(Published Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:08:02 PM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
To marketing Wisconsin's history. The Wisconsin Historical Society suffered big budget cuts in recent years and still struggles to balance its books. But a new revenue stream is earning a small profit. The society's visual materials section earns more than $100,000 a year for making copies of historic photos, vintage ads and hard-to-find pop culture souvenirs. For example, Universal Studios recently paid $4,000 in permission fees to use 20 historic photos as 1920s set decor for George Clooney's production of "Leatherheads." The society has nearly 3 million images, and the Internet is sparking sales in many niche markets. The imaging department has put about 30,000 images online and adds about 6,000 each year. The online gallery can be found at www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi. Even if you're not in the market, the site is a treasure trove of Wisconsin heritage for people interested in history.
To failing to protect pets from heat. Wisconsin's state humane officer sounded a warning before a recent hot spell, and another one is sure to come. Dogs and cats can't provide their own ventilation or water, notes Dr. Yvonne Bellay, a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "They can't get out of a hot car or airless room. It's up to people." Bellay warns to never leave your pet in a vehicle in the sun, even if the outside temperature is mild, because sunshine can push the interior temperature to 120 degrees within minutes, turning the vehicle into a death trap. Leave your dog home, in a cool basement or shaded yard with a wading pool. When traveling, make frequent pit stops. Always provide fresh, cool drinking water. Keep outdoor kennels well-ventilated and shaded with water in bowls that won't tip. Don't exercise pets on hot days or warm, humid nights. Clip long coats on dogs to about an inch. Watch for signs of heat stroke-panting, staring or stupor, breathing difficulty, an anxious expression, refusal to obey, warm dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and collapse. If you notice such signs, call a veterinarian immediately.
To kids behaving badly. A boy yells at a jogger, "Hey, old man, run faster." A kid bicycling on Janesville's bike trail repeatedly yells just as a golfer at Blackhawk prepares to putt. On the course, two more pre-teen kids hit extra balls and walnuts, leave divots on greens and generally clown around and hold up people behind them. After their round, Mom picks them up. (Note to parents: Don't use a golf course as a baby sitter if your kids lack maturity). You can see lots of good kids doing good things this week at the Rock County 4-H Fair. But not every kid in Janesville spends idle summer hours behaving and doing good things. Rudeness seems more prominent these days. Parents, do you know what your kids are up to? Do you care enough to teach them right from wrong?
To Janna and Justin Vegge. The couple moved to Lincoln Street in Janesville three years ago and have been reaching out to their neighbors in the Fourth Ward. This summer, they're hosting neighborhood cookouts in an effort to nurture a sense of belonging. Neighbors visit with old friends and meet new ones, talking about recipes, children and gardens. The gatherings for both homeowners and renters have potential for rich diversity, as columnist Anna Marie Lux explained in a story on Page 1A Thursday. Next month, Joyce and Dan Heussner, neighbors on Wilson Street, will take a turn hosting such a gathering. "We enjoy them and want to share the responsibility," Joyce says. "We want to make the Fourth Ward noticeable to others, who say only bad people live here." What a great example for other people who likewise might want to build a greater sense of community.
To marketing Wisconsin's history. The Wisconsin Historical Society suffered big budget cuts in recent years and still struggles to balance its books. But a new revenue stream is earning a small profit. The society's visual materials section earns more than $100,000 a year for making copies of historic photos, vintage ads and hard-to-find pop culture souvenirs. For example, Universal Studios recently paid $4,000 in permission fees to use 20 historic photos as 1920s set decor for George Clooney's production of "Leatherheads." The society has nearly 3 million images, and the Internet is sparking sales in many niche markets. The imaging department has put about 30,000 images online and adds about 6,000 each year. The online gallery can be found at www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi. Even if you're not in the market, the site is a treasure trove of Wisconsin heritage for people interested in history.
To failing to protect pets from heat. Wisconsin's state humane officer sounded a warning before a recent hot spell, and another one is sure to come. Dogs and cats can't provide their own ventilation or water, notes Dr. Yvonne Bellay, a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "They can't get out of a hot car or airless room. It's up to people." Bellay warns to never leave your pet in a vehicle in the sun, even if the outside temperature is mild, because sunshine can push the interior temperature to 120 degrees within minutes, turning the vehicle into a death trap. Leave your dog home, in a cool basement or shaded yard with a wading pool. When traveling, make frequent pit stops. Always provide fresh, cool drinking water. Keep outdoor kennels well-ventilated and shaded with water in bowls that won't tip. Don't exercise pets on hot days or warm, humid nights. Clip long coats on dogs to about an inch. Watch for signs of heat stroke-panting, staring or stupor, breathing difficulty, an anxious expression, refusal to obey, warm dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and collapse. If you notice such signs, call a veterinarian immediately.
