Sunday, April 26, 2009, marks the start of a week of special meetings at Brookfield's Brookside Baptist Church with our staff evangelist Steve Pettit and his musical team. Photo is Steve and his team performing at our church picnic last summer. (Steve is the one in the red shirt with the mandolin.)

Steve is a gifted preacher and his group is very talented; the week of special meetings promises to be a good one for the whole family. Their musical style ranges from traditional to Blue Grass to Irish. April 26 - May 1 schedule:

Sunday: Amazing Grace Sunday. Service times are 8:30 am, 10:45 am and 6:00pm.

Monday: Men's Steak-out, 6:00pm. (Catered by Texas Road House, cost $5)

Tuesday: Ladies Night, 6:00pm. (Catered by Olive Garden, cost $5)

Wednesday: Family Night, 7:00pm.

Thursday: Teen Cola War, 5:15pm. (I think this has something to do with Coke vs Pepsi!)

Friday: Irish Sacred Concert, 7:00pm (This should be fabulous! I have a few CDs from the Pettit team and their music is first rate.)

Saturday? There is no Saturday meeting. The team packs up and moves onto the next location on Saturday to do it all again next week! These people are real troopers; they get around.

Although Steve Pettit is on our pastoral staff, we rarely see him. He is almost always on the road. Recently he hosted a tour of the Holy Land for our church. Check out his pictures from Israel.

As I mentioned, I have several CDs from Steve Pettit. Some have traditional hymns played in their unique style, some have new works and some are just pure fun with songs like Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Puttin' on the Dog. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform live--tin whistle and all.

Brookside is located at 4470 North Pilgrim Rd. Just south of Lisbon. 

Links: 

All over the nation yesterday, average people gathered to peacefully protest taxation without representation at the local, state, and federal level! By all accounts, it seems the Tea Parties were a great success.

Now the challenge is to keep the momentum going. People tend to have very short memories and if the economy improves by 2010, they are likely to be even shorter. A website, AfterTheTeaParty.com has been set up to keep the momentum going by encouraging running for office, learning about how government works and becoming active instead of passive.

I was at the Red Arrow Park location in Downtown Milwaukee. JSOnline has a video clip of both the Federal Building and Red Arrow Milwaukee groups and an article on the Madison and Milwaukee rallies. About 100 people attended the Red Arrow rally. I think it is important to note that these Tea Party protests are not just about President Obama. Taxpayers are fed up with out of control spending regardless of which party or segment of government is responsible: (Photo is of Journal reporter interviewing an attendee.)

"They're all guilty, not just one person or party," said Jim Schmitz of Milwaukee, a retired salesman.

"Instead of raising taxes, maybe we should be tightening our belts," he [O.J. Merrell] said.

Some in the crowd were critical of Obama, but others said government spending also was out of control during the previous administration. Many said the overall burden would boost inflation and burden their children with taxes for decades.

I watched the In Focus report on the Madison rally last night. Click here to watch the video. Congressman Paul Ryan was fired up! I think everyone there agreed with him that, "America is an exceptional nation...We want to keep it that way."

Julaine  Appling, of Wisconsin Family Action, told Gov. Doyle to "Back off!" His and the Wisconsin legislature's tax policy makes it more difficult for Wisconsin families:

It is absolutely true that when Wisconsin’s families are strong, Wisconsin is strong. When our families are weak, Wisconsin is weak. So, back off –back off on your incredibly bad plans to increase taxes, fees and regulations that will make it harder for our families. Harder for our families to make a reasonable living

Superior's Mayor Doug Ross spoke briefly asking, How much of our money do you want, Doyle? All of it! He is a prime example of what AfterTheTeaParty hopes will be a result of the Tea Party day: greater citizen involvement in government. He ran for mayor of Superior as a result of a proposed tax increase some years ago. When he called city hall to complain, they told him more or less, if you don't like the tax increase, why don't you run for mayor. He did! I spoke to Doug Ross at the Americans for Prosperity American Dream summit in March. He is contemplating a run for Lt. Governor. We need more people like Doug Ross.

A young homeschooled lady, Melika Willoughby, spoke passionately about the need to stop the reckless spending and to stop spending her future. (She made this homeschool mom proud of the homeschool movement.)

Here is a bit of trivia about Madison's Tea Party: There were a few brave souls who WALKED 80 miles to Madison from Fond du Lac. The trip took them 4 days. Unlike President Obama's Inauguration, the Madison crowd left the Capitol in an orderly fashion. No heaps of garbage left behind. 

Some media coverage assumed that these rallies were organized by the Republican party. Nope. They were truly grassroots, not fake grassroots as Nancy Pelosi accused. She claimed our efforts were "Astroturf", not grassroots, a campaign by "some of the wealthiest people in America." Look at the photos, do these people look like the wealthiest in Milwaukee? Couldn't be, I was there ;-)

For one, the signs were obviously homemade! 

The people in attendance were a cross section of taxpayers--young, old, rich, average, fiscally challenged, professionals, retirees, grandmothers, housewives, etc.--Americans. Nary a Right Wing extremist terrorist in the group. (We'll have to save that Homeland Security accusation for another post.)

Catch the following photos and commentary from our state and nation.

My Milwaukee Red Arrow Park Tea Party photos

Milwaukee Red Arrow Park Tea Party photos 

Heritage Foundation: Morning Bell: Big Government Backlash Brewing  (Includes great links to other Tea Parites)

Massive: Tax Day Tea Party USA, photos from Tea Parties all around the country.

From Representative Rich Zipperer:

In order to turn back the tide of taxes threatening the prosperity of our state, however, we will need to convince some on the other side to vote against the Governor's plan, either during the Finance Committee process or in the full Assembly or Senate. Even in the legislative minority, we can make a difference in the legislative process, as can the folks who journeyed to Madison today and everyone back in Waukesha County unable to attend the rally. Pick up the phone or write an email. Call the Governor. Call the Democratic leadership. Call your family in other parts of the state and tell them to contact their representatives to make sure they too will stand against the tax increases.

Important Phone Numbers
Governor Doyle: 608 266-1212
Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan: 608 266-3387
Senate Leader Russ Decker: 608 266-2502
Find Your Representative and Senator Here
Members of the Joint Committee on Finance

Links: 

I just got my first report on the Madison Tea Party from a Brookfield lady I have known for years. She said it was phenomenal: Great speakers, lots of energy, fantastic!

She mentioned that a young man was videotaping and there would be coverage on WVCY TV 30 tonight. Oh, that must have been Randy Melchert, I said. I checked his blog and sure enough, there will be video on In Focus at 7pm tonight and replay at noon on Thursday.

So if you couldn't attend Madison's rally today, you can at least catch some of it tonight. 

Links: 

UPDATE: See bottom of post for Milwaukee's Tea Party location.

I received a comment request to post a link from Nobailoutsforgrasshoppers.com today. It came from a couple in Connecticut who have a blog and business making mugs, bumper stickers etc. (Cute stuff) They liked my Ant and the Grasshopper & Tea Parties post. Here is their latest: It's Time For Tea.

After a few emails back and forth I found the wife of the husband/wife team was attending a tea party tomorrow in New Haven, Connecticut. She was impressed that our Madison Tea Party was anticipating a huge crowd. She reported that their organizer would be on Fox News tonight. It is estimated there are between 1,500 and 2,015 Tea Parties scheduled for April 15th. These Tea Parties are catching on!

If you are going to our Madison rally, take your camera. If you take some pictures, send them to me and I will try to post them. Any interesting comments would be welcome as well. I doubt that we will get much in the way of news coverage on the rally. Americans for Prosperity has photos from Tea Parties that have already taken place at Taxpayer Tea Party.

In case you haven't made up your mind yet about attending a Tea Party, here is the info for the Madison's. You DO NOT need to register to attend if you are going on your own. There is a parking lot and free shuttle, courtesy of the Republicans.

Fight Back Wisconsin! Remember, The Wisconsin Tea Party Tax Rally is April 15th, 11:30 am on the steps of the Capitol on the King Street side, in Madison. You do NOT need to register to attend. There is a shuttle service if you are driving, or you can opt to take a bus, which you MUST register for, check the locations then click here for Bus Registration

If Madison's Tea Party seems a bit too much, there is a local man who is organizing a Downtown Milwaukee Tea Party, but please note it is NOT at the Federal Building as noted on Fairly Conservative, but at RED ARROW PARK at 920 N. Water Street at noon. I believe this change was made because the Red Arrow location was given on the Official Tax Day TEA Party site (Click the push pin to the right next to Milwaukee on page 30.)  Milwaukee is certainly is more manageable than Madison. Click the Downtown Milwaukee link for a lot of good protest sign ideas.

UPDATE: There was a bit of confusion this morning regarding Milwaukee's Tea Party location. Jay Weber announced it was at the Federal Building, but later corrected and stated it was at RED ARROW. It is at RED ARROW PARK and Johnathan will be there with his signs.

Don't forget to tell the Joint Finance Committee what you think of Doyle's budget.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, BetterBrookfield, Vicki McKenna, Jay Weber, The Right View Wisconsin, Randy Melchert, Mark Levin, The Heritage Foundation, CNS News

Christians the world over celebrate Christ's birth at Christmas time. Good Friday and Resurrection Day, Easter Sunday, mark the completion of His mission on earth.

Last night at church, my pastor asked much the same question that Tony Perkins of Family Research Council raised in his Good Friday address: "How can the worst day in human history be described as good?"

This is the day that Our Lord was crucified. It is the day he hung on the cross for all our sins. It is the day of darkness at noon.

The story of the last days of Jesus' ministry should be familiar to all. Knowing he would be killed, our Lord entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt. He was hailed by the multitudes, who lay their cloaks in his path, who spread palm fronds before him. "Hosanna to the Son of David," they cried. How quickly that would all change.

But it was a "good" day for us because it was on that cross that Christ took the punishment for the sins of all mankind upon Himself, so that we could have peace with God. He was the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." The second verse of the old hymn, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" speaks of His payment for my wrongdoing:

What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.

If you were not able to attend Good Friday services yesterday, you might want to attend Brookside Baptist Church's "The Risen Christ" musical program today, Saturday, at 5pm. It chronicles the events of Holy week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday through a choir and orchestra program.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the fact that Christ rose from the dead. If you do not have a church home, may I invite you to mine, Brookside Baptist Church. Easter Sunday Services are at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:45 AM. (There is no evening service.) It is easy to find; the church is located on Pilgrim Road just south of Lisbon.

To those of you who celebrate Easter, may you and yours have a blessed, joyous day.

Links: 

Have you heard about this idea? Earth Hour - Give our planet a break. It is Saturday, March 28th from 8:30pm - 9:30pm. Everyone on the planet is supposed to turn out their lights for one hour, to relieve our planet of the burden of Global Warming! (By the way, Planet Earth is not a living being, nor is it our "Mother.")

Never mind that last year, Earth Hour actually produced more emissions than normal. Hour of no power increases emissions- "THIS Saturday, the World Wildlife Fund wants everybody on the planet to switch off their lights for an hour in a 'global election between Earth and global warming', where switching off the lights 'is a vote for Earth'.": (My emphasis)

The efforts this Saturday certainly will be well-intentioned. Many of us worry about global warming and would like to be part of the solution. Unfortunately, this event - as with many public proposals on climate change - is an entirely symbolic gesture that creates the mistaken impression that there are easy, quick fixes to climate change. 

...

The campaign doesn't ask anybody to do anything difficult, such as coping without heating, airconditioning, telephones, the internet, hot food or cold drinks. Conceivably, if you or I sat in our houses watching television, with the heater and computer running, we could claim we're part of an answer to global warming, so long as the lights are switched off. The symbolism is almost perverse.

 

To put the energy saved by turning out the lights into world consumption terms, "Even if a billion people turn off their lights this Saturday, the entire event will be equivalent to switching off China's emissions for six short seconds." Now for the interesting part.

The Sunday Age reported last week: "An analysis of the key sponsors of Earth Hour reveals that most have reported increased emissions in their most recent figures." 

And it gets worse: the event could cause higher overall pollution than if we just left our lights on. When asked to extinguish electricity, people turn to candlelight. Candles seem natural, but are almost 100 times less efficient than incandescent light globes, and more than 300 times less efficient than fluorescent lights. If you use one candle for each extinguished globe, you're essentially not cutting CO2 at all, and with two candles you'll emit more CO2. Moreover, candles produce indoor air pollution 10 to 100 times the level of pollution caused by all cars, industry and electricity production.

 

Never mind that reducing CO2 has little to do with earth temperatures. There is scientific evidence that increases in CO2 levels comes AFTER rising temperatures, not the other way around. If you disagree, then answer this: How did the earth ever come out of the Ice Age (warm up) without the internal combustion engine and power plants producing CO2?

The article also raises another issue that I have wondered about for a long time but never saw addressed: In the time before trains, jets, cars, incandescent lights, and gas heat--when everyone on the planet burned oil lamps and candles for lighting and made cooking fires and burned wood, peat, dung, or coal for heat--weren't we producing a lot more CO2 than our cleaner power plants and heating systems do today?  Someday, I hope to read an explanation of that question.

I am OK with sending a message. I am also OK with symbolic gestures. But if you really want to portray what saving energy is all about, then turn off ALL of the power at your house and maybe send your utility company an extra $2 to symbolize the added Cap and Trade energy costs for that hour.

For those of you who don't agree with Earth Hour, how about "Human Achievement Hour"? 

The [Earth Hour] effort has its critics.

"We think Earth Hour, even if you are super-concerned about global warming, is a little lame, and we are making fun of it," said Eli Lehrer, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a Washington, D.C., think tank that supports limited government and decries global warming "alarmism."

CEI has announced a "Human Achievement Hour" to counter Earth Hour. The group says millions of people will participate by turning the lights on, going to a concert or seeing a movie. "It's obviously tongue-in-cheek," Lehrer said.

 

Saturday night, my lights will stay on. I especially want to make sure the United States flag on my front lawn is well lit!

Links: 

Yes, this week is a busy one. Tonight, Tuesday night, the Elmbrook School board decides on Pilgrim Park Middle School's HVAC replacement. Will they opt to include air conditioning?

I won't be there tonight, because I am heading out to Concordia University to hear Dr. Gary Locklair speak at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee meeting. His "Teach the Controversy, Creation and Evolution" lecture starts at 7:30pm, Tuesday, March 24th.

Wednesday, March 25th, is the Public Hearing on Gov. Doyle's budget, at State Fair Park, at the Tommy Thompson Youth Center behind the Petit Ice Center on 84th Street. The hearing is during working hours--10am - 4pm. If a worker really wants to attend, they must take time off of work! (The crowd might not be as friendly as anticipated if unemployed workers attend?) There is an online  Comment Form if you wish to weigh in but cannot attend.

A mini Milwaukee Tea Party is brewing prior to the hearing at 9am. Marv Munyon, founder of Wisconsin Capitol Watch, will be discussing the Doyle budget and joining the party.  

Wednesday evening, March 25th, there will be an Elm Grove Village Trustee Candidate Reception and Forum at the Elm Grove Village Hall. The reception begins at 5:30pm with the forum/debate running from 7 - 9pm. Municipal water is an issue on Elm Grove residents' minds. If you live in Elm Grove, attend and get to know the candidates: Charles Wickens, David Cook, Andrew Azpell, John Nelson and Christine Torkelson. Village residents vote for 3 out of the field of 5 candidates.

On Thursday, March 26th at 7pm, there is another Elmbrook School Board Candidate Forum at the School District administrative offices at 13780 Hope Street. At Large Candidates Meg Wartman and Charles Wickens and Area 4 Candidates Jean Lambert and Donald Moore will be answering your questions. Remember, all Elmbrook residents vote for both candidates regardless of what part of the district they live in.

What is on Friday? I think that needs to be a day off!  You could gather a few non-perishable food items and toiletries for the Boy Scout Food Drive pick up on Saturday, March 28th. Leave your donation bag by your front door by 9am.

Saturday, March 28th, Town Hall meeting with Congressman Sensenbrenner and State Rep. Leah Vukmir at the Wauwatosa Library (North Ave and 76th St.) at 9am. I understand attendance is up at these Town Halls. That is good news; people need to be more involved in government. Speaking of involvement, I wonder if State Senator Jim Sullivan will attend?

Links: 

It's that time of year again, The Midwest Gaming Classic comes to Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc this Saturday, March 21st, 10am to 8pm, and Sunday, March 22nd, 10am to 5pm. This year attendees have a chance to win a PLAYSTATION 3 or tickets to Six Flags Great America. Check out Midwest's website for details on the Gaming Classic weekend.

Pay one admission price and play all day: $15 on Saturday, $10 on Sunday, kids under 12 with a paying adult are FREE.

There are special events, tournaments, vendors,  seminars & speakers. Some of the seminars are geared to helping the hobbyist restore and learn about caring for their video and pinball machines.  

Area vendors, collectors and hobbyists bring their games to the show for play and for sale. Some of them are quite old and unusual--fun to just look at.

This year my son is bringing his Simpsons Bowling video game, which I heard will be part of the tournament. Maybe not as glamorous as when gaming champ Billy Mitchel set the world record on my son's Donkey Kong machine, but fun, none the less.

There is also a Computing Museum section, where you can see and PLAY old computer game systems. Everything from A to Z: Apple II, Atari, Commodore, Sega, Tandy, to Zodiac/2!

So if you are looking for something fun this weekend, go out and play at the Midwest Gaming Classic.

Links: 

ABC's John Stossel is having a new special on government waste Friday night, on their weekly news show 20/20. It is entitled, Bailouts and Bull. I heard John talk a little about it today, and one of the subjects he will address is 4K or universal pre-school. It sounds like it will be interesting.

I like John Stossel's approach. He usually is very logical and looks at the BIG picture. He is one of the very few sane voices in network news.

I better set the Tivo though, because I'll be at my church Friday night, attending a Prophecy Conference.  Brookside Baptist Church on Pilgrim Road is hosting it, and Dr. John Whitcomb is the speaker.

Friday night at 7pm he will talk about the Rapture of the Church, Saturday night at 7pm, the Judgment Seat of Christ, Sunday morning at 8:30am and 10:45am the Second Coming of Christ, and the Two Witnesses of Revelation during Sunday School time at 9:45am. He is finishing with the Millennial Kingdom of Christ at 6pm during the Sunday evening service time.

All of the conference subjects come from the Book of Revelation in the Bible. I admit I have never been all that interested in end times prophecy. I just figured I am good to go and it probably wouldn't happen in my lifetime. But the way things are changing in the world today, I find my curiosity is a little piqued. If you are curious too, come hear what Dr. Whitcomb has to say about it.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, BetterBrookfield, Vicki McKenna, Jay Weber, The Right View Wisconsin, Randy Melchert, Mark Levin, The Heritage Foundation, CNS News

Last Saturday, I attended the Americans for Prosperity  Defending the American Dream Summit. (Thanks for the invitation, John Block--AFP State Director.)

It was a great opportunity to hear a message all Americans need to hear. We are constantly bombarded with, "They are telling us the principles of Free Markets and Capitalism have failed,*" but the speakers at the AFP Defending the Dream summit encouraged us To Dream the ImPossible Dream!

It is possible to take back our country from the clutches of high taxes and socialism. But it will take effort.

I had a prior commitment Saturday morning, so unfortunately, I missed Joe the Plumber and a few others early in the lineup.            (Joe was popular. The line out in the hall to purchase books was l-o-n-g. all day!)

But I did hear most of the speakers and stayed until closing. I will try to post a few photos and comments from each speaker I heard later today.

For now, it is just a quick look at the day. 

The room at the Midwest Airlines Center was PACKED! Literally, standing room only. When I finally managed to get into the room, they were playing a clip of every conservative's favorite, Ronald Reagan.

I estimated there were about 600 people in there. Later I was told there were about 700 attendees.

Not everyone at the Midwest Center were happy we were there, the SEIU, Service Employees International Union, protested outside at noon. (Maybe a rainy day wasn't all that bad?)

Back inside at the summit, there were many standing ovations for the various speakers and ideas espoused. The RECALL of Governor Doyle received huge support. Orv Seymor from Citizens for Responsible Government got the crowd fired up with the idea that we can affect change.

We recalled Tom Ament,  Seymor said, then he went on to encourage us that we could recall Jim Doyle too! This won't be easy. He said, We need your help!

Seymor told us we will need around 10,000 petition circulators and must collect 500,000 signatures in a very short time. The effort might be launched by mid April. Stay tuned for that one.

A recall is a huge undertaking, but even if unsuccessful, the effort will raise awareness of the failings of Doyle's governorship and create a base of support for his challenger.

The Defending the American Dream Summit was important in that it helps us channel the anger and disappointment in our government and the direction our state and nation is going in, and put that emotion into positive action.

Yes we can take back our nation!

*Quote came from Steven Lonegan, candidate for New Jersey Governor. He spoke in the last session and told his compelling story of how this is NOT TRUE--not even in New Jersey!

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, BetterBrookfield, Vicki McKenna, Jay Weber, The Right View Wisconsin, Mark Levin, The Heritage Foundation, CNS News

Americans for Prosperity is holding their 2nd Annual Defending the American Dream Summit on Saturday, March 7th at the Midwest Airlines Center, from 8:30 AM - 6 PM. Among the list of invited speakers for the event is Joe the Plumber!

Check out the agenda. The theme of this summit is the "Year of Accountability", main topics being: Climate Change, Property Rights, Choice in Education and the Death Tax.

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Randy Koschnick and State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Rose Fernandez are on the confirmed speakers list, as are U.S. Congressmen Paul Ryan and Jim Sensenbrenner. There are other familiar names on the confirmed list and a few new ones too.

So consider going to hear, "Wisconsin’s foremost free-market voices, top experts on grassroots mobilization, and Wisconsin’s largest gathering of grassroots leaders from across our great state in a massive show of force for our shared belief in lower taxes and more limited government." The cost is $36 per person/ $19 for students. You may register online. 

UPDATE: American's for Prosperity, the group that delivered over 430,000 signatures on their NoStimulus.com petition to the Congress in Washington, just informed me that they also delivered that same message to Madison.

The liberals in Madison passed a 1.2 billion dollar tax increase with little input from the taxpayers of Wisconsin.

The misnamed "stimulus bill" that greatly increases taxes ... was signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday, just three days after the bill was introduced. There were no hearings. So much for transparency.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Vicki Mckenna, Jay Weber, The Right View Wisconsin, Mark Levin, CNS News

The Republican Party of Waukesha County are holding their Pre-Caucus Dinner on Tuesday, February 24th at the Country Springs Hotel. The dinner and program begins at 6:30 PM. Caucus Meeting follows.

Local talk show host James T. Harris will Emcee. The special speaker is John Fund, the author of Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy. The event web page noted that one chapter of Fund's book is titled: The Fraud that Make Milwaukee Famous!

The cost is $30. RSVP by Monday, Feb. 16th to: Candee Arndt, 2370 Woodmoor Lane, Brookfield, WI 53045, 414-732-7201 or candt2370@aol.com 

The problem of voter fraud has not gone away since the election; it has just been pushed out of the limelight by the economy and "stimulus" bill. I'm glad the Waukesha Republicans are addressing this important issue. James T. Harris is an excellent speaker too, so it should be a good evening.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Vicki Mckenna, Jay Weber, The Right View Wisconsin, Mark Levin, CNS News

Two very talented ladies hold a wonderful sale every October in a home in my neighborhood.

This year their sale is Friday evening, Oct. 24th from 7pm to 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Together they transform artist Heidi Dutcher Bohn's Brookfield home into a shoppers wonderland. You have to see it to believe it!

Heidi specializes in hand painted items: Seasonal decorations for fall and winter, picture frames, and tiles.

She paints kitchen items as well.

I believe artist Kim Keays' specialty is wire art, wire decorated glassware, and jewelry work.

Every room is features beautiful displays of their creations.

Many ceramic items are available too.

Seems like a great way to start your Christmas shopping or get something new for your home.
 

The Holiday Marketplace house is located at 13645 Tulane Street, Brookfield, WI  53005.

Tulane crosses Sunny Slope Road  2 blocks north of Greenfield, or about 3/4 miles south of Bluemound. Turn east on Tulane. The house is on the south side of the street, almost to Edwards Street. Just follow the signs.  

If you need more information, just call 262-352-5939 or 262-366-5565.

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.

Links: 

This weekend, the Wade House in Greenbush, Wisconsin, will host its 18th Annual Civil War Weekend. If you have an interest in American history, this event should prove to be very enjoyable. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.

I have not been to one of these events for 11 years but am planning to attend this one. (Photos are mine from 1997)

The event opens at 10am both days and closes at 5pm.

Not only are there a host of reenactment soldiers, vendors and craftsmen, they also hold actual reenactment battles--complete with cannon and horsemen.

From the Wade House website:

"In what has become the biggest and best Civil War re-enactment in Wisconsin, Confederate and Union armies set up camp on the sprawling, wooded grounds of Wade House. Visitors meet and mingle with the troops as well as civilian sutlers — civilian merchants who follow troop movements to sell Civil War-era merchandise.

Each day two battle scenarios will unfold. The historic battle scenarios feature cavalry, infantry and artillery duels between Union and Confederate troops, always a crowd pleaser at every Civil War Weekend. Download a schedule of events (PDFfrequently asked questions (PDF 59KB) about the annual event.

If you are going, don't forget to bring your own chairs! Much like the ladies and gentlemen watched the actual civil war battles from a safe distance for entertainment, attendees set up their chairs on the battle sidelines to watch.

If you have ear plugs, these would be good too. IT IS LOUD! Wear comfortable shoes--you will walk a lot.

Ticket prices are: Adults $12; children (5-17) $6; students and senior citizens (65 and older) $10; families $30.

For more information, Email: wadehouse@wisconsinhistory.org Phone: 920-526-3271

The Wade House is located on W7824 Center Street, Greenbush, WI

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post. Although I try to respond to many, do not interpret my lack of a response as agreement.

Links: 

I venture to say that every American born before 1955 remembers where they were and what they were doing the day they heard President Kennedy was shot. (I was in Jr. High science class.)

Likewise, for Americans born before 1995 or so, that morning we heard about the attacks on the Twin Towers will be forever fixed in our psyches.

We were heading back from our Way out West Yellowstone vacation--hadn't had a TV or radio on in weeks. Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota was our last stop. But as we approached the monument's parking lot, we were met by a Park Ranger, blocking the entrance. He told us to move on. That is odd, we thought. At the second parking lot we asked the Ranger at the barricade why we couldn't park, since Mt. Rushmore is always open.

I will never forget his reply. We are closed because of the terrorist attacks in New York and don't know if there will be others on prominent American landmarks. (Mr. Rushmore was considered a possible target.)

What?

We could see he was not in the mood to chat, so we drove on and quickly turned on the radio. Unbelievable. We listened, but could not process what was transpiring on the east coast. It was very surreal--especially because we were far from home. 

After topping off our gas tank and visiting the ATM we talked about what we should do. Go home? Stay put? We opted for staying in South Dakota. Plus, if things really went crazy, we figured better to be in a hotel than stranded on the road.

Numb, we muddled through the day, visiting Custer State Park, with the car radio on.

Our son was 12 years old at the time. My husband and I yearned to tell him everything would be alright. But in all honesty, we couldn't. We just did not know what lay ahead. The only thing we could assure was that it was in God's hands: 2 Chronicles 32:8 came to mind.

"With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."

We were all Christians, ready to meet our God. If He chose to protect us, great. If not, so be it. 

Our nation held its collective breath, waiting for something else to happen after those first 4 plane crashes. Thank God, it didn't.

After a few days, we started our trek home. Just as there are no atheists in foxholes, we saw "God Bless America" signs pop up everywhere--from gas stations, to fast food restaurants, to city hall marquis. People instinctively knew we needed divine intervention.

I really thought we could be in for a string of attacks. That life in America would come to resemble life in Israel, where attacks and explosions are commonplace.

But amazingly, we have been incident free. I attribute our safety to 2 things: God's grace and President Bush. Whatever you may think about the Bush administration, it is quite remarkable that we have not suffered another attack. It certainly isn't because the terrorists have forgotten about us.

"America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!"

I visited Fairly Conservative after writing this, H/T for article to THE Right Side of Wisconsin 

PS Just got in from putting our flag out. (Hadn't had it out for a long time...) Remember to fly it at half staff today, and don't forget to pray for our nation, leaders, and families that lost loved ones. 

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,  Vicki Mckenna

The phrase so close, yet so far away was never more true for me than yesterday. A friend asked on Thursday night if I was interested in going to Cedarburg Friday, That was just the nudge I needed. I said, yes!

Neither of us had ever gone to one of these campaign stops before, so we were greenhorns. We did manage to get there by 8am, but we could see by the crowd, that was not nearly early enough.

After waiting for a long time to get through security, something I should have anticipated, we finally were allowed through. Unfortunately, we were on the north side of the podium--the wrong side of town. We did have an excellent view of the backside of the press bleachers though! (Photo courtesy of another attendee.)

From JSOnline: Police said there were at least 12,500 who were admitted to the secure area and another 5,000 who did not fit.

The rumor was that when this Cedarburg stop was originally set up, they were expecting a crowd of 2,000. I think there is little doubt about what Palin and the convention has done for the ticket. (I think many people saw a new side to John McCain through his convention speech.)

Whitney Clapper sang the National Anthem and did an outstanding job. Dr. Ferry from Concorida University provided the invocation--not just some wimpy little generic prayer, this was a meaty prayer. (I should have taken notes but my eyes were closed.)

We could hear the speakers fine; we just could not see a thing. While Congressman Sensenbrenner was speaking, the guards permitted a crowd of attendees to flood the street, allowing them to get much closer to the bleachers, while we were kept back on the sidewalks. Many started booing near me. Poor Sensenbrenner! The boos quickly died down when the sidewalk crowd realized the street group could see no better.

We decided that we might as well leave our spot to see if we could get a better glimpse on the south side of the crowd. The guard informed us we would have to go through security on the other end of main street if we left, but we really did not care. It was pretty worthless where we were.

It was an interesting walk down the alley to the east of the main street.We could see the news vans,.sign distribution area (picked up a few), campaign "stuff" vendors, and of course...protesters.

 
I purchased a fabulous pin, featuring Lincoln (birth of the Republican party), Reagan, and now McCain.

We then headed to Tomasos Pizza where we could watch the coverage on the TV screen. There we met William, who told us he was right up front! He showed us some of his pictures on his camera and promised to email. (Many on the slideshow are courtesy of Bill and another friend.)
                                                                                                       Other people on the street had various signs, McCain face cut-outs, and some had elephant shaped auction paddle style signs. The paddles we learned were courtesy of John Murphy (left) of Mequon's BetterBidders auction paddle company. We met up with him later and he told us a similar pair, from the 2004 election, now resides in the Smithsonian! 

The crowd was very up-beat, despite 1,000s being turned away. People were friendly and ready to share or trade their McCain/Palin goodies. Even though we were not able to see the candidates for ourself, it still was a fun experience. The weather was great and the mood even better.

No doubt about it, the Republicans are energized!

Bits and pieces

A funny tid-bit:

"After speaking, McCain and Palin ducked into The Chocolate Factory to greet people. "I've got to get the moose tracks, please," said Palin at the counter. "Moose tracks, you know, near and dear to my heart. I can't go wrong with it." She was given a waffle cone with a giant scoop. McCain ordered sorbet; Cindy McCain ordered a brownie.

Interesting note: When an important person is in town, such as the president of the United States or presidential candidate, don't count on going to Froedert hospital's emergency room without calling first. Friday they diverted patients to other hospitals while the VIP were in town. (Learned this by experience.)

What to, and not to bring: My advice is that it is best to think of these events in terms of airport security. While waiting in line to pass through security, we heard you needed ID (didn't.) Also heard umbrellas were a no-no, so were American flags if the stick was too long. I think beverages were out too. Weapons of course are verboten and I think a scissors, letter opener, pocket knife, or anything else the guard might think could be used to hurt someone. The guard next to us was ripping the flags off the sticks and keeping the sticks, but my guard let me take mine in. My very short collapsible umbrella was OK (they did feel it though.)

Favorite homemade sign: This lady told us she came all the way from Tennessee!

Please, comment content should relate to the subject of the post.

Links: Lots more pictures on my McCain Slideshow 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,  Vicki Mckenna

They come from all over the country; people from all walks of life--from Rich Urban BikerS (RUBS) to hardcore bikers. The one thing they have in common is that they love their machines. Customizing is part of the love affair. I snapped this picture near Sturgis, South Dakota early in August. Many bikers, just like this couple, are coming to the Milwaukee area for the 105th anniversary celebration of Harley-Davidson. (Yes, that is a coffin shaped trailer.)

I found out about HOT TOPPERS from my Brookfield friend. She is a friend of Elm Grove residents Maureen Denney and Bob Lundquist, the owners of HOT TOPPERS. They needed my son the techno-doctor to pay a house call to HOT TOPPERS, to repair their 2 Harley themed pinball machines. When he returned, I asked him, What do they sell there?  He really could not tell me. Hmmm. I had to check this out for myself, and I am really glad I did! What an interesting place.

The HOT TOPPERS shop is located at 255 N. 121st Street, just a few blocks south of Bluemound Rd. and 121st St. What do they sell there? Why, HOT TOPPERS of course! Triple chrome plated ABS plastic covers for the various bolt heads on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The caps come in various styles and sizes and are easy to apply. Their hours are Monday - Friday, 9-5 (often earlier and later.) They are also open by appointment on the weekends.

How can chrome caps be that interesting? Because their bolt covers and chrome accessories shop also is home to their extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and motorcycle themed collectibles.

Everything from vintage toys to antique and collectible promo items, T-shirts, lunch boxes, collector plates and mugs are neatly displayed in their shop's garage. (This represents about 1/3 of their collection.) 

Their oldest bike is a French 1901 Clement. They also had a 1907 Triumph.

I believe this one is a 1914 Excelsior. They welcome visitors, and as their brochure states, it is a "Fun Place To Visit."

For more information on their attractive alternative to stainless steel bolts shown here on the HOT TOPPERS bike, see their website: hottoppers.com, call 414-282-5858, or email HOTTOPPERS@aol.com 

"Still the best bang for your buck when it comes to chrome!"

 Happy 105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson

You can also see their products at Hal's Harley-Davidson in New Berlin.

Links: 

Brookfield7, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, Mark Levin,   Vicki Mckenna

UPDATE: The Hot Air Tour rally location has been moved to AFP headquarters at 1126 S. 70th St, West Allis, 1:30pm.

Americans for Prosperity offers you 3 options to learn more "about the serious threat global warming alarmism poses to our prosperity, including legislation being considered by Congress that would more than double gasoline prices."

 All take place at Miller Park on July 26, 2008, 2pm start, 6pm game time. 

  The Tailgate party, Brewer ticket and Hot Air Tour Event is $21 per person. Tailgate and Hot Air Tour (no game) is $10. Hot Air Tour alone is FREE!

 Registration may be done online. Email any questions to Brenda Baas at brenda.baas@afphq.org or call 414-475-2975.

 Fight Back Wisconsin's Phil Williamson will be circulating his domestic oil drilling and oil refinery petition at the Hot Air Tour too, or you may sign online.

"Waterford native Phil Williamson is fed up with high gas prices; and is circulating petitions to get the attention of Congress."

We the people of Wisconsin would like to inform our elected officials in Washington that we are at our wits end with the financial burden that the high prices of oil and gasoline are causing. We insist that they vote for the exploration and drilling of oil in the United States and our boundaries (land and sea), and we insist that they allow new refineries to be built.

"If you don't sign up, please don't complain to me about how high gas prices are."
Phil Williamson

"Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org "

Americans for Prosperity is also the creator of the Defending the American Dream Summit 2008 scheduled for Washington, DC this October.

Click here to sign the DRILL HERE. DRILL NOW. PAY LESS domestic drilling petition and see the latest links to related oil news (updated every day).

Drill Here is now over the 1.3 million mark. The goal is 3 million signatures by the Democratic and Republican Conventions. 

Links: 

If you are a child, 4 years old through 6th grade, you are invited to Brookside Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School next week.

The theme this summer is Medieval Mayhem. (I think it is based on an Armor of God theme--same topic as our recent Sunday sermons.)

The Medieval Mayhem fun runs from Monday, July 14th through Friday, July 18th, 5:45 pm - 8:30pm.

On Friday, there will be a carnival night for all families and ages.

Oh, did I mention it is free?

Brookside is located on Pilgrim Road, just south of Lisbon. Address: 4470 N. Pilgrim Road, Brookfield, WI 53005, 262-783-6180

Click here to sign the DRILL HERE. DRILL NOW. PAY LESS.  domestic drilling petition and see the latest links to related oil news (updated every day).

Drill Here is now over the 1.3 million mark. The goal is 3 million signatures by the Democratic and Republican Conventions. 

Links:  

Do you have Memorial Day traditions? Actually, we don't. July 4th seems to have its usual rhythm: Brookfield parade or auto show at Holz in the morning and fireworks at Elm Grove Park in the evening. But somehow with Memorial Day nothing has clicked.

Maybe this year we will catch the 10:30 AM parade in Elm Grove since we live close by. There is also that wreath ceremony at a Civil War Soldier's grave at Oak Hill Cemetery.  I noticed at the Elm Grove Library a flier for a pre-parade pancake breakfast at the Elm Grove Women's Club. These are at least some Memorial Day options. What I don't like to see are holidays that become just an excuse for retailers to hold special sales.

While driving today, I caught a bit of Vicki McKenna's show. She suggested watching some good patriotic movies this Memorial Day weekend. Listeners called in with their favorites and she posted a list.  I thought that was a good idea--especially if the weather is chilly. Memorial Day, after all, is about remembering those soldiers who died to protect our rights, liberate others, and make our country free.

I stopped at the library to get a few good movies and found one not on her list. It is D-Day with Robert Taylor, Richard Todd and Edmond O'Brian. I have never seen it.

I was hoping to find The Lost Battalion, a HBO movie, based on a true story, with Rick Schroder. That one I did see before and thought it excellent. It is very bloody, but tells of the amazing courage of one man who just refused to give up. His perseverance to hold the territory in the Argonne Forest resulted in defeating the Germans. He portrayed a very godly man who was just set on doing the job given to him. I love to read or watch movies of ordinary people who do courageous things.

Another good movie on the list is the Tuskegee Airmen. This movie was very interesting because it told of the first squadron of Black Airmen during WWII and the prejudice they encountered. These men were real heroes and if memory serves correctly, earned the reputation of best support fliers for the bomber squads. Look for them the next time you are at the library.

Please share any of your favorite movies or traditions. 

I hope you enjoy your weekend and if you are a person of faith, take a moment to thank God for the brave men and women who gave their lives to make us and others free.

Don't forget the Music Concert to Benefit Chinese Quake Victims, Saturday, May 31st, 10AM - 1PM, Brookfield Civic Plaza

Links: