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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, May 31, 2012

                      
                             Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

U.S. stock investors will likely not be unhappy to see May end – the Dow is on track for its biggest monthly point loss since May 2010, while the Nasdaq is set to register its largest monthly point decline since October 2008.

The Dow will also end the month without a single two-day win streak, the first time that’s happened since May 2010.

The economic calendar is a full one today, giving the Street plenty to consider while investors await the Friday morning release of the May jobs report.

ADP is out with its monthly look at private sector employment at 8:15am ET, with economists looking for payrolls to grow by 150,000 for May, compared with April’s increase of 119,000.

At 8:30am ET, the Labor Department is expected to report 370,000 first-time jobless claims for the week ending May 26, unchanged from the prior week.

At the same time, the government is out with the second estimate of first quarter GDP, with consensus forecasts calling for a 1.9 percent annual rate increase, compared with the prior Q1 estimate of 2.2 percent growth.

At 9:45am ET, the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index is seen coming in at 56.0 for May, little changed from the prior reading of 56.2.

The Energy Department will release two inventory reports this morning: the regular Thursday look at natural gas at 10:30am ET, and the holiday-delayed oil and gasoline inventory report at 11am ET. 

Most of the nation’s retailers will report their May results this morning – a calendar quirk is the reason why those reports come before the month has actually ended.

Very few corporate earnings reports are out this morning, although we are scheduled to hear from Joy Global (JOY) and networking equipment maker Ciena (CIEN).

TiVo (TIVO) is a stock to watch this morning, after the maker of digital video recording devices reported a quarterly loss of $0.17 per share, slightly wider than estimates. The loss came amid rising litigation and marketing costs, even as subscriber numbers increased.  TiVo is also forecasting a second quarter loss that’s wider than analysts had been anticipating.

Lionsgate (LGF) reported a fiscal fourth quarter loss of $0.17 per share, compared with analyst estimates of a $0.26 per share profit. Lionsgate had sizable marketing costs for its films, as well as expenses related to its acquisition of Summit Entertainment. Some analysts had been optimistic that the hit movie “Hunger Games” would results in more recognized profit than was actually the case.

Forest Laboratories (FRX) has responded the investor Carl Icahn’s intention to nominate his own slate of directors, saying it’s disappointed the Icahn’s first chosen method of engagement since last year is the threat of yet another proxy fight.

Caesars Entertainment (CZR) chief financial officer Jonathan Halkyard is departing for a new job outside the gaming industry. Senior management members will share the CFO duties on an interim basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

Costco (COST) saw its May same-store sales rise 4 percent, short of the 4.3 percent increase that analysts were anticipating.

Zumiez (ZUMZ) reported a 13.7 percent increase in May same-store sales, more than double analyst estimates. Zumiez has seen a jump in demand from its teenage customers for its surfing and snowboarding apparel.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dubai Conference - International Multi-stakeholder Model

WASHINGTON, DC(MPA) - Free State Foundation Internet Discussion

The Multi-Stakeholder Private Internet Governance Model: Can It Survive Threats From The UN?

Panel:  Federal Communication Commission Commissioner Robert McDowell and Senior Deputy Richard Beaird, Jacquelynn Ruff, vice president of International Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at Verizon; Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge; and Richard Whitt, director and managing counsel for Public Policy at Google.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Governance of the Internet could change dramatically following a review of an international agreement on global telecommunications set for this coming December in Dubai.

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell (R) and the State Departments' Richard Beaird described the impact of the review during a discussion hosted by the Free State Foundation.

The International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs), a 1988 treaty that created binding guidelines for the international operation of telephone, radio and satellite services, will be rewritten during the World Conference on International Communications (WCIT), hosted in Dubai by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations.

Commissioner McDowell - an update on a proposal to give the United Nations more control over the Internet on Wednesday, which is backed by China, Russia, Brazil and India. It would give the UN’s International Telecommunication Union more control over the governance of the Internet, including cyber security and domain names.

CLICK
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For more info about the importance of the December, 2012, Dubai International Conference, click the title below.

The 2012 World Conference On International Telecommunications: Another Brewing Storm Over Potential UN Regulation Of The Internet

=========================

CLICK
Net Neutrality sends Internet back in Time
.......................................................

Milwaukee Professionals Association encourages increased knowledge and engagement at the neighborhood level that "closes the digital divide" and allows freer access-literacy-services of the Internet - not a monopoly or oligopoly.

What do you think?
mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com

The Right to Vote in 2012 - Profiles in Rights

      
                                               Congressional Black Caucus

MILWAUKEE(MPA) - On next Tuesday, March 5, Wisconsinites will make history.  It is important that each person who want to vote and is not limited by petition of the court that they are not suppressed.

Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Attorney General Eric Holder delivers the keynote address at a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Conference of National Black Churches.

The day also features panels on the state of voting rights, protecting a church's non-profit status, and energizing constituents and congregants to vote.

The Attorney General has announced that he will vigorously defend the Voting Rights Act of 1965, including the Section 5 provision that Southern states or those that have historically disenfranchised black voters must clear any changes to voting law or electoral systems with the Justice Department.

CLICK

===================



Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment

Milwaukee, WisconsinSunday, May 20, 2012
From the Milwaukee meeting of the Organization of American Historians, Columbia University history professor Eric Foner and University of Iowa history professor Linda Kerber discuss the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the "birthright citizenship" provision. The historians argue that birthright citizenship dramatically changed American history for the better, and that the provision is unique to the United States. Professor Kerber also discusses women's citizenship in U.S. History.

CLICK

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, May 30, 2012

  
                                Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

The Dow’s quest for that elusive two-day win streak resumes today, following a better than 1 percent gain Tuesday for each of the major averages.

The Dow has not put together a two-day streak since April 26-27, and if it cannot gain any ground today or tomorrow, it would match the record for fewest positive sessions in a single month with five.

While the anticipation builds for Friday’s May jobs numbers, there’s just one report on the economic calendar today.

The National Association of Realtors is out with April pending home sales, with economists predicting sales will come in unchanged following March’s 4.1 percent increase.

The Memorial Day holiday has postponed the usual Wednesday release of the Energy Department’s oil and gasoline inventory numbers – they’ll be out tomorrow at 11am ET instead.

However, the Mortgage Bankers Association will issue its regular weekly look at mortgage applications at 7am ET.

No major earnings reports are due out today, although quarterly profits from two relatively recent IPOs could be of interest: tea retailer Teavana (TEA), which began trading in July 2011, and upscale grocer The Fresh Market (TFM), which debuted In November 2010.

Research In Motion (RIMM) tops our stocks to watch list, with the stock taking an after-hours hit on news that it expects to report an operating loss for the current quarter and that it foresees significant layoffs. RIM has also hired JPMorgan Chase and RBC Capital to help it evaluate strategic options.

The stock fell below $10 in after-hours trading, its first drop into single-digit territory since December 2003.

Facebook (FB), whose shares continue to slide following its IPO, has received a second request for information on its proposed acquisition of photo sharing service Instagram, meaning that a review of the purchase by antitrust regulators may be lengthy.

Salesforce.com (CRM) is reportedly close to a deal to acquire Buddy Media for more than $800 million, according to AllTHingsD. Buddy Media helps brands manage their Facebook presence.
Groupon (GRPN) is acquiring Breadcrumb, a maker of point-of-sale software for the hospitality industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pep Boys (PBY) may be under pressure today, after the sale of the auto parts chain to private equity firm Gores Group was canceled. Pep Boys will receive about $50 million in termination fees as a result. Gores had agreed to buy Pep Boys in January for $791 million, but later sought to delay the deal after Pep Boys reported just a slightly better than breakeven quarter.

Sallie Mae (SLM) has added about $400 million to a stock buyback program originally announced by the student lender in January, bring the total to $900 million.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz and Ed Schultz - Heavy Hitters at Democratic Appleton Convention, June 8th & 9th

MILWAUKEE(MPA) - Mike Tate, Chair,  Wisconsin State Democratic Party has an Invitation out for attendance to the Appleton convention, June 8th-9th for the Democratic Party convention.  The special speakers are:
  • U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz - Democratic National Committee Chair
  • National Talk Show Host Ed Schultz  - The Ed Show, MSNBC

The early registration fee is only $20 if you sign up by this Friday.
June 8 & 9, 2012
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
333 W. College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54911

For specifics, CLICK

Monday, May 28, 2012

African American Heroes - Remembered by The Root

The 10 sites are:
THE ROOT - May 28, 2012 - The Root is the leading online source of news and commentary from an African-American perspective. Founded in 2008 under the leadership of Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard University, The Root offers a unique take on breaking news, provides solid analysis and presents dynamic multimedia content. The Root raises the profile of black voices in mainstream media and engages anyone interested in black culture around the world. The Root is owned by the Washington Post Company. Visit us at www.theroot.com, on Twitter @TheRoot247 and on Facebook.
===============

See 10 Places Honoring Black War Heroes
These memorials celebrate our fallen men in uniform, from the Tuskegee Airmen to buffalo soldiers.
Captions by: Akoto Ofori-Atta.
For names of memorial sites, location and more, CLICK

Just Saying Barbeque Ideas . . .

MEMORIAL DAY(MPA) - Monday, May 28, 2012 Barbeque Hamburger Aussie style, grilled Salmon and Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with your favorite cheese might be a suggestion for a barbeque.

For Fish Recipe

Triple Bacon Cheese Dogs - Today's video is from BBQ Pits Boys recipe.
CLICK - skip Ad.

For Aussie-style Hamburger
slow to load
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Menning Memosa Drink
Ingredients
  • 6 tablespoon(s) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoon(s) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon(s) orange flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
  • Prosecco, chilled - Italian Sparkling Wine
  • Fresh mint leaf

Directions

In a Champagne flute, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, and liqueur. Fill with Prosecco. Garnish with mint leaf and serve immediately.

See what you think.

It's Memorial Day - Living the Faith

May 28, 2012 - MEMORIAL DAY

U.S.A/America - We salute and pay tribute to the members of our Armed Services (women and men) for their willingness to serve and to honor our country and each one of us in America with their training, time away from family, several tours of duty, physical sacrifices and their lives.

With Peace in the World this day we pray.

=======

Milwaukee Professionals Association gives a shout-out to Vets Place Central and Dryhootch.org on Brady in Milwaukee.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Larson Weekly Report - May 24, 2012

Dear Friend,
In honor of Veterans Day and National   Police and EMS Week, this week's newsletter will focus on issues related   to veterans and public safety.

As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or   opinions you may have about our community or our state.

Sincerely,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
==================

Remembering Our Fallen   Soldiers
Memorial Day is fast-approaching. Join   in honoring the brave men and women that fought for our country and died   to preserve our nation's freedom. There will be Memorial Day events   going on all through out Wisconsin this weekend. Below are just some of   the events that will be occurring in the Milwaukee area:

Milwaukee
Monday, May 28 at 2 p.m.
Attend Milwaukee's 126th annual  Memorial Day Parade. The parade will feature a large number of groups   including color guards, bands, marching units, vehicles, and VIP   dignitaries. It will start at 4th Street and Wells Street proceeding   east to the War Memorial Center.
  
Click here for more information.
  
Cudahy
Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m.
Cudahy will hold its annual Memorial   Day ceremony at the War Memorial located at E. Layton Avenue and S. Lake   Drive. Stop by to take part in remembering those who fought for us.
  
Oak Creek
Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m.
Join me in honoring our nation's   veterans at this annual neighborhood event. The City of Oak Creek will   hold this remembrance at Forest Hill Memorial Park located at 3301 E.   Forest Hill Avenue.
  
South Milwaukee
Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m.
Join me and our neighbors in South   Milwaukee at this annual event hosted by the South Milwaukee Veterans   Council, Inc., a corporation of the five chartered Veteran Units in   South Milwaukee:  The American Legion, American Veterans, Catholic War   Veterans, Polish Legion of American Veterans, and the Veterans of   Foreign Wars. The event will begin with a parade originating at the   corner of Manitoba and 13th Avenues and conclude with a ceremony at the   Veterans Memorial Park on 10th Avenue.
  
St. Francis
Monday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Wake-up early to stop by the St.   Francis War Memorial located at 4320 S. Nicholson Avenue for the city's   annual memorial day event.
===================

Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487
Email:
Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov

Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
  
Web Site:
SenatorChrisLarson.com

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER , May 25, 2012

                      
Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

U.S. stocks hardly have a bullish feel to them as we enter the final session before a long holiday weekend, but there are at least some noteworthy positive signs: the S&P 500 is poised for its biggest weekly gain in 10 weeks, while the Dow and the Nasdaq are on track to break three-week losing streaks.

Market watchers do note, however, the Fridays before long holiday weekends often see late-day selloffs.

Today’s lone economic report comes at 9:55am ET, when the University of Michigan puts out its late May consumer sentiment index. Economists expect the index to remain at the preliminary May level of 77.8, up from the final April reading of 76.4. This morning’s earnings calendar is virtually blank.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK) is a stock to watch today, with CNBC’s Kate Kelly reporting that BlackRock (BLK) has substantially increased its stake in the energy producer over the past ten days. The stake has increased to at least 4-5 million shares from the prior one million shares.

VeriFone Systems (PAY) took a more than 9 percent after-hours hits, despite a three cent beat with its fiscal second quarter profit of $0.64 per share, excluding certain items. Investors are focusing on the company’s current quarter guidance of $0.68 - $0.70 per share, mostly below analyst estimates of $0.70.

Facebook (FB) remains on the watch list, having chalked up a 3 percent gain in Thursday’s trading. Most of the Facebook news this morning centers on lead underwriter Morgan Stanley (MS), which reportedly informed its advisors late Thursday afternoon that no investors will have to pay more than $43 for Facebook shares. Morgan Stanley is planning to adjust prices on “a few thousand” Facebook trades, following the problems that plagued the initial public offering last Friday.

Dish Network (DISH) has been sued by CNBC parent and Comcast (CMCSA) property NBCUniversal, News Corp’s (NWSA) Fox Broadcasting, and CBS (CBS) over its ad skipping feature AutoHop. Dish has countersued, asking a judge to rule that the feature does not violate the law. 

In a separate story, AdWeek is reporting that NBCUniversal is in talks with Microsoft (MSFT) to buy Microsoft’s stake in the MSNBC.com website.

CME Group (CME) has announced a five-for-one stock split, with the dividend paid on July 20 to shareholders of record on July 10.

The JPMorgan Chase (JPM) unit that incurred the recent $2 billion trading loss made a number of risky bets in recent months, according to the Wall Street Journal. That includes a stake in broadband provider LightSquared, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has voluntarily given up dividend income on restricted stock units, a move that will cost him about $75 million. That news comes from an SEC filing, which says Cook asked to be excluded from a recently instituted program which allows workers to accumulate dividends on restricted units that are still in the vesting process. Apple would not comment on why Cook made that move.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

It is time for the word MINORITY to NOT be a reference of a Protective Class


MILWAUKEE(MPA) - Afternoon Flash - Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association/MPA announced on May 23, 2012, that MPA will be contacting elected officials - federal, state, local and global entities to use People of Color and Women or People of Color and Caucasian Women to replace a privilege and outdated reference.  The latter term is what has taken hold during the past years when it has come to the word in a "protective class" reference.  We see in almost every instance, if not every study, Caucasian women have gotten the bulk of the deal - contracts - setasides.

Glass said, "I prefer People of Color and Women" to allow broadness in the infrastructure and for building People of Color in a "pipeline growth.  We can readily see the advantages or disadvantages that will provide a 'playing field' and to drive a "level playing field".  It is otherwise hidden and creative people have proven to be deceptive.

As we continue to forge an agenda to curb the imposing Enduring Concentrated Poverty in Milwaukee, my office ask that those elected/appointed/hired/volunteered representatives seek to re-define, re-brand and un-trap Milwaukeeans in ways of image-building and upward mobility."

Milwaukee Professionals Association is asking that legislators begin to remove the word
"MINORITY" from our regulations and discussions.  It is just too limiting and restrictive.    After all, the people once referenced as "smaller in number - minority" are in-change -  locally, nationally and globally - changing to MAJORITY." 
======================== 

Why the change?  Because of the connotation of less than and/or negative.

How about People of Color?
How about People of Color and Women -  to replace "minority".

How about naming those races and/or people you are talking about.
And, since the term "Minority" in government has become an exclusivity way for the Caucasian female, that is more reason to be specific.  Think about it.

What do you think?
mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sheldon Lubar Biz Times speech of CIVILITY is with Forked-Tongue, Why?


MILWAUKEE(MPA) - Sheldon Lubar, attorney, entrepreneur and namesake of Lubar School of Business, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, received the BizTimes Bravo! Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday, May 17, 2012.

It is his speech at this function that speaks to the title of "forked tongue".
He talks about CIVILITY - even gives Webster definition - civil, civility, civilization as follows:
  • A community of citizens. A rational and fair government.
  • Being polite and courteous is civil.
  • Civil law which is derived from Roman law and is a basis of our common law.
    Civility is a high stage of cultural, social and intellectual development.
  • Civility is positive and sincere consideration of others.
  • Also consider that chivalrous is derived from civil and means gallant,
    noble, protector of the weak.
An excerpt of his Biz Times speech said:
I want to talk to you about the polarization and bitterness that has descended on our Great State of Wisconsin this past year. I have spoken to no one who isn't unhappy and worried about the state of affairs that we are all experiencing in Wisconsin.

So whether Scott Walker is your courageous hero or Tom Barrett is your savior sent from heaven, each of us will make that decision and I implore all of my fellow citizens to vote your own conscience on June 5th.

But after that let's get on with it, let's roll up our sleeves and go to work together.
We must respect each other and understand that none of us are always right or always wrong. But recognize that as citizens we are all going downhill unless we make the needed changes to our schools and government and work together toward the common goals that will solve our problems.
I consider both of the candidates in this election friends of mine and I respect each of them. A few years ago I chaired several studies of the causes and potential cures of Milwaukee County's fiscal crisis. As you recall, this situation had been brought to light by the pension scandal and the recall election of County Executive Tom Ament and other County Supervisors.

Scott Walker was elected to replace Ament and by all measures he did an excellent job. I know he worked with our group and helped us in every way he could.

In the case of Tom Barrett, I first met him while he was serving in the State Senate. I had been nominated to the Board of Regents of The University of Wisconsin System by Governor Tommy Thompson and he sent me around to meet every Senator in advance of my confirmation hearings. Tom stood out. He is a man of honesty and high intelligence. As Mayor of Milwaukee, I have always supported his actions.

As you can see, I admire both of these gentlemen although I can only vote for one. One a Republican and one a Democrat.

So where am I going with this? In the past, and I mean while I was in college, I considered myself a Republican. Even though I have received appointments from both Republican and Democratic Presidents and Republican and Democratic Governors. In considering this issue, I have concluded these party labels have lost their meaning to me. My politics are for what is right, what makes common sense, what is decent, what will create prosperity and a good life – I am for civility.

So what is civility?
Sheldon Lubar
=====================================

My problem with all of the above and the rest of Attorney Lubar's speech is that it is hypocritical. Especially since he has gotten so many favors from the government through the good ole boyz network - Democrat and Republican, some mentioned above.

Did he say civility?

Try polarization and bitterness due to greed.
Try him "eating cheese" by calling the two men (Walker and Barrett) running for governor his "friends" - don't want to alienate just in case - he, his family members and cronies may need a favor or two; or want to sit on a committee or board to mainstream ideas big time.


Lake Express
My introduction to the Lubar Family was through David Lubar, his son's mega millions acquisition for to build a ferry that was launched in April, 2004.


David Lubar and family were able to mount millions from maritime federal funding, state and local funding and the city's funds. In fact, Milwaukee Port Authority, Ken Szallai, Director, and the Harbor Commission were major supporters of Lake Express. Szallai became their No. 1 man for the Michigan and Wisconsin Lake Express Ferry - He left the city of Milwaukee and joined Lake Express.

Did Lubar say civility - not polarization and bitterness?

Try the Lubar Family Lake Express Ferry EXCLUSION of African American and other People of Color - trip, sales, marketing (both Michigan and Milwaukee), procurement and employment. My office was in contact several times to Sheldon and David Lubar and they did not show CIVILITY.

As a matter of fact, they also failed to show "civility" to Victor Huyke, Editor of El Conquistador Newspaper. Victor shared the following with me, “I have a personal interest in boats as a hobby. I went down and covered the boat arrival in Milwaukee on my own, gave it front page coverage, sent copies to the corporate office, sent copies to managers by people who work on the boat; until today, we have not received a thank you.”.

On the maiden voyage the only African Americans from Milwaukee were two of the City of Milwaukee Police as body guards for Tom Barrett, Mayor; and, an African American lady that seem to be a baby sitter/nanny of a Caucasian child. African Americans nor any other Milwaukeean of Color made the cut from the Journal Sentinel lotto selection of people to ride the maiden voyage.
I (Mary Glass) flew over to Muskegon, Michigan to cover the event - to see for myself.

Especially since I had been sharing the importance of "INCLUSION". I spoke about the injustice and discrimination - the use of funds from the public treasury but not all were invited to the table.

Lubar & Company was able to get major government funding to underwrite the new venture.
The Lake Express Ferry breakdown of funds were:
>>> US Maritime Loan Guarantee - $22,226,000
>>> Milwaukee Economic Development Corp - $ 500,000
>>> WisDOT/2004 - $ 800,000
>>> Muskegon County - $ 1,200,000
>>> WI Department of Tourism - $ 30,000
>>> Taken from City Erie Street Property fund - $ 122,000

Lake Express Maiden Voyage was June 1, 2004.

CLICK for 2004 EXCLUSIVE

Federal Reserve Small Business
David Lubar is a council representative of Wisconsin to the Federal Reserve of Chicago Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business and Labor. CLICK - Federal Reserve Council

Council members serve a two-year term and meet twice a year to provide their views on current business conditions to Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and other senior officials. Input from the Council members on regional economic conditions contributes to the Federal Reserve System's formulation of national monetary policy. The first meeting of 2011 was April 29.

I have NO knowledge of his inquiries of neighborhood level businesses and/or businesses of Color to change Enduring Concentrated Poverty in the iconic city of Milwaukee.

My office will be in touch with the Federal Reserve President Charles Evans to see what input has been shared and how WE, The People - Milwaukeeans can get at the table. Especially since the Federal Reserve cited Milwaukee in 2008 as one of 16 American cities with Enduring Concentrated Poverty.

CLICK (case study loads "slowly").

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
In the selection of the 8th Chancellor for University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Chancellor Michael Lovell, Attorney Lubar and I crossed path with his name on the Milwaukee Selection Committee.

My research showed his lack of attendance to meetings - He certainly was not at the public hearings.

The committee faulted badly with the unprecedented bias for candidate Dr. Michael Lovell. It failed to host additional meetings to gain input from People of Color. It also experienced "conflict of interest".  Did I get a courtesy response from Attorney Lubar with due diligence as the purpose?  Did I get a response?  No.

Did I hear Civility?

Lubar School of Business
And, then there is the Lubar School of Business of UW-Milwaukee, it is null and void when it comes to the neighborhood of Milwaukee - the ones that help launched the Lake Express and other projects for the Lubar Family. The culture of the school is not Urban Inclusive - African American and other People of Color -- presently on campus.

So, did I hear Mr. Lubar say he is for:
-- A community of citizens. A rational and fair government.
-- Being polite and courteous is civil.
-- Civil law which is derived from Roman law and is a basis of our common law.
-- Civility is a high stage of cultural, social and intellectual development.
-- Civility is positive and sincere consideration of others.
Also consider that chivalrous is derived from civil and means gallant, noble, protector of the weak.

==========================
He speaks with FORKED TONGUE.
==========================

I concur with this that he said:
"We must respect each other and understand that none of us are always right or always wrong. But recognize that as citizens we are all going downhill unless we make the needed changes to our schools and government and work together toward the common goals that will solve our problems."

I'll be back.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

PREAKNESS after KENTUCKY DERBY, 2-AND-2



Jockey Mario Gutierrez, left, aboard, I'll Have Another, reacts after crossing the finish line in front of Bodemeister, right, ridden by Mike Smith, to win the 137th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 19, 2012, in Baltimore.(AP / Patrick Semansky)

CLICK for race
I'll Have Another did just that, winning another Triple Crown race with even more flash and dash than he did in the Kentucky Derby.

bracket

 PREAKNESS HAPPENINGS

By bolting past Bodemeister — again — this time in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course, all that stands in the way of racing glory is the Belmont Stakes in three weeks.

Win that and the smooth-striding 3-year-old will find himself in the company of Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed, the last to win thoroughbred racing's most coveted prize in 1978.
That's heady company for a colt who has yet to be favored in any of his seven races. That should change in the Belmont.

''We're thinking Triple Crown, baby,'' elated winning trainer Doug O'Neill said. ''He's a special horse. We'll see how he comes out of it, and if he comes out of it in good shape, we're heading to New York, baby.

FULL STORY

Have a glass of Lemonade AND Cookie


A light refreshment - Homemade Lemonade and baked cookies - Yum Yum!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Schacknow - Today's Primer, May 18, 2012

                               Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

Investors may be excited by today’s debut of Facebook (FB) on Wall Street, but they’re clearly not excited these days by much else about the U.S. stock market.

European debt fears and soft U.S. economic data have helped send the Dow lower in 11 of the past 12 sessions, with the S&P 500 riding a 10-of-12 losing wave. The major averages are on track for their biggest weekly losses since the week that ended November 25, 2011.

You may be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard that the largest internet IPO in history will debut today – Facebook (FB) is expected to start trading at 11am on the Nasdaq.  The IPO price is $38 per share, at the high end of the expected range.

U.S investors focused on worrying about Europe and watching Facebook will be undistracted by economic data today, as the calendar is completely blank. The earnings calendar is also light, though we will get the latest numbers from retailers AnnTaylor (ANN), Foot Locker (FL), and Casual Male (CMRG).

Salesforce.com (CRM) is among the stocks that could possibly draw attention from Facebook: its shares rose in after-hours trading after the company reported quarterly profit of $0.37 per share, excluding certain items, three cents above estimates.  The software maker also raised its full year outlook as growth remains strong in all its regions.

Autodesk (ADSK) could be under pressure today, after the software producer’s current quarter forecast fell below Street estimates. Autodesk’s first quarter revenue did exceed analyst expectations, helped by new licenses for its design software.

Boston Scientific (BSX) has received FDA approval for a new vascular stent, designed to open blocked arteries in patients with a type of vascular disease known as iliac artery stenosis.

Kinder Morgan (KMI) will replace El Paso (EP) in the S&P 500 after Kinder completes its acquisition of its energy rival. The deal is expected to be completed next Thursday.

United Continental’s (UAL) pilots union leaders are calling for a strike vote. The move comes as the union and the airline fail to reach agreement on a new contract.

Yahoo (YHOO) is in the news on several fronts: interim CEO Ross Levinsohn has reshuffled his executive team, and AllThingsD reports that the company is in the final stages of a deal to sell part of its stake in Alibaba back to that company.

The JPMorgan Chase (JPM) unit involved in the recently revealed $2 billion trading loss holds $100 billion in risky bonds, according to the FT. The paper says the bonds are similar to ones that helped fuel the 2008 financial crisis.

Verizon (VZ) has unveiled a new plan that will limit Verizon Wireless unlimited data plans to customers who pay full price for phones. If customers use an upgrade discount to buy a phone, they won’t be eligible for Verizon’s $30/month unlimited data plan.

MILWAUKEE'S County Chairwoman Dimitrijevic and City Common Council President Hines Call to Action

May 18, 2012
MILWAUKEE(MPA) - Milwaukee County Chairwoman Dimtrijevic and City Common Council President are Called to Action.

In an Open Letter Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association, identifies major ills and request/recommend corrective points.  They include:

•Adopt authority policies for implementing JOBS - Jumpstart of Business Startup Act (signed by President Obama in April, 2012).

•Assert "leadership" that will JOINTLY begin to remove Enduring Concentrated Poverty in the largest city of Wisconsin,  that happens to be the county seat.

•Assert "leadership" that will JOINTLY create opportunities for a NEW economic engine of tourism with/for the completion of the BRONZEVILLE District - completion targeted for 2014.

•Ensure that the city and county have a viable and KNOWN FEMA/Federal Emergency Management Agency Preparedness Disaster Plan.

 •Examine Code of Conduct that includes membership on committees and groups (i.e., Milwaukee 7 and Wisconsin District) that:
  • compromises the stakeholders you represent collectively.
  • place YOU in conflict of interest, arbitrary and capricious decision making.
  • diminishes stakeholder input and stakeholders' TRUST
Identify and ensure that the city and county have a viable and KNOWN FEMA/Federal Emergency Management Agency Preparedness Disaster Plan.
•Identify  the services for Milwaukee County that will be its BRAND.
•Identify the services for the City of Milwaukee that will be its BRAND.

•Implement a BROADBAND mandate that will ensure the delivery of internet access for the City of Milwaukee.

• Provide accurate, transparent, accountable leadership to ESTABLISH TRUST.

Re-assess land/real estate for development by University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee or any other entity that EXCLUDES People of Color.

Re-examine the role of the County Chairperson and City Common Council President with the Milwaukee 7 and all other committees that gives the appearance of CONFLICT of Interest and “DISCRIMINATES”.

•Start YOUR leadership with support of a complete AUDIT of the city and county governments.

•Support “literacy attainment” that creates a Trifecta/three-part public school PARTNERSHIP between MPS/Milwaukee Public Schools, MATC/Milwaukee Area Technical College and University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee to infrastructurally pipeline competitiveness of stakeholders.

“URBAN Health System Center” - support a JOINT resolution to make Mt. Sinai on 12th Street, Milwaukee's premier Urban Health Wellness Center for today's medical services for Milwaukeeans; specializing in research, case learning/training  and care of an urban population - a partnership with residential/ commercial stakeholders of the neighborhoods, physicians, neighboring  schools of medical training and healthcare organizations.

                                                   To re-define, re-brand and UN-TRAP Milwaukeeans.
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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Remembering Ms. Donna Summer - Queen of Disco


LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012), known by the stage name Donna Summer, was an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s.

She had a mezzo-soprano vocal range, and was a five-time Grammy Award winner.

Summer was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach number one on the US Billboard chart, and she also charted four number-one singles in the United States within a 13-month period.

Summer died on May 17, 2012. The Associated Press reports that she died in the morning at her home in Key West, Florida at age 63 following a battle with cancer - Wikipedia.
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CLICK to view/hear -
 She Works Hard for Her Money - one of her signature songs she wrote about a lady tired after working all day.

Corporate Businesses Putting the BRAND where the Neighborhood is

Auto Mechanic Dynamism - Domestic and Foreign

"MPA ALL Hands on Deck - Call to Action by ALL - REVITALIZATION of Milwaukee calls on Corporate America in the city limits of Milwaukee/Milwaukee County and/or those receiving government funding on behalf of those in the iconic city of Milwaukee to LISTEN-UP, GET-UP and REFORM the infrastructure of Milwaukee for their sustainability-the families of Milwaukee now and to place in the pipeline pathways for those to come." "It is the right thing to do", said Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association.
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On April 24, 2012
MILWAUKEE(MPA) - CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP is one of the ways released by the office of Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association for how MPA Action plan is to be realized.
The focus is a BOTTOM-Up economy with vetted engines from the neighborhood level. The working partners are: residential, commercial, industrial, government and social organizations in Milwaukee.
The CORE VALUE is rooted in TRUST, customer care, customer safety, customer wellness, customer growth and customer sustainability. NO ONE is Exempt.
The method of operation is taken from Steven Covey's 7 steps of Highly Effective People. They are:
1. Be Proactive.
2. Begin with the End in Mind.
3. First Things First.
4. Win-Win Attitude.
5. Seek first to Understand and then be Understood.
6. Synergy Development.
7. We will sharpen the "saw" - the plan.
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The first group of CORPORATE companies are identified because they have been identified as leaders.
  • They may have been cited by President Obama as an outstanding company.
  • They are/have enjoyed the benefits of government resources.
  • They have a "Mission" of engagement of the People.
  • They invest in Research and Development.
  • They support education and technology attainment.
  • They have experienced staff for advisors.
  • They have a relevant connector for building neighborhood mutual support.
  • They claim "social responsibility" as a priority.
  • They see the city-state-nation gain through promoting a BOTTOM-UP economy through neighborhood Infrastructural pipelining - partnering at the Urban NEIGHBORHOOD level.
  • They see economic benefit in having SKIN-in-the-Game at the Neighborhood level.





Evaluation Factors
Because we see so much in the public square of greed, discrimination, conflict of ethics - where lofty Mission and Vision statements produce BRANDS; however, their punctuality to Code of Conduct, Inclusion of critical mass of People of Color, civility, professionalism and TRUST are sorely lacking and burdensome.


DIAMONDS in the Rough
We have mapped the Milwaukee terrain and selected vetted/tried and true industries that have staying power, R&D build-out dynamics, family legacy, ingenuity, cross-industries capacities and hidden talent for the Infrastructure Pipeline Initiative.

Stay tuned.
  

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

C-SPAN ALERT - May 17, 2012

c-span.org

Tomorrow: 
House Homeland Security Subcmte.: Homeland Security Dept. Ethics (9:30am) - LIVE

C-SPAN
Tomorrow:
U.S. House: In Session (10am) - LIVEC-SPAN2

C-SPAN2
Tomorrow:
U.S. Senate: In Session (TBD) - LIVE

C-SPAN3
Tomorrow
Senate Commerce Subcmte.: Response to Tsunami Generated Debris (10:30am) - LIVE

C-SPAN RADIO

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, May 16, 2012

                              Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

Some clichés stick around for a reason – and right now, “sell in May and go away” looks like a perfectly accurate evaluation of this month on Wall Street.

The Dow has now fallen in nine of the past ten sessions, with the S&P 500 on an eight-of-ten losing streak, as investors continue to worry about Europe in general and Greece in particular.

Several new U.S. economic reports have a shot at influencing investor sentiment today, starting with April housing starts at 8:30am ET. Economists look for a 4.7 percent boost following a 5.8 percent increase in March.

At 9:15am ET, we’ll get the latest figures from the Federal Reserve on industrial production, with consensus forecasts calling for an April increase of 0.6 percent. Production had been unchanged in March.

At 2pm ET, the Fed is out with the minutes from the most recent FOMC policy meeting, and as usual, investors will look for even the slightest hints that a QE3 might be on the horizon.

Retail earnings reports dominate this morning’s otherwise light earnings calendar, with Target (TGT), Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), and Staples (SPLS) all out with quarterly numbers. We’ll also get quarterly results from Deere & Co. (DE).  Another retailer, Limited Brands (LTD), will be out with quarterly results after today’s closing bell.

J.C. Penney (JCP) leads our list of stocks to watch, getting pummeled in after-hours trading after it reported an 18.9% drop in first quarter same store sales, a much bigger drop than Wall Street had expected. It also omitted its dividend, in what some view as at least an initial rejection of new CEO Ron Johnson’s makeover strategy.

General Motors (GM) makes the watch list on two fronts: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) has revealed a 10 million share stake in the automaker, according to the company’s latest 13F filing.  GM also revealed that it does not plan to continue advertising on Facebook (FB).

That filing also reveals a new Berkshire stake in Viacom (VIAB), as well as increased stakes in Wal-Mart (WMT), Wells Fargo (WFC), Bank of NY Mellon (BK), and DirecTV (DTV).  It’s cut its stakes in Intel (INTC), Kraft Foods (KFT), Procter & Gamble (PG), and Dollar General (DG).

Grocery store chain Safeway (SWY) has raised its quarterly dividend by 21 percent to $0.175 per share from $0.145.

Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA) shares could be under some pressure today, as the drugmaker announces plans for a new common stock offering. It did not, however, say how much stock it might sell and at what price.

Liberty Media (LMCA) has upped its stake in Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) to more than 25 percent from about 20 percent, according to a new SEC filing.  Liberty has already received regulatory clearance to buy as much as 35 percent of Live Nation.

BHP Billiton (BHP) is predicting a continued slump in commodity prices, a factor that’s prompting the mining giant to cut back on investment plans that would have seen about $80 billion go towards new projects by 2015.

THQ (THQ) reported a fiscal fourth quarter loss, as the videogame maker tries to avert a stock de-listing. THQ is facing an uphill battle with a weak market and stronger, larger rivals like Electronic Arts (EA) and Activision Blizzard (ATVI).

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Did I hear DIVIDE and CONQUER - Walker said and did it - BARRETT did it in Milwaukee


MILWAUKEE(MPA) - The recent clamor is a released "Got-sha" tape of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker using "Divide and Conquer" as his strategy to B-R-E-A-K U-P the collective bargaining process in Wisconsin.   Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

It is an ole Caucasian strategy called Willie Lynching - used for generations to keep African Americans behind the 8th Ball - Discrimination - Segregation - Bigotry - Demonizing - Incarceration - UNEMPLOYMENT - Enduring Concentrated Poverty.

The difference in the two, Walker and Barrett, Walker did it primarily to Caucasians (the ones with the jobs) to get MONEY/Favor AND Mayor Tom Barrett did it to Milwaukeeans, primarily African Americans and other People of Color, by taking jobs and government funding resources from African Americans and other People of Color and giving to Caucasians - IN and OUT of the City of Milwaukee.

So, why would People of Color vote in mass for to elect either one?
What guarantee do they have that Barrett will do differently?   He recently SNUBBED the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce Democratic Candidates for Governor Forum, May 2, 2012 - Wisconsin African American Women's Center, 3020 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee,Wisconsin.   Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

How could there be a change of heart for to vote either way?

What do you think?
mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com

WOMEN of Color in MILWAUKEE - A Hidden talent


MILWAUKEE (MPA) - The median age of the over half-million population in Milwaukee is 31 years. Our pioneers of the now and future.

For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.2 males.
Ninety percent of social security is the main source of income for women in America. Milwaukee women are in that 90% with an affinity of a high rate due to Enduring Concentrated Poverty.

Women of Color have/can provide so much more for themselves and their family when they are able to gain decent employment for themselves - being employed as well as through their entrepreneurism.

They are a major source for producing competitive per capital income.

Many, if not most Women of Color work more than one job to provide an income. The downside is that the more than one job takes her away from family and still does not produce a family supporting wage/income.

Milwaukee Professionals Association see women as an "Oasis" in the urban environment.
They provide the DNA/Definite Need Always glue for the family.
They get up everyday and provide the love and guidance for their children and significant other.

The social environment for mainstreaming misses so much by the lack of engagement of the riches Women of Color can bring to "any" engagement. MPA sees academic and technological attainment as a must do for our families of our neighborhood.

The heavy engagement of our trifecta of public schools (UW-M/University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, MATC/Milwaukee Area Technical College and MPS/Milwaukee Public Schools) are a major part of turning around quality of life and economic opportunity for Women of Color - a Hidden Talent.

I have seen parents in MPS/Milwaukee Public Schools that want to participate but are not allowed.
I have seen parents in the neighborhood of Milwaukee with so much "match-value". They could give to receive. They would give volunteerism a NEW name to get academic and practical training. They have so much knowledge from "writing-the-hands-on book" everyday for caregiving, solving challenges/being strategists, tweaking budgets/being economists, providing discipline/being disciplinarians and the heads of household - many with shackles of poverty.
ALL Hands on Deck, WE, Not Me Initiative says we must re-define, re-brand and un-trap these women and increase the bounty of our URBAN neighborhoods.

What do you think?
Email: mpapublicpolicyreview@gmail.com

Congrats to DRYHOOTCH.ORG on Brady - Site No. 2


MILWAUKEE(MPA) - Milwaukee Professionals Association salutes Dryhootch.org for their continued onward and upward charge.  They will open their second site on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 11:00am directly across from the Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee.

This location is the first FOB (Forward Operating Base) model that focuses on the serious legal and social challenges veterans are facing today.

This opening will also focus on a coalition of community partners moving to address the many legal challenges that returning veterans are facing with our legal system
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The 11:00AM ceremony on May 16th will include remarks by 
Congresswoman Gwen Moore (invited), Milwaukee County Judge Yamahiro, District Attorney
John Chisholm, WI State Public Defender Tom Reed, CVI (Center for Veterans Issues) Vice President & Veteran - Dawn Nuoffer, and Tom Voss, OIF Veteran, and Vice President of Dryhootch.




Bob Curry, President/Founder of Dryhootch describes the importance of this event; “We have partnered this past year and a half with CVI on our “Band of Brothers & Sisters Project” to bring programs to veterans in need. We have always wanted to be near the VA, where veterans in treatment can walk to ask for services, attending meetings like AA or PTSD, or just sit and chat with other vets over a cup of coffee. The demands of our newest generation of warriors are unfortunately skyrocketing”

Judge Yamahiro stated, “DryHootch is a key partner to the criminal justice system in our efforts to assist veterans in their struggle to overcome addiction, enhance mental health, and ensure that they successfully access the assistance available to them that they have earned through their service to the country.  It has been proven that peer mentoring is a key component to sustained success for veterans in recovery and we are fortunate to have DryHootch to provide this essential service.”

“We know our Vietnam Veterans who lost 50,000 in combat, saw over ½ million become incarcerated in our jails and prisons due to non existent treatment of their PTSD & TBI issues. We have partnered with CVI, AmeriCorp, our courts, the District Attorney and the Public Defenders office to bring treatment as part of a required outcome to a veterans legal issues in order to stop the spiral into hell of our veterans, their families, and the communities they impact.”

Founded in 2008, Dryhootch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to “helping veterans and their families who survived the war, survive the peace.”  Dryhootch provides peer-to-peer counseling for veterans and their families for help with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol addiction, family reintegration and women veterans issues.  Dryhootch also offers a coffee house where veterans, their families and friends can congregate in an alcohol/drug-free environment. Dryhootch operates another Milwaukee location at 1030 E Brady Street. Dryhootch is also opening its Madison location on May 19, 201

Website Info
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Milwaukee Professionals Association supports Dryhootch.org, a neighborhood organization.