11.30,10

Married again and again...

Homeless shelter going forward.

Police Blotter.

Road Closing.

Really?

Without Sarah's reporting, the city of Waukesha seems boring now... We need someone, we need Public Enemy #1, Mr. Nipple-Gate himself, John Allison to.... wait, he is gonna show his !?what!? during art crawl? The new protest crowd outside of Allison Art House is forming.

It is a wrap!

Adam put the clear coat on the mural, now we wait for the ribbon cutting on Sat Morning at 11am! Hope you can all make it!

Rest in Peace

Thank you for all the fun movies. Mr. Leslie Nielsen.

Are you ready for Art Crawl?

We are still firming up the plan to have a ribbon cutting for the mural on 12.4.10 at 11am as well.

D Mo's @ Clarke's goodwill for Waukesha

Tony Hernandez might be the newest member of the downtown Waukesha business community, he is making his impact right away. He led his team of energetic people to play host for a free holiday dinner for the needy in a classic setting. Many in the community answered the call to volunteer time or donate goods. When we arrived, former mayor Lombardi was there but left because there were too many eager helpers but not enough tasks to assign to. Norm from Martha Merrell's were helping out as well, and the coffee were donated by Steaming Cup.

Rachel and I were in charge of the dessert table. Lynda, Cory, and Danica were among the army of people serving assortment of beverages. At 2pm, the large group of people waiting outside came in and a very delicious Thanksgiving dinner were served to them. People were civil and seemingly enjoying a greatly prepared meal. There were even carolers performing at one point.

We were very happy to serve at this event. It is great to see D Mo's @ Clarke showing such a goodwill for Waukesha community, and I hope the greater community will embrace them with open arms and let go of all the negative past regarding the hotel and give them a well deserved fresh start and respect. Way to go, Tony, we like to thank you for making a difference.

(There were also a Scrooge sighting...)

We have a winner!

Even he accused me of fixing the raffle, but Sue from Plowshare pulled out the name of Brien Lee as the Scrooge of the Year for the Bah! Humbug! weekend in front of everyone, fair and square...

All I can say is good karma...

Brien won

Two theatre tickets from Waukesha Civic theatre.

A Moxie doll and a certificate for manicure from Moxie.

Three books including a pop-up book featuring the other Nipple Gate from Martha Merrell's

Two stuffed animal from Cuddles including one ugly rat that is for display only.

A pure silver peace sign necklace from Scott's Creative Trenz.

A mug with a face from People's Park.

An assortment of cones from Sloppy Joe's

A fair trade pineapple stone piece from Plowshare.

Dinner for two at D Mo's and a night of hotel stay at the Clarke.

A giant fake wedding cake from Rochester Deli.

Glitter glue and a gift certificate from Serendipity Scrapbook.

One pure gold rose from Krumrich Jewelers.

One old school Love Making kit including booze, Hair album, chocolate syrup, sugar, red light and a candle from Magellan's/M2.

One gift certificate from Divino Gelato.

One frog sculpture from Allison Art House.

One antique teapot from Steaming Cup.

One picture of a greyhound eating sushi from Galleria Edge.

One custom apron and gift certificate poker chip from Waukesha Tattoo Company.

One Jacket Tune Up from Leather Restoration.

One set of Christmas plates from River's End Gallery.

One popcorn gift basket from Poppin' on Boardway.

One assorted chocolate and candy package from Allo! Chocolat.

One bag of coal plus a large beer with the same name from Almont Gallery.

One bottomless vase from Clinton St. Gallery. (Brien will need to collect it from Ryan.)

One bucket pass from Salvation Army via me.

Of course the best one is the official decree from Mayor Scrima and a future photo op at the city hall!!!

Thanks to all the merchants and participants on the first year of this event and I hope everyone had a good time!

Congrats to Brien!!! (His Christmas shopping was done last night...)

Report from Ronsta...

11.27.10

YMCA plan and the fate of the unique building.

Is it a surprise that politicians have their own agenda?

Today is Small Business Day! Come to downtown Waukesha! Carriage Ride and Bah! Humbug!

Murder He Wrote continues...

I did not know this is a left and right issue...

Would Pete like a Carroll hat instead?

POLICE BLOTTER-All is fair in love and war.

So if we pissed MN and IL off over train, does that mean no water for Waukesha?

Who is gonna cover city hall now?

Wiggy reports that Sarah is leaving Freeman.

Who is gonna cover city hall now? She is certainly the most recognized reporter in Freeman. (I said reporter, Wiggy, you are the biggest name in the columns.)

Thank you for all your reporting on us and keeping Waukesha informed, I will certainly look up what Patch.com does.

More added to the grand prize!

Bah! Humbug! weekend continues tomorrow... what I can reveal is that the grand prize now includes real gold, real silver, theater tickets, gelato, booze, fancy dinner for two, and a night of hotel stay... One lucky winner wins them all!

Pretty good for white elephant gifts I tell you!

Warmer weather tomorrow, come out and get in the game!

7:15 pm is when the after party starts at Magellan's/M2, all the gifts in the grand prize package will be in display. Who is gonna take boxes and boxes of goodies home? Come, have some pizza and find out.

11.26.10

No, I am not out there waiting in line in the dark and cold for some Made in China, knock off brand dvd player...

The drama continues...

There is a rumor of a sniper...

Bah! Humbug!!!

Real drama in Waukesha.

Homeless part 2

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER-who would steal from a museum!?

Really? You can't quit being a president...

Don't forget...

Bah! Humbug! Weekend is tomorrow and Saturday! We do have the signed decree from Mayor Scrima, there might even be a photo op in the future! Who is gonna win it all? Come and find out at the raffle drawing/after party at Magellan's/M2 on Saturday, starting 7:15pm, you will also see all the white elephant gifts in display! (Some free pizza will be served too. )

Sunday is the fancy turkey dinner for the needy at D Mo's @ the Clarke Hotel. Lynda, Danica, Cory, Rachel and I are scheduled to help out from 2-7pm.

Happy traveling!

By planes





or by automobiles


Still no trains

Happy Turkey Day!

This is my way to stay PC with the non-meat eaters...

Thank you

Thank you all for believing in the vision.

Thank you all for supporting in action or in spirit.

Thank you all for enriching each others' lives.

Thank you all for bring out the best of all of us.

Thank you all for the positive karma.

Thank you for listening.

Thank you.

I would only respond to Agent Scully or Agent Starling

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Anti-Terrorist and International Fraud Division
601 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20535


RE: AUTHENTICATED LOTTERY WINNINGS

This is to officially inform you that it has come to my notice and I have thoroughly completed an Investigation with the help of our Intelligence Monitoring Network System that you legally won the sum of $1,000,000.00 US Dollars from a Legitimate Lottery Organization in the United Kingdom. During my investigation I discovered that your e-mail won the Lottery from an online balloting system. I discussed this issue with the board and we authorized this winning to be authentic and paid to you via a Sun Trust MasterCard® Check Card. Typically, it will take up to 20 business days for an International Check Card to be shipped to and activated in the United States, But we have successfully come to an agreement with this organization on your behalf that funds are to be drawn from a registered bank within the United States of America so as to enable you receive and activate your check card instantly within 24 hours. They complied with our conditions and the amount of $1,000,000.00 US Dollars was deposited with Sun Trust® Bank yesterday.



We have completed this investigation and you are hereby approved to receive the winning prize as we have verified the entire transaction to be Legitimate, Safe and 100% risk free of scams and frauds of any nature, due to the fact that the funds have been deposited at Sun Trust® Bank you will be required to settle the following bills directly to your lottery claims agent in-charge of this transaction who is located at the liaison office of the Lottery Organization here in Washington, DC. According to our records, you are required to pay for the following:



(1) Cost of Transfer (0.01% off the Principal Sum; for the international deposit into Sun Trust® Bank)

(2) MasterCard® Check Card Conversion Fee (Fee for issuance of the EFT into a Check Card)

(3) Cost of Delivery (Shipping and Handling, High priority mail – UPS)



The total amount is $299.99 (Two Hundred & Ninety Nine United States Dollars & Ninety Nine Cents). We have tried our possible best to have the lottery organization deduct the $299.99 from your lottery winning but the funds have already been deposited at Sun Trust Bank and cannot be accessed by anyone apart from you the winner. Therefore you will be required to pay the needed funds to your lotto claims Agent in charge of this transaction. The payment will NOT reflect at the paying bank with the given transaction code (US-S980-T116-1012) until you have covered the processing fees needed for approval.



In order to proceed with this transaction, contact your claims agent Samantha Jones on her email .You may be required to call her for verbal verification and e-mail her with the following information:



· FULL NAME:

· LOCAL ADDRESS (INCLUDING CITY/STATE/ZIPCODE):

· AGE/GENDER/OCCUPATION:

· CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS (CELL & HOME):



You will also be required to request details on how to pay up the required $299.99 in order to immediately ship your prize of $1,000,000.00 US Dollars in the form of a SunTrust MasterCard® Check Card, Also include the following transaction code in order for her to immediately identify this transaction: US-S980-T116-1012. This letter will serve as proof that the Federal Bureau Of Investigation is authorizing you to pay the required $299.99 ONLY to your claims agent to the information she will send you upon your request. Once again this has been “VERIFIED”



All winnings must be claimed not later than 18th October 2010. In order to avoid unnecessary delay and complications leading from unsuccessful participants, please remember to quote your transaction number in all correspondences as well as keep them safe and away from 2nd or 3rd parties.



Robert Anderson, Jr.

Special Agent in Charge



NOTE: In order to ensure your check card gets delivered to you ASAP, you are advised to contact Samantha Jones and “Not Me”

11.24.10

This is the reason to buy a copy of Freeman daily this week. It is quite a story, but just like in Sylvia, it was the guy's fault. (Here is a gift for Wiggy.)

How about another reason.

Darryle on D Mo's. See you Sunday! We are helping out there.

Wiggy, did you figure out where to go for breakfast?

SOUND OFF-I think Nelson haters need to get over it too, the mayor needs to stand on his own merit rather on anti-Nelson sentiment still.

POLICE BLOTTER

Is it too late to order one of these?

Rich suggested this.

It's BACON!!!

11.23.10

The Waukesha Christmas Parade.

My next car.

Do I expect a long line, absolutely!

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER: GPS bandit strikes again and again!

What I was waiting for...

The unfinished war... China must be getting pissed at North Korea, they will certainly not like the fact South Koreans had ask US to put nukes there.

London plan

I was just informed of two more items on the itinerary:

I will make my niece's Christmas play as a proud uncle.

I will need my BBQ apron and a steak knife thanks to my sister, I will be the square-est person in the whole place.


Looking at her makes me hungry... Some Lipton Onion mix and a can of Cream of Mushroom soup, those flank steak would be tasty!

it reminds me of

Press release from SA

The Salvation Army Benefits from It’s a Wonderful Life, Waukesha West High School’s Winter Production

Assistance programs of The Salvation Army will benefit from It’s a Wonderful Life, The West End Players’ production to be presented December 16-19, 2010. In Frank Capra’s 1946 film, George Bailey stands to lose everything unless he can come up with $8,000; fortunately, he has friends and neighbors who come together to help him out. In keeping with the spirit of the film, the students from Waukesha West have set a goal of their own: use their production to raise $8,000 to benefit the Salvation Army and the Waukesha community. “This is a community that has been very supportive of our program,” Waukesha West Director Nathan Berish said. “This seemed like a terrific way for us to give something back.”

The Salvation Army is in the midst of its annual Christmas campaign with a goal of $535,000 and has offered a trophy for the youth groups who raise the most funds through projects like this, or by ringing the bell at various locations in Waukesha County. The West End Players will be seen in costume and caroling at Salvation Army bell ringing locations around town during the weeks leading up to their opening. In fact, to boost their participation, the students have even taken up a friendly competition to see which group of cast or crew members can take the most bell ringing shifts. They hope their holiday efforts will be a benefit to Salvation Army programs where “need has no season.”

Especially critical this year is the demand for utility assistance (amid a reduction of grants that had helped fulfill large numbers of requests in the past), an increase in the

Community Meal Program participation, an increase in the food pantry requests, an increase in the number of homeless men needing shelter, and an increase in the number of children receiving summer lunches when schools aren’t open to supply free or reduced lunches.

For more information or how to help the West End Players be successful in this endeavor, please call Nathan Berish at (262) 970-4128 or visit www.waukeshawest.org. For more information about volunteering for The Salvation Army, please visit the website at www.waukeshasalvationarmy.org or contact Marcy Stutzman, The Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator at 262-547-7367.

London trip

Going to London to see Nam June Paik (I mean Ai Wei Wei) at Tate modern. Will spend some time with niece before Christmas too.

Looking forward to some heavy petting in U.S. airports and some racial profiling at British airports....

Someone has to do the Waukesha updates from 12.14 to 12.18...:)

Stormy Day

Few days before Thanksgiving and I was awaken by thunder storm in the morning...

Here is Brien's report on the parade, he has pictures and video. I told you so that he will have a better blog entry.

Once again, my apology to Ronsta.

Wiggy, Mayor Scrima is a big supporter of the Bah! Humbug weekend, he has to play his role. (Happy Birthday! You should have stopped by for a piece of Red Velvet cheesecake.) Here is Wiggy's top 10.

Bambi is dead... She was a really pretty lady.

Is it time for Favre to go home and finally face his wife?

Magic underwear for guys, a free show and an x-ray, or...

Ouch!

reminds me of

Fun parade

West End was packed with people when the parade made it to us, even Adam the mural painter was impressed on how big the parade was.

We had many visitors including many "band of bloggers", but one special apology to Ronsta for not able to serve the Chicken Curry, we had all packed up.

I am gonna keep this blog short, I am sure Brien Lee will have a better blog entry about this than me... :)

Bah! Humbug! weekend is on deck!

Waukesha Christmas Parade

We will be open from noon on, not to tattoo but to show off the lights and Christmas spirit. I will be putting together the Curry Chicken and make the rice. Larry from Water's Carpet Design is handing out hot chocolate, Moxie has a spread featuring Sloppy Joe sandwich, the Hekkers are also known for putting out a large spread.

Our manager Lynda's daughter Danica and Rich's daughter Andrea will both be in the parade as a character or a spotter or a banner holder, looks like fellow blogger Brien will be too.

See you at 4pm, come in to say hi. The food is first come, first serve...;) it is also the last week for Husband and Wife show, the now $20 8x10 photos are slowly disappearing one by one, get yours before your favorites are gone! We also have gift certificates for sale and detail for Bah! Humbug! weekend to hand out.

11.20.10

Congrats to Waukesha West, you are NUMBER ONE! (and also to CMH for being in the Championship.)

Tree lighting kicked off Silver Bells season! You know what I have to say about that... BAH! HUMBUG!

Is this a love letter to Mayor Scrima? He is single. ^^ Here is the competition.

So we saved $2.71 with tons of drama and now to get $40-$60 added... That Pete Kennedy sure knows comedy. (I personally do not have a problem with building infrastructures.)

SOUND OFF-To marching bands... MORE COWBELLS!

POLICE BLOTTER-Is the GPS bandit finally caught!?

Murder he wrote... I had to look it up...

This is interesting too...

How about this idea?

Mayor Scrima needs something to spend his New Day Fund on, downtown Waukesha needs some artsy bike racks, lets put two and two together and SPEND THAT MONEY!

This is the only way to get some good PR out of this! Art City does not build on one day...:)

They need 25 racks, $500-$1000 a piece, that should do it. :)

We need some public outcry to get this project moving, people! If we want people from all surrounding counties to check out Waukesha, cycling is another way to do it!!!

From Allo! Chocolat

Greetings Chocolate Lovers,

Today we would like to fill you in on some exciting happenings in Downtown Waukesha. On Thursday, November 18^th the Waukesha Tree Lighting took place at The Rotunda banquet facility. Then on Sunday, November 21^st will be the 48^th Annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Stroll. This year’s theme is “Twinkle, Sparkle & Shine”. Prepare to be dazzled as the marching bands, classic cars, floats, Santa’s Reindeer and even Santa himself make their way down Main Street. Santa’s Elves will collect letters to Santa for the Waukesha U.S. Post Office. The parade steps off at 4:00pm. Come early and stroll through the downtown, our windows will have festive lights and holiday glow that will put you in the holiday spirit. Many shops will open 11 to 4.

Not feeling in the spirit? Try our Black Friday – Bah Humbug hosted by the Waukesha Tattoo Company. Stop by the participating shops to collect your Bah Humbug items and bring them to the Waukesha Tattoo Company to be entered into a drawing for a lot of fun stuff. Learn more at www.BahHumbugWaukesha.com .

Also don’t miss the Waukesha Gingerbread House and Cookie Decorating Contest November 27 through January 3. Each entry will partner with a charity of their choice. Our store will partner with the Salvation Army. For more information visit Martha Merrell’s BookStore.

Want to really get in the holiday spirit. We are looking for groups to go caroling through the downtown. Each group will sign up for 2 hour shifts. Each Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon carolers will walk the streets spreading holiday cheer. Contact Steaming Cup at 522-3605 to sign up your group.

Our new holiday hours will start November 26 and run through December 23^rd. Monday – Friday 10 to 8 pm. Saturday 10 to 5 pm and Sunday 12 to 4 pm.

The Art Angel Crawl will be December 4^th. Don’t miss this last Art Crawl for 2010. We will have our new Wine Truffles available. For more information visit www.redhotartspot.com .

The Santa Run will take place on December 11^th. Please visit www.DowntownWaukesha.com for registrations and more information.

We will have some of our holiday items available next week and all of the holiday items will be in place for Black Friday Shopping for those of you who need St. Nick treats.

Our Sweet of the Week Treats are making a huge splash. Don’t miss the final treats of the year.

Nov 22-28 Chocolate Dipped Mini Pretzels with Fall colors. 25% off

Nov 29- Dec 5 Sipping Chocolate $1.50 off 6oz. Bag and $3.00 off 12oz. Bag

Dec 6 -12 Red Velvet Cherries 25% off.

Dec 13-19 Peppermint Bark 25% off

Dec 20-26 Sugar Free Assorted Chocolates $2.00 off per pound.

Dec 27-Jan 2 Liquor Truffles save .50 each

As always thank you for being such loyal downtown customers. Have a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

Love, Carrie and Roger

11.19.10

Mayor Scrima in the front page. (See Sound Off)

Mayor Scrima in JS PolitiFact.

That door will be closed.

A bit of good news for D Mo.

The BID board is set.

SOUND OFF- Tearing our city apart for personal grudge is not kool.

Was she responsible for the first two sound offs?

POLICE BLOTTER

Downtown Waukesha Tree Lighting to kick off another Silver Bells season is at 6pm today by the Rotunda!

Rockesha is also tonight for you cyclists. Starts at Cafe De Arts at 7pm and $10 pizza party at Magellan's at 8:30pm!

11.18.10

Busy news day!

D Mo as previously reported here! I am even more impressed with Le Cirque.

Water meeting canceled.

Very proud of what Carroll University is doing under this leadership. However, President Hastad keeps asking me for something better than the standard 10% Carroll discount for him in public, he should know that road only leads to a FREE Carroll C tattoo on him somewhere... ;)

No more veto for now.

Are you ready for the parade? You can still be IN it. Call Norm at 262-547-1060.

Here is Wiggy's chance.

Speaking of the (self proclaimed handsome-or at least better looking than Darryl Enriquez) devil... ;)

SOUND OFF- it is not a light rail...

LETTERS TO EDITOR

POLICE BLOTTER: GPS bandit strikes again!

Dennis Miller said that would be the day all the liberals (likely a lot of independents) commit mass Seppuku.

Tree lighting is 6pm tomorrow night by the Rotunda to kick off the Silver Bells season in downtown Waukesha, I hope to see you all there!

Bah! Humbug! weekend is next on deck after Thanksgiving Day.

The big picture?

hmmmm, perhaps we should support it for the future generations?

Another reason?

Santa Run

Getting ready for Christmas parade

I was just informed by the nice ladies at Moxie that people at the West End would make food for each other while Christmas parade is going on, like a street party for the neighbors. (What time?)

This is news to me, now I have to figure out what to make...

Corn Chowder soup?

Brat with kraut?

BBQ pork?

Curry chicken?

Hobo stew?

S.O.S? or chipped beef?

Any request?

11.17.10

All that for $2.71. Might as well put that in the red kettle this time of the year.

Ms. Cummings serves the city with passion, we all have to give her that.

Darryl, you know Bill is giving you the evil eye right now for even mentioning the B word... ;) I think it is Sprizzo that has awesome breakfast quiche, right? If not, Coffee Vault in Dousman does. Sorry, what is you column about? I am distracted by the food talk... :)

Should everyone read off the script when calling the aldermen? Where do you pick up the script? Perhaps there will be a re-run of last night's meeting on TV, you should have a chance to catch that infomercial 3-4 times posing as citizen comments and communication to the city. I would rather listening to people searching for words or their own home address, at least they are genuine and not politically driven.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

From JS online.

Introducing D Mo's

No more Black Trumpet, no more Clarke Hotel Chophouse and pasta, it is now D Mo's. The restaurant and the hotel are now separated as two entities. Tony and Jody are now the faces of D Mo's.

I urge everyone to support this newest addition to downtown Waukesha business scene and they do deserve a new look and a fresh start.

I did get a confirmation that Tony did work with Bobby Flay. I think this is definitely a gain for all the Waukesha foodies!

Live from City Hall (via TV)

Observations:

Why does it seem several comments are scripted to exact words and sentences?

I think Mayor Scrima had found an angry crowd who had little to lose.

(I am glad I am not there... )

BID appointments passed with a little drama from Ms. Cummings, WEAA's flower basket must had not reach her yet. It is what it is, I will do my best to make sure West End's interest is not being ignored (while sitting on the fence of course).

( Just in case I forget, I have heard from Norm that Clinton resurface will be extensive yet North and St. Paul will be pushed to 2012. That is better than being cut off from both ends. )

Mayor Scrima's Veto is passed...

We can see our fire station from our window!

Darn that John Allison, making Alderwoman Cummings so angry! Forget Mayor Scrima and the bus, it is all because of John Allison, Public Enemy No.1!

Revised CIP passed. One fire station 2011, one 2012.

I think that is all the good stuff, I am turning off the TV and go home now. :)

Rockesha this Friday

Don't forget this event Friday. It is perfectly okay to show up just for the famous Magellan pizza... (I asked.) It is a fundraiser for the Waukesha Bike Rack Project.

Don't forget the Bah! Humbug! weekend is coming soon as well!

and... ( There is some issue about the phone number because BID posted a bad one.) Here is the flyer we received.

11.16.10

What happen to smaller bus? The public transit had to see this coming since the mayoral election.

Here is the mayor and some very good things GE brings to life.

SOUND OFF-the stage is set for some drama tonight...

POLICE BLOTTER-"Was that a python you are hiding in your pants?"

Get there early for the Common Council meeting tonight to get a good seat! Some people believe stirring things up is a necessary evil, some people (like me) think everything should have been done behind the scene instead of going Springer style these days.

Ouch!

Peace... The chaos in city government will only filter down and create an environment that is not good for business. Should there be changes? Sure, but you don't push, you nudge so people think they did it themselves.

I missed that meeting...

Wiggy is not holding anything back on Mayor Scrima...

...and here is one vote for Mayor Scrima.

There is another meeting tomorrow night regarding BID appointment, isn't it? Looks like it is gonna be an all night-er.

The proposed amendments.

I have two meetings already on one time slot... Gonna miss this one too to be true to my new recluse role. :)

Don't you wonder...Now you know

Here is the original



...and the man who wrote the hits.

Contrast

She is putting a lot of politicians to shame...

The angel has spoken

Sometime things happen as all the star align and you just have to go with the flow... Congrats to Brien that his angel is showing the mysterious way to the next puppy for the shift. :)

Raising the bar

Did you see what People's Park is doing with holiday decoration!? They are raising the bar for sure. Main Street will light up Vegas Style!!!

(Going to get lights today!)

New prices!

Steven Puetzer had agreed to offer special holiday pricing for the last two weeks of the art show. DO come in and grab your favorite before they are all gone!

The 8x10 photos are now $20 instead of $25. The selection will not last...

words of wisdom

The other night I was watching the Taiwanese gangster movie MONGA, in one of the scenes, an older gangster was telling a younger gangster that when he was young, he thought he was the wind dictating where the grass bend toward, but when he got older, he realized he is just another blade of grass, bowing with wherever the wind is blowing.

I just want to be this.

11.13.10

The newest BID appointments: I must say I was surprised by a few because I swear I've heard different names mentioned. The balance of power is clearly shifting to the merchants and far far away from the West End. I am still sitting on the fence, a pointy fence yet glad I am not involved. I am guessing there will be a new BID president soon and street closing will continue.

Waukesha water application

Mayor Scrima

Fire station

Pete Kennedy on Mayor Scrima

SOUND OFF

I admit I am still in shock with the BID selections, it was not as balanced as one would hope nor promised. I wonder if there were some behind the scene stuff or I've just heard wrong few nights ago due to all the tattoo machine buzzing daily. Okay, talk among yourselves...

Unexpected foodies' dream of a night

After a long day of work, Rachel, Lynda, Cory and I headed to Clarke Hotel for a late dinner. The Executive Chef Tony Hernandez had come in to our shop but I was with customers. It was nice to finally meet him and he gave us a very unique foodie experience.

From what I have heard, he was working for Bobby Flay before and he is also the executive chef for Rock Bottom in Milwaukee. He is not familiar with the area but he really is trying to reach out to the community with a Thanksgiving dinner for the needy, which I shall ask the mayor if he like to help out along with us. For that alone, he gets a thumbs up from us. I also will ask my fellow merchants/property owners/artists to help with what they can!

We ordered our meal but he surprised us with a Filet Mignon appetizer. It was a thin slice filet over an onion ring with fresh blue cheese on top and fried onions. YUMMY!

I ordered the black and white pasta with seafood, Rachel ordered the risotto, I ate 70% of BOTH meals.... I was a hungry boy and they were delicious. For dessert we had the cheese cake with a crazy good blood orange sauce and Tiramisu, which I sure would recommend both. Tony then surprised us again with three dishes of custom made gelato. The flavors were espresso, pumpkin and peanut butter cups. My favorite was the espresso with little chunks of espresso beans in it.

That was a five course meal and we sure did not expect that. It was also the first time the chef came out and talked with us. I guess I am moving up in the world. :)

Tony, welcome to Waukesha and we are looking forward to work with you to make Waukesha a better place!

Way to go!

From BID newsletter:

The holidays is a time for sharing, caring and giving. The Clarke Hotel is asking for your help to provide a special Thanksgiving Dinner for the needy on Sunday November 28. If you'd like to donate funds, your time, or food ready for preparation by their executive chef contact Alex and Anthony at 262-522-XXXX.

We will do what we can to help!!!

11.12.10

The biggest news is Wiggy's column. I do have a different philosophy than Mayor Scrima or Wiggy. I think we do need to spend some money on infrastructure for the future now, because it is cheaper to do so NOW with people needing jobs. I too understand trimming the fat on the budget and run a mean, lean operation, but if we look forward, we have to plan out what the vision would be 5-10 years from now. People do question me on why put in all these improvements into a building on the far west end of downtown Waukesha, but I do believe in the future. When you are willing to go into great debt and shape that vision, it attracts MORE people to share that vision. I was debating about this for a while in my head, and even with the rail system, we do have to look beyond local interest but the big picture. If I can take a train from Hartland to the Twin City, I think that is kinda kool. With the choice of getting an inverted naked picture taken or some heavy touching of your private area as a requirement to fly, I do like that option to take a train. It might be a strategic interest for US to have a developed train system economically or militarily. JMO

Sound Off Yes, 100% positive!

Police Blotter GPS bandit strikes again!

Veteran's Day

West End was a busy place this morning, tons of vets gathered at the Veteran Park for a ceremony. I would like to attend but I did have an appointment. By being where we are, we were able to provide facility to vets which we were happy to help.

At 4:30 pm, it was the special opening at the Waukesha County Museum. A lot of VIPs were there, included County executive, one mayor and one former mayor, one alderman and a lot of Waukesha regulars. Four WWII veterans were also there to cut the ribbon.

The show is a must see, it covered just about all the aspects of WWII, other than the Chinese part of the war. My Flying Tiger shirt was representing I guess. As important as the photo of the concentration camp, there really should be photos of the Nanjing massacre. The Nationalist might not be winning a lot of battles, but it dragged down a lot of Japanese force and resources.

Rachel and Lynda attended the Allison Art House event. I was told that John Allison, the Public Enemy No.1, did not even show his face after he degraded all women with his Nipple Gate painting. The infamous painting is in display however.

You think my wife would sneak out a yummy Cafe de Arts sandwich from the event for this poor husband who had not eaten all day.... no such luck... I blame that John Allison for bring out the men hating in women...

Bah! Humbug! has official blessing!

Mayor "Don't call me Scrooge" Scrima has agreed to help with the Bah! Humbug! Weekend. The winner of the raffle will get an official decree from the Mayor of City of Waukesha! Eat your heart out, Ke$ha!

He also shared the new appointments to BID with certain Danger Girl, I better not reveal them here before all the aldermen see them but there are some interesting choices, I have re-affirmed my decision to stay a recluse...

11.11.10

Wiggy's ship has come in! Run, Wiggy, Run!

The plot twist has some Star War feel to it.

...and the role of Jar Jar Binks...

Don't miss the special opening for Veteran's Day at the Waukesha County Museum at 4:30pm, I plan on being there; also the special Ladies' Night at Allison Art House tonight, the Nipple-Gate protest following the Million Women March from City Hall will be held outside with free gas mask and protest sign painting station set up. You know that trouble maker John Allison is hiding in his condo up there making more paintings of nipples...

Mural update

All three of us are out there busting Adam's chops everyday...

11.10.10

Another front page headline for the Mayor Scrooge.

Governor-elect Scrooge Walker once again.

Sound Off Hey, I went to school with Mike.

Police Blotter-Stigmata in Waukesha, Sarah M. better get on it!

Newest from our good friends at Waukesha Civic Theatre

Mr. Enriquez on homeless issue in Waukesha

Homeless issue in the news

What YOU can do to help

Bah! Humbug! update: The local merchants are gonna hate me this morning for my 4 emails. I had a typo on the final flyer design, then instead of sending out the correct version, I sent the wrong one again. Then the corrected version went out, but we added another merchant that night therefore the fourth email with an even newer version. We have more white elephant gifts! The gift package is getting more and more interesting!

Cory's idea for the cheaters to dress up in Santa Run was a big hit in the WDBA meeting! The idea is that if you are one of the runners during Santa Run who like to take advantage of the much shorter cheaters' route through Magellan's, you should dress up like 70 or 80's era athletes...

By the way, "Nipple-Gate" is now an official term as used in Waukesha, I am very proud of that fact it started here. I do still encourage WEAA to send Alderwoman Cummings flowers, secretly or publicly to thank her for all the PR money can not buy, a nice press release in Freeman would be a good start for Ms. Cummings being the artists' best friend:CONTROVERSY...

Don't forget there is a large, large Nipple-Gate protest at Allison Art House tomorrow night, something about women, gems, and clothes from Plowshare. There is also an event in front of Waukesha County Museum for the WWII vets, and you can see the newest exhibit for FREE... I told you, find your inner Scrooge, it is the hippest thing these days.

11.9.10

Today is the frugal edition, just in time to start advertising Bah! Humbug! weekend in Waukesha!

The way of the Scrooge is in!

Scrooge 1 , more, and even more- Here we go, tighten our belts if you want the debt reduced. One fire station at a time seems sensible unless there is a 2 for 1 coupon. Here is the same thing from a different angle.

Scrooge 2- ...but kill the railroad/jobs and turn the money to New York? Tough call.

Sound Off

Police Blotter

Big news from the museum, and one for Huck. They are doing some wonderful things at that end of Main Street.

Some questions

How are we going to have tax cut across the board and trim the national debt in the same time?

Isn't it ironic that Communists were out protesting against President Obama in India?

The first impression

Just how big is too big?

The newest Walmart super center is begging for one to ask that question. Historically, the Waukesha one is more chaotic than the Delafield one, but somehow the design of this new place enhance the feeling even more.

The color scheme/lighting is very cold and the layout is not inviting. On a Sunday evening, there were empty shelves to reinforce that chaotic feeling. The compression factor is also an issue with such a high ceiling, your eyes can not focus on the products but look up instead.

Compare it to the new Target on Sunset, I do see more design and thoughts for the customers put in there. Target has an European feel, while Walmart starts to feel like Hobo.

I did visit a different Walmart super center in Colorado and somehow I did not have the same feeling, perhaps I am being critical while they are going through an adjustment period. I am not anti-Walmart and I am a frequent Sam's Club shopper, that is why the first impression was somewhat disappointing.

11.6.10

Mayor Scrima and fellow Carroll grad Gregg for the Salvation Army. Way to go! ( Do you have your Bucket Pass yet? Look! There is one in the Bah! Humbug! raffle!)

The nipple gate is upgraded to a breast. The daily protest outside of Allison Art House is scheduled at 3pm.

A Love letter to Sarah Palin?



Sound Off

Police Blotter-Water issue at Waukesha just got worse... Where is Timothy Dalton when we need him?/ The song YMCA is now in my head...

The homeless guy who interrupted the wedding at Galleria Edge was back last night. He asked Lynda to call the cops to come and arrest him. His plan for free room and board fell short when the police refused on the ground that he did not have any outstanding warrant as he claimed. We did give him a cup of hot coffee to go.

Feed your soul

Rich and I attended the event for the first time and it was a large happening. Adam M. and Liz from Flux Design did a very good job organizing.

A lot of familiar faces were in the crowd: Wren, now ex-Discovery World Art Director; Kya of Soma Gallery; Joe, Jason and Mike from Caravella Paintworks who did our interior; Benn, a face from the tattooing past, who is now working for Flux as a carpenter; Adam, our mural painter, and most of the Flux Design crew.

I had my eyes on quite a few pieces, but I was outbid in the end. I was in position to get a Sham original, but he decided to buy it himself by outbid me $140 over. I was very close on a bowl by Jesse and a painting by Mike.

Tricia had a good night, her photo went for $800, likely the highest bid for anything there, I am surprised her works are not sold out in the galleria already at our listed price... I do not know what Steve's photo went for.

The food was provided by Water Buffalo and Swig, I really like the BBQ pork with bacon, of course it was no where near the Pat's Rib Place pulled pork I had for lunch, but I was hungry.

I do look forward to attend it again next year, we will bring the whole crew next time.

Mark your calendar!

Bah! Humbug! weekend is gaining steam! We have more and more merchants signing up... It is a fun event and it cost nothing to play! Black Friday shopping requires planning but that is in the morning, come to Waukesha and plan out the route of attack and have fun with this game as well! There are some really interesting White Elephant gifts in this huge prize package, one shot and you are done with Christmas shopping! ;)

The latest rumor of a prize entry is a big inflatable cake, the merchants are having fun too. :) There might be even some theater tickets coming I was told.

*The items merchants will be giving out for points are of some value too, I think there are some $10 off coupons and free appetizer coupons... You might even get one of the Waukesha Tattoo Company clings or stickers to keep.

P.S. We have the cake and it is NOT inflatable, it is a really kool cake! Allison Art House also joined today, I hope they are not giving out nipple related stuff! :)

11.5.10

Oh, wait a minute, there is a PR issue...

Coming soon: Gas and food price going up."Maybe this will work..."

Sound Off- Long time merchants and renters should be respected as well. You can see the mean spirit flowing and that is part of the ill of Waukesha. Setting up the property owners vs. renters/ merchants fight is equally divisive and bad for Waukesha. (Disclaimer: I do not live in the city anymore but I do own a property and I am a merchant.)

The question should be how to come to the table together and find a common ground while weighting everyone's interest, instead of pointing fingers and see who can be a bigger bully. There are plenty of people standing in the middle waiting for a train wreck if this is where Waukesha headed.

Speaking of Train Wreck, they were playing at J Lotti's last night and every Thursday night. Barry was gonna play drums but it was past my bed time. Steve loved the burger and Phil was surprised such place existed in Waukesha, it is a pretty hip place to be.

Police Blotter

Just an advice

Wiggy is gonna shift his attention back to Waukesha, my advice will be that there are many forces at work and they do not form a cohesive picture of our mayor but you can see him from different perspectives.

Is he anywhere near the constant praise in the Freeman Sound Off from his loyal supporters? Is the feud real from the angle of the Alderman and other city officials? Is he in the midst of rebuilding his image or is it too late for a perception change? What is the public image and what is the behind the scene stuff?

It is a complex story and Wiggy does know a juicy story when he sees one. I will be eagerly waiting to read his article.

Photography talk in Galleria

It was quite a treat for the History of Photography students at Carroll: they were given a chance to hear 4 distinct perspectives from 4 different photographers in 4 different fields of photography.

Steven Puetzer talked about stock photography, Tricia Shay talked about architectural photography, Bill Lemke talked about landscape photography, Phil Krejcarek talked about fine art photography and installations. It showed the range of the photography and possible directions for students.

The projection screen situation needs some work but we are looking into having more of a hands-on experience for artists and viewers in the galleria. We were able to set up chairs for 20+ people, it was just right for a Carroll U. class size. We will have more of these intimate artist talks in the future.

11.4.10

Elephant chases the car, elephant gets the car, now what?

Walker: I can stop the train!

Walker 2: No taxes but fees okay?

Johnson: shouldn't say " I don't know anything about business." on live TV the other night.

Wiggy sees the problem and a silver lining for Waukesha.

SOUND OFF: Now GOP is the target.

POLICE BLOTTER: Don't leave your GPS in the car.

Or you will be buying a new one here.

Spending money is encouraged, 600,000,000,000 times.

Big art talk tonight at the galleria, Steven Puetzer, Tricia Shay, Phil Krejcarek and William Lemke.

Foodies for foodies

Rich and I will be attending this charity event at Flux Design. Barry will still be celebrating his 40th birthday (today) and not available.

We hope to see you there, and it is also a chance to see the home base of Flux Design, birth place of a lot of stuff in our shop.

Current galleria artist Steven Puetzer and Tricia Shay will also be in the auction with their art works. I do want to be there to support them as well, even though I will see them on Thursday too with their art talk in the shop at 6pm.

11.3.10

No matter what, I am so glad the election is over and I propose we fill the deep hole America is in with all the mud, there were plenty; even this simple Wisconsin folk knows you don't START digging if you are already in a deep hole. :) (Unless you are trying to get to China...) Wiggy, you need to be his new speech writer, for real, I beg you, he is representing all of Wisconsin now.

The deadline job is not right even from the left or the middle, but what can anyone do about it?

Thank you for standing up and say something! Let me be the first one to accuse that you are bitter because you did not win the mayor race, blah, blah, blah, and get that out of the way...;)

SOUND OFF-Once again, proud to be a Zombie Pio.

POLICE BLOTTER: Which building in 400 blocks of West Main? The Opti Cop will catch them all!

We support artistic bike racks!

Thank you, Brien and all the poll workers.

DUDE!

We have a new manager!

Busy night

As the election result coming in, Waukesha Tattoo Company @ Galleria Edge and Chapel of Eternal Love is busy marrying people and their favorite objects before it becomes illegal...

Congrats to all the winners, and now we will hold their feet to the fire diligently.

I know for sure the stock market will go up and up from now on. Wall Street loves a split house and Senate, it means nothing drastic will be done. Business as usual.

(Someone PLEASE find Ron NOT RUSS Johnson a new speech writer! Wiggy? You can do it.)

Note to all future candidates: Come to downtown Waukesha for a Johnson Corn Dog! That is what closed the deal!

Bah! Humbug! Waukesha

There is now a website domain to go with it! www.bahhumbugwaukesha.com!

There is a rumor that Allo! Chocolat might be putting in "Seconds" chocolate in so the owner does not eat them all! You know you want to get in on this Scrooge of a deal!

The Inspector!

Fellow blogger Brien is..... Don't screw up! ;)

Ladies' Night

Working on the Bah! Humbug! weekend website

What do you think of this?

11.2.10

The train is coming.

GOP rally in Waukesha: Can't they afford better soundbite writers? Best health care system in the world ranked here.

Johnson in Waukesha, do go get a Johnson Corn Dog! They are made with real Johnson?!

Sound Off-I went to a Zombie College! F-Yeah!

Speaking of Zombies.

Police Blotter-I see dead people in the snow...

We are doomed.

It is 7:06am, time to go vote.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow!

Dinner at...Target?!

It was a busy, busy day for me, Barry went to Chicago and it was Rich's day off. Thank goodness Lynda was handling all the phone and internet duties.

I was running behind right away and took me half a day to catch up to my schedule, by the time the day ended, I had no lunch or dinner but handfuls of cashews and a glass of root beer.

On the way home, I stopped to shop for my niece at Target. ( That is right, sis, I am the shopper. ) I was able to find a couple of costumes at 50% off, which I do not think it will last if it goes to 75% off. As I checked out, I noticed there was a Pizza Hut Express in there and they do have hot pasta in boxes.

There I was, having a pasta combo in the Starbucks. The bread sticks must be about a day old but I was so hungry, I did not care. The pasta was good, and I was glad I chose marinara.

Super Walmart opens in two days, likely for late diner like me, I will be having some dinner there too.... :)

Chocolate covered elephant?

From Allo! Chocolat:

Hello lovers of all things chocolate!

US Senate candidate Ron Johnson, along with State Senate candidate Rich Zipperer and State Representative Bill Kramer will be stopping in our store this Monday at 3:00 PM. They are taking a tour of downtown Waukesha and have asked if they can visit Allô! Chocolat. While this email is not an endorsement for any candidates, we feel these gentlemen have stepped up and said they are willing to try and make a difference in our country, so we applaud them for their courage and vision. Politics can be a thankless job, so to show our appreciation for their willingness to run for office, we'd like to see our store filled with encouraging customers when they arrive. If you are available this Monday at 3PM, please stop in to say hello to these candidates.

Thank you,

Carrie and Roger

Perhaps this is the Waukesha version of Keep Fear Alive. I need some protesting signs! (more here.)