Success - The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will. Vincent T. Lombardi
"Gospel - Luke 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirini-us was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with Child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!"" Christmas Readings for Mass
Dan Bice has a story about three missing students, where's DHS? Then he has this little tidbit about one of the candidates of the Wis 8th who didn't win.
Pretty good stuff if I say so my self. Bice has a You Tube link for you to listen.
"Sore loser
The public usually doesn't get to watch or hear a political candidate melt down after a resounding defeat.
Posted: Thursday, December 23, 2010 12:00 pm | Updated: 10:11 am, Tue Dec 21, 2010.
WI: Minnesota senator says deal struck to delist wolves By Tim Spielman Associate Editor Outdoor News, Inc
Minneapolis - Three times in the past half decade the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed federal protection of wolves in the Great Lakes region, only to see lawsuits reverse so-called delisting.
Now, at least in part prompted by a U.S. senator, the USFWS plans to again propose delisting, at least in the Midwestern states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, recently announced a deal had been struck to "expedite removing the Great Lakes wolf from the Endangered Species Act list."
More than 20 hunting dogs - mostly bear hounds - have been killed by Wisconsin wolves this year. The count, as of Dec. 8, came in at 23 dogs killed, 11 dogs attacked and injured, and at least two injured dogs that are believed to be wolf attacks, but were not verified as such. Of the 44 verified fatalities or injuries, 13 of the dogs were not trailing hounds.
The boys are home from UWM and we are all watching Miracle on 34th St.
"When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. " Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - IMDb
. . . Remember Judge Henry X. Harper. He says he is an honest judge. Fred Murtz, AKA William Frawley tells judge Harper he'll get only two votes in his reelection.. Himself and the District Attorney.
Judge Harper turns his head for a no and says the DA is a republican.
Like I said, he's the last honest democrat ever!!!!!
Steve over at Marketplace has a good follow up about a post he did about the Kremlin of the west, Madison Wisconsin. Here he pulls a quote from a fan of radio host Vicki McKenna.
NEW YORK (AP) -- General Motors Co. is recalling almost 100,000 vehicles to fix two problems that could cause the rear axle to lock and the passenger-side airbag not to work.
GM says in postings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the airbag recall affects almost 96,000 2005 to 2007 model year versions of the Cadillac CTS.
"On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Owen-Glass Act, creating the Federal Reserve System, an independent agency of the U.S. Government. Before the Federal Reserve began its operations in November 1914, America's banks functioned in widely divergent ways. These varied banking practices resulted in four major financial crises in less than forty years." Today in History: December 23
Now if they would only do what they are supposed to do and not all this funny business like Q/E Q/E2 and print money we don't have.
Richard Parins from Fox Politics talks about reality and the direction of Wisconsin.
"Did SC Johnson create more than 12,000 jobs in 72 countries by demanding them into existence? Did John Menard create the nation’s third largest home improvement empire by standing outside offices badgering government to build him a store?
NO! They wracked their brains, wrung their hands over business and finance plans, vetted products and manufacturers, sweated over supply networks, pitched proposals to banks and investors and prayed for loans. They stretched their necks over the chopping block to realize their dreams. " FoxPolitics.net - Appleton, WI News - What's really going on in the Fox Cities
Gov. Walker will reset reality on capitalism, restoring the badger as a symbol of industry and feisty self-reliance. He will re-establish Wisconsin as a place and a people with the determination to help restore normality to the global fiscal climate. Our very livelihoods rely on this dream becoming more a reality. This is no longer a dream; it is a necessity. The question remains, will our newly elected conservative dream team come to play?
"Rejected pets face homeless Christmas Animals feel effects of economy, stress
By Steve Wideman • Post-Crescent staff writer • December 23, 2010
GREENVILLE — The wagging tail of the Labrador/golden retriever mix gave a hint of the unconditional love the middle-aged dog had for its female owner of eight years.
DECEMBER 22--A 13-year-old boy was arrested Friday for using a permanent marker while in class at his Oklahoma City middle school, a violation of an obscure city ordinance.
According to an Oklahoma City Police Department report, the boy was spotted “in possession of a permanent marker” by Roosevelt Middle School teacher DeLynn Woodside. The 50-year-old educator told cop Miguel Campos that the student was “writing on a piece of paper, which caused it to bleed over onto the desk.”
Could you see a NASCAR race held in Oklahoma City and 10,000 fans get arrested? Most every NASCAR fan carries a Sharpie in case they get an autograph.
Is this lady a nut? I didn't think they had that many liberal left leaning wacko teachers in Oklahoma anymore.
I think this could be a Sharpie poster boy. Poor kid.
I have made some fun of Mitch and the boys but deep down, he and the gang were a part of my life. From Wiki.And he was a 4th of July baby. Go figure.
"Mitchell William "Mitch" Miller (July 4, 1911 – July 31, 2010)[1][2] was an American musician, singer, conductor, record producer, A&R man and record company executive. Miller was one of the most influential figures in American popular music during the 1950s and early 1960s, both as the head of Artists and Repertoire at Columbia Records and as a best-selling recording artist with an NBC television series, Sing Along with Mitch. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in the early 1930s, Miller began his musical career as an accomplished player of the oboe and English horn, and recorded several highly regarded classical albums featuring his instrumental work, but he is best remembered as a conductor, choral director, television performer and recording executive." Mitch Miller - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I had no idea he passed away this past July. I thought he left us back in the 70's or 80's.Thanks for the memories Mitch and Merry Christmas to you.
Rust Belt states losing people, political clout Declining population means fewer House seats, less political clout for struggling Rust Belt "John Flesher, Associated Press, On Wednesday December 22, 2010, 6:33 pm
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- After years of losing residents to more prosperous states, the nation's Rust Belt now confronts another blow to its economic prospects: losing some of its votes in Congress.
The latest census figures show that states in much of the Midwest and Northeast have been overtaken in population growth by the South and West. So starting in 2013, they will have to make do with smaller delegations in Washington, which means less political clout to attract government money and jobs.
"These states in the industrial heartland and to some extent in the Northeast have seen their impact eroded," said Norman Ornstein, a political scientist with the American Enterprise Institute. "It's not totally devastating. . But numbers do matter."" Rust Belt states losing people, political clout - Yahoo! Finance
I can see Michigan coming back because of the November election but we can write off and let the northeast go!
Jeremy Shown has an interesting view on redistricting over at FoxPolitics.
Shown: Why Redistricting Really Could Matter This Time
"I'll admit it right up front – I'm something of a redistricting skeptic.
After the census every ten years, most state legislatures face the task of redrawing their state's legislative district boundaries. This process allows the party who happens to be in control right after the census to draw districts in the way that is most advantageous to them, increasing political polarization. At least that's how the story goes, but like I said, I'm skeptical. " FoxPolitics.net - Appleton, WI News - What's really going on in the Fox Cities
So I also was skeptical about redistricting and found the schedule for the Wisconsin upcoming changes. Here's the link
Wisconsin Redistricting Timetable January 2012 2011-2012 session: legislative and congressional districts established
I then remember an article over at the Appleton Post Crescent about theFox Valley populationincrease.
Census: Appleton, Fox Valley see strong population gains this decade Fox Valley sees strong population gains this decade By Michael Louis Vinson • Post-Crescent staff writer • December 22, 2010
APPLETON — Healthy population gains in municipalities across the Fox Cities helped lift Wisconsin's population 6 percent to 5.7 million residents, up from 5.4 million in 2000.
Some of the state's strongest growth occurred in the border communities that have sprawled along the outskirts of Appleton during the last 10 years, according to 2010 census estimates released Tuesday.
To the city's east, the village of Sherwood ballooned 64 percent this decade. The Town of Harrison, which borders Sherwood, grew by nearly 55 percent, the village of Combined Locks jumped almost 29 percent and the Town of Buchanan rose by 15 percent.
So Sherwood grew in population? Come on! So Sherwood will be gerrymandered? Any bets Sherwood will now go to the 8th congressional district from the 6th?
Seems how things work out. Well then maybe Reid Ribble can move back into his house in Sherwood? I don't know, maybe he already has!
I have to say Jeremy is right on, "Redistricting Really Could Matter This Time", I guess that's politics.
BREAKING NEWS: At least one dead in house fire in Gillett
At least one person is dead following a house fire on Pine Street in the city of Gillett late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, according to sheriff’s deputies on scene.
According to Oconto County sheriff’s department officials, the fire department was notified of the blaze shortly after 11 p.m.
At 2:30 a.m., crews were still on the scene fighting the fire in the falling snow.
One was the sight of Favre lying facedown on the University of Minnesota football field after suffering a concussion, his career likely over.
The other was the image that was revealed after the game, that Favre flew to Oconomowoc on Friday with his wife, Deanna, to answer a 5-year-old cancer victim's Christmas wish.
Anderson Butzine suffers from brain cancer. His holiday wish was a chance to meet Favre.
Don't care what some say, he still one of my hero's
"LANSING -- According to Senator Jason Allen, the bill for a moose hunting season in the U.P. has passed the State Senate and will be heading to Governor Jennifer Granholm for signature.
A scientific survey will be done around the spring of next year to determine the viability of the season. The earliest the season could begin is fall 2011.
The rules of the season would parallel elk hunting season.
There are an estimated 800 to 1,200 moose between Sault Ste. Marie and Baraga.
The question is, will the mine open? Will tree huggers stop it? If done right, there could be jobs in northern Wisconsin and still keep the environment pristine. Time and attitudes of state residents will tell.
Amazing Amish Christmas LightsI know it's not the season, but these are amazing!
Scroll down to see the Amish Christmas lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You know very well that the Amish don't use electricity. Screwing with old people is so easy!
"Until the late 1960s, with the exception of a few big states, most legislatures met for only a few months a year - some met only every other year - and there were few professional politicians among their members. People viewed public service as a necessity rather than as a career, and so duty was done quickly so they could return to their farms and shops to work just like everybody else." Legislative necessity: A constitutional certification for all bills
Richard Moore at the Lakeland Times writes about what needs to be done in state and federal government.
Admirable though it was in many ways, the citizen Legislature had resulted in what many thought was a severely distorted balance of power. Because legislators were rarely in the capital, state agencies ran the show, along with party bosses and a few good-'ol-boy legislative kingpins.
Professionalism was welcomed, then, in the beginning. The thinking was, a professional, full-time Legislature would re-establish its authority, with the proper reforms, and power would flow back to the elected body.
Well, the times, they have a-changed, and things didn't turn out quite as expected. In fact, exactly the opposite has happened.
You need to read it to see what he proposes and hope politicians have the back bone to follow through with what they promised in November.
"The whole purpose of these Advent pages has been to help us find intimacy with God in the midst of our everyday lives. So we have focused on using the background times of our days to create an interior atmosphere that allows us to wait, to hope, to come into contact with our longing and our desire.
This year the Fourth Week of Advent is six days long. Friday evening is Christmas Eve and Saturday, Christmas.
Perhaps we can use these days to try to heighten our awareness of whatever is going on in our lives these days, and how that can bring us to Christmas. Some examples might help.
So many of us experience the ironic reality that Christmas can be the most lonely time of our lives. Some of these "mixed feelings" or "sad feelings" are difficult to recognize or name.
For some of us, the Christmas we will celebrate this year pales in comparison to wonderful Christmases of our past - perhaps because we were younger or more "innocent" then, perhaps because some of our loved ones who were central to our Christmas are no longer living or not where I am, perhaps because the burdens and struggles of my life or the changes in our world and the war have robbed this Christmas of something that was there before.
For some of us, Christmas will be just another day. Unable to get out to go to church to be with a faith community, and without family or friends to be with, Christmas will be a day we are tempted to ignore." Fourth Week of Advent 2010
It was a lame duck democratic held Wisconsin legislature that passed a bill to finger print children at day cares. Is this what blacks in Milwaukee get for their vote when they elect democrats to office. Being a conservative, even for me, this goes too far. The issue here is fraud, not fingerprinting children.
Let me ask the question again, voting democrat get's you fingerprinting children?
Parts from Eugene Kane at JSOnline.
"A caller on black radio in Milwaukee last week put it just as bluntly: "It's like putting black children 'on paper' before they even become criminals!" he said, alluding to the term used when someone is caught up in the criminal justice system.
Other readers suggested a racial dynamic and flatly declared the policy would never have been considered if most of the child care fraud involved white children.
That sentiment brings pressure on African-American legislators in Madison like Rep. Tamara Grigsby, a Milwaukee Democrat and member of the Joint Finance Committee that approved the fingerprinting policy.
Grigsby told me the policy came only after negotiations intended to come up with solutions for dealing with the previous abuse of the system.
You call this middle ground? How long will these finger prints be kept and will the state turn them over to law enforcement for future use?
If and when Scott Walker and republicans change and fix this, will the African American people give them credit or will liberal black politicians stand up and take credit for something they didn't do?
For liberal democrats to pass this is criminal offense in it self. I hope those who are outraged call and thank their government leaders for fingerprinting their own children.
