In the Race

Seriously, I’m wondering what’s up with the reports of ticks.  Now there are two.  One on an airplane in the U.S. and one on a ferry in Italy.  I find it strange.  I also find it strange to hear operators of airlines or other forms of travel say they check for these types of things.  That's ridiculous and I don’t buy it.



Flight from Denver Delayed By Ticks


Italian Ferry Cabin Infested With Ticks


Ticks are very small and if you have ever seen the time they take between flights to clean a plane (if you want to even call that cleaning) there is no way they are checking a plane for insects.  Maybe they do that at some other time. But if someone or someone’s carry on luggage or belongings has an infestation, checking a plane at some other time isn’t going to do any good.


I’m just wondering why there are more ticks this year in the first place.  I don’t believe either story has reported whether the ticks were wood ticks or deer ticks.  Deer ticks are the ones that carry Lyme disease. If you are going hiking, check yourself for ticks. 

And here is how to safely remove a tick…as recommended by a nurse:

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and let it stay on the repulsive insect for a few seconds (15-20), after which the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.  “This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"

  
Deer Tick

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 31, 2008 

President Bush Discusses Iraq

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This has been a month of encouraging news from Iraq. Violence is down to its lowest level since the spring of 2004, and we're now in our third consecutive month with reduced violence levels holding steady. General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker caution that the progress is still reversible, but they report that there now appears to be a "degree of durability" to the gains we have made.

A significant reason for this sustained progress is the success of the surge. Another is the increasing capability of the Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces now have 192 combat battalions in the fight -- and more than 110 of these battalions are taking the lead in combat operations against terrorists and extremists.

We saw the capability of those forces earlier this year, when the Iraqi government launched successful military operations against Shia extremist groups in Basra, Amarah, and the Sadr City area of Baghdad. Because of these operations, extremists who once terrorized the citizens of these communities have been driven from their strongholds. As a result, our Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, was able to walk the streets of Sadr City last Wednesday, as something that would not have been possible just a few months ago.

This week, the Iraqi government is launching a new offensive in parts of the Diyala province that contain some of al Qaeda's few remaining safe havens in the country. This operation is Iraqi-led; our forces are playing a supporting role. And in the moments -- in the months ahead, the Iraqis will continue taking the lead in more military operations across the country.

As security in Iraq has improved, the Iraqi government has made political progress as well. The Iraqi Council of Representatives has passed several major pieces of legislation this year, and Iraqi leaders are preparing for provincial elections. And Prime Minister Maliki recently returned from a successful visit to Europe, where he held important diplomatic discussions with Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Berlusconi, and His Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.

The progress in Iraq has allowed us to continue our policy of "return on success." We now have brought home all five of the combat brigades and the three Marine units that were sent to Iraq as part of the surge. The last of these surge brigades returned home this month. And later this year, General Petraeus will present me his recommendations on future troop levels -- including further reductions in our combat forces as conditions permit.

As part of the "return on success" policy, we are also reducing the length of combat tours in Iraq. Beginning tomorrow, troops deploying to Iraq will serve 12-month tours instead of 15-month tours. This will ease the burden on our forces -- and it will make life easier for our wonderful military families.

We're also making progress in our discussion with Prime Minister Maliki's government on a strategic framework agreement. This agreement will serve as the foundation for America's presence in Iraq once the United Nations resolution authorizing the multinational forces there expires on December the 31st.

We remain a nation at war. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq -- but the terrorists remain dangerous, and they are determined to strike our country and our allies again. In this time of war, America is grateful to all the men and women who have stepped forward to defend us. They understand that we have no greater responsibility than to stop the terrorists before they launch another attack on our homeland. And every day they make great sacrifices to keep the American people safe here at home. We owe our thanks to all those who wear the uniform -- and their families who support them in their vital work. And the best way to honor them is to support their mission -- and bring them home with victory.

Thank you very much.

I’ve mentioned before that I have family in Vermont.  My dad, sister and her family, nephew and family and a sister-in-law (my brother passed away a few years ago) are all living in Vermont as transplants from Connecticut, Florida, and Michigan.  Vermont natives are very down to earth people.  Once you live there a few years it’s easy to follow suit and quickly become one of the crowd, as my family has done.

They all live pretty far from large shopping centers and big entertainment.  They do gardening.  My brother used to chop wood for a month to help with heating for the winter.  It was unbelievable how much wood he would store up.

The people of Vermont are worried about winter and the state of Vermont has put out an "energy plan" for citizens. They sure ar fortunate the state is so helpful.  I guess the officials are all real down to earth citizens, too.  Why do I say that?

"MONTPELIER -- Vermonters will have access to more state trees, low-interest loans and energy advice to help them heat their homes this winter, with a little culinary advice thrown in to make their food budget go farther.

[...]

More than 50 state lots will be available for cut-your-own firewood, and harvested wood will be collected at sites for low-income Vermonters. Lunderville said this was unlikely to be of much help this winter because the wood would not be seasoned enough to burn, but should become more useful next year.

A committee is being formed with state officials, church leaders, utility representatives and others to reach out to those who have not previously qualified for state help but might be pushed over the edge by increased heating and food costs.

No- or low-interest loans will be available for low- and middle-income Vermonters looking to make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. Homeowners might also be able to use home-equity loans to pay their fuel bills.

Fuel dealers, worried about how they will cover the higher upfront payments for fuel, might see help from banks guaranteeing their credit.

Canning workshops will be offered at five locations around the state to teach people how to can and freeze vegetables from the garden to ease food costs through the winter. The first workshop will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the Milton Grange."

from the Burlington Free Press

Officials Introduce Energy Plan - Vermont

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Access to lots to cut down firewood that isn't even usable this year?

Canning workshops?

I dream about living in Vermont almost everyday....

I'm glad it's just a dream.

Some energy plan!

When was the last time you had a surgery?

If you’ve ever even had one.

I don’t mind getting personal.  I’ve had quite a few.  Many different types, actually. 

Hospital personnel always ask you why you are there before they operate on you…before they do the procedure.  For some operations, internal things, there isn’t much control that you have over what is being operated on.  You have to have faith that the surgeon will know what organ or body area he is tending to.  After all, s/he is the specialist, correct?  When I have had limbs or other areas operated on, the actual surgeon will come in with a Sharpie and ask me what is being operated on and literally mark it the area.

Well, doctors have operated on the wrong areas, that’s a fact.  And in Massachusetts the area most incorrectly operated on?  Well, it surprised me.  I never would have thought it.  And to me, it’s really scary.  It’s the spine.  If it’s happened in Massachusetts, I’m sure that has to be a concern all over the country.  So, I’d read the article and if you are ever having back surgery, I’d ask questions.

Actually, when I have surgery, I ask many questions, because I’ve had a problem surgery in the past and I know doctors aren’t the gods we make them out to be.  So don’t ever be embarrassed to ask questions.  Don’t think you will offend the doctor.  If he’s offended…then you should be seeing a different doctor in the first place.  Make sure they take the time to answer all of your questions.  And take notes if you want before a surgery, and keep them in a safe place.  If something goes wrong, then you have those notes, and you will be glad you did.  Before a surgery you are nervous and can’t always remember things. 

Lastly, remember you are the patient, but you have rights.  You can refuse just about anything.  Again, a doctor doesn’t have to treat you, but you are not required to have any treatment you don’t want just because you are in a hospital bed and a doctor sends a nurse in with a bunch of tubes that he wants her to put in every orifice in your body.  Maybe you might want someone to discuss why they are going to do these things first.

from the Boston Globe

  Most Surgery In Wrong Spot Done On Spine

Barackbook.com is a mock-up of a Facebook profile with a picture of a frowning Obama in the corner of the page looking like an angry schoolboy. His status is set to: "Barack is hoping to settle on an Iraq policy before November."

The Fake Obama's FriendFeed is peopled by a string of colorful figures that the RNC has already trotted out to present the candidate as a man with questionable connections. They include Marilyn Katz, William Ayers and Antoin "Tony" Rezko. Each "friend" is linked to their own mock-Facebook profile with newspaper headlines and video excerpts documenting their checkered pasts.

~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sure Barack Obama is thinking, with friends like these, who needs enemies when he looks at his friends on his pages. 

This sure is a popular place for a candidate like Obama.  But it continues to make me think...will all of these wide-eyed wonders go out and vote in November?  If the ballot was on Facebook...No problem.  But they've got to go to a polling place and stand in line to make their "change."

GOP Site 'Barackbook' Mocks Obama's Facebook Support

 

Remember when Olympic athletes were required to be amateurs?  I liked it better then…especially when it came to team sports.  The Olympics gave you a chance to see athletes you normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see.  But everything has its time and place.  And since most athletes in the Olympics participated in sports as part of their normal life, rules changed.

Now, everything has its time and place.  And that goes for Instant Replay in sports.  The Little League World Series has announced it is going to use Instant Replay on a limited basis in its series.  You’ve got to be kidding me.  This is Little League!  Is there Instant Replay in Major League baseball?  Not yet, anyway.  So, what’s going on here?

Read the rest at at Rightyblog  HERE

I was at a wedding for the best friend of my daughter back in May.  It was a beautiful wedding, up in Green Bay.  I was very surprised, though, that the bride chose to recite ultra traditional vows, regarding submitting to her husband.


Today is the anniversary of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.  Princess Diana chose to buck tradition and not recite totally traditional vows.  I’m sure the Royal family wasn’t very happy…but there was a lot they were not happy about with Diana.

1981: Prince Charles and Diana wedDiana Frances Spencer and Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, were married at St. Paul's Cathedral in London today. It was estimated that 500 million people watched the ceremony on television. "After the 80-minute Church of England ceremony, the royal couple rode back to Buckingham Palace in an open carriage, wending through a crowd of almost one million people who roared their good wishes and waved a sea of Union Jack flags. Church bells rang across the realm," reported the Syracuse Herald-Journal on July 29, 1981. "The union of the 32-year-old prince of Wales and Lady Diana, the 20-year-old kindergarten teacher with the captivating smile, was the first time in three centuries the heir to the British throne had married an English-born woman.

"NOTE: Although the occasion was one of the largest royal events in decades, Diana did not agree with all of the usual customs. Before the wedding, she removed the word "obey" from her wedding vows. She also declared that she would not walk one pace behind Charles or refrain from using his first name in public. 

Last night I was watching the show “Unwrapped” out of the corner of my eye. Have you ever seen the show?  It’s pretty interesting.  It tells you how certain foods were manufactured.

One food caught my attention.  I had never heard of it before.  Being a girl who grew up eating a lemon a day as a snack…yes, I said it (my family liked lemons, and fresh rhubarb too…with salt on it (no, not sugar) I thought this sounded interesting.  But actually it would be too sour for even the likes of me.  This product comes out of Texas.



Pickle Pops Frozen Pickle Juice Treats Combine Popular Taste & Health Benefits.   Pops proving popular as fundraising product for schools and sports teams.

www.bobspicklepops.com ( Seguin , Texas ) -- It's an increasingly popular novelty snack treat that may sound a bit hard to swallow. But Bob's Pickle Pops pickle juice treats are growing in popularity nationally and providing unexpected health benefits for kids, adults and seniors alike. They are uniquely packaged frozen treats made, not from just the brine left over from pickling, but from freshly squeezed pickles, much like an apple or orange is pressed. The USDA was so intrigued by the distinctive frozen "vegetable" product they granted Bob's Pickle Pops their blessings to distribute them to the schools across the country.   "We use 100% of the pickle," says Bob's Pickle Pops Co-Founder David Millar . "We realize it is hard to imagine that someone thought of the idea of creating a frozen treat made from pickle juice," he says. "But once people try them they are hooked – and we are happy to supply them with this refreshing treat."   The product was created by John Howard owner of Outerskate roller skating rink and arcade in Seguin , Texas . He has been freezing pickle juice for the kids and adults and sells out every night. Surprised by the sales, he decided there was a market worth investigating. The company is also creating flavored offerings such as Spicy Pickle Pops that are proving to be very popular.   The company is also catering to the cravings of expectant mothers with this unique sour snack. But it isn't just to quench the craving, it is to provide the heretofore little-known health benefits of pickle juice for anyone from kids to pregnant women to diabetics.  


Well, if kids and adults get used to eating Pickle Pops, I can see them stop eating them eventually for the reason I stopped eating lemons.  All that acid is a good way to lose the enamel off of your teeth!  It's amazing what people can come up with to sell though.


Pickle Pops 

I attended the Franklin School Board meeting last Wednesday, 7/23/08. I have already mentioned that during citizen comment period I brought forth the fact that New Berlin School Board meetings are being webcast and that it would be nice for our district to look into something like this.  I also commented on the following Board Goal:

Revisit Budget Process
Franklin residents expect that the school district will provide a quality education for all of its students.  They also expect that the board and the district will be good stewards of the tax dollar.  Many residents are concerned about the rising tax rate and expect the district to address their concerns.  The board wants to take a new approach towards budgeting.  It expects the administration to explore strategic abandonment of programs and budgeted items that are no longer needed. The district must look for cost savings in all areas, but place student achievement as the number one priority for new expenditures.  The board wants to have more discussions of the budget and seek community input on what non-mandated elements of the budget it will support.  Budget documents must be user-friendly and presentations must be understandable to the taxpayer.

At the last Board Meeting, Linda Witkowski had been trying to bring forth some suggestions to improve budget documents for citizens, and she was repeatedly shot down.  The last line of the Goal is exactly what Linda Witkowski was attempting to do.   

Also, nowhere in the Budget Draft does it clearly state that the proposed Tax Levy is 3.9%.  The last page of the draft has it broken down over a three year period.  But it is not clearly stated for the citizens what the proposed property tax levy will be…which is the main issue the taxpayers want to know.  They shouldn’t have to calculate it…just state it.  

On August 6^th there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting where a review of Board Goals will take place.  It was mentioned that proposed new Goals may be discussed.  Have the current Goals really been met?  Perhaps you will want to review the Goals and decide for yourself.  I believe there sure have been improvements.  But I think there is still work to be done.  And if new Goals are going to be added…I wouldn’t add more than one until the other Goals are better achieved.

I have two highlights of the meeting for you in Podcasts.  The first is the announcement and discussion of the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Electors.  You will hear discussion from Dr. Patz, Mary Karolewicz, Dave Szychlinski , Linda Witkowski, Jim Milzer, and David Works.  Please note that the burst of laughter you hear before Jim Milzer speaks is because as Linda Witkowski asks a question, Jim Milzer just left the area to go into a room to fix a microphone, and the question she asked was directed toward him.

The second recording is a discussion regarding the awarding of a grant for our Alternative Education Program.  Paulette Kroll, Director of Pupil Services will speak about this, and you will also hear Dr. Patz. David Works, Linda Witkowski.  Congratulations on applying and obtaining this Grant.

Listen to the Podcasts HERE

  

 

Some people like to keep track of things. 

Dates, statistics, record breaking moments, great moments in history….

Here’s one for you…


Google says the Web has hit a new milestone: more than one trillion active, unique URLs.


"Internet search giant Google has doled out one of those interesting little numbers that make keeping track of the Internet so much fun—except, in this case, the number isn't little at all. According to Google, its systems that spider the Web looking for new content hit a new milestone: one trillion unique URLs on the Web at once. "

Read about it  HERE






 

 

Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the moon, says aliens have been visiting the earth for the past sixty years.
 

 


 Read the short article at Reuters HERE


The aliens have landed.

Thus declared Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell on Saturday to more than 200 admirers.

"A few insiders know the truth . . . and are studying the bodies that have been discovered," said Mitchell, who was the sixth man to walk on the moon.

[...]

Besides aliens, Mitchell talked about being freed of prostate cancer during a healing ceremony and his epiphany while returning from the moon.

From an interview Mitchell had with the St. Petersburg times in 2004...




There was a time when American astronauts were thought to be heroes.  Can you imagine, back in the sixties, what it must have felt like to be the ultimate adventurer?  Then you are just tossed aside and forgotten.  Is this just a way to gain attention?  Edgar Mitchell has quite an interesting life.  Frankly, I believe that if Dr. Mitchell were going to be an astronaut today, he would not pass the testing beforehand...if you know what I mean.



 

 

It’s that dreaded time of year.  Back-to-school clothes shopping time.  You can almost hear the “Jaws” movie theme music playing in the background as it creeps up on you.  It can be stressful for parents, not only because of the enormous cost of clothes now, but also because your teens tell you they just can’t have "anything" to wear to school.  They have to be in fashion.  And, not only that…it’s unfortunate, but some of these kids are being watched and judged by each other and by what they are wearing.  So, while it’s stressful for parents, it’s also stressful for teens.

Guess what?  There's a new trend this year.  It’s one that might make parents happy.  It’s called “Cheap.”  Because of economic times being harder on everyone, teens are going the thrifty way.


A Deloitte survey set for release this week found that 71% of parents nationwide expected to spend less on back-to-school shopping this year than they did in 2007.

Luckily, the economic woes have ushered in the hottest trend of the season: Thrifty Chic.

"It's kind of like the red badge of courage for teenagers to have something they got cheap," said Richard Giss, a partner in Deloitte's consumer business practice in Los Angeles. "I think it's a direct result of the economy."

Wal-Mart is suddenly cool, and teens are proudly shopping off-price chains such as Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less. Hipsters scour L.A. thrift shops, searching for vintage clothes. Goodwill and Salvation Army stores are "very in," said Kathryn Finney, chief shopping officer at the Budget Fashionista.

At Crossroads Trading Co. people can sell up-to-date styles and collect 35% of the appraised retail value in cash or 50% in trade.

"We buy all day, every day," said Emma Covington, manager of the Costa Mesa store.

Some kids are doing the unthinkable -- sewing.

"The DIY movement is becoming a big trend," Finney said. "There are videos on YouTube telling how to cut up your shirt and make a skirt out of an old pair of jeans."

Sandra Elyassian of Beverly Hills is working with a $200 budget this year. The UC San Diego sophomore has already spent part of it at Old Navy and plans to dole out more at Forever 21. She also likes the thrift shops.

"I make my way to Melrose on the weekend," Elyassian said. "If I need some cheap shopping I know exactly where to look."

Elyassian is something of a pro at this; she is among a group of teens who make a little extra shopping money by providing intel on teen trends to market research firm TRU.

Maddie Mayerson has a similar gig with Team Look-Look, a group of 14-to-35-year-olds who are paid to take surveys and act as field reporters, bloggers and photojournalists for Look-Look Inc.

"Shopping is my life," said Maddie, who lives in Tarzana and turns 16 on Tuesday. "I love fashion magazines, I love trend-watching, I just really love style."

This year, the Brentwood School junior wants leggings to add to her collection, the perfect fall handbag (something slightly smaller than an overnight bag), more vintage T-shirts and flat boots. Her favorite ensemble: a T-shirt, leggings and moccasins.

The T-shirt, which serves as a short dress, typically costs $5 to $20, Mayerson said.”

Does this sound like something that may catch on in Wisconsin?  Thrift shop shopping?  We’ll have to wait and see.  In the meantime…expect to see a lot of coupons arriving in the mail this year from local retailers.

Read the complete article from the Los Angeles Times HERE.

 

What?

The boost from caffeine…

It never even occurred to me as a kid, let alone a young teen, to ask or think about having a cup off coffee.  Not once.  Now it’s commonplace to see a Starbucks with teens hanging out or kids walking around with espresso.

As teens keep staying up later then ever, they’re more tired during the day.  They need that extra lift.  Now we have energy drinks.  Some of these drinks are oozing with caffeine.  And schools aren’t happy about it…

“School officials across the country aren't as buzzed about caffeinated energy drinks as some of their students. They're worried about young people gulping down too much caffeine—and getting so hyper that they lose focus on their studies.

"Being hepped up on caffeine can be a distraction to your learning," said Joe Trybulski, principal of Hillsborough Middle School in central New Jersey.

The Hillsborough school, with more than 1,200 seventh and eighth graders, is among a growing number across the country that have banned or are considering banning energy drinks from their campuses.

Trybulski has found parents supportive of the ban since it went into effect in April, and teachers haven't had to take energy drinks away from any students.

"They get enough junk all over the place so I support it," Pam Christian said as she picked up her 13-year-old son, Sam, on one of the last days of school in June.

Sam Christian said a lot of students like energy drinks. "But it may just hurt us instead, because of all the caffeine," he said.

Energy drink industry representatives said they don't market directly to children, that the cost of around $2 to $4 a can is geared toward adults, and that the drinks generally have less caffeine than coffee.

"Are you going to start carding kids at coffee houses and candy shops?" said Craig Stevens, a spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based American Beverage Association, which has energy drink companies among its members.”


A variety of energy drinks are available; the skinny "bullet" can shape is popular



Read the complete article from CBS    Here

Last week I asked whether any readers might be interested in the opportunity to write on my blog about an experience they may have had with a past summer vacation.  I said that I would run the posts the first week of August and that one reader would be able to do a guest blog of their choice on my blog after that.

I have to tell you that I am amazed at the response I received.  This was a good opportunity for someone out there to take a stab at doing a blog to see if they might have an interest.  Doing these blogs may look easy, but I have to tell you, it really is quite a commitment. 

I just want to let you know how many story blogs you can look forward to that first week of August.  None…zero..zip.  No takers.  Not one person was interested.  Needless to say, I was really surprised.  Take note Mark Maley…nobody wants to blog.  What you see is what you get.  Hey, maybe we bloggers should be put on the payroll?  Just asking….

Well, I made the guest blog offer.  I guess you're just stuck with me.

: )

Common Council President Steve Taylor brought forward Item G8 Ordinance to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to provide for Plan Commission review and recommendation and Common Council review and approval of site plans.

During Citizen Comment Period, two citizens, Jon Zawacki and Ed Holpfer, commented on this item.  Zawacki was in favor and Holpfer was against.

I have included their comments in the first Podcasts.

These are followed by Council President Taylor introducing Item G8 to amend the UDO and his concern that the Plan Commission does not understand the quality of development that should be coming into Franklin and possibly the Council should be more responsible and then Alderman Olson with a comment regarding architecture.

Next, Mayor Taylor's comment on the issue where he voices opposition and believes this would be a disservice to the Plan Commission and closing with Council President Taylor withdrawing his motion, with some additional comment by Alderman Olson.

As you may have heard, there are plans in the works for a policy review meeting with the Plan Commission to discuss improving the current situation.

Listen to the Podcasts Here.

I mentioned that at our last School Board meeting I commented about the fact that New Berlin webcasts their School Board meetings.  I wanted our Board to be aware of this and to think about the possibility of doing this in our district. 

I have also started doing Podcasts of Common Council meetings, and will be doing them with School Board meetings, too.  I will post another one following this post from the last Common Council meeting in just a few minutes.


I would also like our Common Council to consider webcasts of their meetings. If not, what about Podcasts?  Talk radio does them.  If I can do select ones, why can't one be done of the entire meeting by the City?

Here's what's going to be happening.  When I started blogging, I began posting notes from meetings.  Then I started bring my laptop and my notes were expanded.  Next, I got a digital recorder and started transcribing.  Now I'm doing Podcasts.  The thing with the Podcasts is, I'm going to select what I want to present to you.  What I feel is important.  The Common Council meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and have been lasting over three hours.  There is so much bloviating going on, it's ridiculous.  You have an Alderman selected to have a seat on each Board or Commission.  Shouldn't they be trusted by the other Aldermen to present an opinion at the Common Council meeting, or at least at a Committee of the Whole, that could be listened to objectively by the other Aldermen so a shorter discussion can take place before a vote? 

In the last 20 years I have held several positions of office in PTOs and boys and girls clubs, I was a Director of a youth sports club, a manager of a high school sport, an officer of a parent’s support group, I’ve been on multiple committees, run many meetings, I’ve re-written By-laws, and been on an original Strategic Plan Committee.   I believe I have some idea as to efficient ways to run meetings.  So, I'll be posting these raves and rants...but in my opinion, it would be better to have everything presented in a webcast where the public can get what you really want to portray.  If New Berlin School District can do it, the City of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools can do it.

Just what is the real reason for not wanting the public to view City Meetings and School Board Meetings on public access T.V. or through webcasts? 

Please don't tell me it is a $$$ issue...

"It was a big brawl," said Ben Means, 25, a fan from New Carlisle. "I like that kind of enthusiasm. It was sweet. We're excited. It's cool."

That regardingthe Peoria, Dayton Dragons and the Peoria Chiefs 10-minute melee between players and managers on July 24th.  It happened in the first innining of the game. 

Watch a slideshow HERE  

Watch a video HERE



photo by Dave Munch Dayton Daily News

"Before the first inning was finished Thursday, July 24, at Fifth Third Field, three were hit by pitches.

The victims included:

• Dayton shortstop Zack Cozart, who left when hit in the head.

• Peoria's second baseman, who suffered a broken leg.

• Spectator Chris McCarthy, 44 of Middletown, who was hit by a ball thrown by Peoria starter Julio Castillo. He was treated and released from Miami Valley Hospital."

Read the article HERE


Who's at fault here


Umpires?

Managers?

Castillo?


Is this really what fans want to see at baseball games?

It began in rural school district's around the country as a cost saving measure....

Four day school weeks.

Parent objections may be heard at first because of child care concerns, but as with any change, they eventually get used to it.

Will it be a an expanding trend? 

Just think of the savings in a city school district. 

Enormous in transportation costs alone; then add in energy and substitute teaching costs? 

Savings really start to add up.

Facing a crippling increase in fuel costs, some rural U.S. schools are mulling a solution born of the '70s oil crisis: a four-day week.

Cutting out one day of school has been the key to preserving educational programs and staff in parts of Kentucky, New Mexico and Minnesota, outweighing some parents' concerns about finding day-care for the day off.

"For rural school districts where buses may travel 100 miles round-trip each day, there certainly are transportation savings worth considering," said Marc Egan, the director of federal affairs at the National School Boards Association.

I say it might not happen tommorrow...but it will happen.  But where, is the question.

Read the article from Reuters here

.

* Alderman Wilhelm's Podcast has been updated*


At the Franklin Common Council meeting this past Tuesday, our senior citizens filled the audience.  When agenda items are of great concern to the seniors, I've got to applaud them in being organized and getting out in droves.  And not only do they attend the meetings, they stand up and speak their minds.

For some reason there seemed to be a "rumor" circulating among the seniors that funds would be reduced for them because Item G3...City of Franklin's Community Development Block Grant projects for 2009 and reallocation of unspent, prior years funds was on the agenda.  Therefore, many seniors spoke during the Citizen Comment Period.  The majority of those speaking were from the regular senior group; those who participate in the Walking Program, etc.  They all had very nice comments as to why they felt money should be allocated to their group, and not reduced.  I heard a lot of those who say they benefited from the monies...but I only heard about one who gives back; a man spoke of a senior female who volunteers in the school district.  That doesn't mean that there aren't those seniors volunteering...I know there are...and I hope there are many.

But, there is another group of seniors in Franklin who need aid.  A group we do not hear from as they are not able to come to meetings on their own.  Some were brought to this meeting to speak out.  They came in support of the Southwest Interfaith Outreach Program.

I have a series of Podcasts regarding Item G3 tonight.

First, two Citizen Comments regarding Southwest Interfaith program.

The first is from the director, explaining the program and why they need funding; followed by a citizen of Franklin who benefits from the program.  She is visually impaired and had a very heartfelt comment.

After that, a Podcast with Mark Luberda...who while giving his proposal to the Common Council for item G3, determines that Southwest Interfaith is not as important as the regular senior group.  HUD is imposing cuts...and the regular group has a "history." 

It is my opinion that Mr. Luberda needs to get more in touch with the citizens of Franklin before he makes these decisions.  I'm really happy Southwest Interfaith showed up to the Common Council meeting.  One reason is because Kristen Wilhelm was able to hear them speak.  Alderman Wilhelm's Podcast follows Mr. Luberda's, followed by Alderman Sohn's.

The decision?  The entire Council determined that some of the monies originally meant to go the the regular senior group would go to Southwest Interfaith.  The right move.

Listen to the Podcasts HERE

If you are ever tired of giving to the larger charities...and want to give to one that supports local residents, you've just found one.  And they need personal help too, such as drivers.


Southwest Interfaith Outreach Program.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger





Holy Cow!

I don't know who will pay the price if this happens...

The Governor?  Only those stalling on the budget?  All of them?

Because all state employees will suffer from the pay cuts...and they won't forget at election time.

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering an order that would slash the paychecks of hundreds of thousands of state workers to the federal minimum wage until the state budget impasse is resolved.

The workers would be entitled to recover the difference between their salaries and the minimum wage - $6.55 an hour - once the state enacts a budget and appropriates the money, under an executive order that the governor's office has drafted and that he is considering signing next week.

But the delay would help the state through an immediate cash crunch, as well as add pressure to legislators who failed to resolve their differences and pass a budget, as required, by the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

[...]

"We are not pawns. We are living breathing human being with mortgages, kids in school and car payments," said Jim Zamora, a spokesman for Service Employees International Union, Local 1000, which represents 95,000 state workers. "They're playing this multibillion-dollar game of chicken, but they're taking it out on us."


I'd say that will be one way to get the ball rolling on the budget process...


Read the full article HERE