Saturday, September 17, 2016

Because Scott Walker asked


Source:  Democracy Now

Scott Walker ....Club for Growth - Wisconsin....Karl Rove
Source of above and following screenshots:  The Guardian

Scott Walker spreads the news

No  one will know.

Two are better than one.

Scott Walker's grab-and-go schedule

Big money from Menard

Working up to the big ass ask

Hail, hail...

Luther Olsen:  Beholden since at least 2012

Dear Abby,

The price of access:  At least $25,000

Related posts:
Kate Doner suggests Scott Walker charge $25,000 for ham sandwich at fundraiser.  (9/17/2016)
Scott Walker with his knickers down, selected from 1300 documents.  (9/16/2016)
Once-upon-a-time convicted felon Scott Jensen grouses about illegally obtained information.  (9/16/2016)
One of the voter ID smoking guns unearthed by the Guardian. (9/16/2016)

Kate Doner suggests Scott Walker charge $25,000 for ham sandwich at fundraiser


Screenshot from a 9/6/2011 email (John Doe evidence)



Also in the picture:

Friday, September 16, 2016

Scott Walker with his knickers down, selected from 1300 documents



Quoted in Walker no longer raising money for group.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/15/2016)

Related posts:
Once-upon-a-time convicted felon Scott Jensen grouses about illegally obtained information.  (9/16/2016)
One of the voter ID smoking guns unearthed by the Guardian. (9/16/2016)

Beyond CES 2016: Smart billboards




When the billboard has a brain.  (Boston Globe, 5/19/2016)
Billboard advertisers are getting inside our heads. For years, they’ve watched with envy as Internet advertisers have learned to precisely target our interests and tastes, by using personal data collected from our Web browsers. Now the billboard guys are assembling their own high-tech toolkits, full of slick and spooky new ways to pry open our wallets.

Other Beyond CES posts: 
FRESHeTECH Splash Tunes Bluetooth shower speaker.  (9/6/2016)
This video is dedicated to those of us who have survived prostate cancer.  (7/6/2016)
DOGO.  (6/23/2016)
Cowarobot.  (5/15/2016)
Robot empowers staff to focus on customer service.  (4/15/2016)
Bentley reveals the future of luxury driving -- a holographic assistant.  (4/8/2016)
Don't expect Olive Oyl while wearing this virtual reality sex suit.  (4/6/2016)
Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter.  (4/2/2016)
Cocoon cam.  (3/13/2016)
Brita Infinity pitcher.  (3/11/2016)
Kids' shoes for helicopter parents.  (3/4/2016)
Tangram smart rope.  (3/1/2016)
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).

Once-upon-a-time convicted felon Scott Jensen grouses about illegally obtained information


Little Scotty gets caught with his knickers down.


*That's the title he bestows upon himself at LinkedIn.

Quoted at GOP operatives discussed ginning up 'voter fraud' reports.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/15/2016)

Related articles:
Influence Peddler of the Month. (Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, 4/30/2015; updated 6/22/2015)
In other words, business as usual for the former Assembly Speaker.  Jensen, age 54, is currently a lobbyist and senior adviser for the Washington, D.C.-based American Federation for Children, a pro-school voucher group that has spent an estimated $5.4 million since the beginning of 2010 on outside electioneering activities to support mostly Republican legislative candidates. Ironically, the message in most of the group’s electioneering activities rarely mentions school vouchers or education. For the most part, it smears Democratic candidates on tax, government spending, job creation, and economic development issues.
The long arms of Scott Jensen.  (Urban Milwaukee, 12/3/2014)
At a recent board meeting of the nonpartisan watchdog group Common Cause in Wisconsin, executive director Jay Heck mused, “I get the feeling that nobody remembers Scott Jensen anymore, even though he probably plays a greater role now than he did then.”
Jensen settles misconduct case; felonies dropped.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/20/2010)
In 2006, a Dane County jury convicted Jensen of three felonies and a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison but was allowed to remain free while appealing the case.

Related post:
One of the voter ID smoking guns unearthed by the Guardian. (9/16/2016)

One of the voter ID smoking guns unearthed by the Guardian



Reported by Dan Bice in GOP operatives discussed ginning up 'voter fraud' reports.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/15/2016)

Related voter ID posts:
Robin Vos approves of voter ID to press his limited government goals.  (9/13/2016)
Dear Donald Trump, Here's what voter ID rigged elections look like.  (8/24/2016)
Despite recent appeals panel ruling, Brad Schimel continues to waste taxpayer money.  (8/24/2016)
Robin Vos, Jim Steineke defend GOP right to suppress the vote.  (7/30/2016)
Voter ID Hokey Pokey.  (5/20/2016)
Giddy over voter ID, Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) is also a big fan of redistricting.  (5/17/2016)
The fact is, Scott Walker, Wisconsin spent a lot of time and money on a solution in search of a problem.  (4/28/2016) 
Ted Perry, GOP hypocrisy, voter ID, and anger.  (4/8/2016)
Voter ID controversy: Glenn Grothman just makes it worse.  (4/6/2016)
The hyper-hypocritical Scott Walker: Hunters are ethical, voters are not.   (3/10/2016)
It's not an oversight; just part of the Republican plan to disenfranchise voters.  (2/1/2016)
Republican candidates for President want voting to be a privilege, not a right.  (8/6/2015)
Apparently, it's OK to plagiarize a Voter ID law.  (10/17/2014)
The Republicans' voter ID, "common sense" echo chamber.  (10/13/2014)
GOP reaches out to Blacks and Hispanics while making it harder for them to vote.  (10/3/2014)
What are the odds? Joint Finance provides funding for Voter ID campaign.  (10/1/2014)
In the news: Wisconsin Voter ID law and absentee ballots.  (9/18/2014)
Wisconsin Republican legislative leaders cry like a baby.  (9/17/2014)
Reality sandwiched between two slices of Leah Vukmir white bread.  (9/15/2014)
Scott Walker on Voter ID: It's going just according to plan.  (8/2/2014)
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)
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)
And the hypocrisy just keeps on coming: Republicans can't even give lip service to their "principles".  (2/14/2014)

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)

The Theocracy Chronicles: The nutty judicial worldview of Jesse Kremer



Every election has consequences, by Jesse Kremer.  (WisOpinion, 9/8/2016)

Other Jesse Kremer posts:
3 GOP Wisconsin State Assembly frosh running unopposed for re-election.  (7/27/2016)
Abortion pill politics: Jesse Kremer likes what he sees in Arizona and Arkansas.  (7/2/2016)
Kremer offers his words of healing in aftermath of Orlando massacre.  (6/15/2016)
NC-17 (at least): Inside the bizarre, twisted mind of Jesse Kremer.  (4/27/2016)
UPDATE: GOP Assembly leaders bail on "guns in school" bill, to disappointment of cluster of usual suspects.  (2/21/2016)
In so many words, Rep. Jesse Kremer sez he'll sleep better with more guns in Wisconsin schools.  (1/14/2016) 
Cartoon conservative principles, the Christmas edition: Rep. Kremer accuses fire officials of 'relieving themselves'.  (12/23/2015)
Bathroom bill update: Julaine Appling must have inadvertently loosened her grip on Jesse Kremer's leash.  (12/16/2015)
Out of (local) control: When it comes to anything resembling a train, Republicans just can't help themselves.  (12/1/2015)  
The 'bathroom bill' marriage of Jesse Kremer and Julaine Appling.  (11/21/2015)
ALEC/NRA waterboy Jesse Kremer blames the media.  (10/23/2015)
Waterboys for the NRA and ALEC: Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) and Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)  (10/13/2015)
Wisconsin Republicans continue their laser-like focus on jobs and the economy.  (10/7/2015)
Wisconsin Assembly candidate denounces tax breaks for wind energy but conveniently overlooks what big oil receives.  (8/7/2014)
Just what the Wisconsin legislature needs: Another ALEC disciple.  (8/7/2014)

Kappa Alpha moral compass is spinning wildly out of control



Grade Point.  ‘Tonight’s the type of night that makes fathers afraid to send their daughters away’: Fraternity suspended for email.  (Washington Post, 9/13/2016)

Source:  The Collegian

You'll find these principles described at the Kappa Alpha website:
  • Reverence
  • Gentility
  • Service
  • Leadership
  • Knowledge
  • Perseverance
  • Excellence

Related posts:
UPDATE: UW-Madison fraternity fails to live up to its creed.  (5/19/2016)
Zeta Beta Tau: No Mission Accomplished Here.  (4/25/2015)
The Vision, Spirit, Motto, and Values of Greek-Letter Organizations.  (1/29/2015)

UPDATE: The Towering Isthmus, Capitol's Edge Apartments, the final shots




Photos by Retiring Guy


No vacancy


2/27/2016 update starts here. At this point, the building looks ready for occupancy.  The crane is on the site of the AC Hotel Madison at the NW corner of North Webster and East Washington (Saturday, Feb 27, 2016)



Photo taken by Retiring Guy on Thursday, January 14, 2016.


Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom units available

  • Floor plans
    • Studio (405 to 548 sq. ft.)
    • 1 bedroom (654 to 833 sq. ft.)
    • 2 bedroom (947 to 1180 sq. ft.)
  • Rents
    • Studio (from $995)
    • 1 bedroom (from $1295)
    • 2 bedroom ($1820


2 photos taken by Retiring Guy on Thursday,  August 13, 2015.  Based on the rendering, there's 1 more story to go.


A view from across the street from the Capitol Square North parking garage.



Photo by Retiring Guy taken on Tuesday, June 16, 2015.


Photo by Retiring Guy taken on Thursday, May 7, 2015.


Photo by Retiring Guy taken on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.


October 20th view.



To be replaced by 6-story, 58-unit apartment building.

Webster Street elevation



Other "Towering Isthmus" posts:
Another development starts to rise along East Washington Avenue.  (8/23/2016)
UPDATE. The Towering Isthmus, Anchor Bank Capitol Square development.  (8/9/2016)
AC Hotel Madison at East Washington & North Webster (view from Capitol observation deck).  (7/4/2016) 
UPDATE. The Towering Isthmus: hubBa with cranes wingspan.  (7/4/2016)
UPDATE: The Towering Isthmus: Uncommon eyesore. (5/5/2016)
UPDATE: The Towering Isthmus: Capitol's Edge Apartments.  (2/27/2016)
UPDATE:  The Lux on West Johnson Street.  (1/15/2016)
UPDATE:  Madison Plan Commission rejects 10-story boutique hotel to take place of Pahl Tire.  (10/14/2015)
UPDATE:  9 more stories to go.  (9/26/2015)
670,000 square foot development risin' on the 800 block of East Washington.  (4/19/2015)
Sleeping and entertainment destination to rise in the middle of this photo.  (1/11/2015)
A behemoth hogs the skyline from Bascom Hill.  (12/14/2014)
Cranes at dusk.  (12/11/2014)
UPDATE: The Towering Isthmus: The Towers of Porta Bella.  (11/23/2013)
The Hub, the new hulk in town.  (11/16/2014)
North Bedford Street Project Still in the Proposal Stage.  (11/11/2014)
Coming soon: Another chapter in The Towering Isthmus Saga? (9/19/2014)
Blue Velvet.  (9/10/2014)
The New Edgewater Hotel gets ready for its fireworks celebration.  (9/10/2014) 
Among the first wave of towers on the Isthmus.  (9/9/2014)
For those of you who haven't stood at the intersection of West Gilman and State Street in Madison Wisconsin lately.  (9/9/2014)
A tree grows on West Gilman Street.  (9/9/2014) 
Nobly or otherwise, this is no longer the question.  (9/8/2014) 
Deconstruction complete at 17, 19, 25 North Webster and 201 East Mifflin Streets.  (9/7/2014)
The towering isthmus (left to right).  (8/27/2014)
The Towering Isthmus (and the 3 cranes): For folks who can afford the view.  (7/22/2014) 
That Was Then, This is Now: The 400 Block of West Gilman.  (7/18/2014)
New housing rising.  (5/8/2014)
Cranes over Porta Bella.  (4/22/2014)

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Dr. Oz and Donald Trump: They got a good thing going



Donald Ttrump talks weight loss with Dr. Oz.  (YouTube, 9/15/2016)


Their 3rd top 10 hit.  It spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 from December 1966 to February 1967, peaking at #4.

THE FINAL SHOT: Infill, not a teardown, at 6260 Elmwood Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin



Original 10/14/2015 post, "Infill, not a teardown, at 6260 Elmwood Avenue", starts here.


When I first noticed the 'disruption' taking place on this lot, I had to ask myself, Was there a house here?  Is this another teardown?

I made a mental note to check Google StreetView.

Not necessary, as it turned out.

As the woman who lives in the house at left explained to me (after she had backed her car out of the driveway and pulled up along side my car before running an errand), she and her husband are building a Craftsman-style dwelling.

"Similar to the houses in Middleton Hills," she explained.

The narrow lot size required a very rectangular design.

In the meantime, a very attractive, custom-designed Cape Cod will soon be on the market.

THE FINAL SHOT. Teardown (and final upgrade) on Maywood Avenue



5/15/2016 update, "Why plant a lawn when you can create a monument to Sarah Palin?", stats here.

Photo by Retiring Guy

More than a month after Christmas and work is continuing at a much slower pace.  (Photos taken on Monday, February 1)



Two of the intruder's original Cape Cod neighbors.




Might have to revise that Christmas move-in timetable.   (Photo taken on Sunday, November 15.  During most of September and October, it seemed as though the house was being worked on 7 days a week.  Lately, though, I haven't seen much going on -- even during the week.  That goes for both the exterior and interior.)


At this rate, the owners might be moved in by Christmas.  (Early October)


Framing in progress.  (September 19, 2015)


Ain't wastin' time puttin' in a foundation. (August 27, 2015)






The Teardown

The lot pictured below is located in the 7000 block of Maywood Avenue, two doors west of the Rambler.  (Pictured at the end of this post.)

Photo by Retiring Guy

The Neighborhood

Screenshot from Access Dane

The Park Lawn neighborhood of Middleton, Wisconsin, is located north of University Avenue, west of Middleton High School, south of Parisi Park, and mostly east of Mayflower Drive.   Its development took place in the years immediately following World War II.  Most of the houses, primarily Cape Cod and ranch in style, were constructed prior to 1950.

The majority of them have since been remodeled -- and expanded, in many cases -- to one degree or another.  There remains, however, a handful that, to my eye, look pretty much the same as they did more than 65 years ago.  (If we discount the basic maintenance items of  new siding, roof, and such.)

Here are photographic samples taken during an early morning walk a few years ago.  (Which means that some of these examples are now probably out of date.)












Then there's this abomination. No basic maintenance here.  (It has since been partially 'rescued'.)


And here's a textbook example of how a series of remodeling projects have transformed your basic post-WWI Cape Cod into a Rambler.


It will be interesting to see what goes up 2 doors down from the Rambler.

Rest assured I'll keep you posted.