Saturday, April 9, 2016

Arizona's Paul Gosar shows his nutty side



As quoted in Gosar To House Speaker: ‘The Honeymoon’s Over’.  Congressman calls for bare-knuckle tactics.  (Payson Roundup, 4/8/2016)

Other Gosar posts:
Arizona GOP Rep. Paul Gosar: When dentists go astray.  (4/4/2016)
When religious freedom means government by theocracy.  (4/3/2016)
Climate change, Paul Gosar, and short-term (special-interest) thinking.  (2/11/2016)
Freedom Caucus members pledge allegiance to the NRA.  (1/6/2016) 
The Freedom Caucus, Congress' crybabies (part 5).  (12/20/2015) 
Planned Parenthood videos altered? Makes no never mind to....  (11/29/2015)
Meet 'the crazies' in the U.S. House of Representatives,  (9/29/2015)
Meet the members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/1/2015)
No friend to the environment.  (11/15/2015)

Kenosha Tremper High School students teach adults a lesson in understanding and acceptance



As reported in After student protest, transgender student allowed to run for prom king. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,  4/8/2016)

Related link:
Schools create inclusive climates for transgender students.  (District Administration, July 2015)
Transgender Student Guidelines.  (New York City Department of Education)

ALEC waterboy Chris Kapenga bemoans 'activist Dane County judge'


But rich, conservative, out-of-state activists are just fine and dandy.


As quoted in 4/8/2016 press release.

Why the waterboy has his undies in a bundle.
Dane County judge strikes down right-to-work law.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/9/2016)
A group of private-sector unions sued the state, arguing state and federal law require unions to provide collective bargaining services to all employees in a represented workplace, regardless of whether they pay union dues. That made the state’s right-to-work law an illegal “taking” of their services, they argued. 
Foust agreed, writing that under the various labor laws and the right-to-work law “a free-rider problem is born — the ability of non-members to refuse to pay for something unions are compelled to provide by law.”

ALEC goes to Wisconsin:
UPDATE: Journal Sentinel publishes 804-word article on AB730 without using 'American', 'legislative', and 'exchange'.  (3/16/2016)
Dear Charles and David Koch, Mission accomplished! Love, Scott Fitzgerald.  (3/16/2016)
The 17 white GOP legislators who "inspired" today's Day Without Latinos rally in Madison (and where they live).  (2/18/2016)
Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls) on the issues and working together. (2/11/2016)
 GOP State Sen. Frank Lasee's ALEC bill promotes private water companies' workforce issues.  (1/27/2016)
While Scott Walker blathers about his jobs focus, Wisconsin Republicans continue to push an ALEC agenda.  (1/25/2016)
The big, the bold Scott Walker promises more ALEC model policy plagiarism for Wisconsin.  (11/7/2015)
Time for another Republican hypocrisy alert! (10/23/2015)
Get me rewrite: Wisconsin lawmakers eye ALEC model legislation to end state's prevailing wage laws.  (4/5/2015) 
Why do Republicans call it 'worker freedom'? Because the Koch Brothers say so.  (3/7/2015) 
Scott Walker: Putting the power of government into the hands of the Koch Brothers.  (2/23/2015)
Since 2008 Scott Walker pledges his allegiance to the Koch Brothers.  (2/21/2015) 
Why drug tests for recipients of public aid in Wisconsin?  Because the Koch Brothers say so.  (2/10/2015)
Rep. Lee Nerison (R-Westby) Does ALEC's "Ag-Gag" Bidding.  (2/9/2015)
Van Wanggaard toes the ALEC line.  (2/7/2015)
Meet Scott Walker's "ideas" men.  (1/29/2015)
The Koch Brothers bring you "The Big and the Bold".  (1/24/2015)
Chris Kapenga, ALEC waterboy, is at it again. (12/11/2014)
UPDATED:  They pledge allegiance to the Koch Brothers.  (11/19/2014)
Of course, Kapenga hasn't drafted a bill; it's already been done for him.  (12/4/2014)
Here's an example of what happens when people don't pay attention.  (10/8/2014)
Speaking of plagiarism: The Kapenga Chronicles   (9/27/2014)
ALEC tools Leah Vukmir and Alberta Darling go off the deep end.  (9/22/2014)
Speaking of plagiarism.  (9/20/2014)
Just what the Wisconsin legislature needs:  Another ALEC disciple.  (8/7/2014)
Meet Chris Kapenga, R-Waterboy, representing the grate state of ALEC.  (2/18/2014)
Sen. Paul Farrow throws a hissy fit (which is transcribed in this news release).  (2/7/2014)
Robin Vos believes in selective transparency of the kind advanced by the American Legislative Exchange Council.  (12/24/2013)
Background on the National Conference of State Legislatures for Leah.  (12/12/2013)
From ALEC to Andre to us: Rep. Jacque (R-DePere) whittles model bill down to the basics.  (9/1/2013)
NRA/ALEC "Docs and Glocks" law finally makes its way to Wisconsin.  (6/18/2013)
Robin Vos, "an ALEC Wisconsin Foot Soldier" (SourceWatch).  (6/13/2013)
ALEC'd to Death: Wisconsin Republicans Continues to Depend on the Koch Brothers' Playbook. (6/7/2013)
ALEC's State Budget Reform Toolkit: "Asset Sale and Lease Opportunities".  (6/6/2013)
Selling State Properties? It's in the ALEC Playbook.  (5/22/2013)
More cookie-cutter legislation from ALEC.  (4/7/2013)
What the Koch Brothers left under Scott Walker's 2010 Christmas tree.  (6/19/2012)

Friday, April 8, 2016

Ted Perry, GOP hypocrisy, voter ID, and anger



Transcription.
Of all the quotes you can find on honesty, one of the shortest and one of the best comes from, of all people, mobster John Gotti, who once said, "You only lie when you're afraid."

Congressman and former state senator Glenn Grothman was apparently void of any fear when he said on live television on election night that the controversial voter ID law would help Republicans in the fall.

Democrats pounced on that like a dog on an unguarded ham.  They claim, as does a former Republicans staffer when it happened.  They claim that the law was designed to keep less advataged Wisconsinites from voting.  

Governor Walker tweeted that the record turnout proved the law works just fine.

Actually, Governor, it means no such thing.  Record turnout just means that people were moved to vote -- there's a lot going on this year -- despite fewer chances to do so.  

When people wait hours to cast a ballot, it means they are passionate.  It doesn't mean they are approving of the process.  Who's to say lines like this didn't discourage more people of showing up.  Of course, there's no way of knowing that either.  It just shows that it's harder now to get a 5-pound ham into a 2-pound sack which used to be a lot bigger.  

Photo ID never bothered me as much as other changes such as doing away with a week or early voting and weekend voting.  Those moves seem more sinister than sensible.

My advice -- you want to avoid those long lines? -- act while you're angry.  Get yourself registered now if you're not.  Know that you can vote in November starting in late October and do not wait until the last minute. 

Fight back if you're angry because it's better to live like a lion for a day than a hundred years like a lamb.  That also John Gotti said.  







UPDATE: Middleton Plan Commission to review downtown historic core parking options


The Village Green's roof is highlighted in green in the first rendering.

Option A (45-degree angle on Hubbard)

Option B (approaching a 90-degree angle)



4/1/2016 update, "Parking a concern with T. Wall Old Middleton Centre makeover", begins here.

A so-called parking plaza is under consideration for this location, perhaps with underground parking.  Three houses would be razed.



A portion of the new development will be going up across the street.


Middleton considering hybrid park, parking area to accompany downtown development.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/1/2016)
The exclusively commercial and office use of Old Middleton Centre had allowed for public use of its parking spaces on evenings and weekends, but redevelopment of the property to include 30,500 square feet of commercial space, 36,000 square feet of office space and 206 apartments across seven buildings will eliminate the availability of that parking.

Original 4/29/2015 post, "Possibly Coming Soon to This Location: A Mixed-Use (Retail/Residential), Development", starts here.

Stay tuned to the Middleton Plan Commission for updates.

Retiring Guy photo taken at the intersection of Terrace and Parmenter in downtown Middleton

At the intersection of Parmenter and Hubbard
(The Village Green and Villa Dolce are immediately to the right of this frame.)

The six vaguely McMansion-style building that currently occupy the Old Middleton Centre complex is an early-1980s redevelopment project that never lived up to its billing.  What was supposed to be a mix of retail and office space has served primarily as an office location.  




From my observations as a 29-year Middleton resident, tenant turnover is high and the overall occupancy rate hovers in the 67%-75% range.  Entry doors, and there is a confusing array of them, have suite numbers posted on the glass. It's a rare occurrence to see a business name 'attached' to all of them.

Example 1:  4 for 7

Example 2:  4 for 6.
All photos by Retiring Guy

Beyond CES 2016: Bentley reveals the future of luxury driving -- a holographic assistant




Bentley wants to put a holographic butler in your car.  (The Verge, 4/7/2016)
Still in the concept stage.  It's not likely that this will end up in a car you can buy anytime soon, but it'll will be interesting to see how ultralux car brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce look to create cars in an autonomous driving world.

Bottom line:  We can't afford it.  The car pictured in the video still, the Bentley Bentayga, will set you back, at minimum, $229,700.

Other Beyond CES posts: 
Don't expect Olive Oyl while wearing this virtual reality sex suit.  (4/6/2016)
Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter. (4/2/3016)
The Rowbot: The newest way to flush Roger Thornhill out of a cornfield.  (3/30/2016)
Vivint doorbell camera. (3/30/2016)
The SevenHugs Smart Remote: Control everything but your kids.  (3/29/2016)
Cocoon cam.  (3/13/2016)
Brita Infinity pitcher.  (3/11/2016)
Meet the smartwatch of the day, the Garmin Vivoactive HR.  (2/21/2016)
Can the LG Rolling Bot locate a hairball hidden under the bed?  (2/21/2016)

Link to most recent CES 2016 post (with links to the rest of the series).

Go-karts are just one of many special features provided by this cruise ship




This Cruise Ship Will Feature a Two-Level Go-Kart Track. (Mental Floss, 4/8/2016)
The Norwegian Joy, slated to launch from China next summer, will offer passengers more than just floating go-kart races. Other planned amenities include simulator rides, a hovercraft bumper car arena, and a 360-foot water slide. For cruisers more interested in leisure than non-stop stimulation, there will also be areas specifically designed to help them unwind. In a section called "The Haven," guests willing to pay a little extra will be granted access to a partially covered courtyard, upscale dining facilities, and a full-time butler.
Related reading:
Behemoths at sea: Cruise ships getting bigger, packing more passengers.  (Miami Herald, 7/12/2016)

You'll soon be able to enjoy the adventure with 6,599 of your closest friends.

Related post:
I nominate Procol Harum's "Wreck of the Hesperus" for this Anthem of the Seas cruise.  (2/22/2016)

Scott Walker, Wisconsin's job-creating, education governor, and the damage done at UW-Eau Claire


Photo credit:  UW-Eau Claire

As quoted in UWEC details how millions in budget cuts is impacting the university.  (WEAU, 4/7/2016)

The casualty report:
  • 179 full time equivalent positions cut
  • 197 fewer course sections offered (Spring 2016) 
  • Class sizes up 14 percent.

A closer look at Wisconsin's population loss: Crawford County



Columbia County's population peaked in 1940 after experiencing a nearly 10% growth during the years of the Great Depression.  Since then the county has experienced two decades of increased population:  the 1970s and 1990s.  It is estimated to have lost 5% of its population since 2000.

Source:  Wikipedia + U.S. Census Bureau (2015)



As of July 1, 2014, 20.5% of Crawford County's population is 65 and over compared to the state's 15.2%.  Its 0-to-4 demographic of is 5.0% vs. Wisconsin's 5.9%

Related posts:
A closer look at Columbia County.  (4/7/2016)
A closer look at Clark County.  (4/6/2016)
A closer look at Buffalo County.  (4/5/2016)
A closer look at Bayfield County.  (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Barron County.   (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Ashland County.  (4/3/2016)
A closer look at Adams County.  (4/3/2015)
The majority of Wisconsin counties have lost population since 2010.  (3/28/2016)
Where Wisconsin's population growth is taking place (2010-2015).  (3/27/2016)
Dane County: Wisconsin's population growth engine. (3/27/2016)
 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates: Nearly half of Wisconsin counties lose population.  (3/27/2016)
Wisconsin population projections, 2010-2040: Top 10 counties by % decline and growth.  (5/14/2015)
Top 10 Wisconsin Counties by Percentage of Population Growth, Loss (2010-2014).  (3/27/2015)
Wiscousin counties:  Population 65 and older.  (10/24/2014)
Wisconsin trivia: What was Wisconsin's 2nd-largest city in 1910?  (/9/1/2014)
Dane County tallies 39% of state's population growth since 2010.  (3/27/2014)
2012 U.S. Census population estimates: More gains than losses among Wisconsin's largest communities.  (5/28/2013)

Voter ID controversy: Glenn Grothman just makes it worse



As quoted in Rep. Grothman responds to voter ID controversy, says high turnout benefits Republicans.  (TMJ4, 4/6/2016)



Other Grothman posts:
Rep. Glenn Grothman, in so many words: Voter ID laws are all about electing Republicans.  (4/6/2016)
Good news for bloggers: Glenn Grothman starting to feel his oats again.  (3/17/2016)
This just in from Glenn Grothman: Ted Cruz 'not for anchor babies'. (3/16/2016)
Recommended reading from Glenn Grothman.  (3/3/2016)
Once again, Grothman does the blah blah blah.  (1/13/2016)
Tea Party alert: Glenn Grothman supports increase in federal gas tax.  (12/29/2015)
Glenn Grothman's moving service.  (11/16/2015)
Glenn Grothman: Still trying to get to 'yes' with Paul Ryan.  (10/18/2015) 
Dear Glenn Grothman, Breaking up is hard to do.  (10/17/2015) 
He's a guy, and has access to 'all machines that one would need'.  (9/29/2015) 
Meet the Members of the Republican Study Committee: Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th District).  (8/18/2015)
What about seeing the light, Representative Grothman?  (8/11/2015)
Glenn Grothman's gibberish in full flower.  (7/1/2015)
Rep. Glenn Grothman puts corporate personhood first.  (6/23/2015)
Glenn Grothman Finds His Voice in Washington, D.C. (6/19/2015)
Glenn Grothman goes seriously bland on us.  (5/12/2015)
Glenn Grothman's lips are zipped.  (4/9/2015)
Glenn Grothman Speaks the Language of the Godfather of states' rights.  (1/13/2015)
Glenn Grothman, Quiet Man.  (10/12/2014)
Tom Petri returns the favor to Glenn Grothman.  (9/5/2014)
Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District primary: Less than 12% of voters paid attention.  (8/24/2014)
Hey guys and gals, Scott Walker is not 100% convinced that Glenn Grothman can win the 6th CD. (8/23/2014)
Career politician Glenn Grothman moves one step closer to Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District general election.  (8/22/2014)
To the tune of $692,000.   (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman:  A man without a mandate.  (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service.  (8/1/2014) 
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)

Thursday, April 7, 2016

I see a sea of white faces at Trump's Bethpage rally



I guess the above group represents the 26% who view Trump favorably.

Source:  AP-GfK poll

Related reading:
Poll: Trump’s Unfavorability Now at Whopping 70 Percent.  (Mediaite, 4/7/2016)

Still lots of time for anything to happen in GOP California primary polls

California's primary takes place on Tuesday, June 6.  Winner takes most of the 172 GOP delegates. 



Other state polls:
Presidential primary focus moves East: A look at latest polls from NY and PA.  (4/7/2016)
Trump continues to hold onto a slim lead in GOP California primary polls.  (4/5/2016)
Trump all but untouchable in New York GOP Presidential primary polls.  (3/31/2016)
Latest GOP Pennsylvania primary poll shows tight race between Trump and Kasich.  (3/24/2016)
Everybody gets a boost in latest Arizona presidential primary poll.  (3/22/2016)
Chris Christie no favorite son in New Jersey; Donald Trump rules for now.  (11/18/2015)

Wendy Peterson schedules a Lincoln Hills double bill




Lincoln Hills chief steps down after 3 months on job.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/6/2016)
The new head of the facility will be Wendy Peterson, who became deputy superintendent in 2014 and before that served as educational director for the institution. In her job as educational director, she urged teachers to show Hollywood movies to students to keep them in their classrooms, according to two teachers who worked under her.

Related posts: 
Wendy Peterson shares her favorite Hollywood movie prison scenes.  (4/7/2016)

Presidential primary focus moves East: A look at latest polls from NY and PA


New York State's primary takes place on Tuesday, April 19.  Its 95 GOP delegates are apportioned.


Pennsylvania's primary takes place on Tuesday, April 26.  The winner takes most of the state's 71 delegates.



Other state polls:
Trump continues to hold onto a slim lead in GOP California primary polls.  (4/5/2016)
Trump all but untouchable in New York GOP Presidential primary polls.  (3/31/2016)
Latest GOP Pennsylvania primary poll shows tight race between Trump and Kasich.  (3/24/2016)
Everybody gets a boost in latest Arizona presidential primary poll.  (3/22/2016)
Chris Christie no favorite son in New Jersey; Donald Trump rules for now.  (11/18/2015)

A closer look at Wisconsin's population loss: Columbia County



Columbia County's population held steady through the first 30 years of the 20th century and then experienced a period of sustained, incremental growth, punctuated by a 16% increase during the 1990s.   A healthy population growth continued during the first decade of this century.

But now the county has reached a plateau, it seems.  Since the 2010 census, Columbia County is estimated to have lost 90 residents.


Source:  Wikipedia + U.S. Census Bureau (2015)



As of July 1, 2014, 16.2% of Columbia County's population is 65 and over compared to the state's 15.2%.  Its 0-to-4 demographic of 5.4% is not too far off the mark of Wisconsin's 5.9%

Related reading:
Early Columbia County numbers show small growth.  (WiscNews, 9/1/2015)
Not all population estimates are created equally.  Dan Veroff, demographic specialist at the University of Wisconsin’s Applied Population Laboratory, said Columbia County’s minuscule growth is likely a reflection of hesitation stemming from the recession that began in 2007 — hesitation on the part of developers about going ahead with plans for new housing developments, hesitation on the part of people about moving to Columbia County or adding to their families. 
The Applied Population Laboratory estimated an increase of 195 Columbia County residents as of last year.
 
Related posts:
A closer look at Clark County.  (4/6/2016)
A closer look at Buffalo County.  (4/5/2016)
A closer look at Bayfield County.  (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Barron County.   (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Ashland County.  (4/3/2016)
A closer look at Adams County.  (4/3/2015)
The majority of Wisconsin counties have lost population since 2010.  (3/28/2016)
Where Wisconsin's population growth is taking place (2010-2015).  (3/27/2016)
Dane County: Wisconsin's population growth engine. (3/27/2016)
 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates: Nearly half of Wisconsin counties lose population.  (3/27/2016)
Wisconsin population projections, 2010-2040: Top 10 counties by % decline and growth.  (5/14/2015)
Top 10 Wisconsin Counties by Percentage of Population Growth, Loss (2010-2014).  (3/27/2015)
Wiscousin counties:  Population 65 and older.  (10/24/2014)
Wisconsin trivia: What was Wisconsin's 2nd-largest city in 1910?  (/9/1/2014)
Dane County tallies 39% of state's population growth since 2010.  (3/27/2014)
2012 U.S. Census population estimates: More gains than losses among Wisconsin's largest communities.  (5/28/2013)

State Sen. Mary Lazich led Wisconsin down a path of failure in 2012




As quoted in Abstinence Push Wins in Wisconsin.  (Wall Street Journal, 3/14/2012)

The bill was sponsored by 4 GOP senators and 23 GOP representatives.  (OK, 1 Assembly member -- Bob Ziegelbauer -- who identified as an independent but caucused with the Republicans.)







I suspect none of them read any of these selections:
Abstinence-Only Education and Teen Pregnancy Rates: Why We Need Comprehensive Sex Education in the U.S.  (National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The Truth About Abstinence-Only Programs.  (Advocates for Youth)
What the Research Says… Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs.  (SIECUS fact sheet)

Sen. Lazich is retiring at the end of the year, but don't expect her successor to embrace anything but the most conservative GOP principles, whenever the whim strikes.

Other Lazich posts:
GOP career politician Mary Lazich dismisses state intrusion into local control in retirement statement.  (3/22/2016)
Meet Wisconsin's version of the Freedom Caucus crazies.  (3/17/20160
Scott Walker and Wisconsin State Senate not on same page when it comes to legislative priorities (part 3).  (1/22/2016(
Mary Lazich, news releases, education statistics, and those pesky footnotes.  (11/23/2015)
With the passage of AB 387, Newspeak once again infuses Republican media releases.  (11/7/2015)
The small-'d' pettiness of State Senator Mary Lazich.  (7/8/2015)
Meet Mary "no theatrics here" Lazich, newly elected Wisconsin state senate president.  (11/7/2014) 
Mary Lazich's history and vision of U.S. government in 125 words.  (7/4/2014) 
State Senator Mary Lazich shows her true colors.  (3/18/2014)
Mary Lazich's modern way.  (3/12/2014)
Dust-up in the Wisconsin State Senate.  (3/12/2014)
Mary Lazich's music downloads.  (6/14/2013)
When it comes to sex ed, State Senator Mary Lazich is all for local control. (3/25/2013)
State Sen. Mary Lazich: Legislator or cheerleader?  (10/3/2011)

Regents leadership Ray Cross consulted are members of GOP donors' club



As reported in Wary UW System leaders cancel presentations on campus cuts.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/6/2016)


Sources:


Related posts:
UW Board of Regents rubberstamps Walker's tenure policy changes with 'task force' flourish.  (3/10/2016)
Education Committee chair of Board of Regents of University of Wisconsin System has donated $10,400 to Scott Walker.  (2/5/2016)

Wendy Peterson shares her favorite Hollywood movie prison scenes




As reported in Lincoln Hills chief steps down after 3 months on job.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/6/2016)
The new head of the facility will be Wendy Peterson, who became deputy superintendent in 2014 and before that served as educational director for the institution. In her job as educational director, she urged teachers to show Hollywood movies to students to keep them in their classrooms, according to two teachers who worked under her.

Related posts: 
Former Wisconsin DOC Secretary tries to take advantage of Walker administration disdain for open records law.  (3/26/2016)
 Dear Ed Wall, Taking the job is just the first step.  (3/20/2016)
Has the State of Wisconsin got a deal for Ed Wall!!  (3/1/2016)
The Lincoln Hills Scandal slide show timeline: Scott Walker's bottom line is to cover his butt.  (2/28/2016)
LINCOLN HILLS SCANDAL UPDATE: Scott Walker and the broken chain of command (with Jessie Rodriguez exception).  (2/27/2015) 
Hands-off manager Scott Walker must still be licking his Presidential campaign wounds.  (1/14/2016)
Because Scott Walker believes he's hired the best employees to work for the citizens of our state.  (1/9/2016)
Selective Republican logic inoperative when applied to Wisconsin juvenile corrections program.  (12/24/2015)
The dysfunction of Scott Walker's executive branch of government in 1 defensive quote.  (12/20/2015)
Scott Walker and Lincoln Hills School for Boys: Too busy thinking about his (presidential) baby.  (12/19/2015)
Still in the news: Lincoln Hills School for Boys.  (12/13/2015)
Scott Walker shows us how to deflect (Taking no responsibility, chapter 2).  (12/12/2015) 
As usual, Scott Walker takes no responsibility.  (12/11/2015)
In the news: Lincoln Hills School for Boys, Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  (12/11/2015)

Related Ethan Allen post:
State property for sale:

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

GOP presidential candidates continue to float along in March national polls







Recent related posts:
No change in GOP Presidential race according to Pew Research poll.  (3/31/20160
Trump approaches, then recedes from 50% level in this month's national Presidential primary polls,  (3/30/2016)
#DumpTrump movement having no impact yet on national polls.  (3/22/2016)
Trump treads water while Cruz, Kasich gain in national polls.  (3/16/2016)
Dear Cameron, About Cruz closing the poll gap, it's a happening thing.  (3/8/2016)
So much for #NeverTrump if CNN has its way.  (2/29/2016)
How often do Republicans wake up in the night screaming, "Is this the best we can do?"  (2/23/2016)
Who's the outlier? In one day, Trump goes from +20 to -2, behind Cruz, in national polls.  (2/17/2016)
Rubio can't maintain momentum in latest national Presidential primary poll.  (2/5/2016)
If I were Donald Trump, I'd be shittin' my britches right about now.  (2/4/2016) 
Once Trump inches above the 40% level, his poll numbers start to recede.  (1/29/2016)
On the other hand, Trump continues to fly high in national Republican Presidential primary polls.  (1/26/2016)
No intersecting lines yet among top 4 candidates in January national Republican Presidential primary polls.  (1/23/2016)
Latest Monmouth Republican Presidential primary poll gives Trump a 19-point lead over Cruz.  (1/20/2016)
Recent Republican polls show candidates still drifting along.  (1/15/2016)
When you get right down to it, nothing has changed in Republican national polls in last month.  (1/12/2016)
Nationally, none of the top 4 Republican Presidential candidates is peaking at this time.  (1/11/2016)
Latest FOX News poll has subgroup margins of error that would embarrass the 1962 New York Mets.  (1/8/2016)

Meal kits: Death wish of the privileged class for the planet


From boring video #1


It’s Dinner in a Box. But Are Meal Delivery Kits Cooking?  (The New York Times, 4/4/2016)
Not to mention the delivery costs.  In the span of a few short years, more than 100 companies have jumped into the meal kit game. Millions of cardboard boxes arrive on urban and rural doorsteps every month, holding everything one needs to cook dinner, down to the rice wine vinegar and panko.  [emphasis added]

From boring video #2.

Beyond CES 2016: Don't expect Olive Oyl while wearing this virtual reality sex suit




Virtual reality sex suit lets you feel the boobs of cartoon women.  (Death and Taxes, 4/6/2016)
As reported by numerous news outlets, Japanese sex toy company Tenga — best known for male masturbation sleeves that are basically modernist office decor you can stick your dick in — introduced a virtual reality “sex suit” that combines several disparate elements into one not-at-all horrifying package.

Bottom line:  I don't think that's the point of this exercise. 

Other Beyond CES posts: 
Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter. (4/2/3016)
The Rowbot: The newest way to flush Roger Thornhill out of a cornfield.  (3/30/2016)
Vivint doorbell camera. (3/30/2016)
The SevenHugs Smart Remote: Control everything but your kids.  (3/29/2016)
Cocoon cam.  (3/13/2016)
Brita Infinity pitcher.  (3/11/2016)
Meet the smartwatch of the day, the Garmin Vivoactive HR.  (2/21/2016)
Can the LG Rolling Bot locate a hairball hidden under the bed?  (2/21/2016)

Link to most recent CES 2016 post (with links to the rest of the series).

Merle Haggard (1937-2016)


Merle Haggard, Country Music’s Outlaw Hero, Dies at 79. (The New York Times, 4/6/2016)
Not to mention Big Brother and the Holding Co. He had an immense influence on other performers — not just other country singers but also ’60s rock bands like the Byrds and the Grateful Dead, as well as acts like Elvis Costello and the Mekons, all of whom recorded Mr. Haggard’s songs. Some 400 artists have released versions of his 1968 hit “Today I Started Loving You Again.”



Guess you could call this album the follow-up to Cheap Thrills.  It was, however, released 27 months after the seminal 1968 album -- sans Janis, of course.  It wasn't a big hit, peaking at #134 and dropping out of sight after 6 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

Climate change, rising sea level threaten Kennedy Space Center launch site




NASA is Facing a Climate Change Countdown.  (The New York Times, 4/4/2016)
Like so much of Florida, the Space Coast — a 72-mile stretch along the Atlantic — is feeling the threat of climate change. Some of the erosion is caused by the churning energy of ocean currents along the coastline. Hurricane Sandy, whose power was almost certainly strengthened by climate change, took a big bite in 2012, flattening an already damaged dune line that provided protection from the Atlantic’s battering.

Meet the Congresscritter who represents the district in which the Kennedy Space Center is located.


 
Photo sourceU.S. Congress

Text sourceHill Heat

Other climate change posts: 
Cold enough for you?  (3/9/2014)


Norma Pierce Nielsen (1934-2016) Warren High School Class of 1952



 1952 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory
  • [county section] Pierce Henrietta W Pittsfield
  • [county section] Pierce Norman D Pittsfield
  • Nielsen Kenneth H [Norma J] mtcemn Wire Specialty h104 Pleasant dr
1983 Warren City Directory
  • [county section] Pierce Henrietta W Pittsfield
  • [county section] Nielsen Norma J Rt 1 Clarendon

'Norma' was very popular during the 1920s and 1930s, peaking at #22 in 1931 and 1932.



Other class of '52 grads:
Santo 'Sam' Pascuzzi.  (2/14/2016)
Glenn Culbertson.  (10/23/2015)
Elizabeth Eggleston Hoffman.  (10/17/2014)

A closer look at Wisconsin's population loss: Clark County



Clark County's economic development follows a path familiar to other northern Wisconsin counties.  Abundant forests attracted lumbering and logging activities.  Once large areas of land had been cleared, agriculture -- dairying, in this case -- took over. According to the Clark County Land and Water Resource Management Plan 2012–2016, dairy farming remains the county's economic engine.

Clark County's population peaked in 1920 and has remained in the 30,000-35,000 range ever since.


Source:  Wikipedia + U.S. Census Bureau (2015)



As of July 1, 2014, 16.0% of Clark County's population is 65 and over compared to 15.2% throughout the state of Wisconsin.  Its 0-to-4 demographic, 8.2% vs. the state's 5.9%, is certainly a hopeful statistic.

Related posts:
A closer look at Buffalo County.  (4/5/2016)
A closer look at Bayfield County.  (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Barron County.   (4/4/2016)
A closer look at Ashland County.  (4/3/2016)
A closer look at Adams County.  (4/3/2015)
The majority of Wisconsin counties have lost population since 2010.  (3/28/2016)
Where Wisconsin's population growth is taking place (2010-2015).  (3/27/2016)
Dane County: Wisconsin's population growth engine. (3/27/2016)
 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates: Nearly half of Wisconsin counties lose population.  (3/27/2016)
Wisconsin population projections, 2010-2040: Top 10 counties by % decline and growth.  (5/14/2015)
Top 10 Wisconsin Counties by Percentage of Population Growth, Loss (2010-2014).  (3/27/2015)
Wiscousin counties:  Population 65 and older.  (10/24/2014)
Wisconsin trivia: What was Wisconsin's 2nd-largest city in 1910?  (/9/1/2014)
Dane County tallies 39% of state's population growth since 2010.  (3/27/2014)
2012 U.S. Census population estimates: More gains than losses among Wisconsin's largest communities.  (5/28/2013)