FREE WHITEWATER

Daily Bread

Daily Bread for Whitewater, Wisconsin: 9-27-10

by  • 

Good morning,

Whitewater’s forecast calls for a clear day, with a high temperature of sixty-seven degrees.

The City of Whitewater’s public hearing concerning distressed status from Tax Incremental District 4 has been postponed, pending selection of a citizen representative to the Joint Review Board.

[Update, 8:10 AM — I’ve promised a post or two about Tax Incremental District 4, but those posts will now, like the hearing about TID 4, wait for another day. TID 4’s condition is a story on its own, and, I think, is connected to subsequent projects in the city. An explanation of TID 4’s fiscal history at a hearing will prove significant, perhaps, for more than one reason. It makes sense to hear what municipal officials say at that hearing.]

At 4:30 p.m., the Whitewater Community Development Authority will meet. The meeting agenda is available online.

In the online version of Der Speigel, there’s an interesting story entitled, “90 Beds in 90 Days,” about “hitting the town with Berlin’s couch-surfing nomad,” Christine Neder:

Christine Neder, 25, recently moved from Munich to Berlin. She didn’t have time to bother with the hassle of searching for a room, so she made a bold decision: For 90 days she would seek out a new room every night, looking for people willing to host her on social networking sites like CouchSurfing and Facebook. Neder is a fashion designer and writer.

The Web makes Neder’s task far easier, and she describes her adventures in a video, available online. (Neder is apparently something of a performance artist, with different online ventures, so I doubt that her couch surfing is entirely of necessity; opportunity likely plays a role. She hit on the idea not simply on short-notice, but as she remarks, while on holiday.)

The BBC describes the practice, for other travelers:



I can’t see this catching on outside of a small part of America, in a few big cities. I wonder, though, if couch surfing is what the Web has done (or is doing) to the hostel in Europe. more >>

Twitter

Recent Tweets, 9-19 to 9-25

by  • 

@davidgumpert: A WI dairy farmer’s answer to DATCP’s lifting of Grade A dairy license: new set of raw milk standards. http://bit.ly/aNJqer
1:10 PM Sep 24th

No time like the present @WiStateJournal: Op-Ed: Overhaul lawyer oversight in wake of Kenneth Kratz case http://ow.ly/196yVs
3:21 PM Sep 22nd

Indeed – sound, serious reporting @WiStateJournal: From your letters: Robert W. Deitz: Kudos to press for exposing Kratz http://ow.ly/196URP
3:20 PM Sep 22nd

Thirty-five million later: UW-W’s Starin Hall no typical dorm http://bit.ly/bkizMf
12:46 PM Sep 21st

Gene-Altered Fish Closer to Approval – WSJ.com http://bit.ly/agNOw2
8:56 PM Sep 20th

Brooklyn residents overrun by possums used by the city to wipe out rats – NYPOST.com http://bit.ly/cJrc1G
8:11 PM Sep 20th

Further allegations against ‘sexting’ DA claim social invitation to an autopsy http://bit.ly/dtzzWo
6:01 PM Sep 20th

Fiend! British woman who threw cat in garbage charged with two counts of animal cruelty – Sky News http://bit.ly/be466e
2:54 PM Sep 20th

71 kicked out of UW football game; 35 arrested http://bit.ly/9sGp8K
12:02 PM Sep 19th

Official Misconduct

Milwaukee County’s Immoral Utilitarianism: Update 21 (Withholding a Report from Auditors)

by  • 

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.

Daily Bread

Daily Bread for Whitewater, Wisconsin: 9-24-10

by  • 

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.



Cimex lectularius

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.

Free Markets, Government Spending

Craig Piersma: No free market wails over Harley credits

by  • 

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.

Economy, Free Markets

Joyce Appleby on the Relentless Revolution of Capitalism

by  • 

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 >>

Daily Bread

Daily Bread for Whitewater, Wisconsin: 9-23-10

by  • 

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.

Public Meetings

September 24th and 25th: Taste of Whitewater

by  • 

TASTE OF WHITEWATER AND STALLER ESTATES VINEYARD AND WINERY HOST WINE TASTING EVENT

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

Beautiful Whitewater

September 24th and 25th: Taste of Whitewater

by  • 

I received the following press release that I am happy to post —

TASTE OF WHITEWATER AND STALLER ESTATES VINEYARD AND WINERY HOST WINE TASTING EVENT

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

Walworth County, Weird Tales

On the Trail of the Beast of Bray Road

by  • 

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.