bschmock's blog

Eau Claire Transit Survey

2008-07-15T20:27:19-05:00

I found this survey by following Volume One online. If applicable, please take the time to fill it out. :)

Also, if you have not yet had a chance to, remember to fill out the Eau Claire County Budget Survey.

World's Oldest Blogger Dies

2008-07-15T20:20:49-05:00

The BBC reports that Olive Riley passed away at the age of 108 in New South Wales, Australia. Olive had posted more than 70 entries on her blog (which may not be working at this time) since 2007. On June 18th, he was moved into a nursing home with a bad cough. Regardless, she was still able to post her 73rd and 74th entries before she left this world Saturday, July 12, 2008.

For Olive's last posts, see a temporary blog that was created for Olive by a retired journalist and friend from Sydney: World's Oldest Blogger.

UW Engineering Students Build GREEN Snowmobile

2008-07-09T21:36:28-05:00

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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 . . .

Summit Camp is a remote scientific research station situated at the top of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The highest point north of the Arctic Circle, Summit sits atop nearly two miles of ice and is 250 miles from the nearest land . . . Summit Camp is a permanently occupied science facility, maintained by a small crew of five to 10 people in the winter and inhabited by up to 50 staff and researchers in the summer.

The camp is only accessible via aircraft. To avoid polluting the site and tainting measurements, staff have designated certain areas around the camp, "clean snow zones," where engine-powered vehicles are prohibited. In the past, inhabitants have transported personnel and equipment via cross-country skis and sleds . . .

The New York Air National Guard flew the UW-Madison snowmobile up to Greenland on a ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules cargo plane . . .

The sled went into service at Summit Camp on June 3 and immediately took up the task of transporting personnel and equipment to some of the remote facilities surrounding the camp. Early experiences in Greenland show that Bucky EV can tow a 1,500-pound payload 5 to 10 miles before needing to recharge. In its first four weeks at Summit, the vehicle has driven 140 miles and transported many tons of cargo, often going through several charging cycles per day . . .

The BuckyEV is powered by Milwaukee Tool lithium-ion batteries coupled to a GM EV1 motor. The system is integrated into a Polaris snowmobile chassis, giving the appearance and feel of a conventional engine-powered snow machine. The vehicle has an unloaded range of almost 20 miles, top speed of 75 mph, and can fully recharge in approximately three hours.

. . .

I imagine that this snowmobile will not yet be on the market next winter. Nonetheless, it is promising to see that our state universities are continuing to commit Research & Development dollars to extremely important areas.

A battery-powered-snowmobile that can tow 1,500 pounds for 10 miles! Now our student engineers should begin working on a car battery. :)

Eau Claire County Budget Survey

2008-07-09T20:06:07-05:00

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The Eau Claire County Committee on Finance and Budget is requesting your input!

Please, Take the time to fill out this survey. The information will be used to help develop the 2009 Eau Claire County budget.

Senator Feingold Enjoys Culver's Too

2008-07-06T11:18:35-05:00

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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.

Eau Clairer wants to be a "LEED-er" when it comes to the environment . . .

2008-07-01T21:36:14-05:00

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This is encouraging to see. At the Plan Commission meeting on Monday "the plan commission voted to begin looking for ways to make the comprehensive plan more environmentally conscious. A big part of that discussion could involve a push for more LEED certified buildings." LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design, and companies--like Market & Johnson--are at the forefront of promoting sustainable solutions to combat our environmental problems.

I look forward to seeing policies unfold in the future.

Chippewa Valley Man Running for President

2008-06-30T22:31:08-05:00

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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.

A New Type of Mile High Club

2008-06-30T21:53:30-05:00

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The Leader-Telegram reports that Delta Air Lines will begin serving Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. Sunset Wheat was first released in March of 2006 and is now available throughout most of the U.S.

This might change my mind when I book my next set of plane ticekts. I'm not sure about you?

Also, see this 2006 article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Stanley Cup will be in the Chippewa Valley on July 6th!

2008-06-25T22:10:10-05:00

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WEAU lets us know some exciting news:

"It's the ultimate goal for hockey players-- the Stanley Cup. Now, that cup is headed to Eau Claire!

"The Detroit Red Wings celebrated their win earlier this year, but Team Scout David Kolb wants to share the victory with his home town of Eau Claire. Kolb is a Memorial High School graduate.

"He'll show off the cup Sunday July 6 at Hobbs Ice Center, but that's all we know for now.

"The Parks and Recreation Department will let everyone know as soon as a time is set to check out the cup."

Sounds like fun, eh?

2nd Annual Taste of Eau Claire Festival Lacks Any Asian Flavor

2008-06-21T21:45:28-05:00

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This years's Taste of Eau Claire Festival at Phoenix Park was, by all measures, a success. The Leader-Telegram, WQOW, and WEAU all pointed out that attendance was up, the food was good, and the weather was beautiful.

The charity that benefits from this annual event--United Way of Greater Eau Claire--was surely happy with the outcome. So too, I'm sure, were the other event sponsors, which included Volume One and WHYS 96.3 FM--Eau Claire Community Radio.

However, I walked away from the 2nd annual Taste of Eau Claire not COMPLETELY satisfied. Take a quick look at the 30 Vendors that had booths this year and tell me what is missing:

Burrachos Obsession Chocolates Mike's Smokehouse The Coffee Grounds Haymarket Grill Simply Chocolate Houligan's Steak & Seafood Pub Bear Creek Grille Franzwa's Cafe & Custom Catering Dessert First Bakery Cafe Famous Dave's Westgate Sportsman's Club All Star Catering Norske Nook Porter's Blakelee's Chocolates & Sweet Things Boston's Fischers' on the Green Outback Steakhouse TGI Friday's Texas Roadhouse Nolechek's Meat and Cheese Shop Hahn's Market Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar Main Street Cafe The Stones Throw Fazoli's Jr. Volunteers Concessions Green Mill Restaurant & Bar Becki's Mediterranean Olive Salsa

The title of this post must give you some idea of what I thought was lacking--there was not a single local Asian restaurant on the list. Yet, event organizers thought it was necessary to invite large chain restaurants like Fazoli's, Outback Steakhouse, and TGI Friday's! Granted, Asian Americans do not make up a huge portion of the Chippewa Valley community--but, 3.66% of the population should account for something. And when it comes to food, Asian restaurants certainly have a prominent share of local owned community restaurants. If you have ever attended the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers' Market you would see Asian Americans vendors occupying 1/2 the booths.

When we put on an event titled "The Taste of Eau Claire", is it that we do not consider our Asian American neighbors to really be a part of our Eau Claire community? Next year, I hope the planners of this wonderful event will consider extending an invitation to any of the great Asian food places in town: Pad Thai, Noodle Wrap, Asian Cafe, etc.

That is all I have to complain about, because I really did enjoy myself at the 2nd annual Taste of Eau Claire. A great music line-up featured four bands with local roots:

Eau Claire Blues All-Stars Ultimate Frisbee Orchestrea Yam Cannon All Live Funk

Here are some photos from the day--blue skys!

~mmmmmmmmmm...Cheese Curds~ ~Phoenix Park~ ~a crowd gathers to enjoy the music~ ~a kid fishing down by the Chippewa River~ ~a shot of the festival from the walking bridge~ ~VolumeOne rocks!~ ~fun for all ages~

I'm sure I'll be attending the 3rd annual Taste of Eau Claire Festival--hopefully I can get some egg rolls.

Find the Best--and Most Authentic--Thai Food in the Chippewa Valley at Pad Thai Restaurant

2008-06-21T13:51:11-05:00

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Since I have been back in America, I have eaten at Pad Thai Restaurant 3 times. Pad Thai is located at 203 North Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire--across from Phoenix Park. I have also been sampling a variety of other Asian food places since I have been back. However, I can say--without any doubts-- that Pad Thai has the best and most authentic Thai food in the area. Dishes are very reasonably priced and the portions are hearty. If you are ever in downtown Eau Claire and have a hankering for some Asian food, be sure to check out Pad Thai--you might run into me. :P

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Also, see this 2006 Leader-Telegram restaurant review.