Happy Fireworks!
This will be the first year my husband and I will go to State Fair Park to see the fireworks. Have any of you gone in years past? Are they pretty good?
No matter, I suppose. Whether it’s the Big Bang at Summerfest or if it’s the small town, Eagle River fireworks, I know I’ll love it. I’ve often driven around town to catch more than one fireworks display. Often I would be downtown for the Big Bang on the 3rd and then a local fireworks display on the 4th. The more I can see, the happier I am.
Your Entertainment Dollar
Is it a dry heat, or is it monsoon season?
Not even the Albuquerque Journal can answer that question.
But armed with Mark the Editor's expense account, I am off to the dessert southwest Friday morning for five days of sun and floods in search of the truth.
An Open Letter to Modified Harley Riders and Screaming Crotchrocket riders
Dear modified Harley rider and screaming crotchrocket rider,
What right do you motorcycle riders have to disturb the quiet that is required for most normal people to sleep at night?
Help 400 animals find homes!
Join the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies in celebrating summer by saving a life. Our goal is to find homes for four hundred cats during the month of July, in addition to loving families for lots of dogs and small animals, too. As part of the celebration inspired by Independence Day, every adopter has the opportunity to receive terrific prizes and free stuff!
· Adopt any cat whose coloring is red, white or blue and receive a free gift and a certificate to attend a free Cat Behavior Seminar! Even if your new cat is wearing an item in one of those three colors, you will receive a gift. Be on the lookout! · Adopt any of our mice, named after some of our nation's heroes and receive a complete cage and setup for only $10, while supplies last! · Adopt a rabbit and you will receive a discount on our popular Wabbitat! · Adopt any one of our Petite Pals including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, birds, gerbils, hamsters or mice during the month of July and the fee is waived on a small animal friend! · Anyone who adopts a dog during the month of July will be given the opportunity to draw for a prize ranging from dog treats to a complete dog kit with everything you need to bring home your new friend!CHARGE (I mean change) IT!
Our guest blogger: Maureen Georgenson
Maureen plays Mayor Matilda Hyde in our upcoming musical, “All Shook Up” and she took a few minutes from her busy mayoral schedule to write an “official” response to the concerns of the townspeople regarding that new phenomenon -- rock ‘n roll music. Sounds like our fair mayor may be getting “All Shook Up.” From the desk of Mayor Matilda Hyde:It has come to my attention that many citizens disagree with the enactment and enforcement of the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act. The act was designed to protect our young people from the negative effects of the bebop culture. By prohibiting loud music, tight pants, and public necking, we were trying to keep our community peaceful and decent for everyone. There were some benefits to the arrival of rock and roll in our town, however. A certain level of community spirit took hold where citizens helped one another and engaged in dialogues about the needs of our townspeople. One group has even persuaded me that the old fairgrounds should be reopened to serve as a gathering place for all. I learned firsthand the energizing effects of guitar playing, and have gained the ability to listen to those citizens whose voices are seldom heard. Therefore, let it be known in our community that the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act is officially abolished.
Our musical opens next week! See what all the excitement is about! “All Shook Up” show times are at 7:30 p.m. July 18,19, 25 and 26 and at 2 p.m. July 27.It's happening in Waukesha, too
Thanks to (Sponsor's Name Here)'s Official Father for spotting this. Thomas Doyle is correct that if we don't patronize local restaurants in favor of chains, more of this will happen. And with the current economy, chains can withstand a slowdown better than an independant can.
From WestAllisNOW's unofficial travel reporter: Albuquerque, NM
Travelogue from my trip to the USBC Nationals last week in Albuquerque, NM....
The Denny's PBA tour is bypassing Milwaukee
For the past four seasons, the USBC Masters qualifying has been held at AMF Bowlero in Wauwatosa (with the finals held twice at Miller Park, and once each at the US Cellular Arena and the State Fair Expo Center). In January it was announced that the Masters was leaving Milwaukee, and would instead be held in Las Vegas. Although it was a blow to lose the Masters tournament, at least the Masters was going to become part of the USBC national tournament is that will be held in Las Vegas in 2009. Unknown is whether the Masters will stay in Las Vegas, or if it will continue to follow the USBC nationals (which are in Reno in 2010, Orlando in 2011, Baton Rouge in 2012, Reno in 2013 and Orlando in 2014).
Shortly after it became clear that AMF Bowlero was losing the Masters, I spoke with the general manager of Bowlero, Roy Brent, who stated that the PBA was looking for a way to give Milwaukee a regular stop on the 2008-09 tour. Unfortunatly, that didn't happen, as the released schedule does not include a stop in Milwaukee.
Water. Precious, precious water!
I just replaced the kitchen faucet.
You guys just don't know how big of an accomplishment this is. In renting the first 20ish years of my adulthood, I've never had to replace a faucet.
Mamma Mia! or Batman?
What a silly question. Of course I saw Mamma Mia! this past weekend and not Batman. Are you daft for thinking otherwise?
Everybody is Ohhh'ing and Ahhh'ing Batman's record setting weekend, and based on the critics opinions, there is a reason for it. Meanwhile, Mamma Mia! was a distant, distant second this weekend (with about 1/7 of the attendance) and the critics were far more iffy about this movie.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
I think this blog is long overdue. It will be my most controversial yet. I am willing to take one for the team. After reading this, you will realize what team I am on, and I believe that some of you will be joining me. I am taking a deep breath, wish me luck!
Let's Fix What We Have First
I recently read an article about the creation of new bike trails in West Allis. I can't seem to get my hands on the article, so I'm going by memory. Please forgive me if I get some of the details wrong. If any of you saw it and can send me the link, I'd appreciate it.
The long and the short of it seemed to be that the City was having a disagreement with the railroad company about the proposed location of a brand new bike trail.
Sales tax a Good Option for Parks
The
Milwaukee County Park Department was once regarded as the best urban park
system in America
and was the envy of other large metropolitan areas. It served as the national
model for public investment in open space, recreational facilities and
programs. This is no longer true. While the rest of the nation has discovered
the wisdom of upgrading park facilities and investing in new parks our park
system has experienced a significant decline in funding due its reliance on the
property tax as a means of support.
From 1983 to 2007, the county’s overall tax levy grew by 112%, out-pacing inflation, yet during that same time, the park system’s share of the levy shrunk by 18%. Factored for inflation over this twenty-four year period, the reduction in park funding is a sobering 65%. This reduction has led to an unconscionable build-up of deferred maintenance and a loss of nearly two-thirds of the full time workforce. As staff levels have dropped there has been a related increase in the perception that our parks are not as safe as they once were.
Thank You, Thank You Very Much!
Three data points equal a statistical trend
April 3 at Wrigley Field - Cubs 6 v. Brewers 3
Four data points is a statistical certanty
The way I look at it, the Brewers and Cubs are 4-4 against each other this season. The two best teams in the National League have played to a dead heat against each other.
A different statistical trend that needs to be watched... the combined score of the Cubs/Brewers games that Knobbleknees has attended with me is 26 to 6.
Day 1 - State Fair Blog done (Sponsor's Name Here) style
As I stated last year at this time, it was a pleasant surprise that there were no unauthorized cars parked in our driveway when I left for work. However, I wasn't at work an hour when (Sponsor's Name Here)'s Official Stepson, Grizzly, called and asked if an exhibitor could park in our driveway at no charge. Since Grizzly has been volunteering with this organization, I had no problem with it.
I don't foresee me being as gung-ho about parking as I was last year. In hindsight, I spent a whole lot of lonely hours for not much money. I think timing is more the key. Sure, my neighbor one door west may sit outside all day long and park two cars, but to me, all day long isn't worth $10.
Tired of all the Hoopla
Before I say what I've got to say, I want to firmly state that I'm an avid Packer fan. I've never had the opportunity to attend a game in person but I don't miss a game on TV. I've been to many Packer parties, enjoyed the snacks, the Jello shots and I've whooped, hollered and boo'd with the best. I've got my favorite players, I wear my Packer beads along with my Antonio Freeman shirt. So, here's my gripe.
