Evansville Observer

Nostalgia: 2014: The Legend of Theodore Robinson

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:26:00 -0500

Many years ago, Chris Eager, the then president of UBT bank, and activist in the move to create the Evansville Senior Center, came to a meeting of the Evansville School Board, to introduce the concept of the Evansville Community Center, and why it was expanded to a broader concept to get public support...during the question and answer period, he was asked why the middle school was called the "Theodore Robinson Middle School"--to which he replied, " Theodore Robinson was a student here who left and became a great painter in Europe, studying under some of the great masters...and our goal for our city and school should not be to be able to say that we have created graduates that have lived their whole lives in Evansville, but that we have launched students to form successful lives and families and careers." I who had favored the name "Grove School" was stunned, and recognized instantly that Chris was right....I hope to launch our children to the larger world, and even ouselves, and to be able to say to strangers, "I am from Evansville, Wisconsin."

Nostalgia: Memories of Phil Laut, author of "Money is my Friend"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:22:00 -0500

Years ago, back in 1981 or so, Phil Laut came to Minneapolis and held an informal seminar with publishers and friends to discuss his book, Money is My Friend, and review his rough draft for a new book he was considering...One of the topics he went over that night was the concept of "Courage." Many folks envision "courage" as taking large bold moves. This he explained was the delusion of the young and inexperienced...and when teachers tell their students to be "extremely bold and be very big risk takers"---kids take that advice and proceed to do some really dumb things... The reality as he saw it, was that "courage" happens ONE step at a time....one step moving QUIETLY toward a destination is far more powerful than loud big steps...that one small step is done with the "fire within"... a quiet fire that allows one to proceed, one step at a time, which gathers steam over time... I always remember that seminar. Ya...courage is kind of like sipping a brandy slowly as opposed to yelling loudly for another cheap beer....and yes, out of a fine glass helps..

Nostalgia: Inherited Millionaires discuss how to solve the War on Poverty: 2014: Tales fromNormal, Mn.

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:16:00 -0500

The distinguished "Petunia Society", an association of ladies of distinction in the northern tundra of Normal, Mn. met Wednesday last to discuss how to solve the War on Poverty. A panel of two distinguished wives of local millionaires led a presentation of their best ideas....stay tuned as I follow this story.

Nostalgia: Tales from Normal, Mn 2020: "Your sins might NOT be forgiven"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:07:00 -0500

Shocking news out of the Our Lady of Perpetual fishermen parish in Normal,Mn. It seems that after the annual comprehensive liturgical audit of the local diocese it was uncovered that at the baptism of Pastor Buddy, the very popular pastor of the local parish, the minister used the words "WE baptise you in the name of".... the deacon thus made a fatal error. The correct wording is "I baptise you"..... Following liturgical logic thus all religious events in the life of Pastor Buddy are null and void. From the purely divine perspective What does this mean for you oh devoted reader? It means that everything you ever confessed to Pastor Buddy over your lifetime must be reconfessed again. With no mistakes. Or you will surely suffer the flames of hell. it may be hard for some of you to remember it all. Sometimes our memory fades on where we have failed. What to do? Simply ask your spouse. Asking your old girlfriends might be impossible. I do not recommend it. Stay tuned as i follow this story.

Nostalgia; 9/20/2014: "After Two Manhattens, General Seeks a Wider War". Tales From Normal, Mn: FICTION

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:38:00 -0500

Just got the tweet....from my bass fishermen friends in Normal, Mn....who went to happy hour last Friday nite at a night club that will remain nameless...anyway...just after happy hour closed, which had been offering highballs on a two for one basis...a local retired General, who had been a legendary paratrooper in his younger years, stood up and announced to the crowd of elders surrounding him...that he was ready for a wider war...and would be seeking support among them....well...everybody cheered...as was usual after a bout of heavy drinking...stay tuned as I follow this story.

Nostalgia: December 2008: "The GOOD old Days---the poem

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:33:00 -0500

Whatever happened

to the GOOD old days.
in 1959
when even the Webster dictionary
didn't include the word "sex"
I know.
I checked. Maybe it was the
elementary school version.

Those were the days.
The GOOD days
before the liberals
and the radicals ruined the 60's
with all their bra burning.

Those were the days of bee bop,
Danny and the Juniors, "At the Hop",
and "Come let's Stroll" were the rage.

Those were the days
when ignorance was godliness.
When stupidity was a mission from God.
And
we were PROUD of it.

Maybe
If
We pray real hard
in 2008
that
stupidity
and godliness
will
return
Whoops
It
Has

Nostalgia: December 2007: "Cellphone Love"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:27:00 -0500

Cellphone Love

(Ed. note. The Observer was surprised to find this little poem tucked into a book he was reading at the local library.)

Cell Phone Love

I love
The Way you love me
Cellphone
Always ready and
There for me

Always opening up
With the flip of the wrist
Always Ready
Unless
Your battery is
Low

I love how you fit on
My ear
Always ready
to hear my Every
Little
Word

I love how you
take my picture
constantly
even when noone
else cares

I love you
Cellphone
You are
all
mine
on a monthly basis
subject to disconnect

Nostalgia: March 30, 2007: The Decider's Prayer

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:18:00 -0500

believe
in academic
freedom
as long
as
there's no
time for
questions

I believe
in
diversity
as long as
there's no
time for
differences

I believe in
sharing
feelings
as long as
there's
no time for
change

I believe
in
globalization
as long as
there is
no interference
in corporate
takeover

I believe in
authority and
responsibility
as long as
there's no
micro
management of
my
performance

I believe in
war for
eternal
freedom
as long as
it
continues
forever....or
at least
till I
leave office

Nostalgia: 2025: The China Bromance is Dead

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:52:00 -0500

Back in 1972 the China Bromance began after Nixon visited China with Henry Kissinger. As the love story developed, I always thought we would buy their bargain priced goods and we would sell them our higher level technology, and along the way show them how democracy worked and the magic of human rights.

It's been 50 years. No deal. Seems we learned more about their authoritarian ways than they learned from us.

Being positive: We can go back to Rotary phones. There was a time we were adults and could use a map when we traveled. We could survive without our phone tracking our every step. We could speak without our TV or phone recording us secretly.

When we fish-- we can go back before electronic fish finders and go to our favorite spots on the lake. We can just pop the small trolling motor onto the boat and fish in the early morning with the family. No big pontoon with the luxury fish storage bin in the back. Yes the good old days.

And other good news: When couples go out to dinner, they won't be spending all their time staring at their phones and will actually talk to each other. It could be wonderful. A real reversal of attention deficit disorder.

And drivers will actually drive their cars rather than stare at their phones. Biking will be a lot safer. Yippie.

Nostalgia: 2008: Jesse Ventura Corner: Publishers Rush to remove lies from books

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:44:00 -0600

Just got the tweet from the bass fishermen at Betty Lou's---wild celebrations this morning with free coffee for all as they celebrated the legal victory of Jesse "the body" Ventura in his lawsuit for defamation....and in a postscript, the publisher of the book, HarperCollins is removing the chapter of the book in question...and all over New York this morning, and yes in Wisconsin too, publishers, who are people, cause corporations are people under the Constitution now---publishers are rushing to review their books to see whether they can paste over the lies, or maybe just remove the books from publication...and in related news, the Normal Minnesota Library announced today that they have removed 500 books from circulation...and they were non-fiction...they kept all the light romance novels...which are the most popular requests in the frozen tundra...and all over America online book publishers are wondering where to begin....their first thought is to just publish fiction....stay tuned as I follow this story.

Book Review: The Art of War: Key points to remember and Quiz

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:45:00 -0600

Ten Key Points from The Art of War

Win Without Fighting: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy's resistance without a battle, using superior strategy, diplomacy, and positioning.
Know Yourself and Your Enemy: To ensure victory, you must have a deep understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent. If you know neither, you will succumb in every battle.
All Warfare is Based on Deception: Achieve strategic advantage by misleading the enemy. Appear weak when you are strong, strong when you are weak, far when near, and near when far.
Preparation and Planning are Paramount: Victory is determined before the battle is fought through meticulous calculation and planning. A victorious general makes many calculations in their temple before a battle, while a defeated general makes few.
Avoid Strength, Strike Weakness: Military tactics are like water: water avoids high places and rushes to low ground. In war, avoid the enemy's strengths and strong points and attack where they are unprepared and weak.
Adaptability and Flexibility are Key: There are no constant conditions in warfare. A skilled commander adapts tactics to changing circumstances, just as water shapes its course according to the ground over which it flows.
Speed is the Essence of War: Protracted warfare drains an army's strength, morale, and a state's resources. Campaigns should be swift and decisive to achieve victory at minimum cost.
Leadership Matters: A good commander embodies virtues like wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness. A disciplined and unified army, where all ranks share the same spirit, is essential for success.
Utilize Intelligence and Espionage: Information is a vital asset. The use of spies (local, inward, converted, doomed, and surviving) is crucial for gathering intelligence and keeping the enemy in the dark about your own intentions.
Choose Your Battles Wisely: Focus your energy and resources on battles that offer an advantage and a high probability of success. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.

Multiple Choice Quiz

According to Sun Tzu, what represents "supreme excellence" in the art of war?
A) Winning every battle
B) Achieving victory without fighting
C) Successfully besieging a city
D) Direct combat
What is essential for ensuring victory in every engagement?
A) A larger army
B) Understanding yourself and your enemy
C) Government support
D) Surprise attacks
Sun Tzu states that all warfare is based on _________.
A) Power
B) Bravery
C) Deception
D) Swiftness
If the enemy is stronger, what tactic does Sun Tzu suggest?
A) Immediate assault
B) Provocation
C) Evasion or retreat
D) Siege tactics
What natural element does Sun Tzu use to illustrate the adaptability of military strategy?
A) Fire
B) Wind
C) Rock
D) Water
According to Sun Tzu, what undertaking is detrimental to a state?
A) Diplomacy
B) Prolonged conflict
C) Using spies
D) Training troops
Which quality is NOT listed as a potential flaw in a general?
A) Recklessness
B) Cowardice
C) Wisdom
D) Impatience
What is the function of "doomed spies"?
A) To collect enemy intelligence
B) To persuade enemy personnel
C) To be sacrificed to mislead the enemy
D) To gather local information
When does a victorious general make numerous calculations?
A) During combat
B) Before engaging in battle
C) After the enemy's initial move
D) Based on troop morale
The concentrated "energy" of troops can be compared to what?
A) A bent crossbow
B) A swift river
C) A sudden storm
D) An unassailable position

Answer Sheet

B) Achieving victory without fighting
B) Understanding yourself and your enemy
C) Deception
C) Evasion or retreat
D) Water
B) Prolonged conflict
C) Wisdom (Wisdom is considered a virtue)
C) To be sacrificed to mislead the enemy
B) Before engaging in battle
A) A bent crossbow

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Nostalgia: 2008: Bear Trader writes about "self-reliance". About the secrets of Walden Pond

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:39:00 -0600

(Ed.note: Last Sunday, in conversing with "Bear Trader" he made a comment on the simple life to come if the markets came down this week, and one of the group mentioned Thoreau---and then Bear Trader made a comment about Thoreau having his mom do his laundry--which I disputed. Here is his reply:)

We were talking last Sunday about H. D. Thoreau. I made a reference to
Thoreau, while at Walden Pond, having his mother and sister do his
washing. I remember reading this in an edition of Walden. Here is the
excerpt.

From pages xxii and xxiv of Stephen Fender's introduction to the Oxford
World Classics edition of Walden, available at Amazon.

"The central question is, who is 'Thoreau" There is the man who wrote
Walden and the voice that talks to us out of its pages. The 'Thoreau'
inside Walden 'can do without the post office' and disparages
newspapers. But according to his contemporary, and Walden's first
editor, Frank Sanborn, 'few residents in Concord frequented the post
office more punctually or read the newspapers...more eagerly than
Thoreau'. What looks like a solitary life in the woods was nothing of
the kind. The woods themselves were sparser around Concord and Walden
than at any time before or since in the natural history of the area.
(That is why Emerson wanted Thoreau to plant new trees there.) Walden
Pond was not a wilderness, but a popular resort of the townspeople.
Thoreau did not really 'live' at Walden - more like camp out - and his
life was anything but solitary. He was continually in and out of town,
or receiving visitors at his cabin. Though on p.56 he slyly admits to
having 'dined out occasionally', in fact he ate regularly at other
people's houses in Concord in return for odd jobs. Walter Harding notes
that almost every Sunday dinner was shared with Emerson and his family,
and that on his way back from Concord to the Pond he would call in on
Edmund Hosmer, often staying for supper. Emerson's house was just over
a mile from Walden down Brister's Hill. With equal frequency Thoreau
would call in at the house of his mother and sister on Main St., a walk
of a mile and a half down the railroad tracks to Concord, to eat a meal
and get his washing and mending done, sometimes in return for odd jobs."
ReplyReply All Move...Spam

Nostalgia: 2005: Tales from Normal, Mn : "Milk Baby Milk"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:26:00 -0600

Well all the dairy farmers in the midwest are getting ready-----ready to milk all the cows 24/7 since many,...most of their milking staff could be deported. In short the cost of milk could be going through the roof.

It has surely been a while since those dairy farms were a small family affair..no vacations etc all the very large milking machines changed that so it will be interesting to see all those aging baby boomers picking up the mantle. Stay tuned.

Nostalgia: 2014: Tales from Normal, Mn: FICTION : 450 new Craft Beers---No new jobs

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:46:00 -0600

Just got the tweet---from the economic development committee of Normal, Mn.---local pubs in Normal, Mn have added 450 new craft beers....but there are NO new jobs to report in this community....and this seems to be the norm in America...stay tuned.

Nostalgia: 2022: National Day of Fraud Repentence scheduled in Normal, Mn.: FICTION

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:35:00 -0600

A national Day of Fraud repentance will be celebrated on Sunday January 30,2022 in Normal, Minnesota. This will be a day long event held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Because of the overwhelming interest in this event reservations are required. This event is principally designed for penitant corporate executives. Trained evangelical ministers will be available to hear your confession and prosecutors will also be available to suggest plea agreements. This is a special opportunity for corporate whistleblowers to invite their CEO's to attend this event. There is no admission charge and in fact the whistleblower with the largest fraud referral will receive a special prize

Nostalgia: 2006: "The Christmas Story"---a true Story

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:25:00 -0500

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2006

"The Christmas Story"---a true story

Some years ago, I had the pleasure of being a computer salesman in a retail store. It was a cold and snowy Christmas Season, and as of December 15th, I had not seen the surge of Christmas Shoppers that I had expected. Then it happened.

One night right before closing, a young man entered the store and announced, " I am looking for a computer to give my child for Christmas."

"Alleluia," I silently exclaimed.

"Well " I said, "What are you looking for?"

" I want nothing but the best for my child," he replied.

So, I went and showed him the very best computer I had. I told him of the need for extra ram memory and also why a super resolution graphics card could be a big plus for him.

He was enthusiastic.

"I like what I see," he said. "I want the best."

I then went over monitors, and explained why a child might like a larger monitor so if several kids were playing at the computer, both could comfortably see the screen.

"I want the best," he exclaimed. "That high res. one looks best."

Then I happened to be playing a space rocket game and showed him how the high quality joy sticks worked and why they were expensive, but well worth it.

He tried his hand at the controls, and was impressed. " I want the best joy sticks you have."

I carefully wrapped all the equipment up and containing my excitement processed his Mastercard------it was approved. Bravo! It was the largest sale I had ever made. In my mind, I began ordering Chinese from the neighborhood restaurant for a special treat for the family.

Then I helped him load the equipment into his car.

"Merry Christmas," I exclaimed. "And by the way, how old is this lucky child of yours?"

"Two months," he said, "But he'll grown it. I want nothing but the best for my child. "

Nostalgia: Tales from Normal Minn: Fiction : February 2025". :Patriot Dairy Farmers get their Firehose washed and ready to "Milk Baby Milk"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:30:00 -0500

Nostalgia: 2006: Planning Commission: "Is it Complete?"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:23:00 -0500

Nostalgia: Plan Commission: April 2006; Is it "Complete"?"

(Ed. note: The following is a portion of the minutes of the Evansville plan commission minutes of April 2006)

Mr. Connors distributed a revised draft 4/3/06 of the Amended Final Land Divider’s Agreement - Westfield Meadows at this meeting and reviewed the changes with the Commission. Mr. Sauer expressed concerns regarding the minimum elevation that will be permitted for openings in the foundation and asked the motion be subject to receiving information for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. The developers requested that the provision requiring them to pay the city an amount for future maintenance of the storm water detention pond on Outlot 4 be removed from the agreement, because the DNR has required the pond to be seeded with plants that must not be mowed.

Furthermore, the developers requested that the city issue building permits before the storm water detention pond north of Porter Road is complete.

Motion by Sauer, seconded by Hammann, to recommend to Council the approval of the amended land divider’s agreement for Westfield Meadows subdivision with the following changes: (1) no building permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility south of Porter Road is complete; (2) no occupancy permits will be issued until the storm water detention basin facility north of Porter Road is complete; and (3) approval contingent on the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirming that the 100-year-flood elevation is approximately 903.00. Motion passed.

Reflection: 2009: Don Sheehan: "Plan your work and work your plan"

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:27:00 -0500

There was a saying back in around 1980 that for small business, the secret was to "Plan your work, and Work your Plan." It was the real mantra for everybody.

Don Sheehan, Award Winning Dale Carnegie Sales Trainer shocked me one Saturday morning in a seminar when he spoke to about 25 busness owners who were facing the severe recession of 1982-----He said there was a new rule-----"If the plan is not working---change it. Following in the old rut is a prescription to failure."

One of the essential premises of the current "bailout" mentality for the banks, is that the essence of the system is ok, and that we just need another layer of debt for not the kids, but the grandkids and great-grandkids to pay off.

One specific industry that is facing this dilema is the news industry. Newspapers have not in general adopted or have found the winning balance between digital and print for advertising---and there have been some stunning misteps----As Don Sheehan suggested, there must be an essential reshaping of the way things are done in order to survive---and those who are facing their demise are not able to make the necessary changes.

Say in banking---community banks in America are trying to meet their customer---they simply have to since they are local. Big banks feel no such imperative---and most it seems to me have made the decison that they will take the bailout money and use it to buy other banks so that they can get bigger, and thus even more insulated from failure, since the Fed will bail out only the biggest. This formula simply cannot work. It you think it can explain how it can work.

Don Sheehan was right. "Work your plan and plan your Work" is just an idiotic saying in a time of crisis---the key is to have the courage to find a plan that works and make the necessary changes.

AI Corner:

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:43:00 -0500

when a thimble is filled with the compassion of the federal government how much room is left?

The statement "when a thimble is filled with the compassion of the federal government how much room is left?" is a rhetorical device, not a literal question

. The amount of "room left" is a matter of perspective and depends on an individual's opinion regarding government effectiveness and compassion.

The underlying sentiment can be interpreted in a few ways, with no single correct answer:

Government compassion is limited: One interpretation is that the compassion of the federal government is so small that it would barely fill a thimble, if at all. From this perspective, the amount of room left would be almost the entire thimble, signifying a profound lack of government empathy.
True compassion is personal: The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) argues that government compassion is not the same as personal and private compassion. Since government action is an institutional process, it can't authentically replicate the personal, heartfelt compassion that one human can show another.
Compassion is not a government function: Another perspective suggests that the government is, by nature, not an agency of compassion. The American Enterprise Institute has described the perception of government as a compassionate entity as a "vile and cunning lie," arguing that government's primary function is coercion, not kindness.
Compassion is a matter of perception: The question highlights the ongoing debate about how effective the government is at helping people. While some see government welfare programs and foreign aid as acts of compassion, others view these same efforts as inefficient, ineffective, or impersonal.

Reforms coming for Normal, Mn : FICTION

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:39:00 -0500

Just got a note from Herman in Normal, Mn who has been dutifully going to morning coffee at Betty Lou's Coffee Shop where all the bass fishermen meet each morning. Seems that the fishermen have gathered a petition to government here that henceforth the ABACUS will not be the preferred counting method for justice and social justice. And likewise ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and other lightening fast counting and decision making techniques will not be used in the Department of Defense or as we now call it, "The Department of War." Only the ABACUS and counting on one's fingers will be permissible for military matters.

Nostalgia : 2008: Memories of Christmas 2008

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:30:00 -0500

The Elves of the Observer have noticed in the Christmas retail trade, the following: Shoppers are reviewing their lists, looking for deals....and waiting, waiting, waiting.

Secondly, shoppers are paying from debit rather than credit cards, or...are paying with cash.

Thirdly----- if there is no deal....there is no deal.......

Finally......shoppers appear to be buying for themselves, not others. That is a little striking I suppose. In the catalog business, it would be shipping to another address, or buying gift cards etc, . It may be that shoppers just have not gotten in the mood yet, or are waiting for the end to get the best deal. The latter is my hunch.

The waiting for the last moment is a bad prospect for retailers who hope to survive this year Christmas. Many have off loaded merchandise to liquidators rather than fill their back rooms that are already stuffed to the gills. Some retailers have already notified their employees of the end of their employment at the end of the Christmas season.

This is a huge game of "chicken"----how low will retailers take the price? and when. Are they already beyond survival? We will know shortly. Stay tuned.

Nostalgia: 2005: Memories of the EHS Lady Blue Devils

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:44:00 -0500

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2005

EHS Lady Blue Devils Stun Rock Valley Conference; Or, the Facts, the News, the DejaVu

First the facts: The EHS girls varsity cross country team was crowned Rock Valley champion last night at UW Whitewater. The placings and times of the winning team were:
2--Emily Thornton--16:34.8
4--Heather Patterson--16:48.5
7--Kaia Schoenenberger--16:55.7
8--Ainae Soetaert--17:07.7
11--Emily Grant----17:18
14--Leah Heimerl--17:28.1
15--Alyssa Keister--17.33.5

Total Team score os 32. Big Foot was next (56) Parkview 3rd (78), Brodhead 4th(92, Clinton 5th (105), Palmyra-Eagle 6th(170) Clinton and Turner did not field complete teams.

Now the news. It must have been a little upsetting for the rival coaches to see that the EHS girls had their winning t-shirts ready at the team tent just waiting for the victory. Just confidence. They expected and wanted to win. They did in impressive fashion.

The real stunner was the JV race. Evansville JV girls took the first five places. So, lookin for the future, the beat goes on.

And, the middle school race saw some real intensity as they not only had a lot of fun, but showed at Whitewater that the boys and girls in middle school will be a force to be reckoned with.

While the EHS boys struggled 5th and struggled with injuries, it must be noted that they ran hard in this race. It was just not their year.

Now the dejavu----At the one mile mark---this is the mark that the EHS boys team of Mike Thornton, Jay Merin, and Justin Frey as the lead three runners, used to hit with Thornton at 5.04. And that was the year that the coach, Q, could run the first mile split at that same speed and did often taking trophies throughout Madison. Now, sitting at that same mile mark it was a thrill to see the girls move to take charge of the race.

On the podium to hand out the awards---Amanda McElroy, former star runner of EHS now in cross country at Whitewater.

And finally, it was on this stage years ago, that Ann Knutson and Mike Thornton were both awarded Rock Valley individual champions. I remember how difficult it was to get Mike to smile. It was getting dark and my flash was drained. Ann and Mike are now engaged to be married.

So, lots of present thrills, past dejavu and future dreams were all there last night in Whitewater. I will have pictures on the Observer later tonight.

We are the Blue Devils; Not the swamp dogs. We build on the higher ground. Go big Blue.

Nostalgia: 2/1/2006: TRUST

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:25:00 -0500

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2006

Classic Observer--Orig date 2-1-2006------TRUST

(Ed. note. The following is a rough recollection of an actual sermon delivered recently in Evansville.)

Recently one of our parish members was driving on HWY 14 to Madison. He was having trouble concentrating. Everything in his life was going wrong. His wife was sick. He had just lost his job. The kids seemed to be struggling in school. Things were looking pretty bleak. The energy bills were due to arrive next week. Dispair was deep.

Just then a Mercedes sedan pulled around him quickly. On the license plate was one word -------TRUST.

Wow he thought. Suddenly he felt that the Lord was speaking directly to him. "Well," he thought, "I guess this is just how the Lord works."

As the days passed by, things got better for him. He kept thinking of the word TRUST and he seemed to have one good day followed by another.

He had just assumed that it was a minister who had passed him in the Mercedes. There was a vague wonder though as to what kind of minister had a Mercedes coupe. So....he sent for a DMV and low and behold the car belonged to a TRUST Officer of a local bank.

One day on a whim, he stopped in the bank and spoke to the trust officer and laughed and related how important the license plate had been to him. How it had been a big comfort at a very vulnerable moment.

A week or so later a package arrived in the mail. On opening it, he found one license plate with the word TRUST on it. The loan officer simply said that he wanted him to have it as a keepsake since it seemed to mean so much to him.

In a lot of ways, we associate TRUST with religion, but the real deal is that it is imbedded in every aspect of our lives. Like every time we drive and hope that fellow driver follows the rules. O.K. there is HOPE in the case of some of you that have teenage drivers. But mostly it is TRUST. Even in banking it is about TRUST. It is an essential for our lives.

Nostalgia: 2008: The Wild West: The Deregulation of Wall Street

fre2observe@yahoo.com (The Evansville Observer) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 14:36:00 -0500

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 "Cold Calling Cowboy"----The Wild West ; The Deregulation of Wall Street Over the past thirty years there has been a transition from a structured investment environment to one that is "deregulated"---it has been marked by the end of the era of salaried brokers with higher commissions and research, to a world of $7 trades and computer simulations. It has been a movement from wise older traders to young, churn and burn robots. "Where has been the saving,?" you might ask. I like to compare the situation to the airline industry. Years ago, when airfares were higher, and Northwest Airlines had ZERO debt, the transportation industry and financial services industry was seen as a public sector, where the government had a say in an organized and supervised code of conduct for all participants----those days are gone. When I fly, I always feel more comfortable when I know there has been maintanance done on the engines. The cheapest fare is not consoling if I see flames coming from the engines. Ditto for the financial services industry. When investment just becomes a transaction, when people just become a transaction, and when "churn and burn" becomes the overriding element in business, the customer always loses. Consequently, I reject the notion that nostalgia for the good old days of regulation is senile and old fashioned. I believe it just makes economic sense for the investor. Recently a lone French trader for a bank, using "proprietary trading funds", in the throes of breaking up with his girlfriend, took enormous options risk and....despite the bank even knowing about his risks, but not understanding it or choosing to ignore it for fear they would impede some gains, caused a 7 billion dollar loss. Imagine what would happen worldwide if just a dozen or so financial professionals broke up with their girlfriends. Yes. Girls that is something to consider. You may think you are just breaking up....but you might just be causing a global catastrophe. Be True to your man....o.k. In summary. The incredible catastrophe of ENRON was not just ENRON. The real catastrophe was that as a nation we have modeled our financial institutions on ENRON. And we have the major tactic of DELAY, the verb, not the noun. Posted by Evansville Observer at 1:20 PM