Monthly Archive: August 2008
Six Questions and an Election
I think the Presidential election this year is far more poignant for me now that I have children. Just knowing that there will either be a black president or a female vice president is thrilling. My kids hopefully won’t ever really understand why our country was so unwilling for so long to consider such a thing (except for educational purposes). History is being made, no matter which party line you fall behind. Forget the serious political talk… bring on the questions! This week’s edition is a collaborative effort between Dino and myself.
1. Do you ever dabble in the creative arts …
Sidewalks, Parks and the YMCA
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a kick in the rear to get in another exercise. On the long list of priorities, exercising doesn’t seem as pressing as washing last week’s dishes.
Keep your eyes open, and you might get that kick. Recently, I was kicked when I started noticing how many of my fellow citizens are including exercise as a regular part of their day. Whether it’s the nightly dog walk or even the sweat-inducing jog, my neighbors are out there on the sidewalks, in the parks and going in and out of the Y. I applaud them.
If …
Four Questions and a Rain Dance
It’s dry out there. I should just dump out my planters. I haven’t watered them, and everything is quite dry and dead. If enough of you volunteer to join me, I will initiate a community rain dance on the 400 Block tonight. Nudity not required.
1. I’ll start with a stupid question. I’ve never experienced live music, and I have a question pertaining my involvement. What do people do when they listen to the music? Do they sit and stare at the musician? Do they start grooving along with the tunes? Do they sit quietly and comment with their neighbor on …
A Petition is Part of Our Democratic Process
In case you missed it, over the past few days there has been a story in the Wausau Daily Herald about Wausau’s Plan Commission tabling a request for rezoning for a building project. The building in question would be a shelter, a shelter for women who were victims of domestic abuse.
I am trying to not editorialize here, but it seems nearly impossible to remain impartial. The Women’s Community worked to raise millions of dollars to build a place where women will be protected from domestic violence, AFTER they have become victims. Our fellow citizens (more than 170 “neighbors”) created a …
Your Voice for Aug 19th
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and your blogs are the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief. … Your blogs are my lady, O, they are my love! O that you knew they were!
• The Green Bay Packers News blog does post-game thoughts despite the fact that football season has not even begun yet. This blog does seem to exert some kind of control over punter Jon Ryan, which is impressive.
• Erik posts an internet commercial he produced for Central Wisconsin-based Point …
Six Questions before Blues Fest
In what will be my first live music experience in years, my family is going to spend some time at Blues Fest tomorrow afternoon. I’m kind of nervous, but I don’t know why. It should be a good time. Hope to see you there! You’ll know me by the impossibly cute kids who are hanging on me all the time.
1. The “no cow’s milk for humans” debate has come up again near my online group. I know a few people personally who aren’t lactose intolerant, but they shun the mention of drinking milk or ingesting any milk-based product, calling it …
Jasurda Claim Dismissed by State
Today the State has dismissed the claims made by Wendy Jasurda against the City of Wausau. This claim has been the central issue that swirled around city hall for the better part of a year, and might or might not have led to the resignations of Mike Morrissey, Kristen Fish, and the retirement of City Attorney William Nagle.
All of those people were directly involved in the case, and while there is no clear causal connection, in a case like this there is always some damage from flying shrapnel.
You can see in the State Document, regarding the dismissal, where the …
Who Cares to Listen Anymore?
This question has been nagging at me for some months now. I have my own opinions about it, and they’re not ones I feel good about. But, I’m intrigued to learn what others think.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m quite aurally fixated. I am a music fan. Actually, that’s putting it too mildly. I’m obsessed by music. Always have been. Going back to my pre-teen days in (gasp) late ‘50s, when Jerry Lee Lewis was my first rock shock witnessed on B&W TV. Then into the Beatles and Brit invasion during adolescence, then off to Woodstock and on to …
Your Voice: August 12
Your Voice took a week off last week but we are back in the groove again, and really it is easy because there is so much good stuff being posted in the CW personal blogs:
• Cheryl Mathis has a playground workout that probably lots of us could benefit from. I think she should put out a line of videos.
• Welcome to the new blogger Stephenie and her blog “Adventures of a Midwest Sound Girl.” I’d expect a Midwest sound girl to have some pretty interesting adventures, so it will be fun to hear updates on bands she sees …
Citizen Wausau: It is terrifying
I really thought that this bit would be an easy one to write. I have spent the better part of the week trying to figure out exactly how I wanted to approach this. By the time all of the thinking had been thought, I still had absolutely no clue what would end up here.
So, I have my picture of an angry Henry Rollins in my head, and I have instead opted to forge ahead and get it done. By choosing honesty and spontaneity over the best laid plans, perhaps in the end the following paragraphs will say exactly what …