Arctic Air

A person certainly gets a feel for what those who live inside the Arctic Circle experience!  It is damn cold out.  People are always telling me this must remind me of Upper Michigan, where I grew up.  The fact is, it seems colder here.  Granted winters up there are longer with lots of snow.  But I much prefer snow over brutal cold!  Another factor is that the U.P. is almost completely surrounded by open water, which at 32 degrees or more tends to produce snow and milder temps.  So if you want to escape this cold, go to the U.P.  (tongue in cheek!) 

Here and There

One has to wonder where the 110,000,000 credit and debit card theft from Target will end up.  It also sounds like this is only the tip of the iceberg and that many other retailers may have also been hit.  Does that mean 90% of people in the U.S. have already had their information stolen?  One has to wonder.

Global Warning

I am aware that the issue of global warming is more than just one winter, but I sure am not hearing much about global warming this winter around here!

Target

Target Corporation is offering one year free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to anyone who was affected by the recent Target data breach.  So if your credit or debit card was affected, you can go to the following site to get the free monitoring and protection.

https://corporate.target.com/discover/article/free-credit-monitoring-and-identity-theft-protection

Weather

Yesterday when the temperature got way up to 9 degrees ABOVE zero with the sun shining, one could not help buy notice the lift in peoples'  spirits!  The sun is a powerful intoxicant! 

Fair Weather Fans

Minus 7 degrees at kickoff in Lambeau this Sunday.  I'll be there and not in a suite.  I have a outfit worn by those who compete in the Alaska Iditarod and boots good to minus 130!  Two son-in-laws; 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren accompanying me.  They have been to cold games before, but not as cold as this will be.  Hope it beats the 1967 Ice Bowl for low temp!

Happy 2014

Today ends a successful year for Oak Bank.  But as of tomorrow, it is history and we start all over.  There is still a lot of uncertainty in our economy.  But we are optimistic that our team will do what it takes to make 2014 special.  Happy New Year to all!!

Do You Believe?

I really had mixed feelings as the clock wound down yesterday.  The Packers were driving and on four different occasions they were down to a critical fourth down play.  I had pretty much prepared myself for a Bear win.  But somehow I felt Rodgers might find a way to pull it out.  After all, the most frequent criticism I hear about him is his inability to win the close ones.  But he combined with Cobb for what will be a win to remember!  Bring on the 49ers!

Winter & Economy

I am not sure if its the time of the year or the impending snow storm (I like snow storms!) or what, but I am mildly optimistic that 2014 is shaping up to be a good year for our economy.  While there seems to exist a lot of uncertainty about taxes and healthcare, the recent budget compromise along with some of the economic indicators have produced some confidence in the Market.  Yet, some central bankers (like the Federal Reserve) are concerned about the low inflation rate and whether deflation should be a concern.  But overall, I am optimistic about 2014.

Can You Believe It?

Give the Packers credit.  They have character!  Yesterday's comeback victory is a perfect example of why we remain fans!  The game is never over till it's over.

Winter

Being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I really don't have a problem with snow.  But I really don't care for bitter cold.  You might say, but isn't it colder in the U.P.?  No, not normally.  Being surrounded by the Great Lakes which are 32 degrees or warmer while still open, the U.P. is normally milder and does not experience the chill factors we do here in south-central Wisconsin.  But that open water certainly encourages the snow effect snow fall.  I never owned a snow blower while living up there.

Feliz dia del pavo

Feliz dia del pavo.  Be thankful for all your blessings!

Kissing Your Sister

It was a cold November day in Lambeau yesterday.  And a tie left the fans kind of unfulfilled.  The defense once again let us down.  And now its going to be interesting to see who starts at quarterback this Thursday against the Lions.  If Rodgers is unable to play, I fully expect it will be Matt Flynn.  And what about Eddie Lacy?  Once Rodgers is back, it is going to be interesting to watch the combination of him and Lacy. 

Badgers/Packers

While the Badgers are still in contention for a BCS Bowl, the Packers will not make the NFL playoffs.  I am normally not one to jump off the bandwagon, but with all the injuries, and especially the Aaron Rodgers injury, make me a little pessimistic. 

Packers Season Over?

I can't be very optimistic right now about the Packer season.  It is not just Aaron's absence, but all the other injuries that is hurting them right now.  I felt Scott Tolzien did a very creditable job on Sunday having only been involved for a week.  But one should not underestimate Mike McCarthy's ability to work miracles!

Give to Your Community

When was the last time you did something for your community?  Or for a non-profit?  Or your church, synagoque, or temple?  At the end of the day, it is all about how we influenced our fragile earth to leave it better for our children and grandchildren. 

We Have A Deal

According to the news just released, we have a deal in Washington to avoid the default issue.  The devil will be in the details, I expect.  And I doubt if it is a long-term solution.

Been A While

Wow, have I been out of circulation or what?  What a hectic couple of months August and September were.  The highlight was the completion of a 102.4 mile bike ride in Nashville, Tn.  A very challenging ride but Nashville is a great and fun city!

Possible government shutdown is an example of lack of leadership from the top.  They ought to lock eht various players in a room and not let them out till they can find a compromise.

Community Banking

It appears regulators are finally getting the message that community banks play a very important role in the health of local economies.  I think they also realize the Great Recession was not caused by community banks. 

Braun

The mistake Ryan Braun made was not fessing up to everything when the initial investigation too place a year ago.  I just hope people can forgive and forget.  Everyone makes mistakes.  As long as he owns up to his mistakes, I will still support him.