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Last Thursday, the University of Wisconsin-Madison published this story:

An electric snowmobile built by student members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering Clean Snowmobile Team is now in Greenland, on loan to the National Science Foundation . . . at the Greenland Environmental Observatory (GEO Summit Camp).

Dubbed the Bucky EV, the snowmobile won the zero-emissions category of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Clean Snowmobile Challenge (CSC) in Houghton, Michigan, earlier this spring. The goal of this event is to promote the development of clean vehicles that can be used in environmentally sensitive areas where a gas-powered vehicle would contaminate air or snow samples . . .

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Yesterday, I went up to Bloomer, WI with my parents to talk about Thailand at a retirement home. On the way, we decided to stop at Culver's along Highway 53 to have some lunch. I saw a man sitting in a booth that looked fimiliar--I had to do a double-take, but I was certain it was Senator Feingold. My mom and dad concurred when they joined me at our table. I almost approached him and let him know that I appreciate his stance on FISA, but he seemed to be enjoying his ButterBurger a LOT. I am not sure if anyone else in the restaurant recognized the Senator--if they did, they allowed him to enjoy his 4th of July weekend "off the job".

It is always cool to see national figures in the Chippewa Valley; it is doubly cool to see them at such an everyday spot. Keep up the good work Senator Feingold!--I'll treat you to some custard next time I see you.

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Yes, that title is correct. At first I didn't believe it either--but then both WEAU AND WQOW reported on it, so I knew it must be true. :P

His name is Bill Ingram, and he is considering running for the House of Representatives to unseat Representative Ron Kind--just in case the "President-thing" doesn't work out.

I did a little more searching and was able to find this article by The Dunn County News and this article posted by the Newsroom at UWEC.

I'll be honest, I will still be voting for Senator Obama in November. However, I am impressed by Mr. Ingram's committment to solving problems and providing alternatives.

Also, be sure to see Bill Ingram's campaign website.

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On May 21, I had a chance to attend Wisconsin State Senator Kreitlow's listening session at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire. A number of topics were brought up by constituents--gas prices, railway transportation, higher education, healthcare, the Iraq War, farming, etc. But the topic of most importance to me--as a UW-Madison student--was NOT sky-rocketing tuition or universal healthcare; instead, I was most interested in bipartisanship. We will only see effective policies implemented if our elected officials commit to working across party lines.

As a first term Senator, I hope Senator Kreitlow is committed to finding real solutions during this partisan age. Admittedly, his positions are often along party lines. Nonetheless, throughout the listening session, Kreitlow talked about the need for compromise and respecting the views of people you may not agree with.

REGIONALLY, this blog concentrates on Northern Thailand and Wisconsin.

TOPICS blogged about include: ~ media ~ environmental awareness ~ community empowerment ~ sustainability & sufficiency ~ agriculture ~ globalization ~ economics ~ government & politics ~ history ~ education ~ religion ~ AND peace

Location(s)

I was thinking the other day that starting up a Northwestern Wisconsin Drinking Liberally group might be fun.

If Uppity Wisconsin were to start such a group (probably meeting somewhere in Eau Claire) would anyone be interested in getting together occasionally for drinks and political talk (and maybe an occasional movie or ??).

This Saturday, Dec 23 there is a special way for you to show the people of the Chippewa Valley that you understand one of the real messages of Christmas. That message is a message of Peace. We understand that it is a busy time of the year but that is exactly why we want you to come and stand with us. The traffic volume will be high because of the people working on a different Christmas message - consumerism.

Location(s)

CHIPPEWA COUNTY DEMOCRATS POTLUCK - 4-8 pm
Guest Speaker - Rep. Dave Obey
Kreitlow and Rasmus Campaign Headquarters,103 N. Bridge, second floor
Chippewa Falls
Cost: $10.00 donation

Location(s)

There can't really be much of a surprise here - the once-proud technology leader has seen its stock plummet, its profits go down the drain, and has fired a substantial part of its work force. So nobody in the tech sector was taken aback by this morning's announcement. The Chapter 11 announcement will probably not have any immediate effect on the Chippewa Falls facility, but no plans have yet been announced.