In the Race

History Made In The White House

2009-01-07T23:27:00Z

President George W. Bush meets with former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and
President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 in the Oval Office of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

It's nice to see all of the Presidents together for an occasion that isn't a sad one. One that isn't a funeral or a memorial service of some kind. I think it is a wonderful sight. And a great sight for the rest of the world to see.

"One message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country," Bush said. "All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual."

Click for article

Audio of President Bush Welcoming President-Elect Obama, Former President Clinton, Former President Bush and Former President Carter to the White House

Buckhorn...Big Deal

2009-01-07T13:06:46Z

Sitting in the audience of the Common Council meeting last night was a big deal in more ways than one. It's not that often we see television camera crews there. And how often do you see a packed Council Chambers? That usually only happens when our senior citizens come together in unison for a cause.

After finding out that Christopher Matecki's lawyer, Andrew Arena and Special Counsel Roger Pyzyk offered to add 15 days to Matecki's suspension, making it 90-days, and then listening to a few good things about Matecki, the Council went into closed session. After a quick 30-minute closed-session, the vote was in; 4-1 in favor of the 90-day suspension. There were no gasps from those in the audience.

Thank you Alderman Taylor for sticking to your convictions and voting no to the stipulation. I'd like to know what happened to Alderman Solomon? Was it the addition of a mere 15-days? Was it the approval by Police Chief Oliva? Did that seal the deal? Was it hearing for the second time that Matecki is an upstanding citizen? Because, just a couple weeks ago it was unanimous between you, Aldermen Wilhelm and Alderman Taylor that the 75-day stipulation should not be accepted.

Why not go to a hearing?

Here's a little reminder for you all...your words from a year ago...

Mayor Tom Taylor said "Something needs to be done. If it's Franklin that starts it; then it's Franklin that starts it."

He said he and many from the Council attended the funerals of Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen. They were good people.
The Mayor said the family commended our Police and Fire departments.

He said he would consider going with Orville to the bars on 27th Street.

But we have to follow "due process."

That was the theme for the rest of the discussion.

Alderman Sohns said "we must follow due process."
"Hear the facts".
"We are not ready to judge yet."
"We need to be educated."
"We can't rush to judgment; rush to error."
"The bartenders are an important issue."
"It turned his stomach to read the police report."

Alderman Solomon said he "was upset when he received the call that night from the Mayor".
"We are the judge and jury on this case."
"We have to follow due process."

Alderman Olson first commended the Police and Fire officers saying "Franklin has the finest."
He will use all of his past experience and knowledge regarding the bar industry to
help follow "due process."

Alderman Skowronski said we must "follow due process" with the authority of Council.

Buckhorn Due Process

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You've waited over a year...So what was your hurry now?

And what about the bartenders, Mayor?

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A copy of an email I received after last night's meeting that the writer said I could share with you::

From: Scott A. Thinnes

To: Tom Taylor ; Steve Olson ; Tim Solomon ; Kristen Wilhelm ; Steve Taylor ; Lyle Sohns ; Ken Skowronski

Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:01 PM

With the exception of Aldermen Wilhelm and Taylor, I cannot describe the level of anger, disgust and contempt that I feel for the Mayor and Common Council after what I witnessed tonight.

I read a complaint by the Franklin Police Chief that had 14 enumerated items contained within it. Tonight you collectively (with the exception of Alderman Taylor) accepted a stipulation without even hearing the response to one of those items in that complaint. Define for me again, just what does “due process” mean?

Why was it so essential that you accept the stipulation? After hearing the factual responses to the complaint at a hearing, you still could have come to the conclusion that the terms of the stipulation were appropriate and ordered such. The stipulation did not address any of the items in the complaint. In fact it states “the parties (??attorneys??) hereto have engaged in negotiations in an effort to resolve this matter”, and “the parties (??again, attorneys??) have reached an agreement to resolve this matter even though some issues may be in dispute”. Don’t you think it may have been a good idea to at least drive this issue to a hearing in which the facts could be addressed? After hearing the response to the complaint wouldn’t you then have been in a better position to make a fair judgment? A judgment, that speaks to the interests, safety and wellbeing of the citizens that you represent.

It has been reported by the FranklinNOW newspaper that; “Legal experts say it is rare for action to be taken against the provider of alcohol in an alcohol-related crash”. I thought that times may be changing. I also heard Mayor Taylor state at the January 8, 2007 Common Council meeting that; “Something needs to be done. If it’s Franklin that starts it, then Franklin starts it.” Mayor Taylor; I agree, but apparently that statement of yours was just empty words. At that same meeting the mayor was heard to state “I look for support from the community… to not let go of this issue… we need to make sure that these types of things do not happen again.” As I’m sure several Alderman will agree; I have not let go of this issue over the past year. As a matter of fact, I’ve been disappointed that this matter is still an issue one year later. Eddie Keck pleaded guilty on June 23 and was sentenced on September 3. Now I’m just ashamed that some of the leaders in Franklin do not care enough about the safety and wellbeing of the Franklin citizens to even hear the response to the complaint issues before rendering a decision. Alderman Taylor, thank you for siding with the citizens of Franklin. I respect your resolve in wanting to hear all of the facts instead of just trying to see how fast this issue could be made to go away; even though I feel this issue is far from going away.

Scott A. Thinnes
Franklin, Wisconsin

___________________

Addition: Scott noted to me that he did not have a copy of the new Stipulation and Order and that the new document does stipulate to the items in the complaint, which makes the settlement accepted even more unsettling.

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Past Buckhorn Posts

Tweens And Healthcare

2009-01-07T00:00:09Z

Do you have a teenage who is inbeTWEEN? One who you still can take to the pediatrician until s/he is 18, but could also be taken to your doctor? What should you do? The pediatrician really knows more about your teen, but s/he's uncomfortable going there.

Still, this is the age when your teen really needs to be having regular contact with a physician.

The period between ages 10 and 19 is unique, bringing more rapid biological changes than perhaps any age other than infancy. Even though most of the nation’s 42 million adolescents seem to be thriving, it is a time of risk-taking and pushing boundaries in ways that can mean immediate consequences: Car crashes, experimenting with alcohol or drugs, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease.

And it’s also an age when many of the habits that determine good health during adulthood are set, or not.

[...]

Yet the system of care for tweens and teens is fragmented and poorly designed. Few doctors specialize in adolescents’ complex needs, or provide comprehensive care that earns their trust, concludes a recent probe by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. Most at risk are the poor.

Click for complete article

Keep Your Hands To Yourself

2009-01-06T12:49:27Z

Should schools be allowed to use corporal punishment?

Are you surprised I would even be asking that question?

Approximately 20 states across the country still allow corporal punishment.

Even Wisconsin doesn't "prohibit" the practice, but states it is "generally prohibited."

Is it prohibited or isn't it?

State	Code Section	Punishment Allowed
WISCONSIN	118.31	Corporal punishment generally prohibited; reasonable and necessary force allowed in self-defense, to protect others, etc., and as proscribed by school board policy.

The states most often still allowing corporal punishment? Southern states.

You can view the list and clarification of codes via the following link:

Corporal Punishment in Public Schools laws - Information on the law about Corporal Punishment in Public Schools

God Bless America, And The Rest Of The World, Too

2009-01-06T03:56:00Z

Freedom is so very precious.

Another sign of change has cropped up in communist Cuba with President Raul Castro's announcement that Cubans can build their own homes with their own money.

[...]

Cubans will be told "OK, here you can build. I've given you this amount of space, that amount of room for a street, and that amount for a sidewalk. Now build your little home with whatever you can," said Castro on a local television program as he visited a new neighborhood of Venezuela-built homes.

[...]

Many of the perks are out of reach for the average Cuban, who earns about 17 dollars a month.

Click for complete article

What or Where Will Be The First In Our Area Re-Named After Obama?

2009-01-05T18:07:31Z

Will it be in Milwaukee?

Could it be in your city?

Will it be a street?

A school?

Will it be while he is President?

Or after?

Some cities across the country have already begun the process.

"DELMAR BOULEVARD is an arterial road running through some of the poorest and richest, and most racially divided, neighbourhoods of St Louis, Missouri. Some city aldermen are now trying to rename the street after Barack Obama before he takes office.

St Louis is not alone in its efforts to stick Mr Obama’s name on public property. Opa-locka, in Miami-Dade County, Florida (one of the most dangerous cities in America), plans to rename one of its avenues after the next president. A Long Island elementary school in Hampstead, New York, recently changed its name from Ludlum to Barack Obama after students organised a campaign. Another Long Island school thought of doing the same until parents intervened. One in Portland, Oregon, is still considering it."

Click to Continue

"Diet" and "Lite" Don't Fool Us, Right?

2009-01-05T13:16:04Z

I think most of us already know that diet sodas and foods that are branded with the term "lite" really are not any healthier for us. We all know that they just have fewer calories, don't we? We all know it's a marketing scheme to make us want to buy that product, don't we? Still, fewer calories may be what some of us are looking for, right? Well, even if you know it, I guess it doesn't hurt to get some tips on healthy alternatives...

"Even if you haven't bought full-fat mayo or sugary soda since blue eye shadow was in style (the first time), you may be getting duped into less-than-stellar food choices at the supermarket. The culprit? The "health halo." "From a distance, some foods seem like healthful choices because of the way they're packaged or labeled," says Janel Ovrut, MS, RD, a Boston-based dietitian. "But just because a product's marketing gives it an aura of health doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you." Here, eight notorious health food impostors, plus smarter swaps that up the nutritional ante and still give you the flavor you crave."
Click to Continue

Can Charity Be A Bad Thing?

2009-01-04T21:19:00Z

Do you see problems when Hollywood celebrities, or even former politicians, get involved with causes? From AIDS to world hunger, you'll find celebrities there helping to raise money. Sometimes some of them seem to make a certain cause their life's cause. Now some recipients of their help are complaining.

Who's really at fault here? Is it the Hollywood stars for donating and running? Is it the people who donated the land and the other volunteers? Or is it the actual home owners who possibly haven't taken on the responsibility of owning a home? We're talking about Habitat for Humanity.

RESIDENTS of a model housing estate bankrolled by Hollywood celebrities and hand-built by Jimmy Carter, the former US president, are complaining that it is falling apart.

Fairway Oaks was built on northern Florida wasteland by 10,000 volunteers, including Carter, in a record 17-day “blitz” organised by the charity Habitat for Humanity.

Eight years later it is better known for cockroaches, mildew and mysterious skin rashes.

A forthcoming legal battle over Fairway Oaks threatens the reputation of a charity envied for the calibre of its celebrity supporters, who range from Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt to Colin Firth, Christian Bale and Helena Bonham Carter.

Click to continue

Did you happen to read all of the comments under the article? Pretty revealing about the attitude of people regarding people taking something for nothing. So I checked out the Habitat for Humanity website. They don't give homes away for free. A recipient must work on their own home or put in hours on someone else's home. Also, they must pay a mortgage.

Check out the page of other "myths" regarding Habitat for Humanity HERE

Steroids In Pro-Wrestling Wrong Message For Youth

2009-01-04T15:55:42Z

Congressman Henry Waxman, D-California, is chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He has been leading a congressional investigation into steroid use in professional wrestling but will be leaving to become chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He has written a letter to John Walters, director of the president's office of National Drug Control Policy.

"Waxman, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has led a congressional investigation into steroid use in professional wrestling for more than a year, spurred in part by the murder-suicide deaths of wrestler Chris Benoit and his family in Georgia in June 2007."

Click for complete article

Official Letter From Congressman Henry Waxman to John Walters

From the official letter:

"Conclusion

The evidence obtained by the Oversight Committee indicates that illegal use of steroids and other drugs in professional wrestling is a serious problem that the wrestling organizations are not effectively addressing. One former wrestler who agreed to talk to Committee staff on condition of anonymity explained that, in the wrestling business, "steroids are like white socks and tape, they're just part of your gear,"

Since the Committee began its investigation last year, both the WWE and the TNA have made efforts to improve their steroid testing programs. But these efforts suffer from a lack of independence and transparency. As a result of these weaknesses, the organizations appear unable to effectively prevent the use of steroids and other illegal drugs by professional wrestlers.

Over 3 million children and teenagers watch professional wrestling each week. The apparently widespread use of steroids in professional wrestling sends the wrong message to youth. For this reason, I request that ONDCP examine steroid use in professional wrestling and take appropriate steps to address this problem."

Put In Your Two Scents - So Guys, Are You Happy With How You "Smell?"

2009-01-04T02:35:34Z

So, guys...If a study told you that choosing the proper scent for you would make a difference in your self-confidence, would you you believe that? Or do you already know that? And that having the right scent for you could increase your mood in such a positive way that it could attract the opposite sex?

From the Economist -

THE very word “perfume” has feminine overtones to many male ears. Men can be sold “deodorant” and possibly “aftershave”, but the idea of all those dinky little bottles with their fussy paraphernalia is too much for the sensitive male ego. Yet no industry can afford to neglect half its potential market, and perfume-makers are ever keen to crack the shell of male reticence. Now they may know how to do so.
Craig Roberts of the University of Liverpool and his colleagues—working with a team from Unilever’s research laboratory at nearby Port Sunlight—have been investigating the problem. They already knew that appropriate scents can improve the mood of those who wear them. What they discovered, though, as they will describe in a forthcoming edition of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, is that when a man changes his natural body odour it can alter his self-confidence to such an extent that it also changes how attractive women find him.

Click to Continue

Speed Racer

2009-01-03T16:14:10Z

Danica after qualifying for the 2007 Indianapolis 500. Photo by Tim Wohlford

26-year old Indycar driver Danica Patrick appears to have a lead foot off the track. Somehow I don't think attending "traffic school" was the right answer for her. I'm sure that taught her a good lesson.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Danica Patrick paid a $196 fine to settle a speeding ticket after the star race car driver was caught going 54 mph in a 35 mph zone last month.

Patrick, the first woman to win an IndyCar race, was due in traffic court Monday, but a Scottsdale City Court clerk says she paid the fine Wednesday.
.

Click to Continue

So Happy Together - The Clintons

2009-01-03T03:25:00Z

I missed the New Year's celebration in Times Square. Did you see it?

Nice to hear Hillary and Bill got to share in the celebration. Does anyone know if Bill will be moving to Washington again to join Hillary? Or, will they keep their New York home and Hillary drop in back home on weekends?

"Clintons, Revelers Ring in 2009 in Times Square.

The wind chill made it feel like 1 degree in the area, but that didn't stop the throngs bundled in fur hats, heavy coats and sleeping bags from attending the event.

Former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton helped Mayor Michael Bloomberg lower the ball atop 1 Times Square for the 60-second countdown to midnight. Last year, Hillary Clinton was in Iowa campaigning for the presidency, and now she's expecting to be secretary of state in President-elect Barack Obama's administration.

Five minutes before midnight, 1,000 balloons with the words "Joy," "Hope" and "2009" were released from rooftops in the area. The Waterford crystal ball — 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds — dropped as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Bill and Hillary just seem So Happy Together! ; )

Just Give Me That Old Album Cover

2009-01-03T01:45:00Z

Rolling Stone always has the best of this or the best of that. This time they have the Reader's Rock List of Best Album Covers of 2008. There are 25 to choose from.

With DVDs we don't get to appreciate album covers anymore. They really used to be a big deal; something to really appreciate. You stored your album in the album cover, and while you played your album, you might look over the cover each time. Sometimes the cover might even open like a book and you could read information inside, or look at more information or photos inside. Or the sleeve might have cool stuff on it.

So now what are called "album covers" most often tossed aside when people take their DVDs and put them in holders, or they copy their music onto iPods. It's really a shame.

Out of the 25 album covers in Rolling Stones (Reader's Rock List) Best Album Covers of 2008 I could really only find one that stodd out, which is the one right here...

Black Mountain, In The Future

There was a close second.

I think out of all the choices, none really blew me away.

They were about as exciting as this one:

You can view the Rolling Stones (Reader's Rock List) Best Album Covers of 2008

HERE

And...

Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

Number One?

Did You Make A Weight Loss Resolution?

2009-01-02T13:15:00Z

Maybe this site could help you.

Especially if you are toughing it out on your own.

It's an online program called Gyminee™

It has tons of information available after you sign up for a free account. It is jammed with useful tools.

Whether you are on a diet or not.

-----------------

From the Gyminee™ website:

Workout and Food Tracking

Gyminee is the premier fitness social network for detailed tracking, online accountability, and motivation. Whether you are trying to lose weight or get fit, it's time to start taking your fitness seriously.

	Track your workouts.
	Monitor your diet.
	Meet new friends.
	Reach your goals.

Workout Programs

Gyminee™ has the tools you need to find or create your perfect workout routine for both cardio and weight training.

Diverse Library of Exercises

Gyminee™ has a huge library of exercises complete with video instruction. Build your own custom workout program or subscribe to workout programs that other users have shared.

Detailed Exercise Tracking

Gyminee™ gives you the tools needed for detailed tracking of all your exercises. Quickly and easily capture all of your sets, reps, weight, distance, elevation, heart rate, and more.

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This is one cool site.

Gyminee™

Any Fish In The Cab When They Pulled It Out Of The Water?

2009-01-02T01:05:19Z

AP photo MSNBC

Looks like Wisconsin and Minnesota are once again in the news together.

A Wisconsin man, Mike Raymond, who works in Minnesota at a job he has held for almost 28 years, decided to clear a path to his ice fishing house on the Red Lake River rather than plow the parking lots. Oops! the $200,000 "payloader" fell through the ice.

Gee, it only weighed 15 tons. Can't see why it wouldn't stay on top of the ice on the river.

Watch the MSNBC Video HERE

This Little Piggy Went To

2009-01-01T14:10:00Z

Your House?

Possibly.

Piggy banks are one hot item.

So are safes.

I bet people who still use cookie jars are stashing a few bucks in them again, too.

And we all know there are people who really do hide money under their mattresses.

How about in the family Bible or other favorite books?

The point is, with the recession here, people are back to saving money, even if it is small change.

And some people are not going to trust putting it in a bank.

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Recession-wary Americans embraced the virtues of thrift this Christmas, with stores reporting a clear rise in the popularity of piggy banks.

"We have been selling coin banks really well," said Laura Kellner at Kikkerland Design Inc. in New York City, whose stylish chrome pig is priced at $31.

U.S. savings levels have increased markedly in recent months as households adjust to a yearlong recession and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

The downturn has shattered house prices and the value of retirement accounts which, in turn, has reinforced the necessity to systematically put funds aside for the future.

Retailers said this translated neatly into a gift that captured the spirit of the times.

"We definitely noticed a trend with the piggy banks," said Erin Mara at Homebody, a design store in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC.

"People were very upfront about the need to save...the pig is very symbolic of that sentiment," she said."

Click to Continue

I Wish You A "Beautiful" 2009

2009-01-01T03:58:00Z

Melanie had her heart in the right place back in 1969. Most people are "beautiful," especially if you just give them a chance. Sometimes you just have to reach out to them. The trouble is, most often, we just don't take the time.

Beautiful People - Melanie Safka

Beautiful people
You live in the same world as I do
But somehow I never noticed
You before today
I'm ashamed to say

Beautiful people
We share the same back door
And it isn't right
We never met before
But then
We may never meet again
If I weren't afraid you'd laugh at me
I would run and take all your hands
And I'd gather everyone together for a day
And when we gather'd
I'll pass buttons out that say
Beautiful people
Then you'd never have to be alone
'Cause there'll always be someone
With the same button on as you
Include him in everything you do.

Beautiful people
You ride the same subway
As I do ev'ry morning
That's got to tell you something
We've got so much in common
I go the same direction that you do
So if you take care of me
Maybe I'll take care of you

Beautiful people
You look like friends of mine
And it's about time
That someone said it here and now
I make a vow that some time, somehow
I'll have a meeting
Invite ev'ryone you know
I'll pass out buttons to
The ones who come to show
Beautiful people
Never have to be alone
'Cause there'll always be someone
With the same button on as you
Include him in ev'rything you do
He may be sitting right next to you
He may be beautiful people too
And if you take care of him
Maybe I'll take care of you
And if you take care of him
Maybe I'll take care of you...

My F-List and A Party Favor

2009-01-01T01:34:00Z

Those of you who read these blogs have probably had your fill of lists and links this past couple weeks. I know I have.

My list is short, with one item on it.

I'll call it the "F" list for FranklinNow.

My list:

1. You, the readers of my blog (this one and my Righty Blog if you go there, too).

Thank you for reading in 2008 and I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

And on that note, I want to know if anyone is celebrating tonight with one of these?

A Porta-Party?

What's a Port-A-Party?

I'm glad you asked! It's too late to rent one now if you haven't already for tonight.

But you can find out about it here

I'll don't think you'll be finding a Porta-Party at any of my parties.

Having A New Year's Party? Don't Forget About The Non-Drinkers

2008-12-31T20:29:00Z

If you are having a New Year's Eve party tonight, you may find there are more non-alcohol drinkers there than you expected. Someone has to drive home unless you are having the group sleep over, and that's unlikely. Why not serve a non-alcoholic punch that's festive, instead of just soda, along with your other beverages?

Here's a punch that's like one huge ice cream soda with an almond twist to it. And if you want, you can serve Peppermint Schnapps or Kahlua or Brandy on the side for those who are drinking. People love this punch, but you need a large punch bowl. Make the punch base ahead of time. It just takes a few minutes.

White Christmas Punch

2/3 cups water

2/3 cups sugar

1 tsp. almond extract

5 oz. evaporated milk (small can)

1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1 and 1/2 (2-liter) bottles Slice or other lemon-lime soda

Cook water and sugar until sugar has dissolved. Add almond extract and evaporated milk. Refrigerate. At serving time mix softened ice cream and slice into sugar mixture in large punch bowl. Add a small ice block if desired.

Do You Find Anything Wrong With This Picture?

2008-12-31T17:30:49Z

Actually, do you find anything wrong with the family in the picture?

The Duggar Family, before the latest arrival Photo by: Beth Hall / AP

The photo is of the Duggar family of Arkansas. This photo was taken after the birth of their 17th child. This month the Duggars gave birth to their 18th child, Jordyn-Grace, by C-section. You may view the current family photo here.

The children seem happy enough in the photo. I wonder what mom is telling her son. Perhaps that he is going to be in charge of his sister some day. You see, that's how the Duggar's work. How else could parents take care of 17-18 children on their own, while home schooling and running their own "church?" The kids work on a sort of buddy system where each older child plays parent/teacher to a younger sibling. According to their mom, Michelle, on a CNN American Morning interview in 2005, "They help them with their little phonics lessons and games during the day and help them practice their music lessons. They will play with them or help them pick out the color of their outfit that they want to wear that day, and just all of those types of things."

I thought being a parent and making the choice to have a family was the responsibility of the parent's? This little army of children doesn't seem to ever get to be children in my book. Of course, someday they will get to venture out. And there are worse things that could be happening to these children. But should that even be said?

Who supports the family financially? In part, their show on TLC. Right...their family is a regular little television production. There are a few other families like this on TLC, Little People, Big World with the Roloff's comes to mind. I've never seen the Duggar's but I have seen the Roloff's. Talk about one messed up, spoiled, dysfunctional family (in my view) from the way they are portrayed on their television show. I can see why the families are tempted to sign on to these shows in the first place. That income must be a great help when the families are in need. See, you tune into a show like this out of curiosity to see what it must be like to go through life like the Roloff family, a family of part little people and part regular sized people. But then TLC literally turns them into entertainment instead. But when you start seeing the families now living in their mansions, taking out-of-this-world trips and doing all sorts of odd things after they were saying they were struggling, the shows are not "reality" anymore. "The Greatest Show On Earth" comes to mind instead. Now is that what is wanted for these 18 children?

For those of you wondering, The Duggars are said to be conservative Baptists who endorse the Quiverfull movement.

H/T Teeny Manolo