Special Places

I have a series of articles written by former Dane County Exec Rick Phelps in which he details day trips within Dane County that are off the beaten path. If anyone wants a set of those, e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Think Positive

This weather can turn the most optimistic personality toward negativity. But hang in there. The sun will come out; the snow will melt away; and we will be enjoying warm weather. It will happen!

Brrrr

Looks like we set a new seasonal snowfall record tonight. This is the kind of winter I grew up with in the U.P. of Michigan. Even they, though, got tired of shoveling and snow blowing by the first of March.

Super Tuesday After Super Bowl

I looked forward to last Sunday's Super Bowl football game a lot more than I look forward to today's Super Tuesday. When the final whistle blew on Sunday, I knew the outcome of the game. After today, I will still be doubtful about any of the candidates being able to deliver on all their promises.

What A Game

The Wisconsin/Indiana men's basketball game last nite was a prime example of the quality coaching these young men are getting from Bo Ryan. I continue to be impressed with how he gets so much out of his men. They are the true epitomy of "teamwork!"

Now, Giants beat the Patriots!!

Out of Mourning

Well, it has been a week and one day since that cold day in Lambeau. I am pretty much out of mourning and mildly interested in the outcome of this Sunday's Super Bowl. Never in my sports spectating life have I witnessed the change in emotion that I witnessed in Lambeau that day. If you have not seen the Rep play, "Musky Love" you need to go. In it the love for our Packers is acted out in a fun and humorous way.

It won't be long and the Brewers will be in action!!

Stocks May Be On Sale

It's interesting that when department stores have sales, people flock to the store to find bargains. I happen to feel stocks may be on sale right now. In looking at recessions in the U. S. going back to 1953, the average recession lasts about 10 months. During these recessions (nine of them) the S&P 500 dropped an average of 25.6% from its peak prior to each downturn to its trough during the recession. It is down 9.8% already in January. According to the January 21, 2008 edition of "Barron's", a feeling that a full-fledged recession is now priced into the bond market and is increasingly priced into stocks is being expressed by investment strategists.

So it might be a good time to go shopping!

Economic Concerns

One of the problems with living in Dane County is that we are quite insulated from the real economic world. Our steady and growing employment base is one of the best in the nation. And while one gets unduly pessimistic if you get all your news from the electronic media, I do feel there are some concerns about 2008. Rising energy and healthcare costs could result in reduced customer spending. However, one thing I think we often forget is how powerful the international economies are to us. Bottom line: there may be lots of opportunities in the equity market right now.

Off To The Outback Bowl

I leave for the Outback Bowl this Saturday a.m. I'm traveling with the UW Alumni Association who always does a great job on these trips. My entire family just spent an entire weekend at the Wilderness Lodge & Water Park in the Dells. We all stayed in one cabin, a large one! A great, if expensive, weekend. I recommend it!

Here's an early wish for a very healthy and successful new year for you and yours.

Ice On The Roof

Like many other homeowners around here, the snow on my home's roof is creating ice build-up. No leaks yet. Bought a roof rake; hope it helps! They don't build around here like they do in the U.P.

Jared, Brett and Deana

Jared was a little boy aged 8 years who had leukemia. He lived in Evansville, Wi and was a big Packer fan. On December 8 Deana and Brett Favre called Jared. They had become aware of Jared's illness through an e-mail sent to their web site by one of my daughters. Jared's parents said there was a look in Jared's eyes they had not seen for some time. Jared died on December 9. At Jared's wake, there was a large bouquet of white lillies from the Favres.

If you haven't had a chance to read the December 10 edition of "Sports Illustrated" try to get a copy. Brett is on the front cover as Sportsman of the Year. We often hear the bad about pro athletes. People like Deana and Brett Favre are a blessing.

NFL Network

I don't know about you but I am about to go to the DISH network!!

Giving Blood

I'm donating plasma today at American Red Cross. If you don't already give blood on a regular basis, I highly recommend it. It's kind of like getting the oil changed in your car!

Happy Turkey Day

What a great country we live in! Despite the negativity of news media, we have so many things to be thankful for. But we must not be complacent. There are threats to our way of life. I still feel two of our most important freedoms are the right to vote and the right to a trial by a jury.

Happy Thanksgiving. God bless you all.

Badgers & Packers

If you are a football fan, isn't it great to be in Wisconsin! Unless the Badgers fall on their face against Minnesota, they should get invited to a nice bowl game. And the Packers ae surprising everyone!

It looks like the worst of the subprime mortgage crisis is just ahead of us. It looks like we will see the most effect of higher rates for borrowers as their loan rates adjust during the first four to six months of 2008. Five years ago some lenders were offering teaser rates that enabled many to buy homes. Now with the adjustable rates kicking in at much higher rates than the teasers, they are finding it almost impossible to make the higher payments. Lots of "ouches" out there.

A Great Weekend and A Great Day

How about those Badgers and Packers!!!

And the weather outside today? Unbelievable!! Get out and enjoy.

Neat Website

The space shuttle is returning to earth today from the International Space Station. It is probably too late for this time, but a great website to tune in to for live coverage of these space ventures is: http://www.nasa.com/.

Big Game

I anxious for tomorrow's Ohio State/UW football game. I think we will finally see what kind of team Wisconsin really is. I know our expectations were high at the beginning of the season. Tomorrow will tell us whether our expectations were too high!

Big Ten Network

A lot of talk is going on about the BTN (Big Ten Network). Last night I heard Barry Alvarez tell a group of Badger boosters that a 20 year contract has been signed with the Fox network for the BTN, so this issue is not going to go away. I am debating whether to switch from Charter cable to either Direct TV or the DISH programs. What I am strongly considering is keeping Charter; adding either DISH or Direct TV for the football and basketball season; then dropping BTN till next season.

We'll wait and see.

Bet You Thought I've Been Lost

Wow, over two months since I posted anything! T'is a beautiful time of the year. Autumn has always been my favorite season. It tends to be the one season in Wisconsin that lives up to its expectations. I am still road biking. Not the extensive training I went through this summer; just nice, casual rides of 20 - 50 miles. I am debating what to do this winter to stay in reasonable shape.

With the exception of the housing market, things economically look pretty good. Probably another 1/4 point drop in short-term rates coming. I "bleed" for those who have purchased a new home and had not sold their current home. Many are still sitting on their current home, and therefore, burdened with two loan payments. Ouch.

I've been watching the space shuttle and its docking with the International Space Station. Live! It is fascinating. Go to http://www.nasa,com/.