As we approach the annual celebration of affection and connection known as Valentine's Day, we offer you our annual print recognition of that day, the Book of Love. As has become the custom, we've gathered the words and pictures of devotion that our readers have sent in. (Also, as usual, the entire Book of Love content and other photos that didn't fit can be found online at Isthmus.com/BookofLove.)
Meanwhile, the honeymoon is over for Gov. Scott Walker, pictured on our cover in a parody of the iconic Che Guevara image. Isthmus staffer Joe Tarr examines the governor's program halfway through his term. He tried to check in, but in a continuation of the Republican blockheaded refusal even to talk to what they consider a hostile media, the administration refused to talk to him. And they wonder why they get bad press.
But no matter, there's plenty of rhetoric on the record for Tarr to measure against, the point of his exercise in "Walker's Radical Reform." How's he doing on job creation, the centerpiece of his 2010 campaign? Hey, we've got a budget surplus. But what don't we have in its stead? Wishful thinking is no substitute for performance, a fact that the numbers bear out. Walker has two more years to make the numbers work for him, if he plans to retain his job. Not a given.
It's gloomy enough outside during these cloudy winter days. No need to pursue this gloomy topic further. Valentine's is supposed to be an up time, though of course love can be cruel as well as exhilarating. Here's hoping your Valentine's Day finds you loved and happy. And if you're looking for a way to celebrate, check out Ben Munson's rundown of musical choices for the attached and unattached. And look for your name written in the Book of Love.
