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RETRACTION: Keith Heun Retracts Comments

Matt Thomas — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:06:00 GMT

Here is an e-mail message that Keith Heun sent me that is a retraction of comments that were made on this blog by him:

May 17, 2008

I, Keith Heun, fully and completely retract (4) comments that I sent to Matt Thomas’ May 3, 2008 blog that was posted at 5:51PM.

Retraction #1: My 1^st comment was posted on May 3, 2008 at 10:40PM. I was mistaken as to the facts of the situation regarding the ACLU lawsuit brought against the New Berlin School District regarding Policy 1330, and I profusely apologize to Linda Richter, the other complainants in the case and the ACLU for my misstatement of the facts surrounding the filing of a federal lawsuit against the New Berlin School District regarding Policy 1330, revised on 6/23/03.

In my comment, I stated that Linda Richter and other complainants worked with the ACLU to shut down free speech in the New Berlin Public Schools. This evening I reviewed the changes that the board had made to the procedures in Policy 1330, Use of School Facilities, on 6/23/03. I determined that my comment was factually inaccurate. I was not a board member at the time and that’s why I remembered things incorrectly. The fact of the matter is that Policy 1330, revised on 6/23/03, Section 2. Para A. did expressly prohibit political activities in school facilities as the ACLU lawsuit rightly contended.

In that same comment, I also made statements regarding the shutting down of the use of city facilities to outside groups and the involvement of Linda Richter, 6^th District Alderman Bill Moore and former 3^rd District Alderman Paul Gallagher in that.

I profusely apologize for any misstatement of incorrect information in my comment, my description of the events and my description of the ACLU and individuals that I commented on in this comment that I fully and completely retract.

Retraction #2: My 2^nd comment was posted on May 4, 2008 at 11:02 PM. In my comment, I restated the inaccurate information from my previously referenced comment posted on May 3, 2008 at 10:40PM, regarding the ACLU lawsuit, Linda Richter, the other complainants, 6^th District Alderman Bill Moore and former 3^rd District Alderman Paul Gallagher. I profusely apologize for any misstatement of incorrect information in my comment, my description of the events and my description of the ACLU and individuals that I commented on in this comment that I fully and completely retract.

Retraction #3: My 3^rd comment was posted on May 5, 2008 at 9:35 PM. In my comment I made reference to Linda Richter and the ACLU based on my previous (2) comments posted on May 3, 2008 at 10:40PM and May 4, 2008 at 11:02 PM. I profusely apologize to Linda Richter, the ACLU and the anonymous commenter “Had to Comment” for any misstatement of incorrect information in my comment, my description of the events and my description of the ACLU and individuals that I commented on in this comment that I fully and completely retract.

Retraction #4: My 4^th comment was posted on May 6, 2008 at 9:34PM. In my comment I made reference to Linda Richter and the ACLU based on my previous (3) comments posted on May 3, 2008 at 10:40PM, May 4, 2008 at 11:02 PM and May 5, 2008 at 9:35 PM. I profusely apologize to Linda Richter, the ACLU and the anonymous commenter “Had to Comment” for any misstatement of incorrect information in my comment, my description of the events and my description of the ACLU and individuals that I commented on in this comment that I fully and completely retract.

I fully and completely retract these (4) comments that I sent to Matt Thomas' May 3, 2008 blog that was posted at 5:51 PM. I apologize to everyone who I mentioned on these (4) comments and I apologize to all individuals who read my original comments.

Sincerely,

Keith Heun

May 17, 2008

Missouri Voter ID update

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:57:22 GMT

I blogged this week that the Missouri Legislature may give voters the chance to vote on a constitutional amendment that would require proof of citzienship in order to register to vote.

The MIssouri legislative session ended Friday.

Here's what happened.

This one's for Apollo

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:23:44 GMT

a happy birth day

Brien Lee — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:42:05 GMT

Ever notice how much the phone sounds like the alarm clock when it rings at 5 a.m.? Me either. But the phone did ring this morning and I was very happy. It meant my newest niece was born into the world today. A little early but healthy.

congratulations to Mom and Dad, my brother and sister-in-laws. I can't wait to see her.

"This music has no expiration date"

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:10:00 GMT

This past week marked the 10^th anniversary of the death of Frank Sinatra.

In my opinion, it’s disheartening that the milestone didn’t get more attention.

However, it is very encouraging that because of his legend and great body of work, there are stars of today and future up and comers that will strive to keep the man and his music alive.

I Am So Lost Season 4 Episode 12 Recap

Janet Evans — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24:00 GMT

Lost "There's No Place Like Home, Part 1"

I want the old Lost back....

No more flash forwards.

No more flashbacks.

I just want the Island with the Losties and the Others.

Where ARE those kids that the Others took anyway????

It just seems to me that since the producers now know the end date of the series, it's a jumbled rush to the finish line.

Don't misunderstand me, I still like Lost and I will miss it when it's gone....but all I can say about it right now is that it's WRONG.

And last season, when the finale was over, I couldn't wait for the next season to start...six months was a long time to wait.

In two weeks, I know the two hour finale will be something special, but maybe during the hiatus, I won't be "So Lost" this time.

I may be able to hold on....

That said, last night was a mess as far as I'm concerned - just a typical lead-in to the final episode.

But what I found, is that the music, and the momentum of the show just kept increasing...it was as if everyone was marching into a war...and I believe that's what is going to happen.

Some type is warlike disaster. Something horrific.

Jeff Jensen from EW.com has some bizarre views on it all....but I see he agrees with me regarding something wicked on the horizon:

Ominous signs of impending doom abounded in last night's Lost. There was Flash-Forward Hurley's T-shirt, the one that said ''Ace of Spades'' — the death card, the card of war. There were also his accursed Lotto numbers (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42), taunting him from the speedometer of his symbolically loaded Camaro, causing the soon-to-be loony-bin returnee to run like a proverbial madman. And there was the Orchid, our newest Dharma station, also known as ''the greenhouse,'' perhaps the most foreboding omen of all.

Operation Greenhouse was the code name for America's A-bomb testing program in the South Pacific during the 1950s — a terrifying allusion in an episode where we learned that the freighter is a ticking bomb and that ''moving the Island'' could be a perilous, possibly catastrophic endeavor. ''Doing it is both dangerous and unpredictable,'' said a glibly cryptic Ben. ''It's a measure of last resort.'' Whatever it is that the Orchid can do, it was enough to cause Faraday to make an I-think-I-just-peed-myself face: ''We have to get off this island,'' he told Charlotte. ''Right now.''

Read his article

'Lost': Not Adding Up í here

And EW.com gives you a bonus tonight … a slideshow

The 17 Most Enduring Lost Mysteries í here

Will we get some answers to these unsolved questions in the season finale? (Don't hold your breath.) In the eventual series finale? We'd better...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unanswered questions

On the Island

   What is the nature of the Orchid station?

   What is Ben's plan?

   Who left the lock box that contains the crackers and the mirror?

   Who was Ben communicating to with the mirror and what did he say?

   How does Daniel know about the Orchid station?

   What is Richard's purpose for taking Kate and Sayid prisoner?

   Why were the Others wearing their "disguises"?

   How did Daniel know about the "Secondary Protocol"?

   How did Daniel already have the Orchid symbol in his notebook?

   How did Ben get his baton back from Locke?

   When Jack and Sawyer leave the helicopter, is Frank still handcuffed to it?

   Was Ben in on Sayid and Kate's capture?

Daniel’s notebook with drawing of the Orchid Station

Entrance to the Orchid Station

On the freighter

   What happens to the survivors that we don't know that ended up on the freighter?

   Why is there a room filled with armed explosives?

    Who put it there?

     What is the trigger for their detonation?

   What is causing the interference on the freighter's fathometer?

   Why are Sayid and Daniel able to travel between the freighter and the beach camp in the Zodiac apparently without experiencing the lengthy transit time that has happened during other trips between the two locations (ie. the missile test, and the helicopter trips)?

After the rescue

   How much money did the Oceanic Six receive in their settlement?

   What plans, if any, does Sun have for her father's company?

   Who was the second of the two people Sun claims is responsible for Jin's death?

   It is mentioned that 8 initially survived the crash, who are the 2 (or 3 depending on how you count Aaron as a "crash survivor") that didn't make it?

Oceanic’s press conference map

Dashboard in Hurley’s car with the numbers

FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO BAY VIEW

Michael John Moynihan — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:37:44 GMT

The region’s most interesting International film festival is showing films in Bay View.

The big dog Shepherd Express Owned MIFF is down the drain. According to Milwaukee Magazine’s Bruce Murphy (who once tried to buy the Shepherd Express) reports that some Lou Fortis bookkeeping hanky-panky (and failure to file required nonprofit tax reports) combined with double charging the festival for ads, has resulted in seal the fate of the once well supported venture. Both the Argosy and the Hertzfeld foundations have withdrawn their grant support and are calling for a criminal investigation.

"The Milwaukee International Film Festival is mired in controversy that hasn’t been reported. It’s a juicy controversy pitting liberals against liberals, and also starring the Shepherd Express, Mayor Tom Barrett and the Greater Milwaukee Committee."

No great loss in the world of big money International Film Festivals. The MIFF could never get important and good films to premier in Milwaukee. It was always held at a bad time, when other bigger, more prestigious fests were going in North America. Many of the films were picked by amateur volunteers. The Shepherd’s film reviewer was in charge of things beyond his level of understanding, And now it turns out that Mr. Fortis and Mr. Lurhessen were only in it for the money, not the art.

But the 10 year old Milwaukee Short Film Festival is still chugging along, with an excellent slate of international, national and local films. To see the line up that will be shown at Bay View's Alchemist Theatre at 2569 s. Kinnickinnic,
Milwaukee, WI 53207 call (414) 426-4169 or clck on these links:

OPENING NIGHT 05/30/08

05/31/08 WORLD VIEW

05/031/08 HOMEGROWN

05/30/08 LATE NIGHT

What The Rainbow Brings

Kimberly Laczniak — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:03:00 GMT

My daughter is seven years old, and she's desperately wanted a swingset for as long as I can remember. That child has always loved the swings. ALWAYS. When we'd take her to the park, she'd spend the entire time on the swings, and if we were able to pull her off of them and over to the slide? She'd slide down and then race straight back over to the swings, as if to say: "Are you happy now? I went down the slide! FOR YOU!! Now I'd like a push, please."

My daughter, who is an only child, also snubs almost any toy she gets. Moon Sand? She had to have it, played with it once. American Girl Doll? She couldn't live without Nicki (and her horse, and her dog), but really isn't interested in playing with her. Wii? No thanks. A bicycle? Sometimes. She's just not interested in any of them. However, give the kid an artbox and a pile of paper and she's making drawings and pictures until the cows come home. While she's extremely talented when it comes to drawing, she's a kid and she should go outside and play! Put down your markers and go run around!

We decided to make her swingset dreams come true and we bought her a Rainbow Play System. This is where I tell you that we didn't specifically set out to buy her a Rainbow, but it ended up that way, and we could not be happier. It was installed on May 5th, and she's outside playing on it every chance she gets. Friends are popping up from the subdivision too, which is really nice to see because when we moved to Menomonee Falls we chose to keep our daughter in the school she was previously attending, which meant not living near school friends.

And the added bonus (besides the fact that she's watching a lot less Sponge Bob Squarepants and Hannah Montana)? The Rainbow is big enough so that I can play on it too. There's nothing like revisiting my own childhood on the swings for a while, and yes, I've even jumped off mid-swing. Wouldn't you?

Help WISN help our troops

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:45:00 GMT

As many of you know, I fill in often for talk show hosts at Newstalk 1130 WISN.

The station is observing Saturday, Armed Forces Day by holding a collection drive at the War Memorial for much-needed items for our troops.

Please consider and be generous if you can.

Thank you!

It costs nothing to say "Thank You" to a service member

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:35:00 GMT

The Paralyzed Veterans of America says on its website:

“Our country is grateful to our nation’s military service members, both active duty and veterans, for their dedication, courage, accomplishments and sacrifices to protect our everyday freedoms. We salute our nation’s military service members for their service to our country and have designed resources to allow you to honor and support them. Spread the word within your communities.”

The PVA offers you a chance to send a free e-card to a veteran or service member.

Saturday is Armed Forces Day.

What a great idea to sacrifice just a few minutes to send a message to a fine American to say thank you and brighten his/her day.

WATCH THIS PSA: HIGH

Saturday on This Just In....

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:21:00 GMT

It's our weekly installment of Week-ends.

Is this guy....

A hero of the week?

A villain of the week?

Or something else?

And you're going to have to be pretty smart to be up for wife Jennifer's edition of The Barking Lot, Saturday on This Just In....

Economic Stimulus

Mary Ann Sparks — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:17:11 GMT

Has your personal economy been stimulated yet? That sounds kind of racy doesn't it? I'd be very curious to find out the percentage of how us "stimulated folks" will be using our sudden windfall. Will we buy that big ticket item at the local electonics store or take advantage of all the ads I've been seeing on tv by the car dealerships that want you to apply that money to a new car. Or will we go to the big box home store that wants us to spend our windfall to do remodeling in the home? It'd be so easy to just sign the papers and wait for the delivery wouldn't it?

I haven't received mine yet. Since I owed Uncle Sam this year they don't have a direct deposit listed since I've had to pay the last two years. So, I've got some time (the end of July) before my windfall arrives. That gives me plenty of time to decide how to parcel it out. No, there won't be a new car or that 52" tv in my future. Mine will be going toward my property taxes, some small bills, some stocking of the larder perhaps and however else I can make it stretch to get the most use from it.

I've also hearf from family and friends that whatever amount we get will be considered income on our taxes for next year. Is this true? Another question I had was how much will I be getting since I'm basically retired? I've no doubt that there are singles, other semi-retirees and families that also have tons of questions on the economic stimulus regarding the amount, how its figured out, when they will be getting it amongst the most common questions. Here's what you do. Go to www.irs.gov I checked the site out and all the info you would want is there in easy to read English.

For example:

Is my stimulus payment taxable?

A. No. You will not owe tax on your payment when you file your 2008 federal income tax return. But you should keep a copy of the IRS letter you receive later this year listing the amount of your payment.

Q. If my stimulus payment is not going to affect my 2008 tax refund or increase the tax I owe next year, why is it I need to retain the letter that lists how much I received?

A. In the event you do not qualify for the full amount on your 2007 return but you do on your 2008 return, you will need to have the letter as a record of the amount you previously received. [New 4/11/08]

Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?

A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

Q. I don’t qualify for a stimulus payment based on my 2007 return. But my tax situation will be different in 2008. Will I qualify for any special benefit?

A. Possibly. The 2008 tax instructions will include a worksheet to help those who did not qualify for a payment or those who received a reduced amount determine if they can obtain a benefit when they file their 2008 tax returns next year.

The above is just an example of the information on their site. I sure hope this helps my readers as much as it's helped me. Enjoy your stimulus package no matter how you decide to use the money.

Armed Forces Day Message

Janet Evans — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:16:00 GMT

Mullen Lauds U.S. Troops in Armed Forces Day Message

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 – It is right for Americans to pause and honor the country’s military on Armed Forces Day tomorrow, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a message to the troops marking the event. His full message follows:

“Today, American citizens will pause to honor those of you who accept the grave and honorable responsibility of defending our country. It is right we do so.

“The world remains a dangerous place. The hundreds of thousands of you who have deployed since September 11th -- many of you more than once -- already know that. You've stood up to those dangers. You've lost friends to them. You may even have lost a bit of yourself to them.

“You and your families have sacrificed greatly, and we appreciate it.

“The enemies we face, from radical extremists to regional powers with nuclear ambitions, directly and irrefutably threaten our vital national interests. They threaten our very way of life.

“You stand between these dangers and the American people. You accepted a grave and honorable responsibility. You signed up, took an oath, made a promise to defend something larger than yourselves. And then you went out and did it.

“Whether you serve in Baghdad or Bagram, Kabul or Kuwait -- whether you find yourself at sea in the Pacific, flying support missions over Europe, on the ground in Africa or working every day at stateside bases -- you are making a difference and so is every person in your family. Your service matters.

“Thank you and God bless.”

Tonight on InterCHANGE

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:05:00 GMT

The panelists will discuss these topics tonight on InterCHANGE on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 at 6:30 (the show is repeated Sunday morning at 11:00):

Philanthropist Joe Zilber’s gift of fifty million dollars over the next ten years to a handful of yet to be determined poor Milwaukee neighborhoods, unsolved murders in Madison, and the state budget repair bill.

I will be joined on the panel by regulars Gerard Randall and Joel McNally.

Kathleen Dunn of Wisconsin Public Radio, who like yours truly was one of the original panelists over 11 years ago has decided to take some time off from the program and may return at a later date.

An Interview with Tommasino's!

Michael Wogoman — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:54:27 GMT

For those of us that are familiar with the downtown West Allis area we all recognize the name “Doyle’s Milwaukee Inn.” If you have been by lately you will see a new sign, but don’t worry you’ll love the new atmosphere and fun-side of Tommasino Italia. I sat down with owner/operator , Tom Doyle, to find out what is in store for the new restaurant.

Michael Wogoman: You had owned Doyle’s for fifteen years, the last four spent on Greenfield Ave. Why Change now?
Tom Doyle: The restaurant industry is constantly changing, sometimes you have to reinvent yourself and that is what I have done.
Michael: What else prompted the change?
Tom: Honestly, business was flat, I was getting clientele from all over, but not from West Allis. I want an environment more conducive to local residents.
Michael: Tell us about the new changes. What can we expect at
Tommasino’s?
Tom: What was once fine dining with European dishes of fish and steaks are now Italian featuring Pizza and Sicilian favorites as well as some northern Italian dishes that are similar to other European cuisine.
Michael: Everybody does love Italian, but the way I understand, there is also a more personal reason. What’s that?
Tom: I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was twelve years old. My father owned a pizzeria by Marquette and I learned a lot about the restaurant industry and tossing pizzas. Through the years I worked at about a dozen Italian restaurants and the first business I opened was a pizzeria in 1989.
Michael: So Italian food is your ‘first love,’ so to speak.
Tom: Absolutely, and it always will be.
Michael: What about those people that really enjoy items off the old menu?
Tom: The thing is this: I am a professional chef; if you have been a faithful customer and there is something that you really want to eat, just give me a call ahead of time and I will see what I can do.
Michael: Wow, you don’t find that service much. To follow-up then, what else sets you apart from everyone else?
Tom: My product. And now, prices are down. I have changed my concept to appeal to a new market.
Michael: Lastly Tom, I have had a lot of people asking if you are opening for lunch soon. What’s the Scoop?
Tom: I would like to open up on Fridays and Saturdays for lunch very soon, but it all depends on attendance.

Great, well there you have it. Tommasino Italia is open daily at 4pm with $1 off happy hour at the bar from 4-6pm. Enjoy pizza by the slice at the bar for only $1.50 a piece. Tommasino’s now carries the Big Ten Network so you can catch all the local sports teams while you enjoy a slice. As always, Tommosino’s is happy to cater lunch and has the dining room available for meetings during the day. Check out Tommasino Italia, 7335 W. Greenfield Ave. Italian and Pizza. Average meal price $11.

It will always grow back!

Katie Derksen — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:47:51 GMT

This afternoon, for the very first time, I felt as though more people were eyeing up my hair instead of my camera.

Students, staff and parents at Ronald Reagan Elementary School, New Berlin, parted ways with their long locks during Reagan Gives Back Day. The ladies (and even one brave man) donated inches upon inches of hair to Locks of Love, an organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

It was great to see the girls grinning from ear to ear, in full realization they were doing something positive for those in need. I photographed three or four girls before I finally captured the priceless reaction below.

Nikon D2H, 17 mm, 500 ISO, f2.8, 1/125, Manual
Kaitlyn Fischer, a fourth-grader at Ronald Reagan Elementary School, New Berlin, reacts to having several inches of her hair cut off Friday, May 16, 2008, during a Locks of Love donation. The school held an assembly to celebrate Reagan Gives Back Day, where several students, as well as the school's principal, donated their hair. Locks of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

WRESTLING MAT TIME FOR KIDS

South Milwaukee Recreation Department — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:37:00 GMT

Wrestlers of all experience levels are invited to participate in WRESTLING MAT TIME schedule in the Middle School Wrestling Room Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00PM on June 16, 23, 30,; July 7, 14, 21, and 28. Only wrestlers of similar weight and ability will be allowed to work together-so please sign-up and bring a wrestling partner. No experience necessary! Wrestlers entering 2nd grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The format will include warm-up, drills, instruction and live wrestling.

Joel Shilling (SMHS Wrestling Coach) and various Senior High School Varsity Wrestlers will supervise the program.

You may registration now by mail or in person at the South Milwaukee Recreation Department. You may also visit our website (www.smrec-fitness.org) to register online.

The program fee is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

For additional information, call us at 766-5081.

Remember that Senior High School Fieldhouse track access is free to all South Milwaukee residents; and just $25 a year for Non-residents.

Join the South Milwaukee Fitness Center (766-5084) and “Stay Fit” All Year Round! Come join the fun!

Summer Storytime Registration Begins June 9th

Greendale Public Library — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:30:42 GMT

"Catch the Reading Bug" will be the theme for the summer library program at the Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad Street. The program will run from June 16th through August 22nd. The program includes storytimes for ages 3 - 6. The "Spin a Tale Storytimes" (June 18th- July 24) will feature stories, songs, rhymes and crafts about beetles, bugs, butterflies, bees and creepy crawlers. The six weekly sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. Caregivers may choose to attend/not attend, but are asked to remain in the building.

Registration begins on Monday, June 9th at 8:30 a.m. by phone (414 423-2136) or at 10:00 a.m. in person for Greendale residents. E-mail registrations to grnd.ref@mcfls.org that are initiated after 8:30 a.m. June 9th will be accepted. Registration for the general public begins on June 10th. Registration for groups of 4 or more will begin on Wednesday, June 11th. Enrollment is limited.

Heirloom Tomatoes, Everything Old Is New Again?

Kyle Prast — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:00:54 GMT

I actually got my tomato plants into the soil yesterday! That is a record for me--usually I don't get them it until the first week in June. I am pleased with my accomplishment. :)

For the past few years I have planted Lemon Boy. They have a wonderful fruity flavor and are a pretty yellow color. They are not heirlooms, but I purchased 2 at a recent visit to Steins since they are a favorite. I also picked up a Sweet Cluster--a small 2" red type.

Last year I ventured into the heirloom varieties with Mr. Stripey. Those were fun. Huge striped red and yellow fruits with a great flavor. The photo is from last year's Mr. Stripey. You can see it was mostly yellow. The tag on this year's shows a primarily red tomato.

Since I liked Mr. Stripey so much, I purchased it again this year and ventured into a few more heirlooms. A gardening friend recommended I try Brandywine, so this year I picked one up.

Steins had a marvelous selection of heirlooms this year, and the plants looked very healthy. I think the price was 3/ $6.50. A few more heirloom varieties jumped into my cart: Mortgage Lifter--a meaty red prolific tomato, said to have sold for $1.00 during the depression, Aunt Ruby's German Green--a large yellow and green striped tomato, Green Zebra--a small green and yellow tomato, and Cherokee Purple--an unusual mahogany and red colored tomato.

Sadly, tomatoes do not grow well in my vegetable garden. I must have some virus in there or something. Instead, I plant them on the southern exposure of my house in my perennial bed. The tomato plants love the heat that radiates from the foundation after dark. Granted they look a little odd in with the flowers, but hey, I am a tomato lover so they look good to me!

No need to worry about having too many tomatoes. They freeze very well. All I do is wash them off, cut out the core, and throw into a freezer Zip-loc bag. Because the freezing action breaks down the structure of the fruit, they are wonderful in soup or spaghetti sauce I am rather a peasant type cook, so I don't even peel them. You can rub off the peelings very easily when they thaw a bit before you put them into the soup pot, however.

Can't wait for the first tomato and mayo sandwich!

I noticed in Brookfieldnow that Dixon Elementary School was including heirloom tomatoes in their fundraiser on Sat. May 17th, from 9AM to Noon. Price: $5.00/plant. Proceeds go to purchasing white boards for the school.

Links:

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Vicki Mckenna

Unacceptable news out of the House of Correction

Greg Kowalski — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:20:00 GMT

The House of Correction's water tower stands tall and oversees plenty of residential neighborhoods and subdivisions in Franklin. Its close proximity to homes raise plenty of concerns with residents, who put safety first for their families. The last thing any of us want to see is criminals breaking out and roaming our streets.

Today's news from the House of Correction is not good. Even though Milwaukee County has known about the problem(s) for months, and the issue(s) receives plenty of media coverage, it still looks like nothing's being done to solve anything.

I don't want to hear about staffing problems, terrible treatment of workers, and lack of rest from a stressful job at a location where criminals are locked up. It's simply unacceptable that families in Franklin have to continue pressuring the County to bring up standards at the House of Correction. Ripple effects begin to happen when things aren't being kept up to high standards.

This better change, and soon.