Olympics

The tv coverage of this year's summer olympics has been superb, in my opinion. The commitment of these young people is unbelievable. And the time the parents have spent in getting them to this point in their lives is something few of us appreciate. Many have been soccer and hockey moms and dads. I have an idea you could multiply that commitment 10 times and still wouldn't be close to the olympic experience.

Good Start & Home News

I attended the Packer preseason game last nite in Green Bay. The crowd was a little subdued, in my opinion. Despite Mitch Henck's objection about Aaron Rodgers new moniker, I thought A-Rod did a commendable job at quarterback. Brett who?

Most pronosticators see the end of 2009; early 2010 as the bottom of dropping home values.

Are you enjoying this beautiful summer?

Ooops

Wrong again! Jet Favre traded instead of Rogers. (See previous blog.)

30 year fixed rate mortgage loan now at 6.75%. With the steep yield curve, look for higher yields on certificates of deposit. But then again, look at my prediction on who would be traded at Green Bay!

Favre Saga Continues

Here's a gut feeling I have.... the Packers will trade Aaron Rodgers!

Cubs Go For Sweep

Three significant news items this a.m.

1. Cubs win third in a row from Brewers. My comment: Cubs are flat out kicking our butts right now.

2. Favre still in limbo. Packers presumedly offer him $20 million to stay retired. My comment: Brett, take the money and run!

3. McCain comparing Obama to Britany Spears and Paris Hilton. My comment: I wish someone would compare me to Britany and Paris!

Enough bad humor for this day.

I'm Back

Well, by popular demand, I'm back. My iBank manager tells me there are a fair number of hits on my blog regularly. So, while I doubted anyone actually reads this stuff, apparentely a few do.

Went to the Brewer/Cubs game last nite. A playoff atmosphere existed. I still am amazed at how the Cubs fans get so many tickets.

As to the stock market.... I still think there are a lot of bargains out there in the market. If you are still holding a stock whose price has dropped and you haven't sold, why wouldn't you buy it now at a discount? If you don't think the price is coming back, why wouldn't you sell what you have?

Adios

Oak Bank is always looking for ways to improve its delivery of financial services to its clientele. This blog is just a small piece of that effort. But it appears it is adding little value to your overall experience with us. Therefore, discussion is being held regarding whether to continue this. Stay tuned.

Am I Wasting My Time

I often wonder if the time, though brief, I spend on adding to this blog is worth it. Does anyone really read it? I know our security prevents readers from being able to respond on this blog, but you can e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Keep the flood victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Stay Positive

Boy, it is tough to keep a positive attitude with all this weather being piled on top of gas prices and rising food costs. This morning a woman was interviewed by one of our local TV stations. Her home was flooded in the LaValle area. While having to cope with her problems, she was able to smile and comment that many people have it a lot worse. Don't we really have to remind ourselves of this!

Americans have a history of pulling through the toughest of times. When things get tough, we get tougher!

No Call

If you have not already done so, you may want to register on the Wisconsin No Call List. You can go to www.nocall.wisconsin.gov or call 866-966-2255 to register your phone numbers, including your cell numbers.

Keep all those folks currently under water in your thoughts.

Dane County Day Trips

In 1996, former county exec, Rick Phelps, wrote 5 articles for "The Capital Times" on Dane County day trips that are off the beaten path. I have copies of those articles. If you'd like a set, e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

A Great School System

I have 5 grandchildren who live in the Evansville, Wisconsin school district. Over the years my wife and I have had many opportunities to attend musical and drama events at the grade, middle and high schools. What an impressive program! A high percentage of their student body is involved in either the concert band, jazz band, choral groups or plays. And believe it or not; they still have a Christmas program!

If our entire education system had the leadership and parental involvement that Evansville experiences, we would have a lot fewer problems in this great country.

Indy 500

I spent the Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis visiting my sister and her family. While there, we also took in the Indy 500. Now I am not a big race fan. But this was some spectacle. Over 250,000 at one event! The crowd was definitely supportive of Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher's attempt to win it. Neither finished. The 33 cars that started the race use 100% ethanol.

It is good to see patriotism in action. Prior to the race, members of our armed services are motored around the track in slick Chevy pick ups. As they went around everyone stood and applauded. Very touching.

We Need To Remember

I have quite a few pictures, plaques and framed certificates hanging on my walls in my office. The one I am most proud of is my Honorable Discharge certificate from the U. S. Army. I served in Missouri, Korea and Texas from May 1959 to May 1962. And yet, I know I take for granted the freedoms I have because of the sacrifice of lives by many, many men and women who have served this great country. Let us all pause and reflect on the positives of living in this great land. There is too much negativity in the media.

Thank God for America!!

Morels & More

I've had my first taste of morels for this year! Two of our clients who know of my love of these tasty morsels brought me a mess. I love to pick morels but have a problem finding them. People who know where to find them protect the location like a trout fisherman protects his favorite trout hole!

I'm off to Hayward this afternoon. Our Zor Shrine has a big event there over the weekend. I have been thru Hayward, but have never spent any time getting to know the area. Perhaps this weekend.......

Our thoughts and prayers include the families who have lost loved ones in the med flight crash.

Housing Boom & Other

On May 6 an article in "The Wall Street Journal" claims the housing crisis is over. The article stated that April 2008 will mark the bottom of the U.S. housing market.

I just returned from 3 days in the Eagle River area. It is a very beautiful area. On Saturday morning we couldn't get off the first tee on time due to frost on the greens. But it warmed up and we had a beautiful day. We saw a pileated woodpecker which are pretty rare. A magnificent bird!

I kind of think we have seen the last drop in interest rates by the Fed. As gas and food prices trend upward, it is going to be interesting to watch inflation numbers. Any show of an increase in the CPI could well lead to increases in rates late this year (after the election) or early next.

Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Tonight is our 8th annual Shareholders' Meeting. It will be held at Promega in Fitchburg's research park. My comments to the shareholders' present will stress that the current economic news is reminiscent of previous challenges to the community banking industry. In the 70's we had the real estate problems; in the 80's the ag crisis and another commercial real estate downturn.

The banks who focus on sound credit principals during good times will survive the bad. The FDIC is predicting about 100 bank failures as a result of the home mortgage situation. Those 100 banks probably did not ever think the business cycle is a cycle. What goes up, must come down.

Been A While

Wow, almost a month since last posting. People who periodically look at my blog tell me I'm too brief and don't post often enough. Brevity is part of my nature, I guess.

Last night Carol and I were honored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. There are a lot of more deserving supporters of that great organization, but we are proud nevertheless. I was surprised by having my sister, Sandi, from Indianapolis, and her daughter, Susan, from the Washington, D.C. area, show up for the occasion. It was a marvelous evening during which over $350,000 was raised for diabetes research. I just have a feeling we are not far from a cure for this "silent" disease. In fact, Dr. Hans Sollinger, noted transplant specialist at UW, told Carol and me last night that he also feels we are not far from a cure. Let's pray.

Yesterday was also the funeral for Jodi Lou Barlow Rickert, a former personal banker here. It was a sad day. Our Jim McNulty did a wonderful talk on his reflections about Jodi. Jodi was only 36 years old and leaves a infant daughter, Sophie, husband Ray and parents. Knowing we will all be together again gives us hope, doesn't it?

Well, a little longer than usual. Life is good!

Taking A Break

I don't know about you but I am ready for some warm weather! One of the fun things to do this time of year is drive or bike on the back roads of Dane County. If you have an interest in copies of six articles written by former Dane Co Exec Rick Phelps on neat drives in Dane County, e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Another Opener

I've been going to Brewer openers for 33 years. I recall that two of those 33 were "nice" days for baseball. Today would have been another. But with the roof, weather is not near the factor it used to be.

Economic news continues to dominate the airwaves. We are fortunate to live in a community that is somewhat economic downturn resistant. If one listens or reads about all the economic woes that presumedly exist, it is difficult to not find yourself putting off purchasing decisions, isn't it?