Saturday, July 21, 2018

Remember that Tax Cuts and Jobs Act promise?



Reported in Paychecks Lag as Profits Soar, and Prices Erode Wage Gains.  (The New York Times, 7/13/2018)

Related posts:
Paul Ryan celebrates secretary's 3.75 cents an hour raise.  (2/4/2018)
Blowhard-in-charge UPDATE. Get ready for some major BS in tonight's State of the Union address (The Bank of America $1000 bonus edition).  (1/30/2018) 
Blowhard-in-charge UPDATE. Get ready for some major BS in tonight's State of the Union address (The AT&T $1000 bonus edition).  (1/30/2018)
Blowhard-in-charge UPDATE. Get ready for some major BS in tonight's State of the Union address (The Sinclair Broadcasting $1000 bonus edition).  (1/30/2018)
Blowhard-in-charge UPDATE. Get ready for some major BS in tonight's State of the Union address (The American Family Insurance bonus edition).  (1/30/2018)
GET ME REWRITE. As you may know, several companies who pay their top executives millions of dollars have made ongoing cuts to their work force since before passage of Tax Cuts for the Rich Act. Knowing this, do you feel more or less favorable towards Republicans in Congress, who most likely received campaign contributions from these bottom-line fat cats?  (1/20/2018)
Newspaper editorial calls out Glenn Grothman for his (a) mispresentation or (b) lie.  (1/11.2018)
Juxtaposed headlines tell doubly troubling story.  (12/29/2017)
Donald Trump on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: "You just tell them and they believe you".  (12/27/2017)
UPDATE: Orrin Hatch grateful for the "great Christmas honor" of being called out for his "utter lack of integrity".  (12/26/2017)
Presdient Trump:  Only in it for the money.  (12/8/2017)
Plutocracy gone wild at SwampFest: GOP expects Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will seal the deal for midterm elections.  (12/2/2017)
It's called hypocrisy, h-y-p-o-c-r-i-s-y.  (12/1/2017)
Please tell me again how thte cynically named Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helps the middle class.  (11/30/2017)
Racial and ethnic makeup of the 115th Congress.  (11/30/2017)
Plutocracy in action: Donald Trump's America First tax cuts line the pockets of foreign investors with $520,000,000,000.  (11/30/2017)
Donald Trump's pants on fire.  (9/29/2017)

Related tax cuts and bonuses and whatnot posts:
Home Depot.  (3/9/2018)
BMO Harris.  (1/31/2018)
American Family Insurance.  (1/26/2017)
Sinclair Broadcasting.  (12/25/2017
AT&T.  (12/24/2017) 
Bank of America (12/22/2017)

Retiring Guy suspects that Scott Walker and influencer Maria Butina agree that "Our American Revival" depends on widespread voter suppression



Reported in As election nears and feds warn of cyber threats, Wisconsin election-security posts sit vacant.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 7/21/2018)

Wisconsin Elections Commission

Related posts:
In other words, just what Putin and Trump shook hands on.  (7/21/2018)

In other words, the Republican Governors Association thinks Trump is toxic


Map source;  RGA

Reported in Trump Endorsement in Georgia Race Surprised, and Frustrated, Some Republicans.  (The New York Times, 7/20/2018)


In other words, just what Putin and Trump shook hands on



Reported in Trump Doubles Down on Russia. The Spies Shake Their Heads in Disbelief.  (The New York Times, 7/20/2018)

Related post:
He stood there, shovel in hand, the stench of shit permeating the room.  (7/18/2018)

Scott Walker is mum: Apparently, the nomination of conservative stalwart Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court is within Walker's jurisdiction



Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker repeatedly evaded questions about federal immigration policy Monday, arguing it falls outside his jurisdiction.


That's just his style

Friday, July 20, 2018

Meet Stephen Ross, Donald Trump's puppet on a string


Photo sourceCrain's New York Business

Reported in Dolphins players could face suspensions for protests during anthem.  (USA Today, 7/29/2018)

Curiously, Ross is not mentioned in the above article.

Related article:  
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ anthem policy influenced by Donald Trump.  (Palm Beach Post, 5/28/2018)
Bottom line..... 
I was totally supportive of (protesting players) until Trump made his statement,” Ross said in his deposition, according to the WSJ. “I thought he changed the dialogue.”  
Ross also said he believed the protests were hurting the Dolphins financially.

Related posts:
Football billionaires: 15 very rich and mostly white guys pledge allegiance to the flag.  (6/2/2018)
UPDATE. Big Scott Walker donor compares some pro football players to prison inmates.  (10/29/2017)

UPDATE. Apparently, Donald Trump likes Scott Walker almost as much as he likes Putin


Treating Walker like the pet he is

According to Marquette Law School polls since Inauguration Day 2017, Trump approval ratings in Wisconsin remain underwater.



How will this bromance affect the gubernatorial election?


You can understand why Walker is running around the state with an overflowing bag of goodies.  Right now, it's Christmas in July.



Original 1/27/2018 post, "Two peas in a pod", starts here.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

UPDATE. With the primary less than a month away, most Democrats still prefer not to pay attention


Majority of responses fall into the 'haven't heard enough' category.


6/20/2018 update, "Josh Pade leads the parade of unfamiliar Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor", starts here.

Source:  Marquette University Law School poll (June 13-17, 2018)

New Marquette Law School poll finds many Wisconsin primary voters remain undecided, unfamiliar with candidates.  (Marquette University Law School poll, 6/20/2018)


Original 6/17/2018 post, "'Undecided' leads in Wisconsin Democrat's choice for governor", starts here.

Source:  Ballotpedia

Democrats determined to be ready for Wisconsin governor nominee.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/29/2018)
Uncertainty over the nominee has slowed fundraising for Democrats, leading to consternation that they might be in a big hole against Walker by late summer. That prompted Tom Russell, who ran Russ Feingold’s unsuccessful Senate campaign in 2016, to lead an effort for the Democratic Governors Association to raise money earmarked for the eventual nominee.

Dear Glenn Grothman, Does this mean you don't support Donald Trump's military parade?



Reported in House Rejects Proposal to Cut NEA Funding by 15%.  (Variety, 7/18/2018)
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities by 15%. 
The vote on Wednesday was 297-114. That was a boost to arts advocates, who argued that such funding was just a tiny fraction of the federal budget yet offered any array of benefits to local communities. 
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) proposed the funding cut via an amendment to a larger government funding bill...

Related article:
Trump's military parade expected to cost nearly as much as 'tremendously expensive' canceled war games.  (CNN, 7/18/2018)

 The Glenn Grothman chronicles:
Jan-Jun 2018
Could we please, please, get rid of this clown?  (6/21/2018)
Glenn Grothman in so many words:  The ruination of America is people with darker skin tones.  (1/27/2018)
Glenn Grothman shares etiquette advice on KFIZ.  (1/19/2018)
Memo to Glenn Grothman: Next time you see Donald Trump, give him a great big kiss, mwah!  (1/18/2018)
UPDATE: The demented clown, otherwise known as Glenn Grothman, returns to the topic of Al Sharpton at MLK event.  (1/18/2018)
Newspaper editorial calls out Glenn Grothman for his (a) mispresentation or (b) lie.  (1/11/2018) 
Glenn Grothman cries on the shoulder of his favorite KFIZ deejay. (1/9/2018)

Jul-Dec 2017
Glenn Grothman: Government welfare for me but not for thee.  (12/27/2017)
Our resident clown Glenn Grothman tells just half of the story.  (12/24/2017)
Like Vermin Supreme, Glenn Grothman believes that there should be free ponies for all Americans.  (12/15/2017)
A letter sent without fear of retribution.  (12/3/2017)
The insightful Glenn Grothman was talking to a gal.  (11/22/2017)
Dear Dan Kohl, If you substitute 'clownish' for 'partisan', the arrow moves hard right.  (11/9/2017)
The malevolent conservatism and clownish inhumanity of Glenn Grothman.  (10/25/2017)
Glenn Grothman sets a ridiculously low bar regarding hurricane aid to Puerto Rico.  (10/24/2017)
Glenn Grothman demands that a border wall be built.  (8/31/2017)
Here's something on which Glenn Grothman and I agree.  (8/10/2017)
Glenn Grothman wants us all to die.  Or not to fly.  (7/20/2017)
Short-term memory loss and The Glenn Grothman 24/7 Clown Show.  (7/15/2017) 
Steady drip-drip-drip inside Glenn Grothman's head vs. steady drip-drip-drip of evidence Russian collusion.  (7/13/2017)

Apr-Jun 2017
Glenn Grothman gives a big thumbs up to Pennsylvania's congressional districts.  (6/22/2017)
Glenn Grothman on the Paris Accord:  The blithering goes on.  (6/7/2017)
Dear Glenn Grothman, Not that anyone is listening to you.  (6/5/2017)
Oh, yeah, I just bet he does.   (6/1/2017)
It's bromance time for Glenn Grothman, sez Greg Gianforte seems like a good guy.  (5/26/2017)
At Glenn Grothman's groan-inducing town hall.  (5/2/2017)
51 U.S. House members implore Trump to legalize LGBT discrimination.  (4/27/2017)
At KFIZ, everybody loves a clown.  (4/17/2017)
Wishful thinking: Glenn Grothman does a little Mick Jagger at the podium during Sheboygan listening session.  (4/11/2017).

Jan-Mar 2017
What DO they think of Glenn Grothman on Capitol Hill?  (1/31/2017)
Not a Muslim ban, Glenn Grothman? The numbers indicate otherwise.  (1/31/2017)
On the other hand, some might say we do need Congressmen, but we can not have the wrong Congressmen.  (1/2/2017)

2016
The conservative values of Glenn Grothman, straight shooter and exemplary public servant.  (10/30/20176
GOP donor and Neenah realtor pens letter to editor, praises Glenn Grothman.  (10/28/2016)
Well, Glenn Grothman, looks as though Donald Trump and Paul Ryan won't accompany Mr. Gumpy on his outing.  (10/20/2016)
Meet the 3 Stooges who introduced Donald Trump at yesterday's rally in Green Bay.  (10/18/2016)
Likely to be other reasons why Trump and Glenn Grothman's relationship might be "less than perfect".  (10/13/2016)
Recommended reading from Glenn Grothman.  (3/3/2016)
Once again, Grothman does the blah blah blah.  (1/13/2016)

2015
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)

2014
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)

Climate change as a matter of fact: Say goodbye to Lebanon's remaining cedar trees



Climate Change Is Killing the Cedars of Lebanon.  (The New York Times, 7/18/2018)
 As temperatures rise, the cedars’ ecological comfort zone is moving up the mountains to higher altitudes, chasing the cold winters they need to reproduce. 
But now, after centuries of human depredation, the cedars of Lebanon face perhaps their most dangerous threat: Climate change could wipe out most of the country’s remaining cedar forests by the end of the century.

 Previous climate change as a matter of fact posts:
Africa
Cape Town, South Africa.  (1/31/2018)
Kenya.  (7/23/2017)

Asia
Rising seas + draining underground aquifers = Jakarta disaster.  (12/22/2017)

Australia and the Pacific
Dying coral of the Great Barrier Reef.  (4/22/2018)
Easter Island.  (3/18/2018)
Green sea turtles of the Great Barrier Reef.  (1/11/2018)
Kiribati.  (7/6/2016)

Europe
Portugal.  (6/19/2017)
The Netherlands.  (6/19/2017)
Norway, Finland, and Sweden.  (7/19/2018)

North America
Miami, again.  (6/14/2018)
May 2018 record heat in U.S. (6/9/2018)
Miami.  (5/4/2018)
Melting outdoor ice rinks in Canada.  (3/21/2018)
Gulf of Maine.  (3/8/2018)
Jean Lafitte, Louisiana.  (2/26/2018)
Lodi, Wisconsin.  (2/3/2018)
Maine shrimp season.  (12/27/2017)
California fires.  (12/8/2017)
Wisconsin.  (11/16/2017)
Hampton Roads, Virginia.  (11/4/2017)
Georgia peach orchards.  (9/18/2017)
Northeast U.S. pine forests.  (8/29/2017)
Tangier Island, Virginia.  (8/25/2017)
South of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. (8/25/2017)
New Orleans.  (8/12/2017)
Mexico City.  (2/19/2017)
Kansas.  (1/29/2017)
Moose of Maine.  (1/21/2017)
Florida Keys.  (1/14/2017)
California wine country.  (1/11/2017)
Kaktovik, Alaska.  (12/20/2016)
Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.  (7/7/2016)

Polar regions
Disappearing old ice in Arctic.  (6/4/2018)
North Pole.  (2/28/2018)
Beavers migrate to Arctic.  (12/24 /2017)
Shrinking sea ice in the Arctic Ocean.  (12/14/2017)
Emaciated polar bear.  (12/9/2017)

South America
Peru.  (11/26/2017)
Brazil.  (6/8/2017)
Bolivia.  (7/11/2016)
Peru,  (5/21/2016)

U.S. Military
Military experts sound an alarm.  (3/1/2018)
U.S. military bases around the world.  (1/8/2018)
U.S. Department of Defense.  (12/16/2017)
U.S. military bases.  (9/22/2017)

Worldwide
Wine production.  (4/27/2018)

Climate change as a matter of fact: Record-breaking heat sears Scandinavian countries



Scorching Scandinavia: Record-breaking heat hits Norway, Finland and Sweden.  (Washingotn Post, 7/18/2018)
An intense heat dome has swelled over Scandinavia, pushing temperatures more than 20 degrees above normal and spurring some of the region’s hottest weather ever recorded. Even as far north as the Arctic Circle, the mercury has come close to 90 degrees. 
Normally, temperatures in Scandinavia during July warm to the comfortable 60s and 70s. This week, they have soared into the mid-80s to lower 90s. On Tuesday, Finland, Sweden, and Norway all saw temperatures reach at least 91 degrees (33 Celsius).

Previous climate change as a matter of fact posts:
Africa
Cape Town, South Africa.  (1/31/2018)
Kenya.  (7/23/2017)

Asia
Rising seas + draining underground aquifers = Jakarta disaster.  (12/22/2017)

Australia and the Pacific
Dying coral of the Great Barrier Reef.  (4/22/2018)
Easter Island.  (3/18/2018)
Green sea turtles of the Great Barrier Reef.  (1/11/2018)
Kiribati.  (7/6/2016)

Europe
Portugal.  (6/19/2017)
The Netherlands.  (6/19/2017)

North America
Miami, again.  (6/14/2018)
May 2018 record heat in U.S. (6/9/2018)
Miami.  (5/4/2018)
Melting outdoor ice rinks in Canada.  (3/21/2018)
Gulf of Maine.  (3/8/2018)
Jean Lafitte, Louisiana.  (2/26/2018)
Lodi, Wisconsin.  (2/3/2018)
Maine shrimp season.  (12/27/2017)
California fires.  (12/8/2017)
Wisconsin.  (11/16/2017)
Hampton Roads, Virginia.  (11/4/2017)
Georgia peach orchards.  (9/18/2017)
Northeast U.S. pine forests.  (8/29/2017)
Tangier Island, Virginia.  (8/25/2017)
South of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. (8/25/2017)
New Orleans.  (8/12/2017)
Mexico City.  (2/19/2017)
Kansas.  (1/29/2017)
Moose of Maine.  (1/21/2017)
Florida Keys.  (1/14/2017)
California wine country.  (1/11/2017)
Kaktovik, Alaska.  (12/20/2016)
Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.  (7/7/2016)

Polar regions
Disappearing old ice in Arctic.  (6/4/2018)
North Pole.  (2/28/2018)
Beavers migrate to Arctic.  (12/24 /2017)
Shrinking sea ice in the Arctic Ocean.  (12/14/2017)
Emaciated polar bear.  (12/9/2017)

South America
Peru.  (11/26/2017)
Brazil.  (6/8/2017)
Bolivia.  (7/11/2016)
Peru,  (5/21/2016)

U.S. Military
Military experts sound an alarm.  (3/1/2018)
U.S. military bases around the world.  (1/8/2018)
U.S. Department of Defense.  (12/16/2017)
U.S. military bases.  (9/22/2017)

Worldwide
Wine production.  (4/27/2018)

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Assigned book from sophomore sociology class at UB remains in collections at area college libraries


Postcard from Retiring Guy's collection

Price Cobbs, Who Helped Define ‘Black Rage,’ Is Dead at 89.  (The New York Times, 7/10/2018)
The result was “Black Rage,” published a few months after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in the midst of a decade marked by rioting in Newark, Detroit, Los Angeles and elsewhere. 
“Aggression leaps from wounds inflicted and ambitions spiked,” they wrote. “It grows out of oppression and capricious cruelty. It is logical and predictable if we know the soil from which it comes.” 
That soil was slavery.


And now for something only peripherally related -- a letter from a friend I recieve at the beginning of what would end up a shortened spring semester 1970.



It's a swinging afternoon at work, I'm ready to fall asleep on my typewriter so I think I'd better write for awhile.  You almost had two little smiling faces there to cheer things up Saturday afternoon.  We were going to knock on your door and yell -- "Let's go to the Palace!"  I'm sure you and Kenny would have freaked out if we showed up.  No! No! Go home!!  What a weekend this was, let me tell you -- zero!  Friday nite we worked on our decoupages and talked and talked and talked about going away (like what's new in the last six month?)   Then we went over to sleep at Mardi's and Bill's on the phone and we're all there yakking away, getting nothing settled of course.  Now that we've both given notice at work, time is running out.  I think Mardi will end up going to Minneapolis and live with Bill till spring and I mostly probably to Boston.  Why can't we do anything original??  Why, oh why.  I was all psyched to go to Denver and to California but Bill's all involved with a new job now, etc. etc.  I hope for her sake that Mardi is sure, really sure about this - I don't know -- I'm not going to give her any grief about it.  There might be a bright side to all this SHIT -- how does it fell to be settled in school and not wondering about the future -- duh!  I remember my sophomore year all I worried about was the next paper that was due, the next basketball game or kegger -- hey, I was cool.  (Don't let anybody ever tell you, you're cool!!!)

Oh well, we did have a jolly good time last weekend with you guys.  I think we're all slightly warped: God, that was unreal.  We are a bunch of duds, laying around drinking ourselves under the table.  Hey, clean!

I really clonked out on the bus on the way home -- if there's one thing I hate, it's coming home all the time.

Well, what else is new around here.  Joan was home this weekend.  I talked to her about 10 minutes but didn't see her.  She won't be home again till Easter and I won't be around then so that's that.  I guess Freddie goes in the Reserves in two weeks.  If Piccirillo pulls this one off she'll be a genius, I don't know how she's going to do it.  What do you hear from Mike? Did he win the election or whatever -- Mike Foster as president of a "cool": fraternity -- wow! Groovy!  Where's my letter sweater?

When are you coming home -- I have this duh! feeling about going now.  Like, I don't mind going to Boston but I'm not really thrilled about i -- I don't like the idea of going alone but I imagine I'll do it.  Bla-ah, why can't it be summer, spring, fall -- ?  Would love to go somewhere warm pretty soon.  I wish I could get Mardi's ass moving.  I just don't understand her nowadays.  What, what, what is the problem???  Hey, we're stable.  Normal.

Think I'll close now.  Now that I"m at work I guess I should do home work -- doo-doo-doo -- I'll go find something to do.  Peace, take care, say hi to Kenny -- hope we see you soon.

P.S.  I even gave up smoking Larks last week for 2 days -- I must be really blah or something.

P.P.S.  The collage will get done this week!

He stood there, shovel in hand, the stench of shit permeating the room



Reported in A Besieged Trump Says He Misspoke on Russian Election Meddling.  (The New York Times, 7/17/2018)

The Trump Swamp is full of fossil fuel critters



Reported in New E.P.A. Chief Rejects Pruitt's Management Style, but Not His Policies (The New York Times, 7/11/2018)

A sneaky, backroom style, in other words.



Related posts:
The Trump Swamp is full of lobbyist-related critters. (7/18/2018)
What is the opposite of 'drain the swamp'.  (5/14/2018)
Swamp thing Scott Pruitt and his lobbyist buddy ride the Marrakesh Express.  (5/2/2018)
UPDATE. Dear Coral and Lisa, Analysts? How about 'anti-environment Republican' and 'energy industry shill'?  (4/29/2018)
No drainage here UPDATE: Scott Pruitt fills the swamp a 24/7 gushing hose.  (4/3/2018)
Like a swamp after an extended downpour, Donald Trump's Washington D.C. is flooding.  (11/15/2017)
Siding with Wall Street, GOP continues to fill the swamp.  (10/25/2017)
Trump administration plans to flood the for-profit colleges swamp.  (10/1/2017)
UPDATE. More than 4 months into his presidency, Trump blathers about draining the swamp.  (6/8/2017)
Swamp critter of the Trump administration: Geoffrey Burr, Dept. of Transportation chief of staff.  (6/7/2017)

The Trump Swamp is full of lobbyist-related critters



Reported in Trump's Choice:  Beltway Insider Born and Bred. (The New York Times, 7/14/2018)

Related reading:
'The swamp is Goldman Sachs': how the bank is rewarded for putting profits over people.  (The Guardian, 1/27/2017)




Related posts:
What is the opposite of 'drain the swamp'.  (5/14/2018)
Swamp thing Scott Pruitt and his lobbyist buddy ride the Marrakesh Express.  (5/2/2018)
UPDATE. Dear Coral and Lisa, Analysts? How about 'anti-environment Republican' and 'energy industry shill'?  (4/29/2018)
No drainage here UPDATE: Scott Pruitt fills the swamp a 24/7 gushing hose.  (4/3/2018)
Like a swamp after an extended downpour, Donald Trump's Washington D.C. is flooding.  (11/15/2017)
Siding with Wall Street, GOP continues to fill the swamp.  (10/25/2017)
Trump administration plans to flood the for-profit colleges swamp.  (10/1/2017)
UPDATE. More than 4 months into his presidency, Trump blathers about draining the swamp.  (6/8/2017)
Swamp critter of the Trump administration: Geoffrey Burr, Dept. of Transportation chief of staff.  (6/7/2017)

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Former Badger Bowl UPDATE. You'll soon find Jaguars here


Photos by Retiring Guy


Photo by Retiring Guy


11/14/2017 update, "Structural work begins at new luxury car dealership project (former site of Badger Bowl)",  starts here.

On East Badger near Nob Hill


Photos by Retiring Guy

A longer view from the intersection of Rimrock and East Badger



10/1/2017 update, "Razed:  Another Madison bowling alley bites the dust", starts here.

Photo by Retiring Guy
Related post:


Original 5/25/2017 post, "Bowling alleys:  Another one bites the dust", starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

Badger Bowl to close after 39 years in Madison.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/11/2016)
Owners of the bowling alley and popular music venue are in negotiations to sell the property at 506 E. Badger Road to a developer who plans to build a luxury car dealership on the site, 
Town Chairman Jim Campbell said Wednesday. Campbell identified the buyer as Field Enterprises, which sells Land Rover and other premium brands. Illinois-based Field Auto Group operates Fields Jaguar Land Rover Volvo of Madison at 6624 Seybold Road.

Once upon a time, Badger Bowl wouldn't have needed sand volleyball as a draw. 


Related reading:
32 Staggering Bowling Industry Trends.  (Brandon Gaille, 6/20/2016)
  • Number of bowling alleys in U.S. 
    • 5,400 in 1998
    • 3,976 in 2013
  • Metro Detroit U.S. Bowling Congress membership (large metro association)
    • 300,000 in 1970s
    • 45,000 current (year not specified; 2013?)
  • League membership has dropped by 40% (again, we're led to assume the comparison is 1998 but there's no verification. Sloppy.)

Sunday, July 15, 2018

UPDATE. Sugar daddy Richard Uihlein has quite the hard-on for GOP central-casting prettyboy Kevin Nicholson



The prettyboy is brought to you by....

Source:  Open Secrets

GOP mega-donor Richard Uihlein backs Kevin Nicholson with $2 million to challenge Tammy Baldwin.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/6/2017)
That may be about to change with Thursday's announcement that GOP mega-donor Richard Uihlein has contributed $2 million to Solutions for Wisconsin, a newly formed super PAC that endorsed Nicholson.

5/5/2018 update, "GOP central-casting, petulant prettyboy Kevin Nicholson struggles with sugar-daddy geography", starts here.


Reported in U.S. Senate hopeful Kevin Nicholson stretches definition of state resident.  (PolitiFact Wisconsin, 5/4/2018)
The Nicholson campaign released a list of new Finance Committee Co-Chairs from throughout Wisconsin -- an effort to show wide-ranging support for his bid. Included in the release was a list of Nicholson for Senate committee members and their hometowns, including "Dick and Liz Uihlein (Minocqua)." Nicholson also tweeted the release on April 19, 2018, with this message "I’m honored to have an incredible committee as the outsider candidate for #wisen."

Lake Forest Illinois resident, Richard Uihlein is also a Scott Walker sugar daddy.


Median income:
  • $150,670 - Lake Forest (92.1% white)
  • $  59,196 - Illinois (61.7 white)
  • $  55,322 - U.S. (63.1% white)


Original 3/11/2018 post, "Kevin Nicholson's not biggest/but big geography lesson:  Wisconsin is 42 times the area of Rhode Island, one-quarter the size of Texas", starts here.


Leah Vukmir, Kevin Nicholson court GOP grass roots in Wisconsin U.S. Senate race.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/10/2018)
"We're not the biggest state in the union, but we are a big state," said Nicholson, a Delafield businessman and U.S. Marine veteran.

Square miles - state (rank)
  • 268,581 - Texas (2)
  •   65,498 - Wisconsin (23)
  •     1,545 - Rhode Island (50)