Practically Speaking
Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers' perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.
Palin campaigns for chamblis in runoff
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=29726 Palin Rallies Georgia's Base, Early Black Turn out Low
“We all have Georgia on our mind,” declared governor and 2008 GOP vice
presidential candidate Sarah Palin as she kicked off an early morning
Dec. 1 rally in Augusta, Georgia, on behalf of first-term incumbent
U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss.
It was the first of four rallies
yesterday, each featuring thousands of cheering crowds brandishing
“Palin 2012” shirts and buttons -- along with, of course, Chambliss
signs. (My favorite anti-Barack Obama sign read: “Keep the change.”)
The
Alaska governor was firing up the faithful to hold a critical GOP seat
since Georgia is the only state that mandates an election runoff if a
Senate candidate doesn’t receive 50 percent-plus-one of the popular
vote. Palin was also countering earlier appearances on behalf of
Democratic candidate Jim Martin by several liberal “big guns” led by
former President Bill Clinton and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
Holiday hate speech
"At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
Georgia & Minnesota on my mind...no filibuster proof Senate majority
Phew! If you have been watching these state's Senate races, you know that the Senate's filibuster proof Democratic majority hung in the balance. But Senator Saxby Chamblis easily won reelection yesterday in that Georgia runoff, 57% to 43%. So the Democrats won't get their 60 seat majority.
The Minnesota Senate race between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken "now remains the only unresolved Senate contest in the country."
Madison's "Censored" Tree
Last year, the State Assembly had to fight to get the Capitol Christmas tree called just that, a CHRISTMAS tree. In our culture, if it were not for Christmas, whether you celebrate it as religious holiday or secular, why else would you cut down a tree and bring it indoors?
This year? We are again calling that indoor tree something other than what it is. This year, it is The CAPITOL tree:
New segment of Greenway Corridor at Mary Knoll Park
If you use Sunnyslope Road, you may have noticed some construction going on in the woods south of Mary Knoll Park at Kinsey Park Drive.
This is the latest section of the Greenway Corridor Recreational Trail. According to Bill Kolstad, Brookfield's Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, the 8 foot wide paved trail segment measures about 3,350 feet in length. There is also 480 feet of 6' wide pavement.
Holiday hate speech at State Capitol
Our state capitol in Madison has a Christmas tree (I am using last year's term), a menorah for Hanukkah, and I think something for Kwanza too. I am fine with that. They are holidays celebrated in December by people of various religions and cultures in our state.
Last year I heard they also included a Winter Solstice plaque. They have it this year too.
Global warming -"Is the cure worse than the disease?"
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=339440
A new documentary aimed at exposing the true cost behind the "global warming" hysteria is coming to theaters in 2009.
Tom Wacker rings Red Kettle Salvation Army bell again at Pick 'n Save
Tis the season! The Salvation Army Red Kettles are out and about in shopping malls and in front of local businesses.
This year, the Bluemound Pick 'n Save in the Brownstones shopping mall is again allowing the Salvation Army bell ringers to collect donations in front of their store. Thank you, Pick 'n Save! (The Red Kettle is located outside at the east entrance.)
Town of Brookfield Aldi now open!
Well, today is the day. After months of discussion and remodeling, the new Aldi store opens its doors today at 19555 W. Bluemound Road.
The entire shopping center underwent a face lift with new brick facade and architectural accents.
UN Data shows 'Warming has Stopped'
Posted on Senate EPW Website
Part one:
http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=fedf4901-
802a-23ad-44bb-adf19269d36d
Part Two:
http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=fee4a8fd-
802a-23ad-4079-be0ac7f8017e
UN Data shows "Warming has Stopped!" - Climate Fears Called
"Hogwash" - "Global Carbon Tax" Urged
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Posted By Marc Morano – 4:34 PM – Marc_Morano@EPW.Senate.Gov
UN Data shows ‘Warming has Stopped!’ – Climate
Fears Called ‘Hogwash’ – ‘Global Carbon Tax’ Urged
Aussie Scientist Says ‘No relationship between CO2 and temperature’
Weblink To This Report:
Read Part Two of this Report here:
Washington DC - The bad news for global warming alarmists just keeps rolling in. Below is a very
small sampling of very inconvenient developments for Gore, the United Nations, and the mainstream
media. Peer-reviewed studies, analyses, and prominent scientists continue to speak out to refute
climate fears. The majority of data presented below is from just the past week. Also see: U.S. Senate
Minority Report: “Over 400 Prominent Scientists (and rapidly growing) Disputed Man-Made Global
Warming Claims in 2007” & ‘Consensus’ On Man-Made Global Warming Collapses in 2008 - July
18, 2008 & An August 2007 report detailed how proponents of man-made global warming fears enjoy
a monumental funding advantage over skeptical scientists. LINK
#
UN Conference Greeted with UN Data Showing ‘Warming has Stopped!’ -
WorldClimateReport.com - December 2, 2008
Excerpt: 10,000 people from 86 countries have descended upon Poznan, Poland for yetanother
United Nations meeting on climate change. This time, it’s the annual confab of
the nations that signed the original U.N. climate treaty in Rio in 1992. That instrument
gave rise to the infamous 1996 Kyoto Protocol on global warming, easily the greatest
failure in the history of environmental diplomacy. Kyoto was supposed to reduce global
emissions of carbon dioxide below 1990 levels during the period 2008-2012. But since it
was signed, the atmospheric concentration of this putative pollutant continued to rise,
pretty much at the same rate it did before Kyoto. […] Since Kyoto, a very funny thing
has happened to global temperatures: IPCC data clearly show that warming has
stopped—even though its computer models said such a thing could not happen.
According to the IPCC, the world reached its high-temperature mark in 1998, thanks to a
big “El Niño,” which is a temporary warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that occurs
once or twice a decade. […] Even if the earth resumes warming at the pre-1998 rate, we
will have nearly a quarter-century without a significant warming trend.
Slumping economy causing illegals to leave?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/dec/07/where-did-they-go-and-why/
CARAFANO: Where did the illegals go and why? Dec 7 Great comic too
Penzeys: Herbs & Spice and everything nice
If you love to cook or know someone who does, stop in at Penzeys herb and spice shop. They recently relocated from the Town of Brookfield to the east side of the Brookfield Fashion Center on Bluemound Road.
I have shopped at Penzeys for years; they are my source for Pasta Sprinkles, Ceylon Cinnamon, and vanilla beans, to name a few. When I cook or bake, I try to use the best quality I can afford. Their quality is fabulous--very fresh.
Global Warming tough sell, but Obama still buys what Gore is selling
There is a lot at stake for former Vice President Al Gore with the Global Warming* issue. Without the threat of Global Warming, he is rather out of a job. Who would hire Al Gore to come speak about the threat of normal weather? Without Global Warming, who would ever buy a carbon credit from the corporation he is affiliated with? Without Global Warming, Al Gore just becomes another washed up Vice President who did not make it to the ultimate status prize of the presidency.
I can understand why Al Gore keeps insisting that Global Warming is a serious threat to the planet. All of Al Gore's current prestige and status and livelihood are tied to this fabricated crisis.
Poland global warming conference and crazy solutions
http://www.livescience.com/environment/081210-ap-climate-treaty.html
Environment
Thousands Negotiate New Climate Treaty
By Arthur Max, The Associated Press
Thank you Senators for standing up against auto bailout
Wish we had more like these 6 Republican Senators. I really don't care what party they are from, just that they have common sense.
Tom Colburn of Oklahoma made a great point about GM as compared to Toyota
Don't do it! Don't drive that ATV on Greenway Trails or in Brookfield parks
Last week I wrote about our neighborhood's newest segment of the Greenway Corridor Recreational Trail at Mary Knoll Park.
Poochie and I took a walk on the main trail to check out the new pathway.
I'm going into the wheelbarrow biz, or The "Peso-fication of the US$
All actions have consequences. Consumers living beyond their means, taking out loans for homes they couldn't possibly afford, resulted in the sub-prime crisis, Fanny and Freddie mess, and meltdown of the US economy.
The TARP bailout for $700-some billion has opened the door to every Tom, Dick and Harry industry standing in line for a bailout handout: the auto industry, rental car companies, ethanol industry, and credit card companies to name a few. States such as California and even Wisconsin might put their hands out as well. President elect Obama is talking about another bigger and better stimulus package too, asap.
WARNING: Is a Constitutional Convention on horizon?
Don'f forget my US history teacher's warning about the convention
World Net Daily,
Snow is a novelty for some in Houston, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama & here
Since 1895, records indicate, snow has fallen this early just once — on Dec. 10, 1944.
Spread Christmas cheer: help Heart-Fire Ministries
Heart-Fire Ministries is one local charity that is sure to warm your heart this Christmas. This is their 13th year of operating a Christmas Store that is rather unique, but they need YOUR help. The Christmas Store opens this week Tuesday, December 16th. Here is how it works:
'The Christmas Store' is scheduled for December 16 - 18, 2008. The Store is open to needy families with children who are hand picked by the organizations and churches we partner with. The Store allows families to purchase new gifts at 90% [off] of the retail price. The best part is when the children open these presents at Christmas, the parents can say with pride, "We bought these nice gifts for you!", not just receiving another hand-out.
Washington State Holiday Hate Speech
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ykD2leYaXhM/SSI09WtV4hI/AAAAAAAAGC8/MT-ANfafeOU/IMG_3199.JPG
Atheists Post Hateful Christmas Sign Dec 13 2008
Expanded Elmbrook Human Growth & Development review hours
Subject: expanded HGD review hours
Are they kidding? Dumping Electoral College makes it worse!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122930124441705413.html?mod=djemEditorialPage
It's Time to Junk the Electoral College
Oh brother! A bovine "gas" tax?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122913405823603643.html
Is the Environmental Protection Agency preparing to slap a "cow tax" on bovines for their contribution to global warming?
QEO repeal
http://blogs.waukeshanow.com/conserv_speaking/archive/2008/12/12/if-the-qeo-is-repealed-where-will-the-money-come-from-unfortunately-that-s-easy.aspx
If The QEO Is Repealed, Where Will The Money Come From? Unfortunately, That's Easy
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Dec 12 2008, 08:24 AM
Insult to injury: New contract for car emission testing to cost $1.8 billion!
Call this another soft tyranny!
State rebidding contract for vehicle emissions tests
Cookie marathon nearly finished, 2 hurdles to go
For as long as I can remember, baking cookies has always been a part of celebrating Christmas. My mom would let my sister and I help, even though that meant the task would take longer and the kitchen be messier. It is a cherished memory.
I kept up the tradition of Christmas cookie baking when I got married, but dialed it up a notch or 2. Mom would make maybe 6 kinds of cookies; I made 16 varieties this year.
Railroaded on commuter rail
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/36210564.html
New study questions commuter rail line
But author was positive on KRM project in June, business leader says
Scientists Denounce AP for Hysterical Global warming article Dec 15
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/12/15/scientists-denounce-ap-hysterical-global-warming-article
STATistics AP: Global Warming is Accelerating Time is Close to running out Dec 14
Despite the nation experiencing its tenth straight year of temperatures cooler than 1998's peak, and much of New England experiencing its worst ice storm in decades (video embedded right), the Associated Press on Sunday published one of the most hysterical articles concerning global warming I've ever seen.
In writer Seth Borenstein's view, climate change is "a ticking time bomb that President-elect Barack Obama can't avoid."
Little bit of "Christmas" in ads
I've noticed, have you? Kohl's Department Stores are using CHRISTMAS in their advertising!
http://www.afa.net/christmaslist.asp Naughty or Nice?
Nomination papers for WI Supreme Court and Superintendent of Public Instruction
Two nominations papers are worth circulating:
This is funny!
I don't watch network TV shows anymore, but I love to watch movies. They make mundane, household tasks like folding laundry, ironing, changing the bed, etc. more enjoyable. The TV and VCR in my kitchen get a real workout during my cookie marathons too.
Some movie favorites I watch every year or so. One of those is Houseboat, starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. It is utterly delightful. Not only is Sophia Loren a real dish, as they used to say, she is also a good actress.
Jews and Christmas ala Ben Stein and Mark Levin
Mark Levin plays Christmas music on his radio show. Charlie Brown's Christmas Time is Here puts him in a good mood.
My dear Jewish girlfriend since the 1st grade puts up a Haunnaka Bush, and Christmas tree. (She is married to a Christian.) In fact, she just sent me a beautiful box of holly to help me celebrate my holiday.
RNC chairmanship: Who do you want?
Michael Steele Newt Gingrich? Newt seems to have lost his nerve. Sitting on the couch with Nancy Pelosi must have that affect?
Michael Steele, Sarah Palin 2012 anyone?
Senator Herb Kohl on auto bailout
Dear Mrs. Prast:
I've heard from many people with different viewpoints
about the proposed auto industry rescue plan, but we can all agree
that the American economy is struggling. I supported the rescue
plan because of the 46,000 jobs in Wisconsin tied to the auto
industry. In the current economic climate, we cannot afford to put
more Americans out of work. The House of Representatives
passed their version of the auto rescue plan, H.R. 7321, on
December 10, 2008. Unfortunately, a motion to proceed to
consideration of the bill failed to garner the necessary 60 votes,
stalling the bill in the Senate.
The Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act
included $15 billion in short-term loans for GM, Ford, and
Chrysler, to be paid back with interest. To avoid bankruptcy and
emerge as stronger businesses, the Big Three would have been
required to submit long-term restructuring plans no later than
March 31, 2009, or have their loans revoked. Additionally, a
government appointed "car czar" would have overseen the
automaker's loan disbursement and restructuring.
As a businessman, I questioned whether a government
bureaucrat would do a better job than the automakers have done.
However, the automakers were willing to submit to intrusive
government oversight, surrender their executive perks, and give the
American taxpayer a stake in any future profits, so I was willing to
support a rescue plan and give the automakers an opportunity to
succeed.
I am hopeful that a bipartisan solution can be reached, or
that the Treasury will act, before it is too late for the auto industry.
Again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Herb Kohl
U.S. Senator
Please do not reply to this message; to make further comments or to find additional information, please
visit my web site at http://kohl.senate.gov/.
MoveOn.org's priorities are not mine
If you had to pick the 3 most important priorities of the Obama administration from the following list, what would they be?
Universal health care, Economic recovery & job creation, Build a green economy/Stop climate change, End the war in Iraq, Improve public schools, Reform campaigns & elections, Hold the Bush Administration accountable, Gay rights/LGBT equality, Increase access to higher education, Restore civil liberties.
It's nice to see a little bit of Christmas in advertising
Have you noticed? Some stores are actually using the word, CHRISTMAS, in their advertising this year. It is nice to see. After all, Christmas is the reason people go out in the cold, spend money they don't have, and brave the crowds!
Our family pretty much gave up exchanging gifts some years ago. Outside of gifts for my son (we're not total Grinches), it is pretty much "teensies" for the rest of the family. I realized I am still short a few teensies, so out to the stores I must go today.
Budget cuts: Elmbrook giveth and taketh away
Santa's elf comment about 4.1% raise
http://www.brookfieldnow.com/watch/?watch=14&date=12/20/2008&id=49041 Projections call for millions in cuts
Do we add Resurface to the 3R's of conservation?
Recycle, Reuse, Reduce? District 1 area
http://www.brookfieldnow.com/story/index.aspx?id=828006 Northeast Brookfield roads to be resurfaced, not rebuilt Aldermen conclude that rebuilding won't bring redevelopment Dec. 17, 2008
Are you naughty, nice? Stingy, generous?
Christmas is the season of giving. Many charities make their year end pitch during the Christmas season. Whether you respond to their pleas or not, may depend more on your politics and religious beliefs than your wallet.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote an interesting piece on this subject last Sunday, Bleeding Heart Tightwads: (Emphasis mine)
Wish list for 2009
If you could have anything you wanted for next year, what would it be? (Besides world peace, etc.)
Right now, warmer temperatures and less snow!
Nomination papers for judge and superintendent
changedpi.com
That first Christmas Eve
From Luke 2: 8-18 (NIV):
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good new of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Pressed for parking at Brookfield Square
Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.
Still time to review Elmbrook's HG&D (sex -ed) materials: Jan. 5th-9th, 12th & 14th
Between preparing for Christmas and the snowy weather, I did not make it over to Elmbrook School's Administrative Offices to look at the newest version of the Human Growth and Development curriculum materials. I wasn't alone though. Because of "additional interest", Elmbrook extends sex-ed review sessions.
So, there is still opportunity to look at what our school district plans on teaching our students about this sensitive subject. Materials may be reviewed every day next week, January 5th - 9th, as well as the following Monday, Jan. 12th and Wednesday, Jan. 14th. The hours are the same each day: 8:30am to 4pm. All materials are located in the board room.
Top 15 posts of 2008
At year's end, we tend to reflect on the past year and note what was significant. I looked through my postings to see what blog posts captured the most attention. Here is my top 15 list, ending with the most popular* #1 post:
