Farm Subsidies: Out of Control

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Four recipients of federal farm subsidies who likely don’t need the handout:

  • David Rockefeller, the former chairman of Chase Manhattan and grandson of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, who received 99 times more subsidies than the median farmer;
  • Scottie Pippen, professional basketball star, who received 39 times more subsidies than the median farmer;
  • Ted Turner, the 25th wealthiest man in America, who received 38 times more subsidies than the median farmer; and
  • Kenneth Lay, the ousted Enron CEO and multi-millionaire, who received 3 times more subsidies than the median farmer.

Read more here.

UW Team Revives dying neurons Related to Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s

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Ryan Joerres:

The new findings could eventually help halt the progression of such diseases by averting the deterioration of the neurons involved in such diseases.
UW professor of pharmacology Jeff Johnson, the lead researcher of the group, has been recognized across the nation for his recent findings concerning Alzheimer’s disease and the natural defense mechanisms involved in similar neurodegenerative diseases.

Redisctricting: Time for Wisconsin to Join the Reform Movement

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Adam Nagourney takes a look at the growing redistricting reform movement, led by California. We have several congressman who are now in safe seats, including Obey, Ryan and Baldwin. Nathaniel Persily nails it:

There is a problem when the turnover in the United States House of Representatives is lower than it was in the Soviet Politburo.”

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is leading the movement.

Changing Planes at O’Hare: God Smiles on Me!

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I’ve now experienced this sort of a very pleasant, unexpected airline experience twice…. in 15 years. Changing planes recently at O’hare, I literally jogged from one end of Terminal B to the far end of terminal F in 9 minutes, trying to catch an early flight to Madison. I arrived at the gate with 6 minutes to spare.

The gate attendant waved me through and I walked outside, toward the 50 seat jet. A member of the ground crew then told me that because the Canadair jet’s doors had just closed, I had to return to the terminal. During this discussion, the Air Wisconsin (United Express) Pilot sent another ground crew member toward me to walk me to the plane. They opened the aircraft and I walked on board…..

Flying through O’Hare several times the past few months, I noticed that flights are far more reliable and predictable than one year ago. I emailed Kevin LaWare, Air Wisconsin’s Vice President of Operations to thank him for this vast improvement in service.

LaWare is in a tough spot, working with a bankrupt major carrier (United Airlines). United is evidently shopping their regional services again (squeezing prices) – putting some more pressure on Appleton based regional carrier Air Wisconsin.

I’m impressed with their service and hope they continue to improve.

UPDATE: The Boyd Group takes apart a recent Wharton Study on the airline industry’s problems.

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