" Is Back

Try To Focus brings this to my attention. How could I have missed this.

He’s back!"
He’s back! « Try 2 Focus


Todd over at Party Of Know is back online.
"For those of you not familiar with 'The Party of KNOW', it started as an experiment in traditional media/new media journalism with my good friend Jerry Bader. We worked together last June to prepare a warm reception for President Obama who came to Green Bay to pitch his healthcare legislation. By all measurements, the effort was a tremendous success -- primarily due to Jerry's driving force, the blog got over 10k pageviews in the week prior to President Obama's visit and thousands 'welcomed' the president's motorcade before his speech...

I stopped political blogging in July of last year, halting production at THE Right Side of Wisconsin, a blog that was ranked the most influential political blog in the state a couple of times in the first half of last year. I've been on the sidelines for almost a year now and partyofknow.org has been dormant during that time. During my hiatus, I sought out conservative thought leaders who might benefit from my blogging expertise and workflow to no avail. It seems that few conservatives actually want to learn anything from the Obama campaign and are content to conduct campaigns the way they always have, wasting time and money in the process. I'm not going to sit on the sidelines any longer... "
Social media in politics: a case study... - Party of KNOW

Mr.Lohenry helped me grow in the blog world and I will always call him friend.

Please bookmark Party Of Know to keep yourself up to date on important issues around the world.

Welcome back Party Of Know.

Mark Martin # 5, I Want My Money Back

If I sent a letter to my NASCAR hero, it would go something like this.

Mark, I want my money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many years ago, maybe seventeen years or so I was told you were one of the GREATEST drivers in the then Winston cup racing. Since then I have been your avid fan. Now, I want my money back.

Some friends in Waunakee Wis. told me about you and ever since then you have been my driver. Yes, I kind of passed over your retirement non retirement a couple years ago but I have always followed you with all my heart and soul.

Do you know how hard it is to go from Ford and Roush to chevy and hendrick's? You made me swallow my pride! I am a Ford and Roush fan first and foremost but followed you to the # 5 with great enthusiasm. I hope you don't mind but I call you the old man with passion. You give us 53 year old plus fans excitement. You can do what some of those snot nose kids can't.

Every since Kasey K. announced he was going to Hendrick's you Mark Martin #
5 have been struggling. I am wondering if you are giving up before your contract is up?

For the past nine years my family has invested between 1000 and 2000 dollars a year going to Michigan to see you race once or twice a year. Which includes tickets, camping, flags, shirts, hats, replica cars and more.

I love you man but you are driving me crazy. I understand your still in the chase but it seems to be slipping week by week. Allen needs to give you a better car and please show me that fire you had last year .

O K, I'm venting but it's just frustrating watching you struggle. No I do not want my money back but  again I have to vent on seeing one of the GREATEST drivers in NASCAR not up front on Sunday afternoons.

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I'm still your biggest fan and know you will turn this around in future races.

Berry Laker

Diamond Jim's Giveaway

Jo over at Fox Politics tells it like it is about Diamond Jim Doyle.
"The federal government is my beloved neighbor


This raises to the level of REALLY bugging me - some card-carrying liberal says something like

Whether its the Gulf oil disaster, or a tornado in Eagle, the people still need that big Federal government.

On cue, Governor Doyle emerges post-tragedy and starts giving stuff away. " FoxPolitics.net - Appleton, WI News - What's really going on in the Fox Cities

I'm with Jo.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Patrick, The Guy Took Me Out

From NASCAR.com


"Danica Patrick wrecks early in Loudon
Morgan Shepherd gets loose in the first turn and makes contact with the No. 7." NASCAR.COM Video - Danica Patrick wrecks early in Loudon

When will Danica stop letting the boy's push her around? I bet there are some in the garage who smile when they see this.

Funny Trog didn't have the scoop on this. He will probably have some shameless picture of Patrick up soon.

Bite Me's Boss Coming To Wisconsin

From The Green Bay Press.

"Details released on Obama's visit
June 27, 2010

RACINE — President Barack Obama will hold a town hall meeting on the economy on Wednesday.

The event at Racine Memorial Hall is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. They will be available at Festival Hall in Racine on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until tickets run out. Tickets will be limited to two per person.

" Details released on Obama's visit | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette

I wonder who they will give tickets to?

Even Small Towns See Increased Theft.

From Shawano Leader.

News from Berry Laker's past area of residence.

Gillett Police increase patrols after thefts
By Leader Staff

The Gillett Police Department has been concentrating its patrol efforts in the area of east First and Richmond streets after thefts.

Increased activity at night with people prowling that area has resulted in the thefts of a trailer and a car from the neighborhood, said police chief Gary Pemrich.

In addition, the department continues to receive complaints of personal items missing from unlocked automobiles.

Officers have been making contact with groups of people who walk in that area at night. On several occasions these people have fled, leading police to believe these may be the one responsible for the crimes.

“Oconto County and Gillett are great places to live, but we are not immune to the outside world,” Pemrich stated. “You must take precautions to protect your family and your personal possessions. Lock your house, remove the keys from your car. Add extra security to your home with additional exterior lights and decrease areas where prowlers can hide in the dark.”

The department is making every effort to resolve these crimes, Pemrich said.
Shawano Leader

Michigan, Sounds Like Dumb and Dumber To Me

From the Iron Mountain Daily News.
"State may ban burn barrels
By CHRISTOPHER DIEM, For The Daily News
POSTED: June 26, 2010

MARQUETTE - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is considering a ban on burn barrels in the state.

The agency wants to amend Michigan's Air Pollution Control Rules and Solid Waste Management Rules and remove an exemption that allows the burning of household garbage.

The proposed ban, if adopted, would start on April 11, 2011."
State may ban burn barrels - IronMountainDailyNews.com | news, sports, business, jobs - The Daily News
The DNRE would not actively enforce the ban, instead relying on local units of law enforcement to respond to complaints about garbage burning.

So Michigan's big brother (DNRE) wants to change the law and let someone else enforce it. Sounds like dumb and dumber to me. Are you people in Michigan insane? Who is running things in Michigan?

Cyber Attack Easier Then Most People Think

From Inteltrends.

"Many experts at the NATO conference on cyber security held in Tallinn agree that the United States can be completely paralyzed as a result of cyber attacks. "
Inteltrends | News, commentary, analysis

New Custard Flavor, "Turd" le Bite Me Cone

Seems our V P invented a new flavor of custard at Kopps in Milwaukee. The turd le B M cone. A cone filled with custard and plenty of nuts in between. The veep get's a taste of his own medicine from a constituent.

From Dad 29.
"Saturday, June 26, 2010
Kopp's Manager Is a Hero! Whacks Biden But Good
While Biden was in town to vacuum special-interest money for Feingold, he was slammed." Dad29: Kopp's Manager Is a Hero! Whacks Biden But Good
The Veep also decided to call the mgr. a what?
The You Tube details from B & S.
UPDATE:

Hmmmm… there appears to be more to the story. " Boots and Sabers - The blogging will continue until morale improves...

So the veep was suppose to help Feingold. I can see Johnson using this in a late October campaign ad.