When I went to Richland Center, many of the students were older - some just coming back from Vietnam - now we have Iraq to bring the coffins home....
When Shawn Cassiman got divorced, she knew it was time to go to college to be better able to support herself and her children.
A high school dropout with an equivalency diploma, she enrolled at UW-Superior at age 40. Commuting from Ashland, she worked at a pizza joint as well as work-study jobs between classes, before gaining her bachelor's degree in 2002.
Now Cassiman has a master's degree and is working toward a Ph.D. in social welfare at the UW-Madison.
She says she was "lucky" to get scholarships and to find the mentors she needed to gain her degrees. But the University of Wisconsin System is launching a new Adult Student Initiative aimed at taking much of the luck out of the equation for older "nontraditional" students such as Cassiman.
"Nontraditional" UW student Shawn Cassiman returned to college nine years ago at age 40 and is now working toward a Ph.D.
The number of students age 24 and older has dropped dramatically in the past 10 years - at the UW-Madison and in the system as a whole. Statewide, nontraditional undergraduate students declined from 27,069 in 1995 to 20,095 in 2005. At UW-Madison, the numbers of undergraduate students age 24 and older dropped from 2,616 in 1997 to 1,661 in 2005.
UW System President Kevin Reilly said the new initiative - proposed as part of the next two-year budget at a cost of $2.6 million - is necessary to close a 5 percent gap in bachelor's degrees that Wisconsin suffers in comparison with Illinois and Minnesota.
That is one reason why the state has a lower average family income and suffers in economic vitality compared to some other states in the region, he said. Creating more high-paying employment opportunities within the state's economy requires an educated population.
"There is a documented need to attract adults with an associate degree or substantial college credit to UW System campuses to complete a bachelor's degree," Reilly said.
The new initiative - to be launched by the UW Colleges and UW-Extension - is in addition to existing programs, and would not mean a cut in funding for traditional students entering college out of high school.
The additional money would be used to identify, recruit and serve potential adult students, expand opportunities for them through distance education and provide more counseling.
Wisconsin has a high level of people with associate degrees who could use UW resources to gain bachelor's degrees, Reilly said. Jobs requiring at least a bachelor's degree include computer system analysts, schoolteachers, physical therapists and graphics designers. The potential market of Wisconsinites age 18 and older who have some college credit or an associate degree is 1.2 million people, and researchers estimate that 60,860 are "extremely or very interested in enrolling in a degree program," UW System officials said.
No one is quite sure why nontraditional students have declined, though the fact that tuition has risen sharply in recent years may be a factor. Sharp competition from private universities offering flexible hours and online courses could also be a factor.
UW System spokesman Dave Giroux added that state budget cuts have forced the system to focus more narrowly on a core mission of traditional-aged on-campus undergraduates. "It has more to do with our internal issues, doing more with less," he said.
But Teri Venker, a spokeswoman for the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, said another major cause is likely a scary university bureaucracy.
"Especially in parts of the state where no UW campus is located, the University of Wisconsin is often perceived as a bureaucracy that some people find intimidating. They don't know where to start," she said.
View from the desks: Rod Perry knew where to start, but he had to get past some obstacles first.
Perry, 63, lost his job as a digitizer in the business outfitters division of Lands' End in Dodgeville in February 2005. He designed digital logos that are embroidered on garments with a computer-assisted sewing machine, but he said he and some 40 others lost their jobs when Lands' End contracted for the work to be done in India and South America.
Perry and others applied for a federal program allowing them to draw unemployment while attending college, but they were denied and had to appeal more than once.
The application was finally approved, and in September Perry started taking classes at UW-Richland in his hometown of Richland Center to get an associate degree in liberal arts, with an emphasis on business.
"The big hang-up is that the program demands that you carry 12 credits. To be 44 years out of the classroom and leap into a 12-credit schedule was at least brutal, but it turned out a little better than I expected," he said.
In fact, Perry ended his first semester with a 3.9 grade point average.
"They want you to finish and then take a job. I said, 'OK, but who would hire me at 65?' "
Perry said he plans to cross that bridge when he comes to it, while Deanna Newlun of Wonewoc has a clear idea of where she wants to go next.
She will graduate from UW-Richland in May with an associate degree in liberal arts and science and intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice online through a four-year institution so she can become a probation or parole officer.
Newlun enrolled four years ago at age 28 to find a more interesting career. Married with children ages 8 and 4, she currently works part time as a ticket agent at the Crystal Grand Music Theatre in Wisconsin Dells.
Her husband, Chris, is a truck driver who is often away from home, so it has been a struggle to juggle school, homework, her children and jobs.
"It has gotten easier as my kids have gotten older. At first the classes were difficult because I didn't know what to expect, and some are still difficult," said Newlun, although she has made the Dean's List with high honors every semester.
Both she and Cassiman urged people thinking about going back to school to do so.
"It's never too late, and it's not as bad as you might think," Newlun said. "It has been very rewarding. I've met a lot of new people and I was able to experience college, on a different level but still experience it."
Cassiman said the same, even though, like Newlun, she has also had to take out student loans to get her degrees.
"I ended up with a great adviser in my program. We all need support and help to do anything we do. A big part of support is financial, but encouragement and belief in your ability to succeed are very important," she said.
"It is really important to recognize that because we don't all follow the same type of trajectory doesn't mean that we can't do things. If you didn't do it 20 years ago, that doesn't mean you can't do it. A lot of times people put their dreams on hold."
Somehow, I feel like I am becoming a geezer. After my bike accident, I have used a cane. I feel like poking a young whipersnapper...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Where did common sense go?
Why do we need all these laws? If Iwere a lawmaker, I would write laws to get rid of existing laws that do not work! Plenty of those feel good laws out there already.....spike em!
From NJ
After a day of unrelenting ridicule, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick decided yesterday evening to withdraw his bill to ban talking on a cell phone while riding a bike.
"Even my friends didn't like the bill," the Union County Republican said.
A legislative committee on Thursday approved the bill, which would make it illegal for people to use a hand-held telephone while riding a bicycle on a public road. Hands-free devices would still be allowed. Violators would face fines ranging from $100 to $250.
Bramnick said the bill was meant to protect bicyclists and the people they might run into while riding and yakking. He had described the plan as a "common sense proposal."
But the idea crashed harder than a rider flipping over the handlebars.
Criticism came from all angles, from talk radio callers to constituents to casual acquaintances, Bramnick said.
He conceded that even he was having doubts while pitching the bill to fellow lawmakers on Thursday.
"I could feel in my own voice that, as I talked about the bill, I started to have some questions in my mind about my own bill," Bramnick said.
Nonetheless, it was released to the full Assembly, drawing instant media attention followed by a strong dose of mockery, some directed at the bill by fellow lawmakers.
"As my father used to tell me, "You can't legislate common sense,' and that's exactly what this bill tries to do, as the Legislature has already tried to do on so many other occasions," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris.
Pete Garnich, owner of Knapp's Cyclery in Lawrence, was among those who failed to see the need. His shop sponsors weekly group rides, and Garnich said he can't recall anyone talking on a cell phone while riding a bike.
"I wouldn't say it's a problem," he said. "You can't breathe and talk. It's absolutely ridiculous."
All of which contributed to Bramnick's change of heart by yesterday evening.
"The thing is, sometimes you make mistakes, simple as that," Bramnick said.
From NJ
After a day of unrelenting ridicule, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick decided yesterday evening to withdraw his bill to ban talking on a cell phone while riding a bike.
"Even my friends didn't like the bill," the Union County Republican said.
A legislative committee on Thursday approved the bill, which would make it illegal for people to use a hand-held telephone while riding a bicycle on a public road. Hands-free devices would still be allowed. Violators would face fines ranging from $100 to $250.
Bramnick said the bill was meant to protect bicyclists and the people they might run into while riding and yakking. He had described the plan as a "common sense proposal."
But the idea crashed harder than a rider flipping over the handlebars.
Criticism came from all angles, from talk radio callers to constituents to casual acquaintances, Bramnick said.
He conceded that even he was having doubts while pitching the bill to fellow lawmakers on Thursday.
"I could feel in my own voice that, as I talked about the bill, I started to have some questions in my mind about my own bill," Bramnick said.
Nonetheless, it was released to the full Assembly, drawing instant media attention followed by a strong dose of mockery, some directed at the bill by fellow lawmakers.
"As my father used to tell me, "You can't legislate common sense,' and that's exactly what this bill tries to do, as the Legislature has already tried to do on so many other occasions," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris.
Pete Garnich, owner of Knapp's Cyclery in Lawrence, was among those who failed to see the need. His shop sponsors weekly group rides, and Garnich said he can't recall anyone talking on a cell phone while riding a bike.
"I wouldn't say it's a problem," he said. "You can't breathe and talk. It's absolutely ridiculous."
All of which contributed to Bramnick's change of heart by yesterday evening.
"The thing is, sometimes you make mistakes, simple as that," Bramnick said.
Friday, January 12, 2007
sad day
More han 30 years ago, thy made the best pizza with everyting on it. Drank a lot of beer there and bowled quite a few lines on these lanes. Times change....
Firefighters battled wind and two received minor injuries battling a blaze that the fire chief called one of the worst fires he has faced in his 30-year career.
The hardest part for many on Tuesday was dealing with the loss of Center Lanes, a popular gathering spot for the community.
The former owner Ken Hansen said it is hard to find words to describe the loss.
"It was a family business. My mother in-law and father in-law built it in 1959," Hansen said. "We ended up working for the family and carried on the business until 1983. And then we sold it to Tom and his wife, and he's owned it ever since."
Hansen said the loss is a blow to the entire community.
"(If) you don't have a bowling alley and a golf course, you don't got much else to do," he said.
According to the Richland Center Fire Department chief, someone saw the fire and called police. Authorities sent an officer to the scene and five people who were getting ready to open the business were evacuated.
"The officer that arrived on scene went in and told the people that the back of the building was on fire and that they needed to evacuate. They weren't even aware of the fire," said Robert Bindl, chief at the Richland Center Fire Department.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. The blaze took more than two hours to put out because of wind. The building is a complete loss.
Heavy smoke shut down Highway 14 for hours. Authorities said traffic was rerouted and that a nearby home was evacuated.
Even with backup, firefighters battled the blaze for two hours.
"The wind was a major factor. It was blowing everything right against us. It was just a hard fire to fight," Bindl said.
Always a bowling alley, current owner Tom Hauber turned Center Lanes into a social hub.
The local Chamber of Commerce said that the fire destroyed one of the town's most profitable businesses.
"There is a banquet center, wedding receptions are held here. It affects just about every aspect of the community. I can't think of anybody here that has not been to the bowling alley at one time or another," said Susan Price, director of the Richland Center Chamber of Commerce.
The former owner said he just hopes Center Lanes can be rebuilt.
"It is going to be hard to replace," Hansen said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Wisconsin fire marshal will start investigating Wednesday.
friends said om Hauber is devastated.
The fire chief said that Hauber was so overcome that they had to keep him from running into the burning building.
Long Rock and Muscoda fire departments assisted in putting out the blaze.
Firefighters battled wind and two received minor injuries battling a blaze that the fire chief called one of the worst fires he has faced in his 30-year career.
The hardest part for many on Tuesday was dealing with the loss of Center Lanes, a popular gathering spot for the community.
The former owner Ken Hansen said it is hard to find words to describe the loss.
"It was a family business. My mother in-law and father in-law built it in 1959," Hansen said. "We ended up working for the family and carried on the business until 1983. And then we sold it to Tom and his wife, and he's owned it ever since."
Hansen said the loss is a blow to the entire community.
"(If) you don't have a bowling alley and a golf course, you don't got much else to do," he said.
According to the Richland Center Fire Department chief, someone saw the fire and called police. Authorities sent an officer to the scene and five people who were getting ready to open the business were evacuated.
"The officer that arrived on scene went in and told the people that the back of the building was on fire and that they needed to evacuate. They weren't even aware of the fire," said Robert Bindl, chief at the Richland Center Fire Department.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. The blaze took more than two hours to put out because of wind. The building is a complete loss.
Heavy smoke shut down Highway 14 for hours. Authorities said traffic was rerouted and that a nearby home was evacuated.
Even with backup, firefighters battled the blaze for two hours.
"The wind was a major factor. It was blowing everything right against us. It was just a hard fire to fight," Bindl said.
Always a bowling alley, current owner Tom Hauber turned Center Lanes into a social hub.
The local Chamber of Commerce said that the fire destroyed one of the town's most profitable businesses.
"There is a banquet center, wedding receptions are held here. It affects just about every aspect of the community. I can't think of anybody here that has not been to the bowling alley at one time or another," said Susan Price, director of the Richland Center Chamber of Commerce.
The former owner said he just hopes Center Lanes can be rebuilt.
"It is going to be hard to replace," Hansen said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Wisconsin fire marshal will start investigating Wednesday.
friends said om Hauber is devastated.
The fire chief said that Hauber was so overcome that they had to keep him from running into the burning building.
Long Rock and Muscoda fire departments assisted in putting out the blaze.
sad day
More han 30 years ago, thy made the best pizza with everyting on it. Drank a lot of beer there and bowled quite a few lines on these lanes. Times change....
Firefighters battled wind and two received minor injuries battling a blaze that the fire chief called one of the worst fires he has faced in his 30-year career.
The hardest part for many on Tuesday was dealing with the loss of Center Lanes, a popular gathering spot for the community.
The former owner Ken Hansen said it is hard to find words to describe the loss.
"It was a family business. My mother in-law and father in-law built it in 1959," Hansen said. "We ended up working for the family and carried on the business until 1983. And then we sold it to Tom and his wife, and he's owned it ever since."
Hansen said the loss is a blow to the entire community.
"(If) you don't have a bowling alley and a golf course, you don't got much else to do," he said.
According to the Richland Center Fire Department chief, someone saw the fire and called police. Authorities sent an officer to the scene and five people who were getting ready to open the business were evacuated.
"The officer that arrived on scene went in and told the people that the back of the building was on fire and that they needed to evacuate. They weren't even aware of the fire," said Robert Bindl, chief at the Richland Center Fire Department.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. The blaze took more than two hours to put out because of wind. The building is a complete loss.
Heavy smoke shut down Highway 14 for hours. Authorities said traffic was rerouted and that a nearby home was evacuated.
Even with backup, firefighters battled the blaze for two hours.
"The wind was a major factor. It was blowing everything right against us. It was just a hard fire to fight," Bindl said.
Always a bowling alley, current owner Tom Hauber turned Center Lanes into a social hub.
The local Chamber of Commerce said that the fire destroyed one of the town's most profitable businesses.
"There is a banquet center, wedding receptions are held here. It affects just about every aspect of the community. I can't think of anybody here that has not been to the bowling alley at one time or another," said Susan Price, director of the Richland Center Chamber of Commerce.
The former owner said he just hopes Center Lanes can be rebuilt.
"It is going to be hard to replace," Hansen said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Wisconsin fire marshal will start investigating Wednesday.
friends said om Hauber is devastated.
The fire chief said that Hauber was so overcome that they had to keep him from running into the burning building.
Long Rock and Muscoda fire departments assisted in putting out the blaze.
Firefighters battled wind and two received minor injuries battling a blaze that the fire chief called one of the worst fires he has faced in his 30-year career.
The hardest part for many on Tuesday was dealing with the loss of Center Lanes, a popular gathering spot for the community.
The former owner Ken Hansen said it is hard to find words to describe the loss.
"It was a family business. My mother in-law and father in-law built it in 1959," Hansen said. "We ended up working for the family and carried on the business until 1983. And then we sold it to Tom and his wife, and he's owned it ever since."
Hansen said the loss is a blow to the entire community.
"(If) you don't have a bowling alley and a golf course, you don't got much else to do," he said.
According to the Richland Center Fire Department chief, someone saw the fire and called police. Authorities sent an officer to the scene and five people who were getting ready to open the business were evacuated.
"The officer that arrived on scene went in and told the people that the back of the building was on fire and that they needed to evacuate. They weren't even aware of the fire," said Robert Bindl, chief at the Richland Center Fire Department.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. The blaze took more than two hours to put out because of wind. The building is a complete loss.
Heavy smoke shut down Highway 14 for hours. Authorities said traffic was rerouted and that a nearby home was evacuated.
Even with backup, firefighters battled the blaze for two hours.
"The wind was a major factor. It was blowing everything right against us. It was just a hard fire to fight," Bindl said.
Always a bowling alley, current owner Tom Hauber turned Center Lanes into a social hub.
The local Chamber of Commerce said that the fire destroyed one of the town's most profitable businesses.
"There is a banquet center, wedding receptions are held here. It affects just about every aspect of the community. I can't think of anybody here that has not been to the bowling alley at one time or another," said Susan Price, director of the Richland Center Chamber of Commerce.
The former owner said he just hopes Center Lanes can be rebuilt.
"It is going to be hard to replace," Hansen said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Wisconsin fire marshal will start investigating Wednesday.
friends said om Hauber is devastated.
The fire chief said that Hauber was so overcome that they had to keep him from running into the burning building.
Long Rock and Muscoda fire departments assisted in putting out the blaze.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
geezer from scotland
However, I agree with much of what he says. Bicyclists can be rude and inconsiderate. They forget they are a VEHICLE....
It's time to put brakes on antisocial cyclists
BRIAN HENNIGAN
I WAS thinking the other day - what is it that stops some cyclists growing up? This crossed my mind after being sliced up while walking along a pavement designed for pedestrians by an adult on a bicycle, for whom the road was evidently a wee bit on the grown-up side.
Before I begin my assault on two-wheeled idiots, let me get my credentials in order. As some readers might recall, I am no fan of cars in the city; I am pro-cycling. I want more cycling in and around Edinburgh. I would like nothing better than an enormous network of cycling lanes going here, there and everywhere, yes even unto Asda.
Every major company should be compelled to provide storage facilities for all their employees who wish to cycle. The lack of a comprehensive infrastructure to help cyclists is laughable.
The provisions for cycles to be stored on trains and on buses - as they so easily are all over the world - is a joke. One can only hope that Edinburgh's proposed new tram system allows for the transportation of bicycles.
Having established that I am not one of those lunatic motorists who view cyclists as being pigeons with wheels, let me continue to rant against those too-many cyclists who seem to think that by virtue of using a form of transportation that is green, they are somehow excused consideration for others.
There is only one reason to be cycling on a pavement: you are a little child who needs adult accompaniment. All other cyclists should be on the road where they belong. If for some reason your traffic lane is congested and you are unable to make progress, tough. It is not acceptable to simply mount the pavement and continue as if you have been in some way sinned against. If you don't have stabilisers on, the road is the only place we should find you whizzing along.
Here is another fact that some cyclists will find shocking: those funny lights that you sometimes see at the junctions of roads apply to both cars AND bicycles. Red means stop. Red does not mean pedal smugly across thinking no-one can see you. Apart from anything else, your invisibility to other road-users might just be proven in a way you did not envisage.
While we are on the subject of meanings, No Cycling signs mean that there should be no cycling. It might seem cute for you to zoom across the Meadows the wrong way, but one day someone is going to get fed-up with your selfish behaviour and you will be amazed how far you can travel without a bicycle when someone jams a stick in your rear-wheel.
Occasionally cyclists are so stupid and selfish it makes you wonder if the wind has somehow whistled through their ears too quickly and sucked their brains out. Cycling without lights at night is not some environmentally courageous way of showing how you and the owls are as one; it's a way of being on a bicycle that says: "I don't care about anyone else other than myself. If some elderly person or small child crossing the road can't see me - hard cheese on them. I am on a bicycle and don't care."
What makes all of the above modes of behaviour inexplicable is that so many cyclists like to ride around as if they have some sort of cloak of environmental awareness flying behind them. Any degree of environmental awareness must take into account the welfare of your fellow citizens.
Rant almost over, but I couldn't possibly sign off without mentioning helmets. Anyone who thinks pedalling au naturale is fine deserves whatever non-indicating delivery van might lie in their future.
Let's just call it Darwinism - anyone who believes they can do without a helmet probably isn't a useful addition to the gene pool. All that remains is to find a way of billing those who don't wear helmets for any hospital-based repairs that are necessary as a result of their recklessness.
I want cycling to be the future, but I want selfish and/or stupid cyclists to become a thing of the past.
It's time to put brakes on antisocial cyclists
BRIAN HENNIGAN
I WAS thinking the other day - what is it that stops some cyclists growing up? This crossed my mind after being sliced up while walking along a pavement designed for pedestrians by an adult on a bicycle, for whom the road was evidently a wee bit on the grown-up side.
Before I begin my assault on two-wheeled idiots, let me get my credentials in order. As some readers might recall, I am no fan of cars in the city; I am pro-cycling. I want more cycling in and around Edinburgh. I would like nothing better than an enormous network of cycling lanes going here, there and everywhere, yes even unto Asda.
Every major company should be compelled to provide storage facilities for all their employees who wish to cycle. The lack of a comprehensive infrastructure to help cyclists is laughable.
The provisions for cycles to be stored on trains and on buses - as they so easily are all over the world - is a joke. One can only hope that Edinburgh's proposed new tram system allows for the transportation of bicycles.
Having established that I am not one of those lunatic motorists who view cyclists as being pigeons with wheels, let me continue to rant against those too-many cyclists who seem to think that by virtue of using a form of transportation that is green, they are somehow excused consideration for others.
There is only one reason to be cycling on a pavement: you are a little child who needs adult accompaniment. All other cyclists should be on the road where they belong. If for some reason your traffic lane is congested and you are unable to make progress, tough. It is not acceptable to simply mount the pavement and continue as if you have been in some way sinned against. If you don't have stabilisers on, the road is the only place we should find you whizzing along.
Here is another fact that some cyclists will find shocking: those funny lights that you sometimes see at the junctions of roads apply to both cars AND bicycles. Red means stop. Red does not mean pedal smugly across thinking no-one can see you. Apart from anything else, your invisibility to other road-users might just be proven in a way you did not envisage.
While we are on the subject of meanings, No Cycling signs mean that there should be no cycling. It might seem cute for you to zoom across the Meadows the wrong way, but one day someone is going to get fed-up with your selfish behaviour and you will be amazed how far you can travel without a bicycle when someone jams a stick in your rear-wheel.
Occasionally cyclists are so stupid and selfish it makes you wonder if the wind has somehow whistled through their ears too quickly and sucked their brains out. Cycling without lights at night is not some environmentally courageous way of showing how you and the owls are as one; it's a way of being on a bicycle that says: "I don't care about anyone else other than myself. If some elderly person or small child crossing the road can't see me - hard cheese on them. I am on a bicycle and don't care."
What makes all of the above modes of behaviour inexplicable is that so many cyclists like to ride around as if they have some sort of cloak of environmental awareness flying behind them. Any degree of environmental awareness must take into account the welfare of your fellow citizens.
Rant almost over, but I couldn't possibly sign off without mentioning helmets. Anyone who thinks pedalling au naturale is fine deserves whatever non-indicating delivery van might lie in their future.
Let's just call it Darwinism - anyone who believes they can do without a helmet probably isn't a useful addition to the gene pool. All that remains is to find a way of billing those who don't wear helmets for any hospital-based repairs that are necessary as a result of their recklessness.
I want cycling to be the future, but I want selfish and/or stupid cyclists to become a thing of the past.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
whaz the world cummin to!
AN ANGRY pensioner was told it would take 10 days for Reading Borough Council to remove a mangled bicycle from the footpath in front of his house.
Gerard Gadney, 76, of Pangbourne Street, said he was told removing the bike, run over on Thursday night after yobs threw into the middle of Oxford Road, was not a priority as the bike was not a safety hazard.
But Mr Gadney, who has lived in the area for 36 years, said drunks were likely to use the bike to damage people's property.
He said: "It's lunacy. "That bike will end up through my front window before the night is out."
Luckily for Mr Gadney, the council, after being contacted by Chronicle Extra, removed the bike on Friday morning.
Gerard Gadney, 76, of Pangbourne Street, said he was told removing the bike, run over on Thursday night after yobs threw into the middle of Oxford Road, was not a priority as the bike was not a safety hazard.
But Mr Gadney, who has lived in the area for 36 years, said drunks were likely to use the bike to damage people's property.
He said: "It's lunacy. "That bike will end up through my front window before the night is out."
Luckily for Mr Gadney, the council, after being contacted by Chronicle Extra, removed the bike on Friday morning.
Friday, December 29, 2006
damn whippersnappers!
The Globe has an interesting article today by Marcella Bombardieri about how aging faculty members might be affecting the university hiring system. The thrust of the piece is that professors who refuse to retire may be "plugging the pipeline" for young academics hoping for one of the rare plum professorial gigs, resulting in a conflict between the wisdom of elders and the fresh new ideas younger academics might bring.
But the article doesn't mention the bigger problem that leads to the Geezer Vs. Whippersnapper battle - if someone retires, the university doesn't always have the funds or the inclination to fill an open space with young blood.
The discussion board related to the article suggests that the "plugged pipeline" comes from somewhere else. One poster by the handle of "SomervilleSlug" called the issue a "red herring" because more and more tenure-track positions are being replaced by adjunct faculty.
Bombardieri herself wrote a recent piece about how "more than half the faculty at Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, and Harvard are part-time or are not on the tenure track." If that's the case, then the problem isn't geezers defiantly clutching their desks with one hand while beating off the whippersnappers with a stick. The problem is administrations that cut costs by hiring people on the cheap (adjuncts and lecturers get paid less and, in many instances, don't get any benefits to speak of). That doesn't mean that the adjuncts and lecturers are any less intelligent than the professors, but it does mean that these teachers - many of whom teach more classes, depending on the school - don't get the perks that go with being full-time faculty.
In a city filled with universities and their associated full-time and part-time professors, the "plugged pipeline" could have a serious impact on Boston's economy. It's hard to get by on an adjunct or lecturer's salary, and Bombardieri's articles make clear that a problem is brewing in terms of academic job quality in this city. Good college teachers will leave for more affordable places, and eventually students - and the parents who foot the bill - will catch on that schools are raising the cost of education without paying the people who do the teaching.
But the article doesn't mention the bigger problem that leads to the Geezer Vs. Whippersnapper battle - if someone retires, the university doesn't always have the funds or the inclination to fill an open space with young blood.
The discussion board related to the article suggests that the "plugged pipeline" comes from somewhere else. One poster by the handle of "SomervilleSlug" called the issue a "red herring" because more and more tenure-track positions are being replaced by adjunct faculty.
Bombardieri herself wrote a recent piece about how "more than half the faculty at Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, and Harvard are part-time or are not on the tenure track." If that's the case, then the problem isn't geezers defiantly clutching their desks with one hand while beating off the whippersnappers with a stick. The problem is administrations that cut costs by hiring people on the cheap (adjuncts and lecturers get paid less and, in many instances, don't get any benefits to speak of). That doesn't mean that the adjuncts and lecturers are any less intelligent than the professors, but it does mean that these teachers - many of whom teach more classes, depending on the school - don't get the perks that go with being full-time faculty.
In a city filled with universities and their associated full-time and part-time professors, the "plugged pipeline" could have a serious impact on Boston's economy. It's hard to get by on an adjunct or lecturer's salary, and Bombardieri's articles make clear that a problem is brewing in terms of academic job quality in this city. Good college teachers will leave for more affordable places, and eventually students - and the parents who foot the bill - will catch on that schools are raising the cost of education without paying the people who do the teaching.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
being old IS funny
Friends ready with a few timely geezer jokesBy Emmet MearaSaturday, December 16, 2006 - Bangor Daily News
I don’t even like Roslindale Leo, Natick Jerome or Moneybags John. Yet they are my dearest, most valued friends.
Leo had been a thorn in my side since, on the night I met him, he invited me to fight on the lawn. And it was my lawn. He ended that night vomiting on the same lawn, an act witnessed by my sainted mother (she actually asked if he would like a tuna sandwich.) Years later, as I lay dying (I recovered) in a Gloucester hospital, Leo asked my (soon-to-be-ex) wife if she wanted to go to a New Year’s Eve party. When she demurred, he said, "He will never know."
Nice guy. In ensuing years, he tried several times to kill me on canoe trips, tipping the craft into ice-filled waters, hitting me over the head with a log and ignoring each bit of advice.
At least you can pick your friends.
I had no choice with Jerome. He came along with the Twomey-Meara clan, disguised as a cousin. Jerome’s claim to fame is that he went back to college and got a music degree, at prestigious Berklee College, at age 55. Then, as testament to this milestone, he never played his guitar again.
He is also known for the night during his rock band days when he played a guitar solo while standing back-to-back with the gorgeous lead singer. His (soon-to-be-ex) wife leaped upon the stage, wrestled the sticks from the drummer and started beating the gorgeous lead singer. Jerome, a trouper, kept right on playing. But, since the gorgeous lead singer was married to the bandleader, Jerome lost the gig, and later, the wife, who took the house and furniture with her. Jerome was left alone, with only folding chairs from the neighborhood funeral parlor for company.
Moneybags John came into my life when he married the (almost) beauty queen from next door in Tenants Harbor. He is a marathoner, perilously thin and takes great pleasure in remarking on my expanding girth and shrinking financial resources. He loves it that my Florida land purchase set off a national, if not international, crash in real estate. John carries a calculator to determine up-to-the-minute calculations on his financial worth and eventual Social Security windfall. Certainly, no one celebrated his open-heart surgery last year, but the event did cut down on the "Emmet is fat" jokes.
John was a naval officer. I could tell how well-trained he was during my brief sailboat ownership when I approached a Rockland dock and threw him a line. I was no naval officer and admittedly failed to secure the line to the boat. But when I looked up, the Navy vet was standing there holding it, instead of lashing it to the dock. We both fell down laughing, praying to God that no one witnessed the feeble act.
The point here (there is one) is that this dastardly trio was born before I was, some of them by several months.
I was born on Dec. 22, along with one Meara Van Der Zee, destined for a career in Hollywood.
That means that I can send them "old" jokes all year long with the understanding that I am still young, at least compared to them.
Now, the days are dwindling down to a precious few. They have already experienced the pain that is age 66 and the tide is turning. Their e-mails grow more and more bitter. The same jokes are now bouncing back.
That’s not funny.
Now that I am next in line, I wonder why I ever had anything to do with this trio in the first place.
Wait till next year.
I don’t even like Roslindale Leo, Natick Jerome or Moneybags John. Yet they are my dearest, most valued friends.
Leo had been a thorn in my side since, on the night I met him, he invited me to fight on the lawn. And it was my lawn. He ended that night vomiting on the same lawn, an act witnessed by my sainted mother (she actually asked if he would like a tuna sandwich.) Years later, as I lay dying (I recovered) in a Gloucester hospital, Leo asked my (soon-to-be-ex) wife if she wanted to go to a New Year’s Eve party. When she demurred, he said, "He will never know."
Nice guy. In ensuing years, he tried several times to kill me on canoe trips, tipping the craft into ice-filled waters, hitting me over the head with a log and ignoring each bit of advice.
At least you can pick your friends.
I had no choice with Jerome. He came along with the Twomey-Meara clan, disguised as a cousin. Jerome’s claim to fame is that he went back to college and got a music degree, at prestigious Berklee College, at age 55. Then, as testament to this milestone, he never played his guitar again.
He is also known for the night during his rock band days when he played a guitar solo while standing back-to-back with the gorgeous lead singer. His (soon-to-be-ex) wife leaped upon the stage, wrestled the sticks from the drummer and started beating the gorgeous lead singer. Jerome, a trouper, kept right on playing. But, since the gorgeous lead singer was married to the bandleader, Jerome lost the gig, and later, the wife, who took the house and furniture with her. Jerome was left alone, with only folding chairs from the neighborhood funeral parlor for company.
Moneybags John came into my life when he married the (almost) beauty queen from next door in Tenants Harbor. He is a marathoner, perilously thin and takes great pleasure in remarking on my expanding girth and shrinking financial resources. He loves it that my Florida land purchase set off a national, if not international, crash in real estate. John carries a calculator to determine up-to-the-minute calculations on his financial worth and eventual Social Security windfall. Certainly, no one celebrated his open-heart surgery last year, but the event did cut down on the "Emmet is fat" jokes.
John was a naval officer. I could tell how well-trained he was during my brief sailboat ownership when I approached a Rockland dock and threw him a line. I was no naval officer and admittedly failed to secure the line to the boat. But when I looked up, the Navy vet was standing there holding it, instead of lashing it to the dock. We both fell down laughing, praying to God that no one witnessed the feeble act.
The point here (there is one) is that this dastardly trio was born before I was, some of them by several months.
I was born on Dec. 22, along with one Meara Van Der Zee, destined for a career in Hollywood.
That means that I can send them "old" jokes all year long with the understanding that I am still young, at least compared to them.
Now, the days are dwindling down to a precious few. They have already experienced the pain that is age 66 and the tide is turning. Their e-mails grow more and more bitter. The same jokes are now bouncing back.
That’s not funny.
Now that I am next in line, I wonder why I ever had anything to do with this trio in the first place.
Wait till next year.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
King George proclamation
Here is a quote from W's visit to Phoenix today. Apparently, he thinks we are idiots and will believe his scare tactics in the campaign which will be dominated by the bizarre story of Congressman Foley who was the chair of the committee charged with protecting children, but who was clearly being very weird with children.....
"If the people of Arizona and the people the United States don't think we ought to be listening in on the conversations of people who can do harm to the United States, then go ahead and vote for the Democrats," Bush said."If you want to make sure that those on the front line protecting you have the tools necessary to do so, you vote Republican for the safety of the United States."
I am sure that a number of people in the front lines and being killed are not Republicans. How can he think we are not in this together?
I read a letter yesterday that said that perhaps the Republicans had been trying to win for so many years, perhaps they do not know what to do when they won? I fear they had no plan other than to make their buddies in big business rich. They certainly have been doing that. One of these years the bills will come due. Remember the inflation of the 70's and 80's? That was paying for the outrageous spending in Vietnam. Our pensions will go up in flames to pay the outrageous price of creating another war in Iraq. Maybe we will be able to install OUR dictator, but that will not last long.....
Wake up and smell the napalm.....
"If the people of Arizona and the people the United States don't think we ought to be listening in on the conversations of people who can do harm to the United States, then go ahead and vote for the Democrats," Bush said."If you want to make sure that those on the front line protecting you have the tools necessary to do so, you vote Republican for the safety of the United States."
I am sure that a number of people in the front lines and being killed are not Republicans. How can he think we are not in this together?
I read a letter yesterday that said that perhaps the Republicans had been trying to win for so many years, perhaps they do not know what to do when they won? I fear they had no plan other than to make their buddies in big business rich. They certainly have been doing that. One of these years the bills will come due. Remember the inflation of the 70's and 80's? That was paying for the outrageous spending in Vietnam. Our pensions will go up in flames to pay the outrageous price of creating another war in Iraq. Maybe we will be able to install OUR dictator, but that will not last long.....
Wake up and smell the napalm.....
Friday, September 29, 2006
Love the commercial about milk shakes
They are playing a commercial on TV with a couple of guys shaking cows and singing part of Kelis' Milk Shake song. I am amazed there is not outrage over this. I guess the geezers have not seen the lyrics to the song. For the assistance of both of my readers, here you go.....
My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeI know you want it, the thing that makes me, what the guys go crazy for.They lose their minds, the way I wind,I think its timela la-la la la,warm it up.la la-la la la,the boys are waitingla la-la la la,warm it up.la la-la la la,the boys are waitingMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeI can see youre on it,you want me to teach thetechniques that freaks these boys,it can't be bought,just know, thieves get caught,watch if your smart,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeOnce you get involved,everyone will look this way-so,you must maintain your charm,same time maintain your halo,just get the perfect blend,plus what you have within,then next his eyes are squint,then he's picked up your scent,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waitingMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to charge.My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to charge.
I think it is a great play on the song.....and I like the song originally.....
My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeI know you want it, the thing that makes me, what the guys go crazy for.They lose their minds, the way I wind,I think its timela la-la la la,warm it up.la la-la la la,the boys are waitingla la-la la la,warm it up.la la-la la la,the boys are waitingMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeI can see youre on it,you want me to teach thetechniques that freaks these boys,it can't be bought,just know, thieves get caught,watch if your smart,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to chargeOnce you get involved,everyone will look this way-so,you must maintain your charm,same time maintain your halo,just get the perfect blend,plus what you have within,then next his eyes are squint,then he's picked up your scent,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waiting,la la-la la la,warm it up,la la-la la la,the boys are waitingMy milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to charge.My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,and they're like,its better than yours,damn right its better than yours, I can teach you, but I have to charge.
I think it is a great play on the song.....and I like the song originally.....
Saturday, September 09, 2006
geez, some guys need a date....
I'm glad I am from Wisconsin:( And they stopped at Walmart to buy comdoms before they went to the cemetery.....ewwww
RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. - A lawmaker says he will propose a law to outlaw necrophilia in Wisconsin after the attempted robbery of a grave in Cassville.
Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, said he was stunned to learn there isn't such a law in effect in the state, which he said leaves law enforcement with few tools to use in such cases.
Twin brothers have been charged in Grant County Circuit Court with attempted third-degree sexual assault and attempted misdemeanor theft in the incident last Saturday .
Someone had called police after seeing suspicious activity. Authorities said they found a hole had been dug down to the vault of a girl who was killed in a motorcycle accident Aug. 27, but the vault had not been opened.
Sheriff Keith Govier said the three never had any contact with the victim but had seen a newspaper obituary on her death, which included a photo.
Court documents quoted Radke as saying one of the accused had wanted to dig the body up for sex.
Attempted third-degree sexual assault carries up to five years in prison and a fine of $12,500, and the theft charge carries up to four months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Laws against necrophilia in other states carry penalties of up to eight years.
RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. - A lawmaker says he will propose a law to outlaw necrophilia in Wisconsin after the attempted robbery of a grave in Cassville.
Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, said he was stunned to learn there isn't such a law in effect in the state, which he said leaves law enforcement with few tools to use in such cases.
Twin brothers have been charged in Grant County Circuit Court with attempted third-degree sexual assault and attempted misdemeanor theft in the incident last Saturday .
Someone had called police after seeing suspicious activity. Authorities said they found a hole had been dug down to the vault of a girl who was killed in a motorcycle accident Aug. 27, but the vault had not been opened.
Sheriff Keith Govier said the three never had any contact with the victim but had seen a newspaper obituary on her death, which included a photo.
Court documents quoted Radke as saying one of the accused had wanted to dig the body up for sex.
Attempted third-degree sexual assault carries up to five years in prison and a fine of $12,500, and the theft charge carries up to four months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Laws against necrophilia in other states carry penalties of up to eight years.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
87 year old bicyclist
Nothing hurts worse than a broken hip I think. I broke my pelvis a little more than two years ago. Aches when the weather changes.
But, back bicycling
An 87-year-old Palo Alto man suffered a broken hip after he was knocked from his bicycle in a collision with a left-turning vehicle at Middlefield Road and Colorado Avenue Friday.
Police Sgt. Sandra Brown said the unidentified man was crossing Middlefield when his bike was "tagged" by a vehicle making a left turn, driven by a 21-year-old Menlo Park man. She said police are still investigating the case and interviewing witnesses.
The accident, which occurred about noon, was reported to the public by a resident posting an item on Town Square, www.PaloAltoOnline.com.
Brown said from preliminary reports, "It looks like the pedestrian was actually on a bike crossing the street and was tagged by the vehicle," which was making a left turn. The driver remained at the scene, she said.
The bicyclist was taken to Stanford Hospital, and Brown said as of early Friday evening she was still awaiting word on his condition.
But, back bicycling
An 87-year-old Palo Alto man suffered a broken hip after he was knocked from his bicycle in a collision with a left-turning vehicle at Middlefield Road and Colorado Avenue Friday.
Police Sgt. Sandra Brown said the unidentified man was crossing Middlefield when his bike was "tagged" by a vehicle making a left turn, driven by a 21-year-old Menlo Park man. She said police are still investigating the case and interviewing witnesses.
The accident, which occurred about noon, was reported to the public by a resident posting an item on Town Square, www.PaloAltoOnline.com.
Brown said from preliminary reports, "It looks like the pedestrian was actually on a bike crossing the street and was tagged by the vehicle," which was making a left turn. The driver remained at the scene, she said.
The bicyclist was taken to Stanford Hospital, and Brown said as of early Friday evening she was still awaiting word on his condition.
Friday, June 30, 2006
A quote we all should listen too
The idiocy of the war is summed up in this quote.....bring them home....
"I don't know if this war is worth the life of Terry Lisk, or 10 soldiers, or 2,500 soldiers like him," Colonel MacFarland told his forces. "What I do know is that he did not die alone. He was surrounded by friends.
"A Greek philosopher said that only the dead have seen the end of war," the colonel said. "Only Terry Lisk has seen the end of this war."
"I don't know if this war is worth the life of Terry Lisk, or 10 soldiers, or 2,500 soldiers like him," Colonel MacFarland told his forces. "What I do know is that he did not die alone. He was surrounded by friends.
"A Greek philosopher said that only the dead have seen the end of war," the colonel said. "Only Terry Lisk has seen the end of this war."
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Geezer still got it
Won a whole pile of stuff on a local radio rock show for an email I sent in.....woo hoo!
Tonight I announced the winner of the "Lopsided" July 4th Party Pack e-mail contest.CD's: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Rammstein, Wheatus, Gnarls Barkley, The Streets,Divided By Zero, Sissy The Singer, Ashley MacIsaac, Eagle Seagull, <>DVD: Joanna's Angels Vol.1Here is the winning e-mail:I have been a fan of your style of music selection for years. However, since the Lopsided World of L has been on the air, my wife, who has never been a big fan of the music I listen to, has come to LOVE the World of L as much as I do. If I forget to turn you on, and believe me in your mid 50's your mind seems to get slippery about some things, she reminds me to turn you on. After 34 years of marriage, what more could I ask for?Well, I do ask for those other things that just flashed through our minds, but I am used to rejection...Rock on! My wife will be looking forward to the albums :)Mike MillerPhoenix, AZ. 85018*Thanks to all the labels and artists that provided the items*
Tonight I announced the winner of the "Lopsided" July 4th Party Pack e-mail contest.CD's: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Rammstein, Wheatus, Gnarls Barkley, The Streets,Divided By Zero, Sissy The Singer, Ashley MacIsaac, Eagle Seagull, <
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
My geezer hero
Hope I grow up just like him!
Perhaps it's not surprising that a lawyer who rides his bicycle to work every day can find splendor in a snowstorm.
Ronald Wallenfang, 62, is an indefatigable bicycle rider.
In a rare instance when he can't pedal downtown from his home in Germantown - a round trip of 42 miles - he'll find time to get miles in during the day.
He's cycled around three of the Great Lakes - always starting from Milwaukee. He's taken two extensive bike trips in Europe. In 1998, he rode from Los Angeles to Milwaukee.
The highlights are many, including shivering alone in a cold thunderstorm on a desolate road on the north shore of Lake Superior.
"At first you feel you are going to die," he said of his Canadian ride. "And then you're afraid you're not."
He owns three bikes - a Trek 520 touring bike, a Trek 7500 hybrid and a single-speed Redline with wider tires that performs best in icy conditions.
When a storm in late March coated Milwaukee's trees with a blanket of snow, Wallenfang was ecstatic.
"For sheer beauty, my bike ride to work today was about as good as it gets," he wrote to an online chat group for recreational bicyclists.
He described how the Oak Leaf Trail was cordoned by snow-covered flora, bright as flocked trees at Christmas. He likened it to "riding into the entrance of a magical kingdom."
Of rides and religion
Since 1993, Wallenfang has ridden 238,000 miles - an average of nearly 50 miles of cycling a day.
He does it with daily rides to the office - a trip that includes long stretches on Bradley Road and the Oak Leaf Trail. Some days he picks longer routes.
On Saturday mornings, he takes a shortcut down Fond du Lac Ave. to serve Communion at Old Saint Mary's Catholic Church downtown.
His vacations often are solitary sojourns in which he sets his own pace and spends much of his waking hours pedaling from one hotel room and a warm shower to the next.
A self-described "compulsive churchgoer," the only thing that will stop him is a Mass.
One of his daughters who books hotels rooms while he is on the road has been known to use the Internet to look for Masses as well.
The highlight of all his rides was pedaling into suburban Atlanta late one summer night in 2005. He was riding from Philadelphia to Savannah, Ga., and coming through Atlanta to visit his son and family on his way to Milwaukee.
His daughter-in-law Charlotte was pregnant and 10 days overdue. He was awakened at five the next morning as Charlotte and his son were off to the hospital. At 8:30 a.m., the baby was born. He rode his bike to see mother and baby at the hospital and continued his ride to Milwaukee.
The most picturesque trip was in Germany along the Mosel River from Koblenz to Trier. As he followed the undulating Mosel, he passed vineyards, quaint towns and Roman ruins.
"An added bonus for me," he wrote to his chat group, "is that after I got a room in a nice little Gasthaus a few miles from Koblenz, had a bottle of the local white wine together with my pork whatever, and gone to bed, I was soon awakened by a 20-piece band playing marches and other songs on the street in celebration of a local guy's 80th birthday. So I went out and enjoyed that."
Keeping the streak alive
Wallenfang is not one of the Lycra crowd who races up and down Lake Drive. He averages 13 to 15 mph on his commute. His chief attribute is his endurance, and sometimes he trades his touring gig for something more competitive.
In 1999, he finished first in the 55-to-59 age group in the National 24-hour Challenge in Michigan, when he rode 326 miles.
Last summer, he came in seventh and covered 301 miles. Leg cramps slowed his pace after "I tried to run with the hounds. This is the kind of thing that teaches you a lesson."
Cycling, he admits, is an obsession.
His wife, Mary Ann, sometimes calls the bicycle his "iron mistress."
A math major in college, he uses a pocket calendar to detail his daily mileage and temperature outside.
He whiles away the riding with little games of calculus, figuring out how many miles he's gone and how many to go as the scenery and his variables constantly change.
His cycling is a "combination of enjoyment - it takes your mind off work - there is the physical fitness aspect to it and the environmental consciousness of saving gas," he said. "You put that all together and it becomes part of your self-identity."
Wallenfang, a partner in Quarles & Brady, has worked at the law firm since graduating from Harvard Law School in 1969.
He starts his commute at 6 a.m. In the winter, he begins before sunrise, outfitted with bike lights and reflective clothing. It takes 1 ½ hours to get to his office at the 411 Building on E. Wisconsin Ave.; his winter commute can take two hours.
When he gets to work, he cleans up with handy wipes and puts on clean clothes that he keeps in his office. If he has a business appointment 3 or 4 miles from his office, he will get on his bike.
His first cycling trip was in the summer after his second year of law school when he rode home to Milwaukee from Cambridge, Mass.
Then came a long period of wandering in a sedentary wilderness. His weight ballooned to 240 pounds on his 5-foot, 9-inch frame.
He didn't start riding seriously until his six children were older, and four were already out of the house. On business or family trips, he will bring along a bicycle or rent one to make sure he gets in some riding time.
He does it all to keep up his streak. His latest is relatively modest - he's ridden his bike every day since Aug. 6, 2005.
His longest streak - from March 6, 1998, to March 21, 2003 - ended abruptly when he was hit by a car in Whitefish Bay and separated his shoulder. He was off the bike for three weeks.
In another car accident, he broke his shoulder blade in 1990.
The potential of accidents or injury must be balanced with the obvious health benefits of riding, he says. At 200 pounds, he is built solid, like a tree trunk.
"The advantage of riding is that maybe I would be dead from a heart attack," he said.
Still, he thinks he is riding a little slower than a few years ago and he feels aches and pains more than he used to.
On his latest trip - a 2,218-mile ride from Key West, Fla., to Savannah to Arkansas to Milwaukee from April 21 to May 6 - his average number of miles per day slipped from 170 to about 140.
His knees also bother him from all of the riding. "I have trouble genuflecting in church," he said with a chuckle.
But the hunger to ride hasn't subsided.
He still needs to knock off four states that he hasn't ridden - South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii.
And then there's this little trip he is planning in Europe.
He wants to ride from Nordkap, an isolated village at the northern tip of Norway, to Gibraltar, at the southern tip of Spain, a ride of 3,400 miles.
Perhaps it's not surprising that a lawyer who rides his bicycle to work every day can find splendor in a snowstorm.
Ronald Wallenfang, 62, is an indefatigable bicycle rider.
In a rare instance when he can't pedal downtown from his home in Germantown - a round trip of 42 miles - he'll find time to get miles in during the day.
He's cycled around three of the Great Lakes - always starting from Milwaukee. He's taken two extensive bike trips in Europe. In 1998, he rode from Los Angeles to Milwaukee.
The highlights are many, including shivering alone in a cold thunderstorm on a desolate road on the north shore of Lake Superior.
"At first you feel you are going to die," he said of his Canadian ride. "And then you're afraid you're not."
He owns three bikes - a Trek 520 touring bike, a Trek 7500 hybrid and a single-speed Redline with wider tires that performs best in icy conditions.
When a storm in late March coated Milwaukee's trees with a blanket of snow, Wallenfang was ecstatic.
"For sheer beauty, my bike ride to work today was about as good as it gets," he wrote to an online chat group for recreational bicyclists.
He described how the Oak Leaf Trail was cordoned by snow-covered flora, bright as flocked trees at Christmas. He likened it to "riding into the entrance of a magical kingdom."
Of rides and religion
Since 1993, Wallenfang has ridden 238,000 miles - an average of nearly 50 miles of cycling a day.
He does it with daily rides to the office - a trip that includes long stretches on Bradley Road and the Oak Leaf Trail. Some days he picks longer routes.
On Saturday mornings, he takes a shortcut down Fond du Lac Ave. to serve Communion at Old Saint Mary's Catholic Church downtown.
His vacations often are solitary sojourns in which he sets his own pace and spends much of his waking hours pedaling from one hotel room and a warm shower to the next.
A self-described "compulsive churchgoer," the only thing that will stop him is a Mass.
One of his daughters who books hotels rooms while he is on the road has been known to use the Internet to look for Masses as well.
The highlight of all his rides was pedaling into suburban Atlanta late one summer night in 2005. He was riding from Philadelphia to Savannah, Ga., and coming through Atlanta to visit his son and family on his way to Milwaukee.
His daughter-in-law Charlotte was pregnant and 10 days overdue. He was awakened at five the next morning as Charlotte and his son were off to the hospital. At 8:30 a.m., the baby was born. He rode his bike to see mother and baby at the hospital and continued his ride to Milwaukee.
The most picturesque trip was in Germany along the Mosel River from Koblenz to Trier. As he followed the undulating Mosel, he passed vineyards, quaint towns and Roman ruins.
"An added bonus for me," he wrote to his chat group, "is that after I got a room in a nice little Gasthaus a few miles from Koblenz, had a bottle of the local white wine together with my pork whatever, and gone to bed, I was soon awakened by a 20-piece band playing marches and other songs on the street in celebration of a local guy's 80th birthday. So I went out and enjoyed that."
Keeping the streak alive
Wallenfang is not one of the Lycra crowd who races up and down Lake Drive. He averages 13 to 15 mph on his commute. His chief attribute is his endurance, and sometimes he trades his touring gig for something more competitive.
In 1999, he finished first in the 55-to-59 age group in the National 24-hour Challenge in Michigan, when he rode 326 miles.
Last summer, he came in seventh and covered 301 miles. Leg cramps slowed his pace after "I tried to run with the hounds. This is the kind of thing that teaches you a lesson."
Cycling, he admits, is an obsession.
His wife, Mary Ann, sometimes calls the bicycle his "iron mistress."
A math major in college, he uses a pocket calendar to detail his daily mileage and temperature outside.
He whiles away the riding with little games of calculus, figuring out how many miles he's gone and how many to go as the scenery and his variables constantly change.
His cycling is a "combination of enjoyment - it takes your mind off work - there is the physical fitness aspect to it and the environmental consciousness of saving gas," he said. "You put that all together and it becomes part of your self-identity."
Wallenfang, a partner in Quarles & Brady, has worked at the law firm since graduating from Harvard Law School in 1969.
He starts his commute at 6 a.m. In the winter, he begins before sunrise, outfitted with bike lights and reflective clothing. It takes 1 ½ hours to get to his office at the 411 Building on E. Wisconsin Ave.; his winter commute can take two hours.
When he gets to work, he cleans up with handy wipes and puts on clean clothes that he keeps in his office. If he has a business appointment 3 or 4 miles from his office, he will get on his bike.
His first cycling trip was in the summer after his second year of law school when he rode home to Milwaukee from Cambridge, Mass.
Then came a long period of wandering in a sedentary wilderness. His weight ballooned to 240 pounds on his 5-foot, 9-inch frame.
He didn't start riding seriously until his six children were older, and four were already out of the house. On business or family trips, he will bring along a bicycle or rent one to make sure he gets in some riding time.
He does it all to keep up his streak. His latest is relatively modest - he's ridden his bike every day since Aug. 6, 2005.
His longest streak - from March 6, 1998, to March 21, 2003 - ended abruptly when he was hit by a car in Whitefish Bay and separated his shoulder. He was off the bike for three weeks.
In another car accident, he broke his shoulder blade in 1990.
The potential of accidents or injury must be balanced with the obvious health benefits of riding, he says. At 200 pounds, he is built solid, like a tree trunk.
"The advantage of riding is that maybe I would be dead from a heart attack," he said.
Still, he thinks he is riding a little slower than a few years ago and he feels aches and pains more than he used to.
On his latest trip - a 2,218-mile ride from Key West, Fla., to Savannah to Arkansas to Milwaukee from April 21 to May 6 - his average number of miles per day slipped from 170 to about 140.
His knees also bother him from all of the riding. "I have trouble genuflecting in church," he said with a chuckle.
But the hunger to ride hasn't subsided.
He still needs to knock off four states that he hasn't ridden - South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii.
And then there's this little trip he is planning in Europe.
He wants to ride from Nordkap, an isolated village at the northern tip of Norway, to Gibraltar, at the southern tip of Spain, a ride of 3,400 miles.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
just getting over the mumps
Mumps hits IowaMELANIE S. WELTEThe Associated PressPublished March 31, 2006, 10:20 AM CST
DES MOINES -- An outbreak of mumps is sweeping across Iowa, the first in nearly 20 years, and it's puzzling health officials and worrying parents.``We have probably, at this point, what we would call an epidemic of mumps,'' said state epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.As of Thursday, the latest report available, 245 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of mumps had been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health this year.The first cases were reported in mid-January.``It started in eastern Iowa. It's spreading across the state. We have now seen possible cases in three of our bordering states,'' Quinlisk said.Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska may have one or two cases of suspected mumps, but Iowa is the only state in the United States with so many cases of the virus, she said.Health officials have not identified how it started.Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache and swelling of the glands close to the jaw. It can cause serious complications including meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries and deafness.The virus is in 36 of Iowa's 99 counties. Dubuque, Johnson and Black Hawk counties in eastern Iowa are reporting the highest incidences.College-age students, those 18- to 22-years-old, have been infected the most, but other age groups are also seeing cases.When 11-year-old Will Hean starting feeling ill in mid-January, his family thought he had a bad case of the flu.But this was different.His face was swelling. So was his throat. His body temperature reached 103. His parents, Wayne and Karen Hean, of Davenport, took him to their family doctor, who sent him to a specialist.``He had the full-blown case of the mumps,'' said his father.``It was on both sides of his cheeks and his throat swelled up. Poor little guy. He was miserable,'' he said.About two weeks later, the Heans' daughter, Kate, 21, also started feeling ill and her face and throat started swelling.She had the mumps too.Hean said he was shocked. Both children had been given the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR. So had their other son, 13-year-old Jimmy, who did not get the mumps.A mumps vaccine was introduced in 1967. People born before 1957 are believed to have been exposed to mumps during childhood and should be immune.``The vaccine is working,'' Quinlisk said. ``The vaccine certainly was made to cover this particular strain because it's a fairly common strain of mumps.''Quinlisk said, however, the vaccine is about 95 percent effective.``What that means is out of 100 people who get vaccinated, 95 of them will have lifelong immunity and will never get mumps even if they're exposed,'' she said. ``Unfortunately, five percent or 5 out of every 100, the vaccine doesn't take.''The last mumps outbreak in Iowa was in 1987 when 476 people were infected. Until this year, less than 60 cases were reported annually, with only one to three cases reported in the past five years.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, which was notified of the mumps outbreak in Iowa on Feb. 9, has identified the strain as genotype g.That genotype has been identified in recent outbreaks in Canada, in two New Jersey cases imported from Ireland and an ongoing mumps outbreak in the UK, CDC spokeswoman Lola Russell said.The mumps epidemic in the United Kingdom began in 2004 and peaked in 2005 when 56,390 cases were reported in England and Wales, according to the CDC.In 2004, New Jersey had eight cases of the mumps. For 2005, there were seven cases, but those numbers are not final, said Nathan Rudy, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.New York reported a cluster of cases at a summer camp in 2005. An investigation by state health officials identified 31 cases of the mumps. According to the CDC, the outbreak was most likely introduced by a camp counselor who traveled from the UK and had not been vaccinated for mumps.``Eradication is only as effective as the population remains at high levels of being vaccinated,'' Russell said. ``That's the health message that we always emphasis over and over again.''
DES MOINES -- An outbreak of mumps is sweeping across Iowa, the first in nearly 20 years, and it's puzzling health officials and worrying parents.``We have probably, at this point, what we would call an epidemic of mumps,'' said state epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.As of Thursday, the latest report available, 245 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of mumps had been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health this year.The first cases were reported in mid-January.``It started in eastern Iowa. It's spreading across the state. We have now seen possible cases in three of our bordering states,'' Quinlisk said.Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska may have one or two cases of suspected mumps, but Iowa is the only state in the United States with so many cases of the virus, she said.Health officials have not identified how it started.Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache and swelling of the glands close to the jaw. It can cause serious complications including meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries and deafness.The virus is in 36 of Iowa's 99 counties. Dubuque, Johnson and Black Hawk counties in eastern Iowa are reporting the highest incidences.College-age students, those 18- to 22-years-old, have been infected the most, but other age groups are also seeing cases.When 11-year-old Will Hean starting feeling ill in mid-January, his family thought he had a bad case of the flu.But this was different.His face was swelling. So was his throat. His body temperature reached 103. His parents, Wayne and Karen Hean, of Davenport, took him to their family doctor, who sent him to a specialist.``He had the full-blown case of the mumps,'' said his father.``It was on both sides of his cheeks and his throat swelled up. Poor little guy. He was miserable,'' he said.About two weeks later, the Heans' daughter, Kate, 21, also started feeling ill and her face and throat started swelling.She had the mumps too.Hean said he was shocked. Both children had been given the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR. So had their other son, 13-year-old Jimmy, who did not get the mumps.A mumps vaccine was introduced in 1967. People born before 1957 are believed to have been exposed to mumps during childhood and should be immune.``The vaccine is working,'' Quinlisk said. ``The vaccine certainly was made to cover this particular strain because it's a fairly common strain of mumps.''Quinlisk said, however, the vaccine is about 95 percent effective.``What that means is out of 100 people who get vaccinated, 95 of them will have lifelong immunity and will never get mumps even if they're exposed,'' she said. ``Unfortunately, five percent or 5 out of every 100, the vaccine doesn't take.''The last mumps outbreak in Iowa was in 1987 when 476 people were infected. Until this year, less than 60 cases were reported annually, with only one to three cases reported in the past five years.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, which was notified of the mumps outbreak in Iowa on Feb. 9, has identified the strain as genotype g.That genotype has been identified in recent outbreaks in Canada, in two New Jersey cases imported from Ireland and an ongoing mumps outbreak in the UK, CDC spokeswoman Lola Russell said.The mumps epidemic in the United Kingdom began in 2004 and peaked in 2005 when 56,390 cases were reported in England and Wales, according to the CDC.In 2004, New Jersey had eight cases of the mumps. For 2005, there were seven cases, but those numbers are not final, said Nathan Rudy, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.New York reported a cluster of cases at a summer camp in 2005. An investigation by state health officials identified 31 cases of the mumps. According to the CDC, the outbreak was most likely introduced by a camp counselor who traveled from the UK and had not been vaccinated for mumps.``Eradication is only as effective as the population remains at high levels of being vaccinated,'' Russell said. ``That's the health message that we always emphasis over and over again.''
Thursday, March 23, 2006
A pi day record!
Congratulations to all the students involved!
Hi there,
My name is Veronica Han-G Benes and I am a MS Math teacher at Westlake Christian School, in Palm Harbor, Florida. I am sending you this email as I have emailed Gene Potter. He gave me your email address and suggested that I email you in regards to what our MS math class has done for National Pi Day, last Tuesday.
My students participated in several various events, which I received various ideas from mathwithmrherte.com. Some of them included citing as many circular objects in the world, circular songs, memorizing digits of Pi, measuring various objects for circumference and area as well as, making a Pi chain.
I understand that North Clayton High, (in an article written by Jeffrey Whitfield) stated they made a 5,000 link Pi chain.
Well, after some research I had seen on Mr. Herte's website that a school in Ohio had made a chain back in 2002 of 5201 links! I am so happy to say that my math students made a Pi chain of 7,095 digits!! It was so impressive that I had our local paper, St. Petersburg Times have a photographer sent over so they could take a pictuer. I am happy to say that we were photographed on Wednesday, March 15th in our Pinellas Times Section of the paper.
I was hoping you could help me so that I could have my students listed somehow, on a record list. In addition, I have a 7th grade student who has memorized 254 digits of Pi!!
I am so happy my students were able to participate in this experience and have a great time...
Please advise me how I can get my students noticed...
Thank you so much!
Veronica Han-G BenesMS Math Teacher
Westlake Christian School
1551 Belcher Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Hi there,
My name is Veronica Han-G Benes and I am a MS Math teacher at Westlake Christian School, in Palm Harbor, Florida. I am sending you this email as I have emailed Gene Potter. He gave me your email address and suggested that I email you in regards to what our MS math class has done for National Pi Day, last Tuesday.
My students participated in several various events, which I received various ideas from mathwithmrherte.com. Some of them included citing as many circular objects in the world, circular songs, memorizing digits of Pi, measuring various objects for circumference and area as well as, making a Pi chain.
I understand that North Clayton High, (in an article written by Jeffrey Whitfield) stated they made a 5,000 link Pi chain.
Well, after some research I had seen on Mr. Herte's website that a school in Ohio had made a chain back in 2002 of 5201 links! I am so happy to say that my math students made a Pi chain of 7,095 digits!! It was so impressive that I had our local paper, St. Petersburg Times have a photographer sent over so they could take a pictuer. I am happy to say that we were photographed on Wednesday, March 15th in our Pinellas Times Section of the paper.
I was hoping you could help me so that I could have my students listed somehow, on a record list. In addition, I have a 7th grade student who has memorized 254 digits of Pi!!
I am so happy my students were able to participate in this experience and have a great time...
Please advise me how I can get my students noticed...
Thank you so much!
Veronica Han-G BenesMS Math Teacher
Westlake Christian School
1551 Belcher Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Monday, March 13, 2006
Pi Day is here!
TUESDAY MARCH 14 (03.14) IS PI DAY -- When Math Geeks, Students & Quants Can Have Their Pi and Eat It Too
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2006--It's Pi Day because the date is 3/14 -- the first three digits of Pi.
It's celebrated across the United States by Math nerds, students, teachers and professors, from elementary school to university, and even die-hard Quants.
Contrary to the pundits, there is a groundswell of enthusiasm and interest in Math and Sciences across the spectrum. Pi Day is the most visible demonstration.
The annual ritual Drop of The Giant Pi, viewed live across the United States, takes place in cyberspace at Pi Day Ground Zero -- the Pi Department at MathematiciansPictures.com -- on March 14 at precisely 1:59 pm (3.14.1:59 -- the first six digits of Pi). The Countdown is already running live.
PI DAY COUNTDOWN, & GIANT PI DROP at:
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI_DAY_CENTRAL_Giant_Pi_Drop_MARCH_14.htm
Pi lovers don Pi Day shirts, display Pi Day posters and Pi scrolls, drink from Pi Day mugs, and serve pie in Pi Day aprons, as the Giant Pi descends majestically for its annual 'touch down.'
MEDIA "INTERVIEW WITH THE PI" (Visual & Voice):
Media interviews with the Pi (visual and voice) are available Monday March 13th and Tuesday March 14th as the Pi prepares for its Pi Day drop from the Giant Crane.
PI DAY GEAR: http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI-DAY.htm
EVERYDAY PI: (American Pi, Strawberry Pi, Pi-in-the-Sky, Apple Pi, Pizza Pi, etc)
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/sp_Pi_Variations.htm#PI_SHIRTS_POSTERS_MUGS
WORLD'S LARGEST PI POSTER (4 feet x 8 feet: One Million Digits):
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/Pi_One_Million_Decimal_Places_Pi_1_Million_Decimal_Places_poster.htm#PI_ONE_MILLION_DIGITS
Pi Scrolls:
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI-PANEL_scroll.htm#PI_SCROLLS
Please let us know if you are interested in order that minor technical details for Drop of the Giant Pi coverage, and the Interview with the Pi can be coordinated in advance.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2006--It's Pi Day because the date is 3/14 -- the first three digits of Pi.
It's celebrated across the United States by Math nerds, students, teachers and professors, from elementary school to university, and even die-hard Quants.
Contrary to the pundits, there is a groundswell of enthusiasm and interest in Math and Sciences across the spectrum. Pi Day is the most visible demonstration.
The annual ritual Drop of The Giant Pi, viewed live across the United States, takes place in cyberspace at Pi Day Ground Zero -- the Pi Department at MathematiciansPictures.com -- on March 14 at precisely 1:59 pm (3.14.1:59 -- the first six digits of Pi). The Countdown is already running live.
PI DAY COUNTDOWN, & GIANT PI DROP at:
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI_DAY_CENTRAL_Giant_Pi_Drop_MARCH_14.htm
Pi lovers don Pi Day shirts, display Pi Day posters and Pi scrolls, drink from Pi Day mugs, and serve pie in Pi Day aprons, as the Giant Pi descends majestically for its annual 'touch down.'
MEDIA "INTERVIEW WITH THE PI" (Visual & Voice):
Media interviews with the Pi (visual and voice) are available Monday March 13th and Tuesday March 14th as the Pi prepares for its Pi Day drop from the Giant Crane.
PI DAY GEAR: http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI-DAY.htm
EVERYDAY PI: (American Pi, Strawberry Pi, Pi-in-the-Sky, Apple Pi, Pizza Pi, etc)
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/sp_Pi_Variations.htm#PI_SHIRTS_POSTERS_MUGS
WORLD'S LARGEST PI POSTER (4 feet x 8 feet: One Million Digits):
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/Pi_One_Million_Decimal_Places_Pi_1_Million_Decimal_Places_poster.htm#PI_ONE_MILLION_DIGITS
Pi Scrolls:
http://MathematiciansPictures.com/PI/PI-PANEL_scroll.htm#PI_SCROLLS
Please let us know if you are interested in order that minor technical details for Drop of the Giant Pi coverage, and the Interview with the Pi can be coordinated in advance.
I used to live near these cities.....never thought about the names
Well, at least we don't live in Il-in-WAH
JAY RATH For the State Journal
The Bible tells us that God looked at the Tower of Babel, scattered its builders and confounded their tongues. This must be the earliest known literary reference to Wisconsin.
How else to explain our welter of impossible city and town pronunciations?
"I think my first week, it was Wau-POON. That was a lot of fun," says Christine Bellport, WMTV (Ch. 15) morning anchor. The California native arrived in Madison in August 2004, only to be ambushed by, of course, Waupun. There's an Associated Press guide to place name pronunciation, "Except - I'm not kidding you - a third of the time they're incorrect," says Bellport.
At northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet U.S. National Forest, public affairs specialist Cathy Fox has heard it all. Just looking at the name terrifies. "I had some poor guy call from California once," Fox recalls, laughing. "He said, 'I need to update some information on Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch' - I said, 'Go ahead. Try it!'• "
Only Wisconsinese features a silent "Q." The correct pronunciation is SHAW-em-gun. The strangest she's heard was check-wa-ME-gun. "That was the phonetically correct person," Fox says, coining a new meaning for P.C.
Our maps seem designed to embarrass. Take Rio and Theresa, two Wisconsin villages. You would think that no names could be easier to pronounce. You would be wrong.
Rio rhymes with EYE-Oh, and it's tuh-RESS-uh. Following this logic, the capital should be MADE-ice-own.
Similarly, there is the Strange Case of Muscoda, which you might expect to be mus-KOE- duh. There is hope that the emerging science of quantum mechanics and string theory may yet account for pronouncing it, instead, as MUSS-kuh- day.
We're not as dumb as we think when we bump into unfamiliar place names. We take for granted how much we do know. For example, which "ough" sound should one mimic when pronouncing the city 20 miles southwest of Madison? Looking to "rough," "through" and "thought," it could be called Stuffton, Stewton or Stawton. But somewhere long ago we learned that Stoughton is "STOW-tun."
Then there's the siren's song of familiar, look-alike words that lure us toward the shores of mispronunciation and public embarrassment. Oregon the state is ends with an "un" sound, but in Wisconsin the town is definitely "on." On the back of most nickels you see that Jefferson lived at mont-uh- CHELL-oh, but our Monitcello is mont-uh-SELL-oh. The city of Tomahawk presents no problem, but the city of Tomah does. It's TOE-muh. And you're welcome to take your bow and play the viola in Viola, so long as you pronounce the community's first syllable with an "eye" sound, and not the musical instrument's "vee."
Speaking of music, different meters playing at the same time is called a hemiola; think of a polka played as a waltz. The off-balance effect is as if the instruments are speaking on the wrong syllables. In Wisconsin, we make music of a different sort when we show preference to unexpected syllables. Take, for example, Gillett, which is JILL-it. Boaz is not "boze," but BO-az. And there's New BER-lin. Struggle as we might to be phonetically correct, how can we follow rules when there aren't any? It's not Bos-KOE-buhl, WAW-puk- aw and Muh-ZAHM-uh-nee. First second and third syllables are each favored, in order, in Boscobel, Waupaca and Mazomanie: BOSS-kuh-bell, Wah- PACK-uh and may-zoh-MAY- nee.
Against all reason we speak Vienna with an "eye" sound. But it's not Germanic tongues that tangle most. The French may have ceded the Wisconsin territory to the British in 1763, but they left behind the city whose name should be pronounced "bell-WAH." If you call it that when asking for directions, you'll never find your way to Beloit.
The "sheen" that ends Prairie du Chien would, to a French speaker, be "shee-EN," with a nasalized "n" on the end. Word pairs that are otherwise simple can set up illogical hurdles to pronunciation. Sportscasters who call it GREEN Bay make us snort. But why do we call it Green BAY, as if there are other green things nearby and we mean to refer only to the water? Still, green is GREEN in Spring GREEN. Why? Why, for that matter, is it Sauk CITY but never BEAVER Dam?
Many of us no doubt mangle names drawn from Native American languages, without even knowing it. Look how even the tribal name of the Ojibwa was so long mangled as "Chippewa." Oshkosh is named for the chief whose name was spelled that way, but it's also spelled as the Brooklyn- sounding "Oiscoss." Both spellings turn up in the 1827 Treaty of Little Butte des Morts, a pronunciation challenge in itself. It's no mystery why, history tells us, the chief was also called "Clam."
But we're led astray even within the context of probably- garbled Indian names, especially in the matter of our "aukees." If it's Mil-WAH-kee, Peh- WAH-kee and Oh-ZAW-kee, then why is Waunakee not Wah-NAH-kee, instead of Wah- nuh-KEE?
And then there's . . . Oconomowoc.
It could be a childhood phonics test, with its perfectly alternating hard and soft "O"s. The Wisconsin Historical Society says it's a corruption of "Coo-no-mo-wauk," a Pottawatomie term referring to a nearby waterfall, and that tired pioneers punned it as "I can no mo' walk."
Even the original pronunciation and meaning of "Wisconsin" are lost to us. Its listed translations range from "gathering of waters" and "river of red stone" to "river of the great rock" which, though picturesque, could hardly fit on license plates. The Historical Society says it's the English spelling of a French version of a Native American word. French explorer Jacques Marquette garbled it immediately in 1673, spelling it both "Meskousing" and "Miskous."
Be thankful, then, for failed translations and mispronunciations. Otherwise, instead of "On, Wisconsin!" we'd all be singing "On, Miskous!" But that's better than singing another translation of our state name: "On, Holes in the Bank of a Stream in Which Birds Nest!"
It would be easy to pronounce, though.
JAY RATH For the State Journal
The Bible tells us that God looked at the Tower of Babel, scattered its builders and confounded their tongues. This must be the earliest known literary reference to Wisconsin.
How else to explain our welter of impossible city and town pronunciations?
"I think my first week, it was Wau-POON. That was a lot of fun," says Christine Bellport, WMTV (Ch. 15) morning anchor. The California native arrived in Madison in August 2004, only to be ambushed by, of course, Waupun. There's an Associated Press guide to place name pronunciation, "Except - I'm not kidding you - a third of the time they're incorrect," says Bellport.
At northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet U.S. National Forest, public affairs specialist Cathy Fox has heard it all. Just looking at the name terrifies. "I had some poor guy call from California once," Fox recalls, laughing. "He said, 'I need to update some information on Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch' - I said, 'Go ahead. Try it!'• "
Only Wisconsinese features a silent "Q." The correct pronunciation is SHAW-em-gun. The strangest she's heard was check-wa-ME-gun. "That was the phonetically correct person," Fox says, coining a new meaning for P.C.
Our maps seem designed to embarrass. Take Rio and Theresa, two Wisconsin villages. You would think that no names could be easier to pronounce. You would be wrong.
Rio rhymes with EYE-Oh, and it's tuh-RESS-uh. Following this logic, the capital should be MADE-ice-own.
Similarly, there is the Strange Case of Muscoda, which you might expect to be mus-KOE- duh. There is hope that the emerging science of quantum mechanics and string theory may yet account for pronouncing it, instead, as MUSS-kuh- day.
We're not as dumb as we think when we bump into unfamiliar place names. We take for granted how much we do know. For example, which "ough" sound should one mimic when pronouncing the city 20 miles southwest of Madison? Looking to "rough," "through" and "thought," it could be called Stuffton, Stewton or Stawton. But somewhere long ago we learned that Stoughton is "STOW-tun."
Then there's the siren's song of familiar, look-alike words that lure us toward the shores of mispronunciation and public embarrassment. Oregon the state is ends with an "un" sound, but in Wisconsin the town is definitely "on." On the back of most nickels you see that Jefferson lived at mont-uh- CHELL-oh, but our Monitcello is mont-uh-SELL-oh. The city of Tomahawk presents no problem, but the city of Tomah does. It's TOE-muh. And you're welcome to take your bow and play the viola in Viola, so long as you pronounce the community's first syllable with an "eye" sound, and not the musical instrument's "vee."
Speaking of music, different meters playing at the same time is called a hemiola; think of a polka played as a waltz. The off-balance effect is as if the instruments are speaking on the wrong syllables. In Wisconsin, we make music of a different sort when we show preference to unexpected syllables. Take, for example, Gillett, which is JILL-it. Boaz is not "boze," but BO-az. And there's New BER-lin. Struggle as we might to be phonetically correct, how can we follow rules when there aren't any? It's not Bos-KOE-buhl, WAW-puk- aw and Muh-ZAHM-uh-nee. First second and third syllables are each favored, in order, in Boscobel, Waupaca and Mazomanie: BOSS-kuh-bell, Wah- PACK-uh and may-zoh-MAY- nee.
Against all reason we speak Vienna with an "eye" sound. But it's not Germanic tongues that tangle most. The French may have ceded the Wisconsin territory to the British in 1763, but they left behind the city whose name should be pronounced "bell-WAH." If you call it that when asking for directions, you'll never find your way to Beloit.
The "sheen" that ends Prairie du Chien would, to a French speaker, be "shee-EN," with a nasalized "n" on the end. Word pairs that are otherwise simple can set up illogical hurdles to pronunciation. Sportscasters who call it GREEN Bay make us snort. But why do we call it Green BAY, as if there are other green things nearby and we mean to refer only to the water? Still, green is GREEN in Spring GREEN. Why? Why, for that matter, is it Sauk CITY but never BEAVER Dam?
Many of us no doubt mangle names drawn from Native American languages, without even knowing it. Look how even the tribal name of the Ojibwa was so long mangled as "Chippewa." Oshkosh is named for the chief whose name was spelled that way, but it's also spelled as the Brooklyn- sounding "Oiscoss." Both spellings turn up in the 1827 Treaty of Little Butte des Morts, a pronunciation challenge in itself. It's no mystery why, history tells us, the chief was also called "Clam."
But we're led astray even within the context of probably- garbled Indian names, especially in the matter of our "aukees." If it's Mil-WAH-kee, Peh- WAH-kee and Oh-ZAW-kee, then why is Waunakee not Wah-NAH-kee, instead of Wah- nuh-KEE?
And then there's . . . Oconomowoc.
It could be a childhood phonics test, with its perfectly alternating hard and soft "O"s. The Wisconsin Historical Society says it's a corruption of "Coo-no-mo-wauk," a Pottawatomie term referring to a nearby waterfall, and that tired pioneers punned it as "I can no mo' walk."
Even the original pronunciation and meaning of "Wisconsin" are lost to us. Its listed translations range from "gathering of waters" and "river of red stone" to "river of the great rock" which, though picturesque, could hardly fit on license plates. The Historical Society says it's the English spelling of a French version of a Native American word. French explorer Jacques Marquette garbled it immediately in 1673, spelling it both "Meskousing" and "Miskous."
Be thankful, then, for failed translations and mispronunciations. Otherwise, instead of "On, Wisconsin!" we'd all be singing "On, Miskous!" But that's better than singing another translation of our state name: "On, Holes in the Bank of a Stream in Which Birds Nest!"
It would be easy to pronounce, though.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
good news for geezers?
The next few decades will see an explosion in the percentage of Americans over the age of 65, but the economic and social impact of this baby boomer sunset may be gentler than had been feared because of a significant drop in the percentage of older people with disabilities, a new federal study has concluded.
Released yesterday, the United States Census Bureau's 243-page report on the aging population, among the largest and most comprehensive on the subject that the bureau has ever compiled, showed that today's older Americans are markedly different from previous generations. They are more prosperous, better educated and healthier, and those differences will only accelerate as the first boomers hit retirement age in 2011.
"Older Americans, when compared to older Americans even 20 years ago, are showing substantially less disability, and that benefit applies to men and to women," said Richard J. Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, on whose behalf the study was conducted. "All of this speaks to an improved quality of life."
What this suggests, Dr. Hodes said, is that while many of these older Americans will eventually become disabled, it will happen later with more of the years beyond 65 free of disability — an increase in what scientists call health expectancy.
And while, as baby boomers age, the growing ranks of the infirm will become a substantial drain on government coffers and devour health care resources, the total impact may not be as devastating as once feared, Dr. Hodes said.
The study showed that the percentage of those over 65 who had a disability that the report described as "a substantial limitation in a major life activity" fell to 19.7 percent in 1999 from 26.2 percent in 1982. There were signs the trend would continue.
Richard Suzman, head of the Behavioral and Social Research Program for the National Institute on Aging, said there was disagreement among those analyzing the results about why this drop occurred. But they assumed, he said, that it was at least partly a result of today's older Americans' being better educated and more prosperous than previous generations.
"People today have a better health expectancy than did their predecessors," Mr. Suzman said. "Education, in particular, is a particularly powerful factor in both life expectancy and health expectancy, though truthfully, we're not quite sure why."
Dr. Hodes cautioned that the growing obesity rate in America may neutralize the positive trend.
The new study, "65+ in the United States: 2005," involved no fresh research but was an effort to draw together all of the relevant information on America's aging population from nearly a dozen federal agencies, said Charles Louis Kincannon, director of the Census Bureau.
"The report tells us that the face of America is changing," he said.
In 1900, Mr. Kincannon said, there were 120,000 Americans over age 85, about 0.1 percent of the population. Today there are more than four million, about 1 percent. Indeed, Mr. Kincannon said, it is the nation's fastest-growing age group.
In July 2003, there were 35.9 million Americans over the age of 65, about 12 percent of the population. By 2030, federal officials predict, there will be 72 million older people, about 20 percent of Americans.
And they will be a substantially different class of people than previous generations. In 1959, 35 percent of people over 65 lived in poverty. By 2003, that figure had dropped to 10 percent. The proportion of older Americans with a high school diploma rose to 71.5 percent in 2003 from 17 percent in 1950.
All of these trends are expected to accelerate, and soon. "The future older population is likely to be better educated than the current older population, especially when baby boomers start reaching age 65," the report concluded. "Their increased levels of education may accompany better health, higher incomes and more wealth, and consequently higher standards of living in retirement."
And as younger workers become scarcer, many companies will have to find ways to convince their older workers to stay on the job longer, Mr. Kincannon said.
The report was not all good news.
Divorce is on the rise among older Americans, the study found, leading to concerns that broken families combined with low birth rates among baby boomers may create a situation where fewer people are available or willing to help care for their aging relatives, pushing even more of the burden onto government.
Also, the drop in poverty has not happened across all population groups. "There are subgroups among the old who still have fairly high levels of poverty, including older women, and especially those who live alone," said Victoria A. Velkoff, chief of the aging studies branch at the Census Bureau.
Ms. Velkoff said that while the aging population was more diverse than previous generations, poverty hit blacks and Hispanics, especially women, harder than whites. While 10 percent of older white women lived in poverty in 2003, 21.4 percent of older Hispanic women and 27.4 percent of older black women did.
Released yesterday, the United States Census Bureau's 243-page report on the aging population, among the largest and most comprehensive on the subject that the bureau has ever compiled, showed that today's older Americans are markedly different from previous generations. They are more prosperous, better educated and healthier, and those differences will only accelerate as the first boomers hit retirement age in 2011.
"Older Americans, when compared to older Americans even 20 years ago, are showing substantially less disability, and that benefit applies to men and to women," said Richard J. Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging, on whose behalf the study was conducted. "All of this speaks to an improved quality of life."
What this suggests, Dr. Hodes said, is that while many of these older Americans will eventually become disabled, it will happen later with more of the years beyond 65 free of disability — an increase in what scientists call health expectancy.
And while, as baby boomers age, the growing ranks of the infirm will become a substantial drain on government coffers and devour health care resources, the total impact may not be as devastating as once feared, Dr. Hodes said.
The study showed that the percentage of those over 65 who had a disability that the report described as "a substantial limitation in a major life activity" fell to 19.7 percent in 1999 from 26.2 percent in 1982. There were signs the trend would continue.
Richard Suzman, head of the Behavioral and Social Research Program for the National Institute on Aging, said there was disagreement among those analyzing the results about why this drop occurred. But they assumed, he said, that it was at least partly a result of today's older Americans' being better educated and more prosperous than previous generations.
"People today have a better health expectancy than did their predecessors," Mr. Suzman said. "Education, in particular, is a particularly powerful factor in both life expectancy and health expectancy, though truthfully, we're not quite sure why."
Dr. Hodes cautioned that the growing obesity rate in America may neutralize the positive trend.
The new study, "65+ in the United States: 2005," involved no fresh research but was an effort to draw together all of the relevant information on America's aging population from nearly a dozen federal agencies, said Charles Louis Kincannon, director of the Census Bureau.
"The report tells us that the face of America is changing," he said.
In 1900, Mr. Kincannon said, there were 120,000 Americans over age 85, about 0.1 percent of the population. Today there are more than four million, about 1 percent. Indeed, Mr. Kincannon said, it is the nation's fastest-growing age group.
In July 2003, there were 35.9 million Americans over the age of 65, about 12 percent of the population. By 2030, federal officials predict, there will be 72 million older people, about 20 percent of Americans.
And they will be a substantially different class of people than previous generations. In 1959, 35 percent of people over 65 lived in poverty. By 2003, that figure had dropped to 10 percent. The proportion of older Americans with a high school diploma rose to 71.5 percent in 2003 from 17 percent in 1950.
All of these trends are expected to accelerate, and soon. "The future older population is likely to be better educated than the current older population, especially when baby boomers start reaching age 65," the report concluded. "Their increased levels of education may accompany better health, higher incomes and more wealth, and consequently higher standards of living in retirement."
And as younger workers become scarcer, many companies will have to find ways to convince their older workers to stay on the job longer, Mr. Kincannon said.
The report was not all good news.
Divorce is on the rise among older Americans, the study found, leading to concerns that broken families combined with low birth rates among baby boomers may create a situation where fewer people are available or willing to help care for their aging relatives, pushing even more of the burden onto government.
Also, the drop in poverty has not happened across all population groups. "There are subgroups among the old who still have fairly high levels of poverty, including older women, and especially those who live alone," said Victoria A. Velkoff, chief of the aging studies branch at the Census Bureau.
Ms. Velkoff said that while the aging population was more diverse than previous generations, poverty hit blacks and Hispanics, especially women, harder than whites. While 10 percent of older white women lived in poverty in 2003, 21.4 percent of older Hispanic women and 27.4 percent of older black women did.
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