12.31.11

Alderman Patton came in yesterday to poll my concern with his angle parking proposal. I just told him all of it, and he said he is learning new facts. He said we need more parking on the street for Kendal Loft, I said that is a problem created by the huge project itself, but safety should not be sacrificed just for that. He went on to say he is somewhat concerned that the parking across the river deal is just an agreement, not a lease... I thanked him for coming to talk to me and I hope our concern will be reflected. ( My gut feeling is that a few of people in town are now realizing they were manipulated by certain someone pulling all the strings behind the scene with some serious conflict of interest issue... JMO )

I also need to give a shout out to Wisconsin Foodie Girl... Yes, I have a lead on the mystery name saga...

2011 in review.

WackySha in review.

It is war!

History Lesson 5 of 10- Hey, I know where some of the buildings in the photos! Wow, there really were a lot of barbers...

Darryl used the C word in printed media...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Jumbo Police Blotter from Florida

Thank you for sharing another year with me, 2012 is gonna be awesome.

2012 predictions

Wiggy did his. Perhaps I should do mine with downtown Waukesha in mind.

1. Kendal Loft will be built.

2. Streets will be closed for FFNL.

3. Clarke Hotel bar will start renovation, David will come back...

4. Major art event comes to Waukesha. ;)

5. Parking issue become headlines in Freeman.

6. Mill Reserve TIF issue comes to light.

7. Mayoral veto on budget for third year in a row.

8. No show for Mayor Scrima during Christmas Parade for third year in a row.

9. Crocs will be back!

10. Wiggy will not be on the cover of People for any reason.

11. Convention Center will be pushed through city level in record speed until DNR steps in.

12. New City Administrator is going to be a guy.

13. Cry Wolf measure being discussed in Common Council.

14. At least 2 new murals in downtown Waukesha.

15. I will not be on the cover of People for any reason.

16. HBR makes the leap to TV news or as the Freeman online video reporter.

17. At least two new dining options in downtown Waukesha.

18. The end of the world does not come.

19. Local tattoo shop owner discovers a basement!

20. We'll finally learn the real name of the chef with many names.

I am pretty confident I will win the prediction war on % with Wiggy. I will even bet him a beer.

12.30.11

I stopped by the WDBA social and Norm had a nice spread out for guests. It was nice to talk to fellow merchants in a more relaxed setting. I found out a few things too...

I was told the mystery artist whom had been leaving art around town did it again. He had left stuff at Freeman and now Almont Gallery. The latest is a red, white, and blue key... Does Waukesha have its own Banksy?

It was also confirmed that DNR is asking Kendal Loft to prove there is nothing historical buried. There will be an independent study... Likely just red tape.

This did not come up however, and I think the far West Enders' opinions are not being heard. There are driveways/parking lot entrances in far west ends not presented in the rest of West Main Street, and there is that big turn with people flying around the corner on the center line of the road. People also use the far West End to make U turns, or park and talk on cell phones. How about weather and semi's? If you add all that together and people backing out of angle parking, it can be a recipe for many traffic accidents. This is not just about painting the lines on the street and if people do not LIKE it, it can be changed back, this can be dangerous... I would invite anyone to come down to the shop and just sit and watch the traffic pattern. This is not about Kendal Loft, that is a done deal in my mind. Please do not rubber stamp this without some serious safety study, this can come with some human cost... Parking in downtown should also be a much bigger discussion than this little band-aid.

The frozen custard war.

History lesson 4 of 10. I guess back in the day, there were barber shop crawl and Freeman's Friday Night Shave in downtown Waukesha... Holy cow, there sure were demands for barbers...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

How does Mayor Scrima rate in your book?

Wiggy, are you sure about No.5?

Sarah is gonna eat her way through 2012.

Congrats to Allo! Chocolat, Discount Liquor and Rochester Deli for being No.1 again! Bodway's and Pat's Rib came in at No.4 in top 5 too!

P.S. A beer truck/semi just made a u-turn right in front of the shop right on Main, this is the kind of driving we see everyday...

David tracker

Darryl just informed me that he went by Montecito and was told David had left the job... I too went by last night and did not see him so I went home instead...

There is a following for WackySha's favorite part time psychiatrist... Where are you, David?

UPDATE:

Email from David:

Hi George,
Right now I'm working at North Star American Bistro, 191115 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield. They have a great menu of seafood (Bourbon Salmon), Steaks, Salads, and hard to resist items like Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf and Duck Confit Pizza! I do miss all of the Clarke Hotel folks, and hope to return some day. It pains me to see it empty, and to not be there with friends like you. Best wishes to you and Mrs. Kool.
Sincerely, David, WackySha Bartender/Psychiatrist.

Kool... Now we know.

12.29.11

I ordered some dinner over the phone from El Palmar, and I wanted a horchata to go. They asked Small or Large? I said Large... Oh, it was LARGE! I am very thankful that Ronsta and the gang told me about this place, it is one of the shop favorites...

This is quite a sad news and my friend Maia works there... :(

Today is also the day Cathy Morris says goodbye to her mom Eloise. I know Cathy from Carroll days and Salvation Army. As recent as Day of Care at Avalon, Cathy was helping Eloise draw a boat as one of the activities. I saw Cathy the night before the sudden passing at Salvation Army as she volunteered to count the red kettles. My deepest sympathy goes out to her.

History lesson 3 of 10- I can not get enough of seeing these old photos!

Good to have them in the West End!

New Year Eve plan? I am working I think...

I thought Wiggy was talking about some bad Mexican food experience until I noticed the extra N.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Another Waukesha notables passed away.

No worries, I am a subscriber.

Sorry, not liking them Cubs...

Who did it? Someone has a theory... See comment.

WDBA social is tonight, maybe I will drop by if I finish my appointment early...

12.28.11

I sat and talking to people all night around town, and Montecito kept coming into the conversation. I did hear that David, the long time fixture at Clarke Hotel bar, is working nights there now, and I was also told that Chef Nate of now Bodway's is available for consultation work if needed.

Moxie's Sabrina had issues a challenge to WTC on ice sculpture and the preliminary plan is to hold a private gathering for clients of both establishments at 453 W. Main building on 1-21-12 during Waukesha Janboree after 5 pm, Magellan's will be catering for pizza and beer. Some thoughts are being formed about making it a charity event.

453 building also dominated the conversation, and the 600 amp service could be good for a frozen custard stand? Gosh, who on the street has a frozen custard connection? ^^ Kendal Loft project is for sure on hold until Spring. Ken came out and put hay on the grass already to plan for a Spring digging. Someone said DNR is going to make sure the land is not a Native American burial ground, and that is the whole holdup. I did not now that is a DNR thing...

History lesson 2 of 10. I am just trying to figure out where is where on all these photos...

Gregg's column.

New children's book from Waukesha.

Still a little time on Purple challenge, I guess...

I too declare my candidacy... NOT!

If any year to do this, this is the year... Brien is all about it.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Happy family needs a happy ending to 2011...

Happy Birthday, Waukesha Patch and PBR! That scream after the taser shot will live forever in cyberspace...

Where in the world is HBR these days? I am guessing she is eating a cheese burger in paradise... Make a note to see if most of cats there have extra toes, would you? They are called Hemingway cats...

Did you make your New Year Eve plan yet? Magellan's is offering AYCD, AYCE and a ride home (within 5 miles).

Oh, make sure you pick up a copy of Wisconsin Trail magazine. Tattooed Lady historian Amelia wrote a nice article on tattooing in Wisconsin and I was honored to be included in it... It also mentioned Art Crawls.

12.27.11

History lesson 1 of 10, hopefully one day there will be one on the history of Waukesha tattoo shops, and the guy to talk to is Chicago Ed. ( Wow, they did cupping in a barber shop, far out!)

Montecito must knew of the two weeks rule to get Mayor Scrima.

Did you check out the expanded River's End Gallery yet?

Thieves are desperate these days...

POLICE BLOTTER

There was an incident at People's the other night, we were charged to split a burger to 4 x 1/4 so we can all have a taste. In the menu it said if you split it to half, there will be more fries and a $2 charge. We were charged $8 to split a $10 burger with no extra fries. The waiter had even assured us there will be no splitting charge before he handed us the bill, the manager said the bill was closed after I protested so he handed me two coupons for appetizers instead because the server was new and not familiar with the system. I even pointed out that if splitting has a charge, it should be $6 instead of $8... Get the yummy Valley burger and cut it yourself is the lesson of the story... ;) Perhaps the correct lesson is DO NOT SHARE the Valley burger and sweet potato fries...

I did not get any of these... but I am not complaining...

Brien, we did White Elephant at the shop and no gifts at home, and it just has to be known as such. We do appreciate you a lot for what you do for the community, we need more good heart-ed people like you in the world...

For WDBA members

Please join us on Thursday, December 29^th, from 6:30-8 PM for a chance to express how much we have enjoyed working with you during the past year in downtown Waukesha. Refreshments (appetizers, desserts & beverages) will be served as we take this opportunity to reflect on all that has been accomplished in our community.

We hope to see you Thursday!

With warm wishes,

Norm and Eve at Martha Merrell’s Books

Your RSVP would be appreciated, but not required.

Red Kettle update

Total bell ringing funds as of 12/24/2011 end of the season IS (drum roll) $404,984.01without the kettles of Saturday from Mukwonago (projecting about $2,500), the kettles left on the stands for Monday - Tuesday pickup of stands - people throw in donations as they shop the after Christmas sales, the counter kettles in 62 locations (of which we've already switched several throughout the season and changed locations of lower producing to higher visible stores.

(of course we have to wait for the official total when the bank reconciles yesterday and today's deposit.

The total could potentially be nearly $410,000. The bell ringing goal was $400,000 - unless we meet the challenge of $500,000 for the purple hair affair - who is holding out??!!!

We will extend the mail appeal drive until the latter part of January to allow for end of the year donors, matching gifts, etc.

We owe so much gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, our faithful paid bell ringers who filled in when volunteers weren't available, the media, our prayer warriors and to the best staff of any Salvation Army Corps. This is only one of many big projects during Christmas and we heard laughter, shared tears with some of our program participants, sighed when we needed to "pull back" a moment and then everyone went full speed ahead to accomplish the mission of affecting the lives of "others" every day.

Major Ron and I are rich in blessings and relationships. We look forward to serving Waukesha County in 2012. We are excited for greater things and how God will use every day for His honor and glory. Merry Christmas.

p.s. not sure how many children received gifts, I think about 100 attended the Christmas Eve Community Dinner. I think I saw about 50 pies from various "elves", treats everyday for our program participants and so much more. Trust my excitement is spilling out on you. May you be blessed and continue to bless others and the Lord. Thank you - now we'll rest a few days, enjoy our family, and be ready serve our community.

Carol Lemirand (Major Carol)
Corps Officer
The Salvation Army
445 Madison Street
Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: (262) 547-7367
Fax: (262) 547-5709
www.waukeshasalvationarmy.org

12.24.11

Last night was the huge Festivus celebration at Nice Ash, some of downtown notables were there. I aired my grievances like the rest of the crowd but I did not stay to see if Joette were pinned to the ground or not, so Festivus might be still going on...

I also did visit People's Park and saw Mayor Scrima there with Duke and Duchess, it appeared to be the royal hangout. My group just have to try the Valley Burger and sweet potato fries before the kitchen closes. Yup, the burger war is back on... We sat in the second floor and I like the booth and the lights. It gave the right compression to anyone sits in the booth to have a sense of intimacy and it acted the same function as our huge gear lights in the shop. Nicely done.

Someone did ask me about Clarke Hotel the other day and they missed the bar. I mentioned that I too feel that a John Hawk's Pub style bar with familiar bartenders is more of my speed. You just can not fake the marble counter top and the fireplace...

I did notice Neil's barber shop has a FOR RENT sign on it, does anyone know what happened? Jenny was always super nice to me.

Time to save some more money?

Update on the Red Kettle campaign and some helpers... Yup, I had the honor of pulling that $1000 check out of the kettle.

Les Paul Foundation.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Wiggy and I discuss the finer things via blogs...

The shop had the White Elephant gift exchange yesterday and there is a photo of Jason we can not post anywhere...

Chelsea, Kelly, and Jason took me out to celebrate my birthday (I did thank my mom for this day when I went home, Brien) , and sad to say that if you take the two numbers of my age and flip it, I would still be older than Chelsea... No country for Old men I say... ( Yes, I am still celebrating Festivus...)

Shop will be open until 3-4pm today, if you still need to get the last minute gift chips for your love ones...

Happy Festivus and Merry Christmas...

12.23.11

This is not that kool, I thought it was already established that the "garbage fee" was not really about garbage but a poor attempt to cover the shortfall of the budget... Are Scrima supporters gonna go back on the "mistake" and argue it again? Talk about "Attacking the Past"...

Wow, 40 years...

Dakota is doing well.

Oops.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Missing dog!

I did not know that...

Unsolved mystery

This reminds me of this.

I had lunch at Montecito yesterday and I had what was recommended: the Sicilian Steak. I sat at the bar and the bartender was a former client so we talked a little. There is a house beer called Mr. Monte for $2( and Miller Light is $3). I was still on the clock so I did not try it. The big bowl of soup came with a fried bread which was tasty and I wish I had more. The steak was huge but I was told it is larger than usual because it was just their second day of being officially opened. The only thing I can compare it to was the Sicilian Steak at Michael's. I like the grilled vegetable on the side very much and I was certainly full as I left.

I would have a suggestion for this brand new business trying to get off the ground. I would pour a product called Bar Top over the tile surface of the bar. The un-even surface is a distraction a new biz does not need. I must say also that a lot of work were put in to transform the old El Ranchito place and the glass garage door is coming yet. When there is more light to that front area, it will change the mood of it.

It is not easy to start a new biz in the dead of winter and I would think the whole place is still a working progress for the owners and I am looking forward to try the rest of the menu... Welcome to Downtown Waukesha!

12.22.11

It was my lucky night counting money at Salvation Army last night, I found a check for $1000 in one of the red kettles from a Sally supporter from Delafield, it could be one of the bigger ones this season... I then found two $100 bills in a different kettle, that would be the first Ben Franklin for this season for me. Big donations are nice but anything helps! I think with some push, they might reach the minimum goal in a very difficult season for charities, but safe to say the purple challenge will not go unless someone step up to fill that $100,000 gap... Three days left... Thank you for your support!

Today is Men's shopping day in downtown Waukesha, and we are expected to sell a lot of gift chips. We had been selling a bunch, including people bought and used them the same day to take advantage of the saving and a chance to win prizes... It might be an even better deal than the Moxie's discount ( hint: buy lots of $50 GC... ) :) Erik has a reminder too...

Sarah went to the party... I could not make any of those After 5 parties because I work until 7pm... Sounded very nice... :(

Wiggy, Wiggy and more Wiggy...

94 units on 7.95 acres and a density issue? Kendal Loft passed with Mayoral support with far greater density... I am confused.

Let's build it and see...

Anti-Crocs Grinch?

The only one I saw was Contagion while sitting in a packed plane traveling in Asia with people coughing all around me...

New show at Almont.

< Yawn > Boring Wiggy again... ;)

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Ms. Kool said Le Duc's likely will have competition from Culver's that will be built near... Oh, boy...

Barry said rumor has it that Ryan Braun got something that last forever as a medical issue, I wonder if it is type 1 or type 2.

Someone said my former friend with many names had been using people on the street as references to obtain credit ( but on which of the three rumored Social Security numbers? ), oh, please call me.

12.21.11

This was the big thing last night. Rich was asking me why a copter was hovering for an hour south of us, we did not know until we looked at Patch.

Half of downtown was at the City Hall for the key. Adam asked if we handed out so many keys all at once, doesn't it make it less special? However, 12+ people did worked hard to better Waukesha, for that we thank you.

The question remains... If the Mayor is getting 4% raise and 4% next year, asking the rest of the city workers to freeze their pay or cut their pay during the city budget mess is kinda strange. The other big catch phrase is "conflict of interest"...

How do you avoid the last minute VETO drama...

Men's shopping day, as to Diva's Day... Yes, WTC is also a part of it! We also have a special raffle going on for every $100 of gift chips, you get extra $10 in promo chips and a chance to win 1.5 hours of free tattoo and other prizes like jersey, tee shirt, tattooed lady book, piercing or art DVD.

Gregg's column.

HBR had a hard time with this article... It is not easy stepping into someone's healing/grieving process.

Maybe I'll see Wiggy there...

Darryl, you forgot to talk about Mayor Scrima as some people accused you of doing in EVERY column of yours...

SOUND OFF- that boring Wiggy has a new fan with a name.

POLICE BLOTTER

A special get well wish goes out to Holly at Moxie, the flu bug is hitting hard all around... Walgreen does have preservative free flu shots, so you all know. When I was in Asia, there was a warning that a strain outside of what the flu shot was covering is out there...

The rumor had come back to me as DNR killed the Kendal Loft project, I doubt it. DNR gave Mill Reserve a hard time too until they put in the correct system to process waste/storm water. It is likely just a delay to April. JMO.

From WDBA

Hello WDBA members,

As you may have read, the Mayor will be giving out 12 keys to the city tonight at City Hall, 7:30PM and several of our downtown business neighbors will be honored. I know it's a busy week, but I encourage you to attend and support our friends if you are able.

Thank you,
Roger

12.20.11

I drove by People's Park and there were a lot of people in there. Parking was full all the way out past Maple and it was a Monday night...Not bad for the first day reopening...

The man, the legend.

Speaking of bad PR for the Glorious Leader... Hey, even Wiggy made a guest appearance in the comment list... 4% pay raise plus 4% more coming? Yet ask for budget cuts? I am confused.

That is a done deal...

A nice attraction for Waukesha ahead... How about extending the old style street lights down West Ave from downtown as visitors would want to visit Prairie Home too.

Hmmm, I live in District 12 and I do own a tie. Oh, wait, the pay is not so good compare to the mayor's...

Hey, I went to school with Heidi.

Snowbirds... Well, kind of.

Oops.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER-it said 400 East Main, right?

Big new?

Here is something from Patch...

There is also a rumor on the street that Kendal Loft is on hold due to issues with DNR, the demo date might be moved to April.

Hey, People's Park is open today, see you there soon...

Erik just showed me this.

Home Sweet Home

With an hour to go until boarding, I was wondering around in Narita airport and I found the hourly rate day hotel and shower... I could had been taking a nap! It would be an expensive nap however, the first hour is 27 dollars...

The flight to Newark was in a new Boeing 777-200, the video system was touch screen and the movie collection was vast. I watched 4-5 movies but did fell asleep through some of them. About 40 minutes before landing, there were a frantic moment in the plane: like you saw in the movies, they were calling for a doctor to come forward... (No, I did not have the fish.) Flight attendants were grabbing the first aid kit but quickly put it back. When the plane landed, people were asked to stay in their seats as officials rushed in. It was happening up in the front by first or business class, so I could only see so much, but as we walked out of the plane, we did see a disoriented guy sitting in a wheelchair surrounded by cops being questioned.

The wait at Newark was supposed to be another 4 hours but the delay in Narita made it a short one, and Broncos game was on. The final flight home was in a tiny jet that could not fit anyone taller than 6 ft. and it was quite uncomfortable for a two+ hour flight; I did not even know that type of aircraft can fly that far with a full load. The rocky landing was not as bad as the one I had in Scotland but some people were freaking out in the back. I just want to get out of this death trap...

All the pups and cats were happy to see me, and Ms. Kool helped me unpack. The soft bed felt great and I was able to sleep without effect of time change. The alarm clock called cats were waking me up right on their feeding time... It is good to be home.

Squatty potty

I grew up with these and it is the Asian alternative for a toilet. It is pretty hard to use if you do not have good balance, I once saw one on a moving train...

Can't you tell I am bored out of my mind on my 5+ hours layover in Japan? So you know, Netflix and HBOGO or Hulu do not work outside of U.S....

Narita

Warm and sunny here... I wish I am wearing shorts...

Maybe I am warm because I just had a bowl of noodle soup, but this time I paid cash... Just from Taiwan to Japan, the noodle soup went from $3 to $18...

I then decided to buy some small gifts like keychains and stuff... After the counter lady converted to U.S. Dollars, it was like $185!Yikes!

I thought London was expensive...

A little bigger parking problem than Waukesha

The two side of the street all have red lines, that means no parking... I suppose safety in number, police are not going to tow every cars and scooters on both side.

12.17.11

Wiggy kinda enjoys the ever-growing fame... but, it is safe to say "No key for Wiggy"... (Nice BEFORE picture of Norm)

Last chance to vote WTC and Wauksha for A-list...

Some change at the City Chamber.

People's Park will be open on Monday...FINALLY!

What is to come next week.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

My trip diary is posted below... :)

12.17.11 diary

It must be dampness that is getting to me, I was having a hard time walking up and down the many stairs of the family home this morning. I did have an appointment with Master Khan later in the day. I did not get a chance to see Master Drew, I will do that next trip.

We had lunch at a Thai place, it was Taiwanese Thai as in relation to Chinese Sushi back in the states. It was pretty good, and the food is not as sweet as back in the states. You know when service was TOO GOOD when they ask you about your every move, this was that place.

I was not ready for more beating but I sure got two hours worth of it. The worst part was that my mom was sitting next to me, so no crying or screaming. Master Khan went kung fu on me and the pain was almost too much in a S & M kind of way, and there were no safe word. I was getting elbowed in inner arm, inner thigh, and sternum, but my body was so messed up that it had to be done. When she got to the toes again, this was all I can think of doing...

I think that was the most painful massage I have ever gotten, there were zero intent of relaxation involved... Perhaps this is the karma I get for giving other people pain for a living... ;(

We had dinner at a new place that is said to be packed all the time. I thought their hot and sour soup was not as good as Le Gong in Waukesha, but they had very very good service and the turn over of the food was very fast. For the amount of servers in there, it will break an American restaurant...

Now I am all packed and I will put the rest of the blog entries online... I hope you enjoy reading about my adventure and I shall see you soon back in Waukesha!

Things you see oversea...

An automated parking system: Imagine Red Box machine and your car is the DVD.

Yes, boys and girls, that is a real Betamax machine, it was before VHS.

This is a town hall decorated in pink...

This is a toilet with its own garbage disposal... Kramer would be proud.

12.16.11 diary

It is funny how things get done in Taiwan, sometime business is conducted while double parked and it is not kinky business. I guess it is a way of life I am not used to but it sure is here. People do adapt to lack of parking, I should think about roadside tattooing... ;)

It is raining cats and dogs in Taipei, and this bag of old bones is feeling every bit of the moisture. I have most of my stuff packed for the return trip but I am sure not looking forward to the long journey.

Since my returning trip is coming soon, I have to step up a little to overload my feeding schedule with all the goodies. With Ms. Kool's urge, I sneaked out to have some green onion pancake from the breakfast place we used to go, and it is by far the best street food I ate this trip. I think it is the economy that everything cost the same but taste less due to cost saving measures. I also went to 7-11 to get a bunch of Pinky's for Ms. Kool, they are little packages of candy/mint.

Of course there was lunch, we went Korean. I had a Taiwan beer with my food, which I think it tastes like a Corona. It was a little shocking for people around because people don't drink that early unless you really drink drink.

The best part of the meal was the Kimchi tofu/fish hot pot (far right upper corner in the photo), I thought it was delicious. Every time I put kimchi in soup, it always adds to the flavor but I can not escape the occasional sour taste but this one was perfectly balanced.

As we walk down the street after the meal, someone who had a few more drinks than me stopped me to tell me to lose weight and cut my hair so I don't look like a girl. It is not the first time random people tell me to lose weight on the street of Taipei... :( but feeding schedule continues...

We drove to the Tamshui to visit the Hello Kitty store for Ms. Kool, and I am surprise there were red carpet rolled out for us when we arrived. With all the stuff we bought, I looked up to the prized 35yr anniversary edition bag, it was about the same for what we spent for just that one bag. (Sorry, no sale there.)

Sadly the Taiwanese ice cream place was gone as I frantically looked for it in the rain, but the old fish ball and bun place was still there. I ate at that place since I was a little kid when it was down by the river.

We were planning on having Thai food at night but I was done... sleepy time for me...

12.16.11

Looks like Wiggy and Darryl have a few fans, but I do not think Darryl wrote about Mayor Scrima in EVERY column of his, or he would be as big as Wiggy...;) Mayor Scrima is bread and butter for some of us and it is getting more and more interesting as his term continues... (See SOUND OFF.)

Meghan, don't forget to show us orphan biz at far West End some love...

Not much time left for the purple challenge...

<Cough> Now I don't feel so good...

Dakota keeps on improving...

Don't go stand in The Corner(s) yet...

POLICE BLOTTER

Old gas station might be gone soon.

JS's comment on parking is late in the game and the answer is yet to be determined.

I just realized Casey is gone.

Sorry for a late start this morning... Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

Holiday bonus

As seen on Twitter:

waukeshatattoo Waukesha Tattoo Co.

We have a Bonus Raffle attached to our Gift certificates. Go tofacebook.com/pages/Waukesha… for more information!!! Thank you!!

1

As seen on WTC Facebook fan site...

Waukesha Tattoo Company

‎*** Bonus Raffle***
For every customer that purchases a $100.00 gift chip you get $10.00 free and your name entered into a raffle for the following: 1st place 1.5 hr of tattoo time with the artist of your choice. Other prizes are: small metal spider, t-shirts, jersey, Tattoo Lady book and Guthrie DVD. Stop in Before Dec 24, 2011 for your chance to win. Drawing will be held Dec 24th.

Also,

Waukesha Tattoo would like to thank the following Business in Waukesha. Please go to www.wisn.com/alist to vote for these busineses. Voting ends Dec 18. Lets make Waukesha Business #1 for 2011.

Best Burger:

Bodway's Grill http://wisn.cityvoter.com/bodway-s-live-music-grill/biz/640588

Best Neighborhood Bar:

Boscos Social Club Waukesha http://wisn.cityvoter.com/boscos-social-club/biz/639758

Best Art Galleries:

Allison Art House http://wisn.cityvoter.com/allison-art-house-gallery-and-gifts/biz/640842

The Clinton St. Gallery http://wisn.cityvoter.com/the-clinton-st-gallery/biz/286556

Almont Gallery & Gifts http://wisn.cityvoter.com/almont-gallery-and-gifts/biz/496733

River's End Gallery http://wisn.cityvoter.com/river-s-end-gallery/biz/502236

Best Sandwich Shop:

Rochester Deli http://wisn.cityvoter.com/rochester-deli-inc/biz/52100

Best Dessert:

Allô! Chocolat http://wisn.cityvoter.com/search?q=All%C3%B4%21+Chocolat&x=1&y=10

Best irish Pub:

House oof Guinness http://wisn.cityvoter.com/house-of-guinness/biz/26783

Best Arts and crafts:

Beading Heats Studio http://wisn.cityvoter.com/beading-hearts-studio/biz/280683

Best Gourmet Grocery:

Poppin' on Broadway http://wisn.cityvoter.com/poppin-on-broadway/biz/492064

Best Coffee Shops:

Sprizzo's http://wisn.cityvoter.com/sprizzo-s/biz/433878

Cafe de Roastery http://wisn.cityvoter.com/cafe-de-arts-roastery/biz/479025

The Steaming Cup http://wisn.cityvoter.com/the-steaming-cup/biz/49556

Best Theater Group:

Waukesah Civic Theater http://wisn.cityvoter.com/waukesha-civic-theatre/biz/107438

Best Caterer:

Chef Jack's http://wisn.cityvoter.com/chef-jack-s/biz/27652

Best live Music Venue:

The Nice Ash http://wisn.cityvoter.com/the-nice-ash/biz/56411

Best Museum:

Waukesha County Museum http://wisn.cityvoter.com/waukesha-county-museum/biz/129693

Please vote Waukesha #1 this year...

12.15.11 diary

Speaking of parking, my father got a parking ticket today and the amount was $15 NT, and they can go as high as $20 NT. Well, $32 NT makes one dollar. Yet one pretty much plan one's trip out because of parking even the tickets are so laughable, because the police can come back to give you multiple tickets or have your car towed. (I late found out you only pay about $30-$35 to get your car out.)

I spent a lot of the day in court house and offices getting some business done... It was like going to multiple DMV's all over the city but the the layers of bureaucracy is even more distinct. One cashier is in charge of taking your money, then hands paperwork to next person to pay out your change...

Here is what I had for lunch, the famous oyster omelet (and combo for $110 NT, less than $4) and Taiwanese shaved ice dessert.

At the evening I had a few hours to myself at the night market. I was shoe shopping... A pair of Merrell can be had for 30% off of the going rate, and we are not talking about fakes. There were also whole line of Hello Kitty shoes on sale... Shugar would want to buy half of the store and Ms. Kool the other half...

From there I went to the dogs and cats store, and needless to say I had a lot of people to shop for. I will be going to a different night market today to get what I was looking for yet, but I have fun stuff for people in the shop already...

I took the express rail back and it was rush hour but I did not have much trouble. A lot of students still have cram school or private tutor to go to yet. When I arrived home, the missing suitcase was finally here, I have to pack it for return trip now...

...and I am just getting used to the time zone change...

12.15.11

Wiggy said Kendal Loft passed but there is a moment when they are not sure if it is for young professionals or for seniors... I am now confused too with whom should be the target audience for the 453 project.

HBR reported that Plan Commission made it a conditional permit with parking issue to be resolved, even though I do agree with Alderwoman Francoeur that it could have been a smaller building, it is what it is and I am glad at least the commission took parking issue seriously and not completely "sold out" as Mayor Scrima did (as I was told how upset he was when parking was even brought up). (PBR's report here.)

... but then, it was Wiggy, the anti-Scrima whom told me that, and now he has an "unhappy family" partner in crime, you just have to read the SOUND OFF... (You can do it, Wiggy, the showdown we had been all waiting for... or is Darryl throwing his hat in the ring again? You can play poker better...)

Who is that and why does she look familiar?

POLICE BLOTTER

Sysco will likely get a funny letter about how he has no job but live in fancy condo too...

I had been keeping an eye on the Ryan Braun thing and I am a little concerned about next season...

A-List is almost over and we need your vote! All downtown Waukesha biz need your vote! Tell all your friends... Vote for WTC and vote Waukesha!

12.14.11 diary

Well, I have to talk about parking now since Taipei is all about parking and there is even great public transportation. People double park all the time with one person "watching" the car sitting in the car while the other ran into the store and do whatever business. Every available space is taken by cars, scooters, bicycles, or even the merchants. Signs are everywhere from current business to many former business. Not much of Urban Planning in small details, but a free-for-all.

It does reminds me of NYC when people would park in a different part of town to take express rail in, but here parking in a building can cost you $30,000 or higher just for one parking space. You want to talk about parking games, everyone with a car or scooter is a master here...

It was a rainy day in Taipei, and most of the day were spent in my old neighborhood. I had a chance to sneak out to have a cup of Bubble Tea from the 50 hill place which Ms. Kool and I've found a liking to over Ten-Ran tea place. The smaller tapioca did the trick for us.

I met up with my old classmate Samantha for dinner along with my mom. We ate at a Shanghai place at top of the department store. I would not even mind just eat at the food court. For $20 a person we had seven courses... it was a foodie heaven to DIE IN. We left so much food behind it was obscene.

Samantha threatened me with old letter and pictures twenty five+ years ago, that will totally destroy my street cred in Waukesha for sure... She is quite successful in her field these days, she is in charge of getting foreign students to her college and even deal with leaders of small nations... I told her that she should look into an exchange program with Carroll University, I think with their recent professor exchange with a Hong Kong university, it might not be a bad idea to ask... She did explain the challenge is that some of Taiwanese practice is against U.S. federal law, for example, if one's parents want to see the grades of their kid in college, it would be a matter of asking here; In U.S. that would be violating the privacy of the college kid.

By the way, United Airline finally found my luggage, it was likely still in Chicago... I am just glad it was found, or it will be really hard to explain to my niece that all her gifts are gone...

12.14.11

The big question of the day is that is there a Wiggy-copycat at Loyal, Wisconsin?

Dakota is big news in Waukesha...

About time we get the bill...

Three way contest right now...

The ALTA plan...

Way to go! Purple contest needs some serious help yet...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Gregg's Column

Darryl's Column

De De is awesome...

The big meeting is tonight... Someone please say something about the wishful thinking on parking for crying out loud...

Editor's note: Thanks for a lively debate, I truly respect each one of you, sometime a good discussion is all I can hope for... How about Kendal Loft have one of these in every parking space? Or that is too much trouble? ;)

Oh, and I missed this...