1.31.12

So much to write yet so little I can write... So many layers to the stories and rumors are flying in from all over the place... The truth? It is Rashomon all over again... It is up to the real reporters or lawyers to dig deep, I am not quitting my day job...

Big guitars are coming to town... Artists are scrambling to get designs in... Some other noise out there... not too fair to Bike Rack people... and despite it is from certain side of the divide, there are some valid points. I had brought that up to Lynn and she said there will be a trust and the guitars will not stay out there in the winter. The rushing and lack of detail of things are somewhat troubling and I am hearing it from artists... To be fair, both sides know secrecy and last minute rush are the new best ways to get things done in Waukesha... As a biz owner, the choice is being a team player and go with the flow, or else? That is the frustration, one does not want to be seen as obstructionist but there sure are a lot of unanswered questions and who is pulling all the strings... I just hope the day had not come that going to certain place for a drink means you lean to one side, and big money means you get whatever you want, but there is certainly an air of uneasiness in downtown Waukesha...

The whispers were out there on all the other important meetings Mayor Scrima missed, not just water commission's; it is not easy going to Harvard B. S. to learn about leadership, and work in the same time... Perhaps the water commission is dazed and forgot the two weeks advance reservation rule... Golden Gate sure did not forget.

Red Tape stops biz owners from going after thieves...

Perhaps the Bikers can comment about this.

Letters to the Editor

POLICE BLOTTER

Awesome...I am going back to bed now...

453 project update

What would Huck do...

(Just paying tribute to Huck from Spring City Chronicle... )

One can never be too careful these days...

Sorry to PBR and Patch for lifting this photo...

By the way, I like to thank HBR and Freeman for reporting this front and center, it is called holding public official accountable. All the sarcasm and street rumors, that is for the underground pirates such as we the band of bloggers, but we REALLY want to keep a check and balance thing going too. I thought the big point of the New Day campaign was transparency, and we have less and less of it as his term goes on.

Trust me, the Gibson Guitar Town people likely wish there is a "safety distance" about now, it is a distraction and a horrible PR moment and we likely have not seen the end of this. This is the winning comment of the day:

tootsieraul

5:12 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012

I wonder if Peoria County Ill. is hiring IT employees???

Bob Melvin for a day

Let's say you are the general manager and you have a chance to pull a "Change of Scenery" trade, would you pull the trigger on a Jeff Scrima for Bob Ryan trade?

Rather curious....

This is on Patch:

Bird
11:58 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
The rest of the story... the city employee who made these allegations is the same employee that has filed over 100 complaints against the City of Waukesha - most of which are allegations against fellow Information Technogloy co-workers... interesting... (feel free to verify this with open records and interviews)Log in to reply

Sunny
12:14 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Bird, thank you for bringing some rational thought here. Everyone else-the Mayor clearly DID yield if he DID NOT hit Derek... Someone needs to stop whining so dang much....




Now this is my question, who the heck has this kind of information? Most HR can't and won't release this I would think, unless you are an insider. Is this the beginning of a smear campaign from the Scrima camp?

Wiggy might find humor in this, I think this might be getting serious...

1.28.12

The Emperor strikes back or is it Death Race 2012?... Patch's version here... but it is still a PR nightmare for the Smart People no matter what. Not sure where this is going but would this lead to opening of the Lori file? There are more outcry for threats to Meghan, but the pattern of abuse is not new from City Hall to Downtown Waukesha. Where is the buck stopping?

Some excitement at Freeman lot as well...

History Lesson 10 of 10... Would anyone know what happened to Jen on Clinton recently?

Awesome stuff for Waukesha...

Field Trip!

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POLICE BLOTTER

Letters to the Editor

Once again, we would like to thank everyone for the kindness: flowers from Danger Girl 1 and Mr. Nipple Gate, blog entry from Wiggy, messages from Kodiak, HBR, email and the card from the WTC family and comments from all of you. I want to say Georgie is a special boy, but aren't all of our fur kids special? I am thankful for them being in our lives, and words can't express how thankful I am for all of you as well.

When our first greyhound Sadie passed away from Bone Cancer, I spent a lot of time on an online support group called Circle of Grey, I have learned and found peace that I am not all powerful to change the outcome, and death is just the end of the broken body, the spirit is free and is everywhere. Life is beautiful when you stop and savor the little things, and the angels are there when you need them. Once you mourn, you know the healing process will never stop, but we also heal when we help each other along. That is the good chi, and if we ever learn anything from our faithful companions, that should be it. Thank you for honoring us, Georgie and ultimately your own love for your angels.

Update: Some fear the Jeff Scrima Driving School incident might morph into something racial... Read The Freeman article carefully.

Today we gained an angel

Georgie Junior, Show name Gorgeous George, was almost a champion when he came into our lives. Today we sent him off to cross over to the other side. His broken body and his big heart had made him tired, we had to do what we had promised when we signed up to love him. The angel pack of Sadie, Aussie, Whitie, and Molly is getting bigger, and it will not stop growing until we are there one day ourselves to lead it. Bitsie will miss her big little brother and the ears to lick, but we will all be together again, and Georgie, you know where the home is, please do wait patiently. Safe crossing, baby boy.

1.27.12

Alderman Patton came to see me today with my request for more information, I expressed my concern for angle parking once again and I went through all the safety issues. With the proposed downtown task force deciding, he said there will be 4 from each side and 2 neutral. I went down the list with him and I figure it is more like 6-2 with 2 neutral. What he did not tell me was a petition he is passing around for support... I also talked to one mentioned task force member and she said she is concerned how Community Development is going to ram this through no matter what, I told her my concerns as well and I am still waiting for some dialogue on solutions instead of saying We spend X amount of money in this study and we are now pushing it through; for round 1 it was We need more parking space for bar patrons, and Round 2 it was We need to build this for Kendal Lofts... I hope the city take note of all the safety issues seriously because when someone actually get hurt with this experiment, it is more than just I TOLD YOU SO. By the way, the lack of discussion with affected property owners and biz owners prior to memo or referral is also a big issue, because if the city is doing this to us, persistent with many different excuses for the same end goal, it can happen to you too.

The whole threat to Meghan thing is getting a lot of buzz. Lynn G. went on record with me to say she did not threaten her and was in her selection committee. Freeman said Norm and Meghan met with Mayor Scrima, some said because he is an expert in hostile working environment... The mystery remains because there were two people from the pro street closing camp doing the threatening I was told... The City Key holders rumor is yet to be proven.

Lynn also told me more about the guitar project. She assured me the big guitars are going to be permanent fixtures of downtown. I asked about the New Day Fund and I was told Mayor Scrima does not have to disclose anything because it is not non-profit. She will be happy to take some money from the New Day Fund, I said the money will come with political baggage. I guess now I know my guess few days ago was right...

I do need to thank Man on the Street for bringing me some chicken noodle soup mix, you will know soon what is going on in my private life and I needed some chicken soup for the soul more than you know...

History Lesson 9 of 10

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POLICE BLOTTER

453 project is also on its way, the inside is getting torn apart, the latest idea someone suggested is Wedding Chapel... I do have an Elvis suit.

Someone also told me there were a Waukesha sighting of Chef with Many Names, he was telling people HE is remodeling D Mo's in Clarke Hotel and will open back up soon... Can't wait (to get in line to collect the debt.)

Sorry for a rather short entry this morning, "life" happens.

1.26.12

Last night I was talking angle parking with someone for it, we were no Harvard debate team but we were civil and we talked out a lot of issues over a beer, which a lot of downtown hot topic should be. We went though the safety concerns and possible solutions were talked out, but in the end nothing can be done with the U turn and Y turn issue into all the driveway/parking lots, unless we put roundabouts on Maple/Main and/or on West/Main, which will not have enough room. The unique nature of far West Main with lots of driveways is what set that part of Main apart from the rest. We did agree on two basics, we both suspect it is not about Kendal Lofts, it is about finding more parking for/or because of People's Park; also we both know that this is gonna get jammed down far West Main biz owners/property owners' throat.

The debate is still going strong over Street Closing, Wiggy has his say. ( One possible correction, Scott is from American, likely wrong tattoo shop in the article.)

Letters to the Editor

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More stores going in on Sunset while downtown fights.

The next hot topic? Freeman should have more in depth detail coming, I think. We see the PR statement, now let's talk money.

Greyhound people know pet first aid too well because of the thin coat.

History Lesson 8 of 10

Good news.

POLICE BLOTTER

Nude ping pong girls coming to Waukesha? I am telling you, there are people cheering for it... Isn't it close to a bike trail?! ha ha (inside joke)

I did confirm the Bodway incident, even though most of the downtown were at City Hall earlier that night.

There is still no hint on who had threaten Meghan, we do know they were in person and not emails, that took out some usual suspects.

Downtown Waukesha is like a chemistry set, and it is really dangerous in the hand of someone not knowing what to do... but let's form another committee to study that... (sigh)

1.25.12

Mr. Otto can't come back to active blogging in a better time... and the debate raged on elsewhere in cyberspace... Darryl threw in his two cents, while Meghan realized her job is in a lose-lose situation to keep all the BID happy. (I had witnessed when arrows were shooting at Karen from the pro street closing side and ultimately cost her job.)

Eat did have a great point from the comments yesterday, did the street closing regulation argument get hijacked and redirected to FFNL killing or is that the true agenda? Did the unsolicited big binder of sample regulation backfired? Yet this mayoral committee is also a questionable mix... No one is playing fair but accuse each other of playing dirty.

(One is truly one's own worst enemy at times, and giving bulletin board material to your opponent is just not a smart move for the rest of your team...)

Sometime I try to take a step back and remind myself that people outside of downtown don't really give a darn about all the political fist fights, they just want to have a beer and listen to music...

Speaking of music, do you know Love Monkeys was holding audition at Bodway's on last Sunday and Monday? For more detail, please read today's police blotter...

Last night was also the county wide homeless people count, I was told in summer there could be up to 200 people on the street or in shelters... I am thankful for the roof over my head...

History lesson 7 of 10 and extra story...

Kinda a big deal...

Gregg's column.

University town!

Bye-bye, Prince.

Letters to the Editor

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POLICE BLOTTER-Hey, I like my $1.17! ;)

1.24.12

I was late getting to the City Hall, but even after 45 minutes of public comments, the place was still packed. Adam and Ronsta were out by the door with me, Wiggy was also there.

About all the downtown notables were seated inside, Mayor Scrima was sitting next to one camp, likely indicate where the wind is blowing in his handling of downtown politics. No wonder one of his former supporters wanted her money back... The best line I read was He is more Larry than Larry... Once again, I am sitting on my pointy fence and watching this significant power shift with concern. As flawed as the opposing voice might be in some people's eyes, there is still a need of check and balance or this chaos in downtown is just another political tool, with no regard of the further fracturing of downtown and deepening the divide between merchants and property owners. I understand FFNL stage sponsors concern, it is about money, but I can also honestly say there are real needs for public bathrooms for street closing events (but not to the extreme of 34 port-a-johns), not just for FFNL but for Christmas Parade as well.

Angle Parking round 3... Enough already... Would Mr. Crandell come and talk to biz owners/property owners at least before the memo?

Is this a task force or a cage match? You might need a lawyer or two in it.

Jersey Mike's is pretty good...

History Lesson 6 of 10.

Sarah has a good positive blog entry...

Brien is also above the muddy politics...

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POLICE BLOTTER

The chaos in the city hall is spilling out to the streets, even though it is great blogging material, it is not good for the city in the long run. It might just come down for the Jedi Council to deal with the Emperor...

P.S. I was twisting Wiggy's arm...

Email bag

From Kerry of Steaming Cup:

CALL FOR HELP:
On Monday 1/23 at 6:30 PM there is a meeting in the Waukesha Common Council Chambers of the Ordinances and Licensing committee. They will discuss a dramatic increase of regulations in the street closing policy. This increase will most likely make the street closing too expensive for the businesses that sponsor stages for Freeman Friday Night Live.

It seems that there is a street closing proposal that asks for these expensive new regulations - some of which look to be highly unreasonable.

• Do we need an increase in the number of porta-potties (at 3000-6000 people, the proposal asks for 34 porta-potties)
• Are the animals on the street causing high concern? The proposal restricts animals from being at any of the events. We ask why?
• Do we have such security issues that we need a dramatic increase in police/security presence? (at 3000-6000 people, the proposal asks for 14 security personnel) We have been operating with two police officers who believe the FFNL assignment to be an easy assignment. The police describe that FFNL might be the cause of a 50% decrease in some crime statistics. Why the call for increased security?
• The proposal also asked for a $2,000,000 insurance policy to cover all closed streets - is our city that unsafe?

We, at The Steaming Cup, cannot understand why this is wanted, we are sure that the originators will plead that they are only concerned about the liability to our city. This is the same group that gave their best efforts to try to stop street closing last year. This looks to be a new effort to do the same thing. Please do your own research and come to represent your position on this serious issue. We will be there to say our piece! Will you? If we lose the ability to host our events, the cost to our businesses and our community is incredibly high. The Committee needs to hear the voice of the people, not just the plans of these few!

From Roger

Please read the attached email and show up tonight to show your support for Freeman Friday Night Live!

Thanks,
Roger

Roger Igielski, President
Waukesha Downtown Business Assn

From Mayor Scrima

Roger,

Thank you for your leadership, collaboration and planning for downtown safety, business vitality and a positive future!

Everyone, please share your comments with all your friends and encourage them to contact their aldermen, come to the Ordinance Meeting tonight (Monday night) at 6:30 at city hall, and write in to the newspaper.

Thank you

Jeff Scrima

Mayor, City of Waukesha

Happy Chinese New Year!

Did I sleep through it again?!

It is the Year of the Dragon if you like to know...

P.S. Credit my niece Lyra for some very nice modeling... and Yes, I did call home.

Ouch

Had a fight with the ground, the ground won...

It is icy out there, the banana peel style fall pretty much ended my long to do list, and I wonder if Carol had it on video before she came out to check on a disoriented me... It truly knocked the wind out of me for a minute but I am up, my back is a bit stiff but I will be okay...

As a smart tattoo artist, I did not break the fall with my hands, Bill had taught me well.

1.22.12 extra

The private party last night was a success. Moxie raised $306 and we did more than that with all the change, not even counting the controversial big checks, but we did decide to have Moxie donate to Women's Center with what they raised. Once again, we are not fighting with them and for both charities, it is a win-win. :) We should have over $1000 ready to our $2000 goal for Riverwalk for Breast Cancer come May, we are very happy and proud of everyone involved...

Gray Vacation's world debut was also a success, they were great even without two singers. Adam from the Waukesha Biker Gang thought Brewers owner Mark Attanasio was the lead singer...

Carol had people write on the wall about what they would like to see at the 453 property; gauge from what people wrote, there is an overwhelming need of adult entertainment in downtown Waukesha, but I am not touching that one living through the City News days. ;)

People did enjoyed Magellan's pizza, Starbuck's coffee and cake pops, and Subway's sandwiches. Would this be an annual event? We have to see what facility we'll have next year.

Thanks to the Moxie gals, Carol and Wayne, they did a lot to make this happen and it is a great send off for the demo phase of the interior of 453 project.

In other news, Monday night meeting is still the big topic. I am personally concerned about the battle cry of so and so is gonna kill FFNL. People are not acting rational anymore when they feel threaten, and some said downtown is at its most vulnerable at this fractured state.

There were also a lot of back stories on the Gibson Guitar Town and a said "secretive" re- branding of downtown Waukesha. Not wanting to sound like a conspiracy theorist guy but the promise of transparency seems to be a thing of the past and I better not "attack the past".

By the way, I feel like I had offended Mr. Otto somehow and I did not mean to. I am very sorry, sir and I have all the respect for you. The doomsday bunker crack could be just a secret wish from me since I do not have one ready for the end of 2012. I do feel like the rooster all alone at Five Point at times...

P.S. Mr. Otto and I are kool, it is just a case of me being super sensitive. He is really building a doomsday shelter however, I have to build mine under the 453 building...

Side note: Perhaps the Smart People stepped in and took away the "like" from Mayor Jeff Scrima on one of the rallying cry posts for the meeting Monday night on People's Park FB page. Good call.

For equal time, here is the other side.

1.21.12

WackySha is getting cray cray, the latest rumor is that there will be Round 3 on the angle parking. Now Community Development is said to pick it up where Alderman Patton left off... Someone behind the scene really wants to get street parking for Kendal Lofts...

I have also heard whispers on the street that Gibson project could be another Mayor Scrima shell game. Even though I am supporting it as I support the convention center for downtown Waukesha, I am weary of what the surprise would be after we are all in. In art we call this SEDUCE THE VIEWERS IN AND HIT THEM WITH THE TRUTH. I would think the project, while in hurry up mode, would have secured massive funding from Gibson for all the PR, party, kick off and logistics, but the word on the street is that the "gift" from Gibson is the use of the name, all else is yet to be fund-raised. When things are being rushed through with a lot of secrecy, I start having flashbacks of Couri mural and Kendal Lofts... Once again, I am a supporter but I would like the whole truth please. (...and what is up with the tree cutting?)

D day for the downtown war is Monday... I am Swiss on this. ( I am ready to post position papers on both sides if anyone care to email me.)

I was almost in this report... Be careful out there!

Why not, another character for WackySha...

JanBoree is here!

Final plan for Woodman's.

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POLICE BLOTTER

Hey, Mr. Otto, is that doomsday bunker ready yet? We needed it now!

(See you all tonight at 453? Moxie gals did a lot for the party already...)

1.20.12

Monday is the Ordinance and License committee meeting in the City Hall, it is shaping up to be quite a battle for downtown Waukesha. If alderwoman Cummings' proposal on street closing passes, some said it is the end of FFNL and Art Fest. I personally don't think it is that dramatic and there are real logistic issues with street closing events like bathrooms and stuff. I am, however, concerned about the mentality on the street that if you are not for something, then you are against something or if so and so is for it, we have to be against it. There are a lot of gray area in these issues, but that also put me in the no man's land. Check and balance, give and take, I hope all parties find that middle ground and make downtown Waukesha better.

I know others in the middle think this is headed toward a lawsuit, I certainly hope that is not the case.

There are also hints that big money is eying downtown, with the large investment the Taylors made for People's and pending convention center, that will attract bigger hospitality groups to come in. The chemistry and power structure of downtown will change again and the long view favors the property owners somehow...

Still no purple hair...

I did not know there is a Southside Biz Council.

Waukesha is really a super college town now...

Good stuff.

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POLICE BLOTTER

From Moxie

Here’s what’s happening for the FIRE AND ICE CHARITY COMPETITION on Saturday, January 21st! Ice Sculpture Carving starts at 10am. Moxie’s sculpture will be located right outside the salon. Moxie Beauty Lounge will be running in house specials all day including buy 1 get 1 half off all retail. We also have end of the season clearance items. Stop by and donate to Moxie’s charity for the best ice sculpture and receive a $10 gift card to be used on any service at Moxie’s. Help Moxie raise the most money to support the Women’s Center of Waukesha for domestic abuse and sexually abused women. FIRE AND ICE PARTY STARTS AT 6PM!!!! We will have light food and refreshments along with a live band – Gray Vacation!!!! Starbucks and Subway have graciously sponsored food and drinks for this event. Also our competition, Waukesha Tattoo has sponsored a keg of spotted cow with any donation. So come check out the fierce competition between Moxie Beauty Lounge and Waukesha Tattoo! Help the Moxie girls beat the Tattoo boys. Party Located between Moxie Beauty Lounge and Waukesha Tattoo at the old carpet store.

Look for the RED Tent! See You There! For additional information on the city wide event, check out the Waukesha Janboree’s website www.janboree.org :) We don't fight with them Moxie gals...

1.19.12

I hope this is not opening a door to more drama from Mayor Scrima and the Smart People.

Wiggy is not a fan of recall.

Waukesha represents!

Kodiak had some rather interesting experience with this builder group...

SOUND OFF- I think one of the artsy bike rack designs is a guitar, and they can all work together within this Guitar Town look. A customer already said we need a huge guitar at the far West End to go with our mural...

POLICE BLOTTER

Everybody is doing it...

I am proud (with a tear) to say that my ("donated") money is going toward this project...

Parents, watch out... However, this is even worse... ( Our piercer Kelly is a big fan, she wants them NOW! Wiggy, do you still have some from last year?)

After reading this in-depth review of Ryan's Pub ( on the Strand ) from Ronsta, we decided to order the $1 taco Wednesday special. The crew said the chicken is better than the beef. We will be trying other items...

Erik does Fuzzy's.

It must be a new year, there is even a new blog entry from Curt! He is likely too busy building that doomsday bunker...

I had him on my first online fantasy baseball team... My computer was running 486 DX2 and the service was Prodigy.

Stay warm, everyone... It is gonna be a cold one.

1.18.12

Carrie gave me a quick report on the Gibson Guitar Project after the West End Artist meeting. I guess the kickoff is Jun. 1st with a party on May 31. The deadline for artists to submit bio, portfolio and design is Feb.1 and sponsors are being courted for the hard cost of the guitars while these guitars will benefit the local non-profits. We will have a busy day today sending out info to artists we know and perhaps help to shape this project. It is a very big deal being named the Guitar Town, and we have Les Paul to thank...

Carol, our neighbor, is now in charge of decorating for the "private party" at 453 building. The interior will be demo-ed next week to start the first phase of the remodeling. Once we have everything opened up, then the engineer/designer can have a better idea of how to design the new front. So you know that you are all invited, just bring your change jar or check book to add to our little bucket for Breast Cancer fund that we will donate to Riverwalk for Breast Cancer in May, we hope to challenge $2000 this year. In exchange, we will give you some Spotted Cow and Magellan's pizza... That is a good deal, right? Moxie got this JanBoree ice sculpture extreme competition thing in mind, but we just want to raise some money and have a good time with our friends and customers...

This site is being readied for convention center.

Gregg's column.

Good stuff.

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POLICE BLOTTER

We are professionals, do not try this at home...

I hope Aoki is anything like Ichiro at his prime and I am glad Counsell is gonna be around, he was Sadie's favorite.

1.17.12

Jason and Rich witnessed this tragic accident happened on their way to the tattoo convention... Sadly, the victim is also from Waukesha. Our thoughts are with the victim's family.

Better pay that overdue charge...

Strange meeting last night, the reason for angle parking kept changing, it was for bar patrons last time and then it was for Kendal Lofts again, but even people from Kendal Lofts had said they do not want their tenants park on the street... After the comments from audience, there was a request from Alderman Patton to table the referral, one alderman felt time was wasted and another said it is crazy. In the end of the day, it is still a safety/liability/visibility issue for me. ( I have heard whispers about Kendal Lofts looking at the Ogden land directly over the bridge, that is much more realistic than the proposed bank owned lot. )

I also learned several locations for artsy bike racks are identified, but none is near WTC, but we will take care of that ourselves with the coming remodeling of the 453 project. We are tight with the Waukesha biker gang.

Wisconsin, you win some, lose some. Bring on the Brewers...

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POLICE BLOTTER- Burning couch... Wiggy reported first on Twitter and now it is in the blotter...

Brien has a job for you... It is a (white) gold mine!

I had spoken to a few people and they urge all to give Montecito another look. Some said it is a very relaxing hangout with cheap beer and pool table, some said more site improvements are coming... It is an unique space in downtown Waukesha...

Mayor Scrima is presenting the Gibson project at West End Artist tonight, our manager Carrie will attend in my place. I have an appointment with M.H., I have to catch up on the insider J Lo info.

1.14.12

Again? What happened to waiting for Parking Task Force? Come on, Alderman, I do have a job.

Packer fans, don't jinx them by talking about Super Bowl already...

Good stuff...

SOUND OFF-Not sure why there is such resistance to the giant Gibson's. It is the home to Les Paul after all and it is likely the only reason we are even considered.

POLICE BLOTTER

Yesterday was another successful Friday the 13th. Even though Rich and Jason were away at tattoo convention, Barry and I were still able to do 33 #13s, Kelly did 11 piercing specials, and Chelsea also did a few $13 massages despite coming later in the evening. We did, however, have to turn two groups away around 7 pm (sorry!). Even though we ended the waiting list by 6pm, I still tattooed past midnight... We do need to thank the Moxie girls for bring us lunch, the soup was delicious. Late night snack was from Pat's Rib Place and Bodway's... We will do it again on 4-13-12, don't be surprised if there are people waiting for us to open again just like yesterday...

Sorry for a short blog entry yesterday, a loyal reader said it was boring... That can happen from time to time I guess... I will try harder but walk that line...

Waukesha JanBoree is next week, make sure you save the date on 1-21-12. Bring your change jar or check book down by us to support the breast cancer effort at Waukesha Memorial and we will treat you to Spotted Cow and Magellan's pizza after 6pm. Gray Vacation (band) is making their world debut in our little private party with Moxie.

We will also offer the sneak preview of this print created by artist Cory Albrechtson that we will be offering during the May Art Crawl with proceeds go to the same said Breast Cancer research above...


P.S. A personal thanks goes out to Jim from Klinks, his new toy helped out a lot while I was out there practicing my favorite winter sport...

1.13.12

Today is Friday the 13th, it also means #13 tattoo specials again but this year we will try not to tattoo until midnight since there are two more coming later in the year. Kelly is gonna have $13 piercing special and Chelsea will come after 5pm to have $13 massage as well.

I got home okay last night, but there were some people out there forgot how to drive in the snow...

I do not quite understand this...

The guitar town is a big deal... The only thing I would ask is for BID to put out an informational to all the people in the BID district so everyone is on the same page on what is coming.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER- I just want to say that I tattooed a sister whom lost her little brother on similar stunt. Young kids, riding on a hood of a car is incredibly stupid and when things go wrong, you can hit the road pretty hard and die in a painful way, not counting the pain you leave behind for your families...

PBR asked what is the winter sport of choice yesterday on twitter, the only winter sport I know is shoveling snow... :( Well, gotta go sporting...

1.12.12

Someone from both sides of Main told me I missed a good WDBA meeting the other night, and I wonder what "good" means. Was there fireworks? No one told me the detail yet...

I also need to announce the good news that Danny from Magellan's is gonna be a father, his wife is expecting their first child together... Congrats! There are some changes there as well, Lovely Rebecca is no longer there but likely at Hannon's and there is now a dress code for bartenders.

The word on the street is that some are up and armed about Darryl's last article about the West End renters... Are you beating on the red haired stepchild, Darryl? ;) Don't forget it is gonna be a secret senior housing project, we just need to watch out for senior drivers on meds plow into parked cars.

Wiggy has an interesting article...

Plan Commission passed another apartment project...

...but "tabled" the table tennis bar... Does the commissioner think it will be a nudie bar? HBR did not spell it out... I think the only place in the city that is zoned for adult entertainment is by Pearl Street.

Carroll's Founders' Day.

Free retirement seminar with donation to JDRF!

I don't care who searches, I just think the new hire will be a guy. Any gal applicant can research the news and realize it can be a hazardous working environment...

A Winter Snowball?

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POLICE BLOTTER

Thanks, Darryl

Famed Waukesha Freeman columnist Darryl Enriquez brought in an orange vest for me... Just in case I guess... :)

1.11.12

It was interesting yesterday, we were watching Fred the city public work director driving around at the far West End while people made u turn in front of him and passed him while he hug the right lane. I had some thoughts about what he said that angle parking would do... He said angle parking will take out the needed room for people to make U turns... yes, it will increase the turning around in all the private parking lots and driveways and a potential liability issue with visibility issue on a narrowed street. Mayor Scrima had told us that if we do not like it, we can fence in our own property... Why are we responsible for a problem someone else created? A No U turn sign will definitely not help.

My friend who supported the project had asked me what can be done to make things safer, and I had been thinking about it. Speed bump at the turn from West to Main? Stop sign and/or light at that same corner? But it still does not change the fact that people need a place to turn around (including semi's, beer trucks...). More parking spots do not change that, (lazy) people turn around to try to find a spot right in front of the store they want to go to; now we have Kendal Lofts happening with its unresolved parking problem, the parking question just got more complex and the excuses are changing again... I sure hope our voice is represented in this Parking Task Force and not a group cherry picked to make things happen (again).

It will come down to money...

Thank you, sir.

Gregg's column.

It is primo stuff, dude...

Thanks for the warning, Darryl...

SOUND OFF-The proposal does have some merit, there is a need for more public bathrooms during FFNL like how the cycling classic does and actually there is a need during Christmas Parade too. I am just saying...

POLICE BLOTTER

Brien on the Gibson project.

I actually went to Au Bon Pain yesterday and I had some tasty Thai peanut chicken wrap and a cup of curry soup (of 8 soup options). I have to tell Rich and Robin about the vegetarian and gluten free options in there... It is also a pretty sinful bakery... Be warned... ;)

1.10.12

Two of my 2012 predictions are coming true today! The Gibson project were talked about in West End Artist meetings for a while, it is truly an honor being picked, but not sure why the mayor is taking the credit in the Patch article. Mr. Seymour and Ms. Gaffey were the ones pushing this I thought. The word on the street is that they might have to cut some trees for this project... Here is Freeman's take.

The Kendal Lofts is back to life, but most people on the street were expecting it to be anyway. Too many power-to-be's in the city want it to happen. I am personally happy for Eric, however, I am puzzled over the Red Headed Stepchild comment from Ken, I hope he is not offended by the Weaker Sister comment like everyone else in the West End. ( side note: Red Headed Stepchild was one of Bill's favorite sayings.)

Here comes the next battleground... Saturdays. It is shaping up to be property owners/residents vs. merchants/renters in some way and since I have skin in the game and on both side, I strongly urge the two sides to deal with this on a rational level. I also urge the side with all the power positions to avoid the perception of tyranny of the majority, some communication would be nice.

They did not say the shooter was Asian, right? I don't want to get shot while getting my mail by paranoid hunters.

What a waste of their lives... That is a lot of jail time and for what little amount of money...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Brien had a wild weekend...

Mud bath is pretty historical...

Don't be surprised if I wear bright orange all over town... I like to live... ;)

Game on!

According to Freeman, Kendal Lofts is back on. We should know more detail tomorrow...

If you are a betting man, what would you be putting money on tonight?

A. Ken decided to pay Eric more and the full project is back on.

B. Ken sent in lawyers to make Eric sell at the old price.

C. Ken decided to give up on Eric's building and scale back to have only the O'Brien property.

D. A combo of A and B?

E. None of the above?

1.7.12

Phil from Carroll U. informed me this sad news yesterday, Troy was one of the people went on the infamous NCEP trip to California to study Edward Weston with Kodiak and I. He had done well after Carroll U. I think the last time I saw him it was early 90's in Club 400. The proposed reunion trip just now has an element of paying tribute.

Thank you for your service!

What is ahead... A ping pong bar!

I did not realize these are two separate incidents. So much for getting my news from twitter...

Action packed night...

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

There were more discussions on angle parking, I expressed my feeling once again to a supporter of it and we had a good conversation. If you have a problem, come talk to me, I will hear you out but you also have to hear me out. I am my own person. Please don't talk down to me or try to jam something down my throat. Once you set up that one side vs. the other positions, it becomes another emotional hot topic downtown and another emotinal battle in the war... There are some of us do not want to be the casualty of the war.

Something from Moxie and WTC

FIRE & ICE

CHARITY ICE SCULPTURE COMPETITION

Join Moxie Beauty Lounge and Waukesha Tattoo for a

night of fun and extreme competition.

1/21/12

6 PM – 10 PM

*Donate to Moxie’s charity bucket and help the girls beat the boys for the best

ice sculpture and receive a $10 gift card towards a service at Moxie’s.

If Moxie wins all donations from both ice sculptures will be donated to The Women’s Center in Waukesha for domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse.

There will be light refreshments and snacks provided.

Moxie Beauty Lounge

443 West Main Street

Waukesha, WI 53186

262-547-4867

I don't know what they mean by extreme competition, but we will just get a keg of Spotted Cow and yummy pizza from Magellan's and share with our customers, and we hope people will donate whatever change jar they have at home to our charity bucket. We hope to win both buckets for one of our favorite charities: The Center for Breast Cancer Care in Waukesha Memorial Hospital whom is responsible for the Riverwalk for Breast Cancer... We will be doing this during Winter Jamboree and have this private party at 453 W Main.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

From WTC FB site:

We are honored and humbled to be voted the #1 Best Tattoo and Piercing shop in the WISN A-List in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area for the second year in a row. We'd like to tip our hats to Solid State Tattoo for a close match. We'd like to thank all of our supporters, the people of Waukesha, and especially our loyal clients for the love and encouragement you've given us... Thank you all!!!

1.6.12

Sarah is starting the Burger War talk again. Bodway's did come in Top 5 on Milwaukee A-list/ Have not had J Lotti's for a while but I need to introduce new shop crew to it/ People's is always good, just don't split your burger 4 ways/ I do need to give Fuzzy's another shot.

Not a good way to win the hearts and minds of West Enders...

Better luck next year with the purple challenge... ;)

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Gosh, give the poor guy a break, he is still mourning.

Is this officially a trend? Bill had always said Adam took his tattoo shop/gallery idea when he left...

Yikes...

Yet this is even yuckier... and disturbing... Wiggy reacts 1 and 2.

Crybaby goes south... You know Sveum won't put up with that, even as a hated Cubs.

Just In: New entries to Burger War! ( Warning, it is a trap!) ;)

EatWisconsin's parking plan

I just want to make sure Eat's idea does not get lost in the comments, I would think he will be great sitting on the new parking task force.

Here is Eat's comment reacting on what I said people working in downtown need to park off the street.

Maybe they should explore a way to make employees park in the two municipal garages but have it be subsidized parking where the employer pays for it. There are 1,800 spaces in the ramps. I cannot fathom a scenario aside from FNL that they are at capacity.

My plan would operate the way sites like Hotwire work. The City could determine, by day and workshift, how many spaces are available in the ramp. The City could then offer up a certain number of spaces for downtown employees at a discounted monthly rate. Maybe $5 per part time and $10 per full time employee (the regular rate is 20 bucks a month).

Its a win-win-win

The employees get a place to park for "free" since it is subsidized by the employer. They won't need to move their cars or deal with snow removal in the winter.

The employers have a very inexpensive way to free up on-street and surface lot parking. If you have 10 part time employees you are only paying $50 a month.

The City wins because they are taking spaces that they are receiving NO revenue from and are at least getting something from them (the hotwire comparison). Lets assume even 5 businesses with a total of 10 full time and 20 part time employees take advantage of this deal you now have $2,400 a year of revenue you didn't have before. Its not a lot but it is revenue.

1.5.12

Perception is reality? It is a game we all play: a business needs to guard itself against a negative perception, a politician needs PR people to spin the news to change/create public opinion, yet once a bad perception has set in, it is done.

I had always thought the building at the end of Main was not occupiable as deemed by the city, but that was just the perception, I was told otherwise.

Clarke Hotel had to fight perception problem all along too, and in Waukesha, that can be dangerous. Believe or not, there are a lot of people out there missing spending time in the bar, but just not missing the questionable restaurant owners. It is truly the crown jewel of downtown Waukesha, and I will support it all I can even with my bad experience with the chef with many names.

(I would guess most of the people in Waukesha do not understand TIF financing, myself included, and I sincerely hope Freeman would do a big article explaining it and show what downtown buildings are TIF projects and how it helps or not help. I like to learn about it rather than it being a very vague concept in my head.)

Tattooing is totally at the mercy of perception too. There will still be people refusing to walk in a tattoo shop or flat out asking me why I would choose such a profession if I had gone to college.

I guess if I report rumors, I could be perpetuating a false perception, and I am trying to be mindful of that. It is a thin line, and I hope you readers can understand that I can be the messenger or just a tool used by someone else... Yes, I can be too kool or just a fool... I just hope I am not the fool all the time...

Thanks to HBR, this rumor is now real news. It also means there were some B.S. salesmanship from the mayor,( and Eat, remember my "done deal" feeling?) Once the trust is gone, everything looks fishy with all the conflict of interests issues out there like his appointments and the whole New Day Fund secrecy thing, even if it is the perception again. Some rumor is even out there about possibility of Mayor Scrima's personal stake in the Kendal Lofts project but I think it might be a confusion with a different apartment project, it better be.

Oops on that.

The FFNL street closing is a hot issue in winter? Bathroom is an issue for sure. I do hope all of these talks fix the valid concerns and not turn into another emotional battle in a long war. The new BID executive board also needs to fight the perception and reach out to ALL downtown, this is more important now than ever.

Wiggy's column.

SOUND OFF

POLICE BLOTTER

Enough of my ranting for the day, now as a businessman and property owner, I too have to deal with the uncertainty if Kendal Lofts pulls the plug or not...

(Yes, my 2012 predictions is having a glorious start... I guess I don't need an excuse to buy Wiggy a beer.)