Badgers

With new milestones being reached in snowfall and deaths in Iraq, we should be thankful for the Badger men's basketball success! It certainly helps us keep a positive attitude, doesn't it?

Interest Rates Keep Falling

One has to ask if more interest rates are coming. Probably yes, but my guess is not many. With inflation running higher than the Fed wants it to be, two of the Board of Governors voted against the recent 75 basis point drop. I'm not sure lower rates is the answer. While we are not one, many banks are unwilling to take on credit risk due to a lack of confidence in the economy. No amount of rate cutting will change that.

My Take On Spitzer

All I can say about about the Spitzer ordeal is people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Bill Wineke's column in this morning's edition of "The Wisconsin State Journal" left me a little confused.

On another matter, I hear that another bank is considering entering the Madison area market. I fail to understand why outside banks want to enter a market where the margins are already so thin. Maybe it is because the new banks have done so well during the past decade.

A Beautiful State

With all the negative vibes we continually get through the media outlets, one tends to forget the beauty of the creation that surrounds us! As I drove to and from Eau Claire this past weekend I could not help but be taken in by the beauty of our state. One of the joys of road biking is watching the countryside change from winter to spring to summer to autumn.

A Tear Is Shed

Like many watching yesterday's Brett Favre press conference I shed a tear. He just gets it, doesn't he? Be it the game of football or the game of life, he gets it.

Another Farewell

The media is fixed on Brett's retirement. And why shouldn't they? I have witnessed the retirement of Al Kaline of the Tigers; Robin Yount of the Brewers; Ted Williams of the Red Sox; Mickey Mantle of the Yankees; Bart Starr of the Packers, among others. But none of these were felt with the emotion that I am experiencing now. Over the last 16 years there have been lots of ups and downs in Wisconsin and the U.S.A. But the one constant has been # 4. God bless him and his family.

Mortgage Woes

I am often asked if Oak Bank is being impacted by the sub-prime mess. A short answer: No. We service over a thousand mortgages and not a one is past due.

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!