The Cliff

I'm betting that congress and the president will reach a compromise on the pending financial cliff legislation before January 1. 

Big Storm

One thing about impending snow storms... it sure diffuses the bad news we are inundated with.  Also, the hiring of the new football coach, Gary Anderson, will generate a lot of "fun" conversations over the next several weeks.

Drive with care!!

UW Basketball

I attended last night's UW men's basketball game versus the University of Virginia, coached by former Badger assistnat, Tony Bennett.  I was convinced before last night's game that Tony should be Bo Ryan's replacement whenever Bo decides to step down.  I am more convinced now!

Thanksgiving - 2012

Here's a ditty to contemplate especially at this time of year and after all we have gone through this year in the political arena.

An old Cherokee told his grandson, "My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all.

One is evil.  It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego.  The other is good.  It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth."

The boy thought about it, and asked, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?"

The old man quietly replied, "The one you feed."

Happy Thanksgiving.

Football - Again

I'm having a difficult time understanding how Wisconsin can be 2 - 3 point favorites for tomorrow's game versus Ohio State.

What Now?

From a financial perspective, the next four years appear critical to me.  If we continue to take on more debt as a nation, we are, in my opinion, headed for a major international financial crisis.  I am concerned that states who are bankrupt like California and Illinois will be baled out by Washington, at our expense as taxpayers.

Vote

One of the most important votes you will ever make is coming up.  If you have not already voted, be sure and exercise the most important right you have on Tuesday, November 6. 

Voting

I don't know how many voters have taken advantage of early voting but I did.  Of course, I already had my mind made up as to who I was voting for.  If you do know which way you are going to go, I recommend you vote early.  The deadline to early vote is the close of business on November 2, 2012.

Good Weekend

Always a great weekend when both the Badgers and Packers win!  Now if the Lions can beat the Bears tonight.  And how about that beautiful weather over the weekend!

Politics

Am I the only person who will be glad when the political calls and ads are gone?

Debate # 2

It's always interesting to watch the polls that tell us who won the presidential debate.  Kind of depends on the media outlet.  Fox says Romney won.  CNN says Obama.  The final poll on November 6 is the one that will be accurate!

Debate

Which one of the vice presidential candidates would you want occupying the White House if something were to happen to the president?

President's Security

Can you believe the taxpayers are on the hook for about $260,000 for security for President Obama's campaign visit to Madison?  And that doesn't count the cost of Air Force 1 and all the related costs.  I really don't care who the candidate is, all those costs should come from their campaign fund raising and not from taxpayer pockets!

Referee Debacle

I thought I had pretty much seen everything you could see in sports.... until last Monday night!  While it was just a game, the loss could mean a loss to the Northeastern Wisconsin economy of over $8 million should that one loss cause the Packers to lose home field advantage in the playoffs.  It is good to see the professional refs back!

Pests

Am I the only one who gets tired of all the political phone calls?  We all should be contacting our elected reps complaining about this.  I strongly feel the "no call" should apply to them, as well.

Football

My sense is that UW football is in a slight pickle!  First the firing of the offenseive line coach after only two games.  Now the quarterback controversy.  What will be next if they don't turn this around?

Packers

Great Packer victory last night over da Bears!  Now if the Badgers can get in sync.

Tought Day in Wisconsin

Not a good weekend.  Bad enough that the Badgers lose first non-conference game after winning 37 in a row, but then the Packers get beat by San Francisco.  In both cases I thing the Wisconsin favorites were outplayed and out coached.

Great Time of the Year

The smell of autumn is in the air!  My favorite season.

The Republican National Convention is now over.  Some great speeches.  I would have to rate Condaleeza Rice's as the best.

Now let's see what the Democrats have to say.

Cleveland

As a kid I remember hearing stories about how a river running thru or near to Cleveland, Ohio would actually catch on fire due to polution.  I understand the city has changed dramatically since then.  I will find out this coming week.  Driving there on Sunday for a meeting.

Ride is Complete

I completed a 100 mile ride last Saturday for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  One of the most exciting events of the weekend was hearing about the progress that is being made toward reducing the consequences of having T1D (type 1 diabetes).  While there is still no cure for this "silent" disease, progress is being made.  And with the $1.3 million that was raised by this ride alone we are able to carry on the financing of the research so essential to finding a cure.

Ride Ride Ride

This is the weekend for my annual ride to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Type 1 diabetes is such a "silent" disease.  Many know so little about this affliction.  It affects young and older persons.  In fact, a neighbor of mine was diagnosed with T1D at age 51.  So, let's all hope and pray for a cure!!

Bits & Pieces

Just a few thoughts I have this morning....

Got to vote.
Like GOP VP pick.
Early in year thought Brewers would be in pennant chase now.
Quarterback issue at UW is interesting.
Doing a 100 mile ride on bicycle this coming weekend for JDRF.
My favorite time of the year coming up.
Thankful for the wonderful country we are blessed with.

Places to Retire

A recent article in 'USA Today" listed Madison as the 2nd best place in the U.S. for seniors to live.  This ranking was of the 100 most populas metropolitan areas.  In fact, there were no cities ranked in the top 5 located in any southern or southwestern state.  They were all northern cities.  The same was true of the cities in smaller cities.  The top five were in the Dakotas, Iowan, Missouri and Minnesota!

Montee Ball

One cannot help but to hope the guys who beat up Montee Ball get caught.  As unfortunate as it is, there is a saying "nothing good happens after midnight." 

Olympics

I still have a problem with professional athletes competing in the Olympics.  Somehow, I have alwasy thought of the Olympics as being competition between amateurs. 

Penn State

The question seems to be was the penalty given Penn State appropriate, too harsh or too lenient?  Tough one to anwser. 

Lawn Watering

I have a few articles prepared by a turf specialist at UW Extension that you might find helpful as to watering of plants, bushes, trees and lawns during this drought.  Send me your e-mail address.  Send it to rgorsuch@oakbankonline.  I will send these articles to you.

Greinke

I have a feeling a trade of Zack Greinke is right around the corner. 

Financial Cliff

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago held an economic conference last week at which leading nationally known economists discussed the mess we are in.  There were democrats and republicans on the agenda who spoke.  The one common thread that seemed to run throughout their comments was that the U.S. is on a financial cliff;  a cliff we are on the verge on falling over the edge.  Probably not this year nor the next;  but no one would take bets on the next five years.  Our debt and deficit situation is untolerable.

Even though some disagreed with the Paul Ryan plan as not containing specifics, they did agree something needs to be done with our budget and spending programs as a nation.

Been A While

Wow, it's been quite a while since I've posted.  This has been quite a summer weather-wise.  You have to feel for our farmer friends.  I am feeling like we are in for a winter like we haven't had for sometime. 

Since we talked last, I have been to Charlotte, No Car.  Nice city.  Other than that, been doing some road biking which once out, is just great!  It's good for the mind and body.

Politics haven't changed.  It was interesting how the "Recall Walker" yard signs disappeared the day after the recall election! 

VOTE!!

I've always said the two most important rights we have is the right to a trial by jury and the right to vote.  So be sure and vote today.  Long line at my polling place this morning.  Looks like a record turnout.

UW Football

I know it is only May, but football season is already on the agenda.  Yesterday the Big 10 schedule for the next 4 years was released.  No Michigan State on the schedule for 4 years!  And another reminder was when I was notified that I can select my parking locations starting on June 4th.  But there is plenty of baseball left, so let's forget about football for a while. 

Vote

Today is one of those days where we exercise one of our greatest freedoms.... the right to vote. 

I still have copies of some very interesting Dane County day trips.  Call me at 608-250-5500 if you have an interest in getting a copy of five trips.

Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Our annual shareholders' meeting occurred last night at the Promega headquarters building in Fitchburg.  A positive review of 2011 accompanied with some good food and drink made for an enjoyable evening.  It is always good seeing shareholders, some who I haven't seen since last year's meeting. 

WWII Honor Flight

If you ever have the opportunity to go the the Dane County Regional Airport and be there when the World War II honor flight returns from Washington, D.C. take advantage of the opportunity.  It will bring tears to your eyes to see the joy in the eyes and on the faces of those veterans.  We owe so much to them.  The first person off the flight was an 102 year old woman.  She had tears in her eyes, too.

Steve Jobs

I am almost finished reading the book "Steve Jobs."  Something I just read needs to be shared.  Shortly after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he delivered the commencement address at Stanford Univ.  The following was part of that address.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.  Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.  Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.  You are already naked.  There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Lightning Strikes!

On Saturday night, at about 11:30 p.m. our building was struck by lightning.  The strike was on the second floor of the building and immediately set off the sprinkler system.  Any fire as a result of the strike was extinquished.  But the sprinklers kept running for sometime before the fire department arrived and was able to turn them off.  We have incurred significant water damage and as a result, our drive up is closed.  We estimate it will be about 10 days before we are back in operation.

We are in the process of replacing lots of drywall and equipment.  In the meantime our staff is working hard to be sure our clients get the same service as normally expected.

Compliance Costs

During a recent compliance exam I was again reminded of the tremendous cost to our society for consumer compliance issues that are well intended, but fail miserably to really address the problem.  Take for example:  Privacy Notices.  How many of you have ever read one of those notices that you receive from every credit card company and bank you do business with?  And every one of them is required to send you the same notice.  Billions and billions of dollars of waste.  And all these costs get passed on to you, the consumer.  As long as no one complains to our legislators, it will only get worse. 

Greece & Debt

There was a segment on "60 Minutes" last night about the debt crisis in Europe. The bottom line is the countries who are in crisis have incurred too much debt and are in danger of defaulting on it. And all the social welfare programs they have implemented over the years are unaffordable and creating social unrest in those countries.

How far are we away from this situation?

Elections

Certainly one of the main challenges of political leaders is building consensus among opposing sides. I am concerned that we have allowed our financial situation to deteriorate to the point where I am not sure if we have the time it will take to build this consensus.

Almost Here

While this weekend's college basketball NCAA finals are truly exciting, my eye is on the Brewer opener next Friday, April 6. A lot of pundits are picking the Cardinals to win the NL Central but I think the Brewers could actually be better this year than last when they won the division. Whatever, the start of baseball means summer isn't far off.

New Technology

On the back of my business card I now include a QR code which when scanned by a smart phone will automatically add all my contact data directly to your contact list. If you'd like to see what I've done, just e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep the benchmark Fed Funds Target Rate at a range of 0.00 - 0.25%. They also decided yesterday to keep the Discount Rate at 0.75%. They stated, "Labor market conditions have improved further; the unemployment rate has declined notably in recent months but remains elevated. Strains in global financial markets have eased, though they continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook."

Home loan rates will continue to be at historical lows. However, the bad news is that those on fixed incomes who depend on deposit interest income are negatively impacted.

Spring

We'd all like to think spring is here. But I fully expect we will see at least one more snowy blast.

It appears interest rates are going to remain at these historical low levels through mid-2014. At least, that's what Chairman Bernanke of the Fed leads us to believe. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced, you need to check with us. If your loan balance is over $200k and you can lower the rate 0.50% or more, it makes sense. For smaller loan balances you need more of a spread.

Rhetoric Continues

I listen to the Mitch Henck show on WIBA-AM each morning. I find his talk show one of the more sensible; not all the ranting and raving you hear on other talk shows. But the division of views in our state and country is still evident. It becomes difficult to really know who is right. Compromise is needed but it doesn't appear to be in the making.

Country Divided

For some time I have been bothered about the political extremes and the tension it has created in this country. Never have I felt the divisiveness I do now. Compromise seems so difficult to be reached in our state house or Washington. Here's a wild idea: An Obama/Santorum ticket in 2012!

Winter is Over

Regardless of the snow storms we will get this month of March, winter is all but over. What a winter! Now we get to Big 10 basketball tourneys; NCAA tourney. Great beginning to the spring.

Fiddler

I recently attended the play, Fiddler on the Roof, at the Overture Center in Madison. What a wonderful show! Highly recommened.

North Dakota

I was in Grand Forks, ND this past weekend. Man, it was cold! But its good to see an economy that seems to be booming. The new oil patch and the employment it is creating is wonderful.

Super Bowl XLVI

This was best Super Bowl game in sometime. And the best team won!

Puerto Rico

It has been several years since I have been in Puerto Rico. Will be there this coming week. I will be interested in what changes have occurred over the years. And I am quite sure the weather will be a welcome change.

Listened with interest to Governor Walker's state of the state message last night. Why can't people, regardless of opinions, treat people with respect? Both sides of the collective bargaining issue have acted like school children, at times. C'mon folks. Why can't they do what is best for their constituencies, even if there has to be compromise?

Depression in Packerland

I attended the game in Green Bay Sunday. Unbelievable. Had to be the poorest game they have played in over 3 years. But you know, there are lots of people who would trade a Packer loss for their ailment. Be thankful if you and your loved ones enjoy good health and happiness.

First Big Storm

Being originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I am always amused by the attention given to a 4 inch snowfall.

Interest rates continue to be at historic lows. If you have a home loan you should be checking with your lender about refinancing options. If you can reduce your rate enough to offset the refinancing costs, why not refinance?

Call us at 441-6000 or check out www.oakbankonline.com.

Weather

There is really something to be said about this kind of weather. January 10 and no snow on the ground!! And I think the best team clearly won the national college footbabll championship game last night.

Rose Bowl

I just returned from the Rose Bowl. What a game! And being with first time attendees like my daughter Amy and grandson Prentice was truly special. It's one of those events where you wish everyone who is or has been close to you could be there with you. The Badgers have nothing to be ashamed about. They played a very good team and except for having one turnover too many, would have won. I am already looking forward to next year.