According to Coop

TSA Fights Back

2010-12-03T21:20:00.001-08:00

Blowing the dust off this place after almost a year of inactivity to present to you, complete and unedited, the most recent edition of a publication called The TSO Voice, which I picked up at work (at General Mitchell Int'l Airport) while waiting for the employee shuttle. For reference, the flyer states that this is a weekly publication, although this edition is dated November 22, 2010.

AFGE'S USA TODAY AD REMINDS TRAVELERS TSOs' JOB IS TO PROTECT FLYING PUBLIC
AFGE Local Vice President in Memphis Appears on ABC News to Discuss Enhanced Pat-Downs

The largest and most trusted labor union at the Transportation Security Administration is running an ad in USA Today on Nov. 23 to alert airline passengers of new screening procedures and remind them that Transportation Security Officers are there to do their job and protect the flying public against threats and terrorism.

"The Transportation Security Officers who staff the checkpoints are frontline DHS employees. they are there to do a job that protects us all," says the ad paid for by the American Federation of Government Employees. "They have been charged with implementing the new policies with one goal in mind -- the safety of the flying public. Our nation's TSOs deserve our respect and our thanks."

The USA Today ad is one of AFGE's latest attempts to safeguard TSOs, who have been at the receiving end of passengers' anger and frustration following the implementation of TSA's new screening policies that include full body scans and enhanced pat-downs.

AFGE on ABC World News

AFGE Local 555 Executive Vice President Valyria Lewis appeared on ABC World News last Friday to discuss the pat-down situation. Lewis told ABC News that TSOs understand passengers' concerns, but TSA's top priority is to protect the flying public. Watch Lewis on ABC News

Because a high volume of passengers is expected during the holiday season, AFGE last week called on TSA to provide the travelers with educational pamphlets that spell out what passengers can expect and what their rights are.

"TSA must do a better job explaining these measures to the flying public," said AFGE president John Gage. "This absence of information has resulted in a backlash against the character and professionalism of TSOs."

AFGE strongly believes that TSA should work with local authorities to ensure that adequate numbers of law enforcement personnel are deployed to the airports to deal with anyone looking to disrupt the security process or assault a TSO in the line of duty.

Feingold Isn't Listening

2010-01-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Interesting post from Boots and Sabers today covering Senator Feingold's recent listening sessions up in Washington county.

Most telling, perhaps, is the news coming from Deekaman over at Beer, Bicycles and the VRWC:

...Deekawife 3.0 went to Senator Feingold's (I'm not) Listening Session at MATC today. The crowd was overwhelmingly against his stands on Obamacare and Cap & Tax.

He didn't care.

As mentioned in the comments over at Boots and Sabers, if the GOP can find a viable candidate, things could go very badly for Feingold come November.

In other news, I'm considering a name change for this blog, and (hopefully) will begin posting more regularly.

Bragging on Sen. Mary Lazich

2009-12-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Blowing the dust off this place to share a story with any of you that might actually still read my ramblings about a recent experience with the DMV, and the action taken by my state senator, Mary Lazich, to make things right.

Yesterday (Monday), I went to get my most recently purchased car titled in my name and to have the plates transferred so they would track back to the car. Not trusting the DMV any farther than I can throw them (after having to deal with the aftermath of their ineptitude many times in the past), I decided it would be best to take care of all this in person, in spite of the $5 counter service fee. When my number was called, I went up to the window to conduct my business and get the car titled and registered. Now, here's where things get interesting. I live in the city of Franklin, but because of the way the USPS handles things, the mail goes through Milwaukee, and so when my address is standardized by their computers, it comes up as Milwaukee. As a result, when I went to the DMV's website to put in my change of address after moving, I tried putting in Franklin just to see what would happen, and the site kicked it back out, and would only accept my address when I put in Milwaukee as the city. No big deal, except that the city of Milwaukee charges a $20 wheel tax, which I have no intention of paying, as I don't owe it. All of that to say, on my title application, I put in my city as Milwaukee, but filled in the line on the form specifying that the car is kept in the city of Franklin (and therefore not subject to the wheel tax). The clerk at the counter called this into question, which would have been fine had he not been so rude about it, even after I tried to explain to him that if he put my application into his computer and put in Franklin for the city, it would be kicked back out. He didn't care about that, insisted that it had to be one or the other, and put the city in as Milwaukee without entering in the information about the car being kept in the city of Franklin, and accused me of trying to avoid paying the wheel tax. He was right about that, but he thought I was trying to do something illegal. Needless to say, seeing as he ultimately works for me, I wasn't pleased about the treatment I received. When I got home, I emailed the DMV as well as Mary Lazich's office to tell them about my experience. Fast forward to today (Tuesday). I got a call from the state Department of Transportation. Sen. Lazich (or someone from her office) got in touch with the DOT, told them what happened, and the DOT called to let me know that they had entered into their system that my car is in fact kept in Franklin, and therefore not subject to the wheel tax, which they tell me will not be added to my renewal next year.

Long story short, I'm still not pleased with the way I was treated by the DMV (although the DOT tells me that my complaint was forwarded to the supervisor at the office I went to), but I'm very pleased that Sen. Lazich's office took action on my behalf to make things right. She has definitely won my vote for re-election.

I Will Not Buy Another Frommer's Travel Guide

2009-08-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Because Arthur Frommer thinks that people who legally carry guns are "thugs".

Hat tip Fox News

Political Triage

2009-05-27T11:54:00.001-07:00

Verum Serum has a great post up on the current political salvos from the Obama administration; Justice Sotomayer, the energy bill, and health care reform. Boiled down, it looks like this:
-Sotomayer: let it go. We're not going to win this one, and it's not going to change the balance on the Supreme Court.
-Cap and Trade: make them wait. If Obama and the Democrats have to wait, we can focus on the most pressing matter (below), and the whole thing will (ideally) get the media attention it deserves, making people realize that it's a disaster.
-Health Care Bill: oppose the "public option." This thing is a huge disaster, not to mention a back door to government-run healthcare. This is the big one, and we need to make sure it doesn't happen.

This is just the bullet points; go read the whole thing. It's worth it.

Federal Judge Rules Wisconsin's Minimum Markup Law Unconstitutional

2009-02-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

The story from Fox 6 Now, handed down in a suit filed by Flying J of Utah, which operates travel plazas in Oak Creek and Black River Falls. I don't doubt that this will be appealed, but here's hoping this law finally gets taken off the books.

Feb 3, 1959: The Day The Music Died

2009-02-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

I make no claims to the accuracy of the information in this video, but it is interesting to read about some of what Don McLean might have been saying. The song American Pie is thought to be a coded history of American rock music, and the way it changed after Buddy Holly died. It's one of my all time favorites.

If you're interested, you can read the annotated commentary on the song, culled from various newsgroup discussions. Again, I can't guarantee that this is accurate, but it's one of the best interpretations/rundowns of the song that I've seen.

Hat tip to Thoughtful Conservative for the link to the Fox News article.

Obama's "We Can't Keep Our Homes at 72 Degrees All The Time" Statement Expires

2009-01-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

I'll call the official expiration date as this past Wednesday, as that is when this article appeared in the New York Times, where Obama's chief of staff, David Axelrod, states that Obama is from Hawai'i, and likes it warm, going so far as to say "you could grow orchids in there."

Obama is the same man who, while on the campaign trail, told us we can't keep our houses at 72 degrees all the time and expect the rest of the world to be OK with it, and even said "that's not leadership."

Anyone have the current expired promise count?

Hat tip Not Evil Just Wrong, via Facebook

I've Always Wanted to Be a Spy!

2009-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Your International Spy Name is Viper Sparks

Your Code Name: Timberwolf

You Reside in: Rome

Why You're a Good Spy: You're good with gadgets

What's Your International Spy Name?

Hat tip Rustmeister

Obamamania Has Officially Gone Overboard

2009-01-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

As evidenced by the Chia Obama. That is, of course, to say nothing of the Barack Obama Action Figure.

H/T marko

Obama Freezes Some White House Salaries

2009-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

Saying "families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington," President Barack Obama is freezing the salaries of about 100 White House aides who make more than $100,000 per year, according to Yahoo! News. For as much as I disagree with Obama, this is something I can agree with. Lets hope the cuts and spending freezes keep coming.

H/T: Terrace Crawford (via Twitter)

House Joint Resolution 5

2009-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

When I got on Facebook tonight upon getting home from work, I had a cause invitation from a friend to join a cause he had created, opposing House Joint Resolution 5. Being intrigued, I followed the link, and not wanting to be taken in by something that was not in fact real, I did some digging. Rest assured, this is very real, and very scary. Here's the breakdown, with a little constitutional history lesson thrown in for good measure:

The 22nd Amendment (link will take you to the Wikipedia article) states that a president may not serve more than two terms, consecutive or not, unless the president took over for someone else, and has served more than two years of that person's term as president, in which case the person that took over can only be elected to the presidency once, and cannot be re-elected. I highly recommend reading the Wikipedia article.

A search of the Library of Congress' aptly named Thomas site brings up House Joint Resolution 5, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano of New York, currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. The purpose of this resolution is to repeal the 22nd amendment, thereby making it possible for a president to serve as many terms as he or she can be elected to, much the way FDR was, who, by the way, was elected to his fourth term in 1944 and died in office in 1945.

Long story short, if this thing goes all the way, Obama (or anyone else, really), could keep being perpetually re-elected. I don't care who's in office; the 22nd Amendment serves a purpose and needs to stay. As Jefferson said (with apologies for my updated take), if that happens, POTUS could be for life, and would become an inheritance, not an elected position, which flies in the face of why we started this nation all those years ago. We elect a president, not a king.

As of right now, I've sent an email off to my representative (Paul Ryan), and I'm hoping to hear back from him soon. I've also joined the cause on Facebook; if you'd like to do the same, click the link below. I plan to fight this every step of the way and make sure this doesn't happen.

I guess now we know where Obama's "eight to ten years" statement comes into play, eh? (Assuming that one hasn't reached its expiration date)

UPDATE: Join the Cause "Americans Against H. J. Res. 5" on Facebook

Rewriting History

2009-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

At least, that's what Independent senator Bernie Sanders is trying to do, asking the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery to change the text accompanying a picture of George W. Bush. Ironically (second time we've run into that today), he wants it changed to avoid what he calls "rewriting history," but that's exactly what he's trying to do. He objects to the inference that the September 11th attacks led to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, of which Sanders is a vocal opponent. The problem is, it's the truth. These wars have been and are being fought as part of the ongoing War on Terror, which was sparked by 9/11.

Weird News Today

2009-01-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Not sure if this will become a regular feature here at According to Coop, but I ran across a couple of stories on Fox News that I simply had to share.

First, a charity for sexual abuse victims in Alaska had a raffle recently, and the winner (no joke) was a convicted sex offender. I believe that is the definition of "irony."

Second, a couple in Normal, IL, had a wedding that was anything but when they said "I do" at Taco Bell.

You just can't make this stuff up.

40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes

2008-12-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hat tip to ysmarko for the video and the transcript, to which I only added the first bit. The video below is inspirational speeches from 40 different movies, all edited together into one two-minute speech. See how many you can recognize! Transcript is below.

Shame on you. This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you’re going to let it be the worst. And I guarantee a week won’t go by in your life you won’t regret walking out, letting them get the best of you. Well, I’m not going home. We’ve come too far! And I’m going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause. A day may come when the courage of men fails… but it is not THIS day. The line must be drawn HERE. This far, no further! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. You’re going to work harder than you ever worked before. But that’s fine, we’ll just get tougher with it! If a person grits his teeth and shows real determination, failure is not an option. That’s how winning is done! Believe me when I say we can break this army here, and win just one for the Gipper. But I say to you what every warrior has known since the beginning of time: you’ve got to get mad. I mean plum mad dog mean. If you would be free men, then you must fight to fulfill that promise! Let us cut out their living guts one inch at a time, and they will know what we can do! Let no man forget how menacing we are. We are lions! You’re like a big bear, man! This is YOUR time! Seize the day, never surrender, victory or death… that’s the Chicago Way! Who’s with me? Clap! Clap! Don’t let Tink die! Clap! Alright! Let’s fly! And gentlemen in England now abed shall know my name is the Lord when I tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our Independence Day!

My First Attempt at Spiced Cider

2008-12-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

I bought cider and mulling spices at Woodman's, thinking it would be something I'd like to try.

Not bad, really. I tried to use my coffee pot (built into my microwave), but for some reason the reservoir is leaking horribly. So, I had to scratch that idea. With that idea out, I opted for simmering on the stove, simply putting the mulling spices right in. Not bad, until it came time to take them out so I could drink the cider. I had a skimmer, which helped, but I ended up simply ladling the cider out and pouring it through the skimmer into a mug, which made for quite a mess. Next time I try this, I think I'll invest in a french press first. It works for coffee, why not for cider? I'm also wondering if I should start with a different sort of cider, or maybe apple juice. Anybody else out there done this before? Any advice to offer?

A Red, White and Blue Christmas

2008-12-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

The White House Website is featuring the ornaments sent in by all 50 states to adorn the 2008 White House Christmas Tree. The link above will take you to the list by state, where you can click through to view each state's contribution. I particularly like the eagle ornament sent in from Wisconsin's 8th district.

Hat tip Rightyblog.

Boldly Protecting Christmas!

2008-12-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Hat tip and link to The Dave Casper Experience for this week's (slightly early) Friday Funny.

The ACLU Has Officially Gone Off the Deep End

2008-12-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

As evidenced by the news that they are opposing the I-94 Widening Project on the grounds that it is harmful to minorities and low-income groups. You really can't make this stuff up.

H/T Glenn at Badger Blogger

A Unique Christmas Experience

2008-11-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

Remember the classic movie A Christmas Story? Well, if you've got a few thousand dollars lying around not doing anything, you can spend Christmas Eve and Day in the house where the movie was shot. The package includes airfare to Cleveland, a Christmas Eve Chinese dinner, a stay at the Renaissance Cleveland hotel, two BB guns, and more. I wish I had the money for this.

Romney on the Detroit Big Three

2008-11-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Excellent op-ed piece in the New York Times (of all places) by former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on the bailout the Big Three are seeking. What I really appreciate about this is that he doesn't just say let them fail, he outlines what they can do to regain their footing, and what the government can do to help them. As he states in the article, his dad was brought on to run American Motors after the death of its president, and he learned a lot from that. His most important point, though, is that if Detroit wants help from the government, they need to create a win-win situation, which they haven't done yet. Go read the whole thing; it's not long, and I guarantee it's worth it.

Side Note: Post number 75! 100 here we come!

Big Three Bailout: Not So Fast

2008-11-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

CNN is reporting this afternoon that while Congress intends to keep the Big Three afloat, they will need to show what it is they are going to do with the $25 Billion they are after. Said Pelosi: "This is an important industry in our country and we intend to save it. Until they show us a plan we cannot show them the money."

While I don't think a bailout of the Big Three is a great idea (they got themselves into this mess, let them go to bankruptcy court and get themselves out, not to mention the first bailout was supposed to get credit flowing again), there is no doubt in my mind that it will happen. I am at least encouraged that Congress is not going to simply throw good money after bad. But, here's the catch; most of the members of Congress are going to be leaving town on Thursday, and aren't expected back until next year. So, if this doesn't get done by Thursday... things will get interesting, fast.

Cat Sleeps On Turnstile

2008-11-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Video from an unmanned train station in Hiroshima, Japan, where there is a cat that lives at the station, and is often found sleeping on the turnstile. Even as the train was coming in and leaving, and people were putting tickets in and scanning passes... the cat just sleeps through it all. My cats are nowhere near this calm.

OK, I'll Bite

2008-11-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Elliot at From Where I Sit made an interesting offer that I decided I had to take him up on, so, here goes.

If you're not reading From Where I Sit, you really should. It's a well-written blog, and since he posts far more often than I do, it's worth your time to add him to your feed reader. Yes, I know, I should blog more. It's just that I'm busy with work, school, and volunteer stuff, although there's no shortage of stories in the news that irk me to the point that I have a few things (or a lot of things) to say about them.

So what are you waiting for? Get over there already!

Another Place where Photo ID Is Required

2008-10-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before on this blog, I am currently enrolled part time at MATC, attending classes at the downtown campus. As I was walking back to my car after class today, I passed the Student Accounts window, where students can pick up financial aid checks. Prominently displayed is a sign stating that in order to do so, a student must present their valid MATC Student ID card and... a driver's license, state ID, or Milwaukee County ID.

And yet, MATC brings in Jim Doyle to speak to the student body. The same Jim Doyle who has opposed Voter ID at every turn. In order to pick up a financial aid check at MATC, I need a photo ID. But in order to vote, all I have to do is walk in and tell them my name.

What's wrong with this picture?

The Lie of Deregulation

2008-10-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Tip of the hat to Verum Serum for putting up this video and the bullet point summary. I'll send you there instead of reposting the whole thing here.

Obama: Hypothetically Speaking

2008-10-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tip of the hat, and congratulations, to John and Scott over at Verum Serum on their first YouTube video.

Milwaukee Labor's Obama Love Fest

2008-10-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned previously on the blog, my dear mother has worked for Milwaukee County for over 25 years, and as a member of the AFL-CIO/Milwaukee Area Labor Council (translation: union), she receives their Labor Press newspaper periodically. I've never paid much attention to it in the past (truth be told, neither did she), but lately I've taken to glancing over it, as much of the content has been political in nature. Previously, I covered Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton's foul mouth in regard to the County Executive race. Now, they've got a much bigger fish to fry; the White House, and getting Obama into it.

According to their front page article, "it seems that Republicans can only win November 4 by discouraging voter turnout, while the Democrats must strive for record turnout to guarantee a mandate for change." Yeah, change; the only thing we'll have left if BHO becomes POTUS. They talk about how he's raising more money than McCain; no mention of the fact he did this by bailing out of the public financing system he said he was going to use, and of course no mention of the fact that there are virtually NO safeguards in place to keep people from outside the US, or even people that don't exist, from donating to his campaign, which has been covered elsewhere.

Here's another fantastic quote: "Obama has been a balanced steady voice with practical ideas through the economic disaster." Practical? Like, say, allowing people to pull up to $10,000 out of their 401K plans, which will further depress the stock market? Like "spreading the wealth around," as he puts it? I could go on.

Go read the whole thing, if you can. I can't stomach it.

Twitter, anyone?

2008-10-13T20:23:00.001-07:00

If you're on twitter, and would like to follow me (even though I don't update often), my name on twitter is wannabenewsboy.

UPDATE: You can now see my latest tweets on the sidebar.

Obama Admits ACORN Will Shape His Presidency

2008-10-13T09:16:00.001-07:00

Hooters in Brookfield?

2008-10-08T21:15:00.001-07:00

When pigs fly, maybe.

A post on JSOnline's Newswatch blog this evening informs us that Hooters of America has obtained the building that formerly housed Pedro's, along with their long-term lease. Mayor Jeff Speaker could not be reached for comment, but one alderman (not identified in the post) has already received an objection from a Brookfield resident.

Here's the best part:

Mike McNeil, Hooters' vice president of marketing, said he did not expect any controversy and believed the eatery would be well-received by patrons.

Well received? No controversy? In the city that wanted McDonald's to not use their trademark Golden Arches on the rebuild of their Moorland Road location, going so far as to say that they couldn't be so much as etched in glass in more than two windows? The city that pitched a proper fit over the La Quinta's two-tone paint job? Not to mention the outcry over the trim (yes, the TRIM) on The Fresh Market? He seriously thinks Brookfield is just going to let them set up shop?

Mr. McNeil, whatever it is you're smoking, please remember that it's polite to share.

JS Editorial: "Nope, No Media Filtering Here"

2008-10-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, right. The JS, in an editorial in today's paper, denies that there is any media filtering going on with Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, that's just not true.

As shown elsewhere in the blogosphere, the MSM has been making edits that have either hurt Palin, helped Obama, or both.

Nope, nothing to see here, move along, these aren't the droids you're looking for.

H/T to Verum Serum and The Mark Levin Show

Understatement of the Week Award

2008-10-02T09:43:00.001-07:00

In the Student Center at MATC, relaxing and surfing between classes while watching MSNBC. They had on a newscaster from Anchorage, who said that Joe Biden has a "tendency" toward gaffes.

Understatement of the week? That might be the understatement of the campaign so far...

Who Put the House on Fire?

2008-09-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

That's the question asked by John over at Verum Serum, who also provides the link to a related Hot Air article, complete with video and highlights. The Democrats continue to try to pin the whole thing on the Republicans, but in truth, the Dems are the ones who created this mess, and the Republicans tried to stop it, but were rebuffed at every turn.

More on the Meltdown

2008-09-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to Ace of Spades for this video, another dealing with the current economic meltdown, who's behind it all, who tried to stop it, and who benefited from the events leading up to it.

UPDATE: Would help to embed the actual video...

A Brief History of Financial Crisis

2008-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

This could also be described as a brief history of how we found ourselves in the mess we are currently in, who we have to blame for it, and who tried to stop it before it started. With a tip of the hat to John at Verum Serum, I present the following from Fox News:

No further comment from me. You, however, are welcome to have at it.

The Real Culprit Behind the Fannie/Freddie Meltdown

2008-09-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

From an editorial in Investors Business Daily:

Obama in a statement yesterday blamed the shocking new round of subprime-related bankruptcies on the free-market system, and specifically the "trickle-down" economics of the Bush administration, which he tried to gig opponent John McCain for wanting to extend.

But it was the Clinton administration, obsessed with multiculturalism, that dictated where mortgage lenders could lend, and originally helped create the market for the high-risk subprime loans now infecting like a retrovirus the balance sheets of many of Wall Street's most revered institutions.

Go read the rest.

H/T Verum Serum

Fri... er, Saturday Funny

2008-09-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to ysmarko, here's a mashup of Home Alone and I Am Legend. If you've seen the latter and remember the former, hopefully you'll find this as funny as I did.

Where Were You

2008-09-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

when the world stopped turning on that September day?

I was working at Pizzeria Uno in Elm Grove at the time. I started work at 8AM, like I usually did. I was a prep cook at the time, working in the back of the house. We had a feed of the jukebox, so I didn't hear anything that was going on.

Around 10AM, when the servers started arriving, I'd go out to the front drink station to get something to drink. The servers were all at the bar, as they usually were. Today, though, something was very different. Usually, they were watching The Price is Right; kind of a goofy tradition, but it was fun. Not today, though. Today, I walked out to the bar to find CNN on the TV. When I asked what was going on, they told me; somebody flew a plane into the side of the World Trade Center.

I had to get back to work, but we had a TV in the back of the house, near the mananger's office, which was tuned in to the news for the rest of the day. I would stop back for updates as I could. That night, I went down to First Assembly of God in Kenosha, WI, to hear Steve Hill of the Brownsville Revival speak. We had been planning the trip for a few weeks, and decided that in light of the events of the day, there was no place else we'd rather be than in a church, praying for our country. To this day, I remember one of the men in our church telling us that his brother was a manager of a floor of an office building near the WTC, who had gotten one of the last calls going out, only to tell them he was OK. It had been hours since anyone had heard from him. Hours that seemed like eternity.

In the days that followed, I got on with the business of life; going to work, going to church, that sort of thing. But I knew that our country would never be the same. Some time after the attacks, I was going through some pictures I had taken on a trip to New York in February of that year. In among them was a picture of the Twin Towers with the sun setting between them, that I had taken from New York Harbor. We had gone on a dinner and dancing cruise, and took plenty of pictures. In light of what had happened, it was poignant, for lack of a better word.

Seven years later, I sit at my desk at home, having come home from two classes at MATC today, getting ready to go to work tonight. In some ways, it seems like a long time ago, and in others, it seems like only yesterday. I hope to make it back to New York City someday, and see where the towers once stood.

I will always remember, the eleventh of September, when our world stopped, and our country changed forever. Tomorrow, we can get back to the elections, the political issues we debate so often, all of that. For today, let us remember what happened that day, and remember those who lost their lives. Let us remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country, and pray for those who are still defending us at home and abroad. And let us pray, and work, and hope, so that such a tragedy never befalls us again.

Round Four (Five?) for Ralph Nader

2008-09-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ralph Nader was on CNN today, talking about McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, and why he's running for president again. Here's a CNN article from February, pointing out that this is his fourth attempt at the White House, fifth if you count his write-in campaign. As I recall (and as CNN pointed out), Nader cost Gore the election in 2000. Of course, Nader went on about how unfair the system is, how it is set up to keep him down, blah blah blah.

Please, please PLEASE let this be true. If it is, Nader may have just handed McCain the White House on a platter.

RIP Don LaFontaine

2008-09-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

Deadline Hollywood is reporting at this hour that Don LaFontaine, voice of over 5,000 movie trailers and more than 750,000 TV commercials (featured recently in a Geico insurance commercial) has died at the age of 68, apparently of complications related to a blood clot in the lungs. This story is still developing, so details may change as time goes on.

RIP, Don. This is truly a sad day, not only for Hollywood, but for all of us who are or were professional voices. You gave us something to aspire to, and from what I read, you were a class act.

Hat tip: Pete Republic

A Thought About the Brett Favre Fiasco

2008-07-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's not Ted Thompson's fault Favre decided to get a diva transplant.

Church on the Move! No, seriously...

2008-06-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to ysmarko.

Obama: "Words"

2008-06-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Clinton wins Puerto Rico

2008-06-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

And the beat goes on... NOTE-results are according to CNN exit polls.

Global "Warming": Consensus?

2008-05-19T20:32:00.001-07:00

Not so much. According to NewsBusters, 31,000 American scientists were (at the time the article was published) ready to release a petition, signed by all of them, rejecting the theory of man-made global warming. Now, honestly, who are we going to believe; Al Gore (who doesn't have a degree in science) and a multitude of celebrities who are either high school/college dropouts or have degrees in unrelated fields, or 31,000 people who do this sort of thing for a living, 9,000 of which are PhDs?

Hat tip to SteveEgg, from his Morning Scramble.

Midwest/TPG Drink the Koolaid

2008-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Gorebal "Warming" Koolaid, that is.

Was poking around their site today, as I have a vacation to Colorado coming up at the end of this month for a wedding (not mine). I wanted to check the flight info and make sure I put it into my phone so that it's easily accessible when needed. I clicked on the "Commitment to the Environment" quick link, and was taken to this page. They're even going to offer carbon offsets. Fantastic.

I can only hope that soon, the Gorebal "Warming" scam will be exposed for the farce that it is.

Hearing Aid Tax Credit

2008-05-10T06:19:00.001-07:00

With all of the pork barrel spending and meaningless legislation that goes on in Washington these days, here is a bill that actually deserves some support. The Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act would allow a $1000 tax credit every 5 years for the purchase of up to two hearing aids. Currently, the bill would only allow this credit for those 55 or older, or those buying a hearing aid for a dependent. I'd like to see this expanded to cover people like my mom, who has not yet crossed the half century mark, who has used hearing aids all her life. With her aids, she has been able to raise two children, work in county health and human services for over 25 years, attend numerous school events my sister and I have been involved in, and so much more. Please take a moment to visit the site and consider emailing your congresspeople about this legislation.

YouTube: The Pelosi Premium

2008-04-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

*UPDATE* With a tip of the hat to shoebox at No Runny Eggs (I had incorrectly hat-tipped steveegg previously), I present this video from YouTube entitled The Pelosi Premium, which details the Democrats broken promises about fuel prices.

This is part of the reason why I'm not voting for Obama or Clinton. Mind you, McCain doesn't thrill me either, but we're stuck with these three.

BREAKING NEWS: Northwest and Delta to Announce Merger

2008-04-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Worked a closing shift tonight, so this may not be quite so breaking anymore, but as a member of Northwest's frequent flyer program (not that I fly all that much), I received an email from NWA informing me that they are planning a merger with Delta Airlines, pending regulatory approval. The new airline will keep the Delta name, and will maintain all of the current hubs operated by both airlines.

This makes me fear for the future of Midwest.

Random Thought

2008-04-01T05:09:00.001-07:00

I find it funny that Al Gore has written a book called The Assault on Reason.

Supporting the Troops, But Not Anti-Troop Movies

2008-03-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Hugh Hewitt weighs in on a Washington Post article about the performance of many of the recent Iraq war-related films.

So Much for Global Warming

2008-03-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Winter of our Discontent (2007-2008 Edition) is getting ready for one more strike on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Hey Al Gore, whatever happened to global warming?

Tip of the hat to steveegg, with an accompanying warning; the second page of his post is not for the easily offended, but I think many of you will agree; this winter has gone on long enough.

Barbara Lawton: "I'll be damned if we let that happen."

2008-03-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Calling all bloggers, and any other interested parties. The latest issue of the AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press just landed in my mailbox (Mom works for the county), and if you're interested in what's inside, let me know and I'll be happy to send it along to you. The big story is Lena Taylor's race for County Exec, against incumbent Scott Walker. Here's the money quote from Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton:
"It's essential not just for Milwaukee but for the entire state of Wisconsin. We must get rid of Scott Walker who holds government in contempt, who will never understand how government works and doesn't believe in it anyway, and will auction off our beloved county in pieces.
I'll be damned - excuse me - if we'll let that happen."

I must admit, I've never paid much attention to the LP in the past, but this is like the JS editorial board on steroids.

Keep the Death Tax Dead

2008-02-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hat tip and big thanks to Real Debate for creating a petition to keep Wisconsin's death tax dead. Please go sign it, and pass along the link to others. This is one tax that never should have happened in the first place.

Why I'm NOT voting for Jim Doyle

2008-02-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Mind you, I have not made a decision as to who I am voting for come November, and I may not have even decided by the time the primaries roll around (which I don't usually vote in, but that's another matter entirely). First off, let me say that I have no problem with Jim Doyle campaigning for Barack Obama. If he campaigned for Hillary, I could deal with that. He's a democrat, they're democrats. Nothing wrong with that. What I have a problem with is Jim Doyle doing so IN KANSAS, ON STATE TIME. As Elliot points out, this is exactly the thing that landed Scott Jensen in hot water. I guess that rule doesn't apply to Uncle Jim...

H/T: Elliot at From Where I Sit

Thoughs on Ethanol

2008-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

John Stossel sheds some light on the many myths of ethanol, including the myths that it's cleaner than gasoline, and cheaper to boot. I used to think ethanol was at least a step in the right direction. Now, not so much.

Tip of the hat to Pete at Pete Republic, who I am adding to the blogroll.

Where Is The Fear?

2008-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

That's the question Nick is asking this afternoon. Go read the whole thing. The only comment I'll offer is that I couldn't agree more.

If you have heart trouble of any kind...

2008-01-17T07:10:00.001-08:00

I beg of you, DO NOT CLICK THIS LINK! Viewing this article may cause a heart attack or heart failure.

I'm pretty sure this burger would kill me on the spot, but what a way to go...

H/T: Air1 Radio

Winter Wonderland WHERE???

2008-01-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

In Iraq, of all places.

Any bets on how long it'll be before Al blames this on Gorebal Warming?

H/T: Still Unreal

What's Your Album Cover?

2008-01-11T09:02:00.001-08:00

Since I'm at work and don't have access to Photoshop or anything similar, I will simply offer a tip of the hat to Nick at The World According to Nick for today's Friday Funny, and tell you how to find everything you need to make your own random album cover in three easy steps!

Step One:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is your band name.

Step Two:
http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote will be your album title.

Step Three:
http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture (no matter what it is) will be your cover art.

So, there you go. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I'll have one up for all of you to enjoy.

CFLs Will Kill Us All

2008-01-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

So much for the environmental benefits... according to a story from WorldNetDaily (h/t Air1 Radio), experts are recommending that if a CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb breaks, you should leave the room for 15 minutes due to the mercury that ends up in the air. But wait, it gets better. After cleaning up the bulb (don't use a vacuum, use rubber gloves, and place the remains in a resealable plastic bag), take it to your local recycling center for "proper disposal." From the article: "It costs about $1,300 to properly dispose of one municipal recycling bin full of bulbs – a figure that is sure to increase residents' tax bills."

Out of sincere curiosity, does anyone know if there are plans in place to begin recycling used CFLs? Seems to me if we can re-use the mercury, we should.

Data On Demand A Bit Too Demanding

2007-11-19T18:47:00.001-08:00

MJSOnline, through it's Data On Demand section, has seen fit to publish the salaries of several thousand public school teachers, as well as city and county of Milwaukee workers' salaries, BY NAME, on their Website. Now before you tell me that this is public record and the people have a right to know, let me say I agree with you. The people have a right to know how their money is being spent. But put yourself in the shoes of someone like my mother, who works for the county in Health and Human Services in a position where she has a lot of contact with those who receive welfare, W-2, foodstamps, etc., whose salary is among those you can find, along with her name, through Data on Demand. Would you want just anyone to know exactly how much money you made last year? Even if you work in the private sector, would you want just anyone to have that knowledge? Does the public really need to know exactly how much someone made last year?

A friend of mine, a former DHHS employee, wrote a letter to the JS that I don't expect will be published anytime soon. As such, I have decided to publish it here, with the author's permission. I am maintaining the author's anonymity, as promised. I've highlighted a few portions I want to emphasize.

This morning, a friend of mine whose mother works for the county forwarded the link to your "data on demand" section where you've chosen to publish the salaries of Milwaukee County and City employees... by name. I thought it incisive and quite liberal that you chose to include their overtime hours and comp pay. Having, at one time, worked for the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, I was absolutely disgusted with exactly which axe it is you have decided to grind this time without providing an ounce of justification, explanation or indemnity.

I have been employed by the government in one way or another for many years now and, therefore, understand that the salaries of government employees are paid by tax payers and are, as such, public domain. Odd though that many executive salaries are conveniently missing or difficult to locate through this function. I could be wrong, but I am quite sure the Executive Director of the Department of Health and Human Services makes quite a bit more than $0 (as his is the only BMW parked in the Marcia Coggs parking lot.)

Imagine, if you will, working in a place where you already receive daily gun threats and bomb threats, the building is in terrible shape, your car has been broken into twice this year already, there's no metal detectors or bullet-proof glass, you are yelled at and berated on a daily basis for many things outside your control, where you are subject to government funding cuts that mean you are constantly having to justify your existence, speak with your ineffectual union and fight for a job where you are, likely, desperately underpaid.

I can assure you, as a voice of experience, if money is being wasted at Milwaukee County DHHS, it is hardly being squandered at the hands of people like my friend's mother and the other tireless welfare caseworkers of Milwaukee County. It is being wasted on things like tasteful office furniture for the executive lounge of the administrative offices (furniture, need I mention, that most visitors to DHHS rarely, if ever, sit on). Or, perhaps, employees who have gotten high-level administrative jobs through one means or another that enable them to sit in their offices and surf the web or play solitaire day in and day out on the public dime; never actually assisting anyone. How about all kinds of services that Milwaukee County "provides" that no one actually ever sees, uses or sees financial records for? Need I go on?

But really, this notwithstanding, I don't think anyone's salary should be that easily accessible... but especially if you work predominately with welfare recipients, homeless people, juvenile delinquents, ex-cons and the public at large. I suppose one could wage the argument that such people are not likely to have web access, but who would they be kidding when job search programs in Milwaukee County are little more than computer and internet access for those forced to the outside of the technical world by their financial circumstances?

Here at the University of Texas at Austin, I continue to be a government employee and my salary is published as public record. Were you to wonder what I make (substantially more than a welfare caseworker in Milwaukee County) you could go to the UT Human Resources webpage, key in my job classification and it would tell you the minimum, maximum and qualifications necessary for my annual salary. From this, it is assumed that you could probably extrapolate where I fall within the salary range... but... if you really wanted to know specifically what *I* make, you could contact the government, complete some paperwork, probably do some standing in line, JUSTIFY THE REASON YOU REQUIRE THIS KNOWLEDGE and the great state of Texas would be happy to tell you.

N.R.
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of __________________

San Diego Fires Caused by Global Warming... Wait, maybe not...

2007-10-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Harry Reid thinks the fires are the result of global warming. Wait, no, he's not sure about that. Scroll down to the end of the article to see Harry's comments.

Never mind the fires that have happened since before recorded history...

HT: Still Spinnin'

Why I Don't Vote Democrat

2007-10-18T13:55:00.001-07:00

James at The National Conversation has said it better than I ever could.

Real Debate Wisconsin: Journal coverage weak at best.

2007-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

After an extremely large and well-attended rally regarding the state's overdue budge, the Journal's response?

Meh.

Seriously; covered on page 3 of the Metro section. For more, I point you to Real Debate Wisconsin: Journal coverage weak at best.

Roll Bloat: Racine

2007-10-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

Please welcome Ravings From a Right Wing Wacko to the blogroll. Top 13 Ways You Know You're From Racine is a must read.

Fire Call Fees?

2007-10-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, some towns are looking at charging them, according to a story from the Journal Sentinel. Call me crazy, but isn't this supposed to be covered by property taxes?

One of the quotes I wanted to hit on from this article is in regards to Michael Reed, Town Chairman of Lisbon:

When Reed unveiled his proposal last week, he contended that the town needs the revenue to help pay down debt, including that of the $1.5 million fire station that is being constructed at county Highways K and KF.

If you don't have the money to build the fire station, DON'T BUILD IT!!! Figure out how much you need, and if you have to borrow money to make it happen, put it to a referendum, but honestly, if you can't afford it, don't build it. It's just that simple. Oh, and if you need to pay down debt, STOP SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY!!! Cut your spending, like the rest of us do when we need to pay down debt.

Unbelievable.

HT: From Where I Sit

As a side note, this marks post number 25 for According to Coop. Feel free to do something of a celebratory nature, up to and including buying me a drink sometime. We can work out the details of that later.

The Wisconsin Covenant-Only in Doyle's Mind

2007-09-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Owen of Boots and Sabers has his latest column in the West Bend Daily News online for your reading enjoyment, aptly titled "Wisconsin Covenant equal to snake oil". In it, he points out that to date, the Wisconsin Covenant exists only in the mind of Governor Jim Doyle, and yet that has not stopped him from signing up high school students all across the state. In about two years, it's going to be time to pay the piper, and if Owen is right, we're going to get stuck with the bill for this thing one way or another unless someone puts a stop to this. JB Van Hollen, are you listening?

Yet Another Reason...

2007-09-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

why I don't want the government playing a bigger role in my life. Long story short, the Los Angeles zoning office is telling the good professor that he can't get the information he needs to get a permit to add an addition because, according to their records... the house doesn't exist!

Which, of course, led him to the next natural question; if the house doesn't exist, why do I have to pay taxes on it? That, of course, is a different department.

Yet another strike against Healthy Wisconsin, or any other government-run program...

HT: Hugh Hewitt

(Un)Healthy Wisconsin

2007-09-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've posted my opinion of this elsewhere, in the comment sections of the blogs I frequent, but I wanted to post my opinion here as well, mostly because it gives me more space to speak my mind. And, as usual, my opinion is formed largely from my previous experiences with state government.

For those who don't know, I currently work in a job that involves dealing with the DMV on a fairly regular basis. The ministry I work for accepts vehicle donations, and a good number of the cars we bring in are sold at auction, which requires that titles be signed over to us, then from us over to a dealer, who in turn sells a vehicle to a consumer, who then titles the vehicle in their name. All seems pretty neat and tidy, right? Not so fast.

Just the other day, I had a gentleman in my office who had donated a vehicle to us last year, who received a notice from the Kenosha Police Department that his vehicle had been impounded, and is going to be destroyed if he doesn't pick it up. Problem is, the car in question is the one he donated last year. LAST YEAR. TWELVE MONTHS AGO. And the DMV STILL has the car registered to him. Twelve months later.

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year I had to get us off the hook for a traffic accident, because the DMV is behind schedule, and an insurance company went after a donor. Last month I got a call from a donor who was getting parking tickets from the city of Chicago on a car she donated last year. I could go on.

The state is woefully inefficient, and they show no signs of changing. And there are people that want the state administering our health care? No, thank you. Mind you, I'm not saying the current system is perfect, but I am saying this is definately NOT the solution.

Laundry's Done!

2007-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

A message similar to that one could be popping up on the cell phones of students of Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, according to a story from Fox News. The system allows students to pay for loads of laundry with their ID cards, and the system will notify them via text message when their laundry is done. They can also find out where any available machines are on campus, and can receive a message to let them know when and where a machine is available. I almost wish I had something like this at home.

My new fitness goal...

2007-08-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

is to be able to do this.

HT: ysmarko via While Rome Burns

Daddy Doyle's Games

2007-08-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

Jim Doyle is calling on the state legislature to "stop the game playing," according to Dan over at Still Spinnin'. Interesting he should say that... precisely what "games" would you be talking about, Jim? Seems to me you've been playing some games with the taxpayers of Wisconsin as of late...

Kill a Moose, Fight Global Warming

2007-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

After all, it is the carbon neutral meal. I just wonder what it tastes like...

HT: Stepping Right Up via Subject to Change

The iPhone's biggest drawback...

2007-08-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

according to Elliot at From Where I Sit. Go read. You'll laugh, I promise. And if not, well... I can't help you.

Texting Teen Thumped by Train

2007-08-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Remember kids, practice safe text, or this could happen to you.

At least he wasn't texting and driving...

HT: Air1 Radio

Addicted to Blogging?

2007-08-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

60%

Mingle² - Dating Site

Midwest: Is It Really Over?

2007-08-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

First, let me point you to a couple of posts about the announced sale of Midwest from two blogs on my blogroll: From Where I Sit and No Runny Eggs (both of which are worth a read). Long story short, TPG Capital of Texas (which Northwest Airlines holds a minority stake in) has agreed to purchase Midwest Airlines for $17 per share, all cash, which beats AirTran's last offer of $16.25 cash and stock, which itself was a response to TPG's offer of $16 all cash.

So here's my thing: after two years trying, multiple attempts, and voting three people onto Midwest's board, do we really think that AirTran is just going to take this lying down? Granted, the proposed buyout must first past federal scrutiny (anti-trust laws may come into play), but still... after all that time and effort, AirTran is just giving up? Why do I get the feeling that there is more to this than meets the eye? I really do think that we haven't heard the last of AirTran's buyout attempt.

What can we blame on global warming today?

2007-08-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Real Debate Wisconsin asks that very question, and provides some interesting observations. Basically, if we walk or drive to wherever we're going, it makes no difference; global warming will happen anyway. And, apparently, global warming contributed to Barry Bonds breaking the record, and caused the bridge in Minneapolis to collapse.

Well, it's slightly more plausible than blaming everything on President Bush...

Dude, It's Time to Move On

2007-08-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Another story from Reuters for you, this one involving a 61 year old man who not only still lives with his mother, but receives an allowance from her as well. While the article does point out that it is not uncommon for men in Italy to live at home until well into their thirties, this guy is WAY past that mark, and past the age when he should be supporting himself. At the very least, he should be chipping in for household expenses.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm 25, and share an apartment with my mother, who is turning 48 on Sunday (although if you saw her, you'd probably call me a liar to my face). I don't make much money but I do chip in as much as I can, and help out with household duties. I can cook, I can clean, I do windows, all that jazz. Sorry ladies, I'm not in the market. :-D

Squirrels Like Chocolate?

2007-08-03T13:42:00.001-07:00

At least one does. Reuters brings us the story of a squirrel in Helsinki who visits a local grocery store at least twice a day for "Kinder Surprise," chocolate shelled eggs with a toy inside. Reportedly, the squirrel shows no interest in the toy inside, and also does not clean up after itself. More's the pity.

As a side note, this is the first in what will (hopefully) become a weekly feature here at According to Coop, called Friday Funnies. This is a feature I've ported over from my "other" blog, While Rome Burns, which deals with issues within the Christian church, and the Christian blogosphere.

Dems Blame Bush for I-35W Bridge Collapse

2007-08-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely appalled at the conduct of Harry Reid. Less than 24 hours after the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis that claimed at least four lives, he took a potshot at Bush, blaming him for the collapse. The families of the dead have probably not even begun planning the funerals, and Reid wants to point the finger at Bush. Need I remind him, the bridge had been inspected and found to be sound enough to last another 15 years before needing replacement.

Mind you, I'm not an all-out Bush supporter or a hardcore conservative. However, I think it is very telling that Reid has decided to pin this on Bush, and make it out to be his fault. I highly recommend heading over to The Politico Blog for a deeper look at this.

HT: Hugh Hewitt

Midwest Sale Looms Closer

2007-07-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

JSOnline is reporting this afternoon that Midwest Airlines has agreed to open negotiations with AirTran Airways, the Orlando, FL based airline that has been seeking to buy Midwest for some time, and took a step toward that goal by electing three new members to the nine member board at the recent board meeting. While this is not yet the end, and Midwest can still decline AirTran's offer, it looks like a sale is looming ever closer. While I don't fly often, I am still holding out hope that we don't lose Midwest. They are a first rate airline, very comfortable, and they have excellent service to boot. But, only time will tell what will happen next.

HT: Steve at No Runny Eggs

One Last Spin

2007-07-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dan at The Early Spin is reporting that tomorrow will be their last show on WISN-AM. While I was not a listener of the show (I do enjoy talk radio, just not early in the morning, weird I know) I enjoyed reading Dan's insights and posts at The Early Spin Blog. I do hope Dan will continue blogging, and I hope he will land on his feet in radio (Milwaukee or elsewhere) sometime soon. I spent two and a half years working in radio (on and off the air) and I know the business is cutthroat and crazy. You go in every day not knowing if it will be your last, you know it could happen any day, and yet it still takes you by surprise. I know that there are a lot of folks in Milwaukee who will be sad to see the Spin disappear, but maybe this won't be forever. Only time will tell.

Light Rail and Milwaukee

2007-07-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Eugene over at From Where I Sit has weighed in on this morning's editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the ongoing light rail debate in Milwaukee. This post started as a comment on his blog, but I decided to post it here due to length.

A lot of the arguements for and against transit here in Milwaukee are the same ones that were floated in Minneapolis, before then-Minnesota governor Jesse Venture made light rail in that city a reality. To this day, the light rail is exceeding it's anticipated ridership, and the question of expansion is not if, but when. I suspect the city's layout has a hand in the success of that line, but I will say that it is extremely convenient and useful to residents there. My sister and brother in law have only been using one of their two cars in the time since they moved to a house near the light rail line (she works downtown, at the university), saving them money every month on parking, gas, and maintenance, not to mention she can do a host of other things while she rides the train. So much so, in fact, they are considering selling their second car, thereby freeing up their garage, and saving some money on their car insurance every month.

I'm not claiming to have all the answers to Milwaukee's transit woes, but I will say that Scott Walker needs to give light rail a fair chance, and Tom Barrett needs to let go of his idea of a three mile loop to nowhere downtown. I've said it before and I'll say it again: if we build a light rail that actually goes somewhere, and makes it easier and less stressful for people to get to work, it will be used, and it will be used a lot.

Government At Work?

2007-07-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Can I just say this is one reason I don't want the government having a bigger part in my life?

Long story short, these people are facing losing their home because the tax assessor couldn't open a phone book and determine their correct address.

Put not your trust in the princes of this world, for they will surely frig thee up. ~Stephen King

[HT: Real Debate Wisconsin]

The Most Ethical Congress Ever?

2007-06-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Oh really?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIMdOMxRJrI

[H/T: Real Debate Wisconsin]

Voter ID: My Take

2007-06-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

After the recent arrest of Milwaukee alderman Michael McGee, and the allegations that his uncle paid $5 to several undercover agents for their votes in the (then-upcoming) recall election, there has been renewed fervor over the issue of requiring a photo ID in order to vote. Here's my take:

I take Claritin-D for my allergies. It's an over-the-counter medicine, but because it contains pseudoephedrine, I have to go to the pharmacy counter to purchase it. When I do so, I am required to show my driver's license, and sign my name, either on an electronic screen or on paper in a log book.

When I go to vote in Greenfield, WI (where I live), I go to a nearby elementary school. I walk in, go to the table for the appropriate ward, tell them my name, and they give me a ballot.

What's wrong with this picture? I have to show my ID to buy my allergy medicine, but not to VOTE?

First and (really) Long

2007-05-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

The New York Times is reporting that a group of wealthy investors wants to start the United Football League, something of a competitor to the NFL. Do these people have nothing better to do with their money? Because if they don't, I could really use a new car.

Seriously, Vince McMahon (owner of World Wrestling Entertainment) tried this once before, and it lasted something like three seasons. I don't know what makes them think that this is going to work any better, but if they want to give it a go, they can be my guest. And maybe when it's over, if they still have some money to blow, they'll buy me a car...

UPDATE: Steve at No Runny Eggs corrected me, in that the XFL lasted only one season. I guess I thought it lasted longer but just wasn't that memorable... Also, if these wealthy investors still need to spend their money, my car was totalled last week... just sayin'.

According to Coop...

2007-05-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

the world is going crazy, and I'm along for the ride.

Welcome to my new entry into the blogosphere. I'll be focusing a lot on issues in and around the Milwaukee (WI) area, but I'll be taking a stab at national stories as well. This will be a place for me to post my thoughts about things that are going on in the world today, and a place for you to sound off as well. Like something? Not so much? This is your place to rant, rave, and generally make your voice heard.

A few ground rules:
1. Keep it clean. You don't need to use bad language to make your point.
2. Keep it friendly. If you wouldn't say what you're about to say to someone's face, don't say it on this blog.
3. Keep it respectful. People of all backgrounds, beliefs, and opinions are welcome here. You can disagree with someone and that's fine, but don't insult them because they don't agree with you.

Enjoy, and welcome to According to Coop!