Compassionate Badger

. . . a long day coming . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:21:00 +0000

President-Elect Obama

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

WoW

:o)

Last night, there was an impromptu march/rally on State Street in Madison. I was walking back from Williamson Street--where I watched the election results with some friends. Around 11:30 p.m. I rounded the capitol to see a crowd of 3,000-5,000 people making there way up State Street. The target was the Capitol steps and I joined the crowd in some chanting and friendly traffic blockage. Then, most of the crowd began to march to the other end of State Street, through Library Mall, and up Bascom Hill--a storied gathering place on campus at UW-Madison. Shortly after midnight, close to 2,000 people gathered around a statue of Abraham Lincoln seated outside Bascom Hall for some more chanting, a hopeful chorus of the Star Spangled Banner, and a spirited rendition of Varsity.

(the audio on this video is worth listening too . . . unfortunately, I couldn't pick out my own voice in the chorus)

It was a very cool experience to be a part of . . . and it is a reminder that change is within sight and the American people (not just hippie UW students :-P) are ready for something NEW!

I wish you well on this historic day. Enjoy it, but know the good fight has only begun--change will not be easy and each of us will need to continue to long for a brighter future.

"This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

"Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."

Peace, Love, Wisconsin
~b

See this article by The Badger Herald for more on the impromptu march.

"Don't Vote"

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:09:00 +0000

REGISTER and VOTE!

In Wisconsin you have until October 15, 2008 to register by mail. Visit Vote for Change to fill out a printable registration form.

In Wisconsin you can also register to vote on election day!

Are you interested in voting absentee in Wisconsin?

Obama-Biden 2008!

GO BREW CREW!

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:42:00 +0000

First time in the playoffs in my lifetime! GO BREWERS!

It'll be nice to have a team to cheer for this October--we all know the Packers are not gonna be that team.

:-)

NEW JOB . . . Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:00:00 +0000

I know it has been a long time since I've posted--and my posting will probably remain sparse . . . :-P

But I just wanted to let you know that I have a new j-o-b working for a student organization on campus that does GREAT work--PAVE. PAVE, which stands for Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment, was founded at UW-Madison in 2001. This organization set out to raise awareness and educate people about issues that surround sexual and dating violence. Since 2001, the organization on campus has continued to grow, and a national PAVE organization has been founded in Chicago.

The UW PAVE group also writes a blog, so I might be contributing some thoughts there at times.

Hope all is well in the lives of my readers.

~b

I Agree--President Bush and the Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:38:00 +0000

From an interview with a Thai reporter, Suthichai Sae Yoon (The Nation), at the White House (emphasis added).

Suthichai: You are going to Beijing Olympics.

President Bush: Yes, sir.

S: What is the signal? Because some people say that you are going there as a sports fan, but are you going as a sports fan or as President of the United States?

P: I'm going as the President who happens to be a sports fan. (Laughter)

S: Right.

P: No, the signal -- look, there's a couple of signals, and it's very important to understand. One is I don't think the Olympics should be politicized. I mean, it is a sporting event of the greatest caliber. Secondly, I am going out of respect for the people of China. This is a big deal for the Chinese people and I'm -- and that's why I'm going. Thirdly, I will have, and always have had, very frank and candid discussions with the Chinese government on a variety of issues.

And I'm confident that by showing respect to the people, to the Olympics, it will give me -- put me in a position to continue to having frank and candid discussions. It's -- when you show respect to a group of people, it gives you credibility when it comes time to discuss difficult issues. And we will discuss difficult issues in a very cordial and respectful way.

I am excited for the Olympics--which begin on Friday. :-0

U-S-A, U-S-A!

:)

How do you all feel about the upcoming Olympics?

WEEKLY DIGEST--July 28, 2008 to August 3, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:59:00 +0000

Posts from Compassionate Badger:

"350.org Calls on You to Take Action" posted on July 30, 2008 (Environmental Awareness, Sufficiency & Sustainability)

"Global Studies at the UW-Madison Awards Eight Graduate" posted on July 30, 2008 (Education, Globalization)

"Lewis Lancaster--the first to complete a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies at UW-Madison--Lectures on Buddhism in a Global Age of Technology" posted on July 31, 2008 (Globalization, Religion)

"President Bush to Set Another Record Budget Deficit--Senator Feingold Responds to the News" posted on August 1, 2008 (Economics, Government & Politics)

"Matt Harding Makes It Big . . . NPR Called for an Interview" posted on August 1, 2008

"Indecision 2008 Gets Real This Week--Obama, McCain, Stevens, Wattenberg; Love Affairs, Corruption, Starbucks, Neo-Conservatism--They Got It All!" posted on August 1, 2008 (Economics, Government & Politics, Media, War)

Posts of Interest from Other Blogs and News Sources:

~Media~

"More News, But Less 'News'" an artilce by Dick Meyer posted by NPR

"The benefits of a pinch of O'Reilly in a diet of Olbermann" an Op-Ed by Timothy J. McNulty posted by The Chicago Tribune

~Environmental Awareness~

No Articles in this Digest

~Community Empowerment~

No Articles in this Digest

~Sustainability & Sufficiency~

"World Bank Struggles to Prioritize Sustainability" posted by the Worldwatch Institute

"City of San Francisco Takes Integrated Approach to Sustainability" posted by triplepundit

~Agriculture~

"Crop progress in state called good" posted by The Capital Times

"New UW-Madison dairy complex now open for business" posted by The Capital Times

"Grow Your Own" an Op-Ed by Allison Arieff posted by The New York Times

~Globalization~

"Developing nations still playing catch-up with rich countries – UN trade agency" posted by the United Nations

"Doha Round Crumbles to Dust" posted by Inter Press Service News Agency

"Trade talks: The Doha round...and round...and round" posted by The Economist

"Doha's Demise" an Editorial by The Washington Post

"Who wins and who loses from Doha's downfall?" posted by Foreign Policy Passport

~Economics~

"Podcast on Capitalism and the Family" posted by The Austrian Economists

~Education~

"The Biggest Issue" an Op-Ed by David Brooks posted by The New York Times

~History~

No Articles in this Digest

~Government & Politics~

"Rep. Tammy Baldwin Comes Out for Impeachment" a statement by Representative Baldwin posted by The Progressive

"Feingold, Whitehouse introduce bill to help curb 'secret law'" a Press Release by Senator Feingold posted by WisPolitics.com

"Senate approves Great Lakes compact" posted by The Capital Times

"Bush Signs Sweeping Housing Bill" posted by The New York Times

~War~

"Iraq, Bush and the 'time horizon'" an Op-Ed by Selig S. Harrison posted by the International Herald Tribune

"Continued improvement in Iraq’s security situation, Ban reports" posted by the United Nations

"What if Iraq works?" an Op-Ed by Victor Davis Hanson posted by the San Francisco Chronicle

"Iraq and the Evolution of American Strategy" posted by Middle East Strategy at Harvard

"Regime change, Iranian-style" posted by Middle East Strategy at Harvard

"Afghanistan’s army: Good news from Arghandab" posted by The Economist

"As the Fighting Swells in Afghanistan, So Does a Refugee Camp in Its Capital" posted by The New York Times

"Pakistan to Send Special Ops into Tribal Areas" a post by Juan Cole on Informed Comment

~Peace~

No Articles in this Digest

~Religion~

No Articles in this Digest

~Sports~

"Local heroes" posted by The Economist

President Bush to Set Another Record Budget Deficit--Senator Feingold Responds to the News

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:31:00 +0000

PBS gives us the story on the latest federal budget numbers:

Whoever wins the presidency in November will be saddled with a record budget deficit of $482 billion, according to a Bush administration estimate released Monday.

. . .

But the deficit could soar even higher if the economy does worse than the White House expects.

. . .

A $482 billion deficit, however, would easily surpass the record deficit of $413 billion set in 2004.

Additionally, the new figure underestimates the deficit because it leaves out about $80 billion in war costs. In a break from tradition - and in violation of new mandates from Congress - the White House did not include its full estimate of war costs, the AP reported.

. . .

[White House spokeswoman Dana Perino] said the administration still stood by its goal of achieving a balanced budget by 2012.

"We hope to pull out of this economic downturn over the next few months because of the stimulus package," she added.

If we actually included our full war costs, our budget deficit would be $562 billion?!?!? I'm not so sure that "the stimulus package" is going to turn around a floundering housing market, lower gas prices, AND generate a half-trillion dollars in revenue for the federal government, Ms. Perino.

Senator Feingold had this to say about the new record in deficit spending:

The Bush administration will now have presided over the five biggest budget deficits in the history of our country. To say their budget policies have been fiscally reckless is an understatement . . . The new president and Congress will face enormous challenges, all of which are made more difficult by the fiscal mess left by the Bush administration.

Senator Feingold, I think "fiscal mess" is an understatement.

Global Studies at the UW-Madison Awards Eight Graduate

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:21:00 +0000

Last week, University of Wisconsin-Madison News released a statement containing the following:

Global Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has awarded the Scott Kloeck-Jenson Award to eight outstanding graduate students whose work will deepen international understanding and global social justice concerns.

Congratulations to the following 8 UW-Madison graduates:

Catherine Sikubwabo Honeyman, Educational Policy Studies

Erika Robb, Anthropology

Huai-Hsuan Chen, Cultural Anthropology

Joseph Harris, Sociology

Karin Butterworth, Cultural Anthropology

Kristen Molyneaux, Educational Policy Studies

Ozlem Altiok, Sociology and Rural Sociology

Sarbani Chakraborty, Curriculum and Instruction

Best of luck as you travel and study on a global level!

Miss Teen USA 2007 Question for South Carolina . . . Are You For Real?!?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:35:00 +0000

Take 1:

Take 2:

hmmmmmpppp . . . I'm not sure how to respond.

Good Thing I Don't Get Coffee @ Starbucks . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:05:00 +0000

. . . because Eau Claire is one of the cities in the United States that will be losing a store--Starbucks plans to close 600 company-owned stores by early next next. Five other cities in Wisconsin--Appleton, La Crosse, Madison, Marshfield, and Wisconsin Rapids--will also be losing a store.

As a side note, Laos is still far from overwhelmed by Starbucks, which has been focusing on its global expansion. New Mandala quotes Ruby Wax’s “Serene Dream: Ruby Wax thinks big in Thailand and Laos” in The Independent on 19 July 2008:

My dream was always to go to Laos before it got Starbucked to death by my people, before a great deluge of tourism washed over its enchantment. I was told to get there fast, before the crowds came. But you can’t reach Laos directly from the UK . . .

If you are interested in reading more about Laos check out my posts that are labeled Laos.

Fundraising for an Eau Claire Staffer--DONATE to Obama for America

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:23:00 +0000

In early July, I learned that one of my live-long friends--Chris Van Es--would be one of two Campaign Organizers working out of the Obama for America Eau Claire Headquarters on Barstow Street. It is my intention to fundraise for his salary. Please, help me meet this goal by making small, consistent donations to Obama for America through my fundraising page!

View Larger Map

As millions of Obama supporters across America make small donations ($5, $10, $15) to a campaign that they feel passionate about, we will see a change in our political system. Senator Obama's campaign is committed to changing the political process by building a campaign that is founded on a broad base of support from ordinary Americans. I am committed to helping Senator Obama realize that change.

Please take the time to DONATE today.

FINALLY! Indecision 2008 is back after a 2 week break.

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:21:00 +0000

The Daily Show, "Surrogates"

The Colbery Report, "The Word: Priceless"

Go Brew Crew!

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:52:00 +0000

I am off to Milwaukee with Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, and more family. We will be catching two Brewers' games on Saturday and Sunday. Last night's game was quite a disappointment. I am hoping for a better defensive showing. :)

I'll be back in action on Sunday to keep you posted on what is going on in (my/the) world.

The White House is at it again . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:42:00 +0000

I discovered this YouTube video by reading Grist.org.

Yes, the White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto, really did say that:

"These [oil] firms have learned a lot over the past two decades and three decades about their ability to go out and put a platform in water and extract oil and do it in a way that they're not causing any environmental harm at all."

Is he for real?!?!? . . . "extract oil and do it in a way that they're not causing any environmental harm at all"

Bog Snorkeling

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:41:00 +0000

Would this not be the coolest sport ever?!?!?

This is what globalization looks like . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:27:00 +0000

I came across this video while reading the blog by Thailand's Lost Boy. Matt Harding may just be the epitome of globalization--he did the same dance in 42 different countries over the course of 14 months. Visit Where the Hell is Matt? to find out more about his adventures. Enjoy this video--it made me laugh:

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo

Senator Feingold Enjoys Culver's Too

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:06:00 +0000

Yesterday, I went up to Bloomer, WI with my parents to talk about Thailand at a retirement home. On the way, we decided to stop at Culver's along Highway 53 to have some lunch. I saw a man sitting in a booth that looked fimiliar--I had to do a double-take, but I was certain it was Senator Feingold. My mom and dad concurred when they joined me at our table. I almost approached him and let him know that I appreciate his stance on FISA, but he seemed to be enjoying his ButterBurger a LOT. I am not sure if anyone else in the restaurant recognized the Senator--if they did, they allowed him to enjoy his 4th of July weekend "off the job".

It is always cool to see national figures in the Chippewa Valley; it is doubly cool to see them at such an everyday spot. Keep up the good work Senator Feingold!--I'll treat you to some custard next time I see you.

Schlitz Beer Selling Out in Milwaukee!

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:13:00 +0000

I couldn't avoid blogging about beer for 3 straight days. Check out this article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Within days of the Schlitz 1960s formula being brought back to Milwaukee, the beer was largely sold out - snapped up by both older guys who remember the beer from back in the day, and younger drinkers curious about the fuss.

A new shipment is coming to liquor stores and taverns beginning Wednesday, but it will be relatively small . . .

Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the Schlitz brand, is expanding production based on the heavy demand in Milwaukee . . .

I wonder if my brother, Nick, has picked up any Schlitz yet.

Here are my previous posts on beer from the last 2 days:

"A Sad Day for Wisconsin--Miller and Coors Become MillerCoors LLC"

"A New Type of Mile High Club"

Eau Clairer wants to be a "LEED-er" when it comes to the environment . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:28:00 +0000

This is encouraging to see. At the Plan Commission meeting on Monday "the plan commission voted to begin looking for ways to make the comprehensive plan more environmentally conscious. A big part of that discussion could involve a push for more LEED certified buildings." LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design, and companies--like Market & Johnson--are at the forefront of promoting sustainable solutions to combat our environmental problems.

I look forward to seeing policies unfold in the future.

A Sad Day for Wisconsin--Miller and Coors Become MillerCoors LLC

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:07:00 +0000

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has let us know that it is offical:

As of today, Miller Brewing Co. no longer exists — other than in the hearts and minds of those who worked there, and those who drank its beer.

The company once known as Miller Brewing is now MillerCoors LLC, a joint venture of Miller Brewing and Coors Brewing Co. The new company officially begins business today, following Monday’s signing of the closing documents by executives from SABMiller Plc and Molson Coors Brewing Co., corporate parents of Miller Brewing and Coors Brewing.

I'm not sure how the rest of Wisconsin feels, but I was saddened to hear this news. Maybe I am overreacting and need to understand that buyouts and consolidations are a part of the modern global world. Maybe I am naive to think that Miller and Wisconsin are somehow synonymous and, therefore, immune to outside influence--its kind of like the Packers, no?

Check out the new MillerCoors website--if you really want. :(

Thai Tennis Player Makes History at Wimbledon

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:41:00 +0000

The Nation reports:

Tamarine Tanasugarn became the first Thai to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final as she sent Serb second-seed Jelena Jankovic crashing out of Wimbledon yesterday.

Tamarine, ranked 60, took advantage of Jankovic's struggles with a knee injury to overpower the world No 3 and claim an historic 6-3 6-2 fourth round victory.

. . .

While Tamarine wept tears of joy on Court 18, Jankovic joined the growing list of top players to suffer an embarrassing exit from the All England Club this year.

. . .

Sunetr Tanasugarn believes destiny will fire her daughter Tamarine to her first victory over Venus Williams when both square off in today's quarter-final at Wimbledon.

An overwhelmed mother, who watched Tamarine's performance on a new 32-inch flat screen TV, said Lady Luck was smiling on her daughter.

"I believe she can stop Williams. Sometimes luck counts more than anything else.

"Tammy has had luck in her recent matches,'' said Sunetr, whose daughter has never beaten the American defending champion in six previous encounters.

"She had always wanted to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but she had never done it. As a mother, I had to support her dream and believed she could. She did it finally. I don't know what to say."

Also, see this BBC article.

Best of luck against Venus, Tamarine!

A New Type of Mile High Club

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:31:00 +0000

The Leader-Telegram reports that Delta Air Lines will begin serving Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. Sunset Wheat was first released in March of 2006 and is now available throughout most of the U.S.

This might change my mind when I book my next set of plane ticekts. I'm not sure about you?

Also, see this 2006 article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"How do you run an entire country with 1) no oil; 2) today's techonologies; 3) no government assistance; and 4) a relatively quick timeframe?"

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:11:00 +0000

triplepundit pointed out this YouTube video that features Shai Agassi, founder of Project Better Place:

All Major Regions are now Less Dependent on U.S. Markets than 8 years ago

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:54:00 +0000

What does this graph mean?

As modernization and globalization continue to advance around the world, the U.S. continues to become less of a dominating force. Countries and regions are able to sustain themselves without relying on exporting their goods to U.S. markets and U.S. consumers. Could this spell trouble in the future? It is definitely something that needs to be understood by our policy makers as our global economy continues to evolve.

2nd Annual Taste of Eau Claire Festival Lacks Any Asian Flavor

noreply@blogger.com (Compassionate Badger) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:42:00 +0000

This years's Taste of Eau Claire Festival at Phoenix Park was, by all measures, a success. The Leader-Telegram, WQOW, and WEAU all pointed out that attendance was up, the food was good, and the weather was beautiful.

The charity that benefits from this annual event--United Way of Greater Eau Claire--was surely happy with the outcome. So too, I'm sure, were the other event sponsors, which included Volume One and WHYS 96.3 FM--Eau Claire Community Radio.

However, I walked away from the 2nd annual Taste of Eau Claire not COMPLETELY satisfied. Take a quick look at the 30 Vendors that had booths this year and tell me what is missing:

Burrachos
Obsession Chocolates
Mike's Smokehouse
The Coffee Grounds
Haymarket Grill
Simply Chocolate
Houligan's Steak & Seafood Pub
Bear Creek Grille
Franzwa's Cafe & Custom Catering
Dessert First Bakery Cafe
Famous Dave's
Westgate Sportsman's Club
All Star Catering
Norske Nook
Porter's
Blakelee's Chocolates & Sweet Things
Boston's
Fischers' on the Green
Outback Steakhouse
TGI Friday's
Texas Roadhouse
Nolechek's Meat and Cheese Shop
Hahn's Market
Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar
Main Street Cafe
The Stones Throw
Fazoli's
Jr. Volunteers Concessions
Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
Becki's Mediterranean Olive Salsa

The title of this post must give you some idea of what I thought was lacking--there was not a single local Asian restaurant on the list. Yet, event organizers thought it was necessary to invite large chain restaurants like Fazoli's, Outback Steakhouse, and TGI Friday's! Granted, Asian Americans do not make up a huge portion of the Chippewa Valley community--but, 3.66% of the population should account for something. And when it comes to food, Asian restaurants certainly have a prominent share of local owned community restaurants. If you have ever attended the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers' Market you would see Asian Americans vendors occupying 1/2 the booths.

When we put on an event titled "The Taste of Eau Claire", is it that we do not consider our Asian American neighbors to really be a part of our Eau Claire community? Next year, I hope the planners of this wonderful event will consider extending an invitation to any of the great Asian food places in town: Pad Thai, Noodle Wrap, Asian Cafe, etc.

That is all I have to complain about, because I really did enjoy myself at the 2nd annual Taste of Eau Claire. A great music line-up featured four bands with local roots:

Eau Claire Blues All-Stars
Ultimate Frisbee Orchestrea
Yam Cannon
All Live Funk

Here are some photos from the day--blue skys!

~mmmmmmmmmm...Cheese Curds~

~Phoenix Park~

~a crowd gathers to enjoy the music~

~a kid fishing down by the Chippewa River~

~a shot of the festival from the walking bridge~

~VolumeOne rocks!~

~fun for all ages~

I'm sure I'll be attending the 3rd annual Taste of Eau Claire Festival--hopefully I can get some egg rolls.