Lisbon sets conditions for library mediation. (Sussex Sun, 10/15/2013)
Apparently, the Fat Lady isn't bothering to warm up her vocal chords yet: The Town Board on Monday night unanimously — but reluctantly — agreed to enter into nonbinding mediation with the Pauline Haass Library Board in an effort to settle their dispute over control of about 65 acres of farmland at Hickory and Lake Five roads that Pauline Haass donated to the town to be used for library purposes.
However, the Town Board placed conditions on the mediation that the Library Board probably will not and cannot meet.
One Town of Lisbon board member has decided to make it personal, attacking the motives of Library Director Kathy Klager.
Related articles:
An uncertain funding picture for the Pauline Haass Public Library. (10/11/2013)
This land is my land, this land is my land. (9/12/2013)
Sussex-Lisbon library agreement still appears to be more "if" Than "when". (8/22/2013)
Still following the Sussex-Lisbon library talks -- since 2010. (8/6/2013)
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon. (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter. (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board. (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave. (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been. (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases. (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services. (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns. (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on. (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue. (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community. (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap. (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding. (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement. (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon: Local politics and library negotiations. (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process. (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on. (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue. (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement? (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception. (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library. (5/31/2010)
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Sheboygan's Double Whammy, Explained
In this case:
Decrease in equalized values + flat tax revenue = loss of 51 FTE employees in 8 years.
No public comments made on 2014 city budget. (Sheboygan Press, 10/7/2013)
Related posts:
Decatur Illinois & the double whammy of falling home values and reduced tax revenue. 6/4/2013)
The Atlanta housing meltdown continues. (2/2/2012)
Housing Prices Continue to Fall in Major U.S. Cities. (1/25/2011)
On the basis of this trend, urban libraries will certainly be tightening their belts again next year. (12/28/2010)
The property tax domino effect (Atlanta metro area). (12/27/2010)
National League of Cities research brief on America's cities. (10/7/2010)
Decrease in equalized values + flat tax revenue = loss of 51 FTE employees in 8 years.
No public comments made on 2014 city budget. (Sheboygan Press, 10/7/2013)
Related posts:
Decatur Illinois & the double whammy of falling home values and reduced tax revenue. 6/4/2013)
The Atlanta housing meltdown continues. (2/2/2012)
Housing Prices Continue to Fall in Major U.S. Cities. (1/25/2011)
On the basis of this trend, urban libraries will certainly be tightening their belts again next year. (12/28/2010)
The property tax domino effect (Atlanta metro area). (12/27/2010)
National League of Cities research brief on America's cities. (10/7/2010)
Friday, October 18, 2013
Get Me Rewrite: From the Right, Despair, Anger and Delusion
From the Right, Despair, Anger and Disillusion. (The New York Times, 10/17/2013)
Some quotes from the article.
Ya der hay! Tea Party Congressman Listens To Constituent Who Wears Thomas Jefferson Costume Everywhere. (The Onion, 10/14/2013)
Tea party wants to take America back -- to the 18th century. (Los Angeles Times, 10/13/2013)
Excerpt: As bad as things are, we like to say, they have been worse and the nation somehow survived.
But for the life of me, I cannot recall an occasion when a minority of elected representatives with such an absurdly partisan agenda was capable of stopping the government of the United States in its tracks.
Some quotes from the article.
Ya der hay! Tea Party Congressman Listens To Constituent Who Wears Thomas Jefferson Costume Everywhere. (The Onion, 10/14/2013)
Tea party wants to take America back -- to the 18th century. (Los Angeles Times, 10/13/2013)
Excerpt: As bad as things are, we like to say, they have been worse and the nation somehow survived.
But for the life of me, I cannot recall an occasion when a minority of elected representatives with such an absurdly partisan agenda was capable of stopping the government of the United States in its tracks.
Those were the days, my friend
Back in '63, that buck would have purchased 3+ gallons of gas, and one of Elvis's new Caddys would have got 14 miles to the gallon.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
"Let's make the world a softer place. Let's snuggle."
Meet Lonnie Johnson, professional snuggler.
Snuggle House answers concerns over touch therapy business. (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/16/2013)
Excerpt: The Snuggle House, 123 E. Main St., was scheduled to open Tuesday but that was postponed because city and fire inspections had not been completed, an occupancy permit had not been issued and city concerns were yet not addressed, according to Timothy Casper, the business’ lawyer.
In the 1943 movie Coney Island, Betty Grable wants to "Cuddle Up a Little Closer". I think that's part of the unaddressed "city concerns".
Snuggle House answers concerns over touch therapy business. (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/16/2013)
Excerpt: The Snuggle House, 123 E. Main St., was scheduled to open Tuesday but that was postponed because city and fire inspections had not been completed, an occupancy permit had not been issued and city concerns were yet not addressed, according to Timothy Casper, the business’ lawyer.
In the 1943 movie Coney Island, Betty Grable wants to "Cuddle Up a Little Closer". I think that's part of the unaddressed "city concerns".
Hot Air? Indeed!
Newest foot soldiers for ObamaCare: Librarians. (From the appropriately named blog Hot Air, 6/29/2013)
It's storytime, folks. Growing up, I had an aunt who became a librarian because she dreamed of one day helping liberals push a ruinous boondoggle on a broke America.
Related posts:
Well, how about that, Scott Walker. (10/9/2013)
Wisconsin public libraries provide online access to Affordable Care Act information. (10.2.2013)
Like the cheese, Barron County stands alone. (10/1/2013)
But that doesn't stop them from having an opinion about the law. (11/21/2012)
It's storytime, folks. Growing up, I had an aunt who became a librarian because she dreamed of one day helping liberals push a ruinous boondoggle on a broke America.
Well, how about that, Scott Walker. (10/9/2013)
Wisconsin public libraries provide online access to Affordable Care Act information. (10.2.2013)
Like the cheese, Barron County stands alone. (10/1/2013)
But that doesn't stop them from having an opinion about the law. (11/21/2012)
The Nipper Chronicles: The Frac Sand Mining Masters Speak
Just for background.
Tiffany is #13 on a list of legislators and campaign committees that received more than $50,000
Bill would limit local control of frac sand mining. (Capital Times, 10/17/2013)
Excerpt: The draft bill, now being circulated for cosponsors by Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, would bar local governments from regulating some aspects of nonmetallic mining, including its impacts on air quality, water, road use and reclamation.
Top Legislative Recipients Of Campaign Contributions
From Special Interests That Support Mining Deregulation
2010 – June 2012.Excerpt: The draft bill, now being circulated for cosponsors by Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, would bar local governments from regulating some aspects of nonmetallic mining, including its impacts on air quality, water, road use and reclamation.
$74,915
Tiffany is #13 on a list of legislators and campaign committees that received more than $50,000
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Ted Cruz, Shooting Star
Endorsement: Cruz for Senate. (Houston Chronicle, 10/18/2012)
Like Wisconsin's Ron Johnson in 2010. Ted Cruz, the Republican candidate to replace the retiring Kay Bailey Hutchison in the U.S. Senate, is one of the shooting stars of the 2012 election season.
Why we miss Kay Bailey Hutchinson. (Houston Chronicle, 10/15/2013)
Shouldawouldacoulda. The editorial board now regrets its decision to endorse Cruz last October.
Sometimes, all the academic honors, debating awards, and legal cap feathers don't add up to much over the long term.
Why would anyone leave several thousand dollars worth of jewelry in a car?
There's gotta be an elucidating back story here.
From the Middleton (WI) Police Department's September 2013 report.
From the Middleton (WI) Police Department's September 2013 report.
Arrowhead Library System Moving Its Operations from Janesville to Milton
Member public libraries of Arrowhead Library System noted with green highlights
Arrowhead library hub to move to Milton. (Janesville Gazette, 10/16/2013)
The Arrowhead Library System is moving its operations to the lower level of the Milton's Shaw Municipal Building, which also houses the Milton Public Library.
Excerpt: The city plans to turn over the entire Shaw building to the library. The library and the city are working on plans to expand the library to both floors at the Shaw building.
The city has budgeted $155,000 for renovations for that expansion, and the library's board and its foundation are working on plans to raise money for other parts of the project, which will include more space for library users and conference rooms for the library and the public, city officials have said.
Ron Johnson: Wisconsin's One-Trick Pony? (Chapter 13, NoRoJo 2016)
Talking Points Memo. (Through February 2013)
Polls, trends point to tough re-election fight for Sen. Ron Johnson. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/24/2013)
Excerpt: When Wisconsin voters were polled this month about U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, 30% said they viewed him favorably, 25% unfavorably.
But the biggest group -- 45% -- had no opinion at all.
After more than two years in office, the state’s senior senator is still apparently something of a question mark to many Wisconsinites.
Marquette Law School poll, March 11-14, 2013.
Related NoRoJo 2016 posts:
Chapter 1. (1/2/2013)
Chapter 2. (1/10/2013)
Chapter 3. (2/12/2013)
Chapter 4. (2/13/2013)
Chapter 5 (3/11/2013)
Chapter 6. (3/25/2013)
Polls, trends point to tough re-election fight for Sen. Ron Johnson. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/24/2013)
Excerpt: When Wisconsin voters were polled this month about U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, 30% said they viewed him favorably, 25% unfavorably.
But the biggest group -- 45% -- had no opinion at all.
After more than two years in office, the state’s senior senator is still apparently something of a question mark to many Wisconsinites.
Marquette Law School poll, March 11-14, 2013.
Related NoRoJo 2016 posts:
Chapter 1. (1/2/2013)
Chapter 2. (1/10/2013)
Chapter 3. (2/12/2013)
Chapter 4. (2/13/2013)
Chapter 5 (3/11/2013)
Chapter 6. (3/25/2013)
Chapter 7. (4/8/2013)
Chapter 8. (4/9/2013)
Chapter 9. (4/12/2013)
Chapter 10. (4/14/2013)
Chapter 11. (5/2/2013)
Chapter 12. (8/15/2013)
Chapter 8. (4/9/2013)
Chapter 9. (4/12/2013)
Chapter 10. (4/14/2013)
Chapter 11. (5/2/2013)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
That Would Be Right Here At Home on Fox News
Viewing U.S. in Fear and Dismay. (The New York Times, 10/15/2013)
Excerpt: In some countries, pundits have singled out President Obama, questioning his leadership.
Excerpt: In some countries, pundits have singled out President Obama, questioning his leadership.
The Other 51% are Brain Dead
Poll: GOP bitter over tea party. (Politico, 10/16/2013)
Excerpt: The groups’ unfavorability has risen among all voters to 49 percent from 45 percent in June.
A Transciption of the Intro to"The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show"
One of my all-time favorite TV shows.
Narrated by Harry von Zell.
The George Burns and Grace Allen Show.
Presented by Carnation Evaporated Milk.
The milk from contented cows.
Carnation is the world's favorite brand of evaporated milk, and your confidence in Carnation's quality has made it so.
To protect that quality, Carnation has maintained continuous inspection all the way from cow to the consumer. Carnation field men make regular inspections with special attention to sanitary conditions. Only milk that meets the most exacting requirements of quality and freshness is accepted. All processing is done under the most rigid inspection so that all milk sold under the Carnation label will be in every respect up to Carnation's high standard.
At the store, Carnation representatives continue the inspection, through frequent checking of stocks by the use of code numbers.
Yes indeed, when you buy Carnation Evaporated Milk, you can be sure of highest quality.
There is no finer milk than the milk from contented cows.
.
Narrated by Harry von Zell.
The George Burns and Grace Allen Show.
Presented by Carnation Evaporated Milk.
The milk from contented cows.
Carnation is the world's favorite brand of evaporated milk, and your confidence in Carnation's quality has made it so.
To protect that quality, Carnation has maintained continuous inspection all the way from cow to the consumer. Carnation field men make regular inspections with special attention to sanitary conditions. Only milk that meets the most exacting requirements of quality and freshness is accepted. All processing is done under the most rigid inspection so that all milk sold under the Carnation label will be in every respect up to Carnation's high standard.
At the store, Carnation representatives continue the inspection, through frequent checking of stocks by the use of code numbers.
Yes indeed, when you buy Carnation Evaporated Milk, you can be sure of highest quality.
There is no finer milk than the milk from contented cows.
.
Say Goodbye to Your Landline (by 2020)
Slightly less than 10% of U.S. household have landline phone service only.
On a New Jersey Islet, Twilight of the Landline. (The New York Times, 10/14/2013)
Excerpt: Verizon’s move on this sliver of land is a look into the not-too-distant future, a foreshadowing of nearly all telephone service across the United States. The traditional landline is not expected to last the decade in a country where nearly 40 percent of households use only wireless phones.
Related post:
Landline vs. cell-phone ownership. (6/29/2011)
On a New Jersey Islet, Twilight of the Landline. (The New York Times, 10/14/2013)
Excerpt: Verizon’s move on this sliver of land is a look into the not-too-distant future, a foreshadowing of nearly all telephone service across the United States. The traditional landline is not expected to last the decade in a country where nearly 40 percent of households use only wireless phones.
Related post:
Landline vs. cell-phone ownership. (6/29/2011)
Over-Compensators to Gather at the Alamo on Saturday
Image via Don't Comply
Rally at the Alamo Will Call on Texans to Raise Their Rifles High. (The New York Times, 10/15/2013)
Excerpt: Hundreds of armed demonstrators are planning to converge at the Alamo in San Antonio on Saturday to test the limits of the gun laws in one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, by openly carrying their shotguns, assault weapons and other types of rifles in public.
Hummer owners have their own chapter in the Over-Compensators Club.
Scott Walker is in the Spirit of the Halloween Season with This Latest Ghost Jobs Dust-Up
'Ghost Jobs' Continue To Haunt Walker. (Wisconsin Public Radio News, 10/15/2013)
Scott Walker administration has skirted state limits for at least five employees. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/13/2013)
Excerpt: Gov. Scott Walker's administration used phantom job transfers this year to give double-digit pay raises to two employees and a smaller raise to a third, quickly switching them from one post to as many as three others and then back to their original jobs.
Move to ghost job and back gives Capitol Police chief big raise. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/17/2013)
In this case, let's pin the blame on Wendy.
Scott Walker administration has skirted state limits for at least five employees. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/13/2013)
Excerpt: Gov. Scott Walker's administration used phantom job transfers this year to give double-digit pay raises to two employees and a smaller raise to a third, quickly switching them from one post to as many as three others and then back to their original jobs.
Move to ghost job and back gives Capitol Police chief big raise. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/17/2013)
In this case, let's pin the blame on Wendy.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Will Scott Walker Trumpet His $100,000,000 Property Tax Cut During His Re-election Campaign?
Photo credit: Wisconsin State Legislature
Believe me. We'll near it over and over again between now and November 5, 2014.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money Name Check
Stealth visit by Walker, cabinet members targeted Minnesota businesses. (Pierce County Herald, 10/15/2013)
The event, an invitation-only breakfast, was held at Jim Kirvida's airplane hangar.
Jim Kirvida's contributions to Wisconsin Republicans.
Gretchen Kirvida's contribution to Wisconsin Republicans.
Interesting that neither husband nor wife have donated any money to Walker.
The event was promoted by the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, whose president is Bill Rubin. One of the homepage photos features the Minneapolis skyline. Ballsy.
Surprsingly, Rubin's not listed in the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign's Follow the Money database.
Also mentioned in the article is S. Mark Tyler, founder and president of Woodville-based OEM Fabricators and a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. He contributed $250, his only WDC entry, to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers on February 9, 2013.
The event, an invitation-only breakfast, was held at Jim Kirvida's airplane hangar.
Jim Kirvida's contributions to Wisconsin Republicans.
Gretchen Kirvida's contribution to Wisconsin Republicans.
Interesting that neither husband nor wife have donated any money to Walker.
The event was promoted by the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, whose president is Bill Rubin. One of the homepage photos features the Minneapolis skyline. Ballsy.
Surprsingly, Rubin's not listed in the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign's Follow the Money database.
Also mentioned in the article is S. Mark Tyler, founder and president of Woodville-based OEM Fabricators and a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. He contributed $250, his only WDC entry, to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers on February 9, 2013.
Working Our Way to Christmas in Wisconsin's 82nd Assembly District
Tuesday, October 15. Circulation of nomination papers begins.
Tuesday, October 22. Nomination papers filed no later than 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19. Primary election, if necessary.
Tuesday, December 17. Special election.
Related post:
Who's Going to Be Running in the 82nd Assembly District? (10/3/2013)
Tuesday, October 22. Nomination papers filed no later than 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19. Primary election, if necessary.
Tuesday, December 17. Special election.
Related post:
Who's Going to Be Running in the 82nd Assembly District? (10/3/2013)
Planning for my Property Tax Savings
The amounts that property taxes would be lowered on an "average" home in Walker's $100,000,000 in property tax cut plan. Compared with a bill I paid yesterday evening.
Hey, every little bit helps, I suppose. Next year's savings can be put toward the cost of a ticket at the Star Cinema IMAX, where we saw Gravity on Saturday night. (I took too much stock in the rave reviews, which raised my expectations sky-high, and walked away feeling underwhelmed -- and further convinced that 3D is more of an intrusion (take that literally or figuratively) rather than a necessity in film-making.
On Politics: State ends fiscal year with nearly $760 million surplus. (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/15/2013)
Stayed tuned for this Legislative Fiscal Bureau report: The stronger finish to the 2011-13 two-year budget period will put the state in a slightly better position for the next state budget than the $545 million structural deficit previously projected by the fiscal bureau. But the property tax relief could add to the structural deficit — when revenue projections fall short of expected expenditures during a given budget cycle. Lang said he would have an updated projection Tuesday on the fiscal landscape lawmakers will face heading into the 2015-17 budget.
Hey, every little bit helps, I suppose. Next year's savings can be put toward the cost of a ticket at the Star Cinema IMAX, where we saw Gravity on Saturday night. (I took too much stock in the rave reviews, which raised my expectations sky-high, and walked away feeling underwhelmed -- and further convinced that 3D is more of an intrusion (take that literally or figuratively) rather than a necessity in film-making.
On Politics: State ends fiscal year with nearly $760 million surplus. (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/15/2013)
Stayed tuned for this Legislative Fiscal Bureau report: The stronger finish to the 2011-13 two-year budget period will put the state in a slightly better position for the next state budget than the $545 million structural deficit previously projected by the fiscal bureau. But the property tax relief could add to the structural deficit — when revenue projections fall short of expected expenditures during a given budget cycle. Lang said he would have an updated projection Tuesday on the fiscal landscape lawmakers will face heading into the 2015-17 budget.
Not Your Standard Heavy Metal Tour
This event promotes Wisconsin's Manufacturing Month.
State leaders encourage students to consider manufacturing jobs. (Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, 10/14/2013)
The Heavy Metal Tour. The local event coincided with October Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin, which is designed to spur job creation through the promotion of manufacturing as a career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for manufacturing jobs is improving but still down from before the state of the Great Recession. The most recent numbers (2012 and 2013), though, have been mostly in the 450,000 range.
At the beginning of the year, the national outlook was promising.
Outlook for 2013 Improves as U.S. Manufacturing Climbs. (Bloomberg, 1/2/2013)
Excerpt: The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index climbed to 50.7 from a three-year low of 49.5 in November, the Tempe, Arizona-based group reported today. Fifty is the dividing line between expansion and contraction.
The index climbed to 56.2 by September 2013.
The Heavy Metal Tour. The local event coincided with October Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin, which is designed to spur job creation through the promotion of manufacturing as a career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for manufacturing jobs is improving but still down from before the state of the Great Recession. The most recent numbers (2012 and 2013), though, have been mostly in the 450,000 range.
At the beginning of the year, the national outlook was promising.
Outlook for 2013 Improves as U.S. Manufacturing Climbs. (Bloomberg, 1/2/2013)
Excerpt: The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index climbed to 50.7 from a three-year low of 49.5 in November, the Tempe, Arizona-based group reported today. Fifty is the dividing line between expansion and contraction.
The index climbed to 56.2 by September 2013.
Destiny Hope Cyrus's Impact on Popular Baby Names for Girls
In 2008, she legally changed her name to Miley Ray, which, according to IMdb, was given to her by her parents in the hopes that she would achieve greatness. Well, they can certainly check "notoriety" off on the list by now.
As for Destiny, it was a name already growing in popularity when Miley was born in 1992 == at #130, eventually working its way as high as #32.
From the above table, it's clear that Miley has had a meteoric impact on baby name choices. Hannah Montana premiered on the Disney Channel on March 24, 2006. The following year, the name "Miley" shot onto the list of top 1000 girls baby names at #279. Does it have staying power? After jumping to #128, "Miley" is now in a 4-year slide, making it look as though a fizzle might be in the works. Call me hopeful, but after this year's MTV Video Music Awards broadcast, I can't imagine many parents eager to hang this name on their baby girl.
As for Destiny, it was a name already growing in popularity when Miley was born in 1992 == at #130, eventually working its way as high as #32.
Monday, October 14, 2013
And the Majority Party in the House of Representatives is All the Proof We Need
America's problem: We're too dumb. (CNN, 10/14/2013)
Dumb and dumber but not dumbest: You see, while we were busy waving our angry finger at Washington, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its findings from the Survey of Adult Skills. The group's research measured the literacy, math and computer skills of 5,000 adults from 16 to 65 and compared those numbers with that of 21 other countries.
The good news is that we didn't finish last in anything.
The bad news is that Lake Wobegon ain't what it used to be. "Well, that's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."
.
Above average? Looks like you got some work to do, kids.
Dumb and dumber but not dumbest: You see, while we were busy waving our angry finger at Washington, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its findings from the Survey of Adult Skills. The group's research measured the literacy, math and computer skills of 5,000 adults from 16 to 65 and compared those numbers with that of 21 other countries.
The good news is that we didn't finish last in anything.
The bad news is that Lake Wobegon ain't what it used to be. "Well, that's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."
.
Above average? Looks like you got some work to do, kids.
Promoting the Need for Regionalism Among Nations Along the Bay of Bengal Coast
The Bay of Bengal,in Peril from Climate Change. (The New York Times, 10/13/2013)
A distributing summary:
- The Bay of Bengal’s coasts are under assault in every dimension:
- by water conflicts in the Himalayas and
- by drilling for oil and gas in the deep sea.
- The bay is a sink of pollution borne by the great rivers that spill into it, including
- the Ganges,
- the Brahmaputra and
- the Salween.
- Dam construction in China and India threatens downstream communities in India, Bangladesh and mainland Southeast Asia.
- With sea level rising and deltaic lands subsiding, saltwater intrusion onto farmlands has accelerated, with serious consequences for food production.
The author speaks about his latest book, Crossing the Bay of Bengal: The Furies of Nature and the Fortunes of Migrants.
No copies in LINKcat. No reviews in Amazon.
Bishop Tebartz-van Elst Definitely Prefers to Store Up His Treasures on Earth
Source photo courtesy of Stewart Church Signs
German Outrage Swells Over a Bishop's Spending. (The New York Times, 10/12/2013)
Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, 53, the bishop of Limburg, Germany (no website translation), reportedly spend $42 on the remodeling of his residence.
Among the expenditures:
- $474,000 for carpentry and cupboards
- $610,000 for art
- $135,000 for windows for a private chapel
- $34,000 for a conference table
- $20,000 for a bathtub.
A $34,000 conference table? Here's an example. For a $1,000 more.
A $20,000 bathtub? It's the ultimate soak. I'm sure that's what the bishop's parishioners are saying, too.
Iowa's Nonpartisan Approach to Legislative Redistricting
Not like it's done in Wisconsin.
Quite the design, eh?
Curing Our Political Ills? by Todd Berry. (Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance, 10/14/2013)
The cure, as many see it, is to shift the responsibility for redrawing legislative districts every 10 years from state lawmakers to an independent agency.
Opponents say, hey, no need to change, it's always been done by elected officials. That's democracy!
As Todd Berry notes: The view of supporters is best summarized by a UK magazine*:
“In a normal democracy, voters choose their representatives. In America, it is rapidly becoming the other way around.”
Reformers see legislative line-drawing as an inherent conflict of interest that reduces electoral competition and accountability to voters, while protecting incumbents and increasing gridlock.
* Congressional redistricting. How to rig an election. (The Economist, 4/25/2002)
Imagine what they must think now!
Berry also points to the success of the standards and process developed by Iowa.
The maps alone show which state takes a fairer, more clear-eyed approach.
Related posts:
Wisconsin State Journal Editorial Board Not Impressed with The Little Soldier. (10/14/2013)
Against much evidence to the contrary, Sen Neil Kedzie (R-Elklhorn) spouts the company line. (9/20/2013)
Wisconsin Democratic legislators who have yet to sign on as co-sponsors of Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (Redistricting Reform) -- UPDATED. (9/17/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin calling out Sen. Lazich and Rep. August. (8/19/2013)
Undoubtedly, Tyler August is just following orders. (8/12/2013)
Will Republican Leadership in Wisconsin Fail to Support Redistricting Reform? (7/22/2013)
The Redistricting Weasels Sing a Chorus of "Because I said so!!" (5/16/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin asks, "Do your state legislators support non-partisan redistricting reform?" (5/14/2013)
A trio of non-responses in this redistricting story. (4/22/2013)
Actually, Robin, Your Riposte is Patently Absurd. (12/30/2012) Expect a Frigid Reception from Wisconsin Republicans to This Redistricting Bill. (12/7/2012)
Close, but no cigar, in this Republican redistricting effort to steal an Assembly seat. (11/20/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: The plumber controls the spigot. (11/15/2012)
Eric Litke can't see the forest for the trees. (11/12/2012)
Robin Vos and religious imagery. (10/15/2012)
The faces of gerrymandering. (10/9/2012)
What it's all about in Wisconsin. (8/1/2012)
Who's running for state office in Wisconsin: 31st Assembly District. (7/4/2012)
Not anymore! (2/7/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: the Basics. (12/6/2011)
Define "judicial activism". (12/3/2011)
More headaches but this time Sen. Lazich has the cure. (10/27/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 2. (10/24/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 1. (10/18/2011)
Legislative Reference Bureau legislative brief: Local redistricting readjustment. (9/6/2011)
Let's call this bill exactly what it is: an unfunded mandate. (7/21/2011)
Wisconsin redistricting plan popeils DeForest, Windsor. (7/21/2011)
Fred Clark gets redrawn out of his district? Just a coincidence, of course. (7/21/2011)
Oshkosh Northwestern editorial board tells it like it is. (7/29/2011)
Wisconsin legislative redistricting: Abandoned principles, interactive maps, bill text, and more. (7/13/2011)
Congressional redistricting in Wisconsin. (6/19/2011)
Quite the design, eh?
Rep. Jagler seems to be proud of it.
Curing Our Political Ills? by Todd Berry. (Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance, 10/14/2013)
The cure, as many see it, is to shift the responsibility for redrawing legislative districts every 10 years from state lawmakers to an independent agency.
Opponents say, hey, no need to change, it's always been done by elected officials. That's democracy!
As Todd Berry notes: The view of supporters is best summarized by a UK magazine*:
“In a normal democracy, voters choose their representatives. In America, it is rapidly becoming the other way around.”
Reformers see legislative line-drawing as an inherent conflict of interest that reduces electoral competition and accountability to voters, while protecting incumbents and increasing gridlock.
* Congressional redistricting. How to rig an election. (The Economist, 4/25/2002)
Imagine what they must think now!
Berry also points to the success of the standards and process developed by Iowa.
The maps alone show which state takes a fairer, more clear-eyed approach.
As much as possible, efforts have been made not to carve up counties.
Related posts:
Wisconsin State Journal Editorial Board Not Impressed with The Little Soldier. (10/14/2013)
Against much evidence to the contrary, Sen Neil Kedzie (R-Elklhorn) spouts the company line. (9/20/2013)
Wisconsin Democratic legislators who have yet to sign on as co-sponsors of Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (Redistricting Reform) -- UPDATED. (9/17/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin calling out Sen. Lazich and Rep. August. (8/19/2013)
Undoubtedly, Tyler August is just following orders. (8/12/2013)
Will Republican Leadership in Wisconsin Fail to Support Redistricting Reform? (7/22/2013)
The Redistricting Weasels Sing a Chorus of "Because I said so!!" (5/16/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin asks, "Do your state legislators support non-partisan redistricting reform?" (5/14/2013)
A trio of non-responses in this redistricting story. (4/22/2013)
Actually, Robin, Your Riposte is Patently Absurd. (12/30/2012) Expect a Frigid Reception from Wisconsin Republicans to This Redistricting Bill. (12/7/2012)
Close, but no cigar, in this Republican redistricting effort to steal an Assembly seat. (11/20/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: The plumber controls the spigot. (11/15/2012)
Eric Litke can't see the forest for the trees. (11/12/2012)
Robin Vos and religious imagery. (10/15/2012)
The faces of gerrymandering. (10/9/2012)
What it's all about in Wisconsin. (8/1/2012)
Who's running for state office in Wisconsin: 31st Assembly District. (7/4/2012)
Not anymore! (2/7/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: the Basics. (12/6/2011)
Define "judicial activism". (12/3/2011)
More headaches but this time Sen. Lazich has the cure. (10/27/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 2. (10/24/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 1. (10/18/2011)
Legislative Reference Bureau legislative brief: Local redistricting readjustment. (9/6/2011)
Let's call this bill exactly what it is: an unfunded mandate. (7/21/2011)
Wisconsin redistricting plan popeils DeForest, Windsor. (7/21/2011)
Fred Clark gets redrawn out of his district? Just a coincidence, of course. (7/21/2011)
Oshkosh Northwestern editorial board tells it like it is. (7/29/2011)
Wisconsin legislative redistricting: Abandoned principles, interactive maps, bill text, and more. (7/13/2011)
Congressional redistricting in Wisconsin. (6/19/2011)
Wisconsin State Journal Editorial Board Not Impressed with The Little Soldier
Lame excuses for not holding hearing. (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/13/2013)
Still following orders, Rep. Tyler August, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Government Operations and State Licensing, refuses to budge on holding a hearing on Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (relating to legislative and congressional redistricting).
Worst example of the most recent redistricting changes.
Movin' on up: [Tyler] August, R-Lake Geneva, has been a lawmaker for less than three years. Yet he’s already part of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ leadership team.
Rhetorical, right? That raises the question: Did Vos tell August not to schedule a public hearing on Assembly Bill 185, the redistricting reform bill assigned to August’s committee?
Sidebar: When it came time for testimony to be heard against Assembly Joint Resolution 48, an amendment to the state constitution that would eliminate the offices of Secretary of State and State Treasurer, Rep. August left the hearing room. As a sponsor of AJR48, I guess he didn't feel the need to hear any opposing views.
Related posts:
Against much evidence to the contrary, Sen Neil Kedzie (R-Elklhorn) spouts the company line. (9/20/2013)
Wisconsin Democratic legislators who have yet to sign on as co-sponsors of Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (Redistricting Reform) -- UPDATED. (9/17/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin calling out Sen. Lazich and Rep. August. (8/19/2013)
Undoubtedly, Tyler August is just following orders. (8/12/2013)
Will Republican Leadership in Wisconsin Fail to Support Redistricting Reform? (7/22/2013)
The Redistricting Weasels Sing a Chorus of "Because I said so!!" (5/16/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin asks, "Do your state legislators support non-partisan redistricting reform?" (5/14/2013)
A trio of non-responses in this redistricting story. (4/22/2013)
Actually, Robin, Your Riposte is Patently Absurd. (12/30/2012) Expect a Frigid Reception from Wisconsin Republicans to This Redistricting Bill. (12/7/2012)
Close, but no cigar, in this Republican redistricting effort to steal an Assembly seat. (11/20/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: The plumber controls the spigot. (11/15/2012)
Eric Litke can't see the forest for the trees. (11/12/2012)
Robin Vos and religious imagery. (10/15/2012)
The faces of gerrymandering. (10/9/2012)
What it's all about in Wisconsin. (8/1/2012)
Who's running for state office in Wisconsin: 31st Assembly District. (7/4/2012)
Not anymore! (2/7/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: the Basics. (12/6/2011)
Define "judicial activism". (12/3/2011)
More headaches but this time Sen. Lazich has the cure. (10/27/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 2. (10/24/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 1. (10/18/2011)
Legislative Reference Bureau legislative brief: Local redistricting readjustment. (9/6/2011)
Let's call this bill exactly what it is: an unfunded mandate. (7/21/2011)
Wisconsin redistricting plan popeils DeForest, Windsor. (7/21/2011)
Fred Clark gets redrawn out of his district? Just a coincidence, of course. (7/21/2011)
Oshkosh Northwestern editorial board tells it like it is. (7/29/2011)
Wisconsin legislative redistricting: Abandoned principles, interactive maps, bill text, and more. (7/13/2011)
Congressional redistricting in Wisconsin. (6/19/2011)
Still following orders, Rep. Tyler August, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Government Operations and State Licensing, refuses to budge on holding a hearing on Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (relating to legislative and congressional redistricting).
Worst example of the most recent redistricting changes.
Movin' on up: [Tyler] August, R-Lake Geneva, has been a lawmaker for less than three years. Yet he’s already part of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ leadership team.
Rhetorical, right? That raises the question: Did Vos tell August not to schedule a public hearing on Assembly Bill 185, the redistricting reform bill assigned to August’s committee?
Sidebar: When it came time for testimony to be heard against Assembly Joint Resolution 48, an amendment to the state constitution that would eliminate the offices of Secretary of State and State Treasurer, Rep. August left the hearing room. As a sponsor of AJR48, I guess he didn't feel the need to hear any opposing views.
Related posts:
Against much evidence to the contrary, Sen Neil Kedzie (R-Elklhorn) spouts the company line. (9/20/2013)
Wisconsin Democratic legislators who have yet to sign on as co-sponsors of Senate Bill 163/Assembly Bill 185 (Redistricting Reform) -- UPDATED. (9/17/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin calling out Sen. Lazich and Rep. August. (8/19/2013)
Undoubtedly, Tyler August is just following orders. (8/12/2013)
Will Republican Leadership in Wisconsin Fail to Support Redistricting Reform? (7/22/2013)
The Redistricting Weasels Sing a Chorus of "Because I said so!!" (5/16/2013)
Common Cause in Wisconsin asks, "Do your state legislators support non-partisan redistricting reform?" (5/14/2013)
A trio of non-responses in this redistricting story. (4/22/2013)
Actually, Robin, Your Riposte is Patently Absurd. (12/30/2012) Expect a Frigid Reception from Wisconsin Republicans to This Redistricting Bill. (12/7/2012)
Close, but no cigar, in this Republican redistricting effort to steal an Assembly seat. (11/20/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: The plumber controls the spigot. (11/15/2012)
Eric Litke can't see the forest for the trees. (11/12/2012)
Robin Vos and religious imagery. (10/15/2012)
The faces of gerrymandering. (10/9/2012)
What it's all about in Wisconsin. (8/1/2012)
Who's running for state office in Wisconsin: 31st Assembly District. (7/4/2012)
Not anymore! (2/7/2012)
Redistricting in Wisconsin: the Basics. (12/6/2011)
Define "judicial activism". (12/3/2011)
More headaches but this time Sen. Lazich has the cure. (10/27/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 2. (10/24/2011)
Legislative redistricting in Wisconsin, part 1. (10/18/2011)
Legislative Reference Bureau legislative brief: Local redistricting readjustment. (9/6/2011)
Let's call this bill exactly what it is: an unfunded mandate. (7/21/2011)
Wisconsin redistricting plan popeils DeForest, Windsor. (7/21/2011)
Fred Clark gets redrawn out of his district? Just a coincidence, of course. (7/21/2011)
Oshkosh Northwestern editorial board tells it like it is. (7/29/2011)
Wisconsin legislative redistricting: Abandoned principles, interactive maps, bill text, and more. (7/13/2011)
Congressional redistricting in Wisconsin. (6/19/2011)
What's This Notion in Wisconsin About Balancing the State Budget?
Tax relief is a good thing; tax reform is even better. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. 10-13/2013)
The Journal Sentinel editorializes that Walker's proposed tax cut is "politically motivated". Tough call, eh?
Speaking of proposed. They then point out a budget deficit in the 2015-17 biennium of $545,000,000.
Wisconsin Budget Project
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Musee d'Orsay "Nude" Marketing Plan
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With Money Tight, Museums Embrace Nudes. (The New York Times, 11/11/2013)
I like the print edition headline better. "With Money Tight, Museums Take It Off".
Entice, broaden, and appeal: And sizzle is what a number of major European institutions seek this fall, hoping that a focus on sex will entice visitors and broaden their appeal to younger generations and a demographic who are more likely to read Marie Claire than Le Monde.
"Masculin/Masculin" proves to be a big draw. And the crowds are coming, averaging more than 4,500 people a day, triple the amount for a show at the same time last year, according to museum figures.
I don't know if 4,500 people visited the Musee d'Orsay on the day this picture was taken -- Wednesday, December 28, 2011 -- but we waited in line for about 2 hours. And we even had the Paris Museum Pass.
With Money Tight, Museums Embrace Nudes. (The New York Times, 11/11/2013)
I like the print edition headline better. "With Money Tight, Museums Take It Off".
Entice, broaden, and appeal: And sizzle is what a number of major European institutions seek this fall, hoping that a focus on sex will entice visitors and broaden their appeal to younger generations and a demographic who are more likely to read Marie Claire than Le Monde.
"Masculin/Masculin" proves to be a big draw. And the crowds are coming, averaging more than 4,500 people a day, triple the amount for a show at the same time last year, according to museum figures.
I don't know if 4,500 people visited the Musee d'Orsay on the day this picture was taken -- Wednesday, December 28, 2011 -- but we waited in line for about 2 hours. And we even had the Paris Museum Pass.
50 Years Ago Today in Sports History
Sunday, October 13, 1963
The Packers, on their way to an 11-2-1 season, traveled to Minnesota to take on the Vikings, the first of 2 match-ups that season. The game was played at Metropolitan Stadium, also home to the Minnesota Twins, who had recently finished the baseball season with a very respectable 91-70 won/lost record. Not good enough. They trailed the Yankees (104-57) by 13 games, earning themselves a 3rd-place finish in the American League, 2 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox. In spite of their ability to breeze to a league title, their fourth in a row, the Yankees were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Sweet!
Metropolitan Stadium. Last used in 1981. Demolished in 1985. I made my only appearance here sometime in July 1970. The site is now home to this shopping and entertainment mecca.
The Packers, on their way to an 11-2-1 season, traveled to Minnesota to take on the Vikings, the first of 2 match-ups that season. The game was played at Metropolitan Stadium, also home to the Minnesota Twins, who had recently finished the baseball season with a very respectable 91-70 won/lost record. Not good enough. They trailed the Yankees (104-57) by 13 games, earning themselves a 3rd-place finish in the American League, 2 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox. In spite of their ability to breeze to a league title, their fourth in a row, the Yankees were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Sweet!
Metropolitan Stadium. Last used in 1981. Demolished in 1985. I made my only appearance here sometime in July 1970. The site is now home to this shopping and entertainment mecca.
Ohhhhh, THAT Scott Walker!
First off, a reality check. I'm perfectly aware that, in spite of efforts to verify, I may be called to account on this post and forced to declare, Ohhhh, that Philip Jennings!
How a Madison developer helped bring Amazon to Wisconsin. (Capital Times, 10/12/2013)
Which campaign is that?: Jennings says he’s never met Walker and didn’t contribute to his campaign, but he says the Republican deserves credit for trying to improve the state business climate. He contrasts that approach with former Gov. Jim Doyle and current Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, both Democrats.
OK, first of all, Phil says he didn't contribute to "Walker's \campaign", but he is definitely a big fan of Republican State Senator Alberta Darling. (And how many Phil Jennings involved in Wisconsin real estate can there be?)
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money
Related post:
Amazon Associate Annual Pay, $23,894. Federal Poverty Level for a Family of Four. $23,550. (10/1/2013)
How a Madison developer helped bring Amazon to Wisconsin. (Capital Times, 10/12/2013)
Which campaign is that?: Jennings says he’s never met Walker and didn’t contribute to his campaign, but he says the Republican deserves credit for trying to improve the state business climate. He contrasts that approach with former Gov. Jim Doyle and current Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, both Democrats.
OK, first of all, Phil says he didn't contribute to "Walker's \campaign", but he is definitely a big fan of Republican State Senator Alberta Darling. (And how many Phil Jennings involved in Wisconsin real estate can there be?)
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money
All of the above contributions are to Republican candidates.
Then there's this additional entry for Phillip Jennings, where you'll find 3 contributions to Scott Walker when he was the Milwaukee County Executive.
Not to mention 3 more contributions to Alberta Darling.
Philip Jennings is President Next/Partners, Inc., which has a blank "About Us" webpage. The "Contact Us" page provide a generic email form.
Related post:
Amazon Associate Annual Pay, $23,894. Federal Poverty Level for a Family of Four. $23,550. (10/1/2013)
Amazon Associate Annual Pay, $23,894. Federal Poverty Level for a Family of Four, $23,550.
If glassdoor's statistics are to be believed. (2013 Federal poverty guidelines.)
How a Madison developer helped bring Amazon to Wisconsin. (Capital Times, 10/12/2013)
Sweatshop reference is not meant to be taken only literally, Phil. Amazon has been criticized for running sweatshop-like operations, but Jennings says the Kenosha development will be a state-of-the art, air-conditioned facility that will include sophisticated package handling equipment.
Amazon warehouse workers complain of harsh conditions. (Los Angeles Times, 10/1/2011)
I suspect the "work expectations" receive a higher priority from supervisors. Workers said they were forced to endure brutal heat inside the sprawling warehouse and were pushed to work at a pace many could not sustain. Employees were frequently reprimanded regarding their productivity and threatened with termination, workers said. The consequences of not meeting work expectations were regularly on display, as employees lost their jobs and got escorted out of the warehouse.
But how nice that paramedics had ambulances at the ready in Allentown, PA.
The Allentown Morning Call did its own investigation.
How a Madison developer helped bring Amazon to Wisconsin. (Capital Times, 10/12/2013)
Sweatshop reference is not meant to be taken only literally, Phil. Amazon has been criticized for running sweatshop-like operations, but Jennings says the Kenosha development will be a state-of-the art, air-conditioned facility that will include sophisticated package handling equipment.
Amazon warehouse workers complain of harsh conditions. (Los Angeles Times, 10/1/2011)
I suspect the "work expectations" receive a higher priority from supervisors. Workers said they were forced to endure brutal heat inside the sprawling warehouse and were pushed to work at a pace many could not sustain. Employees were frequently reprimanded regarding their productivity and threatened with termination, workers said. The consequences of not meeting work expectations were regularly on display, as employees lost their jobs and got escorted out of the warehouse.
But how nice that paramedics had ambulances at the ready in Allentown, PA.
The Allentown Morning Call did its own investigation.
- "Inside Amazon's Warehouse." Lehigh Valley workers tell of brutal heat, dizzying pace at online retailer.
- "Amazon warehouse workers fight for unemployment benefits." The company that staffs Amazon.com's Breinigsville warehouse is involved in more unemployment compensation appeal hearings -- hundreds per year -- than almost all other employers in Pennsylvania, according to a state source with access to the confidential records.
- "Amazon workers left out in the cold." Paul Grady was working the night shift last November at an Amazon.com warehouse in Breinigsville when a fire alarm sounded, forcing employees to evacuate.
- "Amazon gets heat over warehouse." Justine Frantz has spent $1,483.31 over the past several years buying gifts for her grandchildren from online retailer Amazon.com. But the Lower Macungie resident said she won't give the Seattle company another penny after reading about working.
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