MacIver News Service | January 17, 2011
This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
THE 2010 YEAR-END EDITION OF WEEK-ENDS
Every Saturday, I present Week-ends, a look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
This is a special Year-end edition of Week-ends.
HEROES OF THE YEAR
The members of the Tea Party movement, a force that stood up to big government, out of control tax and spending, and
VILLAINS OF THE YEAR
The molesters at the TSA.
QUOTES OF THE YEAR
If Scott Walker had parted the
Reince Priebus, chairman of the state GOP, noting that Walker's cash total, donors and poll numbers were each ahead of Tom Barrett in February 2010.
He has not done anything for
Tommy Thompson during a Wisconsin Eye interview, referring to Russ Feingold.
Boy do I want to run. I'd love to take this on. But I told my family last night it's time for new faces and new voices.
Former Governor Tommy Thompson announcing at a Tax Day Tea Party in
Wisconsin Congressman David Obey announcing his retirement after 41 years.
It is amazing that Governor Doyle and Mayor Barrett can advocate spending $810 million on a new 'high-speed' rail line while the state government cannot even fix one of the busiest interchanges in
Scott Walker after the state abruptly closed a bridge in the Zoo Interchange for repairs.
What you folks are saying is, we didn’t read the ordinances, we don’t know what you’re talking about, but we’re going to ban them anyway.
Franklin alderman Steve Olson, testifying at a public hearing at the state Capitol in opposition to a bill that would have repealed over 100 local ordinances around the state including
Forcing our schools to instruct children on how to utilize contraceptives encourages our children to engage in sexual behavior, whether as a victim or an offender. It is akin to teaching children about alcohol use, then instructing them on how to make mixed alcoholic drinks.
Juneau County DA Scott Southworth advising school districts in his county to drop sex ed classes, saying he may charge teachers with contributing to the delinquency of minors if they follow a new state law regulating sex ed standards.
I thought we got rid of the loan sharks when we put Al Capone away.
State Senator Mike Ellis(R-Neenah) supporting an amendment to payday loan legislation that would cap the interest rates the lenders could charge at 36 percent. Backers said a cap is the only effective way to control the industry, but the amendment failed.
You're a vulture, that's what I think.
State Rep. Jeff Wood (
A comment on jsonline.com about Governor Doyle signing the texting while driving ban bill into law.
A feel good-do nothing law. We already have inattentive driving laws. Why isnt text while driving a part of that? This is like passing a law that it is illegal to kill someone with a knife, even though we already have laws against murder. The other day I was on the freeway behind a semi that was moving side to side-when I got up to his side-I saw he was trying to read a book!!! This guy was at least 40-There are all kinds of inattentive driving that are dangerous-including eating, changing a cd, dialing your phone, changing the radio station, drinking hot coffee, reaching for something that fell, looking back at your kids in the car, checking out pretty girls on the sidewalk etc-the all carry the same damaging effects. We cant pass a law for each individual circumstance - increase the fines and penalties on inattentive driving and you may see some results.
Another comment on jsonline.com about Governor Doyle signing the texting while driving ban bill into law.
I am a citizen of the
If you wish to call me racist for having these views and supporting whole heartedly this bill that Arizona passed then you are also just plain IGNORANT. I have many MANY hispanic friends who are all here legally and I am in no way racist. I just personally as an American citizen feel that we should treat illegal immigrants the same way they would treat us in the same situation if we were in their country.
It is my job to stay above the controversy. I know the good people of our community are only voicing their concerns based upon their love of the city also.
New Berlin Mayor Jack Chiovatero in an apology to his constituents after an e-mail from the mayor said the city is "filled with prejudice and bigoted people."
This is a big f---ing deal.
VP Joe Biden to Barack Obama, just after introducing the president for the health bill-signing ceremony.
Why don’t you say something nice instead of being a smartass all the time?
Vice President Joe Biden
I'm not recommending for every future President that they take a shellacking like they – like I did last night.
Barack Obama after the mid-term elections.
If you touch my junk, I'm going to have you arrested.
Airline passenger John Tyner in a remark to a Transportation Security Administration worker at
It would be a little easier for the rest of us not to live in fear if the president's entire national security strategy didn't depend on average citizens happening to notice a smoldering SUV in Times Square or smoke coming from a fellow airline passenger's crotch. But after the car bomber and the diaper bomber, it has become increasingly clear that Obama's only national defense strategy is: Let's hope their bombs don't work!
Conservative columnist Ann Coulter
We have to pass the (health care) bill so you can find out what is in it.
Nancy Pelosi in a speech to the National Association of Counties.
One thing I know for sure is that Democrats will retain their majority in the House of Representatives.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
It’s not the ‘Kennedy Seat. It’s the people’s seat.
Scott Brown
I'm not a witch.
Christine O’Donnell in a TV ad.
I am showering, naked as a jaybird, and here comes Rahm Emanuel, not even with a towel wrapped around his tush, poking his finger in my chest, yelling at me.
Eric Massa
Trust me. I'm going to make sure this healthcare bill is never, ever, ever implemented.
John Boehner
Let me just make this point, John, because we’re not campaigning anymore. The election is over.
President Obama at a health care summit.
I’m reminded of that every day.
McCain at the summit.
It's easy being vice president — you don't have to do anything.
VP Joe Biden at the health care summit.
Quite frankly, I’m exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the man for change I voted for, and deeply disappointed with where we are right now.
Velma Hart to Barack Obama
No one in the Obama administration will respond to me, listen to me, talk to me or read anything that I write to them. I am 'toxic' in terms of the Obama administration. I am 'radioactive,' Sir. When Obama threw me under the bus, he threw me under the bus literally! Any advice that I offer is going to be taken as something to be avoided. Please understand that!
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s controversial former pastor, writing in a letter obtained by the Associated Press to a group raising money for African relief that his pleas to release frozen funds for use in earthquake-ravaged
Did you plug the hole yet, Daddy?
President Obama says every morning when he's finished shaving, one of his daughters quizzes him.
I imagine that thrill is maybe not quite so tingly on your leg anymore.
Michele Bachmann to Chris Matthews
President Obama said he is going to use the Gulf disaster to push a new energy bill through Congress. How about using the Gulf disaster to fix the Gulf disaster?
Jay Leno
When the private sector fails, the solution is more government. When the government fails, the solution is more government.
Glen Reynolds
I can see November from my house.
Sarah Palin
With the coldest winter ever recorded, with snow setting record levels up and down the coast, the Nobel committee should take (Al Gore's) Nobel Prize back.
Donald Trump
We all either work for rich people or we sell stuff to rich people. So just punishing rich people is as bad for the economy as punishing anyone. Let’s not punish anyone. Let’s keep taxes low and let’s cut spending.
Rand Paul
Liberals don't care. Their approach is to rip out society's foundations without asking if they serve any purpose. Why do we have immigration laws? What's with these borders? Why do we have the institution of marriage, anyway? What do we need standardized tests for? Hey, I like Keith Richards -- why not make heroin legal? Let's take a sledgehammer to all these load-bearing walls and just see what happens!
Ann Coulter
There’s going to be a tendency on the part of our people to be in denial about all this. If you lose
Evan Bayh on Scott Brown’s win in
The real problem is the workforce. The problem is we have a giveaway system in this country and in this state that is so strong that people would rather sit home and do nothing than do these jobs. Laziness is not a disability. There are lot of people that are flat out lazy and they are using up the goods and services that we have in this state.
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said lazy residents who don't want to take jobs harvesting the state's crops are the root of the
You know what I’d like to see her do? I’d like to see her [Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle] do this ad in the
The View co-host Joy Behar discussing Sharon Angle’s ad against illegal immigration.
Just once — probably never get reelected if you ever said it — I would like to hear somebody say, ‘The voters have spoken, the bastards.’ Or, ‘The voters have spoken. What a bunch of idiots.’ ‘The voters have spoken. God, they’re dumb. Dumb as hell.’ I just wish I’d hear somebody say that, because I think that happens to be the case this particular midterm elections.
Longtime CNN and MSNBC contributor Bill Press on his radio program
This being a democracy, don't the Democrats see that clinging to this agenda will march them over a cliff? Don't they understand
Charles Krauthammer
People once thought Obama could sound eloquent reading the phone book. Now, whatever the topic, it often sounds as though he is.
Michael Gerson
I mean you call here and ask, ‘Where do I get off suggesting that we don't donate to
National talk show host Rush Limbaugh to a caller about making donations to
I was at a, forgive the expression, a Christmas party at the Department of Justice and. . . . National Public Radio's legal correspondent Nina Totenberg on "Inside
Chi! Chi! Chi! Le! Le! Le! Los mineros de
Chant at Chilean mine rescue
I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances. But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the President of the
Tucker Carlson
These Democrats are a bunch of wusses. They don't have the courage of their convictions. They won't stand and fight. It's embarrassing, it's disgusting and I won't have it anymore. I'm sick of them.
Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore.
I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable. And I am the only person to blame. I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself.
Tiger Woods
Falling in love with you could really f--- up my plans for becoming president.”
Former presidential candidate John Edwards to his mistress, Rielle Hunter during their 2006 affair. Hunter was quoted in an article in GQ magazine.
After the last eight years, it’s great to have a president who knows what a library is.
Paul McCartney
Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today. She’s got on red go-go boots and a catholic school plaid skirt … way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s by now. She’s got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body … I know she’s very good, and I’m not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won’t … but Hannah Storm … come on now! Stop! What are you doing?
ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser describing live on-air the wardrobe of ESPN colleague Hannah Storm. Kornheiser was suspended by the network for his remarks.
It gives new meaning to getting an extra shot in your latte.
The AP, writing about Starbuck's decision to continue allowing customers to carry firearms in it's stores, in states that allow it.
The rent is too damn high!
Jimmy McMillan at a NY gubernatorial debate
OUTRAGE OF THE YEAR
ObamaCare, the liberal defense of illegal immigration, the food police,a mosque at Ground Zero, and our exploding debt.
Whatever Sarah Palin said or did. The lefties and their wholly-owned subsidiary, the mainstream media, went nuts.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE YEAR
Twice, once in March and again about a month ago, I noted how the news media refrained from slamming Obama about $3 gas when it crucified Bush on the same issue.
STRANGEST STORY OF THE YEAR
Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor….Clothes
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
Cleaning out a hog pen vs. The Rose Bowl
At the
The Wall Street Journal captures true Badger pride in a great article.
Also, this is totally unthinkable. It was almost “On Minnesota.”
This will get you psyched for today's big game.
It's OK Wisconsin, it's not your fault because....
You are not a come from behind team.
When you are behind, it takes you forever to score.
When you are behind and you go on 7-minute drives as you did today and come up scoreless, you inadvertently help the opposition by chewing up the clock,
You played a team for the first time in two months that can actually play defense.
But the most important reason the Rose Bowl loss is not your fault is that you just happen to play in a conference that year after year proves in the bowl games that it is highly over-rated.
Today’s bowl game scores:
TCU 21
Wisconsin 19
Texas Tech 45
Northwestern 38
Florida 37
Penn State 24
Alabama 49
Michigan State 7
Mississippi State 52
Michigan 14
OUCH!
I was very impressed by the undefeated TCU team that felt it was representing the “little guys.” TCU QB Adam Walton was the epitome of true class during the post-game interviews.
In the end, defense wins these games. TCU’s defense, the best in the country, rose (no pun intended) to the occasion.
When the two-point conversion failed, and it shouldn’t have with a wide open receiver in the end zone, the game was over. Why? Because
It is a frustrating loss for the Badgers. But give TCU credit, a PRIVATE school of 9,000 not given any respect or credit by the pompous NCAA officials in their ivory tower against the over-rated Big Ten.
Let this, and all the other games today, be a lesson to the so-called mighty, but not really, Big Ten. You just can’t show up. You have to actually play the bowl game.
For
My Most Popular Blogs (01/02/11)
As I post every Sunday, here are the five most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
1) Photos of the Week (12/26/10)
2) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2010: #2
4) TIE
Congratulations Mayor Tom Taylor, I think
THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2010: #4
5) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2010: #7
Culinary no-no #200
Food concepts, like musical acts on the pop charts, come and go. Hot and here today, rejected and gone tomorrow.
Some trends that were all the rage in 2010 could lose favor and flavor in 2011.
Those traveling food trucks? The New York Times Magazine writes “let’s also abolish tweeting food trucks, the tweeting of menu specials, and tweeting gasbag restaurant critics."
Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing…..is wonderful!” Powers doesn’t agree when it comes to bacon that was slapped in and on just about anything in 2010. “Rest assured, bacon-flavored tofu is probably next on the horizon,” says Powers.
Speaking of bacon, what will be the next odd-flavored vodka? There’ve been enough to start an alcohol version of Baskin-Robbins.
Here’s one I wrote about in 2010, echoed by David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health and co-author of the national bestseller Eat This, Not That! The technique is enthusiastically pushed by celebrity chef Bobby Flay and is so simple, yet so wrong: putting potato chips on top of a burger under the bun. The appeal is that it provides crunch. Sorry, the chips belong on the side. That’s my rip. Zinczenko’s is that chips as a condiment adds too many calories.
To his credit, Zinczenko puts his finger on some novelties that definitely need to go, including ice cream for breakfast and deep fried pasta. Check out his rundown of the worst foods in America. Zinczenko takes specific aim at a widely popular chain: "The troubling truth is this entire list of
I was surprised to read some food bloggers diss cupcakes that were oh so popular in 2010. Numerous commenters agreed. I’m not sure the craze has fully got off the ground here just yet, but keep in mind folks in my neighborhood are first now learning The Twist.
Want some more? Here's a list from Esquire.
For me, the trends I’d like to see die once and for all in 2011 (but won’t): Guys wearing hats inside restaurants, guys (and 9 times out 10 it’s the men) dressing like bums to go out to eat, and idiot restaurant patrons disrespectful of wait staff.
Was Bucky classless in defeat?
That’s the talk on some parts of the Internet.
In a quote you won’t find reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, its web site, or any other Wisconsin media that I’m aware of, after TCU’s 21-19 victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl Saturday, Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said, ““You notice how they wouldn’t even shake our hands afterwards?” (Source: Foxsports.com)
Killerfrogs.com writes of and has plenty of comments about obnoxious Badger fans that were rude and profane.
This much is clear. No one disputes the classy attitude of Badger JJ Watt who took the defeat hard, but still acknowledged and respected the opposition.
It does appear that Badger coach Brett Bielema has a reputation outside of
Scott Walker: "Increasing taxes is off the table"
Thank you, Governor!
UPDATE: More national coverage for Governor Walker.
Cell phone ban in prisons a miserable failure
A stunning story in the New York Times. Though cell phones are banned in state and federal prisons, the prohibition doesn’t work. Not even close.
Cell phones find their way into prison cells by the thousands where inmates can use them for all kinds of devious purposes: Organize a strike among inmates, gang violence, drug trafficking, target places for robberies, order seafood and cigars or other contraband. Or they can just play online games.
A cell phone was even found under Charlie Manson’s mattress.
Makes me wonder to what extent this might be a problem in Franklin’s House of Corrections or any of the state penitentiaries.
Read more here.
Note who opposes a ban for inmates.
$100,000
A source within the Milwaukee Police Department tells me that’s the cost to the department of implementing software to comply with the new state law that took effect January 1 requiring officers to note the race of individuals pulled over for traffic stops.
The law will hamper police and is only meant to vilify white law enforcement officials.
What a waste of time. This law should be repealed.
Something stinks: Wisconsin's Vehicle Inspection Program
In the early 80’s, this young reporter working at the time for WUWM covered the opening of southeast
Governor Tony Earl’s Department of Transportation Secretary Lowell Jackson pulled his state owned vehicle in for the inaugural screening. Technicians put the car to the test and
Then came the big moment. Cameras and tape recorders were rolling. Notepads were out. A state employee with paper in hand delivered the news to Secretary Jackson.
“I’m sorry, sir. Your vehicle didn’t pass.”
The vehicle inspection program now in place in several counties costs about $11 million a year according to a recent Legislative Fiscal Bureau report. Our air is cleaner than it’s ever been. The need for this bureaucracy that can cost a motorist hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs if the computer deems the car has flunked is highly questionable. The program is about as foolish as the DNR issuing Ozone Action Days.
My state Representative and hopefully the next Milwaukee County Executive come April, Jeff Stone told the Small Biz Times that one of his legislative priorities is to get rid of the emissions testing. Good for you, Jeff! No one can tell me these ugly, beat up tin cans on the roads have passed these goofball requirements.
And why are we testing new and relatively new cars in the first place? In a column last September in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Mike Nichols wrote:
“At least some state employees have to realize the absurdity here because eight or nine years ago,
Checking to see if newer car's emissions are under acceptable limits, in the meantime, is sort of like checking to see if Aaron Rodgers has fingers.
The fact is that literally 99% of three-year-old cars tested at the time of the LAB audit passed the emissions test. Testing cars that are less than five years old is a colossal waste of time and money. In fact, making people drive cars of any age to a special emissions testing center is a colossal waste of time and money.”
No kidding.
Every state program is on the chopping block because we are over $3 billion in the hole. And that includes the emissions testing silliness.
Please,
More awards for 2010
Over at Steve Eggleston’s “No Runny Eggs,” a group of bloggers including yours truly is selecting picks for Jackass of the Year, Thank You for Existing, Dumbest Thing Said, News Story of the Year, and Person of the Year.
Take a look.
Still in denial, train lovers use real fuzzy math
The constant whining over the death of the half fast train between
February 6, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Only 55 permanent jobs would be created to operate and maintain the trains, tracks and stations, starting in 2013, the application says.”
November 4, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Construction employment on the line was projected to peak at 4,732 jobs in 2012.”
November 8, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Canceling a planned high-speed rail line will cost
December 31, 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Only 12 workers are losing their jobs because a high-speed rail project was canceled, far less than the 80 layoffs predicted by outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, state and corporate representatives say.”
NOW PRESENTING A ROYAL PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF FRANKLIN!
Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor said the following at the Franklin Common Council meeting on December 7, 2010:
“This is a fantastic community. It’s getting better and better every day. I think we should be on the rooftops proclaiming that instead of having all this negativity that’s out there.
I wholeheartedly agree!
Therefore, may I announce and unveil the exciting, brand new, City of
Feingold to teach at Marquette?
Yep.
Does MU not know (or care about) the EX-Senator's radical views on partial birth abortion?
A new approach to snow removal
Local units of government are always looking to save money, or they should be.
How about this idea?
The program began last winter, has been expended this season, and is working.
"We saw substantial progress in accountability, quality, and cost in our snow plowing operations last year through the pilot program,” said Mayor Thomas Koch.
Creativity. Innovation. Fiscal responsibility.
I like it.
#1: Photo ID, #2.........
Photo ID legislation will become law soon in
The next logical step to clean up a voting system that is in need of repair is to get rid of sane-day registration.
State Representative Jeff Stone will push photo ID in the Assembly. Eliminating same-day registration is state Representative Joel Kleefisch’s bill.
Bravo to both!
Today was NOT a good day for Mrs. Obamessiah
There she is, the First Lady, probably during one of her many lectures about how we are too fat and that we need to listen to the Great Obama’s and their pontifications of what and what not to eat.
Oh the pain of today for hamburger lovin’ hypocrite Michelle.
First, there was this….
And top it off with the fact that today, Mrs. Food Police Chieftess, was National Whipped Cream Day.
Whipped cream, if you didn't know, is an epicurean delight.
Huhhh? The latest from our clueless head of Homeland Security
Priceless, Napolitano Visits Afghanistan to Discuss Afghan Border Security, but Back Home Refuses to Secure USA – Mexico Border
God bless you, Mom!
A Prayer for a Deceased Mother
O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother; in Thy mercy have pity on the soul of my mother, and forgive her her trespasses; and make me to see her again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
What does a smoking ban cost?
Try millions.
PHOTOS OF THE YEAR: 2010
Here are my selections for the top photos of 2010.
#20
Lindsay Lohan had a special message for the court last July painted on the fingernail of her middle finger. She was sentenced to 90 days in jail at the probation violation hearing. Photo: www.wwtdd.com
#19
Two year-old octopus Paul, the so-called "octopus oracle" predicts Spain's 2010 soccer World Cup final victory over The Netherlands by opening and choosing a mussel from a glass box decorated with the Spanish national flag instead of a glass box with the Dutch flag, at the Sea Life Aquarium in the German city of Oberhausen on July 9, 2010. Paul became a media star after correctly picking all six German World Cup results including their first-round defeat against
#18
A snowboarder flies through the Olympic rings at the start of the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 12, 2010. (REUTERS/David Gray)
#17
A 26ft statue depicting a famous
Cristina Casas and Ruben Requena of Barcelona, Spain, kiss in New York's Times Square, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of VJ Day. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
#16
Lighthouse Christian School teacher Heather Harrell reacts after finding her grandmother's Bible in her classroom that was destroyed by the flood in Antioch, Tennessee on Monday, May 3, 2010. (AP Photo/The Tennessean, Shelley Mays)
#15
German police officers lift a woman from the crowd of revelers outside a tunnel at the Love Parade "The art of Love" in the western German city of Duisburg July 24, 2010. A stampede killed at least 19 people after mass panic broke out in a tunnel at the techno music festival in Germany. (REUTERS/Daniel Naupold)
#14
Pilot Capt. Brian Bews parachutes to safety just as his CF-18 fighter jet plummets to the ground during a practice flight at the
#13
Who could possibly object to the reading of the US Constitution on the floor of the House of Representatives?
A liberal Democrat, that's who.
Goodbye and good riddance, Nancy Pelosi
During her tenure in power, Pelosi screwed each and every grandchild in
Read.
At NPR, what goes around comes around
The woman that stupidly fired Juan Williams has been fired.
More here.
Unfortunately, the liberal rip-off of the taxpayers will continue at NPR.
The background on this story is here.
"Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?"
Coming up this weekend on This Just In….
Tonight, our regular Friday night music feature returns, a soft, smooth segue into Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, it’s The Barking Lot, a very popular blog all about dogs!
Plus Week-ends, our week in review.
Sunday, My Most Popular Blogs, Photos of the Week, Recommedned Reading and Culinary no-no.
But also this weekend, on Saturday morning, the ELVIS EDITION OF WEEK-ENDS. Elvis would have been 76 on Saturday.
The following tune published in 1945 was done by:
Bing Crosby
Gene Autry
Floyd Cramer
Hank Williams
Bob Hope
Jerry Lee Lewis
Ricky Nelson
Willie Nelson
Jim Reeves
Riders in the Sky
Tex Ritter
Marty Robbins
Kenny Rogers
The Sons of the Pioneers
Ringo Starr
Bobby Vinton
Rod Stewart
But nobody did it like Elvis.
Enjoy this amazing vocal with super accompaniment by the Jordanaires.
Charlie Weis vs. Bo Pelini
Discussed today as I filled in on Newstalk 1130 WISN....
Two college football coaches. Each made a promise.
First, Charlie Weis.....
Goodnight everyone and have a weekend fit for the King!
It's Friday night. Time to unwind with our regular Friday night feature on This Just In.
The weekend has finally arrived.
The sun has set.
The evening sky has erupted.
Let's put controversy and provocative blogs aside for the rest of this work week and smooth our way into Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight,
Music from a legend. He wasn't the pioneer of rock and roll, but he was it's king.
On Saturday, Elvis Presley would have been 76 years old.
His legend lives on.
Even in a predominantly negative article this week, Jim Fusilli wrote about a boxed set of every Presley recording ever made:
"Handsomely packaged, 'The Complete Elvis Presley Masters' (RCA/Legacy) includes 814 tracks on 30 CDs and a 240-page hardcover book with an annotated discography, art from every original single and album, and a lengthy essay by Peter Guralnick, author of two definitive Presley biographies. Priced at $749, the first edition was limited to 1,000 numbered copies and sold out well before its Oct. 19, 2010 release date. A second edition is on sale now and will be shipped later this month."
I guess now matter how the critics howl, Elvis is still more than relevant.
What a voice Elvis possessed.
"But for 80 per cent of his time in the studio, he knew how to use that voice to most telling effect. So he rarely over-sings when recording, delivering a vocal to suit the song. So he can rasp and rage for Jailhouse Rock, loudly accuse in 'Hound Dog', bare his soul and beg on 'Any Day Now' and sound quietly, sadly, worldly wise on 'Funny How Time Slips Away'. 'Return To Sender' is a superb example of a vocal tightrope walk beyond the powers of many of today's singers.......This gift may explain why his music endures so powerfully and why his performances remain so easy to hear."
Paul Simpson
OK.OK. Not a great movie. But listen. Listen to the vocal. From "Tickle Me" with
The Barking Lot (01/08/11)
The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of this just in…Written by my lovely wife, Jennifer and me. It opens with the weekend dog walking forecast followed by the main blog from dog lover, Jennifer. Then it’s DOGS IN THE NEWS and our close. Enjoy!
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Flurries.High of 23.. "F"
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. High of 24. "F" Here are some winter dog-walking tips.
Here’s my lovely wife, Jennifer with this week’s main blog:
HOWEVER….
Jennifer has graciously allowed me to step in as her guest blogger this week so I can publish an article I talked about while filling in for Mark Belling Friday on Newstalk 1130 WISN.
According to Charing Ball, a black woman who owns a dog, if you are:
White
Own a dog
Pamper your dog
Are disgusted by what Michael Vick did in the past to dogs
Are a Packer fan
Are rooting against Vick this Sunday
Then by golly, you just have to be racist. The key sentence to her recent column in the Atlanta Post and she’s talking about white folks, everybody:
“The reality is that this phony outrage over Vick’s past treatment of dogs has little to do with the crime that he had been convicted of but more likely a reflection of the deep-seeded racial prejudice of black men with money.”
This is the most incredible play of the race card I have ever witnessed. Ball even claims that dogs during World War II were racist.
I don’t think even Eugene Kane of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who sees racism behind every corner would make this ridiculous claim.
Ball’s column ruins any credibility for the all-too-often-used race card.
Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
Speaking of Michael Vick, this writer says applaud one of his victims.
And how about President Obama making the right call.
Owner possibly killed by her own dog.
Delta loses a dog, the dog dies.
Dog feces lead to shootout.
Breeding killers?
Hitler was dogged by a dog.
Dogs suffer from war stress, too.
A dog's life is more valuable than a deer's.
The police bring out special dogs during traffic stops. Guess what? Those dogs? They're usually wrong.
School will give boy's dog a tryout.
Sorry, but this dog is probably smarter than your dog.
Dog survives an ordeal on the expressway.
"Here's a dog story you won't want to read to the kids."
We're a bit late on this one but, want to stop holiday thieves and break-ins? Get a dog.
Therapists now use canine assistants.
Group delivers dog houses to those in need.
Do we over-rate dog companionship?
Best animal book of 2010?
That's it for this week. We close with our closing video, a dog surviving heavy traffic in Philly. Take a look.
And I'll add this, sent from a loyal reader:
THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL LESSON IN LIFE AND LONGEVITY
The ELVIS edition of Week-ends (01/08/11)
The following is a special edition of my regular feature, Week-ends. Today, Elvis Presley would have been 76 years old.
HEROES OF THE WEEK
The fans around the world who keep Elvis’ music, films, legacy, and spirit alive.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Those who needlessly and cruelly feel the desire to constantly make heartless jokes about this great performer. And the idiots who insist that Elvis is still alive.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I don’t sound like nobody.”
Elvis, to Sun records secretary Marion Keisker when she asked him who he sounded like.
Elvis was told to return to being a truck driver.
Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny after Elvis performed in 1954 for the first and only time at the Opry. Elvis swore he’d never go back. Years later, Garth Brooks commented in a television interview that one of the greatest thrills of playing the Opry was that he got to play on the same stage Elvis had.
“Rockin’ on music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it. That’s what happens to me. I can’t stand still. I’ve tried it and I just can’t do it.”
Elvis, on Elvis.
”His kind of music is deplorable, a rancid smelling aphrodisiac. It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people.”
Frank Sinatra, in Elvis’ early days. The two would later become good friends.
”I wanted to say to Elvis Presley and the country that this is a real decent, fine boy."
Ed Sullivan to Elvis during one of Elvis’ appearances on Sullivan’s popular Sunday night variety show.
”Elvis was the king. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps."
Rod Stewart.
”A Presley picture is the only sure thing in
Producer Hal Wallis.
”A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man's music, when in fact almost every black solo entertainer copied his stage mannerisms from Elvis.”
Jackie Wilson
”There have been a lot of tough guys. There have been pretenders. And there have been contenders. But there is only one king.”
Bruce Springsteen
”When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.”
Bob Dylan
”Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it's a whole new social revolution… the 60's comes from it.”
Leonard Bernstein
”There have been many accolades uttered about Elvis' talent and performances through the years, all of which I agree with wholeheartedly. I shall miss him dearly as a friend. He was a warm, considerate and generous man.”
Frank Sinatra
”Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique, irreplaceable. More than twenty years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equaled. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense. And he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness and good humor of this country.”
President Jimmy Carter after Elvis’ death
”Before Elvis, there was nothing.”
John Lennon
”If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
Johnny Carson
”Elvis taught white America to get down.”
James Brown
”We’ll never know what an old Elvis Presley would have been like. He’ll just always be the King.”
Pat Boone
”When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie .So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times. These gentlemen over there, these are the type who care, are dedicated. You realize if it´s not possible that they might be building the kingdom, it´s not far-fetched from reality. I´d like to say that I learned very early in life that:
'Without a song the day would never end
Without a song a man ain´t got a friend
Without a song the road would never bend
Without a song...'
So I keep singing a song.Good night. Thank you.”
Elvis in his acceptance speech in 1971 for being one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the national Junior Chambers of Commerce (the Jaycees).
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
The Wall Street Journal dares to ask, "Does Elvis Presley still matter?"
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Elvis’ lavish gifts are legendary. He thought nothing of giving cars, motorcycles, jewelry, cash, even houses to close friends or people he just met for the first time.He kept his many charitable donations very private, true acts of kindness rarely reported.From Elvis.com:
”Each year, for many years, Elvis gave $1,000 or more to each of fifty Memphis-area charities, but also continually made many other charitable donations in Memphis and around the country.Most of Elvis’ philanthropic endeavors received no publicity at all. Throughout his adult life, for friends, for family, and for total strangers, he quietly paid hospital bills, bought homes, supported families, paid off debts, and much more.
Elvis' legacy of generosity continues through the work of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which is the philanthropic branch of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and the creator of the Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Memphis. The tradition of giving also continues through the work of the Elvis fan clubs worldwide, most of which are heavily involved in charitable endeavors in Elvis' memory. "
There were other monumental examples of Elvis’ kindness, again, from Elvis.com:
”In 1961, Elvis gave a benefit concert at Bloch Arena in Hawaii that raised over $65,000 toward the building of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The resulting publicity gave new life to the fund-raising effort, which had, by then, lost its momentum. The memorial opened a year later.
Audience tickets for his 1973 Aloha from Hawaii television special and its pre-broadcast rehearsal show carried no price, as each audience member was asked to pay whatever he or she could. The performances and concert merchandise sales were a benefit raising $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii.”
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Elvis impersonators. Just too damn many, and not enough who are any good. I can count on less than one hand the Elvis impersonators I have liked. The rest of them do more harm than good to the Elvis legacy, some intentionally.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Elvis shooting out his TV’s? Elvis stopping his limo on a busy street in Madison to break up a fight at a gas station and then signing autographs? How about when Elvis, without an invitation, got into the White House in late 1970 and met with President Nixon.
The fact that he pulled it off is one thing. He had Nixon scrambling around, fumbling through an Oval Office desk trying to find mementoes for his entourage. When the President did, Elvis looked at Nixon and said, “You know, sir, these men have wives.” The President responded, “Of course, let’s see what we can find for the ladies.”Here’s what is really strange about this often-told story. As famous as that encounter was, Jerry Schilling, who was also at that meeting, writes in his book, “Me and a Guy Named Elvis”:
”I found it a little curious that our recent trip to the White House hand managed to stay secret. …...The biggest summit meeting between the worlds of politics and rock and roll wouldn’t be reported on at all until it turned up in a Washington Post column almost a full year after it happened.”
That, of course, would never happen in today’s world of breaking news, cable news services, and the Internet.
Amazing.
Week-ends (01/08/11)
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week. Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Phoenix Jones
Buffalo cab driver
Tyler Hudson
Graceland
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
"The Punishers"
Mayfair Mall idiots
Las Vegas police
Matthew Seifert and Ryan Smith
NBC's Today Show
CNN
Doritos and Pepsi
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"We have an ambitious goal: 250,000 new jobs by 2015. I know we can do it because we did it a generation ago. In January of 1987, Governor Tommy Thompson declared in this rotunda that ‘our highest priority will be jobs: more jobs, better jobs, and most importantly secure jobs for
Let me be clear on one thing: Increasing taxes is off the table - as it will counter our efforts to provide economic growth. Instead, we will make tough, but compassionate decisions to balance the next state budget in a way that will get
“The American people love government, but they don’t like too much politics in government."
Harry Reid
The TSA was "never intended to be an army of 67,000 employees. If you look at [the TSA's] performance, have they ever stopped a terrorist? Anyone can get through. We've been very lucky, very fortunate. TSA should focus on its mission: setting up the protocol, adapting to the changing threats and gathering intelligence."
Rep. John L. Mica (R-Fla.), the incoming chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has written to 200 of the nation's largest airports, urging them to consider switching to private companies.
“In another auspicious omen for 2011 Wednesday will mark the first time since 1947 that a member of the Kennedy family has not held federal office.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Boy whose treatment was delayed by snow dies.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Report: many accusations of abuse against Catholic priests are "entirely false."
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
John Boehner cries.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
This is not my way of spending the month of January.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
Elvis didn't care for John Lennon
Neither did his good friend, Tom Jones.
Chris Hutchins provides plenty of behind the scenes details.
The COOLEST birthday cake ever!
At
Predictably, it didn't take the hateful left very long
You knew it would happen.
Wacko lefties just couldn't wait to blame conservatives for the shocking shootings that took place in
Of course it's not the shooter's fault. Just ask Communist Jane Fonda.
History dictates the Packers need to avoid OT Sunday
As I discussed on Newstalk 1130 WISN while filling in for Mark Belling Friday, four of the Packers’ last six playoff games have gone into overtime.
January 4, 2011
In an NFC wildcard playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, Al Harris returned an interception 52 yards for the game winning touchdown 4:25 in overtime, making this the first playoff game ever to be won in overtime with a defensive touchdown. The game is most remembered for Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's ironic comment after winning the coin toss for the start of overtime. He announced to the to the crowd at Lambeau Field and the national television audience, "We want the ball, and we're going to score."
My Most Popular Blogs (01/09/11)
As I post every Sunday, here are the five most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
1) NOW PRESENTING A ROYAL PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF
2) Photos of the Week (01/02/11)
4) Was Bucky classless in defeat?
5) TIE
The Barking Lot (01/08/11)
Charlie Weis vs. Bo Pelini
Photos of the Week (01/09/11)
In this Nov. 7, 2006 photo, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) celebrates a close election win in Tucson, Ariz. Authorities say that Giffords was shot in the head on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 while meeting with constituents in her district on the northwest side of Tucson at a public event entitled "Congress on your Corner" when a gunman opened fire outside a Safeway grocery. According to azstarnet.com, nineteen people were shot, including members of Giffords' staff, and six are dead, including one young child and John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona. One suspect is in custody. Giffords is described as being in "very critical condition" after undergoing surgery at University Medical Center in Tucson. (David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star via AP)
In this photo taken Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio reenacts the swearing-in of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Emergency personnel attend to a shooting victim outside a shopping center in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 where U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and others were shot as the congresswoman was meeting with constituents. (AP Photo/James Palka)
A victim of the shooting is wheeled to a waiting helicopter outside the shopping center in Tucson, Ariz. where U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and others were shot as the congresswoman was meeting with constituents on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. (AP Photo/James Palka)
Investigators remove a blood-stained sheet from a body after a gunman targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz) opened fire outside a Safeway in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. Six people died and thirteen were wounded, including Giffords. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow)
This March 2010 photo shows a man identified as Jared L. Loughner at the 2010 Tucson Festival of Books in Tucson, Ariz. The Arizona Daily Star, a festival sponsor, confirmed from their records that the subject's address matches one under investigation by police after a shooting in Tucson that left U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords wounded along with 18 others. Six people are known dead, according to azstarnet.com. Police say a suspect is in custody, and he was identified by people familiar with the investigation as Jared Loughner, 22, of Tucson. (Arizona Daily Star/Mamta Popat via AP)
A woman drops flowers in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill outside the office of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington. Giffords was shot in the head during a constituent meeting in her Arizona district Saturday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
People leave flowers and candles outside the Tucson office of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), who was shot during an event in front of a Safeway grocery store January 8, 2011 in Tuscon, Arizona. Giffords was shot in the head at a public event entitled "Congress on your Corner" when a gunman opened fire outside a Safeway grocery store in Tucson, Arizona. It was reported that nineteen people were shot, including members of Giffords' staff, and six are dead, including one young child. One suspect is in custody. (Laura Segall/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama talks in the hallway outside the Situation Room of the White House with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer about the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, (D-AZ) and others on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. (Pete Souza/The White House via AP)
A photo of U.S. District Judge John M. Roll sits in the middle of a candle-light memorial for the victims of the shooting in Tucson, Arizona, at the State Capitol in Phoenix on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Roll was one of six people killed and 13 injured, including Congresswoman Gabriella Giffords, D-Arizona, in gunfire at a town hall meeting outside at Safeway grocery in Tucson earlier in the day. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
A statue of George Washington stands in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Jan. 3, 2010. President Barack Obama and Democrats were preparing to confront a strengthened Republican opposition to tax, spending and immigration priorities when the 112th session of Congress convened this week after Democrats lost control of the House during midterm elections. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Recommended Reading (01/09/11)
Here are, in my view, interesting, noteworthy columns and articles from the past week that I highly recommend (You will note that on occasion, I do not endorse the opinions of the author and may point that out. Despite my disagreements, I still feel the piece is worth a read).
White Flight
"The new data show that white voters not only strongly preferred Republican House and Senate candidates but also registered deep disappointment with President Obama’s performance, hostility toward the cornerstones of the current Democratic agenda, and widespread skepticism about the expansive role for
"The last three weeks I have traveled about, taking the pulse of the more forgotten areas of central
“Sadly, this risk-averse/avoid-pain mindset is overtaking
The ten most under-reported stories of 2010
Top Ten Political Lies of 2010
“Here, in no particular order, are the top 10 political lies of 2010.
1. Ninety-five percent of 'working families' received a tax cut.”
While teachers are laid off, fortunes spent on….
“Teachers have been getting laid off right and left in
MTV abortion special: Happy for the kill
"Now we get to 'No Easy Decision,' which follows one of the teen moms from '16 and Pregnant.' Markai finds out eight months after having her daughter that she is pregnant again and decides this time to abort.
Announcing the special, Entertainment Weekly wrote, 'MTV sources say the documentary will tackle all sides of the issue. ...'
So I expected the pro-life position to be fairly represented alongside the pro-abortion position - by educating on the documented harm of abortion to women, describing fetal development at the age of the baby being aborted and offering a counseling session at a pregnancy care center as well as an abortion clinic. I was resigned that Markai would move ahead with her abortion but thought her decision would be fully informed.
None of this came to pass.
Listecki: Bankruptcy "doesn't mean we are going out of business"
During all Catholic Masses this weekend, church-goers heard a recorded message from Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki discussing news this week that the Archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy.
Listecki offered his "profound and sincere apology" to victims of clergy abuse, calling the actions of the perpetrators "sinful, criminal and deplorable."
The archbishop said the bankruptcy process could take 12-18 months.
Click here to hear the entire address.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Remember last year's Super Bowl?
Watch #22 of the New Orleans Saints, Tracy Porter.
Yes, lefties, let's tone down the rhetoric
The hateful left is attempting to blame conservatives, specifically Sarah Palin for the
Of course, the left never uses such volatile language.
A comment left on the web site Big Government:
** Obama: “They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun”
** Obama to His Followers: “Get in Their Faces!”
** Obama on ACORN Mobs: “I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I’m angry!”
** Obama to His Mercenary Army: “Hit Back Twice As Hard”
** Obama on the private sector: “We talk to these folks… so I know whose ass to kick.“
** Obama to voters: Republican victory would mean “hand to hand combat”
** Obama to lib supporters: “It’s time to Fight for it.”
** Obama to Latino supporters: “Punish your enemies.”
** Obama to democrats: “I’m itching for a fight.”
Oh, there's plenty more.
Intern saves Gabrielle Giffords' life
I like to tell interns at the state Capitol in
Read this from the
Here's another hero.
Culinary no-no #201
Doggone it, Joe Bartolotta!
Photo: www.onmilwaukee.com
How could you do this to me?
Oh, oh.
Uhh, Kev.
The subject of one of your famous Culinary no-no entries is….
Joe Bartolotta?
The architect of the nearly perfect Bartolotta Restaurant Group?
Don’t you belong to the Bartolotta Preferred Card program?
Didn’t the Bartolottas perform utter magic catering your wedding at the Boerner Botanical Gardens?
Isn’t it true that you’ve never had a bad meal at the many Bartolotta restaurants you've dined at?
And you‘re about to identify the Bartolottas as a……GASP……culinary no-no?
Ummm.
Yes.
But you know how Culinary no-no works.
I will explain.
Be patient.
Stay with me, please.
Here's the deal.
I love veal.
I don't care what PETA or any animal rights activist says.
Tough.
I
Like
Veal.
And you can easily find and order veal.
Veal parmigiana...
Veal Marsala....
Veal piccata....
Veal cutlet.....
Fine.
Love 'em all.
Not my first choices, though.
How about osso bucco?
Can't find it everywhere.
My favorite Franklin restaurant, Casa di Giorgio will have it throughout the winter and it's exceptional.
They also do a great veal chop.
A veal chop is a marvelous thing.
Torture for MU?
Tonight at the
vs.
The sports section is the best at the Journal Sentinel, but I had to chuckle at this whine from Todd Rosiak about
"The short turnaround MU faces between Pittsburgh and Notre Dame -- it plays the Panthers at 1 p.m. Saturday and then hosts the Irish at 6 p.m. on ESPN2's 'Big Monday' -- will prove to be especially challenging if Dwight Buycks continues to be hobbled with the thigh contusion that limited him to just 11 minutes in Wednesday's win at Rutgers."
For the record, Notre Dame played at home Saturday night and now has to travel to play on the road tonight. Their turnaround, though not "torturous," was indeed shorter than
There should be no complaining about the schedule in the Big East, the toughest conference in the land. Every team will have its "torturous" times.
Regardless of the "short turnaround" for BOTH teams, I expect the usual MU-ND dogfight.
Rush to blame hurts liberals
William A. Jacobson, Associate Clinical Professor,
Jacobson sees two “sicknesses” in this story:
1) The sickness inside the shooter’s head
2) The swift reaction of liberal to blame Sarah Palin and right-wing “vitriol.”
“Within minutes of the shooting being made known, two of the highest profile left-wing bloggers, Markos Moulitsas of DailyKos and Matthew Yglesias of Think Progress, pulled out a 10-month-old electoral map used at a Sarah Palin website showing almost two dozen congressional districts being targeted, including Giffords' district. The map was similar to one used by the Democratic Leadership Committee to target Republicans in the prior election cycle, and as Howard Kurtz points out, simply typical of campaign rhetoric using military-themed language.
Yet not a single person pushing the blame-Palin line has offered a shred of evidence that Loughner ever saw Palin's electoral map, was motivated by it, was right-wing (anectodally it appears Loughner was quite left-wing as of a few years ago), was motivated by right-wing radio, or did any of the things being assumed by the left-blogosphere, the mainstream media and some Democratic politicians.
Not a shred of evidence connecting Loughner to Palin, the Tea Parties, or the right wing, yet the left-blogosphere, mainstream media and Democratic politicians have erupted into a frenzy of name-calling directed at Palin and those who oppose Obama's agenda.”
Jacobson adds:
“Congresswoman Giffords took part in the reading of the Constitution on the floor of the House last week, an event which was denounced by the left-blogosphere and some Democrats as a stunt and a reflection of a fetish.”
Karol Markowicz asserts, “It was truly frightening how the mob mentality took over. On Twitter, Facebook and blogs everywhere, Palin-haters delighted in blaming this tragedy on the woman they despised. It brought out the worst in the political left. While people lay dying they pushed this story with hateful glee. They didn't seem to notice, as they complained about ‘rhetoric,’ that their own rhetoric had taken a turn for the crazy.”
And Paul Joseph Watson weighs in:
“Despite the fact that Jared Lee Loughner was a psychotic loner with ‘left-wing’ beliefs according to those who knew him, the establishment has hastily exploited (Saturday's) tragic shooting in Tucson to demonize conservatives, libertarians and gun owners while ordering Americans to ‘tone down the rhetoric,’ which is nothing more than a euphemism for stifling dissent and coercing people to roll over on Obamacare, bailouts and whatever big government is preparing to unleash next.
Make no bones about it – 'tone down the rhetoric' means stifling dissent, it can have no other possible meaning. Because a lunatic decided to kill others in a bid to give his worthless life some meaning, Americans are being ordered to shut their mouths about Obamacare, endless bailouts, and the fact that their political representatives in Washington (with some notable exceptions) have ceased to represent their interests."
In their rush to shamefully gain political points from a tragedy, the left has once again seriously damaged its credibility.
Let's move ASAP on photo ID
The following has been issued by the Wisconsin Prosperity Network and Wisconsin Prosperity Coalition:
ACTION ALERT!
The horrible man in Tucson who did an incredibly evil thing
By guest blogger Paula Sobczyk Haberman of New Berlin
By guest blogger Paula Sobczyk Haberman of New Berlin
Local hateful lefty blogger so wanted the Tucson murderer to be a Republican
That local hateful lefty blogger would be Chris Liebenthal, pictured below:
Photo: jsonline.com
But WTMJ's Charlie Sykes caught Liebenthal in a "botched smear."
When you are filled with deceit and hate like Liebenthal, facts mean absolutely nothing.
Read Sykes' blog. The comments are especially worthwhile.
UPDATE: More examples of the hateful left....
TO: Illinois Democrats FR: Scott Walker--Orchids and champagne
By golly, every once in awhile, a daily newspaper editorial board in
Legislative Democrats in
Wisconsin Governor Walker immediately threw out the welcome mat to Illinois business, an announcement that didn’t get past the editorial writers at the Chicago Tribune:
“Those Illinois Democrats have, for two do-little years, dodged a choice: Reduce spending, raise taxes, or enact some mix of the two. Cutting overhead would offend their friends in the public employee unions and other pet constituencies. Ask retired state workers to pay something for their health care? Cap employee pensions? Perish the thought.
So — get this — not only are they raising taxes to avoid budget cuts, they're including a provision to let their spending continue to rise — year after year.
Find us an employer, or a potential employer, who doesn't awaken Wednesday thinking, ‘They spent and borrowed Illinois into penury, they refused to cut spending as I have, and now my workers and I are supposed to pay for all that?’"
Good stuff.
Go ahead WI liberals, make my day
Consider the current political atmosphere and climate in
We have a conservative Republican governor.
The state Senate is controlled, and how, by Republicans.
The state Assembly is controlled, and how, by Republicans.
Jim Doyle, the man who vetoed photo ID legislation three times? GONE!
Jim Doyle, who vetoed legislation to give free photo IDs to those who could not afford? GONE!
The vast majority of
Republicans are poised (and not soon enough for me and many, many others) to approve photo ID legislation. Governor Walker will sign it.
Even though many, many Wisconsinites that consider themselves Democrats support photo ID, the problem is that Democrats in control of state matters the past several years have always stood in the way against the wishes of the majority of the citizenry.
Now that there is nothing stopping photo ID, what does one liberal group suggest as their trump card to fight this common sense approach and in the process support voter fraud because one party reaps the benefits? Court action. We’ll sue.
My reaction? Fine. Bring it on because you’ll get your hat handed to you.
Local woman tells Wash. Post: "Liberal media has no shame, no common decency or moral compass"
Harold Meyerson writes an op-ed piece in the Washington Post ripping the rhetoric of the right, using quotes made by radio /TV talk show host Glenn Beck and RedState blog editor Erick Erickson. Then Meyerson generalizes:
“The primary problem with the political discourse of the right in today's
Much of the culture and thinking of the American right - the mainstream as well as the fringe - has descended into paranoid suppositions about the government, the Democrats and the president. This is not to say that the left wing doesn't have a paranoid fringe, too. But by every available measure, it's the right where conspiracy theories have exploded.
Goodnight everyone and have a superhero weekend!
It's Friday night. Time to unwind with our regular Friday night feature on This Just In.
The weekend has finally arrived.
The sun has set.
The evening sky has erupted.
Let's put controversy and provocative blogs aside for the rest of this work week and smooth our way into Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight, radio meets superhero meets TV meets classical music meets the big screen.
We’ve never done this before on our Friday night music feature….open with a movie trailer.
This weekend, in theaters across
The Barking Lot (01/15/11)
The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of this just in…Written by my lovely wife, Jennifer and me. It opens with the weekend dog walking forecast followed by the main blog from dog lover, Jennifer. Then it’s DOGS IN THE NEWS and our close. Enjoy!
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: You'll wake up to some fresh snow. Mostly cloudy skies. High of 23. "F"
SUNDAY: Cloudy. High of 18. "F"
Here’s my lovely wife, Jennifer with this week’s main blog:
I have written several Barking Lot blogs about ways to indulge your pet, including custom clothing and “spa” experiences. To a large extent I don’t have a problem with pampering your pooch. I feel that if you have the disposable income, even in this rotten economy, you should spend it on things that you enjoy. I have mentioned many times that our pets got presents on their birthdays and at Christmas. Clearly I am a proponent of spoiling our four-legged friends. (Let it be known, however, their sweaters were “off the rack” and their treats were of the Milk Bone brand.)
Week-ends (01/15/11)
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week. Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Daniel Hernandez
Joe Zamudio and Bill Badger
MORE about the Arizona heroes
Dory Stoddard
Augustin Zamora and Scooby
Reynaldo Dagsa
Ryan Lamantia
1 out of 5 people reading this blog
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Jared Loughner
Clarence Dupnik
Linda Lopez
James Clyburn
Luis Munuzuri-Harris
Dylan Sorvino
Illinois pols
Pierre-Alain Nemitz
Celine Hervieux-Payette
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.”
Sarah Palin
“I challenge Chris Matthews, I'll put $100,000 on the table, to find any example where Sarah Palin has promoted the murder of anybody.”
Mark Levin
"It's a real tragedy, but it's also a real opportunity.”
Mark McKinnon, co-founder of No Labels, a nonpartisan group founded last month.
“When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And unfortunately,
“And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let’s remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, (it did not), but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud.”
President Obama
"Years ago
Governor Scott Walker after
The
Jared Loughner and the subsequent attempt by liberals to exploit the
Was Jared Loughner inspired by the entertainment industry?
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Conservative speech kills.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
The Linty Last Supper
Re-living “A Christmas Story”
Life without left turns?
My Most Popular Blogs (01/16/11)
As I post every Sunday, here are the five most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
1) The horrible man in
2) Photos of the Week (01/09/11)
4) Culinary no-no #201
5) Go ahead WI liberals, make my day
Photos of the Week (01/16/11)
Nine-month-old Arabella Sebero attends her first Packer fans rally at the Hudson Grille in Atlanta, which brought in 300 pounds of Johnsonville brats and a few cases of Sorrento cheese. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Benny Sieu.
A long-time fan attends the Packer fans rally before Saturday night's Packers-Falcons playoff game. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Benny Sieu.
Young Packer fans get in the spirit of things at the fan rally. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Benny Sieu.
Jordy Nelson stretches for the pylon and the Packers' first touchdown against Atlanta Saturday night. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Tom Lynn
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John Kuhn works his way into the end zone against Atlanta's Curtis Lofton. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Mark Hoffman
Tramon Williams reels in his first interception on a pass intended for Atlanta's Michael Jenkins in the end zone. Williams had two interceptions in the first half, including one for a touchdown. Milwaukee Journal sentinel photo: Benny Sieu
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Daryn Colledge and T.J.Lang celebrate after the 48-21 win with a "bump." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Benny Sieu
Tight end Tom Crabtree gets past Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel to score a touchdown and give the Packers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter of their playoff game last weekend. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Mark Hoffman
Wide receiver James Jones spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown, giving the Packers a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Tom Lynn
Recommended Reading (01/16/11)
Here are, in my view, interesting, noteworthy columns and articles from the past week that I highly recommend (You will note that on occasion, I do not endorse the opinions of the author and may point that out. Despite my disagreements, I still feel the piece is worth a read).
Liberals seek a ban on metaphors in wake of
“Every time liberals produce an example of military lingo from a Republican – ‘we're going to target this district’ -- Republicans produce five more from the Democrats.
President ‘whose asses to kick’ Obama predicted ‘hand-to-hand combat’ with his political opponents and has made such remarks as ‘if they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun’ -- making Obama the first American president to advocate gun fights since Andrew Jackson.
These are figures of speech known as ‘metaphors.’ (Do liberals know where we got the word ‘campaign’?)
By blaming a mass killing on figures of speech, liberals sound as crazy as Loughner with his complaints about people's grammar. Maybe in lieu of dropping all metaphors, liberals should demand we ban metonyms so that tragedies like this will never happen again.”
The progressive “climate of hate:” An illustrated primer, 2000-2010
“The
The hateful left
"‘The Left’s sudden talk about incendiary political rhetoric in the wake of the
Jared Loughner was a Tea Partier (and I'm am Atheist River Dancer Who Hates Hunting)
"I bet you Lefties in D.C. and in the Blame Stream Media really sucked at playing connect the dots in first grade, didn’t you?"
The 11 most ludricous free passes given to the Obamas
“What burns conservatives most of all is the refusal of the journalistic community to do its job where Obama is involved. Historically, the American press tends to be hard on a sitting president and the American people expect it. This keeps everybody honest. Never have we witnessed the media so willing to forgo its purpose for the advancement of one man”
Let’s break out the chainsaws
“I want to give Speaker John Boehner the benefit of the doubt. Really, I do. But it's hard when he fumbles the gimmes like he did in an interview with Brian Williams of NBC News.
Dude. You're on national television and you can't name one useless government program? Tell me again why we elected you Speaker?
I'm no career politician but I can come up with 5 things to cut without breaking a sweat.”
Eek! A male!
“Last week, the lieutenant governor of
Why?
Mr. Murray said she told him she thought he might be a kidnapper.”
The liberal MJS just got more liberal
In today’s Crossroads section of the daily liberal paper, Ricardo Pimentel insists he was not fired as the Journal Sentinel’s editorial page editor. Pimentel probably felt the need to clarify because the buzz is that he was told to relinquish that duty.
A snow job on MLK Day? I don't think so
Kids in
However, the school district has decided to use Monday as a snow make-up day. No day off. Classes will be held.
Needless to say, the local chapter of the NAACP is upset with the decision. Its president is urging parents to keep their children home from school where they would, what, watch TV and play video games all day?
The mayor of
Martin Luther King wrote and said the following in 1947:
“Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.
Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively and to think for one's self is very difficult. We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of half truths, prejudices, and propaganda. At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.
The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society.”
To be educated, one must actually be in school, and on Monday, students have the opportunity to discuss and learn about King and his legacy. Many distractions from a day off prevent that from occurring.
February is Black History Month, providing ample time to reflect about King.
Culinary no-no #202
Every week, I have the pleasure of appearing on InterCHANGE on Milwaukee Public Television. Here's a shot of the entire cast.
You'll recognize the gent in the middle with the brown coat.
He's not only the host of our program, he's the executive producer.
“Oh my God, Ethel! Come quick, I’m telling you! That no good Fischer is at it again!”
”Good grief, Herman, please calm down.”
"I can’t calm down. I’m reading This Just In!”
“You know what the doctor told you, that you shouldn’t read those blogs so much. The stress, Herman…”
“You don’t understand, Ethel! He’s so vitri, in vitro….”
“Vitriolic?”
“Yeh, yeh, what you said. For instance there, last week on his food deal, he goes after that nice Italian restaurant guy…”
“Joe Bartolotta?"
Yeh, yeh, Joe Bartolotta. Now you know what he’s gonna do this week? That crumb bum is actually gonna rip on his own friend on that TV show that gets me all hyped up, you know, what do you call him, Davy Jones.”
"You mean Dan Jones."
"Whatever! Will you get over here and read!”
My friend, Dan Jones isn’t much for steak, though he does partake from time to time.
Looks good, doesn’t it?
Not good enough for Dan.
Too pink.
Try again.
Much better, right?
Wrong.
Dan, and I'm sure he doesn't mind me relating this, prefers his beef well-done, the kind restaurants claim they're not responsible for. He fully understands restaurants are sheepish about serving over-charred meat. But he likes his occasional steak well-done and nicely and respectfully informs the wait staff that he does want to see any pink whatsoever.
Despite his courteous instructions, Dan says sure as cattle are kings in
That brings us to the no-no.
We’ve all seen it or done it: a meal that doesn’t quite measure up is sent back to the kitchen. Seems the right move to make. Or is it?
Food writer for the LA Times, Jonathan Gold was asked when it’s appropriate to request an inferior plate be replaced. Gold’s response?
“I tend not to send food back to the kitchen -- it's an occupational hazard.”
Gold adds:
“Sending food back rarely has a happy outcome.”
After reading Gold’s explanations, I tend to agree.
As for my good friend from Channel 10, please, please develop a taste for medium steaks.
”There, you see, Herman. Kevin wasn't criticizing Dan Jones. You misjudged him again.”
"Just stifle, will ya!"
CULINARY NO-NO BONUS
It's so reassuring to know our customs officials are working hard to keep this dangerous contraband from entering our country.
ONE MORE CULINARY NO-NO BONUS
Yes, yes, I do believe most people know cinnamon rolls are fattening.
Should there be a warning label for stupid?
NPR: Shootings didn't happen when Cronkite read the news
Over the weekend, NPR’s Scott Simon made the incredibly strange claim that violent shootings in
Apparently Simon forgot about JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcolm X, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan.
Newsbusters has the complete story.
More lunacy from the left.....
E-mails, I get e-mails: My dog
From one of the thousands and thousands of faithful readers:
It just hit me,
My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.
She has her food prepared for her.
She can eat whenever she wants, 24/7/365.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the doctor once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than she needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives these accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like a queen, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living everyday.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head,
My dog is a Democrat!!!!
Lee Holloway is coming to Franklin! Whoopee
So, acting Milwaukee County Executive and slum landlord extraordinaire Lee Holloway is coming to
BIG YAWNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Franklin Common Council President Steve Taylor gleefully announced he invited Holloway to speak at Tuesday’s Franklin Common Council meeting.
And we’re supposed to be thrilled?
We’re supposed to be excited?
We’re supposed to be impressed?
We’re supposed to be grateful?
How does this invitation help the citizenry of Franklin? I'm not sure Holloway cares all that much, if at all about our suburb.
Here are some reminders about Holloway:
Holloway’s guard arrested in tenant spat
Lee Holloway: Thug
Lee Holloway has a temper
And this is the guy we roll out the city’s red carpet to?
Seems only fair that all the other
Yet another great judgment call by our Common Council President, full time mayor-wanna be Steve Taylor.
UPDATE: Ummm, neighbors of mine......
In mid-November of 2010 I posted this blog.
It is now two months later.
You guessed it.
There are still a few homes in my neighborhood with bagged up Yellow Pages on the front lawn, now submerged in snow.
Come the April thaw, they'll still be there.
I repeat: How lazy can you be?
The latest from Rehorst
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Join Pro-Life Wisconsin for 
As we continue to offer pro-life, healthy, family-oriented alternatives to abortion, we will once again be running pro-life billboards in the city of Milwaukee. The billboards (left) connect women to a 24-hour crisis pregnancy counseling hotline.
After the rally, Rep. Duffy held a pro-life reception for people from Wisconsin at his office. Hundreds of people turned out to visit Duffy’s office.
