An errant poodle disrupted traffic when it ran from a train onto the tracks in Oakland, California. It was later spotted leaving the tracks near West Oakland. There’s no word of an owner, or whether the dog had a ticket.
See, La Crosse Tribune: Runaway Poodle Disrupts Oakland Commuter Trains.
I’ve written before about the Milwaukee Mental Health Complex, part of that county’s Behavioral Health Division. That facility has been a place of patient abuse and professional misconduct. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Milwaukee County won’t release study on mental facility: Auditor says information may aid probe into troubled complex.
Steve Shultze of the Journal Sentinel writes that
Lawyers for Milwaukee County have refused to turn over a 2008 consultant’s report on safety issues at the Mental Health Complex – the first time in 30 years that county officials have stonewalled a county auditor investigation, the current auditor said Thursday.
Jerry Heer said he was seeking the report as part of his probe of safety issues at the complex. That audit was ordered by County Board Chairman Lee Holloway in April, following Journal Sentinel coverage of a federal inspection of the complex that found multiple instances of patient sexual assault and the pregnancy of a patient.
One would like to say that, with much having gone wrong, someone would begin to take simple, honest steps to reveal precisely how much may have gone wrong. In his election year, we’re likely to find official honesty in Milwaukee County in short supply.
This issue will only go away when those responsible have been disciplined or removed entirely, and those who come after assure more humane treatment.
I’ve posted about Chianelli’s policy, and the tragedy that is conduct at the MHC, before. See, A Milwaukee County Bureaucrat’s Immoral Utilitarianism, Update: A Milwaukee County Bureaucrat’s Immoral Utilitarianism, Update 2, Update 3, Update 4, Update 5, Update 6, Update 7, Update 8, Update 9, Update 10, Update 11, Update 12, Update 13, Update 14, Update 15, Update 16, Update 17, Update 18, Update 19, and Update 20.
Wired has a story about Saturn’s aurora, recorded with the Cassini orbiter. Lisa Grossman describes the aurora:
Much like Earth’s northern and southern lights, Saturn’s aurora is triggered when charged particles from solar winds are channeled toward the poles by the planet’s magnetic field. At the poles, these particles interact with charged gas or plasma in the upper atmosphere and emit light. Saturn’s aurora can also be caused by electromagnetic waves generated when its moons move through its magnetosphere.
Beautiful and captivating. Enjoy.
Link:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid86663777001?bclid=90190339001&bctid=615464513001 more >>
Good morning,
Whitewater’s forecast for today calls for a windy day with a high temperature of sixty-eight degrees.
It’s make-up day for school pictures at Washington School.
I’ve written before about the return of bedbugs, and scourge that seemed only a part of our past, until recent outbreaks across America. I would have thought that, like the dustbowl, bedbugs belonged to another era.
Not only are they back, but they’re apparently impinging on America’s dating scene. Jessica Firger of the Wall Street Journal writes that bedbugs are a complication of romantic life. In Love Bites: Dating in the Age of Bedbugs, Firger writes that
On dating sites, where profiles often tout daters’ disease- and drug-free status, the bedbug fear is evident. One woman, who preferred her name not appear, said that several people on the OKCupid dating site stopped writing to her once they’d learned she was dealing with an infestation.
Exterminator Mike Masterson, owner of Isotech, a national pest-control firm, said he’s seen several relationships crumble under the strain of a bedbug infestation. (One couple, Isotech clients, nearly divorced over their bedbug episode, he said.)
I’m not sure what to make of this. I am sure that it reflects not just a change in social life, but a change in reporting at the Wall Street Journal. It’s unimaginable that the WSJ would have reported a story like this, mentioning the dating habits of younger Americans, twenty years ago. The paper was much too staid; any discussion would have involved only the possible income loss to hotels, and financial gains to exterminators & pesticide manufacturers.
The Friday Comments Forum will be on holiday today, but back next week. Many thanks for your contributions, and the feature will be resume with a new topic next Friday.
For today, there are more posts on the way.
Well, Craig’s mistaken that there aren’t any. I’ll say that I think that credits were a bad idea, and are a form of corporate welfare.
The free marketers of this state should be up in arms over the latest government handout to big business.Apparently, Wisconsin taxpayers will pony up $25 million in tax credits to Harley-Davidson, just as they handed out a whopping $70 million to Mercury Marine a year ago.
Via Craig Piersma: No free market wails over Harley credits.
Resourceful.
Sometimes, perhaps it’s better not to eat one’s vegetables.
See, La Crosse Tribune: Montana Woman Fends off Bear Attack with Zucchini
Capitalism is humanity’s best arrangement for prosperity. Alternatives are, to one degree or another, schemes of enforced poverty.
Reason.tv has an interview with professor emerita Joyce Appleby of UCLA. It’s eight minutes of clarity and insight. The video is below, with Reason‘s description thereafter.
Enjoy.
Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZktWEAWLvM.
“Exploitation is not exclusively capitalist, but wealth creation is.” So says Joyce Appleby, professor emerita at UCLA and author of the new book, The Relentless Revolution: A History of Capitalism.
Allthough she criticizes certain aspects of capitalism, Appleby credits it for producing countless marvels of the modern world. “If you want this level of enjoyment,” says Appleby, “Science, the arts, food, transportation, information, then you have to realize what’s generating the wealth to create it.”
Reason.tv’s Ted Balaker sat down with one of our nation’s most accomplished historians to discuss the history of capitalism, how capitalism stacks up against competing systems, and why Americans should root for a wealthy China.
Approximately 8.00 minutes.
Interview by Ted Balaker; shot by Paul Detrick, Hawk Jensen and Alex Manning; edited by Detrick.
Story link:
http://www.reason.tv/video/show/joyce-appleby-interview. more >>
Good morning,
Today’s forecast calls for a chance of thunderstorms with a high temperature of eighty-six degrees.
A September issue of the Isthmus had a cover story on Madison-area clubs, and the contrast between contemporary clubs and those of an earlier time is telling —
I’ll leave it to others to decide which, if either, of the photos captures a more inviting scene. (I’m not in either photo, by the way; yes, I’m teasing even to suggest the possibility.) Whatever scene, it’s enough to wish club-goers the best, hoping that they have a good and safe evening.
Just in case…
Taste of Whitewater is having their 4th annual festival September 24th and 25th and are bringing back the very popular wine tasting event hosted by Staller Estates Vineyard and Winery. There will be two wine tastings and guided discussion on Saturday the 25th at 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Joe Staller will be hosting and bringing 9 wines to sample; the cost is $5.00 per person and is limited to the first 20 people per tasting. Wines being sampled are Blanc de Crescent, Rock Valley White, Horizon Cuvee, Estate Blanc, Maiden Blush, Estate Reserve, Release 3, Lady In Red, and Richmond Rouge.
Executive Director, Tami Brodnicki, says, “The wine tasting was very successful last time and we were asked by several folks to consider bringing it back. We have a great relationship with Joe and Wendy, plus Staller Estates produces great wines. It was the right thing to do bringing it back to the festival.”
Taste of Whitewater is put on by Downtown Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and the City of Whitewater. The festival kicks off Friday night at 5:00 pm at Cravath Lake Front Park with local restaurants, inflatables and the beer and wine tent. At 5:30 Something Else, a great local band, takes the stage, Avengers Assemble will start at 8:00 pm. On Saturday the festival begins at 11:00 am but if you are participating in the 5K Taste Trot and Fit Kid Shuffle, registration will start at 10:30 am. Arts and Crafts begin at 11:00 am along with the popular annual Safety Fair. Also new this year is the addition of two ski shows performances by the Minneiska Ski Team. There is a ton of stuff going on all day and the local bands will start again at 5:00 pm with Beyond Youth and end the evening with Cold Sweat & Brew City Horns.
Come visit the Taste of Whitewater; check out the new additions, the safety fair and 5K taste trot, grab some food from your favorite restaurants, sample the beer and wine, watch a water ski performance, stroll through the Historic Depot and Stone Stable, jump up and down in an inflatable or just hang out with your family in the arts and crafts area. The Taste has something for everyone and is a great way to spend a family fun weekend in the beautiful, historic downtown of Whitewater.
Full Schedule of Events
Friday September 24, 2010
5:00 pm Food Tent Opens
Beer and Wine Tent Opens
Inflatables – Sponsored by Dales Bootery
5:30 pm Something Else – Live Music Supported by SEAL
8:00 pm Avengers Assemble – Live Music Supported by SEAL
Saturday, September 25th
10:30 am 5k Taste Trot & Fit Kid Shuffle Registration – Sponsored by W3
11:00 am Food Tent Opens
Tai Chi Demo – Supported by Seniors In The Park
Inflatables until 8pm – Sponsored by Dale’s Bootery
Arts & Crafts Activities & Sale – Supported by Nasco & Optimists
Depot Museum & Stone Stable – Open until 2 pm
Beer and Wine Tent Opens
Safety Fair until 2 pm – Sponsored by Whitewater Fire & Rescue
11:30 am Drums Alive Demo – Supported by Whitewater Aquatic Center
Noon 5K Taste Trot Starts – Supported by W3
12:30 pm Wine Tasting By Joe Staller and Staller Winery, $5 Guided Discussion
Zumba Demo – Supported by the Whitewater Aquatic Center
12:45 pm Fit Kid Shuffle Starts – Supported W3
1:00 pm Kid’s Dance Clinic – Supported by UW-W Dance Co.
1:30 pm Water Ski Show – Provided by the Minneiska Ski Team
3:00 pm Dance & Augmented Four Performances – UW-W Dance Company
3:30 pm Kids Dance Clinic Performance – UW – Dance Company
4:00 pm Water Ski Show – Provided by the Minneiska Ski Team
5:00 pm Beyond Youth – Live Music – Supported by SEAL
Wine Tasting By Joe Staller and Staller Winery, $5 Guided Discussion
7:00 pm Step & Stroll Expo – UW-W Greek Organizations
7:30 pm Cold Sweat & Brew City Horns – Live Music – Supported by SEAL
Thank you to our sponsors —
City of Whitewater, Downtown Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, First Citizens State Bank, Commercial Bank, Denny K’s, Whitewater Street Restaurant, Fort Community Credit
Union, Dale’s Bootery, SEAL, Fort Health Care, the guild onthe Triangle, Whitewater School District, Dairy Farmers of Walworth County, WI Beef Council & W3
I received the following press release that I am happy to post —
Taste of Whitewater is having their 4th annual festival September 24th and 25th and are bringing back the very popular wine tasting event hosted by Staller Estates Vineyard and Winery. There will be two wine tastings and guided discussion on Saturday the 25th at 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Joe Staller will be hosting and bringing 9 wines to sample; the cost is $5.00 per person and is limited to the first 20 people per tasting. Wines being sampled are Blanc de Crescent, Rock Valley White, Horizon Cuvee, Estate Blanc, Maiden Blush, Estate Reserve, Release 3, Lady In Red, and Richmond Rouge.
Executive Director, Tami Brodnicki, says, “The wine tasting was very successful last time and we were asked by several folks to consider bringing it back. We have a great relationship with Joe and Wendy, plus Staller Estates produces great wines. It was the right thing to do bringing it back to the festival.”
Taste of Whitewater is put on by Downtown Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and the City of Whitewater. The festival kicks off Friday night at 5:00 pm at Cravath Lake Front Park with local restaurants, inflatables and the beer and wine tent. At 5:30 Something Else, a great local band, takes the stage, Avengers Assemble will start at 8:00 pm. On Saturday the festival begins at 11:00 am but if you are participating in the 5K Taste Trot and Fit Kid Shuffle, registration will start at 10:30 am. Arts and Crafts begin at 11:00 am along with the popular annual Safety Fair. Also new this year is the addition of two ski shows performances by the Minneiska Ski Team. There is a ton of stuff going on all day and the local bands will start again at 5:00 pm with Beyond Youth and end the evening with Cold Sweat & Brew City Horns.
Come visit the Taste of Whitewater; check out the new additions, the safety fair and 5K taste trot, grab some food from your favorite restaurants, sample the beer and wine, watch a water ski performance, stroll through the Historic Depot and Stone Stable, jump up and down in an inflatable or just hang out with your family in the arts and crafts area. The Taste has something for everyone and is a great way to spend a family fun weekend in the beautiful, historic downtown of Whitewater.
Full Schedule of Events
Friday September 24, 2010
5:00 pm Food Tent Opens
Beer and Wine Tent Opens
Inflatables – Sponsored by Dales Bootery
5:30 pm Something Else – Live Music Supported by SEAL
8:00 pm Avengers Assemble – Live Music Supported by SEAL
Saturday, September 25th
10:30 am 5k Taste Trot & Fit Kid Shuffle Registration – Sponsored by W3
11:00 am Food Tent Opens
Tai Chi Demo – Supported by Seniors In The Park
Inflatables until 8pm – Sponsored by Dale’s Bootery
Arts & Crafts Activities & Sale – Supported by Nasco & Optimists
Depot Museum & Stone Stable – Open until 2 pm
Beer and Wine Tent Opens
Safety Fair until 2 pm – Sponsored by Whitewater Fire & Rescue
11:30 am Drums Alive Demo – Supported by Whitewater Aquatic Center
Noon 5K Taste Trot Starts – Supported by W3
12:30 pm Wine Tasting By Joe Staller and Staller Winery, $5 Guided Discussion
Zumba Demo – Supported by the Whitewater Aquatic Center
12:45 pm Fit Kid Shuffle Starts – Supported W3
1:00 pm Kid’s Dance Clinic – Supported by UW-W Dance Co.
1:30 pm Water Ski Show – Provided by the Minneiska Ski Team
3:00 pm Dance & Augmented Four Performances – UW-W Dance Company
3:30 pm Kids Dance Clinic Performance – UW – Dance Company
4:00 pm Water Ski Show – Provided by the Minneiska Ski Team
5:00 pm Beyond Youth – Live Music – Supported by SEAL
Wine Tasting By Joe Staller and Staller Winery, $5 Guided Discussion
7:00 pm Step & Stroll Expo – UW-W Greek Organizations
7:30 pm Cold Sweat & Brew City Horns – Live Music – Supported by SEAL
Thank you to our sponsors —
City of Whitewater, Downtown Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, First Citizens State Bank, Commercial Bank, Denny K’s, Whitewater Street Restaurant, Fort Community Credit
Union, Dale’s Bootery, SEAL, Fort Health Care, the guild onthe Triangle, Whitewater School District, Dairy Farmers of Walworth County, WI Beef Council & W3
I’m not on Facebook, because, well, I’m just not hip that way. The loss is mine, though, because if I were on Facebook, then I could sign up for a Halloween-eve expedition to search for Beast of Bray Road.
WalworthCountyToday.com reports on the search: a hunt from 9 p.m. Oct. 30 through 3 a.m. Oct. 31, 2010 to find the elusive creature. The story includes a link to the Facebook sign-up page.
Local author and crypto-zoologist Linda Godfrey wrote about the beast in 1991, in Tracking Down the Beast of Bray Road. Godfrey’s story included eyewitness descriptions, like this one:
He was brownish-gray … and he had big teeth and fangs. And he looked at me. He turned his head to look at me.
It was about the size of an average man, 5-foot-7 maybe, about 150 pounds. It was holding the thing it was eating palms up, with the real long claws and the pointed ears. He had a big long nose and a long chin, like this on this picture (she pointed to a drawing of a “werewolf” from a library book).
The search sounds like a fun time.
Best wishes, intrepid volunteers.
I recently bought an Amazon Kindle, now out as a newer version, after seeing an older one. It’s the first electronic book that I’ve bought, and it’s proved to be a great purchase.
It’s light, easy to read even in bright sunlight, and holds thousands of books. Owners can sync their Kindles through Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi & 3G. The Wi-Fi only version is $139, and the version with Wi-Fi and 3G connection is $189. (I sprang for the combination unit at $189, and I use Wi-Fi at home, and 3G syncing when out of the house. There’s no charge for the 3G connection.)
(I don’t have an iPad, although a kind note last night pointed me to a review of the iPad, in which the iPad’s readability in bright sunlight was panned. The Kindle handles bright light well.)
Below is a photo that shows the comparison between a hardcover book and the Kindle. Same book, different media. Books, magazines, and newspapers are available (many classics are free, having become public domain works).
(Sharp-eyed readers will note that there’s an apparent mark on the Kindle. It’s not a scratch; a cat came by to inspect the Kindle before I took the photo, and left a stray cat hair on the device. The House of Dissenting Opinion is a 100% cat-friendly home.)
My subscriptions include Reason magazine, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, and The Onion. There are hundreds of newspapers available, and about seventy-five magazines. Perhaps more magazines will be added later; the current list has some popular titles, but could use more.
Quick notes: the Kindle’s screen is black & white, with a web browser that’s more experimental (as Amazon describes it) than useful. It’s an e-book reader, and a fine one, but not a substitute for a laptop or netbook.
Readers can search through Kindle books, highlighting portions they like, and can send highlights to either Twitter or Facebook. Fonts and font sizes are adjustable.
My interest in a Kindle is both as reader and small-town blogger. Months ago, I saw an article about digital books, and decided to write a brief digital book, myself. It’s a good bit done, now, with a second one outlined. I’m not an author, and would never think of myself as one; it’s simply fun to try new things. The first book should be ready for publication in October.
Amazon has lots of e-books from ordinary people, and most are available for a small price. (Whether a small price makes something more conventional & acceptable than something with no price is the only reason I’d charge for an e-book.)
Blogs are also available on the Kindle, but I think that Amazon tacks on a 99-cent charge for processing even free websites as Kindle websites. I understand their processing charge, but I will never charge for this website. (Nor will FW take advertising; it’s not a commercial website.)
I highly recommend the Amazon Kindle; it’s a useful and stylish device.
I’ve written before about Ieshuh Griffin, the Wisconsin candidate who wanted to use “NOT the whiteman’s bitch” as her description of candidacy on the November ballot. She’s now hit the big time — a mention on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
The Government Accountability Board denied Griffin’s request to use that description, and a federal judge rejected her appeal on procedural grounds. See, Court rejects candidate’s lawsuit over ballot slogan: Federal judge doesn’t rule on merits of case. (Griffin had a right to appeal the GAB decision, but she’s completely wrong to think that right meant she could file any kind of appeal she wanted; she’s not entitled to her own, confused legal standard.)
As for Griffin, I thought that she was entitled to use her preferred slogan on the ballot, and the GAB should have allowed her to do so. Candidly, Griffin may be many things, but I’m sure she’s NOT the whiteman’s bitch.
She may have a new slogan, too —
Enjoy.
See, Let Ieshuh Griffin Run with Her Chosen Description on the Wisconsin Ballot and Update: Let Ieshuh Griffin Run with Her Chosen Description on the Wisconsin Ballot.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Slogan’s Hero | ||||
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Link:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-15-2010/slogan-s-hero more >>
