One Man's Opinion

Too good not to steal: Which side is pro-choice, again?

2010-07-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

Pro-choice	Liberals	Conservatives
Abortion	X
Same Sex Marriage	X
To Keep and Bear Arms		X
Buy health insurance		X
Wear motorcycle helmet		X
Eat fat		X
Smoke in public		X
Buy incandescent bulbs*		X
Name your sports team		X
Size of your showerhead		X

These are just off the top of my head. I plan to repost this chart in the future. Let me know if you think any of the line items are unfair or if you think some should be added on either side.

*Yes, I know George W. Bush signed the ban, but I don’t know a single conservative who is in favor of this

Thought on this?

2010-06-21T17:00:00.001-05:00

I saw this article over the weekend: Judge in Conn. to Decide If Cheerleading Is Sport and remembered a post I saw recently that could help this Judge (see below and thanks to Biancolo)

Obama's World Cup??

2010-06-18T09:35:00.001-05:00

Warning: The US Constitution may not be suitable for children under 13

2010-06-10T08:50:00.001-05:00

This is a load of c$@%!!!

I simply cannot believe that anyone would feel it necessary to place this warning on a copy of the Constitution and other important US historical documents.

Copy of the warning is shown below and check out the news story here: Publishing Company Under Fire for Putting Warning Label on Constitution

Interesting thought process...

2010-06-10T08:43:00.001-05:00

I personally thought that Hillary might leave the administration next year and begin a run for the White House herself. But this is an interesting perspective:

Why Hillary Will Be On Obama's Ticket In 2012

By Liz Peek

Published June 09, 2010 | FOXNews.com

While the country digests yesterday’s primaries, the White House political machine is undoubtedly working overtime on a more distant challenge – how to get President Obama reelected in 2012.

Here’s a prediction: the Obama administration will bounce Joe Biden off the 2012 ticket, and invite Hillary Clinton to run in his stead.

The move will aim to bolster Obama’s standing and provide some excitement among core Democrats – something that Biden fails to provide. Hillary will agree, because just four years later she will be superbly positioned to run for president – ever the rainbow on her personal horizon.

At present, her polls are high, with 58% of voters viewing her at least somewhat favorably.

Wistful Dems who wonder these days what could have been will tout her hard work and pragmatic diplomacy as she chases one impossible Obama pipe dream after another to all corners of the globe.

[continued here]

In case anyone was wondering...

2010-06-10T08:24:00.001-05:00

Zepnick is right!!

2010-06-08T16:29:00.001-05:00

In a press release by democrat legislator Josh Zepnick regarding the sentencing of a drunk driver to 30 months in prison, he states “Racine County Circuit Judge Stephen Simanek should be ashamed of himself, people should demand that Simanek publically explain his decision and hold him accountable.”

I would have to agree especially when you consider what Zepnick adds: “What is frightening is the total disrespect for justice that Simanek handed down yesterday. Just recently, Judge Simanek issued a 3 year sentence for Racine Mayor Gary Becker. While Becker’s actions are sick and destructive, Becker never killed anyone, yet he gets a longer sentence than someone who flew down the highway at 50mph and never stopped after killing a bicyclist!”

That is a great question…why would Becker get a stiffer (no pun intended) sentence than someone the was drunk, killed someone and fled a scene?

Something is truly wrong with the whole picture.

RPW Billboard in Madison

2010-06-08T12:10:00.001-05:00

Absolutely love it!!

Swiped from Caledonia Unplugged

2010-05-27T08:13:00.001-05:00

This is so true!

“The $64,000 question

from CALEDONIA UNPLUGGED by Caledonia Unplugged

Racine Post is running an article today that, according to the Department of Workforce Development, Caledonia has the lowest unemployment rate in the state.

Here's my question: How could that possibly be true since we don't have commuter rail running through our community?”

LOL!!!!

Holy Crap!!

2010-05-26T14:38:00.001-05:00

I simply do not believe it…it just can’t be true!!

MARK NEUMANN IS ACTAULLY SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THE DEMOCRAT IN THE RACE TO BE GOVERNOR!!!

The way he has been going on about Walker you’d think that Neumann was the democrat!

Water vapor…huh?

2010-02-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

I've been telling people that it is only a matter of time before the environmental community woke up and realized that H2O is the #1 greenhouse gas.

NewScientist: Water vapour worse climate change villain than thought

Joke or not…

2009-10-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

I’ve been watching the left fume over SNL’s skit of Obama…they must have hit a cord because they are upset!

Did you see that CNN actually did a “fact-check” of the comedy skit? No I’m not making that up.

In today’s Real Clear Politics, David Paul Kuhn discusses…

Is Obama Becoming a Joke?

Most presidents become a joke at some point. It's a matter of when and how. Both points should concern this president. In Winston Churchill's words, "a joke is a very serious thing." Or it can be, when the joke is about a very serious thing.

"Saturday Night Live" has long been a comedic benchmark. Last weekend, SNL took its first hard hit at President Obama. Fred Armisen, who plays the president, gave an Oval Office address questioning why some critics were distraught with him transforming the country: "When you look at my record it's very clear what I've done so far and that is nothing. Nada. Almost one year and nothing to show for it."

Most presidents become a joke at some point. It's a matter of when and how. Both points should concern this president. In Winston Churchill's words, "a joke is a very serious thing." Or it can be, when the joke is about a very serious thing.

"Saturday Night Live" has long been a comedic benchmark. Last weekend, SNL took its first hard hit at President Obama. Fred Armisen, who plays the president, gave an Oval Office address questioning why some critics were distraught with him transforming the country: "When you look at my record it's very clear what I've done so far and that is nothing. Nada. Almost one year and nothing to show for it."

Read the rest here.

We'll NEVER Forget!!

2009-09-11T07:46:00.001-05:00

So answer me this…

2009-08-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I posted a link on Facebook and received a snotty comment from one of my liberal friends…”Faux News, where more people get their news...than probably should.”

Now I know that the left has no respect for Fox News but for all of the claims about being biased here is why I use them as a news source.

Two news stories about the same thing…the deficit estimate is now $1.58 trillion for 2009...one is from Fox News the other is directly from Reuters. Care to guess which is which?

U.S. deficit estimate to be trimmed to $1.58 trillion

Federal Deficit to Hit $1.58 Trillion This Year

Friday Funnies

2009-08-14T17:00:00.000-05:00

Are you mad? Why not!??!

2009-08-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

We are hearing and seeing that Americans are upset and venting at their elected officials in the news constantly…AND?!?!

I expect people to be mad and upset…that is life!

Here is what I am mad about:

How can you be out supporting a bill that YOU HAVE NOT READ?
And when questioned about what is in the bill the elected official says that it is right wing propaganda?

What?!?!

These men and women are our employees. We put them in office (even if we didn’t vote for them) and we can fire them.

Let the culling of the herd begin!!! 2010 is right around the corner!!!

Does any one have Health Insurance anymore?

2009-08-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

Back in May of 2007 I wrote a small piece for this blog called Redefining Insurance, in the piece I used the most simplistic terms to lay out the different between the Health Care plans we all have and Health Insurance.

Well it seems like I’m no longer alone in using this example: CSM: Why can't health insurance be more like auto insurance?

When will people wake up and realize that the governments idea is to pull us all into one large plan that they will administer…think about it like the Post Office or the DMV…long lines…”entitled employees”…and a constant drain on the taxpayers and the consumer.

Name that Place

2009-08-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Jean got the last place I posted…it was Lockwood Park…but I will always call it Graceland Park!

Name this Place:

Where have I been!?!

2009-08-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a long time since I put anything up on this blog and for that I’m sorry.

There are times when you just don’t have the time or energy to post anything and the last 5 weeks were just that.

For 4 weeks I was on an audit in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (pop 200,000) and I have to say that it is a beautiful place to visit.

While I was in Canada I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of locals about the health care in Canada and what they all said is that the drugs are easy to come by but the procedures are not. I know that that is not the road that we should be heading down.

I think that there is a lot out there to talk about and I’m going to wade on in and get things rolling…will start with Name that Place and go from there. I mean it’s been 5 weeks I can’t just jump at this thing like I’ve not been away!

Hope you all are doing well and welcome back.

Name that Country

2009-07-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

2 week's ago the country may not be the most popular but with its distinct shape I thought that most of you would have known that the county was Gabon.

This week’s is a 50-50 country: 5 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Name that Place

2009-06-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Go on vacation and time just gets completely away from you. I thought I had set this up to auto post last week and never checked on it…should have! Oops!

Well, mkfolks2 got that the last Name this Place was Horlick Field…Home of the Racine Raiders…and if you’d like a little more info on it go here.

Name this Place:

Name that Country

2009-06-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

I thought that this one might be real easy since the country has had so many great gymnasts that most of you would have known that the county was Romania.

This week’s is still pretty easy 3 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Name that Place

2009-06-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

I knew that this one would take a little searching and when CU asked me to verify some information I decided that it was a great one!

In the end CU did come up with the right answer the place was the Burlington Conservation Club

Name this Place:

Happy Flag Day!

2009-06-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Flag Day commemorates the resolution during the Second Continental Congress adopting of the flag of the United States.

www.NationalFlagDay.com

www.usflag.org

Flag rules and Regulations

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Allegedly naked...

2009-06-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

This story caught me off guard because of the first sentence:

"A South Lake Tahoe man is being held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail for allegedly being naked near high school property."

Allegedly being naked? How can you be allegedly naked!! If you read further it explains that when the police arrived he was dressed.

"asked if Mark was naked at the school, Mark denied he was on school property."

LOL!!! :^D

Friday Funnies

2009-06-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Name that Country

2009-06-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

I’m starting to wonder if I should try to make this harder. J trainhead and Anna830 both knew that last week’s country was Belize.

This week is 4 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Yesterday’s Headline

2009-06-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Feingold likely to back judge

You think?!?!

Lefties and guns

2009-06-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is not the way I want to start a morning. I open my Google Reader to see the following story: Conceal and Carry on Two Wheels

Now you are all reading this and saying to your computer – “What did you expect? It is posted on folkbum’s blog!!” And I really should know better but I usually can handle the lefty crap that is out there but every now and again there are things that just drive me nuts.

“Bet you that if we had conceal and carry in Wisconsin, the bicyclist would have gotten a permit, so what we had here was a case of C and C de facto.”

The worst part about it is this guy probably believes that!

This is not a case for or against CC in Wisconsin. This was obviously a disturbed individual that took out his aggression on two police officers. Trying to tie this to CC just makes the writer look like a kook.

CC is permitted in 48 states. If there were cases, such as this, that involved a person with a CC permit I would guarantee these anti-personal protection people would be all over it and pounding the story until CC was removed from these states.

“But the cost benefit of having so many guns flooding our society has not worked out in terms of situations like this one, or kids finding guns, suicides, settling arguments, etc.”

Cost benefit?!? What the hell is he talking about? Again we are not talking about a law abiding citizen. If you want to talk about guns in the hands of criminals like this guy then lets talk about that but when you lump people like that in with the rest of us you cross a line that is not realistic.

If you really think that we should remove the right of all citizens to have guns because criminals use guns then you must believe that we need to ban computers because pedophiles use computers.

Name that Place

2009-06-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

I see that no one was brave enough to post on this one last week…it was the “new” Racine Metro Transit Center.

Name this Place:

Environmentalists are seething!

2009-06-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Did you happen to catch these headlines?

AFP: Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists

Motoring.co.za: ALL NOT AS IT SEEMS FROM TAIL PIPES OF THE WORLD

And here is the paper that started all the fuss: Environmental assessment of passenger transportation should include infrastructure and supply chains

They are already trying to say that the study is flawed…claiming that roads are not taken into consideration for cars (which they are) and that airports have issues with the number of lights used.

Can you say “sour grapes”?!?!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-06-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Do you remember this?

How could you forget!!??!! There have been many knock-offs over the years but there is only on Tetris and today we celebrate 25 years of play!

Tetris marks 25 years of haunting gamers' dreams

Normandy Invasion

2009-06-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today is the 65^th anniversary of the D-Day operations.

“June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.” www.army.mil/d-day

General Eisenhower’s Message

“Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”

-- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Friday Funnies

2009-06-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Name that Country

2009-06-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

Okay I everyone that reads this blog has said the same thing to me “I didn’t see a hint…you said there was a hint!” The hint was in the outline of the country itself. I included the southern boarder of Malaysia with the outline of Singapore.

Both trainhead and Anna830 knew it but would they have gotten it if I only had the island itself? (I’m quite sure they would have!!)

This week is 4 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

National Running Day

2009-06-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yep today is National Running Day.

Purpose is to promote a healthy and easy form of exercise!

Non-runners take heart…it is as simple as walking…try to run at a pace that allows you to have a conversation at the same time…Just be sure that there is someone there to talk too!

Now get out there and RUN!!!

Name that Place

2009-06-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

I know that last week’s place seemed hard with all of those trees but Caledonia Unplugged and my wife both got it! The place was Sanders Park.

This one is just too easy…

Name this Place:

Name that Country

2009-05-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

You know it is easy when everyone gets the country! Great Job!

If you didn't know…I’m sorry…but the country was the Ukraine.

This week would be a 10 out of 10 but since I gave you a hint it is an 8 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Name that place

2009-05-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

Here I am in Burlington Iowa again and late with my posting. I look at this blog and wonder but why?

Well last week’s was pretty easy and Caledonia Unplugged got it right and even got the “motto”!!

It was 7 Mile Fair! Right on I-94 and Seven mile road.

This one is a bit harder…

Name this Place

Name that Country

2009-05-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

Well I told you all that it was going to be easy! Anna830 came through and posted her clues first (by 3 hours!) but trainhead also had some very good clues…just a bit later. :D

Did the rest of you get the country? The clues had to of helped…The answer was Colombia.

This week is still pretty easy 2 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Comics

2009-05-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Name that Place

2009-05-19T12:00:00.001-05:00

Last week had most of you stumped…mkfolks had it right but opted not to post…I wonder why?

For those of you wondering it was Karcher Middle School:

View Larger Map

This week’s place is pretty easy.

Name this Place:

Name that Country

2009-05-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Wow! You people are good! I was a bit confused by Anna830’s comments and looked it up for myself…trainhead is correct, again! Anna830 was about 50 miles off with her hint!

The country is Samoa – formerly known as Western Samoa, not to be confused with the unincorporated territory that received the stimulus money that Anna830 talked about, American Samoa

Well know that we’ve all had some fun how about a fairly easy one: 2 out of 10

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Mid-week Funnies

2009-05-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Would you suspend this kid?

2009-05-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

A big H/T to Mr. Harris over at The National Conversation (Raw)

Would you suspend this kid?

What if he put up posters like this all over his high school?

Would it change your mind if you knew that 6 years ago he move to the US from his native country South Africa?

This is simply ridiculous!

Visible Vote

2009-05-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

I’ll be adding this to my Facebook page tonight back at the hotel.

The rest of you should check it out and get involved!

http://visiblevote.us/index.php

In the News:

Visible Vote beta, write congress letters and vote

Bucktown man devises Web app ‘Visible Vote’ to find how your congressman voted

Name that Place

2009-05-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

I know today is Wednesday…which would mean that this is late. What can I say? I’m in Burlington, IA on an audit and unfortunately for you (and me) this is not the top priority.

But I will try to get some things set up over the next few days so it looks like I’m still back home.

Jean got the place last week…it was Humble Park.

This week is going to be much harder…

Too good not to steal…

2009-05-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you Tom McMahon!

Name that Country

2009-05-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

I guess I should have set the rating lower last week!

Everyone picked up on this one…it was Ireland.

This week 9 (maybe 10) out of 10!

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

The Obama Budget (cont.)

2009-05-07T12:00:00.002-05:00

I’m just starting to read the “Terminations, Reductions, and Savings” book put out by the Office of Management and Budget and I know that we have been pounding on the Obama Budget’s outrageous spending that is creating a $1.3 trillion deficit in the first year but I think that we are missing the big picture that we should hit him on.

Now we have all heard this but I don’t think it is sinking in to the general mind of the taxpayers out there…in the 3^rd paragraph of the introduction they point out:

“the Budget will cut the deficit in half by the end of the President’s first term,”

So lets put that into perspective for a moment…the current budget deficit from Obama’s budget, for 1 year, will be greater than all of the budget deficits that President GW Bush had during his second term in office and they expect that they will be able to reduce the deficit to half, or $650 billion, by the end of Obama’s first term.

Using simple math (CBO’s numbers): $1.38 trillion + 970 billion + 658 billion + 672 billion = $3.68 trillion which is about the amount of money he is looking to spend this year alone!!!

But lets not stop there the quote I have above continues:

“and the Administration will bring non-defense discretionary spending to its lowest level as a share of GDP since 1962.”

Really?!? I think they are trying their hardest to look good because the CBO shows that the discretionary spending on non-defense as a % of GDP in 1987-1991, 1996-2001, and again in 2007 were all below the % of GDP in 1969 (don’t ask me the CBO report only goes back that far and I have not had time to search the site for further data yet.) They are whitewashing the fact that they are going to grow spending during this time including:

“a historic down payment on health care reform”

Once I get through this whole thing I’m quite sure I’ll have more to say…

Name that Place

2009-05-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Will you look at that…a week has just flown by and I’m not sure what to do!

Last week we had 2 places that needed to be found…Caledonia Unplugged managed to get the Sienna Center

View Larger Map

and Real Debate pulled out the Council House!

View Larger Map

Great job to both of them!

Name this Place!

Do they want KRM?

2009-05-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

If a choo-choo is a needed commodity here in SE Wisconsin why has the business community sat on their hands for nearly 20 years?

Now I have made it very clear that the idea of a train that runs from Kenosha to Milwaukee with no fewer than 10 stops in between is, in my opinion, an asinine idea. While I feel that way I hear day in and day out how much the “business community” loves the idea of this train.

So I ask again, why has the “business community” sat on their hands and allowed this “vital link” waste away in the hands of government bureaucrats?

They have had 20 years to create a corporation, raise funds, build infrastructure, and make it happen…so why have they not done this?

Why wouldn’t profitable companies in SE Wisconsin want to create a company that, in their own words, “would bring people and business to the region”?

Would it not be prudent to invest in a business that would have about 1.7 million riders annually (www.transitnow.org)?

If this were such a “vital link” to Chicago why would we still be talking about it and not seeing it?

There isn’t a single business in Wisconsin that is willing to spend some of their own money on a venture like KRM because:

no business is willing sell a $45 product for $5
there is not high demand for train service in this region because the population center (and business community) is not that large

So why are we still waiting for KRM?

The answer is simple…it will not succeed.

Well I’m out of here…

2009-05-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

…unfortunately I am not heading up to the State GOP Convention, but I am headed out to Fort Collins, Colorado to run in my 15^th marathon!

Blogging will be light until Tuesday…but if I get a chance maybe I’ll throw something up here. ;^)

Friday Funnies

2009-05-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Today

2009-05-01T13:00:00.001-05:00

Today is May 1^st…

…the 121^st day of the year

…244 days left in the year

Births on this date include:

Tim McGraw (1967) – Musician

Joel Rosenberg (1954) – Author

Scott Carpenter (1925) – Astronaut

Art Fleming (1924) – Game show host

Jack Paar (1918) – TV host

Calamity Jane (1852) – Wild West Performer

Deaths on this date include:

Spike Jones (1965) – Musician

Joseph Goebbels (1945) – Minister of Propaganda for the Nazi’s

Events on this date include:

MGM Studio’s in Orlando opens (1989)

Worlds Fair opens in Knoxville, TN (1982)

Amtrak is formed (1971)

Francis Gary Powers U-2 plane is shot down (1960)

Empire State Building is dedicated (1931)

British colonies abolish slavery (1834)

The Illuminati is established (1776)

The Internet…

2009-05-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

I thought that this was an interesting read and have included the map and the 8 questions that they answer about the internet.

I found it funny that they would even consider #6 as a question that people didn’t know about the internet!

From NewScientist.com:

Eight things you didn't know about the internet

Who controls the internet?
Could the net become self-aware?
How big is the net?
Is there only one internet?
Is the net caught in the credit crunch?
Where are the net’s dark corners?
Is the net hurting the environment?
Could we shut the net down?

Name that Country

2009-04-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here I thought that last week’s country was going to be hard…starting to wonder how you guys are coming about your information. Anna830 once again hits the mark with her insightful information on the little country of Liechtenstein.

This week I give it a 3 out of 10…Good Luck!

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Name that Place

2009-04-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well another week and another carry over…

CU got the prior weeks place…Cliffside Park.

Here is a hint:

And here is the place again:

If you thought that was hard Name this Place:

A study that will go ZERO play in the MSM

2009-04-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

ScienceDaily: Universal Health Insurance Might Not Save Lives

Funny part about it is that Richard Kronick, a former health care adviser to President Clinton, admits that the previous numbers that stated about 18,000 lives would be saved is “too optimistic.”

“the evidence we have concerning the relationship between lack of insurance and mortality is not very good, and a reasonable reading of that evidence is that the number of deaths in the United States probably wouldn’t change a lot if everybody gets health insurance.” (emphasis mine.)

Do you think this will appear in any major news source?

From the weird

2009-04-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

FOXNews: Pregnant Woman Hit by Car While Fleeing From Bear

The headline itself isn’t the weird part you have to read the story to get that.

It seems that the bear did not chase the woman only followed her…the DNR caught the bear (tranquilized it)…the woman ID’d the bear (“Yep, officer. That is the bear that followed me out of the woods”)…and then the bear was euthanized.

The woman felt so bad that she has decided to give her unborn child the middle name “Bear” because she feels guilty.

I’m sorry but that is just strange!!!!

Graber interview on Wisconsin Eye

2009-04-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

If you have not seen the Wisconsin Eye interview yet, get out there and watch: Link

Rick Graber, when asked if he is going to run for governor states “I can’t imagine a scenario where that would occur and it’s getting late” (around 16:00)

Discusses Walker (around 16:58) and Neumann (around 17:30) running for governor

Loves our Congressman Paul Ryan…has very high praise for him a number of times!

Comments on Palin around 21:50 -- “Energized the base but nothing more”

Rick is a great guy and I’m glad to see that he is back in Wisconsin. I look forward to his involvement in Wisconsin politics once again.

Name that Country

2009-04-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Well we had a guest host for this last week and we did “Name that Island.” I know that a few of you think it was hard but with the hints it was pretty much a slam dunk!

It looks like mkfolks gets the prize for getting the island and for being sneaky with her “hint”…”Not the Panama one, huh??” that would be a reference to the Panama Canal…the island in question was Guadalcanal…get it?!? I know a stretch but I deal with this every week!

Again I would like to thank trainhead for his contribution and hope that you all enjoyed the break from my usual non-sense. I would like to encourage anyone that has an idea to drop me a note and I’ll see what I can do!

Now on with the show…This week’s country…9 out of 10…Good luck!

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Geocachers point out a flaw…

2009-04-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Yes ladies and gentleman, I am a geocacher. My wife and I have participated in geocaching since 2002 and love it. It is a great adventure no mater where in the world you go…and we have cached all over the world and plan to continue to do so even while our caching at home has slowed to nothing.

But I digress. Go to Geocahing.com to find out more about the “sport.”

According to local geocachers the famed “4 corners” (where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona come together) is not where the 4 corners monument is located!! In fact it appears to be off by about 2.5 miles!!!

Name that Place

2009-04-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Well no one has guessed last week’s place – I’m surprised! It is really easy…but I’ll give a hint…it is East of the Interstate. Here is the picture again:

This week’s is a little harder…so good luck!

Name this Place:

AG Van Hollen responds to “Open Carry”

2009-04-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

It is true that the State Attorney General has responded to the Open Carry issue here in Wisconsin.

For those of you that are unsure as to what I mean…Wisconsin is one of only 2 states that does not allow the carrying of a concealed firearm so many pro-gun citizens have argued that if concealed is not permissible than the right to carry one openly can not be in question.

A few citizens that have tried to carry openly were cited for Disorderly Conduct this Advisory Memorandum for the AG should clear up many of these issues and law abiding citizens will not have their rights infringed.

The Department believes that mere open carry of a firearm, absent additional facts and circumstances, should not result in a disorderly conduct charge.

But this leads me to question the ordinance in the City of Racine and if it is still valid.

Racine municipal code Sec. 66-58 Possessing dangerous weapon states as follows:

Unless otherwise provided by law, no person, except a bona fide peace officer, shall be found at or upon any public place in the city carrying or having within his reach any dangerous weapon, whether concealed or in plain view. "Plain view" within the meaning of this section does not include weapons carried in a case which does not permit immediate access to such weapons.

Does the Advisory Memo constitute something “provided by law”?

The municipal code continues in Sec.66-60 Display of firearms as follows:

No person shall display a firearm in or upon any public place or in or upon any private premises without the permission of the owner. For purposes of this section, display shall mean the exhibition, showing or placing in the view of other persons and shall include displaying the entire firearm or any portion thereof. Display shall not include firearms carried in a case. This section does not apply to peace officers or armed forces or military personnel who go armed in the line of duty or to any person duly authorized by the chief of police to display firearms.

So while the AG of the state makes it very clear that I can strap my .38 to my hip and walk down the street…the current municipal code in Racine clearly states otherwise…I guess the questions is…would I be cited in Racine?

I’m no politician…

2009-04-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

…but even I know that this just looks bad:

Yesterday I twittered about 3 places that Obama could have simply let stay the same as last year and would have reduced his budget by $2.2 billion!! That is still small but it's better than his proposal.

Name that County…well sort of…

2009-04-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last weeks country was pretty easy due to the shape. My wife even got it quicker than normal so I know that it must have been easy! ;^)

For those of you that did not get it and was not helped by trainhead’s clues the country was Western Sahara!

I received an email from trainhead that stated “Since I've been hogging the 'Name that Country' scene, I thought I would make a small contribution.” And since this means less work for me I thought that I would post his selection. For the record trainhead, I’m here to tell you that your clues have been terrific! I hope that you will continue to post and thank you for this weeks offering.

Name that Country (or, make it Name that Island)

Hint: It's an island. Politically, it is a province of a larger group of islands. Many years ago, it was historically significant! Really! (there is more but I’ll save it for a little while)

****UPDATED HINTS****

This is 1 in a 1,000 (approximately.)
Makes up 23% of the total counties landmass
The British didn’t change the name but did change the spelling of the island
Site of the 1^st US amphibious landing in WWII

Personally I’ll give this a 4 out of 10.

In Case You Missed It...

2009-04-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

***************************UPDATES!!!!***************************

Good for the Judge!!

2009-04-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we in society just let people get away with things that they should not.

Well a Pennsylvania Judge told a man that he would have to pay the $214 that he stole rather then go to jail…which is what the man really wanted. Story here

Now I know that we all fall on tough times once in a while but that does not mean you get to skate when you break the law! The judge said that even if he threw the guy in jail the money would still have to be paid so…

I’m glad that the judge was conscious of the cost to the taxpayer…it would cost a whole lot more to through him in jail for a few days for the $214 debt.

Name that Place

2009-04-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

mkfolks nailed it right away! It was the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Name This Place:

April 13…Tax Freedom Day 2009

2009-04-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well here we are, 103 days into the “new year” and we are finally working for our selves!

Since January 1^st we have been working for the government. All of our earnings up until this point have gone to pay taxes.

Now I know that some out there will say that “we are doing better than last year”…(2009 Tax Freedom Day = 4/13…2008 Tax Freedom Day = 4/21) but the Tax Foundation points out in their annual report why this is…biggest reason is that the recession has reduced tax collections faster than it has reduced incomes.

We in Wisconsin are seeing this same effect…increase in unemployment rates and the recession has moved Wisconsin’s Tax Freedom Day (TFD) to 4/13 (from 4/21) but our tax burden has moved us up the rank for TFD to #12 (from #14.)

For more information on Tax Freedom Day please visit this link.

For more on the Tax Foundation

Name that Country

2009-04-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Well done trainhead…but while you and I (and many Irish) will disagree as to whether or not Northern Ireland is a separate country based on the relationship with England…most in the area will say that they are their own country!

This week I think we get a little easy…3 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Business says “No thanks.” City says “Screw the tax payers!!”

2009-04-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are unaware (you would have to be living under a rock!) just South of us in Gurnee there is an amusement park, Six Flags, that in the past has needed workers from as far away as Racine. To accommodate those Racine workers Six Flags provided a bus that would pick them up here in the county and drive them down and back for their shifts.

Well due to the economy being what it is, as well as a number of other financial reasons, Six Flags said that they did not need the workers from Racine that bad and decided to not have a bus doing that trip.

So what does that mean to those people that decide that they want to work at Six Flags? Well just like the rest of the world that means you are going to have to find a way to either; get to your job (some 30+ miles away), find a place closer to your job (kind of difficult if you’re a minor), or find a job closer to home.

But wait!!!

You the tax payer can help!!! The city is going to discuss spending $28,000 (as a block grant) to pay for part of the cost of transporting people from Racine to Gurnee. See JT story here.

Now I know some of you are looking at this post and thinking what a cold hearted bastard I am especially because…”the people riding the bus will have to pay $15 a week for the transportation!” That is not good enough!!

I’m tired of our society saying half is good enough and the “community” (read “Taxpayer”) will take care of the rest! That is the same nonsense that is causing all of these people to gush over KRM!!!

If the cost of transporting people from Racine to Gurnee is $46,000 as the article says and the business is not willing to pick up the cost, then the employees that wish to use the transport should pay the full cost…about $48 per week!!!

If we are going to head down that road of half is good enough…well then I guess I’ll start sending in may gas receipts to the “community” and wait for you to pay for my travel as well.

Name that Place

2009-04-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

See I told you last week’s place was pretty easy! Jean got it right a way…Mt Pleasant Lutheran Church.

Here it is using Google Street View:

View Larger Map

Name this Place:

VOTE Tomorrow!!!

2009-04-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Lets not forget that tomorrow there is a very important election…these people have more of an impact on your day-to-day life than any national candidate!!!

So GO OUT AND VOTE!!!!!

Here is who I will be casting my ballot for in tomorrow’s Spring Election:

State Superintendent of Instruction

Rose Fernandez – www.changedpi.com

Justice of the Supreme Court

Judge Randy Koschnick - www.koschnickforjustice.com

**** Caledonia Village Trustee #1 ****

This will look like an uncontested race but there is a write in candidate so…

Kathy Burton – www.burtonforcaledonia.blogspot.com

Caledonia Village Trustee #5

Curt Woodward - www.woodwardfortrustee.com

Racine Unified School District Board

John Leiber – www.johnleiber.com

Beware...Profanity below!

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Funnies...I'd laugh if they weren't true!

2009-04-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Name that Country

2009-04-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Every now and then we get a guest that comes on to the scene and nails it which is what occurred last week…Anna830 got the right country…it was El Salvador!!

This week isn’t as hard as it looks 6 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

I’m appalled…

2009-03-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

…but then again it is over Eugene Kane so I guess it is nothing new.

In yesterday’s JSOnline blog Eugene once again defends Rev. Jeremiah Wright and proclaims two things:

#1 “even the "God damn America" sermon had roots in biblical verse”

#2 “But then, if you are acquainted with the black church, you know he didn't really say it the first time, either.” Referring to Rev. Wright saying “God damn America”

So let me get this straight…the Bible says (in some form) that God damns the United States and that I need to be familiar with the black church to know this and know that it does not really mean what it says?!?! What form of BS is this?!?!

Just a month ago Eugene stated “The mayor who sent it is still insisting it wasn't supposed to be offensive. So I guess that means some folks still don't really get it. Sigh.” As it related to an image of a watermelon patch superimposed on the White House lawn.

Well Eugene I guess you fall into the same group…You just don’t get it!! Denying that “God damn America” was uttered by Rev. Wright is MORE offensive since you not only disrespected a segment of our great country you offended the WHOLE country as Rev Wright did! Then you make it worse by some how slandering the black church by saying that they know he didn’t really say it…it’s on tape you fool!!! There is no mistaking it…there is no “out of context”…it is what it is…Offensive!

Name that Place

2009-03-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

And here I thought that last week’s place was going to be hard…looks like CU is right on top of things. It was in fact the Fox River Airport in Rochester!! (Link here too!)

Well here is another place I found on Google Earth…but super easy!!

Name this Place:

Simple piece of Legislative CRAP!!!

2009-03-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

SB 135

So let me get this straight the State Statues say that public schools must instruct on “Knowledge of state, national, and world history.” And the democrats in power think that it is a good use of their time to MANDATE that public schools also “including knowledge of the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process.”

These people are out of their minds…can you say “drunk with power.”

This is what Senator Lehman thinks is good for Racine? Has he noticed that the unemployment here is going through the roof? Will MANDATING that the public schools teach “collective bargaining” help to correct the complete incompetence of WEAC teachers? Why is it so important to indoctrinate our children into the union mentality? How would Senator Lehman have responded if Republicans offered “including knowledge of the founding of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI and its history of fighting for civil rights and the environment”?

I urge you to write Senator Lehman and tell him to drop this and get on with the business of the State!!!

Name that Country

2009-03-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well how do you like that…it has been 7 weeks since I posted a new country!!!

The last country that was posted was in fact Sierra Leone…Great Job trainhead!

I don’t think this week’s country is that hard to figure out so I’ll give it a 5 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Beer and a piece of paper

2009-03-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have got to try this!!!!

Thanks Boot and Sabers!!!!

We are to blame!?!?

2009-03-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

I’m tired of the left blaming the US for everything…but what makes it worse is when the secretary of state goes to a foreign country and states:

“Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the death of police officers, soldiers and civilians. I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility.”

Well hillary, I feel strongly too…you should leave this country and never come back!

Does anyone know if there is a way to revoke ones passport?!?! Could we just leave her there in Mexico?!?

See full article here: http://tinyurl.com/dces4f

Name that Place

2009-03-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

I thought that the last "Name that Place" was a little too easy (Winchester Gun Club) so I’ve stepped it up a bit this week.

Name this Place:

Back for a while...Pints and Politics!

2009-03-23T09:34:00.002-05:00

I'm still here just haven't had time to post anything when I was travling this last time.

Looks like Racine County Republicans are getting into the mix that Kenosha has been doing for a while!

Check it out:

Congrats!!!

2009-02-18T19:00:00.000-06:00

I nearly forgot to congratulate Rose Fernandez on her amazing 2nd place finish in yesterday’s primary.

It truly goes to show that grassroots politics works the best!

Good Luck Rose! We’re watching out for you!!

Name that Place

2009-02-18T18:00:00.001-06:00

I know that this was supposed to be done yesterday but with me traveling I can only do these things at night a schedule them to publish…well I forgot so here it is on Wednesday…I scheduled it late in the day in case I forget to do something on Thursday!!

Last week was South Hills Country Club…looks like everyone got that…must have been easy.

Well this week’s is easy to…

Name this Place:

Random “Photo”

2009-02-10T14:00:00.000-06:00

If you remember back about a month ago I posted a picture and asked if you could identify what and where it was.

I completely forgot about it and never gave you any information.

Well here it is…This is Cindy Guntly Memorial Airport in Franksville. Take Hwy G west until it ends and you are there! Click here for a map.

Cindy Guntly Memorial Airport is privately owned by Thomas Guntly but is open to the public. The runways are “Turf, Fair Condition. ROUGH & UNDULATING ROLLING TERRAIN” according to FAA records and during the 2006-2007 reporting period the airfield handled about 129 planes per week!

Here is another “Random Photo” thanks to Street View on Google Maps…

Name that Place

2009-02-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

As CU pointed out, last week's place has changed its name recently and what was once known as Fielder’s Choice is now Stix Sports and Recreation.

Name this Place:

Name that County

2009-02-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

WOW…its Thursday already!!

trainhead gave a great hint to the actual country…it was…Portugal.

I think this one is a bit harder than the past few weeks…but I’ve been wrong before…7 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

The dilemma for KRM supporters in Caledonia

2009-02-03T10:00:00.003-06:00

I find it interesting that the same people that want to dip into my pocket for a train that will cost tens of millions a year just to go back and forth from Kenosha to Milwaukee do not want the Village of Caledonia to spend $4,000 to hear from the opposing side.

Lets be honest here…we have all heard “how wonderful this train will be to our community!” And that “the train will bring economic growth!” I think it is time we hear from a qualified person on the opposing side.

All I keep hearing in my head during these KRM presentations from SEWRPC and TransitNOW is:

Monorail - The Simpsons

If you didn’t catch Marge and Bart’s comments at the end I have included the lyrics here and highlighted my favorite part.

Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth Like a genuine, Bona fide, Electrified, Six-car Monorail! What'd I say?

Ned Flanders: Monorail!

Lyle Lanley: What's it called?

Patty+Selma: Monorail!

Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail!

[crowd chants `Monorail' softly and rhythmically]

Miss Hoover: I hear those things are awfully loud...

Lyle Lanley: It glides as softly as a cloud.

Apu: Is there a chance the track could bend?

Lyle Lanley: Not on your life, my Hindu friend.

Barney: What about us brain-dead slobs?

Lyle Lanley: You'll be given cushy jobs.

Abe: Were you sent here by the devil?

Lyle Lanley: No, good sir, I'm on the level.

Wiggum: The ring came off my pudding can.

Lyle Lanley: Take my pen knife, my good man. I swear it's Springfield's only choice... Throw up your hands and raise your voice!

All: Monorail!

Lyle Lanley: What's it called?

All: Monorail!

Lyle Lanley: Once again...

All: Monorail!

Marge: But Main Street's still all cracked and broken...

Bart: Sorry, Mom, the mob has spoken!

All: Monorail! Monorail! Monorail!

[big finish] Monorail!

Homer: Mono... D'oh!

Name that Place

2009-02-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

I think everyone that saw last week’s place had the right idea even if they did quite have the name. It was the Racine Correctional Institution…located on Hwy H just south of Hwy 20.

Name this place:

Name that Country

2009-01-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Very good!!! I knew it would be easy but I thought there would me more people that were unsure.

The country was Myanmar (also known as Burma).

This week is very easy as well so I’ll give it a 2 out of 10.

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

To all my cigarette smoking friends…

2009-01-27T17:30:00.000-06:00

…I know there are a few of you still out there.

If you live near one of our neighboring states (with the exception of Michigan) I would recommend that if you want to buy your smokes you consider crossing the border to get them!!!

Once again Wisconsin has a higher tax rate than surrounding states…I thought we were raising the cigarette tax so that we would get more income not chase people out of the state?!?!

From the Tax Foundation:

Name that Place

2009-01-27T09:00:00.001-06:00

Congrats to mkfolks for getting the Quarry last week.

Name this Place:

Today in History

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

I haven’t done this in a while.

Today is January 26, 2009

- it is the 26th day of the year and there are 339 days remaining
- Liberation Day in Uganda
- Australia Day in Australia, of course!
- Republic Day in India

Birthdays include

- 1880 Douglas MacArthur
- 1905 Maria von Trapp
- 1925 Paul Newman
- 1935 Bob Uecker

Events include

- 1837 Michigan admitted as the 26th state
- 1961 Janet G. Travell is appointed to be the 1st female physician to the President of the US
- 1979 The Dukes of Hazard premiers
- 1998 “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky” President Clinton

Name that Country

2009-01-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Now some of you are probably wondering why I did not delete David B’s guess from last week, especially when I have my disclaimer asking people to put a hint. Well I have to give David B kudos for the hint.

Did any of you look up Illyria? Well this “country” existed back around 400 BC and comprised most of the western Balkan Peninsula. In today’s terms Illyria makes up 8-9 different countries.

Last weeks county was Albania which would have been at the southern tip of Illyria.

This week I think is pretty easy so I’ll only give it a 4 out of 10 rating.

Good Luck

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWER...supply info or a hint that proves you know it...there are others playing!!!

THANK YOU – gopfolk

Turner & Mason running for Mayor?!?!

2009-01-21T12:00:00.001-06:00

It looks like the Racine Mayor job is attracting some attention by Democrats...Both Assemblymen Turner and Mason have made indications that they are interested in the position.

Funny though...Still have not heard a word from the Racine or State Democrat Party denouncing the former Mayor. I think we will be able to make hay out of that!

Glad to see Helding has thrown his hat in...this will be a fun few weeks!!!

Timing is everything…

2009-01-20T11:30:00.000-06:00

It looks like Mayor Becker was just timing his departure so that it would get buried in the news.

During the President’s inauguration speech Becker’s letter of resignation is delivered to City Hall.

JT: Breaking News – Becker Resigns

Good bye.