Dear Mr. Obama

This video on YouTube (God I love that site!) pretty much speaks for itself.

Click the title and you will be directed.

Joe the Plumber gets a procto?

Hmmmm, question Obama and all of sudden the government is looking in to your affairs? Sounds rather Orwellian to me. Much like the "Chill Wind" that Tim Robbins so eloquently talked about.

Having been one of those Mom's waiting and waiting and waiting for child support checks I just am not buying the story that ... “Our practice is when someone is thrust quickly into the public spotlight, we often take a look,” ... Something kind of fishy about that because government agencies and most that work for them don't seem to ever be really proactive. Now maybe I am being just a skeptic here.

The original article on this obviously just hit on one little look at Joe the Plumbers business. Now there actually are more little peeks. I am again awaiting the follow up story on this. I think another interesting question would be how many deadbeat dads they have picked up using this method? How much have they collected in back taxes? Again, call me a cynic! Seems like a lot of hanky-panky going on there on a private citizen that had the audacity to ask Obama a question.

Another big question and quite chilling question of course is how different from Joe the Plumber are you?

Sarah Palin Gaff?

Please, someone doesn't like Sarah Palin's explanation to a 3rd grader? Give me a dam break.

Good thing Joe Biden wasn't there for the spelling class because I think most 3rd graders would know that JOBS is not a three letter word!

And the clothes...I would be interested to see the budget for Obama and Michelle's duds. Note that Sarah didn't buy them, the campaign did and I suspect most would expect that they would. What a foolish item to be worrying about. Certainly people understand that no matter who our president or vice president are their appearance is pretty important. I'm willing to bet that Sarah has shopped at Wal-Mart many more times than Mr. or Mrs. Obama.

Sarah was correct in pointing out that the Biden statement would have gone nuclear had she made it.

Finally, yes, Lucky Goodwill. A great organization that welcomes donations such as that. Our very own Donald Driver, Green Bay Packer, models in the yearly Goodwill show to raise money and awareness.

Joe the Plumber

Poor Joe the Plumber. He thought he lived in a country that had free speech and allowed for the engagement in such free speech. I'll bet he didn't know that if he spoke words that didn't fit whatever the present acceptable template was that he would be fried by the media. Talk about your "Chill Wind".

We have thought for years that it was just lazy apathy that got us here but now I am beginning to think it actually is fear. And the fear of politics is working. Watching this media frenzy looking to just destroy a man that asked a question of Obama is like watching the dam Godfather movies!

We can not question Obama on anything because if we do we are racist.

We can not question associations of Obama because if we do we are dredging up the past.

We can not question the politics of the party because if we do our entire lives are diced and bits and pieces are parsed out to be chewed on.

Who would want this in their lives? It is apparent that many people have decided they just don't need the aggravation. We all have skeletons. We have all made mistakes. And certainly those mistakes do follow us in all that we may want to do. Most people agree that actions when one is a young person can be forgiven and forgotten as they grow up if indeed they have learned from their stupid mistakes or actions. Being a politician does open you to greater scrutiny, none of which we have actually seen from the media regarding Mr. Obama. But being a citizen that simply asks a question means your entire life is fodder for a media with an agenda? That to me is a "Chill Wind".

(See http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0416-01.htm to get the "description" of a chill wind as given by Tim Robbins. Silencing of free speech because you don't like it is wrong no matter what side of the fence you sit on. I do not sit on the Robbins side of the fence, but I am experiencing his "chill wind".)

Day trip to Medvednica/Night time in Zagreb-9/6/08

After a good night's sleep we all awoke refreshed and ready to explore the city and surrounding area. We started out at the market. The Zagreb market is wonderful. The flowers are beautiful and everywhere. Old ladies hawk their tablecloths, olive oil and hand made crafts while the fruit and vegetable people yell out for you to try their stock. It was going to be another beautiful bright and sunny day. We picked up some prunes (for me) and a few gift items, tablecloths that had been embroidered and a shot glass that said "Zagreb".

We stopped at a little outside bar, RO & DO, on a side street a ways from the city center. There was an Internet shop down and around the corner that Bon & I utilized while the guys relaxed. Bon did some shopping across from the bar while the rest of us sat and enjoyed a drink. The owner of the place was a character! There were customers there with a few yippee dogs and he kept yelling at her and the dogs, although everyone seemed to take it quite good natured. He asked where we were from and was so happy to hear we were from America. He loved Americans and, wait for this, he loved our President, George W. Bush. His thoughts on the Middle East were quite clear as well. They say never talk politics, well this was not the case here. The guy was a hoot!! We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with him.

We decided to go to Medvednica and it made sense time-wise to just take a cab up. Winding road, up and around, up and around, again and again until we were at the top. Tom had his heart set on a cable car ride. When we reached the top (via the cab ride) we discovered the cable car was broken and I believe it has been broken for a very long time. Can't say I was sad as I really don't like cable car rides. Really don't like them when it appears the cable car is rickety and in disrepair. So we had a drink at the place and enjoyed the view. We walked around a little bit but no one was in the mood for a hike. By now the sun was really beating down on us. We decided to catch the bus back down so walked to the bus stop to catch the bus to town.

While waiting for the bus a young man, Ivan Jurela, came up to us and asked for information about the bus. We told him what we knew and then he walked away. He came back a few minutes later, seemed quite agitated and said to us, "I fought for my country and now not one person will stop to give me a ride...". Clearly a reminder that a war lasts much longer for those that served than for those that were served. He stayed and talked to us (I imagine because I was listening to him). He felt very forgotten and expressed that many times. He was proud he had served his country and just could not get over being utterly disregarded now. We had only been in Croatia a few days at this time but the progress they had made in rebuilding was obvious however what was also obvious was that there still was much to do. He didn't feel a part of this rebuilding, he felt deserted and left behind. This young man was a small snapshot in to what is the aftermath of war. His plight I'm sure is not unlike that of many of the young men and women that serve in the US Military as well. Those of us snug in our beds, free to travel around, could probably never imagine what it is like for them. For this young man he simply wanted to be acknowledged and remembered. I think we all forget what these young people give up when they serve their countries. It isn't just the time.

We strolled around town once we got back. We rode the little blue train the town has for free (nothing real special) and picked up info at the tourist information shop. We then went back to the area we were in early that day to get something to eat. Since it really wasn't what they consider their dinner hour many of the places weren't open and serving food yet. We went to the place next to RO & DO. Right off the bat the waiter didn't seem to like us. The first table we sat at had a boom box perched in the window above and the music was a little overwhelming. So we moved to the next table (always sure to annoy a waiter). We were going to have pizza but he said no, no pizza at this time. So we ordered other items. Tom ordered crab pasta but got shrimp pasta. Bon had a green pasta dish, it was supposed to be mushroom and chicken but she said it reminded her of her mother's tuna casserole. All in all a very so-so experience. And the people that sat down and ordered right after us, yeah, they had pizza.

We picked up a few items at the grocery store and got our bus back to our place. The public transportation was efficient and very easy to figure out in Zagreb. We did have to transfer once but it was not hard to figure out at all. We lingered on our balcony and basked in the freedom one has while on vacation. We laid out plans for the following day and retired for the night. Madi's place was wonderfully quiet at night and in the morning one awoke to the sound of roosters announcing a new day. The construction crew across the street worked clear through the weekend so the scrapping sound of their trowels on the walls echoed in the air as well. No unpleasant sounds, we found this place to be quite comfortable, even though the plumbing and electrical left much to be desired.

Plan in place for after election?

I don't know, maybe it is me, but the election isn't until November. Seems the congress and the press have already declared the winner. Sounds like a third world country to me. Don't we have elections here in the United States?????? Reminds me of the world tour..................

After consulting with Barack Obama, Democratic leaders are likely to call Congress back to work after the election in hopes of passing legislation that would include extended jobless benefits, money for food stamps and possibly a tax rebate, officials said Saturday.
The bill's total cost could reach $150 billion, these officials said.
The officials stressed that no final decisions have been made. They spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt a formal announcement. House Democrats have announced plans for an economic forum on Monday "to help Congress develop an economic recovery plan that focuses on creating jobs and strengthening our economy."
Democrats said Obama's campaign has been involved in discussions on a possible stimulus package. The party's presidential candidate, running ahead in the polls, has outlined his own proposals for stimulating the economy.
Democrats are increasingly confident of capturing the White House and increasing their majorities in the House and Senate on Nov. 4.
If they are successful, a lame-duck session of Congress two weeks later would allow them to start work on a response to the credit crunch that has sent stock prices plummeting and also threatens to trigger a deep recession. It often takes two or three months for a new Congress to begin turning out legislation, particularly when a new president is settling into the White House.
On the other hand, by attempting to pass legislation next month, Democrats would have to negotiate with President Bush, whose term runs until Jan. 20, 2009. Additionally, Senate Republicans, with 49 seats, could block any measure they opposed.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters in Denver last Wednesday a $150 billion stimulus package is necessary and she may call the House back into session after the election. Her spokesman, Brendan Daly, added, "Congress just worked in a bipartisan way with the Administration to pass an economic rescue plan to help stabilize our financial markets, and we must now work together to pass a jobs creation and economic recovery stimulus package."
In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada has announced a post-election session beginning Nov. 17 to consider public lands legislation. His spokesman, Jim Manley, issued a written statement that said "recent developments only reinforce the need for additional action to reinvigorate the economy." He added, "no decisions have yet been made on how to proceed."
An Obama spokesman, Bill Burton, said the campaign is monitoring the situation.
The candidate has said previously he favors $25 billion to help states meet their own needs, another $25 billion for roads, bridges and other infrastructure, and $65 billion for tax rebates paid for by a windfall profits tax on oil.
Speaking in Ohio on Friday, the Illinois Democrat also said, "we should extend expiring unemployment benefits to those Americans who've lost their jobs and can't find new ones."
The House passed a $61 billion economic stimulus bill before lawmakers adjourned for the elections, but it was largely symbolic since Senate Republicans had already thwarted efforts to pass a companion measure.
It called for up to 13 additional weeks of jobless benefits in states with the highest unemployment, at a cost of $6 billion. Another $14.7 billion was ticketed to help states cover Medicaid costs. Enrollment in the federal-state health care program for the poor and disabled often rises with unemployment.
The measure also included money for road and bridge construction, a relatively easy way to create jobs and pump money into the economy.
With that bill's passage blocked, Pelosi then sought to have it added to the financial bailout legislation making its way to Bush's desk, according to officials in both parties. They said the White House signaled it would accept an extension of unemployment benefits, but the speaker refused to allow the stimulus package to be broken up.
As a result, Congress adjourned without providing additional benefits for the unemployed as increasing numbers of people are losing their jobs.
Congress enacted an earlier stimulus legislation with unusual speed last winter. It provided tax rebate checks of $600 to individuals and $1,200 to couples and included tax breaks to businesses investing in new plants and equipment.

Tammi LaFave-What a loser!

Following is the story. The title may get you this story and the picture of this loser. Comment after the story.

Tammi LaFave. Photo: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department
LaFave Faces Judge in Haroon Khan Murder
By Kyle Dlabay and Jay Sorgi
Story Updated: Oct 8, 2008
Tammi LaFave went in front of a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge today to face a felony murder charge in the Haroon Khan case.
LaFave, who is 21, allegedly helped her boyfriend, Travis Zoellick, murder Khan in order to get his sports car.
Zoellick, who was from Watertown, then killed himself as police were about to question him.
LaFave broke down during her court appearance. Police say she admitted to have considered stopping the murder, but chose not to.
Attorney Gerald Boyle, who has represented high-profile defendants including Jeffrey Dahmer and Mark Chmura, will defend LaFave. He says he will explore whether Zoellick forced LaFave to assist him.
She will appear in court again one week from today. She's being held on cash bail of $250,000.
LaFave, Zoellick Met on MySpace
According to a criminal complaint, LaFave, who is from Delafield, admitted to detectives that she met Zoellick on MySpace and had known each other two weeks before October 1st, when the event allegedly happened.
Zoellick told LaFave she was going to "take the car from the guy and then he was going to get rid of the guy that was going to show him the Mitsubishi."
According to the complaint, she said that Zoellick went to meet Khan, a UWM student, at Gordon Park on the corner of Humboldt and Locust in Milwaukee. That's when she saw Zoellick inside the Mitsubishi Lancer that Khan was going to sell Zoellick, and Khan in the passenger's seat.
The three of them discussed the car before Zoellick pulled a gun on Khan. She said in the complaint she gave Zoellick zip ties and "had figured that Mr. Zoellick had bound up Mr. Khan."
She then followed Zoellick and Khan in a separate car until they reached a storage facility on the 600 block of Boulder Road, just north of Watertown.
The complaint states that Zoellick then forced Khan into the back seat of the car in which she drove, and then she took them into the shed on the property.
LaFave said in the complaint that Zoellick took Khan into the woods and was gone for about 20 minutes, and he then came back with a bloody knife after slitting his throat.
LaFave admitted that if she didn't take part in incident, Zoellick might leave her.
She could face 55 years in prison if convicted.

The big question is why wouldn't she get life? Too bad she wasn't with her loser boyfriend when he blew his little brains out, she could have spent eternity with him! Good grief! What is wrong with women like this? Thank God she has not pro-created! It will be interesting to watch how this unfolds....Sorry, I'm just not seeing her as a sympathetic character. Boyle? Someone has some money. This has to be one of the more disgusting stories I have read this year.

Croatia trip-Zagreb & Surrounding Area-Travel & Day 1-Start of trip 9/3/08

We left Milwaukee in great spirits on September 3, 2008. It was a trouble free and swift ride to Chicago O'Hare and check in was a breeze (we flew Air India). Our flight was delayed for about an hour or so, but we did get out okay. Since we didn't really have connections to make, being late wasn't a big deal. Lord, the jet we were on had seen its better days! We were at the back, so while it was nice to have the 2x2 seating, the plane shook and rattled and made lots of noise! Bummer since this is the flight we all wanted to sleep on. Food was sort of a mystery....so I guess not getting a breakfast was okay.

We did not want to check our luggage but we were all over the bag weight limit and had no choice. Our luggage made the flight with us and ended up where we were so it was okay. We walked blocks at Frankfurt to the rental car counter, but found it with no problem. From Frankfurt we were driving to Stuttgart, staying with the Reuchlen's family (Dieter & Renate & Patrick) and then getting a flight out the next day to Zagreb. Got the car, figured out how to get out of there and then headed to Stuttgart. Rollie did the driving and got us all in one piece to the relatives. And of course a huge kuchen, freshly made, was waiting for us. Mmmmmm. That Renate can bake! They of course had dinner plans for the evening. We were off to Keller in downtown Stuttgart. The boys, Stephan & Patrick joined us for dinner, what a pleasant visit. We strolled a bit in the quaint little town. Slept like logs that evening. Next morning we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and then headed to the airport. Those connections were fine and soon we were in Zagreb!

Relatively small airport in Zagreb, but the car rental counter is also not where you collect your luggage (oh well). They "upgraded" us to a van-something the guys should have declined. While we were looking for our rental car (and it is a lousy set-up at this airport for dragging your baggage and locating the vehicle) we ran in to some folks that were from Minnesota. They had family in Croatia and gave us all sorts of tips, etc. as to what to look for in the Zagreb area. We did end up taking their advice on several of the places they suggested. Once we had the vehicle we got the GPS out and began to navigate to our place. Thank goodness we had "Missy" (we changed her name from Jill to Missy) to assist Tom's drive to our first place. The route to Zdenka Madi's was one we would have had a difficult time finding without her. But she got us there. We knew this place was not in the inner city however it turned out it to be on the outskirts (the bus ended at her place, it did a turn around there). This was fine for us. We got to know the bus and the routes quite quickly and that mode of transportation to the downtown area really worked well. We did venture out with the van a few times from this location, mostly because we knew we had a parking space where we were staying.

Our rooms were small but clean and nice. The balcony was what we were attracted to and we really did enjoy it. We had it to ourselves. Right off the balcony was a kitchenette/meeting room. There we could make our coffee and tea and once or twice we put out a little platter filled with finds from the market that day. She had a fridge we could use as well. We mostly did snacks on the balcony, with our wine and beer of course. Also a wonderful area to hang out our clothes to dry or to air them out.

We freshened up a bit and then ventured to the old town of the city. Zagreb is a wonderful and lively town. We strolled around, located the Internet, saw where the market would be and then found some food. We ate at Nocturno-decent drinks and decent food (we were starving, anything would have been fine!). Our waitress, Tajana, was a delightful gal. We roamed around afterwards and the old town center was rocking! Bus ride home (we had to transfer once, but was simple enough to figure out). We lallygagged for awhile on our balcony before bedtime. I think all slept like logs that night. What a wonderful first day in Croatia! Stay tuned for the next few days.......