For it all, they’re still amazingly cute.
Exhibit A —
See, Kitty not eating? Maybe the furry faker’s mad at you – Health – Pet health – msnbc.com.
Cats
Friday Catblogging: Are Cats Amazingly Sensitive or Simply Manipulative?
by JOHN ADAMS •
Author Archive for JOHN ADAMS
Daily Bread
Daily Bread for 1-7-11
by JOHN ADAMS •
Good morning,
Whitewater’s forecast for today calls for a slight chance of snow, with a high temperature of seventeen.
In our schools, it’s Eagle and Spirit Day at Washington School.
The Wisconsin Historical Society recalls that on this day in 1901
1901 – Robert Marion La Follette Inaugurated as Governor
On this date Robert M. La Follette was inaugurated as governor after winning the November 6, 1900 election. La Follette was born in Dane County in 1855. A Wisconsin Law School graduate and three-term member of congress, La Follette was renowned for his oratorical style. He was the first Wisconsin-born individual to serve as governor. [Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin History]
Public Meetings
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Loss Program in Fort Atkinson
by JOHN ADAMS •
MILWAUKEE, WI – January 6, 2011 – The Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a program for those with a recent diagnosis of memory loss on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Fort Memorial Hospital, 611 Sherman Avenue East, Classrooms B and C, in Fort Atkinson. This program is open to individuals who have been diagnosed with memory problems and are seeking answers to their present and future options. The meeting will be an open forum for individuals to share their feelings, opinions and concerns in a supportive environment. Facilitators will share information on brain health as well as resources to assist persons with financial, legal and daily living concerns.
There is no cost to attend this program; however, registration is required. Please call 920-728-4088.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewior call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Charity
Alzheimer’s Association to Offer Program on Memory Loss: January 25th, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
by JOHN ADAMS •
– Open forum to provide resources and answers to questions –
MILWAUKEE, WI – January 6, 2011 – The Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a program for those with a recent diagnosis of memory loss on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Fort Memorial Hospital, 611 Sherman Avenue East, Classrooms B and C, in Fort Atkinson. This program is open to individuals who have been diagnosed with memory problems and are seeking answers to their present and future options. The meeting will be an open forum for individuals to share their feelings, opinions and concerns in a supportive environment. Facilitators will share information on brain health as well as resources to assist persons with financial, legal and daily living concerns.
There is no cost to attend this program; however, registration is required. Please call 920-728-4088.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewior call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
City, Politics
Whitewater’s Overdose of Incumbency
by JOHN ADAMS •
Here, in tiny Whitewater, there’s an upcoming Common Council election in which five of the seven seats are up for a vote (seats representing four districts and one citywide seat).
Unlike other communities, most of those seats won’t be contested. Only one of the districts will have a definite challenger; another may have one, or may be decided as write-in contest.
A majority of these seats, however, will have only one candidate on the ballot.
Last year, when it became clear that most of the seats would not have challengers, one of the incumbents was happy to announce that, weeks before the vote, the election was almost set. There was an unwitting candor in the observation.
Regrettably, there’s neither good policy nor prudence in hoping that an election goes uncontested. It’s a reflection of an ailing political culture (and legitimate disenchantment) that many talented people in the community prefer to stay away from political office. There are only so many grand pronouncements from Whitewater’s municipal administration that a sensible citizen can brook, and our city’s passed that limit. Ironically, Whitewater’s unelected officials have done the most harm to our political culture, and through their unpersuasive cheerleading have undermined the desirability of elected office.
Yet, even as a matter of skillful politics, races without challengers undermine an incumbent’s claim to legitimacy. It’s simply more commanding to be re-elected after a hard-fought race than to be chosen because no one else stepped forward. My point isn’t that I’d like to see all of these incumbents lose, but rather that those I’d like to see win would do better winning against an opponent. Of the five running, despite occasional policy differences I might have with that number, I think that three deserve re-election, and two do not.
Lack of challengers is — in more ways that one — an inauspicious sign.
Daily Bread
Daily Bread for 1-6-11
by JOHN ADAMS •
Good morning,
Whitewater’s forecast calls for a chance of flurries, with a high temperature of twenty-one.
The Wisconsin Historical Society reports that on this day in 1921
Janesville Women Abhor Salacious Entertainment
On this date the Janesville Federation of Women decided to “censor” movies and vaudeville in the city. Members of this organization praised and promoted what they considered “better offerings.” They were zealously critical towards those of a “salacious” nature. No follow-up ever determined whether the women were successful in their quest or if the increased publicity for “salacious” shows backfired. [Source: Janesville Gazette]
When I was growing up, one often heard that only humans used tools (and some of us, not very well). The tool-using group expanded to chimpanzees, and then other animals.
Crows are, it seems, now considered tool-users, too.
With the simple act of using twigs to poke a rubber spider, New Caledonian crows may have become the first birds to join an exclusive cognitive class.
Using tools in multiple ways, and not just to get food, was once considered a singularly human ability. Then chimpanzees, other primates and elephants proved able. But if flexible tool use wasn’t uniquely human, it did seem limited to mammals.
“There is no species of bird that has been recorded using tools for more than one function,” said zoologist Joanna Wimpenny of the University of Sheffield.
Uncategorized
Starbucks Unveils New Logo
by JOHN ADAMS •
New logo —
— same over-roasted coffee.
Laws/Regulations, Libertarians
EPA’s Rulemaking Matters! Contest: The Winner
by JOHN ADAMS •
In May, June, and July, I posted about an EPA video contest called “Rulemaking Matters!” in which contestants could send in videos explaining why federal regulations are important.
Here’s the winning video —
The winner in the Rulemaking Matters contest was a good entry. There are two things worth nothing, however.
First, one of the winning video’s creators was Toby Fey, a legal aid attorney from Ohio. That’s good and hard work, but it’s also work with an out-of-the-ordinary approach to regulations.
Representing the poor often involves citing regulations to prevent an agency from taking action against a client who has little means other than what the regulatory environment offers. For the poor, attorneys can cite — legitimately and necessarily — regulations to prevent denial of benefits, for example. Those who have little are a small number, overall, and while their reliance on regulations is a necessity, it’s also atypical.
For most people, I’d say, regulations are an inhibition to free exercise of opportunities for which they have private means.
Second, the video presents agency rulemaking in the most favorable light possible. Agency regulations are hardly the wise consequence of simple, objective interpretation and implemention of statutes. Additionally, there are few people who believe that rulemaking offers adequate citizen comment. Most people only learn about regulations after they’re imposed.
The libertarians at Reason.tv submitted their own videos, explaining how burdensome federal regulations were, and now bureaucrats typically care little about ordinary Americans. See Reason.tv: Federal Regulations and You – Partners in Democracy and Reason.tv: Rulemaking Matters!
For example:
Daily Bread
Daily Bread for 1-5-11
by JOHN ADAMS •
Good morning,
Whitewater’s forecast calls for an even chance of snow, with a high temperature of twenty-seven degrees.
In the City of Whitewater, there will be two municipal public meetings today.
At 9 a.m., the Joint Review Board meets, to begin considering distressed status for tax incremental district 4. The meeting agenda is available online. Here’s that agenda:
Whitewater Tax Incremental Finance District No. 4 Proposed Distressed TID Designation for District No. 4 Joint Review Board Walworth County Wednesday – January 5, 9:00 a.m. Whitewater Municipal Center Lakefront Conference Room (2nd Floor)
312 W Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
AMENDED 01/03/2011 TO ADD ITEM #4
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes from September 22, 2010
3. Appointment of Citizen Member to Joint Review Board
4. Distressed TID Presentation
5. Discussion and Possible Action on County Representation on Joint Review Board
6. Confirmation of January 24, 2011 Community Development Authority Public Hearing
7. Confirmation of February 9, 2011 Joint Review Board Meeting 8. Adjourn
Some of Whitewater’s officials mentioned the distressed TID presentation months ago — it’s received considerable energy and effort, I’m sure. (See, When Foolishness Passes for Wisdom, All Explained Via PowerPoint.)
So much preparation, I’d guess, that it’s a grand production by now. Something on the order of this —
Later in the day, at 5 p.m., there will be a meeting of the Landmarks Commission. That agenda is also available online, and I’ve reproduced it below:
Agenda of Whitewater Landmarks Commission
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 – 5:00 PM
City Manager Conference Room 312
Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
I. Call to order & roll call
II. Approval of agenda and possible rearrangement
III. Approval of minutes of December 8. 2010 meeting
IV. Set date of next meeting – Wed., February 2, 2011, at 5P
V. Hear Citizen Comments
VI. Announcements
Old Business
VII. Report from Friends of the Mounds. (Helmick)
VIII. Report on Effigy Mounds Task Force.
IX. Discussion of the Restoration Proposal Open Meeting with Jennings and Associates
X. Update on protection of original Birge Fountain figures (Loomer)
XI. Possible future informational programs on the positive influence of historic districts and local landmark designated properties.
XI. Report on the moving or demolition of James & Ella Rockefeller House at 837 South Janesville Road. (Christ)
XII. Report on the Relocation of UWW Stone Pillars on intersection of Main &Whiton Streets. (Christ)
XIII. Possible future informational programs on the positive influence of historic
districts and local landmark designated properties.
XIV. Discuss Historical & Archaeological Preservation Month.
New Business
XV . Discuss Christmas trees in Flat Iron Park (Helmick)
XVI. Future Agenda Items
1. Whitewater Historical Survey Recommendations
2. New Provisions of Chap. 17 – criteria & list
3. Leaflets and Educational Materials
4. Possible grants – Jeffris Family Foundation & CLG
5. Plaques for Whitewater sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places
6. Possible Future Local Landmark Designations
a. Leon Pescheret House (Scott)
b. Vivian Henderson’s House (Scott)
c. Yasko House
d. Ambrose House
e. Starin Park Historic Neighborhood (Helmick)
XVII. Adjournment more >>
Film
Theater Chains Aim to Transform Going Out to the Movies – WSJ.com
by JOHN ADAMS •
This seems like a good move, but our area already has a fun experience at the Stoughton Cinema Cafe at 124 West Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589.
The Cinema Cafe may not be as fancy as the theaters mentioned in the WSJ story, but it’s a great time, with pizza and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, among other items, on offer.
Theater Chains Aim to Transform Going Out to the Movies – WSJ.com.
Public Meetings
Landmarks Commission
by JOHN ADAMS •
Public Meetings
Joint Review Board (TID 4 Status)
by JOHN ADAMS •
Music
Monday Tuesday Music: Bob Dylan, Thunder on the Mountain
by JOHN ADAMS •
Elkhorn
The Emergency Services Mess in Elkhorn
by JOHN ADAMS •
There’s a story at Walworth County Today, entitled, Elkhorn emergency services plagued with problems. The story describes those problems — of staffing, membership, morale, and uncollected revenue.
The only thing worse than these mistakes and problems would be hiding them from public scrutiny.
When problems like this mount over time, even with a volunteer force, it’s still a public volunteer force, not a truly private one. A volunteer group like this may often use large amounts of public resources — equipment, buildings, etc. — but then declare that they’re above scrutiny as a volunteer organization. (“We run ourselves,” etc.)
Those organizations that depend on public equipment should not be able — often on specious, unenforceable grounds of local custom or ordinance — to insulate themselves from public accountability.
It’s commendable, however unfortunate the situation, that officials released a report on the matter.