LARSON Weekly Report - January 19, 2012

Dear Friend,

This past year has been one of little progress, especially in the area of job creation and economic growth. Below we look at the partisan road blocks that have prevented our state from moving forward.

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
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Wisconsin at a Standstill, Forward No More
Wisconsin is the birthplace of progressive reform, the home of progressive leader Fighting Bob La Follette, and boasts the motto "Forward" on its state flag. Our state's history and traditions center around the ability of Wisconsinites to work together to keep our state moving in the right direction.

Unfortunately, under Governor Walker's control, Wisconsin has become divided like never before, bringing common sense reform and work on real solutions to a stand still. Like a car that has run out of gas, our state is currently stalled, even on issues that garner bipartisan support. Below we will examine issues that remain untouched and ignored by Governor Walker and Republican legislators.

Job Creation and Support for Small Business
Governor Walker's major campaign promise was to create 250,000 jobs by 2014. To reach this promise, he should have been creating approximately 5,200 jobs each month. However, his promise remains unfulfilled. Under Governor Walker's leadership, which began in January 2011, the number of jobs Wisconsin has created is quickly approaching zero as we have lost jobs every month since his budget went into effect. Over the past year, Governor Walker has created less than 1% of the jobs he promised.

The charts below are provided by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization BadgerStat and tracks Wisconsin's monthly job creation and the goal of reaching 250,000 jobs by 2014.




Governor Walker also called for two special session this year under the guise of prioritizing job creation in our state. Unfortunately, the governor chose to take advantage of this fiscal crisis to give away our school funds and middle-class tax breaks to large corporations in one of the biggest special interest giveaways in state history totaling $2.3 billion.

Democrats, on the other hand, made jobs their main focus this session by:
-- Unveiling a jobs package of 10 bills on the first day of session designed to put our unemployed Wisconsinites back to work

-- Introducing legislation to encourage investment in start-up businesses, increase access to capital for small businesses, and expand grant programs to provide training in manufacturing

-- Proposing an additional package of nine bills aimed at giving our workers much-needed training and connecting skilled workers with potential employers

Despite our hard work, dedication and commitment to advancing these job creation measures, extremists continue to throw up partisan road blocks. As a result, these measures are currently languishing in their assigned committees unable to move forward.

Other Legislative Priorities On Hold
Job creation and economic growth are not the only issue areas with bills being held hostage by the majority party. There are many other legislative initiatives that Wisconsinites would like to see move forward that are being held up by Governor Walker and Republican legislators. Below are just a few examples of bills that continue to be ignored by Governor Walker and Republican leadership despite having bipartisan support or approval from the majority of Wisconsinites:

-- Strengthening Wisconsin's lax drunk driving laws through increased used of ignition interlock devices

-- Returning the $35 million cut from our technical colleges, which are crucial for producing skilled workers

-- Ensuring voters can get the documents needed to obtain a photo ID free of charge
Requiring ethics reports to be filed by members of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to prevent fraud

-- Applying our Open Meetings Laws to the Wisconsin State Legislature

-- Providing adequate funding for women's health services such as breast exams, pap smears and birth control

-- Immediately removing the caps on FamilyCare that were wrongfully imposed by Governor Walker and his administration

-- Turning down $38 million federal grants to help Wisconsin implement portions of federal health care law, which provides coverage for pre-existing conditions and ensures the majority of funds are spent on patient coverage not profits

-- Allowing cooperation between municipalities in order to save money

-- Restoring funding to the recycling program, preventing a cost-shift to local government who already faced cuts to shared revenue in the budget

Wisconsin deserves better. Traditionally, it has been the Wisconsin way to put our partisanship aside in troubled times to get things done. Governor Walker has soundly rejected this tradition.
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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

Remembering Ms. Etta "Jamesetta Hawkings" James - January 20, 2012

January 25, 1938 -
January 20, 2012

RIVERSIDE, CA - Today, January 20, 2012, Jamesetta Hawkins, known as Etta James, died from complications of leukemia. She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. James died at a hospital in Riverside, California. She would have turned 74 Wednesday.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," De Leon - friend and manager, said. "She was a true original who could sing it all -- her music defied category".

CLICK for full story
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In 2010, she performed on Dancing with the Stars her classic, At Last - take a listen

CNBC.com - Today's Primer, January 20, 2012

US stock index futures pointed to a mixed open for Wall Street, with Greece still locked in talks with private creditors over a haircut on some of its bonds and ahead of earnings by market bellwether General Electric.

In the technology sector, Intel, IBM and Microsoft all beat street estimates in afternoon earnings reports Thursday, but Google missed, sending its shares down.
General Electric is due to release earnings at 6:30 am New York time and the conglomerate's report could set the tone for the market.

In Europe, Greece is in talks with private creditors over the details of a haircut on some of its bonds, agreed to a while ago as part of an aid agreement with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

General Motors has reclaimed again the top spot as the world's biggest-selling carmaker, dethroning Toyota for the first time since 2007.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett raised his stake in UK retailer Tesco after the company, which is the third largest retailer in the world, warned on profits last week.

In other news in the technology sector, a German court ruled against Samsung in a patent battle against Apple, part of the legal war the two giants are waging.

And in politics, Republican candidates Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum held a fierce televised debate two days before the South Carolina primary, which could decide the fate of the race.

MILWAUKEE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION endorses Candidate Evoy Biddle for Alderman of the 15th District

Candidate Evoy Biddle - The People's Candidate

"We are with excitement endorsing Candidate Evoy Biddle for stepping forward and running for the seat of Alderman for the 15th District in the City of Milwaukee - How exciting and refreshing," said Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association. "We call for ALL HANDS ON DECK to push this WORTHY candidate over the finish line."
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NAME CORRECTION - Spelling
January 20, 2012

EYON BIDDLE
instead of

Evoy Biddle

2012 Roll Call - CODE OF CONDUCT

January 19, 2012

Milwaukeeans have a right to:

-- A viable - safe, comfortable, clean environment that promotes sound opportunities of quality of life and economic development.

-- A courteous and knowledgeable Milwaukee delegation of elected officials from city, county, school board, state and federal government.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that do their homework, know the desires of their constituency and represent their district-city with state-of-the-art knowledge and ethical behavior.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that appoint/hire/bring-to-the-table Milwaukeeans that will represent the People, that take seriously the position, that work and report to the people for solutions and keep the elected/appointed representatives informed.

-- A Milwaukee delegation with a high TRUST level in representation of stock/stakeholders' well-being and their resources - land use, real estate, taxes, and public policies.

-- A Milwaukee delgation that promotes education-technology-research attainment of each Milwaukeean with a 2020 competitiveness.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that makes government services accessible to all the citizenry with constant enforcement and upgrades using the in-the-neighborhood/from the neighborhood strategic planning groups.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that seeks and respect the citizenry to guide and monitor uses of HUD/Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Education, Department of Health Services, Department of Justice, Department of Department of Labor, Environmental Protective Agency and other federal funding resources rather than at-will gifts to cronies, pet projects and election paybacks.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that recommend/appoint/hires and TRAIN Milwaukeeans, especially critical mass of African American, other People of Color and the Work Challeged (un-, under-employed; un-, under-degreed and certificated; un-, under-financed neighborhood-level business; disabled; and re-entry - especially those returning from WAR, INCARCERATION, BOOMERANG EMPLOYMENT, BOOMERANG RETIREMENT and DEGREED students without employment).

-- A Milwaukee delegation that provides a prompt response to inquiries.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that RESPECT the citizenry and promotes high standards in customer care AND TRANSPARENCY.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that review annually all cabinet employees with decision making departments that provide services at the city, county and school board level - that the evaluations are equal to the review process of the budget selections for the mayor, common council president, county executive, chairman supervisor, and school board president.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that RENEW appointed positions in timely timeframes to help avoid Conflict of Interest.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that HONOR the Oath of office.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that help to ensure that they "self-evaluate" for ethical conduct.

-- A Milwaukee delegation that comes together annually to review common cause, state statutes and Enduring Concentrated Poverty.

CLICK for more.

2012 ROLL CALL - CODE OF CONDUCT for Milwaukee Common Council

January 19, 2012

MILWAUKEE, WI - Milwaukee Professionals Association observation from 2005-2010 (5-Year Signature Plan 2005-2010) revealed patterns of behavior. For today's disclosure, we share the following behavior patterns:

-- Outsourcing of wealth by those elected-appointed-hired-volunteered and Donor-for-hire (lack of awareness, resolutions and committee votes).

-- Outsourcing of resources - strategic information, jobs, tax increment financing, special projects, real estate, real estate development, business development, education attainment and technology attainment (appointments on committees, boards, panels and advisory groups).

-- In the case of Mayor Tom Barrett and Common Council President Willie Hines, they appear to be the traffic cops for the MILWAUKEE 7, MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE and GREATER MILWAUKEE COMMITTEE. Since 'donor groups' are affiliated with these organizations, you will find members of the donor groups sitting on powerful committees and/or ad hoc designators and making decisions about how the Milwaukee citizenry government funding is spent - ACTS that do not have the permission of the People. They are primarily people of privilege and many do not live in the City of Milwaukee.

-- In the case of Mayor Barrett, the
Departments of City Development-Rocky Marcoux and Martha Brown, Public Works-Jefferey Mantes, Neighborhood Services-Marty Collinsand the Public library-Paula Kiely, Assessor's office-Mary Reavey and Community Development Block Grant-Steven Mahan have long ran amuck in code of conduct conducive to office.

There is a CULTURE that is discriminatory and arrogance; 'we do it this way and we do not care what you document, what you ask for as public records OR what you think.'

In the case of the Department of City Development, it is too large and need bi-annual auditing for compliances and growth. It is a mini government unto itself - ran exclusively by Marcoux. Inappropriate. Some of the same can be said of the Department of Public Works. Our records found private companies like WE Energies and Warner Cable with authorities that led the decision and coverage of the Department of Public Works.

The various committees (i.e., city planning and BOZA - Board of Zoning and Appeal) were ran by a select group with no insight to speak of. Appointments are sometime seen to be "endless" - Inappropriate. They are always majority-to-all Caucasian based.

City Plan Commission

Fourth of July Commission

Housing Authority

Milwaukee Arts Board

Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation

Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp. (NIDC)

Redevelopment Authority

-- Patterns of "clickish" maneuvers that disenfranchised the stockholders-Milwaukeeans. The groups were made-up of cronies, self-appointed or appointed, based on reason for placement - often seen as a payback for elections.

Then there are those who appear to be,
-- Manipulators and lobbyists for outside power sources. They are often found on various committees and/or appointed members that do absolutely nothing for Milwaukeeans, especially African American, other People of Color and the Work-Challenged (un-, under-employed; un-, under-degreed and certificated; un-, under-financed neighborhood-level business; disabled; and re-entry - especially those returning from WAR, INCARCERATION, BOOMERANG EMPLOYMENT, BOOMERANG RETIREMENT and DEGREED students without employment).

-- visible was pure "arrogance" on the part of veteran elected officials - a sense of 'entitlement' to office and 'because I said so' response to their behavior and/or actions on committees or creation of resolutions.

The same type of behavior has been seen by the "NEWEST" alderpersons - last four years.

Perhaps there is a fungus that takes over the Call to serve the people - to provide integrity to the council. At any rate, Milwaukee Professionals Association feels that the status of Milwaukee - continuous growth of ENDURING CONCENTRATED POVERTY puts the spotlight on the mayor, common council, comptroller, Treasurer and city attorney for the 2012 Election.
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Accountability
The mayor is held accountable for his cabinet members, appointed and the hired staff that make up the departments of the city and his personal staff - notorious for "no response" for public information and return of calls.

We do not feel the positions belong to any particular party, group or individual.

Since it is the responsibility of the candidate to show why they should be elected, we will provide office scrutiny on the merits, what has been seen - The Roll Call.

This is the beginning of the Roll Call for this election cycle.
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We can not AFFORD career politicians that fail to honor the Constitution (federal and state), provide integrity to the office they serve in, honor the Oath of office, RESPECT stakeholders/stockholder that live-in, work-in, do business with, invest-in, go to school in, go to worship in and raise a family in the City of Milwaukee.

‘Red Tails’ resonates: Local Tuskegee Airman to see new film about famed African-American World War II fighter pilots (with movie trailer)

Photo: TUSKEGEE AIRMAN - Clarence Dart, 91 years old

By PAUL POST
ppost@saratogian.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Clarence Dart, a Wesley Health Care Center resident, doesn’t usually go out to the movies.

But this Friday, he’ll make an exception.

Dart, his wife, Millie, and their family members can’t wait to see the new release “Red Tails,” which is about the famed Tuskegee Airmen — segregated African-American fighter pilots — that Dart belonged to during World War II.

“It’s important to have a movie like this,” said Dart’s son, Warren, a Maple Avenue Middle School teacher. “I wouldn’t know this history if my father wasn’t a Tuskegee Airman. They didn’t teach it when I was in school. It wasn’t talked about.”

CLICK for Full story

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Movie Trailer - Red Tails

The new George Lucas film “Red Tails,” a movie about the famed Tuskegee Airmen, will open in theaters nationwide Friday.
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Thanks to the shout-out of support for viewing by Steve Mussenden - President, WI Black Chamber of Commerce, we offer the above article and support our visit to see this movie by Lucas. It is so important to note that Lucas has had this movie in mind for over a decade and funding was a barrier - He finally put the money up himself. Let's take it over the top by visiting and learning. Thanks a bunch!

Milwaukee Professionals Association 2011 "Calling a Spade-a-Spade"

January 18, 2012

MILWAUKEE, WI - Today, Milwaukee Professionals Association released the 2011 Calling a Spade-a-Spade designation. It was given to County Supervisor Gerry Broderick of the 3rd District for his December 19, 2011 Press Release:
MMAC EDUCATION PLAN LACKS EXPERTISE.



Supervisor Broderick released the following statement:

“It has been announced that members of the MMAC have devised a strategy to ‘close the education gap’ in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). That’s nice of them to take such interest, but who elected them to make these decisions? Who do they represent? What type of special expertise do they have on education? Are they under the false impression that they’re on the MPS Board?"

For FULL release, CLICK

VET Peer Orientation Opportunity - Dryhootch.org

Time: January 21, 2012 from 9:30am to 11am

Location: Dryhootch Brady Street
Address: 1030 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414) 763-2785
Email: veterans@dryhootch.org

Organized By: Band of Brothers & Sisters

Event Description:
Ever think of volunteering to be a Peer to a Veteran or Family Member?
Join us this Saturday @ Dryhootch Brady Street at 9:30AM for a cup of coffee & danish and learn what becoming a Peer Mentor is all about!
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Milwaukee Professionals Association supports Dryhootch.org, a neighborhood-level organization.

CNBC.com - TODAY'S PRIMER

January 18, 2012

Stock index futures signaled slight gains for Wall Street at the open as investors looked ahead to earnings from Goldman Sachs but kept a close eye on developments in Europe.

Shares in Europe were lower in Wednesday morning trade, pressured by concerns over Greek debt restructuring talks which broke down last week.
International creditors will meet the Greek government later on Wednesday to resume the talks.

An upcoming sale of 6 and 11-month bills by Portugal, its first auction since Standard & Poor’s rating agency downgraded the country to speculative grade last Friday, also kept gains in check.

Back in the U.S., Goldman Sachs reports fourth-quarter results at 8 am New York time.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the group to have earned $1.27 per share in the quarter on revenue of $6.54 billion.

Among economic data on tap, the Mortgage Bankers Association releases weekly mortgage application numbers at 7 am, while December producer prices are out at 8.30 am. December industrial production figures are released at 9.15 am.

Yahoo is among companies in focus on Wednesday after co-founder Jerry Yang quit the company to appease shareholders.

Milwaukee Professionals Association 2011 Drum Major Selection - Supervisor Biddle and Senator Larson

January 17, 2012

MILWAUKEE, WI - Today, Milwaukee Professionals Association announced its 1st Drum Major Selection of Wisconsin Legislators. They are:

-- Evoy Biddle, County Supervisor, 10th District - Milwaukee
-- Chris Larson, State Senator, 7th District - Milwaukeee

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

Senator Larson and Supervisor Biddle were selected for their "hit-the-floor-running" attitude for empowering the people of their constituencies as well as the overall betterment of the state.

They are both NEW legislators that have visibly shown their respect for the People, respect of their Oath, passion and commitment over the last year.

Senator Larson's efforts to save the diginity of Wisconsinites by leaving the state with colleagues regarding the uproar for legislators to sign-off, constantly speaking out on issues(wrongdoings of the governor, his fellow legislators, voting-Badger Care-drunk driving-students, seniors, etc.), constant creation and support of public policies and his weekly report to keep the People informed led to his selection.

County Supervisor Biddle continued his special leadership style from his prior union position. His emphasis on Milwaukeeans embraced the creation of legislation for employment, while working on public policy issues that are glaring in Milwaukee but seem to be him alone to voice (crime, employment gap, youth support/leadership, voting, quality of life and economic development issues).

Recently, he was recognized by other groups for his outstanding performance in such a short timeframe.

He is presently running for the Alderman in the City of Milwaukee - 15th District, challenging Common Council President Willie Hines.
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The Drum Major Legislator selection is given to a legislator (s) that exhibit principle-centered leadership, respect the privilege of serving the People and have a high level of expectation for themselves and building TRUST. They are honoring their Oath of Office.

They are looked at as models for the footsteps left by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"We are pleased to share our two selections for the 2011 Drum Major Legislators for Wisconsin, said Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association. "They are NEW and young legislators that take TRUST as their shield." "We admire both of their efforts and look forward to more cutting edge infrastructure public policy leadership."

Breaking News From News8000.com - 1MILLION petitions for Recall of Walker

Tuesday, january 17, 2012

Breaking News From News8000.com

UPDATE: Organizers collect 1 million signatures to recall Walker

Organizers of an effort to oust Wisconsin's Republican Gov. Scott Walker say
they are submitting 1 million petition signatures, almost double the number
needed to force a recall election.

more details

Remembering "MARTIN" at 83 years - A Man that keeps on Giving

Today is Rev./Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

--Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

--Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.



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We honor "MARTIN" ON HIS 83RD BIRTHDAY - A man who continues to give.
January 15,2012

LARSON Weekly Report - January 12, 2012

Dear Friend,

Committee meetings have resumed and the Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 17. During this time of strong political currents being felt across the state, it is crucial that we all continue constant vigilance by reviewing proposals as they are hurried through the legislative process.

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

Governor Can Make Any Issue Divisive
Governor Walker proved once again this past week that he cannot work together with others on such bipartisan issues as finding savings for Wisconsin taxpayers. The supposedly bipartisan Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission was scheduled to release a report detailing additional savings at the end of the year. Unfortunately, this Commission became little more than a political propaganda ploy. The Commission rarely met, chose to ignore members of the minority party, avoided important subject matter, and denied members the opportunity to vote on or approve the final report it produced.

Governor Walker derived his Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission from a campaign pledge in which he promised to find $300 million in waste, fraud and abuse in state government. Walker created the Commission through Executive Order #2 on January 3, 2011. The order required the Commission to “identify waste, fraud and abuse in state government programs and state appropriations and recommend solutions.” The Commission was expected to identify new savings of state tax dollars to uphold Governor Walker’s promise. Unfortunately, the Commission was a failure.

Instead Walker's report takes credit for savings the state has nothing to do with or savings already accounted for from previous actions of state government. In response to the Walker report, we offered an honest, straight-forward alternative that does not take credit for previous state government action, future federal action or budgeting gimmicks. The alternative plan contains potential savings of hundreds of millions of dollars each biennium.

The Commission heard testimony on the significant money government can save when municipalities are allowed to work cooperatively. Unfortunately, the Governor continues to restrict local government from working together on such simple things as filling potholes. The Governor also chose to ignore his own report by refusing to fill staff positions dedicated to catching corporate tax cheats.

Finding savings and efficiencies in government is something that we can all agree is necessary. There is no reason for Governor Walker to turn such important efforts into a political game.

Click here to read a copy of the report released by the Commission.

Click here to view a copy of the alternative report.


Getting Our Veterans Back to Work
I am co-sponsoring legislation that will help get our veterans, who have given so much to our community, state and nation, back to work.

LRB 3631 is a bipartisan effort to support our disabled veterans in these tough economic times. This legislation will encourage employers to hire disabled veterans through a series of tax credits. The aim of these tax credits is to not only inspire employers to hire disabled veterans, but also incentivize long-term employment.

Unemployment among veterans is above the national average and unemployment among disabled veterans is especially distressing. This legislation will allow employers to put more of our veterans back to work so that they can support themselves and their families.

It is important to remember how much our service men and women have given for us. In exchange for their valiant service, the least we can do is promote employment and prosperity. Therefore, I will be enthusiastically supporting LRB 3631, to get our disabled veterans back into the workforce.

Click here to read a copy of this bill.
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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

Milwaukee Professionals Association adds The Voice of Russia Radio for its viewers

World service
USA Live
January 13, 2012

NEW YORK-WASHINGTON,DC-LONDON - The Voice of Russia Radio has been added for a broader base of global perspestives. Tune in for your interest and expansion.
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WEF names global risks of coming decade

According to the 2012 Global Risks report made by the experts of the World Economic Forum (WEF) much of the world is to face dystopia: the opposite of utopia in the coming ten years, where life will be full of hardship and devoid of hope, as a constellation of fiscal, demographic and societal risks converge. The list of main risks includes mass protests, water and food deficit, unemployment and cyber attacks.

Ahead of the World Economic Forum summit which is traditionally to be held in Davos in late January, the international organization interviewed almost 500 experts from industry, government, academia and civil society to compile its Global Risks report. They were asked to evaluate 50 global risks across five categories – economic, environmental, geopolitical, social and technological – to formulate its conclusions. The experts made their evaluations using a 5 point scale where 1 point meant that the given risk is almost ruled out and 5 points - that this risk will have almost a 100% impact on our society. For full story, CLICK
===

TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO
Go to and CLICK this icon at the top of the page middle.

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM - Davos, Switzerland

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Milwaukee Professionals Association will release its 2012 MANIFESTO later today. It embraces findings of the 2011 World Economic Forum report.
==========================

Economic imbalances and social inequality risk reversing the gains of globalization, warns the World Economic Forum in its report Global Risks 2012. These are the findings of a survey of 469 experts and industry leaders who worry that the world’s institutions are ill-equipped to cope with today’s interconnected, rapidly evolving risks. The findings of the survey fed into an analysis of three major risk cases: Seeds of Dystopia; Unsafe Safeguards and the Dark Side of Connectivity. Report also analyses the top 10 risks in five categories - economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological.

CLICK "Global Risks" TO OPEN TODAY'S DIALOG - 2012 World Economic Forum.
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Mayor Tom Barrett and Governor Scott Walker get 2011 Who's Who in Pot & Kettle

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Professionals Association has a series of recognitions for the year 2011 based on the lack of Principle-Centered Leadership, Best Practices, Transparency, Accountability as well as exempliary Code of Conduct.
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POT & KETTLE designation

The 2011 Pot & Kettle Award is given to:
-- Mayor Tom Barrett (Mayor of Milwaukee)
-- Governor Scott Walker (Governor of Wisconsin).

Both Barrett and Walker have failed to honor their Oath of Office for honoring both the state/national Constitution and Code of Conduct appropriate to office.
=====================

Christmas, December 25, 2011
Both the governor and mayor had the nerve to show up soliciting votes at the 2011 WMCS/1290 and Salvation Army Christmas Dinner at the Frontier Center, December 25, 2011.

Walker got behind the line with family member and served food prepared by volunteers for the annual dinner; while Barrett and family members worked the tables and lines.

Given their lack of concern over the years and 2011 for the Milwaukeeans present for the FREE meal, People of Color and Work-Challenged - their visits were seen as very disingenuous and "self-serving".

Below are some of the reasons they are Milwaukee Professionals Association 2011 Pot & Kettle Designees. Their selection includes a composite of past performances since it is the election session.
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TOM BARRETT
-- Failure to respond to Request for Public Information.

Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee has been in office since 2004. He has managed to do absolutely NOTHING to fulfill his 2004 Inaugural Speech - after heated racially-charged election.

Over the last 7 years, the mayor has taken a 720 degrees turn and he has been AWOL - absent without leave. Some notables are:

-- Outright DISCRIMINATION and OUTSOURCING of resources of the City of Milwaukee; i.e., recent trip to China with University of Wisconsin Chancellor for Chinese students (6506 MILES but can not come/go 2.1 mile to King Drive.

-- Failed City of Milwaukee Employment and business development at the neighborhood level; i.e., Wilson Disparity Report of 2010, endless reports of poverty; and recent visit to Community Brainstorm with Economic Czar Don Sykes - CLICK for article.

-- Milwaukee designated one of the 16 cities of Enduring Concentrated poverty in case study by Federal Reserve System and Brookings Institution - 2008 (when he was elected 2nd time - NO IMPROVEMENT). CLICK to hear/see Mayor Barrett as Keynote speaker at the Federal Reserve.

-- BRONZEVILLE DISTRICT remain desolate and lacking completion while Schiltz building gets next make-over and Manpower received a brand NEW building (with over 1million dollar prequisite parking structure.

--Failed 2006 BROADBAND network for Milwaukee.

-- Failed plan with Frank Cumberbatch and ALL businesses in Milwaukee during first term.

-- Partnering with Tom Sheehy, MMAC/Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, Julie Taylor, Greater Milwaukee Committee and Milwaukee 7 Co-Chairs (Gale Klappa, WE Energies, Ed Zore, Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, Michael Grebe, Lynn and Harry Bradley Foundation, Steve Smith, Journal Communications, Dennis Kuester, M & I Bank and Mary Ellen Stanek, Robert W. Baird) - All Caucasians and from present files, they live outside of Milwaukee.

-- Privileged group, MEDC, Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation - CLICK to see privileged members, endless memberships.

-- Questionable links/conflict of interest, especially Julie Penman, Carla Cross and Fred Lubar.

-- COA questionable purchase of the PAL - Police Athletic League Center to COA - Children Outing Association on Burleigh.

-- Failed to correct "wrongful" organizing of BID 32and therefore collecting multiple taxes of stakeholders and allowing a process to go uncorrected - Business Improvement District 32

-- Used City of Milwaukee website for personal marketing of the Milwaukee 7.

-- Used public funds (Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, State Workforce Development and University of Wisconsin) for the Milwaukee 7.

-- Failed "Take-over" - Milwaukee Public Schools (2010).

-- Against/Fought 9-5 Paid Sick Initiative for Milwaukeeans.

-- Failed to address issues, best practices of cabinet and personal staff.

-- Failure to provide "public information".-- Streetcar use of transportation dollars.

-- Mega funding for corporations that have little to show for massive funding; i.e., We Energies, Manpower and Harley Davidson

Incomplete list

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER
Scott Walker has a long history of "do-nothing" for the people of Milwaukee, especially in improving quality of life and economic development.

-- Failed administration as Milwaukee County Executive - AWOL when providing providing specifics to create engines for employment - known for huge lay-offs (i.e., park employees and other county staff) without infrastructure equity and ease - created quality of life issues during summer use of parks.

-- Failed to honor public information.

-- Cut programs with little to no regard of the existence and hardship of Milwaukeeans - health and transportation related.

-- Member of Milwaukee 7 and offered NO relief in the Spatial Mismatch designation for the City of Milwaukee from Enduring Concentrated Poverty case study - Federal Reserve System and Brookings Institution(same as Barrett). CLICK and select Milwaukee to the left, page 159.

-- Entered governorship and wiped out collective bargaining practices in Wisconsin.

-- Failed to honor proposed jobs on the table when he entered office but claim jobs, jobs, jobs was his major agenda.

-- In July, 2011, used unerelated Milwaukee Summerfest employment numbers for to boost claim of jobs claim report for the month.

-- Failure to provide leadership in the oath of office when asked to review and correct (Open Letter from Milwaukee Professionals Association) University of WI Regents Discrimination in the selection of the 8th Chancellor - Michael Lovell, huge funds to be given to Freshwater Science, Nursing, Innovation and Master plan.

-- Failure to respond to request from Milwaukee Professionals Association regarding lack of response from cabinet members i.e., Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch, Department of Commerce Secretary Paul Jadin and WI Government Accountability Board.

-- Failure to include African American, other People of Color and the Work-Challenged to create sustainability in the largest city - Milwaukee (place he held office as Milwaukee County Executive).

DISCRIMINATION by-design, an example of omission of African American and People of Color in Walker's "Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Spirit"


To see Walker's Inaugural speech text, CLICK
Incomplete list

2012 World Economic Forum - Davos, Switzerland

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - January 11, 2012

It is time for the 2012 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Milwaukee Professionals Association/M-P-A is using the 2011 Risk Report as one of the guides for the 2012 M-P-A Manifesto coming out tomorrow.
CLICK for this year's Introduction video.

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER

January 11, 2012

Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

The U.S. stock market goes into the new trading day with some positive momentum, as both the Dow and the S&P 500 post their highest closes in more than five months.
The Nasdaq is coming off four straight days of gains, the first such streak in more than a month.

There are no government economic numbers set for release today, but investors will be looking forward to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book.

The region-by-region assessment of the nation’s economy is set for release at 2pm ET.

The Mortgage Bankers Association will be out with its weekly look at mortgage applications at 7am ET, and the Energy Department will releases its weekly look at oil and gasoline inventories at 10:30am ET.

Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker will be live on Squawk Box at 8am ET in a CNBC exclusive interview, while three other Federal Reserve officials are set for speeches today, all focusing on the economic outlook.

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart will give breakfast speeches, while Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser has a lunchtime engagement.

On the earnings calendar, home builder Lennar (LEN) and supermarket operator Supervalu (SVU) will release their quarterly numbers this morning, while no reports of note are scheduled for release after the closing bell.

Crocs (CROX) is a stock to watch this morning, after saying its fourth quarter revenue will be at the high end of its prior guidance.

Urban Outfitters (URBN) took a 10% hit in after-hours trading, following news that chief executive officer Glen Senk has resigned. He’ll be replaced by company co-founder and chairman Richard Hayne.

We’ll watch shares of NYSE Euronext (NYX), as EU officials have preliminarily rejected the proposed merger with Deutsche Boerse, although intense lobbying efforts are still underway to save the deal.

Retailer Coldwater Creek (CWTR) will be under pressure today, taking a 7% loss after-hours following a warning of a bigger than expected fourth quarter loss.

Intel (INTC) could see some positive action today as the company says Motorola and Lenovo will use Intel chips in new smartphones, an area where Intel has been less than successful in the past.

Another market to keep an eye on: orange juice futures, which have been soaring in recent days. They hit an all-time high in Tuesday’s trading on fears that the U.S. might ban imports from Brazil. The FDA is testing Brazilian orange juice for traces of an illegal fungicide

FCC Broadband update sounds very promising for URBAN neighborhoods

Backstory - January 9, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC - Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the FCC/Federal Communication Commission announced NEW developments through the FCC to expand the opportunities to help CLOSE the DIGITAL DIVIDE.

"It is great to hear of upcoming opportunities that have been adrift since 2005/6", said Mary Glass, Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association. "We worked back in 2005/6 on measures through FREEPRESS as well as on the local level to help see that strong emphasis was placed on connecting the half-million population to the internet. Mayor Tom Barrett, Common Council Chairman Willie Hines and the full Common Council have faltered badley in helping to ensure technology attainment in Milwaukee."

CLICK for Huffpost article that includes an interview about the lack of NET NEUTRALITY.

LARSON Weekly Report - January 5, 2012 Continued

Session to Resume this Month
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session is scheduled to resume on January 17. If you are looking to stay up-to-date on the issues that are important to you, I encourage you to take advantage of the following free legislative resources:

Wisconsin Legislative Notification System--An email notification system offered by the Legislature that alerts subscribers of legislative activities relating to issues that they have identified as important. Click here for more information.

Committee Calendars--Tracks all upcoming committee meetings and public hearings. Click here to view a copy of the calendar.

WisconsinEye--Provides the public with unfettered access to committee meetings, public hearings, session days and other government activities, which allows the public to view legislative debate and policy-making without editing, commentary or analysis. Click here to watch videos made available by WisconsinEye.

Eye on Lobbying--Keeps track of which organizations are opposing or supporting proposed legislation. Click here to visit this Web site offered by the Government Accountability Board.

BadgerStat--Offers credible, nonpartisan information about how Wisconsin is performing compared to other states and serves as a watchdog on state government. Click here to visit BadgerStat's Web site.

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER

January 10, 2012

Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

Wall Street enters the new day with some positive momentum, with the Nasdaq riding a three-day winning streak and the S&P 500 up for four of the past five sessions.

At this early stage, the Dow’s gains for January have already matched its advance for all of December.

On today’s economic calendar, the government releases November wholesale trade at 10am ET, with inventories expected to show a 0.6 percent increase following a 1.6 percent advance in October.

At the same time, the Labor Department is out with the monthly Job Opportunities and Labor Turnover Survey, popularly known as “JOLTS”.

And the Treasury is set to sell $32 billion dollars in 3-year notes, with the results of that auction available shortly after 1pm ET.

Though earnings season is officially underway with the release of Dow component Alcoa’s (AA) quarterly numbers, that milepost is not reflected in today's earnings calendar, which is virtually blank.

Nonetheless, Alcoa will get a good deal of attention, as its per-share loss was in with expectations and its revenues exceeded Street estimates.

Juniper Networks (JNPR) also makes our stocks to watch list, as it lowers guidance for its fourth quarter, citing weaker-than-expected network router demand from service providers.

Liz Claiborne (LIZ) took a 9 percent hit after-hours, as it cut its 2012 outlook and announced that chief financial officer Andrew Warren is leaving to join Discovery Communications as CFO.

Cirrus Logic (CRUS) saw a 7percent jump in after-hours trading, as it provided better than expected revenue guidance for its fiscal third and fourth quarters.

Shoe retailer Genesco (GCO) should see a boost in today’s trading, as it raises its fourth quarter earnings forecast on same-store sales that are exceeding its prior guidance.

Ford (F) chief financial officer Lewis Booth is reportedly planning to retire in the first half of this year. He had been seen as a possible eventual successor to chief executive officer Alan Mulally.

United Continental (UAL) has struck a tentative contract deal with its flight attendants union, the result of a mediation process that began in September.

And Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has been awarded $378 million in compensation for 2011, largely in the form of restricted stock that vests over a period of 10 years.

Milwaukee County Supervisors - The HONORED 9

L-R top: Chairman Lee Holloway - 5th District, Supervisor Lynne De Bruin - 15th District, Supervisor Gerry Broderick - 3rd District; L-R ROW 2, Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic - 4th District, Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr. - District 10, Supervisor Jason Haas - District 14; L-R ROW 3, Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas, District 18, Supervisor Peggy A. Romo West, District 12 and Supervisor Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., District 1

“Along with many of my colleagues, I am proud to receive this recognition from Fair Wisconsin,” Supervisor Dimitrijevic said. “From introduction through adoption, Fair Wisconsin and Equality Wisconsin were critical partners in our legislative success.”

“Fair Wisconsin has supported the County Board’s efforts to enhance equality every step of the way, and I’m glad we were able to improve equality in the workplace here in Milwaukee County government,” Supervisor Biddle added.
==============================

January 9, 2012

Harold Mester
Public Information Manager
Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
harold.mester@milwcnty.com
414-278-4051

Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, 4th District
Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr., 10th District
Chairman Lee Holloway, 5th District
Supervisor Gerry Broderick, 3rd District
Supervisor Lynne De Bruin, 15th District
Supervisor Jason Haas, 14th District
Supervisor Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., 1st District
Supervisor Peggy A. Romo West, 12th District
Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas, 18th District
SUPERVISORS TO RECEIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM FAIR WISCONSIN

Event honors Supervisors for significant contributions to the advancement of LGBT equality

CLICK for Press Release

LARSON Weekly Report - January 5, 2012

Dear Friend,

It is a new year and with every new year comes hope that change can happen. It is my hope that during this year, the Legislature can renew its commitment to open and transparent government and leave the past year of secrecy behind.

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, WI State Senator, 7th District
=============


Lifting the Veil of Secrecy
Under Governor Walker we have seen an ever-growing culture of secrecy and misdirection. Fortunately, as we enter the new year these efforts to keep the people of Wisconsin in the dark are starting to come to light. Just this week we saw indictments handed out to top Walker aides, verified that Governor Walker unjustly created a cap on FamilyCare and tried to take credit for its repeal, and saw Republican leaders harshly criticized for the backroom tactics used to draw the new legislative district maps. We will look at these events in more detail, in addition to others that occurred over the past year that steered Wisconsin off the path of transparency.

Removing the Unjust Cap on FamilyCare
During debate on Governor Walker's budget, my Democratic colleagues and I expressed our concerns about how people across Wisconsin would suffer because of the proposed cap on Medicaid programs, including FamilyCare. Since then, I have been contacted by hundreds of neighbors voicing their opposition to the cap and sharing how this change affected them personally or a family member.

It was hard for many of us to accept that cutting our safety net by imposing this devastating cap was even a possibility that could be considered by the Walker administration. As it turns out, it was not. Late last week we were made aware that caps placed on Wisconsin's Medicaid programs was not legal and as a result, the federal government ordered Governor Walker to lift the cap he placed on FamilyCare. Once session resumes, the Legislature will need to pass a bill to officially remove the current cap on Wisconsin's health safety net programs.

CNBC.com - TODAY'S PRIMER, January 6, 2012

CNBC.com - January 6, 2012
Despite little movement over the past two sessions, Wall Street’s major averages are poised to end the first week of 2012 with gains – depending largely, of course, on how the government’s December employment report comes in.

With Thursday’s gains, the S&P 500 finished at its highest since October 28, with the Nasdaq posting a nearly two-month closing high.

The jobs report is due at 8:30am ET, with economists looking for non-farm payroll growth of 155,000 jobs compared to November’s 120,000.

The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 8.7 percent from November’s 8.6 percent.
Wall Street will no doubt be focused on these numbers, though they will have speeches from Fed officials to consider as well.

New York Fed President William Dudley, Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, and Fed Governors Elizabeth Duke and Sarah Bloom Raskin all have speeches scheduled for today.

The earnings calendar is virtually blank this morning ahead of fourth quarter earnings season, which kicks off Monday afternoon with the release of quarterly numbers from Dow component Alcoa (AA).

Though its numbers aren’t out until next week, Alcoa is a stock to watch today, falling after-hours after announcing it would cut smelting capacity by 12 percent because of slowing demand and falling prices. It will take a charge of 15 to 16 cents per share for its fourth quarter as a result.

Restaurant operator Ruby Tuesday (RT) saw a 3 percent after-hours drop, as it swung to a fiscal second quarter loss and also lowered its profit outlook for the full year.

Family Dollar (FDO) may be under pressure today, though its fiscal first quarter earnings did match Wall Street estimates.

The shares were down about 3.3 percent after-hours as revenue missed analyst expectations.

RF Micro (RFMD) was a big loser in the after-hours session, falling 13 percent after poor demand led to a gloomy fiscal third quarter outlook.

We’ll watch the already beaten down shares of Eastman Kodak (EK) today, as S&P follows Moody’s in lowering its debt ratings for the former blue chip.

Transocean (RIG) also makes this morning’s watch list, as chief financial officer Ricardo Rosa steps down after just two years, with the company not explaining why Rosa left

All Hands on Deck - WE Have a Duty to Argue

MILWAUKEE/M-P-A - All Hands on Deck, WE, Not Me Initiative demands argument for clarity of the issues and pursuit of the goals of success.

We have a duty to "argue".
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Below is a revisit and excerpt from an article I wrote on March 3, 2005 in our Neighborhood blog of Neighborhoodlink.com. The words are just as potent today, January 5, 2012, as they were then March 3, 2005, to our present state-of-affairs.
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HOW DO I ARGUE?
You argue the truth.
You argue your "gut feeling".
You argue the golden rule.
You argue justice for ALL.
You argue the mistruth.
You argue the "law'.
You also argue with YOU!

CHALLENGE/COVENANT
The next time you hear something that fits within what has been said here, try your ARGUMENT ON.

For the FULL blog, CLICK

Mary Glass - Point of Information, GOP HYPOCRISY

IOWA CAUCUSES - JANUARY 3, 2012, DO as I say, Not as I do.

In Wisconsin, for sure Milwaukee, the Republican Party's leadership has made no bones about how "FRAUD" is a great possibility if the voter is not armed/saddled with proper photo identification (i.e., state driver's license or state ID) isn't availabe for voting in elections.

Below is what took place on January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucus selection. The tally is at the bottom.
=============

Despite nationwide efforts to make voting more difficult, the Republican Party of Iowa decided to buck the trend and allow for on-site registration. In doing so, however, they necessarily undercut the argument being made by GOPers in many other states that election day registration (EDR) invites fraud. (Of course, voters are 39 times more likely to be struck by lightning than commit fraud at the polls, and EDR actually helps prevent already-miniscule levels of fraud.)

CLICK, Same-Day Voter Registration, No Voter ID Requirement for the Republican Iowa Caucus?

CLICK, Election Day Registration, No Photo ID Requirement Will Help Boost Turnout In Tomorrow’s Iowa Caucuses

CLCK, For Wikipedia information about the Iowa Caucuses.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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

Results for Iowa Republican Caucus (U.S. Presidential Primary)

Jan 03, 2012 (100% of precincts reporting)
Mitt Romney 30,015 24.6%
Rick Santorum 30,007 24.5%
Ron Paul 26,219 21.4%
Newt Gingrich 16,251 13.3%
Rick Perry 12,604 10.3%

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, January 4, 2012

Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

A strong 2012 start for U.S. stocks may bode well for the rest of the year - historically, the full year is a positive one nearly 70 percent of the time following a positive first day.

Tuesday marked the fourth straight year the S&P 500 has begun the year with a gain of 1 percent or more, and the Dow closed at its highest level since July 26.

Though the results are not expected to directly move the markets, investors will no doubt be talking about the photo finish at the Iowa caucuses, where Mitt Romney beat rival GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum by a razor-thin margin of eight votes.
The nation’s automakers are in the spotlight today, as they release their December U.S. sales numbers.

Edmunds.com estimates that final 2011 sales will amount to 12.8 million, which would be an approximately 10 percent increase over 2011.

For December, Chrysler is seen posting the biggest year over year sales gain of the major automakers, up about 37 percent.

The only other economic report out today is the government’s reading on factory orders for November, expected to rise 2.1 percent after an October drop of 0.4 percent.

We’ll also get two weeks worth of data on mortgage applications from the Mortgage Bankers Association, which was closed for the holidays and did not put out its usual release last week.

The regular Wednesday report on oil and gasoline inventories from the Energy Department will not be out today – it’s delayed until tomorrow, as is usually the case in weeks that contain a holiday.

We’ll watch shares of municipal bond insurer MBIA (MBI) today, after it rallied into the close Tuesday on news that it can pursue fraud claims against Bank of America’s (BAC) Countrywide Credit unit.

Eastman Kodak (EK) also makes the watch list, as it falls out of compliance with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements. Kodak will have six months to regain compliance.

Commercial Metals (CMC) is in the spotlight once again, as the company urges shareholders not to tender their shares to Carl Icahn, who’s offering $15 per share.

The company says Icahn’s offer is “not in the best interests of CMC shareholders”.
Networking company Acme Packet (APKT) was a big after-hours loser, falling 19% on a cut in guidance for the networking company.

TiVo (TIVO) went the opposite way, jumping 18% after hours as it announces a settlement of patent litigation with AT&T (T).

The website AllThingsD reports that Yahoo (YNOO) is set to name a new permanent CEO to replace the ousted Carol Bartz, with Scott Thompson names as the most likely candidate. Thompson is currently the president of eBay’s (EBAY) PayPal unit.

4 YEARS at NEWSVINE MSNBC and counting, said Mary Glass

MARY GLASS - Chair/CEO, Milwaukee Professionals Association

CNCFNBAMILWAUKEE.NEWSVINE.COM - January 3, 2012

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

Thank You Newsvine - MSNBC!

History
Seattle-based Newsvine was launched in March 2006 by veterans of Disney, ESPN, and other media organizations. Their idea was “to build a perfectly different, perfectly efficient way to read, write, and interact with the news.”

The solution they came up with is Newsvine, a community driven news site with stories from the Associated Press, ESPN and New Scientist as well as individual contributors from all around the world.

Newsvine was acquired by first time buyer MSNBC in October, 2007.

On December , 2007, this blog was launched. We are extemely pleased to have shared blogs over the last 4 years on behalf of Milwaukeeans and humanity. We know we have grown and look forward to 2012 to be a huge "bounce" in connecting with individuals around the world.

We are proud to be one of the many contributors around the world.
Over the past four years, I have chosen to not "seed" or have comments.

During 2012, we will seed from time-to-time - starting with this thank you blog.

Below is an excerpt and a link to the first article.

"Newsvine
One of the main reasons we are excited to be part of the Newsvine.Com contributing family is we know that through efforts of sharing (forums, town hall talks, chat groups, websites, blogs, newsletters,) and talking with like-concerned citizens, we will raise the conscious level of those we touch - those that have, those working to have and the have nots.

We are honored to share the airwaves and look forward to doing our part to make this world a better place for all to live in - one person at a time."

CLICK to view our first article published on December 8, 2007.

Creating DYNAMISM @ the Urban Neighborhood Level

B R E A K I N G N E W S

January 3, 2012

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Professionals Association has selected its first "theme" for 2012 - Creating DYNAMISM @ the Neighborhood Level.

It has been added to the A-C-T-I-O-N track.
It mirrors and compliment MPA's theme song:

Ain't No Stoppin Us Now - Luther Vandross (1995), Version 1

Version 2 - McFadden & Whitehead (1979).
McFadden/Whitehead - 1979

========

Join us and do not be left behind.
Take a listen and get on board.
========

-- Visit regularly this website.
-- If you have not signed-up for the Facebook - send your email to: safetymattersresponsenetwork@gmail.com.

Schacknow - TODAY'S PRIMER, January 3, 2011

Peter Schacknow, Senior Producer, CNBC Breaking News Desk

U.S. stock futures are pointing to a slightly lower open on this first trading day of the new year, following a decidedly mixed 2011. The Dow gained 5.5 percent for the year, but the Nasdaq fell 1.8 percent and the S&P 500 was virtually flat – down exactly 0.04 points for the year.

The new year begins with fresh economic data points from the old year: at 10am ET, the Institute for Supply Management’s monthly manufacturing index is expected to increase to 53.5 for December from 52.7 in November. Also at 10am ET, the government’s November construction spending figures are forecast to show a 0.3 percent increase, following October’s rise of 0.8 percent. And at 2pm ET, the Fed will issue the minutes of its most recent policy meeting.

No corporate earnings are scheduled for release today, though fourth quarter earnings season is just around the corner.

Jefferies Group (JEF) could be a stock to watch today, as it reaches an agreement with Nasdaq to resolve a dispute over interest rate swaps through arbitration.

Dow component Boeing (BA) has won a $3.5 billion missile contract from the U.S. Defense Department, beating out rival Lockheed Martin (LMT). We’ll watch shares of Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) as the FDA says there’s no need to recall its infant formula Enfamil.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK) also makes our watch list – it’s sold a stake in a shale gas project to French oil giant Total for about $2 billion. Another prominent energy story is back in the news, with BP (BP) suing contractor Halliburton (HAL) to recover cleanup costs related to the massive 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) says its CEO Shlomo Yanai will retire in May and be succeeded by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) executive Jeremy Levin

LARSON Report - Happy Holidays, December 29, 2011

Happy Holidays!
The holidays are finally here and holiday cheer is all around us. With the decorative lights, festive carolers, and light dustings of snow, it is hard not to get into the holiday spirit. I encourage you to enjoy the holiday season by spending time with family and friends.

As we prepare for the New Year, we should take a moment to reflect on 2011 and make plans to have a better, healthier, happier year in 2012.

Our community hosts an array of activities to help us celebrate the holiday season. Continue reading to see a list of family-friendly holiday events taking place throughout our neighborhoods.

Senator Chris Larson, 7th District