Badger Blog Alliance

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Thursday, May 31, 2007

The USRSF

This one, too:

The Pentagon announced TODAY the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called: The United States Redneck Special Forces (USRSF).

These Carolina boys will be dropped off into Iraq and have been given only the following facts about terrorists:

1. The season opened today.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste just like chicken.
4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus.
5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhart.

The Pentagon expects the problem in Iraq to be over by Friday.

Firearms Refresher Course

Got this in my email today:

A FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE

1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.

3 Colt: The original point and click interface.

4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.

5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?

6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.

7. "Free" men do not ask permission to bear arms.

8. If you don't know your rights you don't have any.

9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.

10. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights reserved.

11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?

12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.

13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.

15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.

17. 911 - government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.

18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.

19. Criminals love gun control -- it makes their jobs safer.

20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.

21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.

22. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.

23. Enforce the "gun control laws" we ALREADY have, don't make more.

24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.

25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun
control.

26. "A government of the people, by the people, for the people..."

McGee staffer paid for votes

I talked about this when it was going on, but I thought no one else was paying attention, apparently, Milwaukee's law enforcement agencies were also watching, and they just charged McGee's uncle, who was working for him, with conspiracy to commit election bribery.

I have comments and links to my past posts on the issue, posted at BadgerBlogger.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Samir Patel has been bounced from the spelling bee!

What will happen to ABC's ratings?!?

Trial Lawyers win another one.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Adult children whose parents die can collect damages for pain and suffering in wrongful death lawsuits, a state appeals court ruled Thursday.

Madison-based American Family Insurance had argued that only minor children could recover damages for loss of society and companionship after the death of a parent.

The appeals court rejected the argument in its first interpretation of a state law that limits damages for pain and suffering to $350,000 for a deceased adult. Only spouses, children or parents can collect.



There you have it folks, another tool for the trial lawyers. When will this ever end?!?

Invoking the C-Word

Settle down. I'm talking about CAPITALISM. But to the left, capitalism is worse than any profanity I could conjure up. Capitalism has always been the disdain of the left. It’s anti-thesis, Marxism and Socialism, while a complete failure anywhere it has been tried, has a new “ism” in which to hang it’s hat; Environmentalism. I can hear the rant telling me, “There he goes again, calling people socialists. There are polar bears drowning for Christ’s sake. Those animals and trees were here first.” But bear with me; pun intended.

Nothing can be more important to the leftists than the destruction of individual liberty and the pursuit of happiness as we know it. In the past they said individual liberty and pursuit of happiness would lead to exploitation, monopoly, and depression. Today, it leads to destruction of the ozone layer, acid rain, and global warming. Both want someone to suffer and die; the one, the capitalists and the rich, for the alleged sake of the wage earners and the poor; the other, a major portion of all mankind, for the alleged sake of the lower animals and inanimate nature. And how do they do that? Ah, centralized government control over economic activity. Like say, Kyoto? Curbing global warming? What a scheme! Where else can you mask global wealth distribution under the guise of saving the planet from greenhouse gases, saving the polar bears, and anything else that is furry and cuddly? Science be damned, they say. How dare we question their facts and motives. Heck, half of them don’t even know what the consequences would really be, or what their movement is even doing.

You better heed this warning. So much shit has been thrown at the wall, some of it is bound to stick. So much so that some claim it is already “settled”. Either we become socialistic; the government is the only entity that can compel by force of property seizure, capital confiscation, and corrective labor camps, or we expose the fallacy of man made global warming and the economic devastation it would have to the world.

Start by reading:

Environmentalism in the Light of Menger and Mises

and

Science Is Not a Democracy, and Science Is Never "Settled"!

and

Polar Ice Caps Melting?

By not acting you are telling the government that it is ok to tell you what you can and can’t do on your own property, what kind of vehicles and transportation you can use, what kind of products you can buy, what you can eat, drink, and even who you can associate with. As for me, I’ll continue to do whatever I can to make people aware of the lefts motives and methods, and prepare for the coming revolution.

Chris-OnTheBorderLine

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Shark and Shepherd: What did McGee, Jr., mean?

Shark and Shepherd: What did McGee, Jr., mean?

Thanks to Rick for shedding a little light on the taped recordings presented in court today against Michael McGee Jr.

McGee's attorney was really attempting to work it today in court.

Unfortunately for McGee Jr. and his attorney, McGee and friends were being taped as they making threats.

McGee's attorney was desperately attempting to explain that the street slang McGee used was not really threatening to kill someone, just mess him up a little.

However, Rick sheds a little light on the subject for us.

How Was Your Evening?

Hopefully well. I spent mine in the bosom of Conservatism at the Heritage Foundation watching the fascinating
documentary "Mine Your Own Business" by Irish Journalist
Phelim McAleer.

In it, Phelim points out how development in nations like Chile, Romania, and Madagascar has been slowed, or even stopped to a halt all in the name of "Environmentalism," and "Original Habitation."

That the intent of the natives is ignored, leaving them far below the poverty line, and a bunch of Liberals who've often never stepped foot in the place get to feel good about themselves.

I'd advise you all to check it out if you can.
Also, one word couldn't help but keep popping in my head as I watched it: Crandon. Admittedly, it's a completely different situation up there, but subject brought it to mind.

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Time to clean up the BBA side bar

As a self described link whore, I am taking it upon myself to clean up the links on the BBA sidebar(I have 4 hours a week to kill while the Tsar is at gymnastics practice)

So I am going to go through every link on the sidebar one by one and try to update them move them if needed and remove the dead ends.

If you want to get your blog added to the BBA side bar please do the following

Email me at Gbfan001@gmail.com

A. give me your complete and up to date URL

B. Blog name(some are different than the URL)

C. Which group you want to be listed in RED Blue or Purple.

That is pretty much it I am going to start this Saturday. For any new blogs out there this is a golden opportunity to get listed, I am going to try and get the sidebar back to what it once was the place to find a link. I for one always use the BBA Blue list when I want to take a rare tour through the Lefty blogs

So help us help you

Chris 2

McGee considered murder

Wow, Michael McGee seems to have considered murdering someone, they settled for just beating them. Now we know why police moved in when they did.

UPDATE: McGee discussed homicide, assault
Milwaukee Ald. Michael McGee and two other men discussed killing a man and settled on a "beat down," said District Attorney John Chisholm said in court today.

McGee's attorney, Glen Givens, said prosecutors are confused about street language and at worst the trio were guilty of planning a battery, which is a misdemeanor.

It was not revealed who the intended victim was, but it was over an alleged burglary.

At one point, the men talk about "peeling back his wig" and "sew his cap together," Chisholm said.

The judge allowed the case to move forward but refused to unseal the complaint, pending a preliminary hearing.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

State tax greed knows no bounds (or borders)

I'm going to make this real simple for some people out there that need things boiled down to their basics. If you want Wisconsin state government awash in big tax revenues from "big oil," then encourage your state government to become more business friendly. Then encourage them to start luring coporate headquarters to Wisconsin, including those of "big oil." Until then, spare me the stupid articles whining about how little tax revenue Wisconsin gets from oil companies. It's like complaining that Wisconsin doesn't get Warren Buffet's state income tax revenue.

I guess being a Liberal Prof means never having to say your sorry

Dan Wetzel, of Yahoo Sports has a great article on how the Duke Lacrosse team has never gotten an apology from the rabid profs at Duke who still consider them guilty even though the charges in the Duke Rape case were proven to be totally false.

A Team of their own

Chris

CP at the WSB

Remember the good people of Wisconsin voted for higher taxes

One thing we all need to remember when/not if the State GOP helps Governor Doyle and his lap dogs in the Senate add another level to the tax hell that is Wisconsin.

That the people of Wisconsin want to have their taxes raised they reelected Doyle and gave the State Senate to the party of Tax and Spend.

To be honest the good people of Wisconsin deserve to pay higher taxes on

Gas

Cigarettes

Car Rentals

Housing transfer fees

Etc
Etc
Etc

They made their tax bed now I hope they enjoy lying in it.

Chris 2

The Day just keeps getting better

Mini McGee is behind bars where he belongs and now this,

The surrender monkey known as Cindy Sheehan is quitting the moonbat movement(I think I just insulted monkeys)

I despise the woman but in her good by for now letter she did say something I totally agree with which makes me feel like I need a shower.

"Casey died for a country which cares more about who will be the next American Idol than how many people will be killed in the next few months while Democrats and Republicans play politics with human lives,"

It is sad but I do agree that more Americans care about a stupid show like American Idol than Iraq or the GWOT

Anyone going to miss crazy ass Cindy I know I will not

Chris 2

Great now we are rewarding terrorism

U.S., Iran end 27-year diplomatic freeze ,does anyone here believe this is a good idea?

How can we open relations with a regime we know is helping kill US Military personnel in Iraq?

How can we think we can trust a regime we know is helping to kill US Military personnel in Iraq?

Why are we dealing with one of the main forces behind Islamic terrorism all over the planet?

Why are we dealing with the country behind Hamas the enemy of one of our staunches allies Israel

There are all questions you need to be asking your self the next time the RNC comes a calling asking you for more money to support them so they can follow diplomatic paths like having diplomatic relations with a terrorist state like Iran.

Chris 2

Alderman Michael McGee arrested in Federal probe

I suspect that Milwaukee may be an interesting place to be after word of this gets around...

McGee arrested in federal case

Monday, May 28, 2007

Now who is going to do the McGee Radio show?

MJS is reporting that Michael(Mini)McGee was arrested today on possible public corruption(who would have imagined)

It will be interesting to see where this goes and how fast the people of his district start to claim he was "framed" or set up by the "Man" to shut the McGee Family down.

Let the silly season of Milwaukee Politics begin

Why do I imagine somewhere in Milwaukee Patrick is smiling :)

Chris2

Sunday, May 27, 2007

For the Geek Who Has Everything...

The present day cast (and some extras because they needed 9 to play) of "Doctor Who" plays a game of "The Weakest Link."

I'm not sure what surprises me more; the fact they tossed the one creature (K-9) that theoretically couldn't get an answer wrong off first; or "The Weakest Link" is still that damned popular over in Britain.

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Saturday, May 26, 2007

What better tribute
to a Cheesehead's fave meal than
Japanese poems?

Are you kidding me?

Bratwurst haiku.

The Screwphemism

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Dr. Kagen Disappoints the Loons

For a man who ranted and raved all throughout last year on the campaign trail about Iraq being a mess, declaring he'd never back Bush policy on the War, and most importantly stating he'd never vote for straight blank checks on the War in Iraq; the 'Good Doctor' did just that this evening.

Makes you wonder what that Fox Cities Peace Group he told the Rove-Bush story to now feels when they discover he voted to save his political backside from NRCC attack and not his principles.

What a guy!

Don't hold your breath for the press release on this one.

UPDATE: Further proof I did indeed get under Kagen's office's skin. In what appears to be both an effort to spite conservative commentators like myself, and to hold off liberal attacks before they come aplenty during the Memorial Day recess, both Kagen and Kind -- the two Democratic members in the Wisconsin Delegation to vote for the Iraq War funding -- issued press releases on their votes.

What makes Kagen's truly impressive is the thing comes off like he's a raving lunatic. What else explains the thing being completely in UPPER CASE!

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House Ag Bill Don't Got "MILC"

Admittedly, as a free-market conservative from Wisconsin's Dairyland, I've always been torn on the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program.

It's another one of those classic government fixes meant to fix a problem actually caused by another government program. In this case, the insane Milk Marketing Orders of 1937, a New Deal program meant to expand dairy production beyond the upper Midwest; which states the price per ton of a farmer's milk is set by one's distance from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As a result, Wisconsin dairy farmers are punished geographically by their own federal government.

This problem has since been solved in the real world by immense dairy expansion in the nation; and modern technology like the refrigerated rail car, airplane container, and semi trailer. Congress has yet to realize the country no longer needs them.

MILC is meant to act as a safety net when prices in the free market (Using Boston Class I [fluid milk] Prices as the benchmark.) drop below a certain level. If that happens, the federal government cuts checks to farmers in other states -- typically in the Midwest -- to help offset the loss.

Currently, no checks are being cut, since the June 2007 Price for Boston Class I is above "MILC mark" ($16.94 per 100 wgt) selling at $21.09 per 100 wgt.

Okay, is that enough background?

Which brings us to today, the regional dairy war against MILC in the House Ag committee, and the exclusion of MILC from the 2007 AG Bill.

WASHINGTON — Aid for struggling dairy farmers is not included in a sweeping farm bill unveiled by the House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday.

The omission sent dairy state lawmakers from Vermont, New York and Wisconsin scrambling to try to persuade the panel to authorize an extension of the Milk Income Loss Contract program, which provides subsidy checks to small family farmers when prices drop below a certain amount.

Wisconsin farmers received $486 million through the program from 2003 through part of 2006, according to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

That includes producers like John Van Deurzen of Hobart.

"I'd like the safety net in there, not that we need it right now," he said Wednesday afternoon.

Van Deurzen said his farm benefited from the program when milk prices were soft.

The program is scheduled to expire at the end of August — a month short of the end of the fiscal year.

Unless it can be extended through September, it has little chance of being included in the final five-year farm bill that comes to a vote this fall because it would no longer be considered an existing program.

Wisconsin does have representation on the House Ag Committee in the sole form of freshman Congressman Steve Kagen (D-Appleton), who was either caught completely with his pants down on this, or too busy being told how to vote by the likes of Pelosi, Hoyer, Murtha, and Emanuel.

Many thought Kagen's selection to Ag was more about his 2008 re-election chances than his knowledge of Agriculture policy or seniority in the House. Letting MILC not even be included in the new Ag Bill helps in proving that theory.

In reality, it is likely MILC [and Kagen's blunder] will be saved in the Senate, where the program's founders and biggest supporters - Vermont's Pat Leahy and Wisconsin's Herb Kohl - will ensure it is included in that chamber's version of the farm bill and the conference report to follow.

As for expanding the program, members of the Wisconsin delegation have been trying to get MILC expanded for months. Dave Obey even added it to the Iraq War Supplemental Bill that was vetoed by President Bush.

The President is on record supporting the program; the Iraq War bill was vetoed for other things, not MILC's inclusion.

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Did Kagen 'Laugh' All the Way to the Bank?

(Who said I wouldn't stop being a pain in the man's back-side?)

Admittedly, the Politico doesn't list who John Murtha (D-PA) laughed it up with last night...

The House denied Republicans a chance to officially reprimand Rep. John Murtha on Tuesday, days after the powerful Pennsylvania Democrat allegedly threatened to deny future defense projects to a Michigan Republican who challenged one of his earmarks.

The House voted to table a resolution offered by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), 219-189.

The vote ends a brief episode on Capitol Hill about whether Murtha’s alleged tirade violated House rules.

Rogers offered his resolution Monday, alleging that Murtha approached him on the House floor on Thursday to yell at him for trying to strip $23 million from legislation that the Pennsylvania Democrat requested to prevent the administration from shuttering an intelligence-gathering facility in his district.

During the vote, Murtha sat in a darkened corner of the House floor, laughing with colleagues who surrounded him. As the clock wound down, other Democrats congratulated the senior member of the Appropriations Committee who oversees a massive defense spending bill every year.

But reports from the Majority Accountability Project - a Conservative Watchdog Group on the new Dem Congress - show that most of the 23 freshmen who huffed and puffed about ethics earlier this month didn't just end up voting against reprimanding Murtha, they apparently are returning Murtha a $2000 contribution favor from 2006.

In fact, twenty-two of the twenty three freshmen who spent last week promoting tougher House ethics voted on Tuesday to kill the reprimand. One, North Carolina’s Heath Shuler, voted “present.” Shuler did not receive any funds from Murtha during his campaign.

In addition to the members already mentioned, the following freshmen who vowed tougher ethics rules, yet refused to rebuke Murtha, received the following contributions from the Pennsylvania Democrat. They are: Patrick Murphy, PA, $7,000; David Loebsack, IA, $4,500; Peter Welch, VT, $4,000; Yvette Clarke, NY, $4,000.

Additionally, Murtha contributed $2,000 each to Harry Mitchell, AZ; Jerry McNerney, CA; Ed Perlmutter, CO; Tim Mahoney, FL; Brad Ellsworth, IN; Baron Hill, IN; Tim Walz, MN; Paul Hodes, NH; Albio Sires, NJ; Kirsten Gillibrand, NY; Betty Sutton, OH; and Steven Kagen, WI.

Perhaps residents of the 8th CD can ask the Congressman about the ethical lapse while he's pumping their gas in this blatant political stunt this weekend.

They can also ask him if his "brother's" clinic price gouges as well, since they're pulling in a greater profit margin than those "Evil, Big Oil Companies" according from Kagen's own financial disclosure.

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Where's the Beer Loyalty?

A bar in Port Washington was fined $172 for serving Coors Light with a Miller Lite tapper. They should have fined him double for selling Coors Light period.

Troha

I agree with Brian Fraley-the Early Spin crew has a hit with their spoof song Troha.

Environmentalists as Nazis? You be the judge.

Nazism was a catastrophe. Environmentalism has the potential to be an even greater catastrophe—a far greater catastrophe than Nazism: one that will result in the deaths of billions rather than millions.

See The Arithmetic of Environmentalist Devastation
By George Reisman

Re: Janesville's DUI policy

The Janesville PD is claiming that the officer had no probable cause to make a DUI arrest:

Stacy passed three field sobriety tests of balance and coordination and then willingly submitted to the breath test, Davis said.

"Officer DeWitt reports that he saw no signs of physical impairment - no bloodshot eyes, no odor, no slurred speech," Davis said. "When he asked Mr. Stacy to get out of the car, there was no evidence of poor balance."

I'm no police officer, and I'm no lawyer, but that comes across as pretty damn weak. Believe me, when they pick up a driver for a .08, there is also no bloodshot eyes, no slurred speech, no balance problems, and probably no odor, but they can still get the conviction. Additionally, if the officer had no probable cause (*cough* the guy wandered out of his lane and was speeding), then why did the officer administer the field sobriety tests to begin with?

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Odd Civics Lesson

This is just pathetic. Why doesn't Dave Obey (D-WI) just call it the "Save the Vulnerable Freshmen Democrats" Rule?

Obey outlined an unusual procedure in which lawmakers in the House could cast two votes, one on the war-related provisions, and a second on all other items. That would allow liberal Democrats to oppose the war funds, confident that Republicans would supply the support needed for it to prevail. The opposite would be true for the domestic spending, which draws more support from Democrats than Republicans.

The bill would then go to the Senate, where senators would have to vote yes-or-no on the entire package.

I don't recall hearing this in my High School Civics Class on how a bill becomes a law. Then again, Kiel is not what I would call a "progressive" place.

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Re: Bringing it Home

James Lileks, one of my favorite conservative thinkers, actually read the text of the proposed immigration bill and found this:

I. (7) (3.14) There shall be a fence stretching 356 miles. The fence shall be three feet high. Paper mache crocodiles shall reside on the other side, arrayed in a threatening manner ($400,000 shall be appropriated to determine the optimum angle of the opened jaw; the final crocodile shall represent a consensus among herpetologists, and reflect a crocodile who is defending his position but showing his teeth to warn off, and not necessarily threaten violence.) Every nine miles, there shall be a sign that reproduces the FBI warning that precedes all DVDs and videotapes and warns of criminal liability for breaking the copyright law. (It has worked so well thus far the language might as well be used intact.) The fence shall be raised to four feet in the event the population of any state becomes 51% undocumented Xenonationals. The fence shall be raised to five feet in the event GOP presence in the Senate drops below 4 seats. The fence shall be raised to ten feet after a nuclear device is smuggled in from Mexico, providing the yield of the bomb is at least 4 (four) kilotons. A bomb with a yield between 3 and 3.99 kilotons will be a sufficient trigger to raise the fence only if the attendant radiation is carried by prevailing winds a distance greater than 20 miles.
The crocodiles are a nice touch. Maybe local school kids can make them.

More excerpts over at his place.

Bringing it Home

Two items on the immigration bill:

First, from Ed Morrissey, some numbers: two takes on the cost to taxpayers.

Second, from Stanley Kurtz, the oxymoronic power of the legislative pen:

The immigration bill as a whole is a monstrosity, but the supposed shift from family unification to a merit-based point system is the section of it I’ve been focusing on. ("Unassimilated extended clan creation" might be a better term than "family unification." The current system goes way beyond immediate family, and is particularly dangerous when applied to cultures–like Muslim culture–that build themselves around extended clans.) The fundamental absurdity of this "reform" is that the bill actually provides for eight years of increased family unification before the point system fully kicks in. That’s a killer right there as far as I’m concerned. This bill actually aggravates the problem it’s supposed to be curing.

Janesville's Drinking and Driving Policy

Is probably about to change, thanks to a fairly horrendous story.

Cops stopped 29-year-old Jason Stacy Monday morning at about 1am for speeding and wandering out of his lane. He tested with a .12 blood-alcohol level, well above the .08 state limit.

A trip to the pokey to sleep it off? Nah. He was ticketed and allowed to get a ride with a friend. Three hours later he was dead, having crashed his car into a tree with no seatbelt on.

The incident is under investigation by the Rock County Sherriff's department.

Monday, May 21, 2007

A quick note thanks for everyone who came out.

I wanted to thank everyone who came out to the Spring BBA shooting event. I enjoyed getting to share one of the things I love to do "shooting"

I also like seeing people like Sean who have never shot before get that look as the needle is pushed into their arm lol

Education is the key when it comes to fighting the people who take away your 2nd amendment rights. Every new person we introduce to the sport of shooting guns is another ally in the fight against the Sarah Brady's and Handgun Control Inc's of the world.

I want to give a special shout out to Jeff a BBA reader who made the trip up and joined the party welcome into our merry little band here.

Hopefully we will be doing another one of these in the fall.

Thanks again for coming out and those of you who didn't make missed a good time.

Chris

Does Jimmy Carter remember his own presidency?

Just a quick thought I am old enough to have lived through the age of Malaise.(1976-1980) How can Jimmy Carter say anyone else is the worst president in US history? Carter will own that title for the rest of time.

While I am not very happy with a number of things that President Bush has done I can look around and easily see that in no way is this country as bad off now as it was during the Peanut Farmer's reign of terror.

To quote the Simpson's "Jimmy Carter he is histories greatest monster" ;)

Malaise for everyone

Chris

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Re: Jessica McBride has information on Kenosha Deputy killer

Patrick,

Can not say I am shocked. I heard reports the guy had multiple identities and social security numbers – sure signs. A friend of mine tells me some of his wife's colleagues will disappear for a spell from time to time and then reappear with new papers. Employer accepts new papers with no problems.

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Jessica McBride has information on Kenosha Deputy killer

You know she couldn't be kept down for long, Jessica McBride has reopened her old Blog, ad least for now.

Jessica has some very interesting information about he illegal alien that murdered the Kenosha Deputy.

McBride's Media Matters: Kenosha's accused cop killer is an illegal immigrant on state supervision recently given HUBER jail

BBA Spring Shooting Event

I'd like to thank Chris for generosity of his time, ammunition and fire arms today at the BBA Spring Shooting event. Turnout was pretty good as of noon when I left, and everyone was having a great time. Hopefully the last two hours were as fun for everyone as the first two.

WTMJ Boots McBride

Jessica McBride got the boot for her fake interview with Eugene Kane that threw in Jasmine Owens' death for added effect. I didn't hear the audio (anyone have a copy?) but from the descriptions it sounds very cringe-worthy, like when I heard Belling use the w-word a few years ago.

I get the point McBride was trying to make. I also understand her approach was like when Sykes plays his chirping crickets. But a squawking chicken is obnoxious compared with the quiet emphasis of crickets.

The bit didn't get McBride fired so much as speed up the end of her show. Dennis Miller was coming anyway. This incident just made WTMJ flip the switch faster.

RE: Favre Demands Trade

The Onion can bring Reggie White back from the grave?

In the words of the Guinness dudes: BRILLIANT!

Friday, May 18, 2007

Sterling Hall: Madison & UW's Dirty Little Secret

Kudos to Brian Fraley, for pointing out that today nearly 37 year after Robert Fassnacht was killed by four cowards [one still at large] in a truck bomb UW-Madison finally is putting up a plaque to remember him.

The school and city's actions for nearly the past four decades towards that event have been despicable. There has been no annual moment of silence. There is no laying of flowers by the academic building.

Nothing but cold, dead silence from a place known for telling its students to speak out.

However, that's possibly not the school's worst crime towards the memory of Fassnacht is that the school as a whole acts like a man wasn't killed on its premise.

There's nothing about the bombing on the UW-Madison website. Nothing on the Sterling Hall page.

The closest thing is a 2005 post from the Law School's blog discussing the 35th Anniversary.

The events at Sterling Hall don't even get mentioned to incoming freshmen.

I once asked a friend of mine who went to UW (He later flunked out when he decided to Major in "World of Warcraft.") if he's ever been told of what happened there. He looked at me confused, and said, "No, what?"

It was odd being a UW-Eau Claire grad who had to tell a current UW-Madison student his school's own Physics Building was once blown up.

One doesn't even learn about it in the required Wisconsin History course in the state's public education system. Heck, I myself might never even have known about it if it wasn't for a college term paper I wrote my sophomore year in a Comparative Political Systems course. My paper's subject: "Student Protests of the 60s and 70s: U.S. vs. France."

It's like to our entire education establishment, August 24, 1970, the date of the state's largest example of domestic terrorism, never happened.

I've long wondered since discussing the Sterling Hall bombing at college (probably around 2001 or 2002) with former Badger Herald columnist and editor Benjamin Thompson if the reason why Madison doesn't even attempt to remember the Sterling Hall bombing, is because deep down, they're ashamed they're proud it happened.

God, I hope I'm wrong. But then again, Madison did elect Paul Soglin Mayor after all, and he led many a war protest in his youth.

Madison 1970 was a distinctly different place then it is today. The Student Radical Movement began there; hell it thrived there. To those in the Isthmus at the time, the War, the Man, and the Military -- particularly in the form of "Army Math" -- had to be stopped, at any cost.

Of the three brought to justice, they served very little time, and are something of folk heroes to 60s radicals. The leader of the bombing, Karl Armstrong, now runs a juice cart in Madison and once ran a successful deli called "Radical Rye" when he was released from Waupun.

Perhaps this plaque could be the start of both the city and University at Madison finally coming to grips with what part it played back in those days. But my guess is that's unlikely, since what could have been a teaching moment for the 40,000+ on campus took place on the day before Summer Commencement, when nobody but the cleaning staff is in the academic buildings.

After all, it's easier to forget it ever happened. But at least with this plaque, some student may stop, and want to find out what did happen at 3:40 AM one early summer morning in 1970.

But if you read three columns today...

...click over to my place. I'm lonely.

If you read two columns today...

...read Victor Davis Hanson:

Many in the medieval church were criticized by internal reformers and the public at large for their controversial granting of penance, especially to the wealthy and influential...sometimes the well-heeled sinners were told to pay money to the church, or to do good works that could then be banked to offset their bad.

...Maybe it was inevitable that the old practice of paid absolution would appeal to elite baby boomers...

...Take the idea of "carbon offsets" made popular by Al Gore. If well-meaning environmentalist activists and celebrities either cannot or will not give up their private jets or huge energy-hungry houses, they can still find a way to excuse their illiberal consumption.

If you read only one column today...

Read Peggy Noonan. She was on today:

While the other candidates bang away earnestly in a frozen format, (Fred) Thompson continues to sneak up from the creek and steal their underwear--boxers, briefs and temple garments.

He is running a great campaign...It has been going on for months and is aimed at the major pleasure zones of the Republican brain.

...These comments and opinions are being read and forwarded in Internet Nation. They are revealing and interesting, but they're not heavy, not homework. They have an air of "This is the sound of a candidate thinking." That's an unusual sound.

Most illustrative was what started this week as a small trading of barbs with provocateur Michael Moore, whose general and iconic dishabille is meant to show identification with the workingman, though in America workingmen bathe.

Favre Demands Trade

Relax, it's from the Onion.

GREEN BAY—Three-time MVP and undisputed future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, disappointed with the Packers' refusal to aggressively pursue receiver Randy Moss and frustrated with his team's apparent indifference to making immediate improvements on offense, is demanding a trade to the team he feels will give him the best shot at winning a last Super Bowl ring before his retirement: the 1996 Green Bay Packers.
Does that mean we'd get the 1996 version in return?

ONE MORE THING - does anybody else really believe that the Packers had a shot at Randy Moss when the New England Patriots were interested? The Pats were a game away from the Super Bowl last year, and will be contenders again this year. Tell me if I'm giving Moss too much credit, but isn't it possible he was playing them by feigning interest in the Pack?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I am just trying to get a rough idea of who is coming

If you intend to come to the shooting event on Saturday May 19th at McMiller Sports Center please leave me a comment I am just trying to see how many people are coming.

Thank You and see you Saturday.

Chris

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Since You Might Be Wondering...

Yes, gas is cheaper here in the DC Metro area. (It's only now passed $3.00 a gallon at most stations this week.)

Yes, the gas tax is lower than Wisconsin's, but I'm not celebrating.

'Why?' You might ask.


Two reasons:


1.) There is no sales tax exemption in Virginia for groceries. In fact, they're taxed at a separate 2.5% rate that's different from the regular 5% state sales tax in the Commonwealth.


2.) Certain "counties" and "cities" (
info for Fairfax, VA is here) - and let's just say it's the tourist trap counties and cities - have something called a "Meals Tax."

What is a "Meals Tax," you ask?

Basically, any prepared, restaurant, or prepackaged meal is taxed at a separate rate determined by the municipality. The real kicker; it's in addition to the regular sales tax that goes with the restaurant, supermarket, gas station buying experience.


Meaning in short: If you go to McDonald's, a steak place, buy an already prepared sandwich at a grocery store or 7-Eleven, and so on; what you eat is taxed twice.

So there. Virginia is indeed for lovers...tax lovers.

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A Vocabulary Lesson


Fred Risser must have been very much asleep the day his teacher told them what the word increase means.

v.intr.

1. To become greater or larger.
2. To multiply; reproduce.

v.tr.

To make greater or larger.
n. (ĭn'krēs')

1. The act of increasing: a steady increase in temperature.
2. The amount or rate by which something is increased: a tax increase of 15 percent.
3. Obsolete. Reproduction and spread; propagation.

Source: Answers.com – Dictionary Definition of INCREASE


Risser defended the $8-a-barrel increase, noting it would do little but index the beer tax for inflation since its last increase 38 years ago.

Source: JSOnline &150; Legislators want to raise beer tax (But they know idea won't be popular)By STEVEN WALTERS




I love the part about how the money raised will go into a segregated fund to help fund alcohol treatment and alcohol related law enforcement. Sure, it will just like the funds from the tobacco lawsuit (which was also another bad idea). Heaven forbid Wisconsin have the lowest taxes in the nation in one area, why we must be #1!

What really shocks me is we have yet to hear how this is for the children!

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Monday, May 14, 2007

If we never knew about it before....

Some times you feel like a nut.

Some times you don't!

Are there any bloggers in Elderon, Wis?

Your First Reminder that we are shooting this weekend

The BBA Spring shooting event will be this Saturday May 19th from 10am to 2:30pmish

As I stated in an earlier post this is a good chance to come out and shoot a gun for the first time if you have never had the chance. There will be a number of different guns there for you to try out. Check out this post for a list of guns I know will be there since I am bringing them.

Do not use Map quest for your directions it will send you to the wrong spot.

There are a couple of ways to get there the easiest way is to pretend you are going to Old World Wisconsin then instead of turning into OWW you keep going south on 67 it will curve around and join with LO and just stay on 67 you will pass hwy S you will take the next right which is Little Prairie Road you will go up a small hill and then down and the long drive way to McMillers is on the right just follow that drive way it will take you right into the range the range office is on the left side of the parking lot it is the building all by itself.

cost is $14.00 for a whole day pass,

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at gbfan001@gmail.com if you need help with directions

who can come anyone who wants to come and learn how to shoot safely or if you are a shooter and want to come teach and try out other peoples toys ;)

See You Saturday
Chris

Sunday, May 13, 2007

A Bleg

The Empress and I are looking into joining an investment partnership with some members of her family. This will open us up to currency risk as the currency of the investment and of return would be in a currency other than dollars.

I am looking to hedge the currency risk by purchasing some puts in the currency the transaction is going to be in. Do any of you know of any good way to purchase foreign currency options? A website ala E-Trade or Chucky Schwab or similar) or local brokerage firm?

Thanks
MA

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Saturday, May 12, 2007

National Police Week

May 15th is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and May 13-18 is National Police Week. This is a time set aside by President Kennedy to honor our nations fallen law enforcement officers.

A retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant has a blog post giving more details, please stop in and read it.

This week, if you have the opportunity, thank an officer, they put their lives on the line for us every day. I thank God that there are people willing to do that for us. They are often unappreciated by most of the people they deal with, but the rest of us pray for them and their families each day.

Thank You!

Stick a fork in 'im

Football reference trips up GOP hopeful

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. - Note to Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record): In Packerland, it's not cool to diss Brett Favre.

The GOP presidential hopeful drew boos and groans Friday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention when he used a football analogy to talk about the need to focus on families.

"This is fundamental blocking and tackling," he said. "This is your line in football. If you don't have a line, how many passes can Peyton Manning complete? Greatest quarterback, maybe, in NFL history."

...Realizing what he had said, the Kansas Republican slumped at the podium and put his head in his hands.

"That's really bad," he said. "That will go down in history. I apologize."

..."I'm not sure how I recover from this," Brownback said. "My point is we've got to rebuild the family. I'll get off this."
Does Wisconsin really have a Packers litmus test for political candidates? I kinda doubt it. What if, following the smattering of boos, Brownback had said: "oh, you think you've got somebody better?" Turned it into a friendly rivalry thing, instead of the lame apology?

Freak Cow Born in NE Wisconsin

Seeing is believing...

As you can make out, the calf -- a young heifer -- was born with a small second nose. Here's hoping this trait is not passed on to her offspring.

Dateline is Merrill. That little town's been in the news quite a bit this week. It's there where the gas station forced to raise its prices is also located.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

GPL Podcast #46

Sean Hackbarth and I talked to Mike Gousha about the blog summit.

It's a little late, but you'll want to hear it!

Rep. Berceau and Sen. Risser Propose First Beer Tax Increase since Lance and Mr. Pterodactyl Were Born

Okay, so that wasn't really the headline:

Rep. Berceau and Sen. Risser Propose First Beer Tax Increase since Man Walks on Moon
Ha! That's a good one! Who says liberals don't have a sense of humor?

Oh, right, that was me.

They claim:

Legislation would minimally increase the beer tax, and use it to fund alcohol abuse prevention, treatment and alcohol enforcement
Suuuuuuure it will.

They're having a press conference on Monday...

...at which they will introduce legislation that would raise the Wisconsin beer tax for the first time in 37 years (the second time in 74 years) by a minimal 2.4¢ per 12 oz. bottle (for a total state tax of 3¢ per bottle). The approximate $40 million in new revenue would be allocated to segregated accounts for funding alcohol abuse prevention, treatment and alcohol enforcement throughout Wisconsin.
If they really believe that, they haven't read any of Governor Doyle's budgets.

They've even got a nifty fact sheet with lots of good stuff, including info on misuse of alcohol, which, I surmise, this tax is supposed to help prevent, even though it's so very very small. According to the release.

But I heard a new study put Wisconsin at only 6th in the nation in beer consumption (Berceau's fact sheet says we're 4th). Given that, is this really the message we want to send?

UPDATE - the Assembly Minority Leader, Rep. Jim Krueser (D-Kenosha) comes out against the beer tax!

Kreuser pointed to Wisconsin’s improving economy and increasing revenues as evidence that a beer tax increase is not needed to support an expansion in substance abuse treatment.
Quick, substitute the words "oil," "property," "corporate income," "hospital," and "home sales" for "beer" in that sentence!

I Wonder

WIBA AM reports a Madison school shutdown today. A student thought she saw a guy nearby with a gun and they went into shutdown mode.

Turns out they found the guy and he did not have a gun but a pack of smokes & a lighter. They searched the area for a gun dude may have ditched and did not find any guns.

I wonder if they confiscated his smokes?

Thursday, May 10, 2007

A coming new feature to the BBA

A couple of months, I exchanged emails with all of the posting members of the BBA about a number of things. During that exchange, I promised to do some work on updating the blog and also to begin doing Wisconsin blogger round ups three times a week. Unfortunately, for the last month I have been on the road as much as I've been home. In the coming weeks I will be able to begin work on both, though. But I need your help. The blogroll is in need of an update, and I'll be doing the round ups from the blogroll. If you are a right, left, or center Wisconsin blogger and are not on our blogroll, please yell at me in the comments to this post. I only have two requirements. You have to update your blog regularly, and your blog must be older than two months old.

I appreciate the help. If you don't make a note of your blog in the comments, I might still catch your blog, but you may fall through the cracks.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Tommy's Income Excuse to Bash Him

Good for Tommy Thompson that he's making a little cash after years of living off government salaries. He better be pumping some of that new-found cash into his Presidential campaign. It will sort-of make up for his flapping lips.

Am I the only one who thinks this story was just an excuse for the Journal Sentinel to again bring up Tommy's Jew comment? Steven Walters admits "[t]he newspaper made the request after Thompson boasted in a speech last month to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism that has seen much bigger paydays since he became a business executive."

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Where in the world is Tommy Thompson?

Okay, that's probably not a tough question. Of course he's in Iowa. But I can say with complete certainty that this afternoon he was at the National Motorcycle Museum because I literally almost bumped into him.

I was driving back to Wisconsin today on Highway 151 in Iowa when I and another person saw the exit for Anamosa. He asked that I stop off there at the museum, which I did. We walked through it and after a while, I gave up the ghost and sat on a bench at the enterance. I was flipping through some tourism brochures when I got a little irritated by a group that came in and got into my reading light. I looked up to glare at them and saw Thompson walking past, about a foot and a half from me. I decided to hold off on the glare.

We talked with someone at the museum a little bit, and Thompson and his group were taking the tour and also scoping it out as a future campaign stop. I would't expect anything less than vintage Thompson rolling up on his own motorcycle sometime this summer. And if you are a motorcycle nut, it is a great museum and just a short drive from the Wisconsin border.

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Dave Does it Again

Makes you wonder if moments like this are going to help Obey to sell that book he's been writing for what feels like eons.

Ah well, Cleveland's getting screwed in this year's Appropriations process no doubt!
Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wis.) is at it again. He’s already been captured on “YouTube” denouncing “idiot liberals” over the war.

Tuesday he went a step further. He offended some fellow Democrats with delicate ears when he used extremely strong language to attack anti-war Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), during a House Democratic caucus meeting, according to sources who were in the room.

“He cursed at him,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). “I think Mr. Obey was unfairly harsh and disrespectful."

What exactly was said is still in question. One source wasn’t sure and others wouldn’t repeat the language.

But everyone agrees that Obey said something that some folks found offensive. The Obey-Kucinich exchange came during a caucus meeting to discuss the Iraq supplemental spending bill.

Kucinich asked Obey about language dealing with privatization of Iraqi oil. Obey’s reply included some magic words, which prompted Rep. Diane E. Watson (D-Calif.) to declare that she was not attending the meeting to hear such vulgarity.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) attempted to make peace, but some still were not satisfied.

Finally, an astute observer of Congressional behavior declared that if you haven’t had a certain part of your anatomy ripped by Dave Obey, you were not a member of Congress.

Some reporters and House staff members would argue that they should have been included in that group.

Asked later whether Obey had answered his question, Kucinich smiled and said, “I’ll respond at a later date.”

No one ever said Davd Obey had the Charisma of kitty cat, or the humility to match. He's all yours Northern Wisconsin, the rest of us just scratch our heads and marvel in disgust.

Jags Waive Ahmad Carroll

Carroll signed with the Jags last October, a week after he was waived by Green Bay. A first-round draft pick by the Packers in 2004, Carroll was on Jacksonville's roster for 11 games. He was active for two of them and played in one.
Another first round pick that would've been better spent on me.

Also in sports, I heard former Badgers QB John Stocco still hasn't landed with a team. The Packers declined to sign him: now he's on his way to New York for another tryout.

In whose world can Jim Sorgi back up Peyton Manning, but John Stocco can't land a roster spot?

Look what I found!

An online procrastination test.

I haven't taken it yet.

An Affront To Common Sense

An ad campaign that plays frequently via WIBA AM out of Madison (I listen to it via streaming audio during the 11:00 - 2:00 time slot) just offended common sense. Of course, it states a truism.

Did you know those with big feet are better spellers? While older people have bigger feet they are also more educated. It is the education that is the causitive factor and not bigger feet. Bigger feet correlates with better spellers but does not cause the effect.

Anyway, the ad claims every year hundreds of infants exposed to cigarette smoke die; that is they are attempting to make people think there is a causitive link in every one of those hundreds of deaths. Now, I do concede a couple may die due to second hand smoke but I would guess more die in automobile accidents than due to the smoke.

Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy, but unfortunately effective.

RUSD's Consultant Gravy Train Questioned

An employee of the Racine Unified School District is questioning why a consulting firm has billed the district for $1.5 million in less than two years in an attempt to cash in on savings that haven't been achieved as of yet.

Public Business Consulting Group, hired to manage the district's finances, has billed the district for more than $1.5 million in less than two years, school records show. Nearly half of that payment resulted from a provision in the group's contract that allowed it to collect a percentage of annual savings that are anticipated but not yet realized.

Mark Lucas, Racine Unified's coordinator of instructional technology, released a packet of internal documents Friday to School Board members and several government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, the state Justice Department and the Department of Public Instruction's Audit Bureau.

"This will bankrupt the district," Lucas said of the consultant's contract. "This is a poor community that doesn't have $700,000 to give to (Public Business Consulting Group President) Nick Alioto."

First, I'd like to know just exactly what Alioto's ties are to Superintendent Tom Hicks. Almost all of the money spent by RUSD on consultants' fees have gone to companies and individuals with personal ties to Hicks. I bet there's a connection there somewhere.

Second, this is indicative of the mismanagement of the district by Hicks and pals. Under his (lack of) leadership, RUSD has become heavily dependent on consultants earning anywhere between $80 and $500 an hour. Hicks went so far as to recommend hiring consultants to recommend how to implement the recommendations of consultants from ICE and Deloitte on how to improve the school district's operations.

Yes, you read that right. That last sentence was not something that came out of the mouth of Yogi Berra.

Finally, why should anyone benefit financially from savings that have not been recognized? But that goes to show why Racine Unified is arguably the worst-run school district in the state.

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Monday, May 07, 2007

A New Judge for Outagamie County

Outagamie County's judge Luebke is retiring from the bench. Nothing huge, WHBY reports he wants to step down to pursue an interesting opportunity:
Outagamie County Circuit Judge Dennis Luebke, a Neenah native, is leaving the bench to become a judge for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.

Source: The Appleton Post Crescent – Luebke to step down as Outagamie judge



Outagamie County DA Carrie Schneider wants the job:

April 27, 2007

Dear Family and Friends:

I write to you to inform that I am embarking on a new journey and would appreciate your support. I am so honored to be your District Attorney and appreciate all of your past support. Judge Luebke has retired and teh Governor will now appoint his successor. I am going to seek the appointment and would appreciate your support in this endeavor.

Source: Letter Addressed to Carrie Schneider Supporters


Carrie, the Empress and myself are proud to support you in this bid!

Governor Doyle, you need to appoint Carrie Schneider as Judge Luebke's replacement.

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Sunday, May 06, 2007

Is Europe Turning Right?

Food for thought on a Sunday night...

Admittedly, Italy's election last year blows up this theory, but given the results of today's election in France, Germany's election last year, strives made in Poland and elsewhere, and recent polling showing the Tories look primed to take Parliament in the next U.K. election, the question needs to be asked:

Is Europe getting more politically conservative?

Discuss.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Re: Pack Looking at Keyshawn

Hmmm,

I had a little blurb about wondering if a Keyshawn pickup would be like the Rison pickup. Something happened that wonderment did not make it the readers.

Hmmm.

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Friday, May 04, 2007

McGee Sr. Suspended from Airwaves

Looks like he might not be coming back from this one. Though, many thought something similar in 2004 when he was suspended for using obscenity on the air.

Jerrel Jones, the owner of radio station WNOV-AM (860) has barred talk show host Michael McGee Sr. from the air indefinitely because of the "deplorable" remarks McGee made yesterday about the death of Katherine Sykes.

Sykes, the mother of Charlie Sykes, who has a show on WTMJ-AM (620), died in a fire in her home on Tuesday.

During his "Word Warriors" program Thursday, McGee said Katherine Sykes deserved her tragic fate and suggested that her son was responsible.

"I thought the statement was terrible," Jones said late Friday afternoon. "It was ridiculous and the timing was absolutely deplorable.

"The remark was disgusting."

Jones said he would meet with McGee Saturday morning to discuss the former Milwaukee alderman's offensive comments and the prospects of his return to the air.

McGee buys his time on the station that Jones has owned since 1972.

Jones took McGee's show off the air for a short period in 2004 after he used an obscenity during the "Word Warriors" show.

In this instance, Jones has not determined whether he will allow McGee back on the air.

"I am going to make sure that never happens again," Jones said. "I will guarantee myself that.

"I don't know just what course of action that I will have to take."

Biggest shock in all this, Tim Cuprisin, who's not the biggest Sykes fan in the world, completely backs WNOV's move.

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Should Tommy Quit Already?

After flip-flopping faster than John Kerry ever did should Tommy Thompson give up his Presidential run now?

Pack Looking at Keyshawn

The Packers got dissed for trying to trade for Randy Moss. Is going after Keyshawn Johnson much better?

I'd take Keyshawn giving him a short leash. He'd be cut at the first sign of trouble.

McGee Makes Drudge

McGee, Sr.'s hateful spew made Drudge.

If the moron knew who he was--Drudge is white so I doubt it--he'd be smiling.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

A big hitter the Lama, Long!

the Dali Lama is in Madison today.

I am sorry every time I hear the name Dali Lama I think of this scene from Caddy shack



On my deathbed I will receive total conciseness,

So I got that going for me
Chris ;) CP@ the WSB

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Our sincerest condolonces

On behalf of the bloggers of the Badger Blog Alliance and across the Wisconsin blogosphere, I'd like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Katherine Sykes. Katherine, the mother of WTMJ host Charlie Sykes, passed away today in a condominium fire in Mequon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sad news for the Sykes family

I know many here have had the chance to meet Charlie Sykes, today we learned this sad news.
Talk show host's mother dies in fire

Katherine B. Sykes, the 87-year-old mother of Milwaukee radio talk show host Charles Sykes, died in a fire at her Mequon condominium today, according to a statement issued this evening by WTMJ-AM 620.

Please join me in keeping the Sykes family in your thoughts and prayers.

Talk about a rough housing market

This is the type of story of come to expect from Janesville:
JANESVILLE, Wis. - This real estate agent will likely do a house check before letting her prospective customers tour on their own from now on, after a couple happened upon a homeowner dead in bed.

Linda Chabucos-Galow, a real estate agent with Shorewest, stood in the dining room while Justin and Colleen McKeen walked through a house Monday night.

Before long, she heard Colleen scream as the couple stood at the doorway.

"I thought, 'What's wrong?' Maybe it was a dead mouse or something," Chabucos-Galow said.

But then she peered into the bedroom and saw the body of Linda L. O'Leary, 55, the owner of the home. She had been dead for about two weeks, officials say.

"It looked like a Halloween prop," Chabucos-Galow said.

I'm guessing that couple won't be making an offer.

Also in sports...

...the Miami Dwayne Wades having already been knocked out of the NBA playoffs, the Dallas Devin Harrises face the same prospect tonight at the hands of the Golden State Don Nelsons:

Only eight teams in NBA history have overcome 3-1 deficits. If Dallas can't become the ninth, the Mavs will be the third No. 1 seed knocked out by a No. 8 and the first since the opening round became a best-of-seven series.
Did I say the same prospect? Sounds like it's an even worse one.

Hey!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers released receiver Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday, three days after they selected another former Southern California receiver in the second round of the draft.
Since the Packers already passed on one high-talent low-character wide receiver, maybe here's a chance to recoup?

Write Mike Huebsch

Per Sykes, Mike Huebsch may be waivering on the gas tax increases.

Republican Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch is not so sure. "It is very likely to go back to consumers." But Huebsch is so concerned about highway construction and maintenance being delayed statewide because of lack of funding, he does not rule out this oil profits tax to support wisconsin's roads. "I haven't made a position on the oil franchise fee. I think what we need to do is find ways to be more efficient in transportation, but where there is need for more dollars, look at all the options that are out there," Huebsch said. "This is one of those that's out there."

Speaker Huebsch needs to understand that any tax or fee increase is off the table. Consumers cannot absorb any more gas taxes.

Write, call, email, or send a carrier pigeon.

BE POLITE! Any rudeness will be tossed out.

Here is a link to Rep. Huebsch's contact information.

A worthy cause, to be sure

Remember Citizen Action?

The group that former Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager gave $50,000 of the state's money?

I'm sure glad it's getting put to good use.

Question

So I was reading Reason magazine the other day, and in an article (that isn't online, apparently) discussing the pros and cons of each Presidential candidate (or potential candidates), they posited that "Fred Thompson would be just like George W. Bush, except slightly more baritone."

Agree? Quite a few Republicans have been going nuts over his potential run. I haven't seen anything that exciting about him, though, and I don't think that comparison is too far off base.