IT'S OFFICIAL: SPECIAL SESSION IN OCTOBER AND POLITICAL POSTSEASON BEFORE 2011 SESSION STARTS

Its official that Governor Tim Pawlenty called on Special Session to deal with flooding that have been occurring in Southern Minnesota. It will be sometimes during between October 7-12 and it will be one day special session.

Earlier today Governor and the Legislative leaders met in private meeting to deal with the issue. Gov. Pawlenty said that he prefer to wait until he hear from the federal government regarding spending on flooding relief.

If you are hardcore fan of Minnesota State Legislature, it is your only and last chance to see all of Senators and Representatives in action before General Election because 20 or more members are not returning when they convene again for 2011 regular session. It is just like postseason for Minnesota Political junkies like myself. Last chance to watch your favorite legislators such as Satveer Chaudhary, Margret Anderson Kelliher, Tom Emmer and more in action.

It will be on webcast but being televised is questionable. The Uptake will be broadcasting the session live.

Note: If session does occur on October 7, Downtown St. Paul will be very busy with Wild VS Hurricane 11AM game at the Excel Energy Center, so best way is to take public transit because when events are occurring at State Capitol and Excel Energy Center at same time, parking is impossible to find. For Metro Transit information: Call 612-373-3777 or go on www.metrotransit.org. As for concessions and food: My employer won’t have concessions stand or Capitol cafeteria open but they do provide vending machines or you can grab a bite at Minnesota Department of Transportation cafeteria during lunch hour.

REP. MARK BUESGENS HOUSE IS LISTED AS FORECLOSURED

By Rach Eggert

Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) house is in foreclosure and it is listed on website for Southwest Homenow. His house went into foreclosure before he was busted for DWI. It listed at $717,288.00 as asking price. It is 5 bedroom single family house with two bathrooms.

Buesgens house listed on Southwest Homenow

Why don't Rep. Buesgens explain why he lost his house just like Senator Mee Moua did last week? His constituents in House district 35B may want to know why.

Senator Mee Moua lose her house to foreclosure as she went public about it last week. Why don't Buesgens do same thing?

MEMORIAL SERVICE DATE SET FOR FORMER STATE REP KATHLEEN SEKHON'S DAUGHTER

Former State Representative Kathleen Sekhon's Daughter, Rachael Diana Sekhon passed away sometimes during summer due to complication of virus. The family have set up memorial services. Here is the link:

Rachael Diana Sekhon obitbuary

The memorial service have set for Oct 9th. Kathleen Sekhon was elected twice to House in 1992 and 1996.

My new latest hobby: Minnesota Lynx

Sorry if the picture is too bright and blurry but thats me at my first Lynx game last June.

By Rach Eggert, Rach’s Political Report

Minnesota Lynx 2010 season was my first time watching professional women basketball after a friend of mine encouraged me to go and check it out last June (didn’t go last May due to end of 2010 legislative session and had to work).

I knew that Lindsay Whalen is really good player since Lynx signed her from Connecticut Sun. At least we have a hometown player to help the team win and as I am writing, we are just two road games left and I am hoping that we would win those games after big loss to Seattle Storm last night. If we win two more games then we would still have chance at playoffs. Wait and see what happen on Friday and Sunday. Other two players that I agree with most fans who are very good: Candice Wiggins and Seimone Augustus that helped the team win several games. I am sure most of Lynx fans would agree with me.

I really love "Party Zone" because you could play games and get concessions food that you usually don't find out in hallways at the Target Center.

At first I thought that WNBA is just like NBA but I was wrong. They are more fun than NBA because people tend to do crazy and silly thing such as musical chair game during Prowl’s birthday party. Minnesota Lynx staff are very friendly and helpful. The autograph party during Fan Appreciation Night was like madhouse. I wanted to get my favorite players autographs but it will have to wait until next year. I also love their party at Target Plaza although I went once due to schedule conflicts throughout the season. Glad that last home game didn’t get conflicted with Twins VS Oakland A’s game since I got Twins game ticket from a friend at last minute.

My friend was right all along, it is fun watching Lynx game as if you are watching St. Paul Saints Baseball game. Same friend I went to Twins game with earlier in the day (he is hardcore Twins fan) is now addicted to Lynx after I took him to game. This is type of sport I like. It is also awesome to meet some Lynx fans that was Facebook friends in person at games.

You can find Lynx and Target Center on Twitter:

Lynx: @minnesotalynx

Target Center: @TargetCenterMN

Some creature of weirdness: Doppler the Storm mascot

Last night when I was watching Minnesota Lynx VS Seattle Storm on Live Access, I noticed that the Storm have their own mascot so I did some research to find out who it is. Their mascot is Doppler.

The picture has came up to me: Barney the Dinosaur and Elmo so I figured out that its crossbreed and I am referring Doppler as BarneyElmo creature.

Judge for yourself.

Rach's first adventure at the Target Field

My sister, Jessica and I went to Target Field on July 31st for Twins VS Seattle Mariners game. I am going to write about my adventure. Twins won 4 to 0.

When I went inside, I had face of happy but amazing like a kid on Christmas morning and was in awe. My first reaction was: WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!! It look really nicer than Metrodome. I have been to Target Plaza (small park in between Target Center and Target Field and bridge over a highway) but never been inside. Unlikely other venues, they have gates named after retired players along with their jersey numbers such as Gate #34 for Kirby Puckett and #14 for Kent Herbek instead of usual gates A, B, C or #1, 2, 3.

Jessica and I got free Twins cap (sponsored by DQ), we are two of 20,000 fans to get free cap. The coupon attached to hat is for some money off on blizzard or ice cream from DQ. There are 5 gates so there are 4,000 caps to give away at each gates as I did some math.

The hallway is HUGE, just like Xcel Energy Center (hockey arena in St. Paul), Most of it are outdoors expect bathrooms and some areas. At dome it is small, closed and lack of fresh air. People could see game when they are in line to buy food or things. It was crowded too and from what I see, every seats are FULL. There are six types of seats but mine was bench on left field.

There are different types of concessions even they have three bars/restaurants. There was Italian, Asian, Mexican, state fair, deli, and many more. Only place I ate was at Ballpark Tavern.

Instead of going straight to our seat, we decided to go on adventure to explore the place. We went to Treasure Island booth to get free backpack, then got drinks and bought programs. We decided to walk around and did full first floor. There also are stores inside so we decided to call it Mall of Target Field because it is more like mall with baseball stadium in it. There are several Twins stores, mostly kiosks, but there are two stores on first floor one is inside and other one is outside with more choices in things. There is charging booth for cellphone/ipods and Wii for people to play video games that are sponsored by Best Buy.

We went upstairs so I could eat at Ballpark Tavern because I heard that Juicy Lucy burgers are very good. The bar is too crowded but we managed to get a table. Their hardwood floor was from Minneapolis Armory where Lakers used to play before they moved to Los Angles. Some tables are high, some are low and there was some comfy chairs also and island bar.

I would always return to Target Field. It is worth to watch game or just to hang out walking around the stadium.

ITS OFFICIAL: LEBRON JAMES IS HEADING TO MIAMI

Free agent drama is all over for good: LeBron James is going to join Miami Heat for upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season.

SOURCE: ESPN NBA

You can watch his interview HERE.

LeBron James put the NBA on notice Thursday night, joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

Ending weeks of silence and drama, the two-time MVP said on his ESPN special from Greenwich, Conn. on Thursday night that he's decided to join the Miami Heat and leave the Cleveland Cavaliers after an unsuccessful seven-year quest for the championship he covets.




LeBron Discusses 'The Decision'
LeBron James will sit down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on ABC (Friday, 7 a.m. ET) to discuss the ins and outs of one of the most-talked about free-agent decisions in NBA history.

"The best opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also," James said. "Winning is a huge thing for me."

It's a huge victory for the Heat, who got commitments from Wade and Bosh on Wednesday. That duo, along with James, formed the upper echelon of the most-celebrated free-agent period in league history.

James said the contract numbers for all three were not finalized, but all three agreed to take less money to play alongside each other.

Still, Heat president Pat Riley landed them all, a three-pack of stars to help shape his quest for a dynasty in Miami.

And for Cleveland, a city scorned for generations by some of sports' biggest letdowns, James' long-awaited words represented a defeat perhaps unlike any other.

James is gone. Home sweet home no more.

He said he made the decision Thursday morning and knows it won't go over well in Ohio.

"They can have mixed emotions, of course," James said, adding that Akron will "always be home for me."

The Cavs drafted James No. 1 overall in 2003 out of St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School in Akron, Ohio.

Emmer to Hold Town Meeting with Servers

Source: Emmer for Governor Press Release

Emmer to Hold Town Meeting with Servers

Listening tour continues, hospitality workers encouraged to participate

Tom Emmer announced today he will hold a town meeting with servers in the hospitality industry next Wednesday to listen to their concerns regarding wages, tips, taxes and health care. This week Emmer met with business owners around the state as he focused the Freedom and Prosperity Project on jobs and the economy.

“The most important issue facing the next governor is creating jobs and getting our economy back on the path to prosperity,” said Emmer. “This week we met with business owners and next week we will listen to the employees, especially servers concerned about the tip credit issue. I’m looking forward to a robust discussion.”

What Town Hall Meeting with servers in the hospitality industry.

When Wednesday, July 14, 2010 · 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

When Ol’ Mexico Restaurante and Cantina
One block north of Larpenteur on Lexington Ave
Roseville

Leslie Peterson, a 'great storyteller' turned ally for deaf-blind

Leslie Peterson, a 'great storyteller' turned ally for deaf-blind
Leslie Peterson of Minneapolis was a longtime advocate and role model for people like himself.

By SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune

Last update: July 2, 2010

Lifelong deafness and the gradual loss of his sight did not keep Leslie Peterson from a rich, independent life.

A past president of the Minnesota DeafBlind Association, Peterson, who died June 28, was a longtime advocate for that community, friends and relatives said.

Peterson often spoke to school and community groups, state officials and legislators. "He was a great storyteller," and he worked hard to secure funding for services to help people who were deaf and blind, said longtime friend and interpreter Nancy Evelyn.

Friends and relatives said he helped start a social club for people with deaf-blindness, as well as the association's annual Thanksgiving banquet, where last year he received a lifetime achievement award.

But "his greatest impact to people was simply being who he was, being a role model," said Paul Deeming, a services manager at DeafBlind Services Minnesota. "He is the most independent person who is deaf-blind that I know."

In the early 1980s, Peterson helped to successfully lobby state legislators to fund services for people who were both deaf and blind, said Sharon Plett, also a longtime interpreter.

Peterson, 67, of south Minneapolis, died of lung cancer, though he never smoked, said his daughter, Mitzi Uribe of Coon Rapids.

Peterson had a condition called Usher syndrome, a relatively rare genetic disorder characterized by deafness and gradual vision loss. He was born deaf and started losing his sight at age 14.

Though he was legally blind for decades, he retained some sight until two weeks before he died, his daughter said.

Peterson was born in Montana, the son of a pastor with a large family. After graduating from a school for the deaf, he attended a Bible college in Missouri.

He moved to Minnesota, initially to be near a sister in St. Cloud. He met his future wife, Patti, "on a blind date," Uribe said, laughing.

When they were courting, Peterson used to take the bus to Patti's parents' house in Robbinsdale and walk the last few blocks to their door, which "used to make her family nervous," Uribe said.
Peterson worked as a draftsman for several years -- a job that he loved, but which he eventually had to leave as his eyesight worsened, his daughter said.

"He was really at a point in his life where he had decided to take life by the horns and start preparing himself for being deaf and blind," learning to use a cane and read Braille, she said.
Peterson remained bold his entire life, though he knew the risks, his daughter said. "A lot of times, he would be on a bus and the bus driver would forget to tap him on the shoulder, and he would be completely lost in the community somewhere," she said.

He did his own banking, could install doors and build walls, and even tore down an old garage a few years ago.

"It look him two weeks, and he got lots of cuts and bruises, but he gained lots of muscle tone and he loved it," Uribe said.

He created his own communication system, a flip chart with various messages in large-print and Braille that he used to take the bus and get around in public, Deeming said. Dissatisfied with storebought canes for blind people, Peterson made his own, attaching a pizza cutter to the end so it would roll over sidewalk cracks.

An avid chess player, Peterson would play anyone, Deeming said. "I only saw one person, one time, who ever beat him," he said. Once, Deeming said, Peterson was the only person who showed up to a club meeting at DeafBlind Services Minnesota. Lacking a chess partner, he taught a staffer how to play -- wordlessly.

Peterson is survived by his wife and two children, along with many other relatives. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Billman-Hunt Chapel, 2701 Central Av. NE. in Minneapolis, with a gathering one hour before the service.

Sarah Lemagie • 952-882-9016

The First Branch of Government: NCSL Film Rediscovered

Rach's Note: That was from 1970's where people was allowed to smoke in buildings and the advanced technology was typewriter. There was no Laptops, blackberries, Ipods, and cellphones. there may be familar faces of old timers such as Martin Olav Sabo who later get elected to Congress. Click on title of film to watch the video.

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

by Pam Greenberg

[Note: This article was originally posted in May 2009. Repairing a broken link to the video caused it to be re-published today.]

The Minnesota Legislative Research Library has uncovered a lost treasure: a documentary film about the legislative process written and produced for NCSL in 1976 by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Charles Guggenheim, whose Academy-award winning films included Nine From Little Rock, A Time for Justice, and The Johnstown Flood.

The 30-minute documentary film, The First Branch of Government: From Grass Roots to Law, follows former Minnesota Representative Thomas Berg (photo) as he attempts to pass The Metropolitan Land Planning Act.

Former Representative Ray Faricy converted the film from its original format to DVD and gave it to the library, which in turn converted it to a media file format and made it available to all through the Legislature’s website.

The film begins, “Every year, 7,565 Americans travel to their state capitals to work. These citizen legislators carry with them the concerns and aspirations of their people—values which will ultimately determine the future of our children, our institutions and the quality of our land. This is the story of one of them—and the men and women who have joined him in performing this work.”


As Library Director Robbie LaFleur observes:

“Many of the scenes and sounds are anachronistic—typewriters clacking, people smoking in offices and committee rooms, and window air conditioners. Check out the plaid jackets! There are no cell phones or laptops in sight. But the human process of the Legislature that is portrayed is just as real today. Constituents have conflicting needs, priorities need balancing, and sometimes a legislator becomes irritated at roadblocks to the passage of a bill. Frustrating floor debates drag on and end in disappointment. It's difficult to balance the demands of office with home life. The film could be shown in a civics class today.”

The film really makes you feel as though you are standing in Representative Berg's shoes. He and others in the film seem totally unaware of the cameras and crew. There are scenes of Berg meeting with his constituents, talking with local officials, driving hundreds of miles on snowy roads for hearings throughout the state, and strategizing with colleagues. Berg is also faced with compromise—changing his bill in order to win wider support or risk losing the cause completely. A businessman opens his testimony at a committee hearing with: “Well, I’m one of those nasty developers...” Berg also talks with school kids in the chamber, telling them “I really hope in about 20 years several of you will be sitting out there in those seats, trying to decide what’s best for the state of Minnesota.”

The film ends by stating NCSL’s mission at that time (similar to, but shorter than our current mission):

“As an organization of the nation’s legislators and legislative staff, we have an obligation to the American people:

•To improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures
•To assure states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal decision-making process
•To foster interstate communication and cooperation
We intend to live up to that obligation.”

The film may not go viral on YouTube, but among legislative junkies or legislator wannabe's, it's a must see.