IBM: A Century of Achievement Series: His Majesty King Abdullah II IBN Al Hussein

In this final clip in our IBM: A Century of Achievement Series, His Majesty King Abdullah II IBN Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, discusses how leaders must confront hard realities and embrace the need for change and build consensus.

Support Our Wounded Warriors This Christmas

The Warrior Ethos

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.  I am an American Soldier.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

From Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) website:

Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) exists to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred service-connected injures on or after September 11, 2001. On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers. The tragic events of September 11 are often the reason warriors say they felt a sense of duty to volunteer for the military. These individuals chose to defend our country, and that is why we honor them. September 11 also served as a catalyst for conflicts Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Iraqi Freedom refers to military operations in Iraq that began March 19, 2003 and officially ended August 31, 2010. Operation Enduring Freedom refers to combat operations in Afghanistan and other regions in support of the Global War on Terror. 

With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of service members are surviving severe wounds or injuries. For every U.S. soldier killed in World Wars I and II, there were 1.7 soldiers wounded. In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every U.S. soldier killed, seven are wounded. Combined, there have been almost 42,000 injured in the two conflicts – nearly 32,000 injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and nearly 10,000 in Operation Enduring Freedom.

With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP is the hand extended to encourage warriors as they adjust to their new normal and achieve new triumphs. Offering a variety of programs and services, WWP is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury – from the physical to the invisible wounds of war.

Please click here if you would like to make a gift in honor or memory of an individual.

If you would like to become an Advance Guard monthly donor, please click here.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Pajamagram and Hoodie Footie for the "Freezy-Cat" on your Christmas List

Okay guys and gals, don’t freak-out, but Christmas is less than two weeks away, so here is another gift idea for you last minute shoppers who hate crowds.  I can personally vouch for the high quality of the Pajamagram.  We bought Santa delivered a Pajamagram to my daughter last Christmasand sh loved it.  This year the company has added Hoodie Footies to its product line.

Click here to shop Pajamagrams online

Click here to check-out our other gift ideas...

Occupy Wall Street Movement and Capitalism: One Professor’s Response

A free market response to OWS, Revealing both common ground and differences.

One could say that the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) crowd has some valid frustrations, but are these misguided protesters aiming their anger and accusations in the wrong direction?

Economics Professor Chris Coyne draws the clear cut distinctions between crony capitalism, which has infested, thanks to city learders, the City of Franklin for years and years and years, through companies like GRAEF, O’Malley Development, LLC, The Carstensen Group (which recently made headlines in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), to name just a few.  Crony capitalism is government favoritism fueled by handouts and is responsible for the so-called "plight" of the 99%. Legitimate capitalism, on the other hand, uses competition to align consumer and producer interests and serves to improve everyone's standard of living.

RELATED STORY

• Franklin’s Public Hunting Grounds and what You Have Been Told—or Not (Up-Dated)

IBM: A Century of Achievement, Caroline Taylor, VP of Marketing for IBM

In this clip in our continuing IBM: A Century of Achievement Series, Caroline Taylor, VP of Marketing for IBM - UK and Ireland, discusses how to define great leadership in a time when traditional leadership power is disappearing.

Has The President Abandoned Hope and Change Message?

Will Obama’s 2012 campaign focus on class warfare?  The Wall Street Journal examines Obama’s evolving class warfare strategy for 2012.  You decide...

. . . it is of definite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796.

House Republicans Bill adds $25.3 Billion to Deficit

It appears obvious that whether a U.S. Congressman has a D or an R after their name there is little separating the two parties these days when it comes to deficit–spending.  This could explain why the latest Real Politics Congressional Job Disapproval rating is 82.5%, leaving Washington lawmakers with a dismal 12.0% job approval rating.

For further evidence that there is little difference between the parties look no further than the Republicans’ House payroll tax bill which will add $25.3 billion to the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.  What’s the big deal in adding a quarter trillion to the country’s swelling National debt which today sits at $15.6 trillion and chang?   Obviously, NOTHING, when it comes to the U.S. Congress.

According to THE HILL the Republican bill also extends the payroll tax and federal unemployment benefits for one year, adding $166.8 billion to the deficit for fiscal year 2012. Much of those costs would be offset over the 10-year period through other provisions in the bill.

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

RELATED STORIES

• The Hill tells ‘Morning Joe’ GOP lawmakers ‘want out’ of Norquist tax pledge
• Who is Grover Norquist?
• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Letter

Franklin School District Taxpayers Footing Bill For Non-District Residents

In a recent post, one of Franklin’s more contentious and hard-working School Board members and FranklinNOW blogger, Janet Evans, discusses some probably little-known facts and asks some compelling questions about the Franklin Recreation Department‘s fee structure and policies, as well as its funding which, if you were not aware, is under the taxing jurisdiction of the Franklin Public School District and therefore governed by the Franklin School Board.  I gathered from Mrs. Evans’ post that the school district views the Franklin Recreation Department as a pseudo-"wellness program" for district employees living outside of the district, thereby charging these government employees an in-district fee for classes in the Recreation Department’s program.

Defining the Franklin Recreation Department programs as "wellness programs" is simply asinine and ridiculous.  As Mrs. Evans rightly notes in her piece, health insurers generally have a wellness program in their coverage.

The 2009-10 the Recreation Fund budget was $ 411,716 and was increased $42,201 in 2011-12 to $453,917.  That's nearly one half million dollars that should go directly to classroom education versus yoga classes, etc.

Some members of the school board, more specifically, board vice president Jeff Traylor, do not seem to understand the meaning of fiscal responsibility.

Looking for a Great Gift Idea for the Michael Bublé Fan on Your Christmas List

Bublé’s 2011 holiday release was recorded primarily at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood and The Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. The album includes guest performances by fellow-Canadian and Country music star, Shania Twain on "White Christmas" and The Puppini Sisters on "Jingle Bells." Bublé‚ also put his unique take on such classics as "Silent Night," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." In addition, a Bublé‚ original "Cold December Night" is included on his second Christmas CD.

Here is a behind the scenes look at Bublé in the studio recording the Christmas track "Jingle Bells" featuring The Puppini Sisters!

For the Ultimate Springsteen Fan on Your Chrismas List.

I’m going to have to work on my wife for this.

From  February 17 - September 3, 2012, celebrate the right to free expression at an exhibition that rocks! Explore Bruce Springsteen’s career in From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen, the first major exhibition about the American songwriter. Created by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this must-see exhibition makes its East Coast debut at the National Constitution Center - the first and only venue where it is slated to travel.  Learn more…

Introducing "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" from National Constitution Center on Vimeo.

“If Men Were Angels, No Government Would Be Necessary”

 “The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.”

-James Madison

 “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

-Abraham Lincoln

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

-Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

Senators Rand Paul and John McCain spoke on the Senate floor recently about U.S. Senate Bill 1867, a bill dealing with Defense programs and policy, including terror detainee policy.

RELATED STORIES:

• Can the ‘Indefinite Detention’ Bill Send Americans to Military Prison Without Trial? (The Blaze)
• Senators might revise detainee language to address FBI's concerns (The Hill)

Country Music Friday: "The Hag"

By reader request, this week we’re going “old school” and are pleased to present a Country Music Living Legend, Merle Haggard,  "The poet of the Common Man,” performing one of his greatest hits, “Working Man Blues."

RELATED MEDIA

• Documentary: Merle Haggard Learning to Live with Myself (PBS’ American Masters Series)

School Board Members Respond to November 30 Board Meeting Comments by Union Rep

See up-date at the end of this story.

To- date we have received responses from Franklin School Board Members Mr. Tim Nielson and Mrs. Janet Evans concerning our December 6 story “Did Franklin School Teacher and Union Rep Threaten School Board Member's Kids?”  This was the first time we have offered any elected officials an opportunity to comment before a story involving them was published and in hindsight we realized that board members have day jobs and it was not  fair of us to ask members to respond by a 500PM publishing deadline.  Therefore, School Superintendent Dr. Steve Patz and those elected school board members who have not responded to the story are welcome to comment.  Ms. Marquerite Dargiewicz a teacher’s union representative and Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools was also given the opportunity to respond to our story.   At this writing we have not heard from Ms. Dargiewicz.

Here are the emails we received from Evans and Nielson.

From: Evans, Janet (Janet.Evans@Franklin.k12.wi.us)

Dear Mr. Keller,

Regarding your reference to what went on in the audience, Board members sit in the front of the room and I did not hear the conversation your parent said transpired, so I will not comment on it.

As far as the discussion on the Employee Handbook and benefits, I have studied the handbook. Dr. Mueller (Human Resources Director) was not present at this meeting as she was at a conference. Health insurance is due to be reviewed in January. I would prefer changes would occur prior to January. I believe we should have implemented changes last July.

I am of the opinion some of the remarks made directly to Mr. Nielson by Mrs. Bialk regarding the fact that he has not been on the Board long enough to address insurance were condescending. I also brought up the topic with Dr. Patz that he had given the impression to the Board that it is "punitive" to make some of the changes to benefits that other districts have been making, and I didn't feel it was right as leader of the district for him to do this. The Board is going to need to consider making changes and if he is saying it is punitive it doesn't help the situation.  He insisted it was punitive and that some districts are just making change because they "can."  I maintain changes to insurance benefits are something we "can" do to save money.

There was some discussion about including staff in discussions on benefits.  I'm curious as to whether Board members might be included in a discussion or two on benefits. What I do know is no "negotiating" is allowed regarding benefits since Act 10.

This process (or lack thereof) has been painfully long, and in the end, painful for the taxpayer.  After the meeting on the 30th I am left wondering if some would rather consider cutting staff and programs rather than what some might consider perks. Certain Board members consistently state they are there for the students, yet appear to not want to make the hard decisions when it comes to benefits so more funding can go where it belongs - to education.  Keep in mind, there hasn't been a vote on "benefits."

Regards,

Janet Evans

School Board Member

* * * *

From: Nielson, Tim (Tim.Nielson@Franklin.k12.wi.us)

Fred:

I am compelled to explain myself a little bit here...While the situation may have been personally uncomfortable for me (who wants to be the center of negative attention?) I can't go so far as to concur with the comments I was shut down. I had plenty fo time to state my case. Judith had an opinion to express and she got the chance to do so. It wasn't argumentative. It was civil. Her and I may disagree on how many sick days per year is enough but that's OK.

Dr. Patz also expressed his opinion at the meeting and to the Board in that we (the Board) should be careful before implementing any policies that will take away benefits "just to take them away". I can appreciate that position and I can assure you and anyone who will read this that this has never been my intent.

I spent hours reviewing the Distict's handbook and wanted to have a substantive conversation about some options that may need to be explored in the upcoming budget. I used the word "proposal" with my Board colleagues which I feel was taken as an action word so I think they, as well as the people in the audience, were expecting a whole host of motions to be made for Board consideration. I recognized this while I was speaking and even addressed this in the meeting.

The benefits topic of discussion is one that strikes to the core for District employees and I completely understand that. I am not spending my free time trying to find creative ways to limit the benefits the District offers. I am merely attempting to take my business background and infuse that kind of budgetary thinking into how we can best run the District financially. It doesn't all have to do with cuts but rather efficiencies. I am not even suggesting the District is inefficient but how else can we continue to improve on how the District is run if conversations like these are not taking place? Uncomfortable, sure. But people that know me also know I can be reasonble too. I absolutely want to retain the best talent we can to teach our kids as I feel we have wonderful programs in place. The District's future is bright.

With regard to the comment if I have children in the district...I do. My two daughters are wonderful, bright, & get excellent grades. I have never had a negative comment from teachers or other staff made towards them...at least that got back to me. They volunteer and are leaders. I am not sure why an inquiry like that was made (if it was made) and I do not have a comment with regard to it.

Regards,

Tim Nielson

 School Board Member

Franklin Public Schools

Update on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 9:03 AM by Basil Ryan

To-date we have not heard from Superintendent Steve Patz, School Board president Debbie Larson, Vice president, Jeff Traylor or the balance of the Franklin School Board members or Ms. Marquerite Dargiewicz a teacher’s union representative and Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools.

For those of you interested in a response from your elected representatives, as-well-as Franklin Public Schools teacher Marquerite Dargiewicz,  Patz can be reached at 529-8230 and Marquerite Dargiewicz at 525-5042. Click here for a list of school board members’ email addresses.  Disrespectful?

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

"Killing Lincoln" by Bill O’Reilly is another great gift idea or the history buff on your Christmas List.

Barnes & Nobel Overview

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever: a riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly.

The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history—how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America's Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of increasingly harrowing battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation, with the former Confederates allowed to reintegrate into American society. But one man and his band of murderous accomplices, perhaps reaching into the highest ranks of the U.S. government, are not appeased.

In the midst of the patriotic celebrations in Washington D.C., John Wilkes Booth—charismatic ladies' man and impenitent racist—murders Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre. A furious manhunt ensues and Booth immediately becomes the country's most wanted fugitive. Lafayette C. Baker, a smart but shifty New York detective and former Union spy, unravels the string of clues leading to Booth, while federal forces track his accomplices. The thrilling chase ends in a fiery shootout and a series of court-ordered executions—including that of the first woman ever executed by the U.S. government, Mary Surratt. Featuring some of history's most remarkable figures, vivid detail, and page-turning action, Killing Lincoln is history that reads like a thriller.

Here are more Christmas gift ideas from Barnes &Noble’s for the book lover on your Christmas List.

"… But there comes a time when you need to really retire."

FranklinNOW reported Wednesday that Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender will not seek a fourth term this spring.   Read the full story…

IBM: A Century of Achievement, Boeing CEO, James McNerney

In this clip in our IBM: A Century of Achievement Series, At IBM's Centennial Forum in September 2011, Boeing CEO, James McNerney says that "if your game is innovation, you can tolerate a little more failure, learn from it."

RELATED MEDIA

• Boeing Company: Obama's latest Attack on Capitalism

On-line Chat with John McGivern About "A Kodachrome Christmas”

FRIDAY AT NOON

Emmy Award-winning Milwaukee comedian John McGivern stars as Earlene Hoople, "the queen of rural media," in his holiday show, "A Kodachrome Christmas." McGivern will answer on-line questions about the show and the holiday’s here  at noon on Friday, Dec. 9.

IBM: A Century of Achievement, building smarter cities

In this episode of our IBM: A Century of Achievement Series, IBMers discuss how cities, like businesses, compete in a global marketplace.  By leveraging technology, they can use information to engage their communities, deliver better services, and lure prospective citizens.

"Workplace Violence"... Really?

Andrew Breitbart’s BIG GOVERNMENT reported this morning that the Obama Administration has taken the unusual step of labeling the November 5, 2009, Fort Hood Massacre as a case of workplace violence.  Merry Christmas! to the family and friends of those murdered (12 soldiers, 1 civilian and one unborn child),  as well as the 29 wounded.  If we accept that line of "reasoning, that would make the assasination of President Kennedy a case of workplace violence, as well, wouldn't it?  Read the full story…

IBM: A Century of Achievement, Sam Palmisano IBM Chairman, President and CEO

Yesterday we wrote that as a major event during IBM's centennial year, THINK: A Forum on the Future of Leadership brought together leaders from government, business, academia and science, along with an audience of up-and-coming leaders from across the globe to deepen its collective understanding of the keys to success on a smarter planet.

In the days ahead we will bring you daily video excerpts from this leadership forum.  We hope you find it as fascinating as we did and learn something about this American business icon and its lasting influence on our everyday lives in the process.

Today we begin our daily video excerpts from this leadership forum  with a video of featuring Sam Palmisano, IBM's Chairman, President and CEO’s opening remarks at the company’s THINK Forum in New York City with a discussion on the new model of leadership needed for the 21st Century.