Saturday, August 2, 2014

House Resolution 440 Congratulating Pope Francis on his election and recognizing his inspirational statements and actions.....

....may end up going nowhere thanks to the Republican crybabies in the House of Representatives.


Pope Francis sounds too much like Obama to be honored by Congress, Republican says. (The Raw Story, 7/30/2014)

This kind of action should be considered a simple courtesy.  Of the 221 co-sponsors of the legislation, only 19 are Republicans. Democratic Representative John Larson (CT) sent House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) a letter last Friday requesting a vote on the resolution. 

Do Republicans Deserve Catholic Support? by Rachel Lu.   (Crisis Magazine, 2/21/2014)

Yet another reason has just been shared.   Although I have consistently voted Republican throughout my adult life, I preferred to stress to friends and relatives that I was a Catholic and a philosopher, but that I had no special loyalty to any political party. Evidently this attitude is common among young people today. I also find it to be quite common among faithful Catholics I know, many of whom resent the Republican Party for one reason or another.

Wisconsin State Assembly District 97: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary?

Open seat. Incumbent not running for re-election.
 

Public library in the 97th Assembly District
Waukesha Public Library

Academic library
Todd Wehr Memorial Library, Carroll University, .Waukesha

The 6 Republican candidates

Candidates biographies

No Democratic or other candidates are running.  The winner of the August 12 primary will run unopposed in the November general election.

The 97th district is currently represented by Bill Kramer, (R-Waukesha) although many of his Republican colleagues wish otherwise.   Not running for re-election, Kramer has found other uses for his campaign fund.

Related posts
Who's running unopposed in the Senate and Assembly? (6/16/2014)
August 12 primaries
Assembly District 1.  (6/17/2014)
Assembly District 4.  (6/18/2014)
Assembly District 8.   (6/19/2014)
Assembly District 10.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 16.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 19.  (6/22/2014)
Assembly District 20  (6/23/2014)
Assembly District 22  (6/24/2014)
Assembly District 26  (6/25/2014)
Assembly District 27.  (6/26/2014)
Assembly District 33.  (6/27/2014)
Assembly District 43.  (6/30/2014)
Assembly District 45.  (7/1/2014)
Assembly District 51.  (7/2/2014)
Assembly District 55.  (7/3/2014)
Assembly District 58.  (7/7/2013)
Assembly District 59.  (7/9/2013)
Assembly District 63  (7/12/2013)
Assembly District 72.  (7/14/2014)
Assembly District 75.  (7/17/2014)
Assembly District 78.  (7/20/2014)
Assembly District 81.  (7/25/2014)
Assembly District 87.  (7/31/2014)

Scott Walker on Voter ID: It's going just according to plan

Not in these exact words, of course.

Divided court upholds Wisconsin voter ID law.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/1/2014)


SidebarLet's expand it to include "common-sense reform" and "Scott Walker".

This soundbite, of course, is beside the point.  Here is what's really going on.

Study Confirms Fewer Young People Getting Driver’s Licenses.  (Transportation Nation, 7/20/2012)

There's been a big drop in the number of 18-24 year olds with a driver's license since 1983.

And who are the members of this age group more likely to vote for in the November election?

Source:  New Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker, Burke tied in Wisconsin governor’s race.  (News release, 7/23/2014)

Related reading:
The Driver License Status of the Voting Age Population in Wisconsin.   (2005)
I can see how these pie graphs from a 2005 report might have informed the discussion for voter ID proponents.  (5/11/2014) 

Voter suppression bonanza.   At UWM, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a total of 12,624 students live in residence halls, but only 280 (2 percent) have drivers licenses with these dorms’ addresses. All others require speci al handling to vote under proposed and current legislation. 

Related posts:
Meet Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Patience Roggensack, who authored majority opinions in voter ID cases.  (8/1/2014)
So as a result, you want your government to make it harder for you to vote?
(5/22/2014)
The cat's got Fitzgerald's tongue.  (5/14/2014)
I can see how these pie graphs from a 2005 report might have informed the discussion for voter ID proponents.  (5/11/2014)
Rand Paul wants to have it both ways on voter ID....and does a sloppy tap dance in the process.   (5/10/2014)
I can see how one of these facts might inform the discussion for voter ID proponents.  (5/6/2014)
When it comes to diversity, all they want to do is talk.  (5/4/2014)
We're still awaiting a statement from Governor Walker.  (4/29/2014)
Voter suppression: Rep. Tom Larson uses the City of Milwaukee as the bogeyman.  (3/31/2014)
Sen. Mary Lazich shows her true colors.  (3/18/2014)
Wisconsin headline? No, the Ohio legislature also approved model voter suppression legislation from ALEC.  (3/14/2014) 
And the hypocrisy just keeps on coming: Republicans can't even give lip service to their "principles".  (2/14/2014)
Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald sez "no" to 40 of his Assembly colleagues.  (12/30/2013)
Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly hard at work promoting Governor Walker's jobs agenda (and GOP principles).  (11/15/2013)
Mary Lazich: Caught in the act of undermining confidence in the voting process.  (11/4/2013) 
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement asks a question about voter ID laws.  (11/28/2012)
Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) still drinking the Kool-Aid.  (11/12/2012)
Tennessee Supreme Court gives Memphis Public Library cards a thumbs up for voter ID.  (11/4/2012)
Tennessee Court of Appeals ruling pisses off Republicans.  (10/27/2012)
Early voting begins today (Monday, October 22) in Wisconsin.  (10/22/2012)
Judge finds at least one aspect of Tennessee voter ID law "nonsensical".  (8/1/2012)
Judge to weigh in on library cards in Memphis voter ID skirmish.  (7/30/2012)
Library card/voter ID fray in Memphis.  (7/10/2012)
I'd be careful making any long-term Voter ID assessments based on the February 21 primary election turnout.  (2/26/2012)
Hope you signed at least one recall petition, Ruthelle.  (12/5/2011)
True, but why not share a couple of examples with us, Deborah.  (11/11/2011)
Hoping that other state newspapers have similar local news to share.  (10/29/2011)
Walker sez "We're broke" but GAB could spend $600,000 on voter ID public education plan.  (10/12/2011)
ACLU of Wisconsin denounces photo ID policy reversal.  (10/7/2011)
Voter ID:  "A solution without a problem".  (9/25/2011)
Wisconsin State Bar's Civil Rights Section requests AG Holder to monitor Voter ID Bill.  (9/1/2011)
What's the matter with Wisconsin?  (7/27/2011)
Wisconsin Legislative Council information memorandum.  (7/15/2011)
Appleton Alderman Wants Pushback on State Voter ID Bill.  (2/7/2011)

Related reading:
New G.O.P. Bid to Limit Voting in Swing States. (The New York Times, 3/29/2014)
ALEC Exposed:  Democracy, Voter Rights, and Federal Power.  (Center for Media and Democracy, 9/28/2012)
Right-Wing Operatives Take Up ALEC's Voter Suppression Agenda.  (Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch, 4/19/2012)
Voter Suppression 101.  (Center for American Progress. 4/4/2012)

It's a Certification of Congressional Dysfunction When Michele Bachman is the First Member Quoted in a News Article

Congress Off for the Exits, but Few Cheer.  (The New York Times, 8/1/2014)

Photo credit: U. S. Congress

"Yours to Experience": The Indianapolis Public Library's Strategic Plan, 2015-2020



Strategic plan, 2015-2020.  "Yours to Experience".  
(Website)  (The plan)

Purpose of the strategic plan:  Themes
  1. Guide the digital journey
  2. Enhance informal education
  3. Enhance formal education
  4. Foster civic engagement through an informed citizenry
  5. Support business development
  6. Nurture healthy and vibrant communities
  7. Aid workforce readiness
  8. Embrace a diverse and global community
  9. Create the third place

Goals of the strategic plan
  1. Enrich Indianapolis' desire for personal growth and learning.
  2. Strengthen Indianapolis's neighborhoods and businesses.
  3. Act as agents of innovation in the Indianapolis community.
  4. Maximize accessibility to the library and its services.

Other Indianapolis Public Library posts:
Creating a future: Indianapolis Public Library begins strategic planning process.  (7/24/2013)
Tough stuff to share.  (2/16/2013)
Public libraries as local centers of book discovery.  (1/19/2013)
5th anniversary of  transformed Indianapolis central library.  (12/8/2012)
Starting May 13, weekly hours at Indianapolis public libraries will increase from 980 to 1247.  (5/6/2012)
IMCPL Board votes to restore most branch hours, with link to ICMPL 2011 annual report.  (3/29/2012)
Some hours to be restored at IMCPL branches. (3/1/2012)
"Not all good news". (2/25/2012)
2012 budget should allow library to restore reduced hours at branches.  (10/17/2011)
An informed, engaged Indianapolis will find the resources for its public library.  (7/4/2011)
Bramble's retirement leads to search for 21st-century visionary to lead IMCPL.  (6/3/2011)
Library funding a front-burner issue.  (6/3/2011)
Empty cup at the finish line?  (4/30/2011)
Indiana House passes library funding bill before Democrats take a much needed road trip.  (2/22/2011)
Indiana Senate moves more quickly than House on library bill.  (2/10/2011)
No rest for IMCPL 'loyalists'.  (2/9/2011)
'Library loyalists' provide a remedial lesson in funding priorities.  (2/8/2011)
Legislative effort to provide more funding for IMCPL continues.  (2/4/2011)
Show of support by IMCPL advocates.  (1/25/2011)
Library angel.  (1/17/2011)
Indianapolis Star editorial: "Give library a fair share of tax"  (1/13/2011)
Sustainability in the form of a share of county income taxes.  (1/12/2011)
Township deals comes undone.  (1/8/2011)
Vote to restore library hours and rehire staff: Thanking God again in Wayne Township, Indiana.  (12/16/2010)
Wayne Township's $200,000 for IMCPL:  "Thank God it's a nice purpose".  (12/8/2010)
Temporary fix (not yet approved ) to keep 4 IMCPL branches open.  (11/19/2010)
ICMPL to lay off 37 employees.  (11/12/2010)
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)

Kathleen Bloomquist Anderson (1929-2014) Warren High School Class of 1947


1947 Dragon yearbook

Kathleen reached the peak of her popularity in the first 10 years after the end of World War II.


Did Kathleen have enjoy listening to music while reading?

From the movie "The Razor's Edge" with Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney.,

Friday, August 1, 2014

Raymond Berdine (1928-2014) Warren High School Class of 1946

Warren Times-Observer



The name was in its prime when Raymond Berdine was born.


Perhaps a mischief maker/fancy skater who enjoyed Doin' What Comes Natura'lly.

Clearing out the Paper Files Again: The Milwaukee Area Edition



Photocopied newspaper articles, now recycled.

Old neighborhoods of youth exist on on map of memory.  (Milwaukee Sentinel, 8/8/1985).   Includes photos of Borchert Field, North 3rd Street.

Champagne tastes are reshaping the city that beer built.  (Chicago Tribune, 7/26/1986)

Can Packard Plaza persist?  Loss of 3 big stores worries some merchants in Cudahy.  (Milwaukee Journal, undated)

Revival on 3rd St.   (Milwaukee Journal, 8/27/1986)  
  • New life brewing.  Schlitz Park is renewing interest in an old area.
  • A suburban oasis in Inner City.

Experiment in integration.  Some say real estate industry threatens the outcome.  (Milwaukee Journal, 9/29/1986)   Sherman Park neighborhood.

Blocking out the blight.  Weary group keeps fighting to save city neighborhood.  (Milwaukee Journal, 10/26/1986)  11th & Keefe Block Club.

They try to straddle centuries.  (Milwaukee Journal, 11/26/1986)  800 block of North Cass Street.

Brady Street area now draws affluent.  (Milwaukee Journal, 11/26/1986)

Park West dream remains only that.  (Milwaukee Journal, 12/7/1986A new neighborhood of condos, duplexes, and single-family homes to be built in 3 phases.

Negotiations cloud Park East's future.  Many parties have vested interests.  (Milwaukee Journal, undated)

A ribbon of gold in the west.  Blue Mound boom shapes Brookfield.  (Milwaukee Journal, 1/21/1987)

Brookfield, Wis.  Builder Caters To Transferees.  (The New York Times, undated)

Wakesha's economy booms.  Its growth makes it Wisconsin's hot spot.  (Milwaukee Journal, 6/21/1987)

Jobs result from business boom.  (Milwaukee Journal, 6/21/1987)

Building boom good news for many.  (Milwaukee Sentinel, 9/7/1987)

The Segregated Suburbs.  (Milwaukee Journal, 12/17/1987)
  • 20 years after housing marches, suburbs remain almost as white. 
  • Few suburbs hire minorities.
  • Integration pioneer faced obstacles.
Rocky start at lakefront.  A new beach and an island are shaped from boulders.  (Milwaukee Journal, 5/25/1988)  Construction of 17-acre island park next to Summerfest grounds.

Faded glory:  Eagles Club once was social center for area.  (Milwaukee Journal, 5/26/1988)

Old South Side braces for change.   In a neighborhood known for stability, officials prepare for time of transition.  (Milwaukee Sentinel, 1989?)


South Milwaukee to unveil plans.  (Milwaukee Journal, 3/15/1989).  Downtown revitalization plans.

City's new skyscrapers fit in while lifting our sights and our hopes.  (Milwaukee Journal, 3/23/1989)

New buildings salute City Hall, other neighbors.  (Milwaukee Journal, undated.)  Milwaukee Center and 100 East Building.

My Most Memorable Neighborhood.  A small slice of heaven on our Southwest Side.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/28/1989)

Sign of allegiance.  In a changing  Milwaukee neighborhood, residents post notice:  "We're not selling out".  (Chicago Tribune, 7/3/1989)

Milwaukee shocked, moves to stem violence.  Violent crimes totaled 1,020 through July 1, compared to 565 for the first six months of 1988.  (Chicago Tribune, July 1989)

Names can mean a lot for a city.  (Milwaukee Journal, 7/19/1989)  Neighborhoods.

A Pool of Space for Subleasing.  (The New York Times, 2/18/1990).  Office development in downtown Milwaukee.

Washington Highlands.  (Milwaukee Journal, 3/22/1990) National Register of Historic Places neighborhood.

North Avenue Local:  A Journey Close to Home.  (Milwaukee Journal)
  • For 17 miles, the thread in all our stories.  (8/5/1990)
  • Free spirits still roam the East Side Stretch.  The successors to the '60s hippies are upholding the traditional laid-back lifestyle.  (8/6/1990)
  • Rock solid through an age of decline.  (8/7/1990)
Up Close:  Grand Avenue.  (Milwaukee Journal, 8/25/1990)

No Rust Belt.  As Economy Falters, Old Industrial City of Milwaukee Shines.  Instead of Wooing High Tech, It Modernized Factories, Rose with Export Boom.  Great Lakes Region is Strong.  (The Wall Street Journal, 11/29/1990)

Crisis Center:  Turmoil grips Milwaukee's inner city.  (Isthmus, 1/11-17/1991)

How Milwaukee Boomed But Left Its Blacks Behind.  (The New York Times, 5/19/1991)

In Milwaukee, the Raven Finds Its Victims.  (publication unknown, 2/28/1992)

Downtown Retail:  The Shops of Grand Avenue (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/14/2004)
  • Grand, but different.  New tenants and a new dedication to serving its residential neighbors are bringing fresh hope to the city's downtown mall. 
  • But Wisconsin Ave. faces big challenges.

Related posts:
A New York City (primarily Manhattan) bibliography.  (8/15/2013)
The outer boroughs.  (8/22/2013)

Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service

I'm sure that's what he meant to say, if there hadn't been a need to pander to Duey Stroebel's Tea Party supporters.

Duey Stroebel posts big fundraising lead through deep pockets. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 9/1/2014)


Related posts:
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead.  (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives.  (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.  (4/28/2014)

Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead

In that way, he's beholden to no one but himself.

Duey Stroebel posts big fundraising lead through deep pockets. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 9/1/2014)


Total amount Duey has lent his campaign:  "....just short of $692,000.

A Tea Party fave.

Related posts:
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives.  (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.  (4/28/2014)

You can cut down only so many ash trees in a day

Yesterday I speculated that this obviously diseased, dying ash tree was not located on the corner property of Anderson and Cooper, where the removal of 3 trees had just taken place


But these removals take time, as I should know from the loss of a towering silver maple two summers ago.  (Photos to follow in a later post.)


Related posts: 
Another day dawns on even fewer ash trees.  (8/1/2014) 
A new day dawns on fewer ash trees.  (7/31/2014)
Ash Trees on Cooper Avenue in Middleton: Going......going.....  (7/10/2014)
Emerald Ash  Borer's impact on Middleton.  (7/5/2014)

Let's See What Glenn Grothman Has Been Up To Lately

Making campaign ads, for one.

I like the title of this one:  "Tea Time".



An earnest, deep-voiced reading, with frequent notes of dismissiveness.  "Washington has plenty of do-nothing politicians, spineless guys more worried about cocktail receptions than fixing our exploding national debt and pulling our country out of a ditch.

"But not Glenn Grothman.

"You see, Glenn Grothman's not the kind of guy who gets invited to the White House for tea and cookies.  That's because Glenn's a proven conservative leader, taking on liberals, cutting income taxes, writing pro-jobs bills, and cleaning up welfare my making it illegal to buy junk food with food stamps.

"Term limits?  Glenn Grothman is the first candidate to pledge to serve no more than 10 years.

"So if you want another weak-kneed, go-along-get-along Congressman, then vote for other guys. But if you want a proven conservative who'll tell the Washington power brokers that enough is enough, vote Glenn Grothman for Congress."

About that pledge.

It loses all meaning when you've already served 21 years in the state legislature. 

Related posts

Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence.  (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives.  (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.  (4/28/2014)

H..ALLELU JAH!


Photo by Retiring Guy

Another Day Dawns on Even Fewer Ash Trees

2 more taken down yesterday.  I'm sure I won't see what remains of the 3rd tomorrow morning.

August 1, 2014


July 31, 2014


It's Here:  Invasive Beatle [sic] Found in the City of Middleton.  (Middleton Times-Tribune, 6/1/2014)

July 10, 2014






Related posts: 
A new day dawns on fewer ash trees.  (7/31/2014)
Ash Trees on Cooper Avenue in Middleton: Going......going.....  (7/10/2014)
Emerald Ash  Borer's impact on Middleton.  (7/5/2014)

Meet Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Patience Roggensack, Who Authored Majority Opinions in Voter ID Cases

Act 10, Voter ID rulings reward campaign contributors.  (Capital Times, 7/31/2014)

Bought and paid for.   The voter ID decision was authored by Justice Patience Roggensack, whose re-election campaign in 2013 was heavily financed by the same interests that promote voter ID laws, privatization of education and the destruction of unions. 


Related posts:
So as a result, you want your government to make it harder for you to vote? (5/22/2014)
The cat's got Fitzgerald's tongue.  (5/14/2014)
I can see how these pie graphs from a 2005 report might have informed the discussion for voter ID proponents.  (5/11/2014)
Rand Paul wants to have it both ways on voter ID....and does a sloppy tap dance in the process.   (5/10/2014)
I can see how one of these facts might inform the discussion for voter ID proponents.  (5/6/2014)
When it comes to diversity, all they want to do is talk.  (5/4/2014)
We're still awaiting a statement from Governor Walker.  (4/29/2014)
Voter suppression: Rep. Tom Larson uses the City of Milwaukee as the bogeyman.  (3/31/2014)
Sen. Mary Lazich shows her true colors.  (3/18/2014)
Wisconsin headline? No, the Ohio legislature also approved model voter suppression legislation from ALEC.  (3/14/2014) 
And the hypocrisy just keeps on coming: Republicans can't even give lip service to their "principles".  (2/14/2014)
Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald sez "no" to 40 of his Assembly colleagues.  (12/30/2013)
Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly hard at work promoting Governor Walker's jobs agenda (and GOP principles).  (11/15/2013)
Mary Lazich: Caught in the act of undermining confidence in the voting process.  (11/4/2013) 
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement asks a question about voter ID laws.  (11/28/2012)
Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) still drinking the Kool-Aid.  (11/12/2012)
Tennessee Supreme Court gives Memphis Public Library cards a thumbs up for voter ID.  (11/4/2012)
Tennessee Court of Appeals ruling pisses off Republicans.  (10/27/2012)
Early voting begins today (Monday, October 22) in Wisconsin.  (10/22/2012)
Judge finds at least one aspect of Tennessee voter ID law "nonsensical".  (8/1/2012)
Judge to weigh in on library cards in Memphis voter ID skirmish.  (7/30/2012)
Library card/voter ID fray in Memphis.  (7/10/2012)
I'd be careful making any long-term Voter ID assessments based on the February 21 primary election turnout.  (2/26/2012)
Hope you signed at least one recall petition, Ruthelle.  (12/5/2011)
True, but why not share a couple of examples with us, Deborah.  (11/11/2011)
Hoping that other state newspapers have similar local news to share.  (10/29/2011)
Walker sez "We're broke" but GAB could spend $600,000 on voter ID public education plan.  (10/12/2011)
ACLU of Wisconsin denounces photo ID policy reversal.  (10/7/2011)
Voter ID:  "A solution without a problem".  (9/25/2011)
Wisconsin State Bar's Civil Rights Section requests AG Holder to monitor Voter ID Bill.  (9/1/2011)
What's the matter with Wisconsin?  (7/27/2011)
Wisconsin Legislative Council information memorandum.  (7/15/2011)
Appleton Alderman Wants Pushback on State Voter ID Bill.  (2/7/2011)

Related reading:
New G.O.P. Bid to Limit Voting in Swing States. (The New York Times, 3/29/2014)
ALEC Exposed:  Democracy, Voter Rights, and Federal Power.  (Center for Media and Democracy, 9/28/2012)
Right-Wing Operatives Take Up ALEC's Voter Suppression Agenda.  (Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch, 4/19/2012)
Voter Suppression 101.  (Center for American Progress. 4/4/2012)

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Election Preview: Vote for Scott Walker in November and the Sun Sinks into Tiedeman Pond


Here's the Message That Wisconsin Voters Need to Deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014



Scott Walker's resume in chronological order.

Wisconsin State Assembly, 1993-2002



Milwaukee County Executive, 2002-2010


 
Governor, State of Wisconsin, 2010-2016




U.S. President (2016-)



Related posts:
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014) 
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters  (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination.  (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!!  (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin).  (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker.  (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home.  (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor.  (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm".  (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote.  (4/25/2013)

Jacquelyn Johnston Malone (1951-2014) Warren Area High School Class of 1968

Source:  Warren Times Observer

1968 WAHS Dragon Yearbook

"Jacqueline", the more popular spelling, peaked in 1961.  And you probably could have guess that.

"Jacquelyn" peaked in 1951, the year that classmate Jacque was born.


This song made its debut at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week that the class of '68 graduated.

Wisconsin State Assembly District 87: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary?

Open seat.  Incumbent not running for re-election.


Public libraries in the 87th Assembly District
Bruce Area Public Library
Frances L. Simek Memorial Library, Medford
Hawkins Area Library
Marathon County Public Library -- Athens
Rusk County Community Library, Ladysmith
Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library, Hayward
Western Taylor County Public Library, Gilman
Winter Public Library

Academic library
North Central Technical College Library, Medford

The 4 Republican candidates

Candidate biographies

The winner of the August 12 primary will run against Democratic candidate Richard Pulcher in the November general election.

About Richard:
  • Home:  Lublin
  • Occupation:  Operator, Lublin wastewater treatment plant (former)
  • Elected office/memberships:  Union steward-treasurer--Teamster Local 662 (1994-2013)

Mary Williams (R-Medford) currently represents the 87th District.  She has served in the Assembly since 2002.


Related posts
Who's running unopposed in the Senate and Assembly? (6/16/2014)
August 12 primaries
Assembly District 1.  (6/17/2014)
Assembly District 4.  (6/18/2014)
Assembly District 8.   (6/19/2014)
Assembly District 10.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 16.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 19.  (6/22/2014)
Assembly District 20  (6/23/2014)
Assembly District 22  (6/24/2014)
Assembly District 26  (6/25/2014)
Assembly District 27.  (6/26/2014)
Assembly District 33.  (6/27/2014)
Assembly District 43.  (6/30/2014)
Assembly District 45.  (7/1/2014)
Assembly District 51.  (7/2/2014)
Assembly District 55.  (7/3/2014)
Assembly District 58.  (7/7/2013)
Assembly District 59.  (7/9/2013)
Assembly District 63  (7/12/2013)
Assembly District 72.  (7/14/2014)
Assembly District 75.  (7/17/2014)
Assembly District 78.  (7/20/2014)
Assembly District 81.  (7/25/2014)

A New Day Dawns on Fewer Ash Trees

July 31, 2014



It's Here:  Invasive Beatle [sic] Found in the City of Middleton.  (Middleton Times-Tribune, 6/1/2014)

July 10, 2014



All that's left is the remains of 3 ground-out stumps.


And this chunk of trunk.


This ash tree must be on the neighbor's property.


Related posts: 
Ash Trees on Cooper Avenue in Middleton: Going......going.....  (7/10/2014)
Emerald Ash  Borer's impact on Middleton.  (7/5/2014)

Following Up on the Demise and Demolition of Mirro (Part 5)

Timeline:  Mirro history, 1895-2014.  (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 4/4/2014)

May 2010.  Still exhibiting its architectural majesty (manufacturing division).


July 2014. Hollowed out
Photos by Retiring Guy

Timeline elements with which you're probably familiar.

1945.  The Mirro-Matic pressure pan introduced.  1,000,000 sold within 2 years.


We called it a pressure cooker in the Nelson household, although Mom rarely used it.

1961.  Mirro starts to manufacture aluminum Christmas trees.

Hey, Blockhead! Aluminum Christmas trees regain their shine — at least for a while. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/25/2013). 

Aluminum Christmas trees ($75 for a 4-foot tree) were introduced by a Chicago company in 1958, but the market took off the following year when Manitowoc's Aluminum Specialty Company offered a series of Evergleam models for as low as $10.

The Wisconsin State Historical Society started collecting aluminum trees in 2004.  This was the 2nd time they featured this exhibit.  For those of you who were unable to see it, here's a sample.

Pink Evergleam Aluminum Christmas Tree.   Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story .

Obviously, some folks still love' em.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Scott Walker Overshadows Mary Burke in Big Campaign Contributions

Source:  Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money

During the first 6 months of 2014, Scott Walker received 322 contribution of $5,000 or more totaling $2,207,955.  Of this amount, $1,500,000, or 67%, was from out-of-state donors.

During the first 6 months of 2014, Mary Burke received 80 contributions of $5,000 or more totaling $527,850.  Of this amount, $184,050, or 35%, was from out-of-state donors. 

And how has Scott Walker benefited from this big-money advantage?


Related posts:
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions.  (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters  (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination.  (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!!  (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin).  (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker.  (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home.  (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor.  (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm".  (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote.  (4/25/2013)

Heads Up to Those Driving I-90 and I-94 This Weekend


Deadly August on I-90/94 prompts coast-to-coast police mobilization.  (Madison.com, 7/30/2014)

Correction.  I-90 runs from Boston on the East Coast to Seattle on the West Coast, while I-94 runs from Chicago Port Huron, Michigan, to Billings, Montana.  The two highways only join together in Wisconsin, from Madison to Tomah.

What's Your Guess?

TV show grabbed cook's interest, Janesville apartment catches fire. (Madison.com, 7/30/2014)

Smells fishy to me.    The apartment had heat and smoke damage to the kitchen and fire damage to the ventilation hood, stove and a cabinet door. 

What show is to blame?
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Impeachment: Another Republican "Strategy" Singes Its Creators

Impeachment, on G.O.P. Lips, Animates Democrats’ Base. (The New York Times, 7/29/2014)

Photo credit:  U.S. Congress
Official photo from 2009
The last 5 years have not been kind.

Coming from Democrats on Capitol Hill?

Let's look at just a few of many examples of Republican lips in action.

How about this coming from 1300 miles west-northwest of Washington, D.C.?



Or this coming from Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.).



Then there's Sarah "Whack-a-mole" Palin weighing in.

And finally, in a recent CNN/ORC poll, 57% of Republican respondents say President Obama should be impeached.  Looks like all that talk from the lips of Republican elected officials is having a strongly disorienting effect.

Following Up on Mirro's Demise and Demolition (Part 4)

Mirro demolition pace will accelerate.  (Manitowoc Herald-Times-Reporter, 6/23/2014)

But not right away.   Reclamation of hemlock and maple floorboards continues in the former Mirro plant as major demolition is suspended pending an environmental study.

May 2010Looking at the eastern side of the building.


Must have been too much iPad screen glare for me to check closely the (lack of ) quality of the follow-up photo below.

Nevertheless, you can still see that the northeastern quadrant of the block is where the demo action is taking place.



2010 photo taken for this blogpost, The Mirro Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin (8/10/2010)

Related posts: 
Following Up on Mirro's Demise and Demolition (Part 1).  (7/29/2014)
Part 2.  (7/29/2014)
Part 3.  (7/29/2014)

"Masterworks vs. the Masters": I have a few photos of my own to illustrate

Masterworks vs. the Masters.  (The New York Times, 7/28/2014)

I don't remember seeing many selfies being taken on Thursday, December 29, 2011One cloudy afternoon this month, the line to enter the Louvre stretched around the entrance pyramid, across one long courtyard and into the next. Inside the museum, a crowd more than a dozen deep faced the Mona Lisa, most taking cellphone pictures and selfies.

But I do remember the deep crowds straining for a view of "Mona Lisa" upon entering exhibit room 6 on the 1st level of the Denon wing of the Louvre.


The dimensions of "Mona Lisa" are small, a mere 2' 6" x 1' 9" (77 cm x 53 cm).

This is about as close as I got for a straight-on view.



I found it more interesting to watch people viewing the painting.



Here is what's on the other side of the wall.