June 30, 2011: D-Day to Government Shutdown

It's decision day. Either the Republican Legislature and the DFL governor come to agreement, or we will be faced with the most massive layoff in the history of Minnesota. At stake? The jobs of 22,000 state workers. I won't get into the politics as I follow this historic event. I will just try to document the days till there is agreement and a special session is held. My video shows the press encampment outside the governor's office, the protestors inside and outside the capitol, House Speaker Kurt Zellers and Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch coming for one of a long string of meetings for the governor, and Republican spokesman Michael Brodkamp being interviewed by the press. If you are interested in following the news without hype of the shutdown, I suggest that you "like" http://www.facebook.com/#!/MNHouseInfo.

Last night of session

I am so honored to work at the House. I can't help but be energized by the people who come here to deliver their message, whether it is in committee or in the Capitol Rotunda.

Voice of the people

There are happenings at the State Capitol, that impact me very deeply. Yesterday was one of those days. The House took up a bill to put on the ballot in 2012 whether marriage should only be reserved for a male and female. Crowds of peopple on both sides of the issues came to the capital to voice their concerns on both sides of the issue. I was so proud to see such a display of citizen input. The debate on the House floor is something I will always remember. What struck me most was those that spoke about enshrining discrimination and bigotry. I fear this issue will enflame people. The vote on the House floor was a sad day for us all.

They make me smile

 

2010: Merry Christmas everyone.

This year’s must-haves are next year’s garage sale junk

PHOTO: Lee Ann age 5 years old.



By Lee Ann Schutz
Published Prior Lake American December 2001
Let the refrain begin ... “Tis the season of a lot of gadgets, whir, and whir and whir, whir, whir.” Every year it’s something new - gadgets guaranteed to make life easier, peeling potatoes a breeze and food more healthy.The snake oil sales force is on the prowl with TV ads and infomercials that inform and entice us to buy the latest, the newest and the most improved.This year’s must-have item under the Christmas tree will more than likely find its way to the back of the cupboard or onto next spring’s garage sale. I’m not a gadget person. I am embarrassed to say how long I’ve been able to get by with a few no-name pots and pans, a good set of knives and a manual can opener. Don’t misunderstand me ... I love convenience. Just try to take away my garbage disposal and dishwasher. But please, no salad shooter, Chop-o-matic, Fry Daddy, hamburger-maker or latte machine.I have even resisted the temptation to buy a juicer, food dehydrator, foot massager and ice tea maker. Lately, though, I can feel my will breaking. I have looking longingly at breadmakers. Now, I would really use that, I tell myself convincingly. But if I’ve learned anything from my personal gadget history, it’s this ... the mood will pass as soon as I’ve baked my third loaf of bread, and the contraption will end up in the garage along with my 1970s fondue pot, (which I understand is once again the latest must-have entertaining item.)I’ve come up with an idea that I hope a budding entrepreneur will grab onto. I think we should have a rental place for all would-be-gadget buyers. Here’s how it would work. Let’s say I have a yen to buy a stationary bike (I get that craving every year right after Thanksgiving.)I would rent the item until the yen passed, and if the gadget worked its way onto my necessity list ... well, then I could buy it!Remember when the microwave first came out with all the options and the hope of easier, faster meals? Yeah, and how long did it take before that expensive gadget was used only for warming coffee and microwave popcorn?So, a word to anyone else thinking of buying me a present this year - If you’re thinking juicer, think again.

Multan, Pakistan

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