Our Wishes

It is my hope you will take time to reflect on the many blessings we all share and begin the new year with a renewed vision, focus and energy for your family, job and community.

And may our politicians get their acts together in 2012!

Smell the Roses

Rose Bowl.... here we come.

Idea for the Holidays

Each year our entire family rents a cabin at the Wilderness in Lake Delton. Kids love the waterpark. Beautiful cabins. Recommend it.

Bells Ringing

I hope everyone empties their pockets of loose change whenever you pass a Salvation Army bell ringer. This organization does such a great job of serving the less fortunate during this time of the year. You will never miss what you give!

Payback Time

Well, the big game is almost here. Go Badgers! It certainly has been a good year to be a Wisconsin resident. Brewers, Badgers, Packers. Now if we could just get civil discourse among politicians!

Recall

I hope we have not entered a new era where dissatisfaction with enacted legislation results in a recall effort. I have always thought election days were for expressing our agreement or displeasure with elected officials.

Give Thanx

If you are looking for something special to do on Thanksgiving Day morning, check out the Berbee Derby in Fitchburg. It is a 5K run/walk or 10k run. Great way to start off the day of food, football and giving thanx for all the blessings we share.

Philanthropy

Last Friday I was presented with the Lifetime Achievement of Philanthropy by the Association of Fund Professionals. The luncheon was held at the Overture Center and was attended by some 400 persons. It was a wonderful event. It is at times like this that you are reminded of how much generosity truly exists in our Dane County community.

The Beauty of Wisconsin

On some of the recent beautiful days, I have taken short bike rides out into the rural areas. Observing all the farm machinery working in the fields reminds me how important those folks are to all of us. Long hours, big risks and love of independence gives us farmers who provide for our food needs. But it is so difficult for the smaller farm to survive. It is encouraging, however, to occasionally see signage that some farm land is a "No Spray Zone" and is organic.

Economics

You likely notice any new economic news on this blog. There is really not much to report on. Interest rates still historically low. If you have a home loan and have not refinanced within the last six months, you really should go to our web site at oakbankonline.com and check out the rates. My guideline: if your loan balance is over $200,000 and you can reduce your rate 1/2 percent, you should consider refinancing.

How About Those Cardinals?!

Two months ago the Cardinals were so far out of the pennant race that next season was already being planned. But here they are.... world champs! Just another example of Jimmy Valvano's "Never give up".

Hail Mary

I'm still suffering from the UW loss Saturday at East Lansing. It is always exciting to watch these Hail Mary attempts when it involves other teams; but hurts like h--- when it happens to your team AND it is successful! MSU is a good football team but I hope we get another shot at them in Indy on Dec 3!

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Well, it was a great run for the Brewers. I was at the game last night. Not usual for me to leave a game early, but I did. Couldn't stand to watch Cardinals celebrate on our lawn! I wonder where my grandkids get their competiveness?

Still got the Pack and Badgers!

Wow!

Can you ever remember a nicer week of weather than this? Brewers better cap off things tomorrow night. Don't want to be the first National League team to lose playoff series after leading 2-0 in best of five!

What a Weekend!

Has anyone experienced a more exciting sports weekend in Wisconsin than this weekend!? I had to give up Brewer playoff tickets for today's game, but will be going to Brewer game tomorrow. But had to give up Packers tickets for tomorrow! Thank goodness for grandkids!

Autumn

Ah, Autumn! My favorite season. Beautiful Wisconsin weather; Badger and Packer football. And this year.... the Brewers possibly in the playoffs!

I've been attending a lot of funerals lately. Reminds you that life is like a strand on a spider web. Fragile and too brief.

Enjoy every day. Especially this time of year!

T'is The Season

This is the best time of the year, in my opinion. Brewers in contention; big expectations of both the Badgers and Packers; wonderful weather and the anticipation of the changing colors of nature!

Enjoy every day!

Here and There

It is refreshing to see the political scene quieting down. There has to be compromise but the huge debt our grandchildren are going to have to service is a major problem. It will take sacrifice and courage to solve that dilemma.

Is this a great time for sports in Wisconsin! The Brewers, Badgers and Packers are among the best, if not the best, in each of their sports. A great time to be in Wisconsin!

As Madison trys to find a way to meet its budget problems, why is no one talking about the raises given public employees prior to the collective bargaining law taking effect??

Glorious Ride

Last Saturday I did a 100 mile bicycle ride as a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We had 400 riders from all over the country and raised over $1 million, a record for a ride. We started in LaCrosse, crossed into Minnesota, then down the Mississippi to Lansing, Iowa. Then a 20 mile loop in the hills and back to Lansing for the return trip up the Missisip.

What a great group of riders. We had about 80 riders from the Madison Chapter of JDRF who will be friends forever. Hopefully a cure is in the near future.

Build Consensus

Hopefully our adverse political climate will return to some form of sanity. We need leaders who have courage to do what is right rather than cowtowing to special interest groups who contribute the money to get them reelected or elected. There is something wrong when it becomes all about money. And I am not against money, but it should not buy power.

Brewers, Badgers and Packers

I know of no other state that can be as proud of its three major sports teams as we are in Wisconsin! Brewers in first place in their division; Packers strong contenders for another Super Bowl; and the football Badgers talking about a National Championship!

Beauty in Wisconsin

If you have never taken a drive on the country roads in and around Hollandale, you need to do so. Just go out toward Barneveld on 12/18. Just before Barneveld, turn left on County Hwy K. A stop at Botham Winery is suggested. Then just meander. Incredible views.

Rocky Mountain High

Just got back from Denver. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the city. The views of the Rockies are awesome! And 300+ days of sunshine! But most of all, I was impressed by the friendliness of the people in Denver. Especially the police. How refreshing to meet public employees who really want to please you; unlike those who have forgotten who their "customers" are.

Summer is Here

Hopefully this summer will give our society time to discern the serious predicament we are in internationally, nationally, state-wide and locally as to the amount of debt we have accumulated. Keep in mind that the debt service requirements for interest alone accounts for a significant portion of our total governmental revenues. And this is during a historically low interest rate environment. Think of the additional burden when interest rates rise to more normal levels!

High Schools

I had the pleasure of attending one of my grandson's high school graduation this past weekend. He graduated from Evansville High. Over the years this grandson has participated in many musical and dramas at the school. I have been so impressed with this school's arts and music program. The school does an excellent job of balancing its arts and music program with its athletic program.

Hot Hot Hot

While one should drink lots of water in heat and humidity like this, one should also supplement the water with some form of electrolyte drink or tablets.

Memorial Day

Hopefully we will all take a minute or two to pause during this coming weekend and give thanks, each in our own way, to all those who have gone before us. But for many of them, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. We take our blessings for granted. And God bless those who still serve in our military putting themselves at risk of death each day.

Final Test

The fourth and final fundamental test every stock investor should use is the Debt Ratio Trend.

The debt ratio (long-term debt divided by total capital, which is combined long-term debt and stockholder's equity) can be overlooked, but it is the most important test of working capital.

The current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) can be misleading, especially if the company has allowed its long-term debt to grow in order to bolster cash, accounts receivable and inventory to keep the current test steady. A growing long-term debt is a big problem, because it translates to ever-higher interest and debt service in the future, and that means less capital remains for expansion or dividends. You want to see a steady or declining debt ratio from year to year, not growing levels.

Maps

Each year I offer readers of my blog the opportunity to get a copy of maps of Dane County Day Trips. If interested, send me an e-mail at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Another Test

A third fundamental test every stock investor should use is Dividends per Share. You will prefer to invest in companies whose dividend is growing each year. The dividend is easily overlooked, but it represents a major factor in your overall return from investing in stock. Reinvesting dividends increases dividend yield.


The best managed companies increase dividends each year, which is also a reflection of growing profits and well-managed working capital.

Fundamental Test #2

Here is the second fundamental test to apply when buying a stock for your investment portfolio.

Price-Earnings Ratio (P/E):

The price-earnings ratio is calculated by simply dividing the price by earnings per share. The multiple represents how many years of per share net earnings are reflected in the current stock price. A P/E ratio that is too high means the stock is probably overpriced; a P/E ratio that is too low indicates lack of interest in the company. As a general rule, the desirable middle ground is between 10 and 25.

Tools to Investing

As a follow up on last posting..... Tests to apply when considering the purchase of a stock.

1. Revenue & Earnings: You want to watch out for companies whose revenues are growing while profits are shrinking -- a very negative trend. The same observation applies when revenues are on the decline but net profit margin is declining more rapidly, also a big negative.

Fundamental Tests

I recently reviewed an article in an investment periodical I receive. The article was the four tests or indicators that every stock investor should use:

1. 5 years of revenues and earnings.
2. P/E ratio.
3. Dividends
4. Debt Ratio Trend

More on each later.

Finding More Time

I find myself gradually unwinding from some volunteer positions I have had for years and years. I am hopeful by doing so new opportunities will arise which will rejuvenate my enthusiasm for community involvement.

Budgets

Hard to know who to believe anymore in politics when it comes to budgets. But I personally feel Paul Ryan is the most capable and trustworthy elected official when it comes to fiscal soundness. It is time we all help eliminate the debt crisis, even if we have to pay higher taxes.

Time to Read

I have never read the book "Atlas Shrugged", but maybe it is time I do.

Go Brewers

I will be attending the Brewer opener in Milwaukee today. I think I have missed 2 openers in the last 36 years. The roof on Miller Park sure makes it more enjoyable that it has normally been. Thank you former Senator George Peatak for your vote making this possible!

Vote

I have always felt two of our most, if not the most, important rights are the right to a trial by jury and the right to vote. Be sure to exercise your right to vote next Tuesday, April 5. Much is at stake.

Financial Blogs

This is a long link but one you might find informative. It gets you to 25 financial blogs with various financial topics of importance. Here it is:

http://www.time/com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0.29569.2057116.00.html. Good luck.

Antics

Yesterday some of the anti-Walker protestors barged into the lobby of the M&I office on the Square with drums, signs and loud speakers. They were there demonstrating against M&I who they felt was a financial supporter of Walker. They were ignorant of the fact that corporations cannot contribute to individuals running for political office. Just another example of the mass miscommunication of information going on down on the Square.

VOTE

I was #6 to vote this a.m. at my polling place. The first nine voters were all men.

Beautiful day. Enjoy it and get out and vote.

Special Win!

One has to wonder what the impact of the Packer win will have on the state's economy. It seems to me the more positive frame of mind we are in, the more willing we are to make spending decisions. And consumer spending drives the economy. Well, anyway, just wondering.

Wow!!

Was that a storm to remember? Even by Upper Peninsula standards, that was a powerful storm! How could one not feel sorry for that UW student who was pictured in this a.m.'s "Wisconsin State Journal" trying to shovel his car out of a snow bank with a ice scraper! Oh, the power of Mother Nature!

This & That

With all the hype about the Super Bowl, the upcoming storm and Egypt, one wonders what else can be important right now.

Scary 2011 Economy

Much of the restrained economy over the last few years might be due to the rise in the savings rate. Going forward, some predict consumer spending will be around 2%. While it's not an exciting outlook, the U.S. economy will grow faster that the Congressional Budget Office anticipates it will grow.

In the meantime, a few risks in the outlook. China is trying to reign in growth; the social security system goes into a deficit in 2014; sovereign debt issues in Europe.

A Great Day

It's a great day in Packerland! Euphoria reigns!

State of the State

Come Monday, this State of Wisconsin will either be in euphoria or deep depression!!!! Go Pack!

More 2010 Highlites

Historical happenings in 2010 included the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed 230,000 people; the BP oil spill caused the largest environmental disaster in history; Wikileaks dumped thousands of pages of classified material on the internet; 33 miners are saved in Chile after being stuck a record 69 days below the earth; a Pablo Picasso painting was sold for $106 mm, setting a new world record; the Tea Party movement hosted their first convention; the Boy Scouts of America celebrated 100Ys; Don't Ask, Don't Tell was repealed and signed into law.

2010 Again

The year 2010 was interesting and many things happened. It wasn't as crazy as 2008 when the credit crisis began, nor 2009, when the regulatory crackdown followed. It was, however, certainly full of surprises, twists and turns.

In banking and the financial markets, the crisis rounded the corner on its 2nd year and brought a flight to gold bullion.

In the invention area, the iPad might have been the coolest!

More highlights later.

Rose Bowl

Had a good time in California despite the outcome of the Rose Bowl. A lot of criticism is flying around about bad decisions, etc. I have learned that sports is a matter of if, if, if, if.

2011

I am leaving for Pasadena tomorrow a.m. I'm going out on the limb and predicting a lopsided victory for Bucky.

Happy New Year to all. I kind of feel 2011 will be a transition year for our economy; moving from deep recession to gradual recovery.

Merry Christmas

A couple of things impressed me today. First, someone actually read my blog! and #2.... everyone seems in such great spirits today, Christmas Eve. Would be nice if we could be this way everyday!

Merry Christmas.

Taxes

How is everyone liking their property tax bills being received this month? Fitchburg taxes are up over 17%!!!! Time to revolt! I'm afraid to open mine.

Rose Bowl

I am one of the thousands headed to the Rose Bowl! TCU looks like a formidable foe, but if Wisconsin plays the way they have been playing, I don't think there is anyone in the country they can't beat.

What's First

Every once in a while I come across a list of what constitutes effective management. I still keep and reread an article dated November 2000 because I think the list of the 10 principles the author considered necessary for effective leadership are very relevant.

Number 1: Set real priorities and real commitments.
Number 2: Grab hold of tough problems, and don't delegate them.
Number 3: Don't let the guy or gal below you make the hard decisions.
Number 4: Set and demand standards of excellence.
Number 5: Create urgency. It's always better to do something than it is to do nothing.

The other five to come in a future blog posting.

Here are the other 5:

Number 6: Pay attention to details. Getting all the facts is the key to good decision making.
Number 7: Be committed and show it. Concentrate on possibilities.
Number 8: Be willing to see failure as a stepping-stone to success.
Number 9: Be tough and be fair with people. Avoid compromise when choosing coworkers.
Number 10:Last but not least: Play! You can't accomplish anything unless you're having fun.

Black Friday

All reports this a.m. indicate lots of consumer activity at the various shopping malls. My sense is that consumer confidence is seeing a bit of a brighter sky!

Be Thankful

Many of our lives are so busy that we fail to be mindful of the many things we have to be thankful for. I think our addiction to social media further exacerbates the issue. And with the recent election results and all the negativity that preceeded the election, it is possible many of us are not in the proper attitude right now. But we all need to pause and be thankful for all the many blessings that are ours. Our health; our families; our country and its leaders. Thank you.

Enjoy.

Hi Speed Train

As I listen to the debate about the wisdom of a high speed train between Milw & Madison, I have yet to hear good research on who will use it?

Bowl Bound

My hope..... UW wins out; Penn State beats Michigan State and Iowa beats Ohio State... we go to Rose Bowl and win Big 10.

Side Trips

Periodically I offer anyone who e-mails me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com copies of six off the beaten path day trips in Dane County. They are from a series of trips former county exec Rick Phelps recommended in 1996.

Ads are Done

Everyone is expressing their thanks that the political ads are done! Why do people spend so much money to be so negative and untruthful? There is too much anger as it is without fueling the anger with ads like we've been exposed to for the past months. We need to be able to find compromise and get at the most important issues - like job creation.

Vote

Next Tuesday, November 2, is a very important day for Americans. I continue to believe one of the most important rights we have is the right to vote. So, make plans to vote. Your vote is important!

Valley of Death

Now I know why they call it Death Valley. The bike ride for JDRF can be described simply as "a beautiful, brutally awesome ride! Temps in 100's with 10% humidity. I never drank so much water and Gatorade in my life! Death Valley is one of those places (like the Grand Canyon) that you must see with your own eyes to fully appreciate its beauty.

Death Valley - Here We Come

Well, for those who care, the weekend for my bike ride in Death Valley is coming up. We leave the day after tomorrow for Vegas and then shuttle 2 hours to Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park, California. We start our ride about 6:45 a.m. on Saturday morning with a temp around 61 degrees. We finish with temp around 100. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Salt intake is equally important so one does not get what is called hyponatremia, referred to as water intoxication.

Will give you update when I return next week. If you are one of those who contributed to JDRF to support my ride, a sincere thank you.

Falk Resigns

I wonder if County Exec Falk's determination to keep office till April 1, 2011 has anything to do with her retirement benefits? Could it be that is the real reason for the April 1 date?

Here and There

Attended Packer game last Sunday. There is still something special about Lambeau Field. It is always interesting to run into people who come from all over the world to be there.

As I look out this a.m. at a perfectly cloudless sky and the beautiful leaf color changes taking place, geese flying south..... why would one question why autumn is the most beautiful season of the year!

Bike on!

Wisconsin State Journal

I am finding the articles in the "Wisconsin State Journal" that address the "honesty" of political campaign ads very helpful.

Vote

I believe the two most important freedoms we have are the right to a trial by jury and the right to vote. Exercise your right to vote today!

Go Badgers & Packers!

Vegas & The Economy

On Sunday I returned from Las Vegas after being there for the Badgers football game. You want to see a hurting economy... go there. And a lot of people who earn more than $250,000 are the very people who make Vegas go. And who gets hurt when they don't go or spend less? Taxi cab drivers....waitresses......waiters......hotel workers.... etc. So while it makes some people feel good to raise taxes on higher income persons, the real hurt is felt by hard working people. And when our leaders make comments disparaging Las Vegas, it only exacerbates the economic woes of places like Vegas.

Mutual Funds

A question often raised is: How many mutual funds should I hold? Many say you should hold at least four different funds. No matter how many funds you buy, equal dollar amounts are invested in each fund initially.

Anger

I've been on this planet Earth for quite a while, but I sense an anger in America never before seen. I think most of it has to do with the persistent bad news we see, hear and read. But I also think some of it is directed at those who work and represent us in our various governmental jurisdictions. Perhaps we are tired of not being understood and made to feel that only those in government know what is right and just. I'm probably wrong, but I have a feeling.

Park St Shoe Repair

I highly recommend a front page article in the "Neighbors" portion of the 8/6/2010 "Wisconsin State Journal." The article on George Fabian aptly describes one of the most memorable persons I have ever met. He is truly a great guy!

Beer Garden

I attended an event at the Capital Brewery in Middleton last Saturday. If you've never gone there when they have live music in their outdoor area, I highly recommend it. And their new Supper Club brand beer is pretty good!!

Juvenile Diabetes

Those who know me know I like to road bike, despite what Mitch Henck thinks about bikers! Each year I do a charity ride for Juvenile Diabetes Research. This ride is normally in excess of 100 miles in one day. This year my ride is scheduled for Death Valley in October.

If you are interested in contributing to this cause, please go to www.jdrfride.com/donate; search for Bob Gorsuch. My oldest grandchild contracted Type 1 diabetes at age 8 and is now entering his 3rd year at UW - Madison. Believe me, type 1 diabetes is a "silent" disease that impacts the lives of these young people and their families. We feel we are getting close to a "cure". But it takes lots of $$$$ for the research.

Investor Sentiment

I just read an article on investor sentiment these days. Amongst professional investors, 39% are bullish; 31% neutral; and 30% bearish. The average asset allocation of these same investors is stocks - 60%; bonds - 15% and cash - 25%.

Financial Overhaul

In my opinion, the highly publicized financial regulation legislation about to be signed into law by Pres. Obama, will do little to correct the abuses that were present during the recent financial crisis. A huge new bureaucracy will be created creating all kinds of new compliance issues. These compliance issues costs the banking system billions of dollars. And guess who pays? You're right..... you the consumer!

Happy July 4

It looks like we are all going to have great weather this weekend. If you are going to be outdoors, be sure to take your Deet insect repellant!

What a great country we are blessed with. Yes, there are shortcomings, but can you think of a country you'd rather live in? God bless America!

Riding in Death Valley

In October I will be riding my road bike over 100 miles in Death Valley to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You see, my oldest grandchild, Prentice, has Type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was 8 years old.

My goal this year is to raise $10,000. For my 2007 ride in Montana and my 2009 ride in Vermont I raised $8,000 on each ride.

Contributions of any amount are welcome. Make checks payable to JDRF and mail to Bob Gorsuch; Oak Bank; 5951 McKee Rd, Suite 100; Fitchburg, Wi 53711-5114.

Thanx.

Dot Com

Wow! This past March marked the 25th anniversary - yes, 25th - of the registration of the first dot-com domain. It was over a month before the 2nd one was registered and the 100th didn't take place until 20 months later. Now there about 668,000 dot-coms registered every month!

Final Tip

Check the benficiary designations on all of your investment accounts, including any mutual funds. You want to make sure the names and contact information are accurate and up to date.

Next to Last

Here's the next to last quick financial management tip...

If you or your spouse wear a ring with a diamond or other precious stone, have a jeweler check the prongs. Even one loose prong increases the risk of the diamond falling out.

Financial Management

Another financial management tip......

Check up on your credit. This is something that should be done every year. If there is an error, file a dispute with the reporting agency and call the creditor. Higher credit scores mean lower interest rates.

Another Tip

Investigate your broker. Run a background check of your broker at www.finra.org/brokercheck. The report will show the broker's qualifications and will list any regulatory action that has been taken against him/her in the past.

Take an X-Ray

Another financial tip.... analyze the mutual funds in your portfolio to ensure that they are not holding the same stocks.

Financial Management

Further detail on financial management tips...

A safe-deposit box provides safety against a fire or theft. We also suggest keeping a copy of important electronic files in the box.

More Financial Tips

Let me elaborate on the financial management tips I previously posted to this blog.

Copy everything in your wallets. This is a good way to protect yourself in the event of a stolen or lost wallet. Be sure to copy the front and back of all cards, especially since the customer service number is typically on the back of credit cards.

Financial Management Tips

Here are some quick financial management tips:

Copy everything in your wallet.
Rent a safe deposit box.
Take an e-ray of your mutual fund portfolio.
Investigate your broker.
Check up on your credit.
Buy treasuries directly from the source.
Calculate your future social security benefits.
Keep the bling in your ring.
Leave your cash to the ones you really love.

More detail on each of these in future blogs.

Geese & Safety

I have been following the Warner Park geese controversy. I'm kind of torn. On the one hand I am against killing the geese; but on the other I am concerned about what kind of risk they pose for air traffic and the safety of passengers on those planes. As we all know the Flight on the Hudson was caused by geese that were hit by the plane on its take off and clogging the engines.

If we kill the 100 or so geese that are residents of Warner Park, will they be replaced by another 100; and another 100, and on and on?

High Speed Train

I look forward to taking the proposed train to Milwaukee if it stops at Miller Park and the State Fair grounds. But I doubt if I will take it when I travel to see my daughter and her family in Milwauee since I'd have to take a taxi from somewhere in Milwaukee to their home and then back to the train station. And I expect there are lots of other scenarios where I would find it inconvenient not to have my car. And will I take the train to Chicago through Milwaukee? Depends how long it will take.

East Side of Madison

I had the opportunity to bike through the near east side of Madison yesterday. For a person who spends most of his time either on the west or south side of Madison, I was impressed! The neighborhoods have a special feel to them. And their proximity to Lake Monona is a special amenity. Some the homes architecture is beautiful. If it has been some time since you have driven or biked around that area, it is worth the effort.

Cubs and Pirates

Man oh man, how could the Brewers outscore the Pirates 36 to 1 and then get swept by the Cubs! At home! It was funny seeing Cubs fans walking from their cars to the Park last Sunday carrying brooms. Until too much beer is consumed, everyone gets along pretty well. But then, there are those who can ruin an otherwise great day because of their over imbibing.

Bank Ranking

I suppose many of you saw the article in last Sunday's "State Journal" regarding the ranking of banks. I have always been unimpressed with the importance of these rankings. They are all built on ratios with those doing the ranking having no knowledge of what lies behind the numbers.

Watch for Fraud on Your Accounts

We are seeing increasing fraud being perpretated on our clients' accounts. You can reduce the incidence of this problem by:

1. Be sure to check every account statement you receive and report any errors or fraud right away.

2. Be careful of who you disclose your social security number to. Never give out personal information to any source you are not familiar with.

3. Don't open attachments or click on any link unless you are certain of the source.

4. Beware of pop up windows.

5. Use a good anti-virus software.

6. Be cautious of online coupon offers, especially if they ask for account numbers, social security number, or any other personal information.

7. Do not respond to requests from your bank or any banking regulator via e-mail in which personal information is requested.

Election Results

A less than 10% voter turnout in yesterday's election is disappointing. I feel two of our most important rights and responsibilities is the right to vote and the right to a trial by jury.

Did you vote?

Weather & Politics

Amazing how this weather affects peoples' moods. Everything tends to become more positive.

Keep an eye on the proposed legislation in Washington that appears to cure every economic ill. Senator Dodd's committee is proposing a financial reform package. Our country needs meaningful financial regulatory reform that protects America's taxpayers and our financial system. Our nation's nearly 8,000 community banks never participated in the risky practices that led to this economic crisis and are clearly the one part of the financial system that truly works.

We can no longer tolerate a system where a handful of institutions have the ability to put our entire country at risk. The only way to truly safeguard our financial future is to end the too-big-to-fail and enforce rules on the unregulated financial players.

Dane County Rides

As I do each year, I am offering anyone who e-mails me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com a copy of six articles written several years ago by then county executive Rick Phelps. Each article detailed a scenic and historic drive somewhere in Dane County. These are routes you may rarely travel in the normal course of the day.

Alice.com

If you have not taken a look at www.alice.com, I suggest you do. I have found it to be a very interesting shopping site. It is a local company. Check it out.

Taking Charge

To be a true leader, I like the suggestions by Marshall Loeb in the February 25, 1980 "Time" magazine:

1. You have to be able to set priorities.
2. You need the ability to grab ahold of tough problems and not delegate them.
3. Set and demand standards of excellence.

More to come.

Regulatory Overkill

As usual after a problem, congress is trying to "fix" the financial system. An example of the efficiency and wisdom of our elected bodies is the privacy issue. Let me ask: how many Privacy Notices do you receive and how many have you ever read? The cost to business is horrendous. And guess who ends up paying for this needless requirement? You and me!

Certificate Hunters

If you are one who regularly use bank Certificate of Deposits for income providers, I have a suggestion in this low interest rate environment. Ask your bank if it offers a bump-type certificate. This type of instrument will usually provide you with a higher annual percentage yield, while giving you the ability to raise the rate on your deposit if rates should rise.