Why Newt? He dishes it back. Why not Newt? Because....

Newt Gingrich shocked many 2012 election watchers by winning South Carolina's primary on Saturday. South Carolina. Newt won conservative South Carolina, big time!

Despite very negative allegations by X-wife #2 the very week leading up to the primary, Newt still managed to surge ahead to capture 41% of the vote to Romney's 27%, Santorum's 17% and Paul's 13%. In exit polls, Newt even won over the Evangelical and Tea Party voters. How was that possible?

Now, I am no Romney fan (because of RomneyCare and my preference for a mainstream Christian), but at least I felt Romney was a somewhat acceptable default candidate for Republicans--he may not be a conservative with passion, but he would go along with a conservative led Congress. Hands down, Ron Paul is my most undesirable choice. But next to Paul, Newt would be my least desirable candidate of the roster--even when there were still 9 in the running!*

That said, I do love the way Newt dishes it back to the media, and I think that is why Newt manages to evoke a positive response--even with conservatives. He really nailed it on the head at the CNN debate, " 'I am tired of the elite media protecting Barack Obama by attacking Republicans,' he said."

And he is right about the media keeping good candidates out of the mix when he fumed, "The destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office..." Just look at how they have gone after Rick Santorum with questions about his wife and even his stillborn son. Or the relentless attacks on Sarah Palin and her family. Is it any wonder good people like Gov. Bobby Jindal or Rep. Paul Ryan shy away from running?

Dishing it back is the same reason people responded to Donald Trump. While I don't believe for a minute that he is a conservative, and I think he and Newt have similar problems with the women in their lives, I did enjoy his boldly responding to reporters questions and tying it back to Obama, who has been abysmal as a president.

Sarah Palin should have been a natural for running in 2012. After all, it was McCain's selection of her that brought some spark into his campaign. But the media so mercilessly attacked her and her family, they pretty much guaranteed her staying out this time.

Since I started writing this post, the 4 remaining candidates had their first debate in Florida. This time, Newt didn't knock it out of the park. While I can appreciate Newt's bold rhetoric, he is NO conservative. He has been all over the map on the issues--even in recent years--supporting the individual mandate for health insurance, supporting Cap and Tax with Nancy Pelosi, and supporting pathways to citizenship for illegals.

So as Newt and Mitt continue to bloody each other and Ron Paul is just, well, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum stands firm. They all have their flaws, but Rick Santorum to me has the least baggage and will protect American's Right to Rise. (If you agree, Santorum could use your help: ricksantorum.com)

We aren't just hiring someone who can throw a punch at the press or be good at debating. We are selecting a President, and the contrasts are clear. Look at the man and his record. The goal is defeating President Obama and his oppressive socialist agenda in 2012, not trading jabs at a debate.

*Any one of those 9 Republicans would be a far better choice than what we have now. To loosely quote conservative talk show host Mark Levin, I would vote for an orange juice can over Obama. I agree.

Wall Street Journal 2012 Election Delegate Tracker

Romney, Gingrich trade barbs in Tampa debate
Oops, Nancy Pelosi On A Gingrich Presidency: "That Will Never Happen"
Krauthammer: Santorum Can Hang Around If He Keeps Finishing Third

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Hope things go well for Target / Trader Joes: Public Hearing Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012

On a snowy winter's night last Thursday, a group of neighbors, District 7 Aldermen Lisa Mellone and Renee' Lowerr, Mayor Ponto, Community Development Director Dan Ertl, and some representatives from the Ryan Company gathered to discuss the changes the developer is requesting for the Underwood Crossing project.

Ryan Company's retail development director, Tony Barranco, explained the 4 changes to the approved plan and gave the reasons for the requests. All 4 seem very reasonable.

Though I have been in favor of the Target anchor store, at the Underwood Crossing Retail Center on Bluemound Road, I was wary when I heard they were requesting higher density.

But my fears were quickly alleviated. The request for the increased density from 35% to 40% is for the Jr. Anchor store adjacent to the Target only, not for the entire project. If you look at the drawing, you see the yellow is the original sizing, the red the requested size.

In fact, the density or Floor Area Ratio--F.A.R. (proportion of building structure to overall area) is well below the 30% standard. Underwood Crossing was approved at 16. If the increase in density for the Jr. Anchor is approved, it would be 17.2. If you notice the out buildings to the north, the Trader Joe's in right corner is now larger, but the center building is about half its original size. The bank to the west is smaller. (My adjustments in red are NOT to scale, and not yet approved, it is just so you get an idea of what they are asking for.)

The Jr. Anchor (still undisclosed but is some sort of home product store), is asking for an additional 5,900 square feet to be used mostly for merchandise storage, not retail floor. The additional space would be added to the east side of the building, with the majority to the back (loading area).

The other major issue is the request to increase the overall height of the light poles from 20' to 25'. Brookfield's standard is 20 feet. Here a 5' increase in pole height would result in 11 fewer light poles and less energy consumption. From what I could tell from the renderings Tony Barracano showed, the light pool would remain the same--in other words, here, they can do more with less. Because of the topography, the neighborhood is at a higher elevation than the retail center; the 5 foot increase shouldn't create a problem for the neighbors.

A 3rd request is to add Trader Joe's name to the monument sign on Bluemound. To me, Trader Joe's is the MAJOR attraction here. Target may be the largest anchor store, but Trader Joe's is the real star. Motorists should be able to see at a glance where the Trader Joe's entrance is. Trader Joe's logo is just their name in big red letters. It should go nicely with the Target. Ryan Company is not asking for a larger sign, just that Trader Joe's name be added.

I don't know if people realize what a feather in Brookfield's cap a Trader Joe's is for us. I know I have been wishing for one for some time. Evidently, Dan Ertl has been wooing them since they entered the Milwaukee market at Bay Shore.

Currently, that is the only Trader Joe's, and it is in a congested parking lot that is an accident waiting to happen. Still, people travel from more than 25 miles away just to shop at Bay Shore's Trader Joe's. I think we can safely conclude Brookfield's Trader Joe's will increase the success of every retailer located at Underwood Crossing. The least we can do is put their name on the sign!

The last item needing approval regards the berm. Initially, the berm's vegetation was not to be touched by the developer, but a section had to be cleared to connect to water. When the neighborhood saw how much better the berm looked after Ryan Co. restored the plantings with mixed evergreens, they wanted to see additional evergreen plantings incorporated into the berm. The neighbors are asking that undesirable trees such as Buckthorn and Box Alder be removed, and that Ryan replace with a variety of evergreens. They are willing to do this if they are granted the 25' light pole height variance. Ryan figures the money saved by using 11 fewer but taller poles would help pay for the $40,000+ additional evergreens to the original plan.

Bottom line: It is a case of give and take. From what I hear, Ryan Co. has been very receptive to the requests of the neighborhood. They helped clean up the former Quebecor site. They created a development that comes in well under the zoning FAR.

Their requests do not seem out of line to me for what we are getting. I hope it goes well for them with the Plan Commission and Common Council. Share your opinions at Brookfield City Hall Common Council Chambers Tuesday, January 17th at 7:45pm.

Submit your comments before the next Plan Commission meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012: I asked Alderman Mellone if comments could be emailed in, as we have in the past. She said yes. Send your comments to Alderman Lisa Mellone: lisa@betterbrookfield.com , Alderman Renee' Lowerr: renee@district7brookfield.com , Dan Ertl: ertl@ci.brookfield.wi.us and/or Mayor Steve Ponto: ponto@ci.brookfield.wi.us . After the Jan. 23rd Plan Commission meeting (if all goes well), Underwood Crossing Retail Center PDD goes before the Common Council for approval on February 7th. We are almost finished, but Dan Ertl informs me there would still be a "modest amendment to the project development agreement at a subsequent meeting".


Brookfield considers changes to development plan in advance of Trader Joe's Dec. 14, 2011
Public Hearing Notice

Past Posts: A Whole Lotta Diggin' Goin' On in SE Brookfield Aug. 24, 2011
Brookfield's proposed Target Store Public Hearing: Dec. 7, 7:45pm, UPDATE and maps Dec. 7, 2010
Can it be? A Target in Brookfield? How about a Trader Joe's too? March 12, 2010
In Praise of Aldi's AND Trader Joe's: Wish We Had Both! June 4, 2008

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Medical College of Wisconsin Dr. Bolender presents The Miracle of Human Development, Jan. 24, 2012

The Creation Science Society of Milwaukee is pleased to present Dr. David Bolender, Ph.D as their speaker on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:45pm. He will be discussing "The Miracle of Human Development from Conception to Birth".

Dr. Bolender is very familiar with this subject as he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy and Director of the Human Development Course at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "He also teaches Clinical Human Anatomy and Cell and Tissue Biology as well as advanced anatomy electives. ...he has participated in research on the role of growth factors in the development of the heart, limbs, and blood vessels."

Medical science has come a long way since the display of preserved human fetuses, so many of us remember, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. As I recall, there was at least one real specimen at each stage of development. The display dated back to the 1930s. Back then, and even in my lifetime, "details of prenatal development were unclear for many years and the subject of much speculation and misinterpretation". But thanks to improved technology we get a glimpse into this once hidden realm. Advances in medical imaging has given us this "window into human development in the womb." "Dr. Bolender will share many of their most amazing new insights in this presentation."

This meeting is not to be missed! Bring your family and friends to Brookfield Lutheran Church, located at 18500 W. Burleigh Road, in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:45pm. (The church is just east of Brookfield Road on Burleigh Road)

No wonder the Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 139:14:
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Did you know? Humans at about 2 months have webbed fingers, but our DNA also carries the instructions for those webs to die, once the fingers develop from the buds. This is called PCD or Programmed Cell Death. These webs "serve as scaffolds, supporting the emergence of more permanent and specialized cells". (Don't feel badly if you didn't know this; I only learned about it at the last CSSM meeting with Biologist Paul Frank.)

Creation Science Links: Creation Science Society of Milwaukee
Answers In Genesis
Institute for Creation Research
Creation Minute
4th Day Alliance

Future Speakers:
Dr. Gary Locklair PhD., Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 6:45pm, at Concordia University, Wisconsin
Jerry Frye, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 7:15pm, at Brookside Baptist Church, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Last chance! Your 2-cents against Hoan bike path & Trolley could save millions

Most of you have heard about these 2 transportation projects, the addition of pedestrian / bike lanes to the I-794 Hoan Bridge reconstruction project and the Milwaukee Streetcar project, sometimes called the Milwaukee Trolley. (I often refer to it as Tom Barrett's Folly Trolley.)

The 2 projects have little in common except that they are both located in Milwaukee, both serve a very tiny percentage of the population, both add to traffic congestion, and both carry a whopping price-tag!

The public hearings on both projects have passed, but you may still submit your comments via email until Wednesday, November 30th for the I-794 Hoan Bridge Bike Path and until Friday, December 2nd, 5pm for the Milwaukee Streetcar project.

Since both of these projects are primarily Federally funded, you DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN MILWAUKEE to submit your comments!

The Hoan Bridge Bike Lane Project: Comments due by 5pm Wednesday, November 30th - Email carolynn.gellings@dot.wi.gov

Bicycles on the Interstate? Though I have seen bicycle's permitted signs on interstates in other parts of our nation, these usually were in very remote areas where there were NO other roads. Here in Milwaukee, that isn't the problem; there are other routes that would allow for bicycle traffic. (Click link and scroll half way down the page to see street level bike routes.)

Another problem with the Hoan bike path is the elevation rise and drop. Very few bikers are in the kind of shape necessary to make this route practical.

And then there is the wind and weather component. Having recently driven on the high bridges on I-43 in a SUV through Green Bay, we experienced the gusty winds off the lake. I cannot imagine what the Hoan would be like on a bicycle! And what about biking or walking in the rain or in winter?

How many riders would utilize this route? Costs for just adding the bike path range from an estimated $9.5 million to $95.5 million for a totally separate structure.

Wisconsin DOT I-794 Project reports
Sheriff Clarke and Senator Larson clash over proposed Hoan Bridge bike path

The Milwaukee Streetcar Project - Comments due by 5pm Friday, December 2nd - Email comments@themilwaukeestreetcar.com

Does the price-tag of about $30 million per mile ($65 M total) seem a worthy expenditure to you for a streetcar in Milwaukee you will probably never use? How about an additional $32 million per mile to move the existing utility lines? So the initial route cost estimates add up to $135 million for that 2.1 mile route: $65 million for the trolleys and track, $70 million to move utilities. Plus, don't forget an additional $2.7 million a year to operate the thing.

And oh, if that were the only cost! For that cost only reflects the first 2.1 mile leg of the route, the anchor baby of the project, so to speak. Because if you look at the proposed route map, you see this $65 million original leg is only a tiny portion of the spider shaped route map (Scroll down the page to see 2nd map.) Keep in mind each mile of tracks laid carry the exorbitant expense of moving utilities, take up a traffic lane, and/or eliminate street parking along the route.

Why do we need this when a bus route would accomplish the same? I rode the Milwaukee Transit buses for years to work. It is beyond me why this expensive street-car is being proposed. A bus line would offer more flexibility in routing. Buses can be rerouted or eliminated to reflect demand. Plus, unlike Portland and Phoenix, Wisconsin has winter. Buses can run in slushy, icy, snowy conditions. Can streetcars on embedded light-rail tracks?

Giving back the high-speed rail "free pony" anchor baby
Milwaukee Streetcar Route and future routes
Streetcar Comparison: Milwaukee vs. Portland

So this is one of the few times your input, your 2-cents, could save millions of dollars--billions when you include the additional routes and other areas bike lanes would be added to Interstates.

Say NO now to this kind of spending--we can't afford it.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Former evolutionist Paul Frank discusses Creation/Evolution debate Nov. 29, 2011

Many people think the Creation Science movement is just made up of Christians who ignore the scientific evidence. Well, that thinking will be challenged by Paul Frank, this month's Creation Science Society of Milwaukee speaker.

Paul Frank offers an interesting perspective on the Creation/Evolution debate, since he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry. But even more noteworthy than his scientific background, is the fact that he began his college years as an agnostic and devout evolutionist!

From the CSSM Newsletter: "[Paul's] evolutionary beliefs were challenged when a friend presented him with a book entitled Studies in Creation by Dr. John Klotz. The book piqued Paul’s interest and the next book he read on the subject, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, marked a watershed moment in Paul’s life. The theory of evolution seemed implausible to him after reading that book. Incidentally this was the same book that Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe read that turned him from his evolutionary beliefs and resulted in his seminal work Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. To this day Behe’s first book remains a benchmark for the new ID movement." (My emphasis)

Paul Frank will approach the Creation Science / Intelligent Design movement vs. Evolution from a scientific, bio-chemical viewpoint--that genetic entropy (deterioration) rules out progressive macroevolution (major changes occurring over a long time), and "the necessity of DNA and proteins arising at the same time. He will also present a formidable argument against chemical evolution using probability statics."

In layman's terms, mutations cannot account for changes necessary for large scale evolution (one cell animals to humans or even fish to amphibian), because we now know that mutations just take away or repeat code that is already written. We also now know that new genetic information cannot be spontaneously added by chance, because that is mathematically impossible--the sequencing is far too complex for chance.

As you might have guessed, this presentation will be more technical in nature and is intended for adults.

Mr. Frank will present his talk on the Creation/Evolution Debate on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:45pm at Grace Bible Church, 2643 S. 117th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin. (Located between Cleveland and Lincoln Avenue on 117th Street.)


Upcoming Events: Dr. Gary Locklair PhD., Tuesday, February 14, 2011, 7:15 pm, Concordia University
Jerry Frye, Tuesday, April 24, 2011, Brookside Baptist Church

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Archive: "From Feninist Atheism to Biblical Truth"

Originally posted on BrookfieldNow, Sept. 21, 2008. Kitty spoke at a CSSM meeting in 2008 and has since joined the CSSM board.

Author Kitty Foth-Regner is the featured speaker at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee's September meeting. (See bottom of post for location.) The speaker's name means nothing to me*, but her story is compelling. She was an atheist/agnostic for 30 years but now is a Bible believing Christian. (It does happen, and Creation Science played a part in her conversion.)

For those who assume that any Bible believing Christian who also believes in Creation must check their brains at the door, Kitty graduated summa cum laude from UWM. She is a a freelance copywriter, co-author, and author.

So how did this atheist become a believer? Unfortunately, it took a tragedy. From the Creation Science Society newsletter,

When a mother dies, science and prophecy lead a grieving daughter from feminist atheism to Biblical Truth. Is there a God? A heaven? Will we be able to spend eternity there with our loved ones? And if so, can we find out for sure how to get there...before it is too late?

These are the questions asked eight years ago by a heartbroken woman in the wake of her mother's death--questions that she spent more than a year investigating...

There is a happy ending to this story, as is to be expected whenever someone sets out in sincere pursuit of the truth.

Kitty Foth-Regner writes about her quest to find the truth in her book, Heaven Without Her: A Desperate Daughter's Search for the Heart of Her Mother's Faith. "Her book is helpful for anyone seeking the truth about eternity, as well as for equipping Christians with a reason for the hope of heaven. Kitty Foth-Regner describes in often witty and moving detail how topics as earth-bound as origin via creation, genetic mutation and irreducible complexity can lead to heaven-bound joy."

I would think her talk would be of interest to anyone wondering if there is a God and did He create the universe. She is sure to strengthen the faith of believers and encourage them not to give up praying for atheist friends and family. Kitty lives in Waukesha with her husband and assorted pets.

Hear her speak on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Milwaukee Lutheran High School Library, 9700 W. Grantosa Drive, Milwaukee, WI (near the Greek Orthodox Church). Once at the high school, walk westward, under the roofed walkway, and use the main doors walking up the stairs to the library.

*Talk about a small world. Kitty's name rang a bell with my sister who said, Kitty is a member of our church!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

It's Veteran's Day: Thank a Vet, Help a Vet

Do you know a Veteran? Today is Veteran's Day, a day set aside "to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans." So make a point of saying thank you for your service today if you see a veteran. You also might want to drop off a pie, cake, or some other treat to express your gratitude. (Saying thank you is appropriate every day of the year to all enlisted and veteran soldiers.)

Another thing you can do that will help veterans and their families is to donate to the Wisconsin Fisher House project. Fisher House, was created to give families of wounded soldiers a place to stay while their serviceman underwent medical treatment at a VA Hospital. In our area, that would be at the Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Just click the link to donate online or mail a donation directly to them: Fisher House Wisconsin, 5000 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295.

Veteran's Day has always been celebrated on November 11th, but until 1954, the day was originally called Armistice Day, which marked the end of WWI in 1918. It was a day set aside to honor the cause of world peace and all those who served in that great war. The name was changed 57 years ago to Veteran's Day, so that veterans of all wars would be honored. This year's Veteran's Day is unique in that its date reads 11.11.11.

On this day, and always, Thank you, Veterans, for putting your life on hold, and for being willing to risk your life to serve our country.

Past Posts: It's Veterans Day, say thank you to a soldier today
Thank you, Veterans, for the final salute
Thank you & God bless you Veterans and enlisted troops
My Favorite Marine--Thank You Veterans!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Without Castle Doctrine, could I protect myself? 2 UPDATES

If you live in Wisconsin, do you have the right to defend yourself from an intruder in your home, without fear of incurring thousands of dollars for legal fees in court later?

Suppose it is near midnight, and you are home working at your computer. It is quiet in the house but then you hear a noise coming from your garage. You decide to investigate. But when you open your garage access door, you discover 2 men standing inside. One is holding a crowbar.

Can you, as the homeowner, defend yourself and be within the law?

Well, in Wisconsin, that depends. Were they intent on causing you harm? Were you feeling threatened?

What if they were escaped convicts?

That may sound a bit far fetched, but that might have been my scenario, had I decided to investigate a noise coming from our garage area in 1995. (Thankfully, I didn't go check that noise out-- it didn't even occur to me it might be a burglar.)

We were in the midst of a major remodel on our Brookfield home, and our garage was removed. The only thing keeping intruders out of our house was a make-shift, ill-fitting piece of plywood with a hasp and padlock covering our home's doorway.

And my intruders? A pair of escaped convicts from a Wisconsin prison! Their stolen car broke down on the freeway near our home, and the two climbed the embankment and scouted the neighborhood for an easy car to steal. That would be ours. Not only was our old Oldsmobile parked outside, but it was also a model known to be an easy target for thieves. Added bonus for them: all exterior lighting had been removed for our remodeling project.

The noise? I believe they were trying to open our plywood door but maybe decided against a break-in and just took the car. They used a crowbar a workman left out to break a car window and the column, to bypass the ignition, and away they drove.

As it stands now in our state, "if a resident uses deadly or severe force against an intruder and claims self-defense against criminal prosecution, the burden of proof falls to the resident to prove the force was needed to prevent imminent death or substantial harm to himself or others."

So without a Castle Law, had they broken in my home, would I have to interview the two as to their intent before acting in self defense? Oh, so you are escaped convicts, but you just want my car? You aren't here to harm me? Well then, you should know our car uses a bit of oil.

The Castle Doctrine bill would "create an automatic presumption of immunity for the resident...", ensuring that "courts in most criminal and civil matters would presume that property owners using deadly force had acted reasonably against anyone unlawfully inside their residence, business or vehicle, whether they were armed or not."

Wisconsin's Castle bill, AB69, passed the Assembly yesterday. Next step would be to pass it in the Senate today. There is some speculation if that will happen or not, for if not today, then hopefully in the next session.

I hope we don't have to wait until next year to become the 32nd state to pass a Castle Doctrine protection. It's time Wisconsin officially made a man's home his castle!

Post Script: The Castle law was not voted on today by our Senate. According to Quorum Call at WisPolitics, it moves to Thursday's calendar.

UPDATE 2: The Senate passed the bill Thursday, with 1 amendment, by a 26-7 vote. It then went back to the Assembly for approval. Next step is for Gov. Walker to sign it into law.

*Our car was discovered very early the following morning by a Milwaukee patrolman, who noticed it parked near one of the criminal's last known addresses. The broken window and steering column attracted his attention. The patrolman looked up the registration and realized it was stolen. The police then informed us of its recovery and the unbelievable account of our escaped con car thieves! Since we didn't even know it was stolen, it took me a while to process what the police dispatcher was telling me at 5am.

More Reading: Assembly OKs 'castle doctrine' bill backing residents' use of force on intruder
Law-abiding citizens deserve protection
Assembly passes bill giving homeowners more authority to use deadly force

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

How big is the universe? Find out at 'How Big is God?', Nov. 4 & 5, 2011

This Friday and Saturday, Wisconsin CHEA, Christian Home Educators Association, is sponsoring a multimedia event called How Big is God? at Brookside Baptist Church, 4470 N. Pilgrim Rd. in Brookfield. The event is geared to the whole family and is open to the public.

Tickets are $10 each or $40 per family (sold at door). Nursery care is available for children under 5. Separate activities are provided for K-3rd graders. Both Friday and Saturday events are included in the ticket price. (Saturday night repeats the How Big is God presentation.)

How Big is God? was created by the 4th Day Alliance and will use audio, visual effects, computer animation and laser star display to take the viewer on a journey that will explore the size of the Earth, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond. Specifics on the How Big is God Event

Schedule:

FRIDAY, November 4th

• 9:30 - 10:30 am ~ Creation Astronomy (geared for grades 4 - adult)
• 10:40 - 11:40 am ~ Astronomy and the Bible (geared for grades 4 - adult)
• 11-45 am - 12-45 pm ~ LUNCH: Purchase at church or visit area restaurants
• 1:00 - 2:00 pm ~ How Big is God Multimedia flagship presentation for ALL ages

SATURDAY, November 5th

• 7:00 pm ~ How Big is God Multimedia flagship presentation for ALL ages
• 8:00 pm ~ Star-gazing party on church grounds, outdoors. Bring your own high-powered binoculars and/or telescopes if you have them.

Hope you can attend!

Did you know???

Some people think the Bible only mentions creation in the first book of Genesis. But as you can see by the verses below, the theme of Christ the Creator and Sustainer is mentioned throughout the entire Bible, including the New Testament.

¹Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke
to our fathers by the prophets, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. ³He [Christ] is the radiance
of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,
and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...

Hebrews 1: 1-3 (ESV)

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Jay Seegert discusses Evolution: Probable or Problematic, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, 7:15pm

This Tuesday evening, Jay Seegert will examine the question many people have: Is evolution probable or problematic? - a brief look under the hood. In other words, does the theory of evolution stand up to closer scientific scrutiny?

From the Creation Science Society website:
"Jay developed this lecture after he attended a high-powered, invitation-only 3-day BioInformatics symposium at Cornell University this summer.

"Jay will demonstrate that various aspects of evolution actually seem fairly plausible to many people, including Christians. For example, a fish slowly turning into an amphibian… with the fins being slightly modified into short legs/feet and being able to crawl up on land and breath air. So from a certain distance or vantage point, things can appear to be quite plausible or look very good. However, when you “look under the hood” you see a completely different picture.

"In this talk, Jay will “take a look under the hood” regarding what actually has to happen genetically in order for a single cell organism to change into a human being. He will show how DNA works and point out a serious problem with the concept of evolution. By the end of the lecture, the audience sees how utterly impossible molecules-to-man evolution really is, even though portions of their story occasionally seem plausible."

Jay Seegert has degrees in Physics and Engineering and is also the Co-Founder and Principal Lecturer for the Creation Education Center of Wisconsin. He recently became the Ambassador for Logos Research Associates and joined The Third Rail, a project of the Biblical Worldview Broadcast Team. Jay served as the President of the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee for 3 years. Though I have not met Jay Seegert before, I have heard he is an excellent speaker.

This month's meeting* begins at 7:15pm at Zion Lutheran Church N48 W18700 Lisbon Road, in Menomonee Falls (at Lisbon and Brookfield Rd.)

Last February, Dr. Scott Hardin addressed this very issue. And while we can morph pictures of fish into amphibians fairly easily, adding the DNA genetic code necessary to change from gills to lungs, 2 chambered heart into a 3 chamber heart, or adding the vascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems necessary to accommodate these changes is impossible.

*Due to a scheduling problem, the Institute of Creation Research speaker was unable to come to Wisconsin for this October meeting.

Next month, Tuesday, November 29th, at 6:45pm, Paul Frank will discuss General Topics of interest in the Creation / Evolution Debate at Grace Bible Church, 2643 S. 117th Street, West Allis. (Between Cleveland and Lincoln on 117th St.)

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

It's Missions Conference week at Brookside, Oct. 19 - 23

Ever wonder what it would be like to leave all the comforts of home in the U.S. and pack off across the globe to share the good news of Jesus Christ?

This week, at Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield, you can hear first hand from people who did just that.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19th through Friday, Oct. 21st, each evening program starts at 6:30 pm with an informal Meet the Missionaries opportunity in the church foyer. Then at 7 pm, in the church auditorium, one of the visiting missionaries will be featured prior to the message given by another missionary.

On Wednesday, Michael ****, who serves in ****, will speak prior to Dr. Rich McCarrell, on the board of three missions organizations, and is the conference keynote speaker.

Thursday evening, Jonathan Farmer, who serves in Indonesia with his wife Sarah, is featured before Dr. Tony Fox tells us of his work in Asia, training independent church pastors there.

Friday brings back Dr. Tony Fox, this time as the feature speaker and Michael **** brings the message.

Sunday is a full day of missions speakers:
During church service at 8:30am or 10:45am, Dr. Rich McCarrell will be preaching.
Sunday School time at 9:45am features Dr. Tony Fox
Informal Meet the Missionaries begins at 5:30pm
Missionary Anne Dreiscbach is the Feature speaker at 6pm, followed by Jonathan Farmer bringing the message.

In all, we have 5 missionary speakers visiting to share their experiences in mission fields around the world: Dr. Rich McCarrell - Keynote speaker on Missions and his wife Sue, Anne Dreisbach - serves in remote, back-water Suriname (South America), Jonathan Farmer - Church plants in Indonesia with his wife Sarah, Dr. Tony Fox - Trains independent pastors and plants churches in Asia with his wife Pam, and Michael **** and his wife work in Asia.

This is a great opportunity to hear from people who followed the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 25:19 & 20:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Many of these people serve in areas very hostile to Christianity. Hope you can attend.

This event is free and open to the public. Childcare is available. Brookside is located at 4470 N. Pilgrim Road in Brookfield, Wisconsin (North of Capitol, south of Lisbon Rd.)

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald says he's running for U.S. Senate

I heard this morning that Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is going to run for United States Senate. H/T Jay Weber

If you are following this race, Fitzgerald's announcement makes it 3 for the Republican side of the ticket. (Former Gov. Tommy Thompson and former Congressman Mark Neumann are the other 2.) The winner of the Republican primary would face Democrat Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin in November of 2012.

At this point, I think Fitzgerald would be my choice. I have also heard there are 2 other very wealthy individuals teetering on the edge of announcing, so I guess we have to stay tuned!

Fitzgerald for US Senate

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Palin out: decides to keep driving from the backseat

Well, we didn't have to wait long for former Gov. Sarah Palin's decision on is she running or not. She announced yesterday that she is not: Sarah Palin 2012 decision: Not running*.

If Perry finds his stride again or Cain continues to gain momentum, I think it is good Palin is sitting out this Presidential run. We cannot afford to have the conservative voice split into too many directions, if we want to avoid a Mitt Romney nomination.

Palin told talk show host Mark Levin, "--that she can have a larger influence on the country out of office than she could in office, or as a candidate." If you remember, Palin was an unexpected influence in the 2010 elections. She campaigned for Tea Party candidates, many who went on to win. "Among the highest-profile of these was South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who surged in a GOP primary after Palin backed her."

And she is right, she can be more effective not running for President at this time. My husband refers to this as driving from the backseat.

Ever since McCain gave her the nod for V.P. in 2008, the media declared open season on her and her family. It is a shame they went after her with such a vengeance, because she is a solid conservative. As I wrote in August of that year, "She is young, energetic, pro life, pro gun, pro small business, very pro oil...what's not to like?" Palin would have been the natural choice for 2012 had the media treated her even with their usual bias.

I still think she would benefit from running for U.S. Senate from Arizona, to fill Jon Kyl's seat. Certainly our nation would benefit from her consistent and articulate Conservative voice in the U.S. Senate.

But whether she does or doesn't run, Sarah Palin is a champion for the greatness of America, and I am glad she is not afraid to say it. I wish her and her family well.

*Sarah Palin 2012 decision: Not running by Reid J. Epstein of Politico. I don't often credit the writer, but Reid used to be with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel some years back. Though I have not met Reid in person, he did interview me 2 times in 2004 and 2006. It is nice to see talented people move up the ladder.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

No Chris Christie, Perry raises $17M, Palin looking at deadlines?

So much hub-bub about Gov. Chris Christie reconsidering a run for the White House in the news. But it was much ado about nothing: Christie stated yesterday he would not run--no surprise there. Though I do like his ability to answer questions unabashedly, thinking Christie would become the champion of Conservative Republicans is puzzling. (Christie is a fiscal conservative, but he is weak on other conservative causes such as opposing ObamaCare, Global Warming, and immigration.)

The media is trying their best to push former Gov. Mitt Romney as the leader of the pack, and declare Gov. Rick Perry toast, yet Drudge today had this as their headline: PERRY POWERHOUSE: PULLS IN $17 MILLION "EXCLUSIVE: Republican White House hopeful Rick Perry raised over $17 million in 49 days, DRUDGE has learned. $347,000 per day; 20,000 unique donors from all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam. With more than half of donors living outside of Texas... Developing..."

Pretty good for someone who is toast.

Herman Cain has made a come-back. I think that is good, since he can raise issues against President Obama without the media playing the race card, though Conservatives who support Cain are still labeled as such.

But what do you make of this? Sarah Palin-affiliated law firm made early-state deadline inquiries Politico reports that sources say, "...calls were made on behalf of a mystery candidate to various early states to determine presidential filing deadlines." The article said that the filing cut-off is Oct. 28th. Guess we won't have to wait much longer. Maybe she is waiting to see if Perry bounces back in the polls, and if not, she will declare?

Personally, if Palin runs for anything, I would like to see her run for U.S. Senate in Arizona. The Senate would be a good place for her to help our nation by exercising her strong, consistently Conservative voice. She would also have an opportunity to burn off the media created negative baggage there. A Senator and former Governor Palin would be a strong Presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020, depending on who wins in 2012.

It is still early in the game; a lot can happen in the next 13 months. What I don't want is the media choosing Romney, the most uninspiring candidate for us, as they did last time with McCain.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Creation Science Seminar at Camp Timber-lee, Sat. Oct 1, 2011

It's back to school time for the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 1st, when the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee hosts an all day Creation Science Seminar, 9:30am - 4pm, at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin. All seminars and exhibits are in the Arbor Vitae Science Building.

There will be 4 seminars in all, presented by 2 Wisconsin Creation Science speakers: Keith Robinson, a public school educator, professional musician, and author of the sci-fi trilogy: Origins and Richard Marrano, a creation science speaker, who often speaks on the topics of fossils and astronomy. Here is the schedule:

• 9:30 - 10:30 am, Countering Evolutionary "Proofs" in Biology Texts - Keith Robinson presents an analysis of the top 10 "proofs" for evolution and how "the evidence is either misinterpreted, misleading, or downright false".

• 10:45 - 11:45 am, Implications of Evolution on Society - Richard Marrano shares how Evolution influences people's Worldview in Science, Medicine, and Social policy.

Noon Lunch Break

• 1:15 - 2:15 pm, Implications of a Biblical Creation Worldview - Richard Marrano informs us what nature illustrates about our spiritual world.

• 2:30 - 3-30 pm, Aliens and Evolution: Exploring the Connection - Keith Robinson asks us to consider, are we alone in the universe? He will also present scientific research that demonstrates some of the flaws in Darwin's theory.
  

In addition to the seminars, you are welcome to enjoy Timber-lee's Walk Through 6 Days of Creation exhibit and visit the Sea Shell Display. If the kids (or adults) need to burn off a little energy, attendees are welcome to use the camp's volley ball courts, game fields, and/or indoor game room.

The seminars are free and open to the public. You may attend as many or few of the seminars as you wish.

There will be a buffet lunch served in the cafeteria, but you must call to reserve your meal BY September 22nd. Cost is $8.00 per person, $4.00 for children 7 years and under. (Pay at the door.) Call Ken Bahr at 262-255-4643 to reserve. OR, just pack a picnic lunch and dine alfresco.

Whether you are a believer or skeptic of Evolution or Creation, this is a great opportunity to learn more about our world and science. I am particularly interested in learning about the so-called "Proofs" of Evolution in our student's Biology text books. Learning about the influence of an Evolutionary Worldview on society and how nature reveals God's divine nature also interests me. And in light of NASA's recent "plausible outcomes" paper, should aliens come to earth to protect other civilizations, I am going to stick around all day!

Timber-lee is located at N8705 Scout Road, East Troy, Wisconsin. (Directions to camp)
Call 262-642-7345 for more information.


FYI: You might want to pencil in your calendar for CSSM's next 2 events: Tentatively on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, a speaker from Institute of Creation Research will give a talk at Zion Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, and on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, Paul Frank will present "Evolution vs. Science/Intelligent Design, at Grace Bible Church, New Berlin. Both will be at 7:15pm. As soon as I know more about the ICR speaker, I will post the specifics.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation