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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Oct 4 2008, 07:21 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Milwaukee Brewer Ryan Braun. His clutch HR last Sunday against the Cubs sent the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Alan Tanguay
Renee Bowman
Julia Stiles
Minerva Lopez and her husband, Porfirio Olivas-Lopez
Joshua Hickson
The Western Idaho Fair
Bruce Elliott
Warm, compassionate Colorado Democrats
Virginia teachers union
New York teachers
MPS Board member Charlene Hardin
UW Marching Band.......or at least, certain members.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"Some of his comments that he's made about the war, that I think, in my world disqualify someone from consideration for the next commander-in-chief. Some of the comments he's made about Afghanistan, what we are doing there, 'just air raiding villages and killing civilian.' That's reckless."
Sarah Palin on Barack Obama
"The pit bull is back, and she can still bite. Palin spoke in mostly complete sentences, unlike her performance in a string of recent TV appearances."
Michael Saul and David Saltonstall of the New York Daily News on Sarah Palin's performance in the VP debate.
"She winked. She wrinkled her nose. She gave a 'shout-out' to a third-grade class."
Peter Wallsten of the LA Times.
"She held up her end of an energetic debate that gave voters a direct look at two competing philosophies. She established debating parity with Joe Biden. And in a country that is furious with Washington, she presented herself as a radical alternative. By the end of the debate, most Republicans were not crouching behind the couch, but standing on it."
David Brooks of the NY Times.
"Let's pay Palin the respect of treating her exactly as a male candidate would be treated. And that means saying this: She was simply nowhere near as good as Joe Biden."
Scot Lehigh of the Boston Globe.
"Without this rescue plan, the costs to the American economy could be disastrous."
President Bush in a written statement about a $700 billion bailout bill before Congress.
“I am outraged that we find ourselves in this situation, and I have grave concerns for the state of our economy. In light of the political expediency of my colleagues and the horrendous failures of the Bush Administration, we will have to roll up our sleeves and go back to the drawing board to enact a meaningful solution to our financial crisis.”
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, after the House failed to approve a Wall Street bailout bill Monday.
"Our message to Wall Street is the party is over."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the House approved the bailout Friday.
"While we have an imperfect product, we have a responsibility to act. Even if we pass this bill today (Friday), let's not kid ourselves. It's gonna be a rough ride."
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio)
"By coming together on this legislation, we have acted boldly to help prevent the crisis on Wall Street from becoming a crisis in communities across our country. We have shown the world that the United States of America will stabilize our financial markets and maintain a leading role in the global economy."
President Bush in the Rose Garden Friday, signing the bailout package into law.
"Anybody toting guns and stripping moose don't care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks."
Florida Democrat Congressman Alcee Hastings, referring to Sarah Palin.
"I regret the comments I made that were not smart and certainly not relevant to hunters or sportsmen."
Alcee Hastings apologizing for his remarks.
"I'm not sure the word is nervous, but there's uncertainty out there. A lot of voters have heard these stories, and the lawsuit has gotten their attention. There's a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of uncertainty."
Joe Heim, a UW-La Crosse political science professor about developments the past few weeks that are making voters worried about the integrity of elections including voters erased from the rolls, absentee ballot application mixups, and a lawsuit against the state's election agency suggesting possible fraud.
“Look out Wisconsin. If you don’t like what’s going on in Washington, we could be facing just as serious a problem here at home. With the development of the next state budget underway, we get letters every day from groups advocating new spending for one program or another. Every letter starts out with ‘I know these are trying times for the state government,’ but inevitably the letters continue, ‘this particular program is an exception;’ it’s an ‘investment in the future’ that ‘fills a critical need.’ What will it take for politicians to finally wake up? A volcano in Wisconsin?”
State Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah)
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Felons are registering people to vote. Would individuals who've demonstrated a propensity to break the law have any regard for following proper procedures in signing up voters?
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
With media attacks on Sarah Palin every few minutes, there's been very little, if any scrutiny on Joe Biden.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Sarah Palin couldn't possibly do well in her debate against Joe Biden.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Next time, just try a cold shower.
What's more dangerous than text messaging while driving?
Where is washing your car a crime?
Hail Mary, full of glass...
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Sep 27 2008, 09:31 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week. Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In... HEROES OF THE WEEK
Jane and Timothy Strand
"Angels"
Truman Duncan
Franklin City Attorney Jesse Wesolowski, Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor, current Franklin aldermen Steve Olson, Lyle Sohns, Ken Skowronski, Tim Solomon, and former Franklin aldermen Al Hammelman and Pete Kosovich. They are responsible for Franklin's two restrictive sex offender ordinances that have become the model for the rest of the state.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Hospital workers
Whoever did this
Saturday Night Live
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"We are in the midst of a serious financial crisis. Our entire economy is in danger. I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by the troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending."
President Bush in an address to the nation Wednesday night.
"He admits he still doesn't know how to use a computer, can't send an e-mail, still doesn't understand the economy, and favors $200 billion in new tax cuts for corporations, but almost nothing for the middle class."
A campaign ad mocking John McCain
"I thought that was terrible, by the way. I didn't know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we'd have never done it."
Joe Biden, condemning the above-mentioned campaign ad
"You are even more gorgeous than you are on the [TV]. Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you.I might hug."
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari gushing while greeting GOP vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin at the InterContinental hotel in New York.
"I do not want to cut 56 police officers, and I do not want to close any neighborhood libraries in this budget. I didn't set the stage for this. It's the way that I'm required to submit the budget."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who submitted two budget proposals to the Milwaukee Common Council.In one budget, the city would close two neighborhood libraries, leave 56 police officers' jobs vacant and eliminate two firefighting companies.In the other budget, the city would raise the garbage fee by 28%, keep all 12 neighborhood libraries open and maintain current police strength, but would still shut down one fire company.Both budgets would raise property taxes by 4.8%, reduce library hours, slice into public works services and trim ladder truck crews from five firefighters to four in every company that hasn't already been cut back.
"You have two bad choices here."
Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy, reacting to the pair of budgets submitted by Barrett.
"We understand some people really truly need absentee ballots but some folks are just plain lazy. They don't want to be bothered by having to stand in line."
Brookfield City Clerk Kristine Schmidt, who is doubling her staff to eight full-time employees to handle the influx of absentee ballots.
"I know it won't get done. There's no way it can get done with the amount of absentee voters and the amount of work surrounding this election. That extra level of work process physically cannot get accomplished."
Appleton City Clerk Cindi Hesse. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has sued the Government Accountability Board, demanding checks of thousands of voters' identities back to Jan. 1, 2006. A judge isn't expected to make any rulings in the case until 12 days before the election.
"The unelected GAB,(Government Accountability Board) made up of former judges, was instituted by the Wisconsin Legislature in 2007, in order to more aggressively enforce existing elections laws. Instead, the Board has deigned it necessary to make new laws which have never been considered by the Legislature. (Also known as those who represent the people of Wisconsin.) For instance, the GAB is trying to make itself the sole group that decides what can and can’t be said during an election. They are looking into promulgating rules that would allow them to regulate the timing and content of political speech in Wisconsin by determining what is and what is not 'express advocacy.'"
Christian Schneider of the Wisconsin Policy Reserach Institute
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
In America's waiting rooms, you wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait....
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Racism in the Democrat Party. Why wasn't this a 3, 4, 5-day story? Well, we know why.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
John McCain single-handedly ruined approval of a financial institution bailout. Oh, really?
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
He was charged with battery on a police officer because he......passed gas.
Hi yo Silver!
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Sep 20 2008, 09:23 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Kelley Becherer......the pride of Sheboygan
Good Samaritan
Steve Oswald
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
William Murray
Son brutally murders mother
Ryan Mueller
Congressman Charlie Rangel
MPS: Pancakes =higher taxes
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I hadn’t even sat down on the couch and Doug said, ‘We’re going to make a change.’Over the next 15 minutes, I did say that I didn’t have answers for what happened the last two weeks. It’s been difficult for everybody. I don’t know if this is going to do it. I really don’t.I put my heart and soul into this team for six years,” said Yost, who spoke from his residence in Milwaukee. “We were 16 games over .500. Nobody’s going to tell me we weren’t going to make the playoffs.”
Ned Yost, about being fired as manager by the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I was really surprised at the timing of it. I, at least, thought they’d let the season play out and see what happened, but they felt like they needed to make a decision.”
Brewer All-Star Ryan Braun
"It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."
Democrat VP candidate Joe Biden on the need for higher taxes.
"Today, Senator Obama's running mate said that raising taxes is patriotic. Raising taxes in a tough economy isn't patriotic, it isn't a badge of honor, it's just plain dumb."
John McCain
“I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face."
Barack Obama
"Face-to-face contact with undecided voters is the single most effective way to grow this movement. No experience is required, and we'll help you make the trip as easily as possible with either housing in Nevada or discounted group rates at an area hotel."
Obama's California field director Mary Jane Stevenson, organizing a bus trip of Obama supporters and using housing incentives to increase the numbers.
"Barack Obama, you see, is done fixing souls. It's time to crack heads. Prodded by panicked Democrats to take off his white gloves, he issued a Call to Strong Arm to his legions of angry followers on Wednesday. Hope is out. Hellfire is in.Yep, a bunch of angry Obama cultists and left-wing ACORN drifters are coming to your neighborhoods to accuse you of racism, call you unpatriotic for not bowing down and forking over more taxes to keep the Mother Ship afloat, and check your tire pressure and thermostats while they're at it. Feel the power of positive change."
Blogger Michelle Malkin
‘‘People shouldn’t make a decision this time based on, ’I like that guy’ or ’she’s cute. And I’m talking about me.’'
Michelle Obama
“I think Sarah Palin is an excellent choice, and not just because she’s a woman. It’s good to have a governor on one of the tickets. … I think she brings a different set of skills.”
Kathy Riordan of Wausau at the McCian/Palin rally in Ashwaubenon this week. Riordan is a registered Democrat who planned to vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Now she intends to cast a ballot for McCain.
"I’m deeply concerned with the rights of every eligible citizen to cast a vote and have it count. That’s why I have brought this suit. The fact is that following the law disenfranchises no one. Our law creates safeguards, such as same-day registration and provisional balloting, to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot on Election Day and have it count."
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, on his lawsuit against the state's Government Accountability Board. The GAB has refused to retroactively check the verification of voter registrations back to 2006.
“Rather than get hung up on exchanges that aren’t going to lead anywhere, I want to give the operators an option today.”
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke renewing his call for safety shields and pepper-spray training for Milwuakee County bus drivers.
“I can tell you right now, if the sheriff is willing to train our members and allow us to do this (carry pepper spray on the job), I could get you 3, 4, 5, 600 operators willing to do this right now. They want the protection. They need the protection.”
Brandon Jensen, financial secretary-treasurer for the bus driver's union.
"There's nothing wrong with our furniture."
Jennifer Fischer to Kevin.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Killing babies in Sarah Plain's name.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
The free market didn't cause this week's fiscal problems. Government interference in the free market was the culprit. The federal government mandates that financial institutions make loans to just about anyone, regardless of their credit rating. Neal Boortz explains in his latest column:
"Acme bank didn’t want to loan money to Joe Homebuyer because Joe had a spotty job history, owed too much money on his credit cards, and wasn’t all that good at making payments on time. The politicians told Acme Bank to figure out a way to make that loan, because, after all, Joe is a bona-fide minority-American, or forget about opening that new branch office on the Southside. The loan was made under politicial pressure; the loan, with millions like it, failed – and now we are left to enjoy today’s headlines."
It's the honest explanation and story the media won't tell.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
The media told us this week that our financial crisis was the worst our country had even experienced, worse than the Depression.
Most Americans don't have a clue what a Depression is really like.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
What would you give up for Packer tickets?
How much should an inmate get for having to sleep on a wet mattress?
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Sep 13 2008, 08:42 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
9/11 survivors: Maimed, trying to be whole again
JB Van Hollen
Wal-Mart (CAUTION to touchy, ultra-sensitive liberals: opening this link could cause you to implode)
Todd Murashige
Tony Romo
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Stephen Bryant
Summer Lee Many White Horses
Rev. Christopher Layden
Wisconsin Congressman David Obey
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig."
Barack Obama, in a reference to Sarah Palin.
"Cocky wacko."
Former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee -- a charter member of "Republicans for Obama" -- describing Sarah Palin.
"She is the only one of the four candidates for president, or the only vice presidential candidate who wears lipstick. I mean, it seemed to me a very gendered comment."
Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift, a member of the Palin Truth Squad.
“Governor, let me start by asking you a question that I asked John McCain about you, and it is really the central question. Can you look the country in the eye and say ‘I have the experience and I have the ability to be not just vice president, but perhaps president of the United States of America?’”
ABC’S Charlie Gibson questioning Sarah Palin in her first interview.
“I do, Charlie, and on January 20, when John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, will be ready. I'm ready. I answered him (John McCain) yes because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we're on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can't blink. So I didn't blink then even when asked to run as his running mate.”
Sarah Palin’s response.
“The reference there is a repeat of Abraham Lincoln's words when he said -- first, he suggested never presume to know what God's will is, and I would never presume to know God's will or to speak God's words. But what Abraham Lincoln had said, and that's a repeat in my comments, was let us not pray that God is on our side in a war or any other time, but let us pray that we are on God's side. That's what that comment was all about, Charlie. And I do believe, though, that this war against extreme Islamic terrorists is the right thing. It's an unfortunate thing, because war is hell and I hate war, and, Charlie, today is the day that I send my first born, my son, my teenage son overseas with his Stryker brigade, 4,000 other wonderful American men and women, to fight for our country, for democracy, for our freedoms. Charlie, those are freedoms that too many of us just take for granted. I hate war and I want to see war ended. We end war when we see victory, and we do see victory in sight in Iraq.”
Sarah Palin, responding to Charlie Gibson’s question about Palin’s alleged comment that the Iraq War is a task from God.
"He was the world's biggest celebrity, but his star's fading. So they lashed out at Sarah Palin. Dismissed her as 'good looking.' That backfired, so they said she was doing, 'what she was told.' Then desperately called Sarah Palin a liar. How disrespectful. And how Governor Sarah Palin proves them wrong, every day."
The text from a new McCain ad.
"You didn't have any government experience when you became lieutenant governor. You learned on the job. ... Her problem is she's not liberal enough for the major voting bloc of women who probably were supporting Hillary Clinton."
Former GOP Lt. Governor Margaret Farrow defending new Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin in a debate with current Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton. Farrow has been named to the "Palin Truth Squad," set up by the McCain campaign to respond to attacks on the Alaska governor.
"This isn't a liberal or conservative question. This is about the economy and jobs."
Lawton in reply.
"We're not overstepping our bounds at all in trying to tell the Government Accountability Board (GAB) how to do their job. We're just making sure that the first step in the process, which is legally required and clearly set out in the law, be followed and that they not replace the law with their judgment."
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen on a lawsuit filed against the GAB seeking to force the agency to double-check new registrations going back to Jan. 1, 2006, and remove anyone from the rolls whose information doesn't match up with other state databases.
"The board is committed to properly protecting the electoral process from potential fraud. At the same time, the board is equally committed to protecting the right of every eligible person to vote in Wisconsin, and that every valid vote must be counted."
GAB director Kevin Kennedy in a statement on the lawsuit.
"Do we want to be compared with Seattle, with Denver, with Chicago, or do we want to be compared with Fargo and Dubuque?"
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett advocating a streetcar loop for the city during a debate with County Executive Scott Walker over how to spend $91.5 million in federal funds reserved for public transportation in Milwaukee.
"Think rail, and use buses."
Walker on his transportation strategy for the county.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
And we should keep spending more and more money on them....why?
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
The Democrats are nervous, ladies and gentlemen, very nervous.
One of the reasons they've got the jitters: their guy has lost control of the campaign. (And this admission from a liberal columnist. Of course, you have to get through the obligatory trashing of Republicans).
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Boy, that Aaron Rodgers was really great in his very first start for the Green Bay Packers, wasn't he? Makes you just want to forget #4, right?
Well, no and no.
Rodgers was ok in the victory against Minnesota, but certainly wasn't spellbinding.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Would you turn down 3 million bucks?
If you know where our missing time capsule is.....
Saugatuck, you owe me!
The pride of Fond du Lac....Don Gorske
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Sep 6 2008, 09:03 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Michael Phelps
Chellsie Memmel
Millie Kleinschmidt
Christian the Lion and his friends
School nurse
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
The Metro Hotel in Woking
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and the city of Milwaukee
MIlwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, again
MIlwaukee County Supervisors who successfully voted to override Scott Walker's veto of a sales tax increase referendum: Supervisors Gerry Broderick, Toni Clark, Elizabeth Coggs, Marina Dimitrijevic, Lee Holloway, Willie Johnson Jr., Patricia Jursik, Christopher Larson, Theo Lipscomb, Michael Mayo Sr., John Thomas, John Weishan Jr. and Peggy West.
(The tax and spend crowd is alive and well in Milwaukee)
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."
"I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war."
"Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not."
"I'm very proud to have introduced our next vice president to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."
"Let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace."
"We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace."
John McCain at the GOP Convention
"Victory in Iraq is finally in sight; he (Barack Obama) wants to forfeit."
"Al-Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America; he’s worried that someone won’t read them their rights."
"Government is too big; he wants to grow it."
"I’ve learned quickly these last few days that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country."
"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ’community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities."
Sarah Palin at the GOP Convention
"He is the least experienced candidate for the president of the United States in at least the last 100 years. This is not a personal attack. It’s a statement of fact — Barack Obama has never led anything. Nothing. Nada."
"Governor Palin represents a new generation. She’s already one of the most successful governors in America and the most popular. And she’s already had more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined."
Rudy Giuliani at the GOP Convention
"A week ago, most Americans had never heard of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Now, following a Vice Presidential acceptance speech viewed live by more than 40 million people, Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palin’s favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%."
Rasmussen Reports
"Mrs. Palin accomplished several things last night. First, she introduced herself and her story to the American people in a compelling and warm manner, complete with effective pictures of her proud family. Secondly, she praised John McCain's leadership, service to country and independence in a way that made him come alive. Thirdly, she effectively deflected the media and liberal criticism of her by saying they really represented an attack on the small-town and suburban values she grew up with. Lastly, she skewered Barack Obama with gusto but without meanness. Her line about her job as a small-town mayor being 'sort of like a community organizer,'except that you have actual responsibilities' brought the hall to its feet in a frenzy."
John Fund, Wall Street Journal
"NOW WE SEE why the liberal establishment has been trying for the last few days to destroy Sarah Palin. She is a threat to their hopes to take the White House this year, a threat to their broader claims to speak for youth, for women, and for the future, and a threat to their attempt to control the high ground in the culture war. After her stunning success last night, some in the liberal media may retire from the ring for a while. Others, with the threat now even more evident, may redouble their assaults and become even more desperate and vicious. Surely they'll fail. A star was born last night."
Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard
"A WEEK ago nobody had ever heard of her. Today she is the most talked-about woman in the world. And with good reason. Sarah Palin's sensational performance at the Republican Party Convention may turn out to be the tipping point of this rollercoaster American election. Obama fans hoping she would fluff her big night were in for a nasty shock.This speech has turned the election upside down. It was simply stunning."
British newspaper, The Sun
“(She) may look like Barbie, but if anybody questions if she's going to fight like G.I. Joe they weren't listening last night.”
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen on Palin’s speech
"I've got to get the moose tracks, please. Moose tracks, you know, near and dear to my heart. I can't go wrong with it."
After speaking at a rally in Cedarburg Friday, Sarah Palin ordered ice cream at The Chocolate Factory. She was given a waffle cone with a giant scoop. John McCain ordered sorbet; Cindy McCain ordered a brownie.
“Maintaining infrastructure is not free.”
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman, on a $20 vehicle registration fee the Common Council approved by overriding Mayor Tom Barrett's veto on an 11-4 vote. Residents will begin paying the "wheel tax" in November.
“I don't think we should be doing something to benefit absentee landlords.”
Barrett before the override.
“Starved to the point of anorexia.”
Milwaukee County Supervisor Chris Larson describing the state of Milwaukee’s transit system following a vote to override Scott Walker’s veto of a 1-cent-on-the dollar sales tax increase. Advocates say the tax, which passed 13-6, would pay for parks and transportation while providing property tax relief.
“I feel confident that when the voters fully realize this is a $130 million tax increase, come Nov. 4 they're going to vote overwhelmingly against the tax increase and for some degree of fiscal sanity.”
Walker forecasting defeat for the measure.
“I love these people. I go to church with them. It isn’t about us and them. This is not the kind of business retailers want to be next to. Am I saying shut them down? Not necessarily directly. But indirectly? Maybe.”
Fountains of Franklin non-developer David Hintzman, talking about Leonard and Verna Fox who own property adjacent to Hintzman's. Hintzman claims the elderly Foxes have violated city of Franklin ordinances, and that prevents him from attracting tenants to his site.
“They’re going to kill us."
Verna Fox, 74.
“We had a very peaceful life here until a year ago. We just want to be left alone.”
Leonard Fox, 78, who told the Journal Sentinel he believes he'll die if he retires.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
The mainstream media was quick to report rumors about Sarah Palin's baby, the same bunch that IGNORED rumors for months about slimy John Edwards screwing around on his cancer-stricken wife. The Palin rumors were false, the Edwards rumors were true.
Read more from NRO.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
When Governor Doyle spoke at the DNC, he may have violated the state's ethics code. Read...
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
The untrue, repugnant assaults on Sarah Palin by a disgustingly sexist, liberal media.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Minnesota governor spent Sunday night riding with a rock star in a stolen van. Here's the story.
Flasher arrested.....at nude beach.
Duck stamp program error sends callers......to a sex line.
And maybe this isn't so strange after all.....Palin-mania is sweeping the country.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Aug 30 2008, 10:32 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Melissa Stockwell
For taking a stand, JoAn Karkos
Debra Bartoshevich. She epitomizes one of the many problems for Barack Obama.
The thousands of Harley-Davidson riders in town from all over the world!
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Charlene Hardin
Waukesha Municipal Judge Michael Cook
The city of Milwaukee
China Arnold
Angel Valodia Matos
California tribes don't want ANY competition
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin "stands up for what's right and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down.She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country this needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second."
John McCain
I am "just your average hockey mom in Alaska. The women of America aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
"My family, I think, was among the earliest to endorse Barack Obama. I’d say it happened about five minutes into the keynote speech he delivered four years ago. I have asked all my family members why they support Senator Obama so strongly, but no one said it better than my 7-year-old grandson, Asiah. He said: 'We need a president who will work hard for us.'"
Governor Doyle addressing the Democrat National Convention on Tuesday evening.
"I'm just one voter. I was a Hillary Clinton Democrat, and I think people are going to have to make up their minds on what matters most to them."
Deb Bartoshevich, the former Clinton delegate from Waterford who is featured in a new McCain campaign ad.
"I had my friends from Planned Parenthood give me a bunch of condoms because I feel I need to protect myself from John McCain as a woman."
U.S. Congresswoamn Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, in Denver criticizing McCain’s record on women’s issues.
"Who would you like to have in the White House at 3 a.m. if Russia decides to invade another country? No question it's John McCain."
Former Governor Tommy Thompson criticizing Barack Obama. Thompson said Doyle’s prediction that Obama would win Wisconsin in a walk was the result of “drinking some Kool-Aid that is not very relevant to this election.”
"I'm not going to vote for Obama. I'm not going to vote for McCain, either. We love her, (Hillary Clinton) but it's our vote if we don't trust him or don't like him."
Blanche Darley, 65, a Texas delegate for Clinton at the Democrat National Convention. Darley wore a button saying "Obamination Scares the Hell Out of Me."
"Can we drill your brains?"
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a back and forth with protesters demanding domestic drilling.
"Those of us who have been clamoring for photo ID for voting have been blocked by Democrats who keep claiming such a requirement would disenfranchise the poor and the elderly. It is time to call their bluff. Produce six people who don’t have photo IDs. They don’t exist. They certainly don’t try to buy alcohol, fly, take out a library book, withdraw money from a bank, rent a movie, write a check at a grocery store, rent a car, take a cruise, take metal in for recycling, drive, pick up tickets at will call, buy cigarettes or get treated at the doctor’s office. About all you can do without an ID is breathe. Everyone has them - OK, you got me - there may be some poor soul in a coma. But they’re not supposed to vote."
WISN talk show host Mark Belling in his column in the Waukesha Freeman
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Despite the fact that 22% of new voter records don't mesh, elections officials vote against voter penalties.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Sarah Palin on McCain's short list. No one saw it coming.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Will Barack Obama's speech at the DNC be the greatest of all-time? Please. The media's lovefest for the guy never ends.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Did you hear the one about the priests who wanted to have a beauty pageant for nuns?
Disposable diaper breaks fall and saves child's life
This alderman is a nutjob. Of course she is. She's from Madison.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Aug 23 2008, 09:47 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week. Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In... HEROES OF THE WEEK
This 8-year old
Homes For Our Troops
Mary Johns
Everybody knows Michael Phelps, but don't forget Dara Torres
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Alexander Nava
Patrick Kelly
Muggers in New York
Graffiti globetrotters
Gamblin' Grandma
Mayor of Clayton, California
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I think that the relationship between people that are great is they have a common thread of knowing how to beat their competitors and they know how to constantly be in shape and in top form. If that's the case, I'd know everything about how to beat Michael. He'd also know everything to beat me. We'd have to tie."
Former Olympian Mark Spitz, on Michael Phelps.
"A massive building expansion by Milwaukee Public Schools has saddled the district with tens of millions of dollars worth of vacant or severely underused school additions."
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"When you build a school, you're building it for over 100 years. If we would have put up shanties and put up temporary buildings . . . that would have been very shortsighted."
MPS Superintendent William Andrekopoulos, who gave his support after the building program was underway.
“I’m not interested in a power grab. I’m interested in MPS performance. But confidence is not high right now.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said he is seeking private funds for an outside audit of Milwaukee Public Schools aimed at restoring shaken public confidence in the district.
"The bottom line is we have to be aggressive with this when you already have a number of exposed examples where there is serious problems with these voter registration drives. Who knows how many more unreported problems [there are]?"
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker indicating he is not satisfied in his answers from the Milwaukee Election Commission on voter registration problems in the city. Walker asked the commission to review every voter registration card after it intercepted hundreds of incomplete and some potentially fraudulent cards submitted by workers. Several dozen workers face referral to the Milwaukee County DA for suspected fraud.
"Every card that comes in here we scrutinize."
Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Susan Edman responding to Walker.
"It sets up Milwaukee to become a 'tax island' and unfairly places the sole burden of street repaving on residents when so many others benefit including commercial, non-profit and manufacturing properties and absentee landlords."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett after vetoing a proposed $20 vehicle registration fee in the city.
"I think the Common Council did the right thing today. I thought it was very statesman-like. I appreciate their willingness to come here in August and vote on something that is a national security issue."
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, commenting on the Milwaukee Common Council's vote during a special meeting Tuesday to send 36 officers to help provide security for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.
"I have decided that in this time of budget deficits for the state, I don't think it is right to accept a full-time salary for what should be a part-time job."
81st Assembly District candidate Tim Kiefer announcing his proposed 50% salary cut. Kiefer is running against Waunakee Village President John Laubmeier, Madison restaurant owner Peng Her, former lobbyist Eric Englund, state Senate legislative aide Justin Sargent and former NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director Kelda Helen Roys. Since no Republican is running for the seat, the winner of the Sept. 9 partisan primary will get the job.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
It's not exactly a news bulletin, but we certainly got more evidence this week:
MPS is a failure.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
About the story that whites will become a minority by 2050...
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Just who will Obama pick as his VP? It doesn't matter. Obama is still the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, a huge tax and spender, and given his record and stances on abortion, the most dangerous candidate to ever run for President. Besides, he chose a lightweight with a capital "L."
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Wisconsin couple each win lottery.
You stab your estranged husband's pet lizards, you will pay.
Government screwing up? NO WAY!
Government screwing up? NO WAY, PART TWO.
Record fish caught with Barbie doll pole.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Aug 16 2008, 11:03 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
New Yorkers, and the woman they tried to save.
The amazing Michael Phelps.
Let's not forget Jason Lezak......and all our Olympic athletes.
Ted Nugent
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Jeff Pelo
Tom Anderson.......ABC Video interview.
Vandals in Sheboygan
Whoever was behind this.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"Dream as big as you can dream and anything is possible. I am sort of in a dream world. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure it is real."
U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, after winning his 7th gold medal at the Olympics.
"It goes to show you that not only is this guy the greatest swimmer of all time and the greatest Olympian of all time, he's maybe the greatest athlete of all time. He's the greatest racer who ever walked the planet."
1972 U.S. Olympian Mark Spitz, on Phelps.
"At this time we would like to declare an emergency and also have CFR [crash equipment] standing by in St. Louis."
Just 41 seconds after discovering he no longer had full control of the plane's up and down movements, a pilot talking to an FAA air traffic controller. The campaign plane carrying Barack Obama last month was owned by Midwest Airlines. According to FAA tapes released this week, the incident was more serious than originally thought. At the time, an FAA spokesperson said the pilot did not declare an emergency and Midwest Airlines said safety "was never an issue."
"Russia rolls over Georgia, Hillary Clinton does the same to Barack Obama. Now we know who's boss. Obama blinked and stands guilty of appeasing Clinton by agreeing to a roll call vote for her nomination. . . . It was supposed to be his party. Now it's theirs. His and hers."
Michael Goodwin in his New York Daily News column
"What if you have an 18-year-old daughter who has a breakdown in one of these dark zones?"
Jay Sorensen, a Shorewood resident who noticed burned out lights one night in February as he drove home from the airport. The Journal sentinel reported, “Nearly four out of every 10 streetlights along I-794 and the Lake Parkway are burned out, leaving motorists to drive without the guidance of that familiar orange glow spilling down from above as they cruise the expressway late at night.”
"You tell your kids not to jump into a stranger's car alone and why that's dangerous; tell them why they shouldn't travel the Internet highway alone and why it is dangerous."
Wisconsin State Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen said his office has identified approximately 15,000 computers in the state that are being used by sexual predators to exchange child porn and sexually explicit chat rooms.
“Of course, the Democratic Party is breathing a giant sigh of relief. What if Edwards had won the nomination? They’d be looking at the prospect of their nominee engulfed in a sexual scandal that makes Bill Clinton look like a prude. Since Edwards didn’t win, the only harm to the Democrats is that yet another one of their heroes has been exposed as a lying lout. He joins a large club.”
WISN talk show host Mark Belling in his weekly column.
“I am vetoing this proposal because it is unfair to raise the vehicle registration fee from $75 to $95 for only City of Milwaukee residents. At a time when residents are already grappling with increases in food and fuel prices, a 26% increase in the vehicle registration fee and a complete elimination of the responsibility of other property owners is not the road to go down.”
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