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Items by The Sconz

  • Stimulus numbers wrong

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Thank you to Emma Roller (a cherished commenter) for directing me to this story: “A stimulus job report that says more than 10,000 jobs were saved or created in Wisconsin is rife with errors, double counting and inflated numbers based more on satisfying federal formulas than creating real jobs, a Journal [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 4:25pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Commission dismisses Gableman’s charges

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    BREAKING: “Therefore, we conclude that the facts alleged in the complaint do not constitute a violation of SCR 60.06(3)(c) for which discipline may be imposed. Accordingly, we recommend that Justice Gableman’s motion for summary judgment be granted and the Commission’s complaint be dismissed.” The arguments in favor of dismissal were unanimous, although [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 11:55am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Good day Sconnies. Today should be similar to yesterday. Weatherwise. However, at the Sconz we have a big new development. Most importantly, that we can now accurately use “we.” I have added two new collaborators to the Sconz! On the weekends Jaimie Chapman will be doing restaurant/bar reviews and offer premium [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 10:54am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Katrina Flores quits ASM

    —The Sconz

    According to sources, Katrina Flores, former candidate for alder and ASM student council member, has resigned from student government. Flores was a member of the left wing FACES slate last Spring. The slate was unsuccessful and failed to capture a majority necessary to control leadership. Due to new rules regarding absences, Flores [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:04pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Analiese Eicher declares for Dane County Board

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    Analiese Eicher, a UW student and member of the College Democrats, has declared her candidacy for the Dane County district 5 seat, which is currently held by former UW student Wyndham Manning. You can expect the Herald to comment on this development in days to come. The Herald has been the [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 7:51pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • City Budget

    —The Sconz

    Unfortunately I can’t offer you anything new right now because I am swamped in school work, but I would urge anybody who’s interested to check out Brenda Konkel and Kristin Czubkowski. [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 6:13pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Will this war define our generation?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Breaking from the New York Times: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton are coalescing around a proposal to send 30,000 or more additional American troops to Afghanistan, but President Obama remains unsatisfied with answers he has gotten about how vigorously [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 12:05pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    41 right now. High of 56. Something that looks tasty from Indian Darbar. Council approves Central Library. Postpones vote on Edgewater’s funding till later today. Kristin Czubkowski live blogs the budget meeting from last night. Walker holds fundraiser at UW-Stevens Point. Democrats accuse him of breaking the law by holding a fundraiser [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 9:50am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Walker’s dream budget busted

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    For those of you looking for updates of the Madison city budget – you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. However, Cognitive Dissidence, who apparently is a more dedicated reporter than me, spent 17 hours at the Milwaukee County budget deliberations. This is the summary of his toil: 3.8% increase in tax [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 5:59pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Countdown to Paul Soglin’s candidacy…

    —The Sconz

    Tom Barrett is making this a gut-wrencher: Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said Wednesday that he would make a decision on whether to run for the Democractic Party’s nomination for governor by the end of this week. [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 5:01pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Mayor Dave going all out for Edgewater

    —The Sconz

    From the mayor’s blog: It’s a pretty straightforward vote. If the City Council votes this week to take tax incremental financing support for the Edgewater Hotel out of the budget, it’s pretty much over. Almost 1,000 jobs, over $1 million in new taxes, much better public access to Lake Mendota. All [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 2:28pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    Should be another beautiful day. High of 60. An inspiring ham and cheese sandwich from Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room. Should farmers be able to sell raw milk (unpasteurized)? Herb Kohl swimming in dollar bills. More dollar bills than any other member of the Senate. David Obey actually talked to some tea partiers on [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 11:22am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Food cart taxes to go up?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    This was on the Board of Estimates schedule tonight: Amending Secs 9.13(6)(h)3.a.i. and iii., Sec. 9.13(6)(h)3.b.i., Secs.9.13(6)(h)3.c.i. and ii. to increase the street vending license fees for mall/concourse food vendors, merchant vendors, and license and other fees for arts and crafts vendors; and amending Sec. 31.075(2)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances to increase the [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 8:24pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Fine, let’s discuss it: Soglin for governor

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    I didn’t take the discussion of Soglin’s candidacy for governor very seriously when I first saw it appear somewhere on the blogosphere – I can’t remember where. But I must admit Soglin has a point. Even if he doesn’t run, it is likely the Democratic field will be stacked with Paul [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:50pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • How did the crazies come to Wisconsin?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    And this story has nothing to do with the guy who sold his name to a Finnish electronics company. That’s just a shrewd businessman. Those of you who have read The Sconz regularly are likely familiar with my feelings about the Wisconsin Republican Party. I have often wondered aloud how a [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 3:48pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Can Labor sway Edgewater project?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    According to the State Journal, labor unions are spending tens of thousands of dollars on a campaign to win support for the Edgewater renovation. How many local officeholders will react strongly to the project’s endorsement by organized labor? Does labor still bring a powerful emotional appeal to left-leaning local politicos? Does [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 12:36pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    Incredible…not only beautiful day, but a beautiful week. High of 63 today. A margarita from Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, which not only got a D from Eating in Madison A to Z, but was referred to as a “Mexican’t Restaurant.” By the way, I had the pleasure of meeting the good [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 10:52am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Need a job?

    —The Sconz

    Sounds like a great opportunity for many of my readers. Wisconsin’s 47,000 jobs will be parceled out in eight regions; in the Madison region – southern and southwestern Wisconsin – the goal will be to fill 4,200 jobs that pay $13 an hour. Most of the jobs are for “enumerators,” and field [...]
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    Posted: November 08, 2009, 9:45pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Bubble Island: Bubbling with potential

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    Today I am featuring a guest “restaurant” review by Jaimie Chapman, from Yes Mom and the Badger Herald. This is the first review of any non-alcohol serving eatery ever published on The Sconz. Bubble Island: Located inside the University Square Food Court (it’s by the bathrooms) It’ll catch on. Right now it’s clear [...]
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    Posted: November 07, 2009, 7:46am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Sam Clegg: “French food is horrible”

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 8
    Former Opinion Page Editor Sam Clegg told The Sconz that his time spent abroad in Grenoble, France has been stained by what he calls the “worst food on the face of the earth.” In a press release titled “Fuck French Food,” Clegg expressed regret for not having packed more ham and [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 4:28pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • David Blaska’s secret climate models

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    There’s nothing better than getting out of an exam on a Friday afternoon, opening a beer, and indulging in the most recent David Blaska treatise. This week, Blaska gives in depth analysis of the imminent takeover of the American economy by the U.S. government. He laments the corporate welfare given [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 1:10pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    And he bowed his head to Jesus… and he stood for Uncle Sam…Excuse me, Alan Jackson will just not get out of my head. Getting up to 55 with a low of 47. No food today. Just a ringing endorsement of northern secession. Public financing for Supreme Court races passes both [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 9:44am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Assembly refuses vote on drunk driving reform

    —The Sconz

    Expect to see an editorial from the Badger Herald and perhaps a few words from James Rowen on the Assembly’s refusal to bring OWI reforms to a vote. The increased penalties had earlier been approved by the State Senate unanimously. A beautiful display of how the most important political decision [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 10:59pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Budget yields…roof gardens!

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Brenda Konkel highlights the amendments to the city budget. Not surprising is the amendment added by Michael Schumacher and budget hawk Jed Sanborn to postpone construction of new Central Library until the city can secure funding, including through private donations. However, the amendment added by Mike Verveer, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Brian Soloman, Satya [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 4:27pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Will drunk driving reform finally pass?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    The last day of legislative session. Among the bills on the Assembly calendar is a measure to require schools providing sex education to give students age-appropriate information on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs while stressing abstinence. A final vote on the bill was blocked Tuesday by Republicans. Also on [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 1:36pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Congratulations to the New York Yankees. $200 million should get you at least one every decade. So I’m bitter? Chicken nachos from Kollege Klub. “As a place for just dinner when you are cold and alone the KK doesn’t have much to recommend it unless you’re really into nihilism.” Bassey Etim [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 10:25am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Scott Walker is a good politician

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Because he seems able to convince just about anybody that he’s got the skills to pay the bills. Writes Joey Labuz: It is clear Walker has the financial record to tackle many of the issues currently facing the state government. After all, he took over a Milwaukee County government rocked by [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 3:47pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Wisconsin’s backwardness preserved another day

    —The Sconz

    Post Crescent: “Wisconsin schools that decide to teach sex education would have to instruct students on the use of birth control under a bill given preliminary approval by the state Assembly on Tuesday. After being blocked by Republicans from taking a final vote on passage, Democrats who control the Assembly were forced to delay [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 1:29pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Interesting. I wish I had gone to the City Council meeting. Ald. Bridget Maniaci ended up putting Eagon’s old proposal (to make a student voting member on the ALRC permanent) to a vote. It narrowly failed, 10-9. If any of you guys could give me the total tally, with all [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:46am EST
    by The Sconz

  • MPD releases position on ALRC vote

    —The Sconz

    As the “recommendation” that the mayor appoint a student member to the ALRC goes before a Council vote tonight, here is in an email sent to the mayor and the city council, Madison Police Department Chief Noble Wray weighed in on the prospect of adding a student voting member to [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2009, 6:47pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • JFC votes to publicly finance court campaigns

    —The Sconz

    The Joint Finance Committee approved language to publicly finance Supreme Court campaigns today on a partisan 11-4 vote. The margin demonstrates the extent to which having even a slim majority in both houses of the legislature benefits a party. However, the four Republicans on the committee at least partially made up [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2009, 2:51pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 10
    Yesterday was odd. Not only because the Phillies managed to hold a lead, but because despite having a high number of visitors to the site, there were no comments. I would like to emphasize my support for comments, no matter when. Especially ones that stimulate dialogue. And especially ones coming [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:29am EST
    by The Sconz

  • Tommy Thompson: I can do anything I want

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    David Blaska must be regretting all the stupid things he’s said over the years that (you’d hope) will keep him from holding an official position in politics again. His savior, Gov. Tommy Thompson, is openly considering runs for U.S. Senate and governor. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson (left) says he’s still [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 6:27pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • MAYOR TO APPOINT STUDENT VOTE TO ALRC

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    UPDATE: Eagon negotiates compromise with mayor. Eagon’s ordinance will no longer require that the citizen appointee be a student. It will add an alder and a citizen to the ALRC with a recommendation to the mayor that the citizen be a student. The mayor plans to appoint a student rep [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 2:00pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Michael Gableman: Great politician

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman became a defense attorney if he is removed from the Supreme Court for judicial misconduct (unfortunately, I believe the latter scenario is very unlikely to materialize). His penchant for innuendo and attacks on credibility are much more appropriate skills [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 12:16pm EST
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    The Phillies came was a bit of a heartbreaker. My time would have been better spent listening to visiting lecturer Steven Pinker discuss why humans swear and use sexual innuendos. Or the Ludacris panel…how the hell did I miss that one? I don’t mean to cross the picket line but [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 9:49am EST
    by The Sconz

  • A Madison man for governor?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Looks like the Dems might have found another candidate to match up with Scott Walker. A relative and informal adviser confirmed that Kevin T. Conroy, president and chief executive officer of Exact Sciences Corp., is considering a run. Doyle said Conroy, whose company is seeking to commercialize a cancer-screening technology, is a [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 3:43pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Single Occupancy Residences for homeless

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    I had the pleasure of stopping by Rainbow Books last Friday for a chat with Ald. Marsha Rummel. I didn’t know she was one of the founders of the co-op, however, I suspected that if I didn’t find her there I’d at least find somebody who knew where she was. [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 12:12pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 10
    OK, OK. Series tied at 1. Taking it back to Philly. Meanwhile…in Wisconsin… A bunch of food from Parthenon Gyros. I live right across the street and have never been. High of 67 (!) today and dreary. I don’t know what was more absurd – the letter to the editor by [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 10:10am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Coalition of students strategize to win ALRC vote

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    On Sunday a group of students, including members of the Badger Herald and Daily Cardinal editorial boards, met to discuss strategy to mobilize support for Ald. Bryon Eagon’s proposal to add a student voting member to the ALRC, as well as to win the Council vote on the measure next [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • The Supreme Court of hacks

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    DISCLAIMER: I have reviewed the facts and I am no longer confident in the assertions I made in the post below. Illusory Tenant has a very comprehensive post discussing the factual inaccuracies of some of McCabe’s statements that I based my conclusion on. There was a heated show-down today between Supreme [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Apology — Phillies win!

    —The Sconz

    I apologize to my dear readers for delaying Brunch Links today. The delay is due to an alarm clock that did not go off and my need to get to class. [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:52am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Rat trapping out of recession

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Mike Ivey has come up with an original proposal for getting Wisconsin back on track: extermination. Of rodents that is. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claims it has won a fight with a Madison company over assertions that its glue traps don’t cause ensnared rodents to suffer. Motomco Ltd., [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 2:49pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    Should be pleasant today but not as nice as tomorrow, when it’s supposed to get up in the 60’s. World Series starts tonight. Eating in Madison A to Z described today’s brunch from Northside Family Restaurant as lacking nuance. BREAKING NEWS. A DEMOCRAT HAS DECLARED FOR GOVERNOR. Badger Herald ed board piece, [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 10:02am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Barbara Lawton: “Get a life”

    —The Sconz

    Considering reports that the White House was openly pressuring Mayor Tom Barrett to run for governor, it is somewhat fair to assume that it, as well as other state Democrats, were leaning on Barbara Lawton to not run. WisPolitics: Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton said today no one pressured her to drop [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 6:09pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Prez Obama coming to Madison

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    What? I guess the secret service is doing its job well. President Barack Obama will be coming to Madison Nov. 4 for the first time since taking the presidency to speak about education, according to a White House announcement today.   [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 4:16pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Disagreements over budget numbers at City Hall

    —The Sconz

    Last week Mayor Dave discussed his budget proposal in a blog post. He explained the need for modest tax increases to make up for the decreased tax receipts this year. My operating budget proposal came in with an increase in taxes on the average $245,000 house of 3.85%. I understand that’s [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 2:31pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • “Violent drunk drivers”

    —The Sconz

    From Mothers Against Drunk Driving: MADISON, WISC—Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) notified its members of the possible early release of violent drunk driving offenders from Wisconsin Correctional facilities. MADD also urged victims to make sure they are registered with the Victims Services Office at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in order to be [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 1:15pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • “Violent drunk drivers”

    —The Sconz

    From Mothers Against Drunk Driving: MADISON, WISC—Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) notified its members of the possible early release of violent drunk driving offenders from Wisconsin Correctional facilities. MADD also urged victims to make sure they are registered with the Victims Services Office at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in order to be [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 1:15pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    Should be a pleasant day today. Sunny with a high of 57 and a low of 38. Just a cappuccino today. Make sure to check out Kristin Czubkowski’s run-down of important city meetings this week. Herald emphasizes its boycott position. Encourages everybody to show up for City Council vote on the proposal [...]
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    Posted: October 27, 2009, 10:25am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Halloween might not lose us money?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    State Journal: At least one city official says Freakfest, State Street’s once-vilified Halloween bacchanalia, could eventually break even. Mayoral aide Joel Plant, who supervises organization of what will be the fourth Freakfest, scheduled for Saturday, said the event is costing the city less each year. “And our goal is to continue to decrease [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 6:41pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Political scientists on Barrett’s chances

    —The Sconz

    There are good reasons I chose not to study political science. However, it was nice to see Wispolitics columnist Steve Walters ask several poli sci professors to give their opinions on Tom Barrett’s chance of getting elected governor. The main issue at hand is Barrett’s Milwaukee origins. Here’s a fact [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 4:17pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • LAWTON OUT

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 10
    Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is dropping out of next year’s governor’s election. In an email message to her supporters, Lawton cited “very personal reasons” for leaving the field open to other Democrats. My deep commitment to our state is second only to my commitment to my family.  For very personal reasons, [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 12:02pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    Phillies-Yankees. New York and its gritty, jealous younger brother, the City of Brotherly Love, in the World Series. Philly transit workers have celebrated the occasion with a strike. Atrios is unhappy. Or proud? If you want an omelette and some toast, the Parkway Family Restaurant just might be for you. [...]
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    Posted: October 26, 2009, 9:56am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • The Nitty Gritty boycott

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 10
    I’ll start off by stating an obvious point, which my cherished commenter Paul Axel has advanced on this site on several occasions. The Nitty Gritty was well-deserving of a student boycott long before its owner “disrespected” students. It’s a terrible bar and it’s frankly an embarrassment that so many of-age [...]
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    Posted: October 23, 2009, 2:54pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    What a depressing day. You know what you do on days like today? Go to the Paradise Lounge, which was finally featured on Eating in Madison A to Z. BOYCOTT. BOYCOTT THE NITTY GRITTY. This is the kind of stuff that a college paper should be doing. After Charley Brace, editor [...]
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    Posted: October 23, 2009, 10:42am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 10
    The internet is so slow and I think I may have come down with that pig flu thing. So Brunch Links is limited today. Weather is shitty. That being said, the PHILLIES ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. The tragic comedy of Rep. Jeff Wood continues. 5th offense OWI. My theory is he’s [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 11:14am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    The internet is so slow and I think I may have come down with that pig flu thing. So Brunch Links is limited today. Weather is shitty. That being said, the PHILLIES ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. The tragic comedy of Rep. Jeff Wood continues. 5th offense OWI. My theory is he’s [...]
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    Posted: October 22, 2009, 11:14am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • You almost scared me Wispolitics

    —The Sconz

    The title of the most recent post at Wispolitics is “Doyle has second thoughts about not running, but says he will be helpful to his successor.” The second clause in the sentence returned me to reality. Senility does affect more of our public leaders than we’d like to think. Hence, it would [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 5:11pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Bullying is now illegal

    —The Sconz

    The “bully bill” recently passed the State Senate. It would require school officials to report instances of bullying. But what is bullying? What qualifies as bullying? Although the law is well-intentioned, and, at least in my experience, far too many teachers allow what is clearly emotionally damaging harassment to take place [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 12:40pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Good morning. It’s warm and gray today. Everybody psyched for another election in Afghanistan? Karzai is wondering how he could possibly have neglected to steal less than the 50 percent needed. He is not only corrupt, he is apparently inept and stupid. Brunch today is courtesy of Madison Brunch, a [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2009, 9:59am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Good thing Coasties don’t drive here

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Because Wisconsin is close to outlawing texting while driving. When the bill first came to the floor, it only would have applied to drivers under 18. But lawmakers pushed to expand the ban to all drivers. After some debate and a partisan caucus, an amendment was passed that makes texting illegal for [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 5:34pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • What do we do with Gableman?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 4
    The other day I was walking out of Memorial Library when I had the pleasure of recognizing Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman. At least I believe it was him. He was sauntering along with a younger man – perhaps a clerk or a CFACT admirer. I had a strong temptation [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Car talk: Insurance

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Conservatives don’t typically like mandates unless they involve penises and vaginas. So it wasn’t surprising that Republicans took so poorly to the provision that mandated a certain level of car insurance for Wisconsin drivers. However, it was surprising that the insurance industry itself opposed the plan, which makes Wisconsin the final [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 1:21pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Comedy at the Herald

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    For anybody looking for 7-10 minutes of solid comedy, the “David Archuletta incident” at the Herald is a very worthy choice. Archuletta, the baby faced American Idol contestant, was recently given a bad review by a Herald arts writer, Ann Rivall. The article garnered the response of literally hundreds of [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    Yesterday was too good to be true. A beautiful day and a dramatic Phillies victory. Today is showing some promise. It is an off-day for the Phils, but it’s not supposed to get lower than 49. Partly cloudy, but maybe the sun will win out like it did yesterday. Brunch [...]
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    Posted: October 20, 2009, 10:19am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • The Pub to be sold

    —The Sconz

    According to Ald. Mike Verveer, who sits on the Alcohol License Review Committee, The Pub is in the process of being sold. The transfer of its liquor license from the family that has owned the establishment for decades, the Schweglers, to an unnamed new owner, is scheduled to come before [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 4:48pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • All politics is local

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    I’m sincerely hoping this becomes the signature issue of the governor’s race: GOP Sen. Neal Kedzie of Elkhorn has introduced a bill on behalf of 9-year-old blues guitar prodigy Tallan Latz. Latz’s father, Carl, went to Kedzie last year after the state questioned the legality of Tallan’s performances at festivals and bars [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:42pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Konkel not down with Maniaci development plan

    —The Sconz

    The other day I linked to an article by Joe Tarr, which outlines Ald. Bridget Maniaci’s plans to turn the James Madison neighborhood into a Tax Incremental Financing district. I discussed how Maniaci’s proposal is consistent with the trend of requesting TIF for any development that will bolster the economy, [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 12:21pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Quote of the day

    —The Sconz

    “It is hard to tell which is the greater obstacle to accomplishing real drunk driving reform: the bumper-sticker politics Republicans who want to pretend that governance and enforcement doesn’t cost anything, or weak-kneed Democrats who are all too happy to vote for the cookie to show they’re all for getting [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 12:00pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Another comfortable day in Madison. Partly cloudy with a high of 59 and a low of 42. This assortment of grub comes from the Bayou, a Capital-area bar/grill that should not be patronized after 8 p.m. Via Eating in Madison A to Z, of course. Grocery shoppers in Hayward got an [...]
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    Posted: October 19, 2009, 10:34am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Weekend Policy

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Just a heads up to my loyal readers. To improve the quality of posts as well as the quality of my life, I will not post regularly during the weekends. I feel it necessary to explain this new plan because since I started the The Sconz I’ve made providing content on [...]
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    Posted: October 18, 2009, 7:19pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Weekend Policy

    —The Sconz

    Just a heads up to my loyal readers. To improve the quality of posts as well as the quality of my life, I will not post regularly during the weekends. I feel it necessary to explain this new plan because since I started the The Sconz I’ve made providing content on [...]
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    Posted: October 18, 2009, 7:19pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Edgewater politics at Lambeau

    —The Sconz

    According to Kevin Bargnes, managing editor of the Badger Herald, even non-Packers fans might be interested in certain events taking place at Lambeau Field today. It had nothing to do with the 26-0 rout of the Lions. In fact, the absolutely worthless spectacle probably made the activity in the Lambeau [...]
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    Posted: October 18, 2009, 5:17pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Problems with Isthmus cover story

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    Isthmus writer Marc Eisen highlighted a very important fact in last week’s Isthmus cover story on Wisconsin’s relationship with the federal government: the Badger State ranks 48 out of 50 in attracting federal dollars. It’s important people know that their state’s congressional delegation is perhaps not looking after them as well [...]
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    Posted: October 16, 2009, 5:05pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    Partly cloudy with a high of 48 and a low of 32. Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn), urges you to enjoy Wisconsin fall. In honor of the Philadelphia Phillies, the brunch is a cheesesteak courtesy of Big Red’s Steaks, the group of Philly transplants on University Ave. Funny story, I went [...]
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    Posted: October 16, 2009, 10:26am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • And you thought drunk driving was bad

    —The Sconz

    It looks like OWI reform isn’t the only area of remarkable backwardness in Wisconsin law. Advocates for gun control in Milwaukee are facing such heavy resistance from gun rights groups that they are proposing a deal with the gun lobby, in which concealed carry would be allowed but stricter regulations, [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • More links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    This morning, in a rush, I missed a few important links, mainly from the student papers: First off, I completely forgot I had a column today. Usually I’m a shameless self-promoter. I don’t know what got into me. ASM will change bylaws to allow SSFC to remove members of the committee.  Is this [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 3:38pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Maniaci wants TIF funding for James Madison area

    —The Sconz

    An article by Joe Tarr at the Daily Page describes Ald. Bridget Maniaci’s plans to redevelop parts of her district, much of which is located in the James Madison Park neighborhood. To encourage the neighborhood’s renovation, Maniaci would like to declare the area between East Washington Avenue and Gorham, Butler and [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:05pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Maniaci wants TIF funding for James Madison area

    —The Sconz

    An article by Joe Tarr at the Daily Page describes Ald. Bridget Maniaci’s plans to redevelop parts of her district, much of which is located in the James Madison Park neighborhood. To encourage the neighborhood’s renovation, Maniaci would like to declare the area between East Washington Avenue and Gorham, Butler and [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:05pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    I’m starting to think I may have to delete my Twitter account. That bug has really run wild. Phillies series starts tonight. A calzone from Osteria Papavero. From Eating in Madison A to Z, of course. Cold and rainy today. I always wondered why state legislators would bother fight so hard [...]
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    Posted: October 15, 2009, 9:46am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Another try at banning a legal substance

    —The Sconz

    Madison is looking at banning alcohol sales to chronic trouble-makers. To clarify, we’re not talking about some rowdy frat boys – we’re talking about a guys who spend their entire time drunk or in detox. To qualify for the no-booze list a person must have been sent to the hospital [...]
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    Posted: October 14, 2009, 9:21pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • What is it with airports?

    —The Sconz

    Why do airports seem destined for so much stimulus money in comparison to other infrastructure projects? Out of the $20 million of stimulus money granted by the Budget Committee today, $9.5 million went to improving the Milwaukee airport, which I may note is a very pleasant place. Perhaps the only [...]
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    Posted: October 14, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Sconz twitter hacked!

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    A very scary experience today. My Twitter account (thesconz), by far the least important of any online account of mine, was apparently hacked in some way. I have since beefed up my password and deleted some of the spammier followers. Traumatic, however, the Sconz continues on Twitter. [...]
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    Posted: October 14, 2009, 3:43pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Good morning. The weather today will be mildly cold (47/32), of course, however, there will also be some rain in the mix. Exciting. It’s good to see so many people circulating the video of John Stewart schooling CNN. It is simply a horrible, horrible company. A spring orecchiette, courtesy of [...]
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    Posted: October 14, 2009, 9:54am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Not enough money for homelessness

    —The Sconz

    Of the nearly $200 million Dane County received in the federal stimulus plan, $574,000 was allocated for “Homelessness Prevention.” Considering that the city of Madison currently turns down nearly half of those seeking shelter, it is good to see that there is some recognition of the poorest people during the recession, [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 7:53pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Walker’s budgeting problems

    —The Sconz

    Cory Liebman, the tireless Scott Walker watchdog, has highlighted a series of fundamental problems with Walker’s attempts to privatize Milwaukee County services. Liebman’s most recent observation centers on Walker’s proposal to privatize Targeted Case Management, a county program that helps the chronically mentally ill. There are at least 7 potential private [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 4:34pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Stimulus saved jobs in Wisconsin

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Wispolitics: Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment on Saturday filed a comprehensive report with the federal government detailing Recovery money spent through the state of Wisconsin, and what impact these dollars are having in Wisconsin communities. The State of Wisconsin oversaw nearly $680 million in [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 1:16pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • State bar favors payday regulation

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    This should be an interesting political debate. My bet would be on a compromise. Nevertheless, there are strong voices in favor of the bill to cap interest rates at 36 percent: The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Public Interest Law Section told a jointlegislative hearing Wednesday it favors legislation to cap interest rates [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 11:32am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Good mid-morning. And then there were four: Phils-Dodgers in the NLCS and the Yanks-Angels in the ALCS. Partly cloudy with high of 46 and low of 33 today in Madison. A sandwich from Panera, courtesy of Eating in Madison A to Z. City library is going through and the Edgewater is getting [...]
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    Posted: October 13, 2009, 8:15am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Edgewater not the only ones on “vacation”

    —The Sconz

    This time it’s a hotel near Camp Randall that has halted development indefinitely. State Journal: Developer and architect Bob Sieger had said earlier this year that the plan was to open in time for part of the football season. In an interview last week, Sieger said construction was halted because of [...]
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    Posted: October 12, 2009, 9:49pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Mixed Martial Arts to be regulated

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 3
    Several lawmakers are supporting a bill to regulate mixed martial arts inWisconsin. Among the standards in the companion bills are pre- and post-fight physicals, licensed physicians present at ringside during each match; on-site emergence medical personnel and ambulances on premise; regular health exams for athletes; screening for HIV and hepatitis and [...]
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    Posted: October 12, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Homelessness in Madison

    —The Sconz

    Here are some numbers on homelessness from the Madison Planning and Community Economic Development Department: Served in Shelter in 2008: 3,894 (2,035 individuals, 636 families, including 1,310 children) Turned away from Shelter in 2008: 3,636 These numbers suggest that there are half as many spots for the homeless in Madison as there should [...]
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    Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:54pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Homelessness in Madison

    —The Sconz

    Here are some numbers on homelessness from the Madison Planning and Community Economic Development Department: Served in Shelter in 2008: 3,894 (2,035 individuals, 636 families, including 1,310 children) Turned away from Shelter in 2008: 3,636 These numbers suggest that there are half as many spots for the homeless in Madison as there should [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:54pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Brunch Links

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 5
    My condolences to all you Twins fans out there. Especially Sean Kittridge. I know Jason Joyce of Isthmus is also a fan, however, after so many years in Wisconzin, he allows himself to root for the Crew occasionally. Personally I am bummed that I will never get to see the [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 12, 2009, 9:01am EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Community TV may get federal funding

    —The Sconz

    Although Wisconsin’s congressional delegation has been under fire recently for failing to secure us enough federal dollars, Rep. Tammy Baldwin is certainly not hesitating to ask D.C. to get us some quality TV. For the past two years, Madison’s local community access television station WYOU has been bracing for Jan. 1, [...]
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    Posted: October 11, 2009, 9:18pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Shout Out love for the Sconz

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 2
    Speaking of procrastination techniques, a friend of mine alerted me to something in the “Shout Outs” section of the Badger Herald: SO to jack craver. i always fall in love with you when i read your opinion columns. then i look at your picture and fall in love all over again. Frankly, [...]
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    Posted: October 11, 2009, 3:57pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Keep procrastinating

    —The Sconz

    Besides a desire to take a vacation every once in a while, I generally don’t put up as much content during the weekend because people aren’t reading as much during that time – they presumably have better things to do. However, I have noticed a marked difference between numbers on [...]
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    Posted: October 11, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Cardinal bar back in action

    —The Sconz

    A four month hiatus! That’s a tough one to sustain. To get the people back in the door you must need a big promotion to the get word out. Apparently as soon as the word was out, however, the Cardinal partisans were out in force. By 11:45, about 500 people had [...]
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    Posted: October 10, 2009, 1:35pm EDT
    by The Sconz

  • Which one should we pick?

    —The Sconz

    Number of comments: 1
    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 09, 2009, 3:58pm EDT
    by The Sconz

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