by Cheryl Mathis on December 22nd, 2008 • No Comments »
428CJ celebrates the first Vietnamese American elected to Congress. http://snipr.com/7p5z5
It’s a beautiful story that describes the heights people can soar with determination and spirit keeping them aloft.
Carrie Hutton is delighted with her 3mo old daughter’s new tricks. http://snipr.com/7p678
My little girl is 14 months old, and it’s a fantastic age. She’s turning out to be such a clown, and I’m bewitched.
Retrogal15 is moving back to Wausau from Madison. http://snipr.com/7p76r
She’s trying to figure out where to go to look for jobs in the area. Hop on over there and give her some advice!
Rob Mentzer shares a study that showed how holding a cup with a specific temperature can alter your perceptions of the world. http://snipr.com/7p6ca
Fascinating! On a personal note, iced coffee is revolting to me, as is coffee ice cream. Most of the charm in java for me is in its heat.
Justin Loew wants to see progress in the conservation arena. http://snipr.com/4j0yr
When I was a little girl, I expected to have vacations on the moon by the time I was grown-up. Progress hasn’t gotten us to that point, unfortunately.
Chad Franzen forecasted the snow totals nearly perfectly. http://snipr.com/7p6s3
Did you know that Chad responds to every comment on the page? His responses are in red. I find it refreshing when I see bloggers interact.
Chad Franzen is sad to see Sabathia go to the Yankees. http://snipr.com/7ql3a
More importantly, he questions the upward spiral of athlete paychecks and ticket prices. I have a deep resentment over those issues as well.
Chris Conley thinks the Illinois senate seat scandal is scintillating. http://snipr.com/4ju7k
It’s kind of unbelievable, really, that the governor thought he could get away with it. The arrogance. The ego. Unacceptable.
Jeff Thelen analyzes the causes of the Packers monumental failing season this year. http://snipr.com/7qlda
I have really no opinion on this issue. Perhaps you Packers fans out there will want to go and join the vibrant discussion on his blog.
RevSAHWright offers a beautiful prayer for the passing of a pet. http://snipr.com/7qn1f
What a lovely way to frame the spiritual implications of an animal’s death. Don’t miss this blog!
Jason Loew gives a cornucopia (his term) of science news. http://snipr.com/4j0yr
It’s like watching the Discovery Channel. My mind flips from idea to idea, and my imagination launches a rocket of speculations.
Jane Weinke at Woodson Wanderings shares the new exhibit of artists’ letters. http://snipr.com/7qm64
How beautiful, and what a neat idea. I think I’m going to start adding personal touches to my correspondence as well.
Katie Rosenberg talks about Obama’s jobs creation plans. http://snipr.com/4lg7p
I like the idea of offering incentives to upgrade the energy efficiency of our homes. That would help the struggling construction industry.
Ann Liebmann encourages “alternative gifting” this holiday. http://snipr.com/7qmvv
She’s cooking food as presents. My little family went to a waterpark instead of buying presents. Do you think the trend will continue?
428CJ thinks that Illinois politics is rife with corruption. http://snipr.com/7qn5z
That’s a pretty safe statement to make, considering history. Someone with a moral backbone needs to clean up house.
Keith U looks fabulous in his winter biking togs. http://snipr.com/7qndv
I wish I had similar determination. I can’t seem to get together enough pluck to go for a walk in the cold, let alone bike.
Rob Mentzer explains why Blagojevich is the stuff of legend. http://snipr.com/893cj
It certainly is a laundry list of scum. Does Illinois have bad judgment or just bad luck?
Keith U found out he actually does have a deeply hidden appreciation for poetry. http://snipr.com/893s6
A brief bio and a few examples from a local poet. Very nice. I love the local angle.
Dr Rent is a little steamed about a tax surcharge on vacant parcels in Weston. http://snipr.com/894cp
I’m interested in the other topics he introduced for his radio show. I wonder what a “dusting” of snow is. I bet we disagree on that.
The5ks encourages us to fireproof our homes … and marriages … during the holiday season. http://snipr.com/89539
When things are bad in my marriage, they are very, very bad. When they are good, they are excellent. Luckily, this is a happy time.
428CJ is struggling this Christmas. http://snipr.com/895o0
Gift giving is a touchy subject for me. I don’t really like receiving gifts, and I don’t like buying gifts. I prefer offering homemade items like quilts and cookies.
SJWindorski gives the odds of various events over the next year. A recession? 92%. Bin Laden captured? 9%. http://snipr.com/896dw
I’m not a gambling woman, so I guess I don’t see the value or the entertainment of laying odds against this stuff, but it’s interesting.
Wetdog opens the discussion of Kronenwetter leadership for the next election cycle. http://snipr.com/8973n
They certainly seem to be in a state of flux as they develop their own identity and autonomy. Do you have an opinion to add to the fray?
428CJ thinks unions are the reason for the Big 3’s failure to thrive. http://snipr.com/89b0p
As a democrat, I know I’m supposed to be pro-union, but I think the union system has become corrupt and near-sided.
UWMCstudents ask the question as to whether schools should teach abstinence only or comprehensive sex education. http://snipr.com/89c16
I left my comment on the page. This is such a heated issue based often on religious teaching, so it’s hard to keep it civil.
Bao Vang shows us the trailer for The Gran Torino, the Clint Eastwood movie dealing with Hmong-American relations. http://snipr.com/89cux
I’m hooked. This will definitely be a movie I’ll be going to when it comes out in January.
Katie Rosenberg shares video and links of what the web has made of the Bush shoe debacle. http://snipr.com/8mo21
It’s so ridiculous and unbelievable. A cultural phenomenon? Maybe. I can imagine it being a Trivial Pursuit question in a few years.
428CJ presents this year’s Wisconsin Darwin awards. http://snipr.com/8mt6u
There certainly have been some bonehead occurrences in the state recently. Gheesh.
Bryon Graff is excited about the local hockey tournament. http://snipr.com/8mqjr
Watching sports on his day off? I’m not surprised. My husband tinkers with computers when he’s not at work, too.
Dr Rent defines true leadership. http://snipr.com/8mtkr
He shares a story from his past military experience about what real leadership looks like. Don’t miss this illuminating post.
Justin Loew talks about robotic planes to help forecast weather. http://snipr.com/8mrey
He also discusses a possible link between lightning strikes and blizzards. Fascinating, as usual.
Rob Mentzer thinks the final Obama campaign logo was brilliant, and shares some of the runners up. http://snipr.com/8mwi3
He also exposes the microtrend of mattress stuffing. Very funny concept. If I had any money to put in a bank, I might consider pulling it out.
Jim Rosenberg gives his family permission to dispose of his remains as cheaply as possible. http://snipr.com/8myyc
I feel the same way. I didn’t have an extravagant wedding, I don’t like huge birthday parties, so I definitely don’t want an expensive funeral.
Keith U did his Christmas shopping on his bicycle. http://snipr.com/8vno4
Sounds like quite the adventure! Good job, Keith. I hope you got me something nice. 
Carrie Hutton wonders if other parents leave their kids in daycare on days off from work. http://snipr.com/8vnwo
I commented. I think it’s smart to do this, especially around the holidays when cookies are being baked and gifts are being purchased.
Rob Mentzer shares some very funny current-event-themed jokes. http://snipr.com/8vocn
Hilarious. Get some quick stress relief by visiting his blog and clicking these deliciously funny links.
Ann Liebmann is looking forward to a quiet Christmas day at home with lots of eggnog and A Christmas Story on TV. http://snipr.com/8vpzy
It really is a classic movie. I love watching it at least five times every year. Such a timeless message. “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
Dr Rent gripes about Weston’s decision to go smoke-free. http://snipr.com/8vtwh
A heated issue, for sure. As a former smoker, I remember the days when I’d get all uppity about not being allowed to smoke around people.
Pirate Steve thanks everyone who sent Christmas cards to him and his fellow shipmates aboard the USS George Washington. http://snipr.com/8vu7l
He lets us know what it was like aboard ship and how much fun Japan is. Definitely a good read. Stop by and give him encouragement!
428CJ asks us if we have encountered “frenemies” in the workplace. http://snipr.com/8vusv
I sure have, and I know many people who have as well. Luckily, the managers at my job weren’t clueless as to what was going on.
Reason McLucus gives some good reasons why he thinks the auto companies should be broken up. http://snipr.com/8vuz2
Very interesting. I’d never heard those arguments before. Honestly, it’s not something I even considered.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on December 8th, 2008 • No Comments »
The Mathis Family had an awesome weekend. When we arrived at the Lodge Friday afternoon, the parking lot was empty. We dropped our stuff off in our room and hurried to the waterpark to let the fun begin. We were the only people other than the lifeguards in the whole area.
Our second trip before dinner and after a hot bath to warm up greeted us with a few more guests, but only a handful. The chaos started during our third visit, with dozens of kids and parents running around, shrieking with joy and glee.
We also played “tourist” and had dinner at El Mezcal. I had the vegetarian fajitas and sopapilla for dessert. In the morning, we went to the Log Cabin. Yummy.
We had a great time at the Lodge. Chris and I both hope to make this a yearly holiday tradition.
Here are your tweets from Friday and from today. Today, the program I use to Tweet had an aneurysm and cluster-tweeted almost all of my links, so they didn’t have equal time on in the front page widget. I apologize.
Kathy Foley at Woodson Wanderings relates their recent art trip to the southeast.
My mom and I are also huge fans of Savannah and sweet tea and magnolia trees and southern hospitality.
Major snowstorm headed to Wausau. We could get 8 inches of snow!
I can hardly wait to haul my kids outside to play in the snow. My son’s first response to snow this year was to throw a handful at me. Playful sprite.
RingleGirl lets us in her head while she fills out an online application.
I could feel her anxiety and frustration. I had no idea grant applications were so sucky. A good read.
ktgk1 is looking forward to the goodies her husband will bring back from his trip to Syria to see his parents.
How exotic and exciting! Someday I hope I can teleport to foreign countries because I despise long flights.
Kristen Connolly gives us tips for staying warm when we venture outside this winter.
My son learned how to make “clouds” by blowing warm air into the cold. He was entertained for 10 min. I was enchanted by his awe.
Katie Rosenberg finds some recession-proof jobs.
I’m very aware of the volatility in my husband’s industry. We’ll keep our fingers crossed, and he’ll continue working towards his degree.
Rob Mentzer gives a buffet of tasty tidbits from around the web.
I especially like the bit about brain science. I’m really a geek at heart, and this stuff fascinates me. Read it!
Carrie Hutton loves grandparents.
My mom plays such a large role in my kids’ lives. Nana is my daughter’s favorite person ever. Has been since she was a newborn.
D1ane thinks that fishing and hunting with her boyfriend is something better left to the other zealots.
What? You don’t like hanging off the side of the boat to pee in the water? Come on. That’s nature at its finest. She is such a great writer. Can’t be missed.
The5ks shares a Christmas letter with an impact.
I love Christmas letters, especially the honest ones. It’s always comforting to know that other people are living real lives with hardships and joys.
RevSAHWright blogs the proposal for a single Easter date rather than the varied one.
I never knew the reason behind the changing date of Easter every year. It’s actually a beautiful tradition.
Jeff Thelen explains why CBS can’t show both the Packers and the Jets games this weekend.
Sad, but I understand. I hope they don’t get a lot of grief over it at the station. Out of their control.
Jim Rosenberg shares the phenomenon of European response to Obama’s election.
It’s an interesting study of international relations. I’m always intrigued at what we must look like from the outside.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on December 3rd, 2008 • No Comments »
It’s a snowy morning here at the Mathis Manse, but luckily, The Husband got the snowblower working even though we thought the starter was totally broken. God bless Freecycle, by the way. That’s where we got the snowblower. Anyway. I love the snow. It’s crap to drive in, but oh-so-pretty. And it’s not unbearably cold yet. Okay. I’m done rambling. Here are your twitters for today…
Dr Rent has a Saint Bernard with separation anxiety.
That’s a conundrum. Maybe we can get the Dog Whisperer to visit Dr Rent? Our dog sleeps in a kennel next to our bed.
Mercutio slams WSAU’s conservative programming.
I choose not to listen to the morning program on that station because it made me mad too many times. God bless America.
Chris Conley rebuts Mercutio’s diatribe against WSAU’s programming choices.
If you want an alternative to NPR, you listen to conservative talk radio. I personally love Catholic radio. It’s a delicious palate cleanser.
Rob Mentzer snarkily wonders if eventually, we won’t need to vote at all, since the pollsters are so accurate.
Dangerous idea, to put all the power in the hands of a polling company. That couldn’t possibly be abused, right?
Katie Rosenberg blogs a couple oh-so-tight races.
I question the value of a former Palin beauty pageant rival stumping for an opposing party political candidate. A giant WTF.
Keith U thinks that bike booties are the bestest things ever.
They certainly are … um … cute. But whatever works. Those serial-killer full face masks are also ridiculous looking, but so necessary.
Mustang76 things Merrill is on the wrong track with its education decisions.
The cuts have to come somewhere, unless residents are willing to pay higher taxes. God forbid that happen.
428CJ lists some absolutely useless gifts for sale this year.
Dang it. Now I don’t know how I can live another day without an emergency yodel button. I had no idea my life was so empty!
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on December 2nd, 2008 • No Comments »
It’s been Christmas decorating time in the Mathis household. This year, we’re turning our living room into a winter wonderland by hanging ice-crystal-snowflakes from the ceiling with fishing line. It’s lovely. Here are today’s twitters.
Ann Liebmann shares a couple of her fallback recipes.
Once again, I feel stymied by my limited pantry. Someday I’ll have the funds to keep sun-dried tomato pesto in my cupboard.
Carrie Hutton is dealing with the end of her maternity leave very well.
When I would get off of work, I would be glued to my son, soaking up all his baby-ness.
Katie Rosenberg gives a melange of political tales, from a hunting Joe McCarthy to a pithy ad campaign.
The grandma story is my favorite. I think I’d spit out my cranberry sauce if my relative started spouting off memories like those.
RevSAHWright loved the Sustainability Council’s Alternative Holiday Market event this last weekend.
I wish I would have known about it before. But it reminds me that I really want to shop local this Christmas.
Justin Loew blogs November’s weather records and the lowered visitation to National Parks.
We’re more likely to visit a city for a vacation where we can tour museums and galleries. If we want wilderness, we can drive up north.
428CJ describes the result of an ethics study of today’s teenagers.
Hmmm. It leads into fuzzy territory. I’m relatively certain I never cheated on a test in high school, but I lied to my parents.
Chad Franzen says it’s up to us whether or not he shaves off his facial scruff.
My husband goes through stages of growing out his beard and staying clean shaven. I actually prefer a bit of scruff in the winter.
Chris Conley thinks combat shopping should end.
I agree! I’m not a huge gift-giver-receiver person, and I rally against the trendy toys and gadgets. It’s not worth the money or my life.
Jeremy Tabin forecasts below zero temperatures in our near future.
I suppose it is inevitable, but I’m not looking forward to it. Thank goodness our furnace is operational.
MsMamma transforms an innocent-looking child into a flying monkey.
Adorable… and more than a little creepy. A must-see photo again.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on November 26th, 2008 • No Comments »
When in the course of Mathis events, I spent a few nights up north in Minocqua at my parents’ house. This is how I roll. The trip was last minute and oh-so-refreshing. Right now, however, I’m feeling the post-vacation-with-childcare blues when I realize that I have to deal with my children all by myself again. Help!
Matt Lehman is okay with the policy to ban tows during hazardous conditions.
We don’t ask firefighters to risk their lives for property, just people. Why should we insist that our car be retrieved immediately?
Justin Loew relates some recent alternative energy news.
Hydrogen cars, charging stations instead of gas stations, better solar prices, and a mini underground nuclear reactor. It’s a new age.
Chad Franzen asks us if we floss properly.
Unfortunately, I don’t floss very often. I’m sure I’ll regret it eventually. Do you floss?
Katie Rosenberg shares the tale of the incredibly tight Franken/Coleman race in Minnesota.
A write-in for “Lizard People”??? That’s awesome. A terrible joke and a big frustration, but definitely memorable.
Dave Kallaway is thankful for holiday parades.
I can honestly say that I have never attended a holiday parade. I’m a wimp when it comes to cold. Tell me. Should I attend this year’s?
Bryon Graff fondly remembers Packers legend Bob Jeter.
A lovely tribute with a touching perspective. A glimpse into the sentimentalities of lifelong sports fans.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on November 24th, 2008 • One Comment »
FineAgain thinks Wausau doesn’t do enough to curtail crime and help victims.
I think it’s terrible if women are turned away from the shelter. Restraining orders are just paper, after all.
MrsMik loves her bread pans, her TMJ relief, funny hunting stories.
I’ve never used cast iron pans. Sad. Now I want one. The hunting story is hilarious. I can just picture it in my mind.
Peter Wasson lets us know how the first forum meet-up went.
I would have gone if I didn’t have to work that night. I love meeting people who participate in the community online. Usually are interesting characters.
428CJ lowers our Obama expectations, wants spending cuts, offers turkey tips.
My husband is barbecuing our family turkey this year. I don’t have high hopes, but that’s mostly because I resist change as a rule.
Todd Hicks wonders what it’ll be like on Black Friday and asks us our holiday dinner choices.
I predict huge crowds on Black Friday, but less spending. I’ve been shopping a lot for Christmas, but I find myself backing off from purchases at the last minute.
Dr Rent play-by-plays the Stratford-Edgar game.
Sounds like a thrilling game. Good job Stratford! Impressive streak!
Grinning Soul goes to a Packers game and becomes a true Wisconsin resident.
I’ve had the task lately of describing WI oddities to newcomers, and they are always amazed at the football fervor we are required to feel or keep our mouths shut.
Ann Liebmann talks about stuffing v dressing, cranberry sauce and mince meat pies.
I like sweet and warm cranberry sauce. The warmth makes it more palatable to me. And I despise stuffing prepared with meat.
Andy McGivern at Woodson Wanderings describes the work behind the Birds in Art traveling exhibit.
Wow. That’s a lot of work! I hope all of those precious artworks stay safe on their travels.
Keith U mourns the retirement of Wausau’s legendary Eddie the Barber.
What a sweet tribute. He sounds like a marvelous man. I predict Keith will start growing dreadlocks in protest of the retirement.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on November 20th, 2008 • No Comments »
It was a busy day for me, and I’m sorry I can’t make it to the WDH pizza meet and greet at Sam’s tonight. I’ll be working. Hope you guys have fun!
Here are the links I twittered today:
428CJ bemoans uninformed voters who don’t know any of the policies of the candidates but vote anyway.
I think this is quite common. My husband, for instance, would be hard pressed to say anything specific about the candidates. He votes for party, not for policies.
Bryon Graff gears up for the winter sports season.
A bowling scholarship to a university? Wow. Very cool. Read the blog to hear about it.
Dr Rent is excited for the football game tomorrow.
A lot of people are. It’s quite the match-up. Are you heading down to Camp Randall tomorrow?
Keith U feels guilty that he hasn’t been biking yet this November.
I’m shocked! Not really. I biked to work the other day, and I was quite frozen by the time I got home, and it’s only a mile away.
Katie Rosenberg talks about the growing Obama cabinet and potential spending cuts here in Wausau due to the budget deficit.
I’ll be curious to see what gets cut as well. The community pools were barely saved from the chopping block.
Rob Mentzer is totally into comics now. He also shares Life Mag pics and a Bill Ayers interview.
I’m thrilled that the Life Mag pics are now on Google. That’s all kinds of awesome.
Justin Loew digs into the issue of why the oil prices dropped so sharply and what we can expect in the future.
I’m taking a picture of the 1.99 and putting it into the baby books. I think it’ll be the only time in their lives…
Dave Kallaway asks us to imagine what it would be like to have fires raging 8 miles from our homes.
He posts an eery picture from California. Forest fires have always been a major phobia of mine. *shudder*
Mercutio is cynical about Obama’s intelligence advisers.
It’s fascinating to watch the Obama cabinet develop. I’m learning a lot of new names, though it’s inevitable some old names will show up as well.
Chris Conley urges Doyle to be firm with state departments on budget cutting.
Eliminating the railroad commission is an interesting idea. Personally, I’d be okay with a half percent rise in the sales tax.
Links
by Cheryl Mathis on November 19th, 2008 • No Comments »
Today was my nephew Gage’s second birthday. Very exciting day for him, I’m sure. He and my son always have such a grand time together. Okay. I’ll be honest. They are holy terrors when they are together, and now, for the next month and a half, they will both be two years old.
Here are the links I twittered today.
Justin Loew thinks that it’s a bad idea to halt the building of coal plants in America.
Personally, I hope that Americans grow more tolerant of the idea of nuclear power plants, but that’s a pipe dream.
Chris Conley thinks journalists shape public opinion more than we think.
I definitely agree. While talk radio digs into issues in ways that CNN can’t, they also can set a troublesome tone for debates and crises.
Brian Niznansky isn’t feeling sorry for Floridians who get wind chill warnings in the 30-degree range.
I’m sure the chilly breeze is a shock to their overheated bodies. I have no desire to switch places with them.
Jeff Thelen provides an array of trivia about his current life, from the holidays to his workload.
We’re not spending much money on Christmas this year either. No new decorations, only one big present for the kids.
Katie Rosenberg wonders at the consequences of the growing “former middle” class in the US.
People who had money and suddenly find themselves without will hopefully rally against poverty bias and class wars.
Jeremy Tabin offers specific hints for driving safely in the wintry weather.
Which reminds me… I really need to get an ice scraper. The frisbee won’t work forever.
428CJ is excited about the new Star Trek movie.
She links up the recently released trailer. Zachary Quinto looks goofy, but still convincing in his role.
RevSAHWright is horrified that Christians could advocate for the assassination of Obama.
I agree. It’s terrifying to think that the outcome of an election could drive so much hatred and animosity. This isn’t Pakistan.
Rob Mentzer shares a statement from Feingold’s office regarding the potential auto industry bailout.
Hmmm. I think the auto industry needs more than money to fix their problems. They need an overall of their broken system.
Tom Neal asks if anyone is interested in hosting their own radio show.
Sounds like a fun time! Not my cup of tea, but I can be too introverted at the most inconvenient times.
Links
