Hey how 'bout them Illinois politicians?
You know Illinois politics. It is the state where 5 out of every 4 vote Democratic. It is not just a joke that they vote early and often down there.
So what about their Good Guvn'r? He who comes in like a White Knight after Gov Ryan with his free driver's license scandal (among others). Is he arrogant, ignorant or just an idiot?
Check it out and you make the call. http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2008-12/43789468.pdf
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Salary Irony
Barack Obama today on the possible domestic auto industry bailout:
“What we haven’t seen is a sense of urgency and the willingness to make tough decisions. And what we still see are executive compensation packages for the auto industry that are out of line compared to their competitors, their Japanese competitors, who are doing a lot better”.
Jonathon Cohn wrote in The New Republic, Nov 21, 2008:
"According to Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automative Research--who was my primary source for the figures you are about to read--average wages for workers at Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors were just $28 per hour as of 2007. That works out to a little less than $60,000 a year in gross income--hardly outrageous, particularly when you consider the physical demands of automobile assembly work and the skills most workers must acquire over the course of their careers." (My emphasis)
Oh yeah, but considering the the skills and education most tenure track faculty members must acquire, we're (in most disciplines) not worth $60,000. It has dawned on me that some of the folks lobbying for a bailout for these autoworkers are the same folks who figure someone with 1 or 2 MA's plus a PHD is worth about $50,000 or so to start teaching college.
“What we haven’t seen is a sense of urgency and the willingness to make tough decisions. And what we still see are executive compensation packages for the auto industry that are out of line compared to their competitors, their Japanese competitors, who are doing a lot better”.
Jonathon Cohn wrote in The New Republic, Nov 21, 2008:
"According to Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automative Research--who was my primary source for the figures you are about to read--average wages for workers at Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors were just $28 per hour as of 2007. That works out to a little less than $60,000 a year in gross income--hardly outrageous, particularly when you consider the physical demands of automobile assembly work and the skills most workers must acquire over the course of their careers." (My emphasis)
Oh yeah, but considering the the skills and education most tenure track faculty members must acquire, we're (in most disciplines) not worth $60,000. It has dawned on me that some of the folks lobbying for a bailout for these autoworkers are the same folks who figure someone with 1 or 2 MA's plus a PHD is worth about $50,000 or so to start teaching college.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Campus Newspapers
Okay, I have to admit that I am a newspaper junkie. Real live newspapers though, not the on-line version, although I do read them, as well.
That said, I thought it was a neat idea, although pricey, when the free newspaper program was kicked off. I would have thrown the Chicago Trib in there instead of USA Today, but hey, that is just me. Yep, I know the program is from USA Today but it isn't like a trademarked program......
I had my doubts how successful it would be and have continually noted that even later at night in Reeve and in Clow, there usually is a pretty good stack of available newspapers particularly the JS and NYT. Why the USA Today runs out I can't imagine.
That said, I'm surprised at the little machines dispensing the newspapers. There didn't seem to be an issue with there not being enough papers to go around, at least in my little haunts. Were we having non-students go into dorms, the Rec Center etc to get a free newspaper? Was there really a problem?
I'm sure somewhere, somehow, part of UW Oshkosh paid for the machines. How much? They don't look cheap. Reminds me of the old story about a men's razor company (Gillette?). They had the idea that they didn't sell razors, that they sold razor blades, hence they damn near gave away the razors for free so one would buy the blades.
Is that what happened conversely with the machines? Did UW Oshkosh get in to a program to get out newspapers for free (fairly inexpensively) and then got stuck buying these white elephant machines?
Anyone know truly how much they cost or what the issue is?
That said, I thought it was a neat idea, although pricey, when the free newspaper program was kicked off. I would have thrown the Chicago Trib in there instead of USA Today, but hey, that is just me. Yep, I know the program is from USA Today but it isn't like a trademarked program......
I had my doubts how successful it would be and have continually noted that even later at night in Reeve and in Clow, there usually is a pretty good stack of available newspapers particularly the JS and NYT. Why the USA Today runs out I can't imagine.
That said, I'm surprised at the little machines dispensing the newspapers. There didn't seem to be an issue with there not being enough papers to go around, at least in my little haunts. Were we having non-students go into dorms, the Rec Center etc to get a free newspaper? Was there really a problem?
I'm sure somewhere, somehow, part of UW Oshkosh paid for the machines. How much? They don't look cheap. Reminds me of the old story about a men's razor company (Gillette?). They had the idea that they didn't sell razors, that they sold razor blades, hence they damn near gave away the razors for free so one would buy the blades.
Is that what happened conversely with the machines? Did UW Oshkosh get in to a program to get out newspapers for free (fairly inexpensively) and then got stuck buying these white elephant machines?
Anyone know truly how much they cost or what the issue is?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
CNN
We've got one of those awful anniversaries upon us and the cable news shows are doing their best to mark it: 45 years since JFK's assassination.
On CNN this morning though, they run through it and state that Lee Harvey Oswald was 'accused' of the assassination and was shot to death 2 days after the assassination. Is there anyone other than Oliver Stone who thinks otherwise? Ever hear of the Warren Commission?
To be sure Harvey wasn't convicted of the killing because he never went to trial courtesy of Jack Ruby. But for CNN to say that Lee Harvey Oswald merely was 'accused' is beyond all logic and becomes revisionist history.
We have a news network saying a presidential assassin was 'accused' while running seemingly non-stop repeats of a former VP candidate in front of some redneck turkey ranch. And we wonder why our students don't have a better grasp of history?
On CNN this morning though, they run through it and state that Lee Harvey Oswald was 'accused' of the assassination and was shot to death 2 days after the assassination. Is there anyone other than Oliver Stone who thinks otherwise? Ever hear of the Warren Commission?
To be sure Harvey wasn't convicted of the killing because he never went to trial courtesy of Jack Ruby. But for CNN to say that Lee Harvey Oswald merely was 'accused' is beyond all logic and becomes revisionist history.
We have a news network saying a presidential assassin was 'accused' while running seemingly non-stop repeats of a former VP candidate in front of some redneck turkey ranch. And we wonder why our students don't have a better grasp of history?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ummm
Ummm, I was watching the 10pm news tonight.
Ummm, there was an ummm interview with with our VC Petra Roter and ummm, she was talking about ummm, a pub crawl thing like, ummm.
Dr Roter, if you are going to be the official commentator for UW Oshkosh, please turn it up a notch.
Ummm is not a word, but it was the predominate sound you made during your interview.
You did verbally defend you dissertation, didn't you?
Ummm, there was an ummm interview with with our VC Petra Roter and ummm, she was talking about ummm, a pub crawl thing like, ummm.
Dr Roter, if you are going to be the official commentator for UW Oshkosh, please turn it up a notch.
Ummm is not a word, but it was the predominate sound you made during your interview.
You did verbally defend you dissertation, didn't you?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Shopping Trip, Part II
It is beginning to look like I can’t have a normal shopping trip anymore……
I was in the checkout line at Wisconsin’s very own Man Store (if you can’t buy it there, you don’t need it) and behind me a few spots was a 20 something male and a woman in her mid 50’s. I noticed them earlier shopping because they both were wearing dark sunglasses in the store, which I thought was odd. They were both wearing workout suits but it was fairly obvious from looking at them that neither wore them for that use.
The store had very few lines and consequently, the few lines were long. As soon as they got in line they began to talk with one another. The both had a soft southern accent that reminded me of a Tennessee or Kentucky drawl. After a few seconds of small talk, the 20 something started saying repeatedly “only in America” with a dismal tone in his voice. The woman asks what he means. He goes on about “only in America” would people be willing to wait in lines like this. He continued on, with a touch of smugness in his voice that no where else would people be willing to wait like this and he offered up Germany as an example. The Germans wouldn’t wait in line like this he stated emphatically. They just wouldn’t he said. He got back on to muttering “only in America” dismally.
The woman gave up a little “I know” with an air of understanding. She continued on that “that was why she was voting for Obama-he’s gonna change things”. She then added that the “McCain-fella scares” her.
Yep, “only in America” would someone link their Presidential vote to waiting in line at the Man’s Mall.
I was in the checkout line at Wisconsin’s very own Man Store (if you can’t buy it there, you don’t need it) and behind me a few spots was a 20 something male and a woman in her mid 50’s. I noticed them earlier shopping because they both were wearing dark sunglasses in the store, which I thought was odd. They were both wearing workout suits but it was fairly obvious from looking at them that neither wore them for that use.
The store had very few lines and consequently, the few lines were long. As soon as they got in line they began to talk with one another. The both had a soft southern accent that reminded me of a Tennessee or Kentucky drawl. After a few seconds of small talk, the 20 something started saying repeatedly “only in America” with a dismal tone in his voice. The woman asks what he means. He goes on about “only in America” would people be willing to wait in lines like this. He continued on, with a touch of smugness in his voice that no where else would people be willing to wait like this and he offered up Germany as an example. The Germans wouldn’t wait in line like this he stated emphatically. They just wouldn’t he said. He got back on to muttering “only in America” dismally.
The woman gave up a little “I know” with an air of understanding. She continued on that “that was why she was voting for Obama-he’s gonna change things”. She then added that the “McCain-fella scares” her.
Yep, “only in America” would someone link their Presidential vote to waiting in line at the Man’s Mall.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Politically Incorrect
Pronounciation (po li tic al ly in corr ect).
Generally not accepting commonly accepted ideals or having beliefs that others may find offensive.
Use in a sentence:
Although Tina Fey is funny, it is politically incorrect for me to not give a shit as to what she thinks about Sarah Palin or her political views in general.
Generally not accepting commonly accepted ideals or having beliefs that others may find offensive.
Use in a sentence:
Although Tina Fey is funny, it is politically incorrect for me to not give a shit as to what she thinks about Sarah Palin or her political views in general.
Actorvist
Pronunciation (ak-ter-vist).
A theatrical proponent of activism, who relies heavily on their popularity as a performer in an attempt to advance their own personal political agenda.
Use in a sentence:
When actress Tina Fey commenting on the possible election of Sarah Palin as US VP states in a recent issue of TV Guide says "If she wins, I'm done. I can't do that for four years. And by 'I'm done,' I mean I'm leaving Earth" she actual meant to say "I'm an actorvist and if you like me you'll vote for my candidate."
A theatrical proponent of activism, who relies heavily on their popularity as a performer in an attempt to advance their own personal political agenda.
Use in a sentence:
When actress Tina Fey commenting on the possible election of Sarah Palin as US VP states in a recent issue of TV Guide says "If she wins, I'm done. I can't do that for four years. And by 'I'm done,' I mean I'm leaving Earth" she actual meant to say "I'm an actorvist and if you like me you'll vote for my candidate."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Can't Take A Joke
Political parody has been around for centuries. Think Punch magazine satiring the UK and monachary in the mid-1800's
Modern political satire coming form Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher and others encourages a healthy debate. Recently Tina Fey's dead-on rendition of Sarah Palin has been great. I can't seeing anyone disagreeing that a little political satire is fun.
To be sure, some of it is slanted. Humor usually is slanted, that is why we are amused. It tickles our funny bone because we were not expecting it. Yet, in most political satire there is a grain of truth.
On Saturday Night Live this past weekend, we saw a great skit in the tradition of the long history of their political satire. Watch here:
http://video.yourfindit.com/ViewVideo.aspx?fileid=2193
It seems though, this skit went too far by poking fun at major Democratic supporters George Soros and Herb Sandler. Apparently they can't take a joke. The clip is disappearing faster the the Packer playoff chances. After protests by both Soros and Sandler, it was taken off the NBC website. It disappeared from YouTube and Hula.
I like satire and political parody but it seems the new message coming from Democratic supporters is that it is all well and good to go after Republicans and Republican supporters but Democrats and Democratic supporters are off limits.
Modern political satire coming form Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher and others encourages a healthy debate. Recently Tina Fey's dead-on rendition of Sarah Palin has been great. I can't seeing anyone disagreeing that a little political satire is fun.
To be sure, some of it is slanted. Humor usually is slanted, that is why we are amused. It tickles our funny bone because we were not expecting it. Yet, in most political satire there is a grain of truth.
On Saturday Night Live this past weekend, we saw a great skit in the tradition of the long history of their political satire. Watch here:
http://video.yourfindit.com/ViewVideo.aspx?fileid=2193
It seems though, this skit went too far by poking fun at major Democratic supporters George Soros and Herb Sandler. Apparently they can't take a joke. The clip is disappearing faster the the Packer playoff chances. After protests by both Soros and Sandler, it was taken off the NBC website. It disappeared from YouTube and Hula.
I like satire and political parody but it seems the new message coming from Democratic supporters is that it is all well and good to go after Republicans and Republican supporters but Democrats and Democratic supporters are off limits.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Question of Morality
There has always been one deep, dark ethical question universal to mankind. It existed in prehistoric times the same as it exists today. The question is 'could I kill another human being?'
To be sure, we've all thought of the question. Some of us have probably even assigned the question to undergrads as coursework. If you served in the military, the question wasn't just an academic exercise. Many of us have probably waxed philosophical on the topic over a beer or coffee with friends.
I'd answered the question to myself years ago. To protect my family and loved ones? Yep, that is a no-brainer. In defense of someone else being harmed? Quite possibly. To defend my country? I guess so. To defend my personal property? I think that might be a stretch.
I'll admit that I hadn't really thought about it much until yesterday when I was shopping. I was in one of those big box stores I absolutely loath. I was in line waiting as usual, since they had too few checkers to handle the throng of shoppers.
The shopper ahead of me was attempting to buy some fresh produce among other things. Peppers to be exact. The clerk handled the bag of peppers and the exchange between the shopper and clerk went something like this:
Clerk: What are these?
Shopper: Peppers
Clerk: Yes, I see that. Do you know what kind?
Shopper: No.
Clerk: You don't know what kind they are?
Shopper: No.
Clerk: How come you don't know what kind of peppers they are? After all, you are buying them.
Shopper: How come you don't know? You work here.
Clerk: OK, let me get my produce book out to see if I can find them.
Shopper: Oh, maybe they are Hot Peppers.
Clerk: Hmmmm (scanning book), there are no 'Hot Peppers'
Shopper: That's what they are.
Clerk: They aren't in my book.
Shopper: So.
Clerk: Why don't I read the pepper names to you, tell me if anything sounds right.
Shopper: OK.
Well, the peppers in the book were arranged it seems alphabetically because she started with Bell Pepper-Green and followed that up with Bell Pepper-Orange quickly followed up by Bell Pepper-Red and Bell Pepper-Yellow. I realize that grocery clerking is generally not a profession populated by Mensa members but I thought even the most dense individual would realize that the small green things in the bag were not Orange Bell Peppers.
This exchange continued for minutes until the clerk got to 'serrano' peppers and the shopper delightedly cried out that these Unidentifiable Vegetable Objects (UVO's) were in deed 'serrano peppers' and the clerk was able get her little code out of the vegetable book to complete the sale.
See, it was during the debate between the shopper and clerk over who bore the responsibility of knowing what these UVO's were called that I began to ponder that age old question again. I decided right then and there that yes, yes I could kill another human being.
To be sure, we've all thought of the question. Some of us have probably even assigned the question to undergrads as coursework. If you served in the military, the question wasn't just an academic exercise. Many of us have probably waxed philosophical on the topic over a beer or coffee with friends.
I'd answered the question to myself years ago. To protect my family and loved ones? Yep, that is a no-brainer. In defense of someone else being harmed? Quite possibly. To defend my country? I guess so. To defend my personal property? I think that might be a stretch.
I'll admit that I hadn't really thought about it much until yesterday when I was shopping. I was in one of those big box stores I absolutely loath. I was in line waiting as usual, since they had too few checkers to handle the throng of shoppers.
The shopper ahead of me was attempting to buy some fresh produce among other things. Peppers to be exact. The clerk handled the bag of peppers and the exchange between the shopper and clerk went something like this:
Clerk: What are these?
Shopper: Peppers
Clerk: Yes, I see that. Do you know what kind?
Shopper: No.
Clerk: You don't know what kind they are?
Shopper: No.
Clerk: How come you don't know what kind of peppers they are? After all, you are buying them.
Shopper: How come you don't know? You work here.
Clerk: OK, let me get my produce book out to see if I can find them.
Shopper: Oh, maybe they are Hot Peppers.
Clerk: Hmmmm (scanning book), there are no 'Hot Peppers'
Shopper: That's what they are.
Clerk: They aren't in my book.
Shopper: So.
Clerk: Why don't I read the pepper names to you, tell me if anything sounds right.
Shopper: OK.
Well, the peppers in the book were arranged it seems alphabetically because she started with Bell Pepper-Green and followed that up with Bell Pepper-Orange quickly followed up by Bell Pepper-Red and Bell Pepper-Yellow. I realize that grocery clerking is generally not a profession populated by Mensa members but I thought even the most dense individual would realize that the small green things in the bag were not Orange Bell Peppers.
This exchange continued for minutes until the clerk got to 'serrano' peppers and the shopper delightedly cried out that these Unidentifiable Vegetable Objects (UVO's) were in deed 'serrano peppers' and the clerk was able get her little code out of the vegetable book to complete the sale.
See, it was during the debate between the shopper and clerk over who bore the responsibility of knowing what these UVO's were called that I began to ponder that age old question again. I decided right then and there that yes, yes I could kill another human being.
Friday, October 3, 2008
VP Debate
I watched, and enjoyed, the VP debate of last night. I tuned around after the debate to listen the various pundits give their take on it.
I'm left with one question after hearing the pundits: what the hell is on Keith Olbermann's head? Ye gods man, if you are going bald just let it go. That thing looked like a Halloween wig gone bad.
I'm left with one question after hearing the pundits: what the hell is on Keith Olbermann's head? Ye gods man, if you are going bald just let it go. That thing looked like a Halloween wig gone bad.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
M.I.A.
Two of my favorite blogs are Missing In Action.
Wisconsinology http://wisconsinology.blogspot.com/ which boasts odd and offbeat stories from Wisconsin is really a fun read. From odd historical facts to more modern fare, it is a treasure trove of all things Wisconsin.
The Chief http://foxtrot-echo.blogspot.com/ blogs more so on national and local current events with attention to Oshkosh. The Chief links articles from all over the globe on the blog and comes at topics from all angles.
Both haven't blogged in quite some time and both are missed. If anyone knows where they are hiding, please tell them that they are missed!
Wisconsinology http://wisconsinology.blogspot.com/ which boasts odd and offbeat stories from Wisconsin is really a fun read. From odd historical facts to more modern fare, it is a treasure trove of all things Wisconsin.
The Chief http://foxtrot-echo.blogspot.com/ blogs more so on national and local current events with attention to Oshkosh. The Chief links articles from all over the globe on the blog and comes at topics from all angles.
Both haven't blogged in quite some time and both are missed. If anyone knows where they are hiding, please tell them that they are missed!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Couric and VP Candidate Interviews
Yes, Palin didn't exactly shine sitting down with Couric. Delivery and content were weak. Analysts pointing this out were right in pointing it out. A few analysts though might have gone over the top wondering on the basis of this interview that she might be replaced on the ticket.
Less press and analysis went towards the Couric interview with Biden. Particularly when he had his own Dan Qualyle moment.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'"
Hoover was President in 1929 at the time of the market collapse and TV was in the experimental stage and there were no commercial stations.
And yet there is not much press and analysis of this 'oops'. The only big story is Palin's halting delivery.
Less press and analysis went towards the Couric interview with Biden. Particularly when he had his own Dan Qualyle moment.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'"
Hoover was President in 1929 at the time of the market collapse and TV was in the experimental stage and there were no commercial stations.
And yet there is not much press and analysis of this 'oops'. The only big story is Palin's halting delivery.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Lobbyists and The Road to the WhiteHouse
Glad to see Obama taking the moral high ground and denouncing the McCain campaign's association with lobbyists. Of course there is that pesky problem of saying you are taking the moral highground without actually doing so.
Biden's son is a lobbyist. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/13/1393483.aspx Yeah I know he quit but just like the folks who work McCain's campaign did as well. So if the McCain staffers are still lobbyists, seems Biden's kid must be, too.
David Axelod, Obama's campaign head was the next best thing to a lobbyist. http://www.newsweek.com/id/138519 But, since he never registered, he must be okay.
Oh, and Obama's fundraising campaign staff? Looks like they are the lobbyist dream team. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obama_n.htm
Reminds me of the old adage "How can you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving".
Biden's son is a lobbyist. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/13/1393483.aspx Yeah I know he quit but just like the folks who work McCain's campaign did as well. So if the McCain staffers are still lobbyists, seems Biden's kid must be, too.
David Axelod, Obama's campaign head was the next best thing to a lobbyist. http://www.newsweek.com/id/138519 But, since he never registered, he must be okay.
Oh, and Obama's fundraising campaign staff? Looks like they are the lobbyist dream team. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obama_n.htm
Reminds me of the old adage "How can you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving".
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
And Under the Fairness Doctrine
If the FCC re-enacts the long disbanded fairness doctrine, as some in the Democratic Party have insisted should happen (including Joe Biden), would Palin's email be the only one hacked?
Shouldn't Obama and Nader be hacked, too? See the Palin story here:
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=10415573>1=40000
Shouldn't Obama and Nader be hacked, too? See the Palin story here:
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=10415573>1=40000
Friday, September 12, 2008
You've Got to Be Kidding Me
From the ABC news website:
Former Clinton campaign communications director Howard Wolfson characterized her foreign policy answers as "formulaic and unimpressive."
"She didn't say anything disqualifying, but it is unlikely that anyone watching would have come away sanguine about her ability to step in as president on day one if necessary," Wolfson wrote in his New Republic blog "The Flack."
"Don't expect to see her do many more ... the McCain campaign knows they will pay a price for keeping Gov. Palin from the national press -- but they also know that price is worth paying if it buys them insurance against her giving a disqualifying answer to a legitimate question." ABC news website:
This is news? A Clinton supporter giving Palin a less than rosy review? Wow, we are talking newsflash here folks: "Stop The Presses, Extra, Extra Read All About It!!!!!!"
Next thing you know, in unbiased reporting, the Green Bay press will start to suggest the "Bears Still Suck".
Former Clinton campaign communications director Howard Wolfson characterized her foreign policy answers as "formulaic and unimpressive."
"She didn't say anything disqualifying, but it is unlikely that anyone watching would have come away sanguine about her ability to step in as president on day one if necessary," Wolfson wrote in his New Republic blog "The Flack."
"Don't expect to see her do many more ... the McCain campaign knows they will pay a price for keeping Gov. Palin from the national press -- but they also know that price is worth paying if it buys them insurance against her giving a disqualifying answer to a legitimate question." ABC news website:
This is news? A Clinton supporter giving Palin a less than rosy review? Wow, we are talking newsflash here folks: "Stop The Presses, Extra, Extra Read All About It!!!!!!"
Next thing you know, in unbiased reporting, the Green Bay press will start to suggest the "Bears Still Suck".
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Race to DC
You know they're right. The pundits, the politicos. On the whole trying to raise a family while running the country.
Tough task, nearly impossible task actually. I can't even begin to fathom how difficult it would be to do it with little kids regardless of your spouse.
So, they're right. And Senator Obama should renounce his party's nomination for the presidency in order to take care of his family. After all, he has two small daughters and his wife is an attorney. She has a job; a career which she has a right to have, correct? Can't hold her career back.
Someone has to take care of the kids, right?
Tough task, nearly impossible task actually. I can't even begin to fathom how difficult it would be to do it with little kids regardless of your spouse.
So, they're right. And Senator Obama should renounce his party's nomination for the presidency in order to take care of his family. After all, he has two small daughters and his wife is an attorney. She has a job; a career which she has a right to have, correct? Can't hold her career back.
Someone has to take care of the kids, right?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Fore!
Getting back to campus now for the start of the Fall semester, it has been fun to catch up with colleagues. Rumour has it, from a very lowly placed source, that our humble campus is now the proud owner of a new golfcart. Said golfcart it has been heard, has been purchased for the very expressed purpose of ferrying one Vice Chancellor about campus, perhaps with a student assistant as the driver.
Comments anyone? I'm certain someone can comment knowledgeably on this. And yes, welcome back!
Comments anyone? I'm certain someone can comment knowledgeably on this. And yes, welcome back!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Campus Information Kiosks
Every time I walk by one of these things I have to chuckle. There is one adjacent to Lot 15 across from Reeve and one on the corner of High & Osceola. I really like the picture serving as the backdrop for the Spring 2008 listings. You know that picture, four college age adults flying a kite on gorgeous sand beach surrounded by lush greenery and multi-story developments.
I can’t really seem to place that scene on our campus. Likewise, haven’t seen it on Lakes Butte des Morts or Winnebago.
Must be around here somewhere-alas-I’ll just have to keep looking!
I can’t really seem to place that scene on our campus. Likewise, haven’t seen it on Lakes Butte des Morts or Winnebago.
Must be around here somewhere-alas-I’ll just have to keep looking!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Doha Development Agenda (DDA)
Barrack Obama: I’m not listening. Don’t want to, can’t make me. Nyah, Nyah!!!!!
I’ve got news for the Senator from Illinois: free trade works, protectionism doesn’t. The global opinion of the DDA agrees. But obviously Obama Knows Better!
I’ve got news for the Senator from Illinois: free trade works, protectionism doesn’t. The global opinion of the DDA agrees. But obviously Obama Knows Better!
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Scene
What a rainy, rainy weekend. Practically everything I wanted to do this past weekend was rained out. What to do? Read and blog, of course!
I typically enjoy reading The Scene and I usually read all the articles and columns even if I have no particular interest in the topic. A big disappointment though was the latest edition. Good God, what horrible writing from Gavin Schmitt and Will Stahl! What are they trying to accomplish with their respective pieces? Are they trying to report? No, they make too many style and reporting errors for their pieces to be considered ‘news reports’. Ah, they must be ‘op-ed’ pieces or persuasive essays. Again, no! They make far too many errors to fall into an ‘op-ed’ category particularly by repeatedly stating opinion as fact. They fail to adequately support their opinions which is the cardinal sin on an ‘op-ed' piece, no matter how worthy the opinions are.
What are they trying to do with their pieces? To me, they are written as poor examples of an opinionated undergrad desperately trying to fill required space in a blue-book thinking that the sheer mass of words, no matter how poorly strung together, will equal a better grade.
To The Scene: start editing for style and content!
I typically enjoy reading The Scene and I usually read all the articles and columns even if I have no particular interest in the topic. A big disappointment though was the latest edition. Good God, what horrible writing from Gavin Schmitt and Will Stahl! What are they trying to accomplish with their respective pieces? Are they trying to report? No, they make too many style and reporting errors for their pieces to be considered ‘news reports’. Ah, they must be ‘op-ed’ pieces or persuasive essays. Again, no! They make far too many errors to fall into an ‘op-ed’ category particularly by repeatedly stating opinion as fact. They fail to adequately support their opinions which is the cardinal sin on an ‘op-ed' piece, no matter how worthy the opinions are.
What are they trying to do with their pieces? To me, they are written as poor examples of an opinionated undergrad desperately trying to fill required space in a blue-book thinking that the sheer mass of words, no matter how poorly strung together, will equal a better grade.
To The Scene: start editing for style and content!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Carolyn "Biddy" Martin
Did anyone catch Frederica Freyberg's interview of Biddy Martin on WI Public TV. How and why will she be running our flagship UW?
Very uninspiring and not very polished in this interview, one wonders what leadership abilities she has. Was she the best applicant? If she was, that truly was a sorry lot!
I imagine her term in office will be both short and unproductive.
Very uninspiring and not very polished in this interview, one wonders what leadership abilities she has. Was she the best applicant? If she was, that truly was a sorry lot!
I imagine her term in office will be both short and unproductive.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Why Does This Feel Creepy?
I've had either good fortune or bad fortune lately to find two music artists that I really, really like. It is great these days because you can find these websites and on-line radio stations playing all different types of music and geared to unique musical tastes. For example, I'm sure if one looked hard enough one could probably find a website featuring ska-polka bands!
But here is my dilemma: two recent artists that I've found and like are dead! They weren't old when they died and both tragically died of cancer. In both cases, I heard them a few times on-line and they grew on me. Zip out to eBay and pick up some CD's, google the artists and BAM----they're dead and have been for several years.
It feels weird to really enjoy their work and to know that their body of work is finite. I can't really look forward to that new release 'cause there isn't going to be one. That is what feels creepy: I enjoy their music but unfortunately they met an early death and there is nothing to look forward to, it is just this finite body of work.
But here is my dilemma: two recent artists that I've found and like are dead! They weren't old when they died and both tragically died of cancer. In both cases, I heard them a few times on-line and they grew on me. Zip out to eBay and pick up some CD's, google the artists and BAM----they're dead and have been for several years.
It feels weird to really enjoy their work and to know that their body of work is finite. I can't really look forward to that new release 'cause there isn't going to be one. That is what feels creepy: I enjoy their music but unfortunately they met an early death and there is nothing to look forward to, it is just this finite body of work.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
NY Times & McCain
Hmmm….
The New York Times, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23263742/?GT1=10856, is running an expose on the premise that Sen John McCain was friendly with a lobbyist. It takes great pains to point out that while some of his staff have said there was no illicit romantic affair, they wanted to make sure that one didn’t happen. And nothing happened either, but they just wanted to make sure the public didn’t get the wrong idea. Mind you this was all eight years ago.
Elsewhere we find Sen Barrack Obama completing a sweetheart deal in 2005 with the now indicted Tony Rezko to buy his multi-million dollar house. There was no appearance of impropriety in the deal, there was actual impropriety. For what ever reason, The Trib is the only real media outlet that is covering this saga in depth, http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-rezko-arrested_webjan29,0,6857272.story.
Which one is the bigger story, the one about McCain not having an affair but gasp, looking like he might have an affair or the one about Obama doing a real estate deal with a now indicted lobbyist?
Yep, I guess we know the answer!
The New York Times, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23263742/?GT1=10856, is running an expose on the premise that Sen John McCain was friendly with a lobbyist. It takes great pains to point out that while some of his staff have said there was no illicit romantic affair, they wanted to make sure that one didn’t happen. And nothing happened either, but they just wanted to make sure the public didn’t get the wrong idea. Mind you this was all eight years ago.
Elsewhere we find Sen Barrack Obama completing a sweetheart deal in 2005 with the now indicted Tony Rezko to buy his multi-million dollar house. There was no appearance of impropriety in the deal, there was actual impropriety. For what ever reason, The Trib is the only real media outlet that is covering this saga in depth, http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-rezko-arrested_webjan29,0,6857272.story.
Which one is the bigger story, the one about McCain not having an affair but gasp, looking like he might have an affair or the one about Obama doing a real estate deal with a now indicted lobbyist?
Yep, I guess we know the answer!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Radio Obama
If I hear one more Obama radio spot……
Ya know the one, the one with “CEO’s who earn more in 10 minutes than the average worker earns in 1 year. Yep, that one!
Let’s do the math shall we:
$48,201 Average annual salary per US Census Bureau 2006
x 6 1 hour divided by 10 minutes
x 2,080 Annual hours worked
$601,548,000 Obama’s mythical CEO Salary
Exactly how many corporate CEO’s are earning this? Pretty much none. Look at the Fortune or Forbes data. To be sure, some CEO’s have cashed out stock options and retirement benefits that are mind-boggling but these folks are an exception rather than the rule. By the same token I’ve known some individuals who worked in R&D at a local consumer products company (guess who, they are out of Texas but used to be headquartered here until taxes made them flee south) who retired with about $2 million between 401(k) plans and other retirement money. They’ve worked hard for a 30+ year career and became successful. Want to nail them, too?
This Obama ad is pandering to the “stick it to the rich” segment and the “all corporations are evil” mentality.
It is going to be interesting to say the least.
Ya know the one, the one with “CEO’s who earn more in 10 minutes than the average worker earns in 1 year. Yep, that one!
Let’s do the math shall we:
$48,201 Average annual salary per US Census Bureau 2006
x 6 1 hour divided by 10 minutes
x 2,080 Annual hours worked
$601,548,000 Obama’s mythical CEO Salary
Exactly how many corporate CEO’s are earning this? Pretty much none. Look at the Fortune or Forbes data. To be sure, some CEO’s have cashed out stock options and retirement benefits that are mind-boggling but these folks are an exception rather than the rule. By the same token I’ve known some individuals who worked in R&D at a local consumer products company (guess who, they are out of Texas but used to be headquartered here until taxes made them flee south) who retired with about $2 million between 401(k) plans and other retirement money. They’ve worked hard for a 30+ year career and became successful. Want to nail them, too?
This Obama ad is pandering to the “stick it to the rich” segment and the “all corporations are evil” mentality.
It is going to be interesting to say the least.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Dick Clark
A post about Dick Clark? You've got to be kidding, right?
Mrs Glib Replies and me-self are at that age where New Years Eve is spent watching TV with a bottle of cold duck and a bag of beer nuts wondering and worrying where/what the little Glib Repliers are doing. That said, we happened upon Dick Clark tonight.
If you are a certain age you will remember Dick Clark and American Bandstand as something you watched on TV but didn't want to admit it to your friends. Kind of like Tony Palmeri watching Bill O'Reilly. We know it happens but it is best not talked about.
Anyway, let me be the first to congratulate him on coming back. He is a prime example, and this had been noted in the media extensively, of an aphasic stroke survivor. That is to say the stroke largely affected his ability to speak but fortunately, not much else.
I suspect there will be a few in the entertainment media who will say, as a result of his broadcast, that he should've packed it in. Screw 'em I say! Courage to come New Years TV? Ya, you betcha! You could see and hear him warm up and his delivery get better during his broadcast.
The broadcast media should be more representative of the general population and having Dick Clark on TV, during one of the most watched shows, with his aphasia is step towards that goal.
Mrs Glib Replies and me-self are at that age where New Years Eve is spent watching TV with a bottle of cold duck and a bag of beer nuts wondering and worrying where/what the little Glib Repliers are doing. That said, we happened upon Dick Clark tonight.
If you are a certain age you will remember Dick Clark and American Bandstand as something you watched on TV but didn't want to admit it to your friends. Kind of like Tony Palmeri watching Bill O'Reilly. We know it happens but it is best not talked about.
Anyway, let me be the first to congratulate him on coming back. He is a prime example, and this had been noted in the media extensively, of an aphasic stroke survivor. That is to say the stroke largely affected his ability to speak but fortunately, not much else.
I suspect there will be a few in the entertainment media who will say, as a result of his broadcast, that he should've packed it in. Screw 'em I say! Courage to come New Years TV? Ya, you betcha! You could see and hear him warm up and his delivery get better during his broadcast.
The broadcast media should be more representative of the general population and having Dick Clark on TV, during one of the most watched shows, with his aphasia is step towards that goal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)