Friday, January 10, 2014

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Key West incurred a 5.1 richter scale earthquake yesterday afternoon. Apparently the epicenter was ten miles north of Cuba and 12 miles below the ocean surface. Only a handful of people in Key West actually felt any tremors and no building damage was reported. Ironically, I researched earthquakes in Key West earlier this week and couldn't find any occurrences since 1880.

Labor Secretary Thomas Perez responded today that he has confidence in his staff and their economic numbers after a disappointing jobs report. The ADP numbers were on the other end of the spectrum. These numbers are usually revised the next month and they each use different methodologies to gather data. I'd have more confidence in both of these entities if they could just do it right the first time and quit acting like the major banks.

A new statistical release shows that over half the representatives of congress have a net worth over 1 million dollars. I'm shocked that it isn't much higher actually. This is the reason that I scoffed at the people who suggested taking away their measly congressional paychecks would end the government shutdown much faster. Come on, it's about the power. More power will get you more cash in the long run.

Milwaukee's Summerfest just announced that the Zac Brown Band will be the headline act for July 3rd. I saw this band for the first time last summer at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre and I'm predicting that they will be the next great touring band with devoted fans along the likes of Jimmy Buffett's and the Grateful Dead's.

Speaking of Summerfest, a kudos and big shout out to my good friend Jamie who worked as a beer slinger at the festival for many years. He recently moved to Orlando and missed this wonderful winter. He'll be in Miltown for a visit in February and I can't wait to see him. Truly a warped sense of humor and a beloved figure in Milwaukee circles.

Lastly, a community service story from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. A woman there couldn't start her 2007 Dodge Caravan so she tried the old trick of putting a hot mound of coals under the engine department. Naturally, it caught fire causing a grand in damage. The local police chief has advised the general public not to try this. On behalf of the citizens of Wisconsin, thank you Captain Obvious.

Later

2 comments:

  1. It rather reeks of hypocrisy to condemn others while living in a culture where accumulation and consumption are the news gods!
    Claude Rains in Casablanca.

    one more of my favorites
    We are all shocked, simply shocked that those who have the easiest access to getting more, do what they have to do to get it!

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  2. Hot coals?????? She would have been better liking the battery terminals. I'm guess she is a product of Wisconsin's fine public school system.

    I may need a couch this summer. I don't want to stay at my Dads the whole time.

    I should be home the 18th - 23rd of Feb. I'll let you know next week when I get my tickets.

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