Caught on Camera in Appleton Wisconsin

Appleton blanketing city with more surveillance cameras.  (Appleton Post-Crescent, 12/6/2013)

Smile!   While police and traffic officials say the cameras provide invaluable information, the proliferation of surveillance has drawn concerns from some aldermen and civil libertarians who say the technology is ripe for abuse. 

Post-Crescent Media obtained the locations of all 255 publicly-funded cameras currently installed at high-traffic intersections, the public library, police station, City Hall, Reid Golf Course and parking ramps. Starting next year, cameras will be installed in city parks and pavilions.

Sarah Palin's New Book Also Finds No Common Ground

Amazon

Cultural War Games, by Gail Colllins.  (The New York Times, 12/4/2013)

A warm and fuzzy Sarah Palin?   This year’s big book on the subject is by Sarah Palin, which makes it both best-selling and instantly passé. The title (“Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas”) is an attempt to spin a warm and fuzzy view of the War on the War, but I say, if you’re going there, go all the way. Like Fox’s John Gibson, who wrote “The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday Is Worse Than You Thought.”

Good Tidings and Great Joy currently ranks #294 on Amazon's list of best-selling books.  Not exactly selling like hotcakes.

Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?

Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names

As a boy, Stacy made periodic appearance in the late 19th and early 20th century, appearing poised to jump into the big time in 1908 by advancing 317 places on the chart, only to fall off the next year.  Then he followed the same path -- a steep climb followed by a precipitous fall -- as the other Stac(e)ys.  

By the mid-1950s, both Stacy and Stacey increasingly became a more popular name for girls.

Depending upon what website you choose, Stacy means "resurrection" or "productive, fruitful".

In this Behind the Name thread, there's some back-and-forth about Stacey being "lower class and trashy", "cheap sounding".

Other baby name posts:
April, May, and June:  The baby names of spring.  (12/4/2013)
[Nose tinkle] Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle clue: 7 down, Daughter in "Bewitched".  (12/1/2013)
Anna, a model of consistency through the years.  (11/30/2013)
Rubies and Pearls.  (11/29/2013)
The Lucy and Ethel synchronized dive.  (11/28/2013)
The George Burns and Gracie Allen line graph.  (11/27/2013)
Rick, Dick & Rich -- but above all, Richard.  (11/26/2013)
When Jennifers rules the world.  (11/24/2013)
Ralph and Alice part ways in 1988. (11/23/2013)
Now Appearing in a Colorful Line Graph -- The 6 Jans.  (11/23/2013)
Which Do You Prefer: Catherine/Cathy or Katherine/Kathy?  (11/22/2013)
Just when you thought he was going, going, gone, Eugene bounces back.  (11/21/2013)
Sidney swings both ways.  (11/21/2013)
Popular baby names:  Nancy (1880-2012).  (11/17/2013
Madge: Off the chart even when she was an advertising icon.  (11/16/2013)
Cindy: Not Always a Nickname for Cynthia (Since 1938).  (11/15/2013)
Lizabeth:  There's only one reason why this name made the list.  (11/14/2013)
Paul and Paula:  1954 was their very best year together.  (11/14/2013)
Bonnie and Clyde take a dive together.  (11/13/2013)
Joseph demonstrates more staying power than Mary.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Elizabeth as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of William as a baby name.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Thomas as a baby name.  (11/11/2013)
Susan is losin' popularity.  (11/11/2013)
The popularity of Robert as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of Denise as a baby name:  1926-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of John as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of Sheila as a baby name:  1917-2002, 2003-2004.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of James as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Michael as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Sherry as a baby name:  1926-1995.  (11/7/2013)
Friends choose 15th and 16th most popular baby names for their unexpected twin boys.  (11/3/2013) 
Destiny Hope Cyrus's impact on popular baby names for girls.  (10/15/2013)
There really was something about Mary.  (9/22/2013)
"Gone With the Wind" and baby names.  (11/27/2011)
The baby names list, 1900-1999.  (5/11/2010)

Dear V S, Thanks for your fake review of Scott Walker's "Unintimidated"

One of many. Many.  (But the only one that V S has ever posted on Amazon.)

1% of doubt.  Just enough.

Including your own?

I *will* be WONDERING why you use asterisks in such a strange way.



Other Unintimidated posts:
Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" book review parties seem to be over.  (12/6/2013)
"Unintimidated" book reviewers running out of steam?  (12/5/2013)
A variation on a theme: Like little Mighty Mice coming to their hero's rescue.  (12/4/2013)
In one day: Fans of Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to post 115 five-star reviews on Amazon.  (12/3/2013)
Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise.  (12/2/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

Tipping Your Dog Walker on $8.00 an Hour

What McDonald's employees earn

Source:  Glass Door

McDonald's gives workers advice on tipping au pairs, trainers, dog-walkers.  (NBC News, 12/5/2013)

McDonald's must have this person working for them.    The tone-deaf advice is the latest is a series of gaffes surrounding its employee resource site. Last month, McDonald's suggested employees get out of holiday season debt by returning unopened purchases. Earlier, it published a budget guide that included no money for heat and $20 a month for health care.

Members of the Wisconsin State Senate, Listed by Seniority, Total Years of Service

On average, Wisconsin State senators have served more than twice the length of time than Wisconsin Assembly representatives.

Half of the members of the Assembly have served 3 years or less.  The median years of service for state senators is 11.

Perhaps these numbers shed some light on the frustrations of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos that Rep. Al Ott refers to in a recent Racine Journal-Times article.   It's also interesting to note that Ott is the longest, continuously serving member of the Assembly.

In post-Act 10 Capitol, Assembly Speaker Vos faces challenges from inside party and out. (Racine Journal Times, 11/30/2013)

As quoted.

Photo credit:  Wisconsin State Legislature

As was pointed out at a meeting I recently attended, for more than half of the current members of the Wisconsin State Assembly, their history of the legislature begins with Act 10, which resulted in one of the most contentious and divisive sessions in the state's political history.  (I don't have enough background to make an unequivocal statement here, i.e., the most.)

Sidebar:  While Fred Risser was running for state office for the 1st time, I was attending 1st grade at Whittier Elementary School in Great Falls, Montana.

Related post:

A list of representatives in the Wisconsin State Assembly, by seniority.  (12/5/2013)

Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" Book Reviews Parties Seem to be Over

Other Unintimidated posts:
"Unintimidated" book reviewers running out of steam?  (12/5/2013)
A variation on a theme: Like little Mighty Mice coming to their hero's rescue.  (12/4/2013)
In one day: Fans of Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to post 115 five-star reviews on Amazon.  (12/3/2013)
Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise.  (12/2/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

Braddock PA is Also Home to the 1st Carnegie Library

Braddock Carnegie Library

Movie Review:   Fraternal Ties, of Gut and Sinew.  ‘Out of the Furnace,’ With Christian Bale.  (The New York Times, 12/3/2013)

Not the place it used to be.    The film is set in Braddock, Pa., a steel town turned ghost town, around the onset of the economic downturn. It’s the kind of place where dilapidated clapboard homes line the sagging streets,...



Box Office Mojo forecast.    After playing at four locations on Wednesday and Thursday, Out of the Furnace will attempt to beat the post-Thanksgiving curse at 2,101 theaters. Unfortunately, the odds don't seem to be in its favor.  (The curse being the lack of success in counter-programming with edgy fare on the first weekend of December.) 

Few lights left burning here.

Somebody needs to check his facts.   Braddock, Pennsylvania, sits just outside Pittsburgh, and has a population of 2800, down from 200,000 in the 70s.  (From a blog titled City of Strangers.)

Pittsburgh's population has decreased by more than 200,000 since the 1970s -- from 520,117 in 1970 to 305,704 in 2010.

Related posts:
Braddock Carnegie Library celebrates its 120th year.  (11/30/2009)
Where's the bottom? in Braddock PA.  (2/1/2009)

Orland Park Public Library Trustee Position Description

Orland Park Public Library

Library board looking for new member.  (Chicago Tribune, 12/2/2013)

Candidates with a thick skin preferred.  Filling the volunteer position this time might be a bit more difficult with the spotlight on the library for its defense of its Internet policy that allows adults access to any legal material, including pornography.

Related posts: 
The Orland Park Public Library fights back.  (12/5/2013)
Excedrin headache moment at the Orland Park Public Library.  (11/25/2013)
At least this headline doesn't include the words "library" AND "porn".  (11/19/2013)
Mayor offers a suggestion in Orland Park Public Library Internet controversy.  (11/17/2013)
A closer look at the Orland Park Public Library board president resignation.  (11/15/2013)
Amping up the controversy in Orland Park.  (11/12/2013)
Notes and Whatnot on "Challenges in Governance" (Library Style).  (11/8/2013)
The Orland Park Public Library's computer lab a "pervert's dream".  (11/5/2013)

The Orland Park Public Library Fights Back

Orland Park Public Library

And the publicity-hungry intolerantfox (has she been introduced to irony yet?) keeps on a-rantin'.

Related posts: 
Excedrin headache moment at the Orland Park Public Library.  (11/25/2013)
At least this headline doesn't include the words "library" AND "porn".  (11/19/2013)
Mayor offers a suggestion in Orland Park Public Library Internet controversy.  (11/17/2013)
A closer look at the Orland Park Public Library board president resignation.  (11/15/2013)
Amping up the controversy in Orland Park.  (11/12/2013)
Notes and Whatnot on "Challenges in Governance" (Library Style).  (11/8/2013)
The Orland Park Public Library's computer lab a "pervert's dream".  (11/5/2013)

Past Tense Now: What It Meant to be a 3rd Ward Member

At Once-Promising Brooklyn Arts Center, Creative Hopes Are Dashed.  (The New York Times, 12/3/2013)

Broken promises, unfulfilled dreams.  Part continuing-education center, part incubator, 3rd Ward, in a 35,000-square-foot former warehouse on Morgan Avenue, was the first, and, it seemed, the most successful of the arts-and-entrepreneurship meccas springing up around the gentrifying parts of Brooklyn. Its co-founder, Jason Goodman, 34, had predicted that within a few years, every big city in America would have one. He told one interviewer that 3rd Ward would be a household name by 2018.

Back in Print: Newsweek Redux

14 months ago.....

Newsweek Plans Return to Print.  (The New York Times, 12/3/2013)

Not sure if this even qualifies as a crapshoot.  Newsweek’s return to print is a positive sign for a magazine that struggled mightily in the digital age. At its height in 1991, the magazine had 3.3 million readers. In 2010, Newsweek’s owner, The Washington Post, sold it to the billionaire investor Sidney Harman for $1.

Related posts:
"Savvy", the Rodney Dangerfield of magazines.  (9/5/2013) 
Magazine newsstand sales continue to decline.  (8/9/2013)
Once upon a time, people used to buy magazines to read celebrity news. (2/8/2013)
Magazine Subscriptions Flat, Newsstand Sales Decline by 10%. (8/9/2012)
The Pluses and Minuses of Newsstand Magazine Sales. (2/4/2012)

"Unintimidated" Book Reviewers Running Out of Steam?

115 five-star reviews on Monday.

115 five-star reviews on Tuesday.

50 five-star reviews on Wednesday.

Other Unintimidated posts:
A variation on a theme: Like little Mighty Mice coming to their hero's rescue.  (12/4/2013)
In one day: Fans of Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to post 115 five-star reviews on Amazon.  (12/3/2013)
Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise.  (12/2/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

A List of Representatives in the Wisconsin State Assembly, by Seniority

Wisconsin State Assembly map

Wisconsin State Assembly homepage

A List of Representatives 

in the Wisconsin State Assembly, by Seniority

Elected in 1986 (14 terms)

• Al Ott (AD3, R-Forest Junction)

Elected in 1990 (12 terms)

• Dean Kaufert (AD55, R-Neenah)
• Stephen Nass (AD33, R-Whitewater)

Elected in 1992 (11 terms)

• Leon Young (AD16, D-Milwaukee)

(10 terms, or the equivalent).  Insert Fred Kessler here.  See note at end of post.)

Elected in 1998 (8 terms)

• *Peter Barca (AD64, D-Kenosha).  See note at end of post.
• Terese Berceau (AD77, D-Madison)
• Steve Kestell (AD27, R-Elkhart Lake)
• Jon Richards (AD19, D-Milwaukee)
• Christine Sinicki (AD20, D-Milwaukee)

Elected in 2000 (7 terms)

• Gary Bies (AD1, R-Sister Bay)
• Samantha Kerkman (AD61, R-Randall)

Elected in 2002 (6 terms)

• Daniel LeMahieu (AD59, R-Cascade)
• Sondy Pope (AD80, D-Cross Plains)
• Amy Sue Vruwink (AD70, D-Milladore)
• Mary Williams (AD87, R-Medford)
• Josh Zepnick (AD9, D-Milwaukee)

Elected in 2004 (5 terms)

• Joan Ballweg (AD41, R-Markesan)
• Gary Hebl (AD46, D-Sun Prairie)
• Joel Kleefisch (AD39, R-Oconomowoc)
• Jeff Mursau (AD36, R-Crivitz)
• Lee Nerison (AD96, R-Westby)
• Don Pridemore (AD22, R-Hartford)
• Patricia Strachota (AD58, R-West Bend)
• Robin Vos (AD63, R-Burlington)

Elected in 2006 (4 terms)

• Gordon Hintz (AD54, D-Oshkosh)
• Andy Jorgensen (AD43, D-Fort Atkinson)
• Bill Kramer (AD97, R-Waukesha)
• Cory Mason (AD66, D-Racine)
• John Murtha (AD29, R-Baldwin)
• John Nygren (AD89, R-Marinette)
• Jim Ott (AD23, R-Mequon)
• Kevin Peterson (AD41, R-Waupaca)
• Gary Tauchen (AD6, R-Bonduel)

Elected in 2008 (3 terms)

• Penny Bernard Schaber (AD57, D-Appleton)
• Janet Bewley (AD74, D-Ashland)
• Ed Brooks (AD50, R-Reedsburg)
• Fred Clark (AD81, D-Sauk City)
• Chris Danou (AD92, D-Trempealeau)
• Dan Knodl (AD24, R-Germantown)
• Nick Milroy (AD73, D-South Range)
• Sandy Pasch (AD10, D-Shorewood)
• Keith Ripp (AD42, R-Lodi)

Elected in 2010 (2 terms)

• Tyler August (AD32,  R-Lake Geneva)
• Kathy Bernier (AD68, R-Chippewa Falls)
• Mike Endsley (AD26, R-Sheboygan)
• Brett Hulsey (AD78, D-Madison)
• Andre Jacque (AD2, R-De Pere)
• Chris Kapenga (AD99, R-Delafield)
• John Klenke (AD88, R-Green Bay)
• Dean Knudsen (AD30, R-Hudson)
• Dale Kooyenga (AD14, R-Brookfield)
• Scott Krug (AD72,  R-Rome)
• Michael Kuglitsch (AD84, R-New Berlin)
• Tom Larson (AD67, R-Colfax)
• Amy Loudenbeck (AD31, R-Clinton)
• Howard Marklein (AD51, R-Spring Green)
• Warren Petryk (AD93, R-Eleva)
• Janis Ringhand (AD45, D-Evansville)
• Jim Steineke (AD5, R-Kaukauna)
• Jeremy Thiesfeldt (AD52, R-Fond du Lac)
• Travis Tranel (AD49, R-Cuba City)
• Chad Weininger (AD4, R-Green Bay)
• JoCasta Zamarripa (AD8, D-Milwaukee)

2011 special elections (1.5 terms)

• Jill Billings (AD95, D-La Crosse)
• David Craig (AD83, R-Big Bend)
• Steve Doyle (AD94, D-Onalaska)
• Duey Stroebel (AD60, R-Cedarburg)
• Chris Taylor (AD76, D-Madison)

Elected in 2012 (1 term)

• Mandela Barnes (AD11, D-Milwaukee)
• Mark Born (AD40, R-Beaver Dam)
• Mary Czaja (AD35, R-Irma)
• Eric Genrich (AD90, D-Green Bay)
• Evan Goyke (AD18, D-Milwaukee)
• Dianne Hesselbein (AD79, D-Middleton)
• Rob Hutton (AD13, R-Brookfield)
• John Jagler (AD37, R-Watertown)
• Le Tonya Johnson (AD17, D-Milwaukee)
• Robb Kahl (AD47, D-Monona)
• Deb Kolste (AD44, D-Janesville)
• David Murphy (AD56, R-Greenville)
• Tod Ohnstad (AD64, D-Kenosha)
• David Riemer (AD7, D-Milwaukee
• Joe Sanfelippo (AD15, R-West Allis)
• Melissa Sargent (AD48, D-Madison)
• Michael Schraa (AD53, R-Oshkosh)
• Eric Severson (AD28, R-Star Prairie)
• Katrina Shanksland (AD71, R-Stevens Point)
• Stephen Smith (AD75, R-Shell Lake)
• John Spiros (AD86, R-Marshfield)
• Rob Swearingen (AD34, R-Rhinelander)
• Paul Tittle (AD25, R-Manitowoc)
• Dana Wach (AD91, D-Eau Claire)
• Thomas Weatherston (AD62, R-Racine)
• Mandy Wright (AD85, D-Wausau)

2013 special elections

• Bob Kulp (AD69, R-Stratford)
• Adam Neylon (AD98, R-Pewaukee)
• Jessie Rodriguez (AD21, R-Franklin)

*Note:
Fred Kessler (12AD, D-Milwaukee) served in the Assembly from 1960 to 1970, after which he took a long break.  Re-elected in 2004.1960, 1964-70, 2004-

Peter Barca (AD64, D-Kenosha) served in the Assembly from 1983 to 1993.  Elected to U.S. Congress in 1993.  Re-elected to the Assembly in 2008.

Gogebic Taconite Does Its Best Sgt. Schultz Imitation

GTAC Won't Sample Mining Area With Asbestos-Like Fibers.  (Wisconsin Public Radio News, 12/3/2013)

They see nothing, nothing.  The fibers are in grunerite deposits, but in a letter last week to the DNR, GTAC continues to deny its existence, saying: “Our position remains that asbestosform material is unlikely to be present in the reserve.”

Other Gogebic posts.
Follow the Gogebic money.  (11/7/2013)
In the news:  Bulletproof Securities.  (7/11/2013)
Last call to stuff policy \items into the Wisconsin state budget.  (6/18/2013)

A Variation on a Theme: Like Little Mighty Mice Coming to their Hero's Rescue

230 five-star reviews in 2 days.   And right now the mad love shows no signs of subsiding.

Other Unintimidated posts:
In one day: Fans of Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to post 115 five-star reviews on Amazon.  (12/3/2013)
Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise.  (12/2/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

April, May, and June: The Baby Names of Spring

Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names

May is an old-fashioned kind of girl, having experienced her best years in the early 1880s.  It's been downhill since then, with one very feeble effort in 1982 to recapture her former glory.

June experienced her ups and downs during the last two decades of the 19th century but rose to greater prominence during the early years of the 20th century.  She had a pretty good run in the top 50 from 1921 to 1934.  (My Aunt June was born in 1913.)  After dropping out of sight in 1987, she has made a stunning comeback during the last five years.

Late-blooming April didn't appear on the scene until 1939.  After a fast start, she struggled for a few years, but then ended up reaching heights that May and June have never achieved.  April's best years were from 1974 to 1981, which she spent in the top 30.

"Pieces of April" by Three Dog Night was released in late 1972.  It's not one of their best-charting singles, peaking at #19.



Other baby name posts:
[Nose tinkle] Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle clue: 7 down, Daughter in "Bewitched".  (12/1/2013)
Anna, a model of consistency through the years.  (11/30/2013)
Rubies and Pearls.  (11/29/2013)
The Lucy and Ethel synchronized dive.  (11/28/2013)
The George Burns and Gracie Allen line graph.  (11/27/2013)
Rick, Dick & Rich -- but above all, Richard.  (11/26/2013)
When Jennifers rules the world.  (11/24/2013)
Ralph and Alice part ways in 1988. (11/23/2013)
Now Appearing in a Colorful Line Graph -- The 6 Jans.  (11/23/2013)
Which Do You Prefer: Catherine/Cathy or Katherine/Kathy?  (11/22/2013)
Just when you thought he was going, going, gone, Eugene bounces back.  (11/21/2013)
Sidney swings both ways.  (11/21/2013)
Popular baby names:  Nancy (1880-2012).  (11/17/2013
Madge: Off the chart even when she was an advertising icon.  (11/16/2013)
Cindy: Not Always a Nickname for Cynthia (Since 1938).  (11/15/2013)
Lizabeth:  There's only one reason why this name made the list.  (11/14/2013)
Paul and Paula:  1954 was their very best year together.  (11/14/2013)
Bonnie and Clyde take a dive together.  (11/13/2013)
Joseph demonstrates more staying power than Mary.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Elizabeth as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of William as a baby name.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Thomas as a baby name.  (11/11/2013)
Susan is losin' popularity.  (11/11/2013)
The popularity of Robert as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of Denise as a baby name:  1926-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of John as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of Sheila as a baby name:  1917-2002, 2003-2004.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of James as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Michael as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Sherry as a baby name:  1926-1995.  (11/7/2013)
Friends choose 15th and 16th most popular baby names for their unexpected twin boys.  (11/3/2013) 
Destiny Hope Cyrus's impact on popular baby names for girls.  (10/15/2013)
There really was something about Mary.  (9/22/2013)
"Gone With the Wind" and baby names.  (11/27/2011)
The baby names list, 1900-1999.  (5/11/2010)

This Security Guard Works for $6.25 an Hour

A Night Watchman with Wheels.  (The New York Times, 12/1/2013)

And doesn't have a girlfriend.    The robot, which can be seen in a promotional video, is still very much a work in progress. The system will have a video camera, thermal imaging sensors, a laser range finder, radar, air quality sensors and a microphone. It will also have a limited amount of autonomy, such as the ability to follow a preplanned route. It will not, at least for now, include advanced features like facial recognition, which is still being perfected.

Knightscope Founders need your help.  (Not much of a response yet.)



Not everyone is on board with this development.

Electronic Privacy and Information Center

Probably Not a 19th with this Report

Transcription of first 15 seconds:  Well, a few years ago, we all heard that libraries might not survive the ebook revolution, and that books themselves might be going the way of the 8-track tape, so what is the latest chapter now.  Mike Castellucci set out to get a new read on the brick-and-mortar library and its contents.

Then, from 0:35 to 0:44, we have some footage of the interior of a Half Price second-hand bookstore.

After which we get to ride with Mike on a bookmobile.  Mike seems to have dispensed with his read on the brick-and mortar library and its contents.

Stick with it til the end, though.  Mike's report improves after its cringeworthy opening minute. (Mike, by the way, is the winner of 18 Emmys.  You could have fooled me with this effort.)

Sidebar:  I can imagine Mike being the type of guy who wears a lampshade at parties, although in Mike's case, I suspect it would be done out of purely sober silliness.

In One Day: Fans of Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to Post 115 Five-Star Reviews on Amazon

Which more than doubles the total in the book's first 14 days of publication.

I'll be generous and assume it took these 115 folks two weeks to read this slim (288-page) volume, what with the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday and whatnot.

Other Unintimidated posts:
Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise.  (12/2/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

Southern Pine Beetle Invades New Jersey, Causing Widespread Damage

In New Jersey Pines, Trouble Arrives on Six Legs.  (The New York Times, 12/1/2013)



Another piece of rapidly accumulating evidence:   In an infestation that scientists say is almost certainly a consequence of global warming, the southern pine beetle is spreading through New Jersey’s famous Pinelands. It tried to do so many times in the past, but bitterly cold winters would always kill it off. Now, scientists say, the winters are no longer cold enough.

It's been going on for awhile.

N.J. Southern pine beetle outbreak is nation's worst. (Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/17/2011)

Hungry critters.  Dendroctonus frontalis devoured 14,000 acres of pines last year and is expected to devastate at least another 14,000 this year, state officials said.

Social Media Turns Exhibit at NYC's David Zwirner Gallery into a Phenomenon

Lights, Mirrors, Instagram!  #Art Sensation.  (The New York Times, 12/1/2013)

Three hours in line for a 45-second reward.  On a typical day, about 2,500 people turn out to take this brief trip to Ms. Kusama’s private cosmos. Almost from the moment that her multipart exhibition, “I Who Have Arrived in Heaven,” opened on Nov. 8, “Infinity Mirrored Room — The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away” has become an art-world attraction to rival “Rain Room,” the immersive installation presented at the Museum of Modern Art this year.

A Change at New York Magazine "Underscores the Dreary Economics of Print".

The number of periodical subscriptions in Wisconsin public libraries peaked in 2000.

Long on Cutting Edge of Print, New York Magazine Cuts Back. (The New York Times, 12/2/2013)

Excerpt:  Along with the closing of the printed Newsweek and the planned spin-off of Time Inc., which includes the weeklies Time and People, the move to bi-weekly publishing represents the end of an era and underscores the dreary economics of print and its diminishing role in a future that’s already here.

Anyone know what happened in 1994?

Scott Walker's Fans Accuse "Union Thugs" of Writing Fake Reviews of "Unintimidated", Then Do Likewise

And if "fake" means providing comments without having read the book, then I suspect most of the 1* reviewers stand guilty as charged.

But, hey, what's good for the blue goose is good for the red gander.

missjill's call to arms!   Now, here's your chance to tell Scott Walker how you feel about him -- and his latest attacks on public employees. Submit your own review here on Amazon and then copy it into the comments below as well.

Hmm, nothing here about actually reading the book before submitting a "review".

It's all very silly, of course, on both ends of the political spectrum, but fake reviews in numerous guises go with the Amazon territory, no matter what the type of book.

Tracking Reviews of 

"Unintimidated" on Amazon

55 five-star reviews were posted on Amazon with a 3-hour period this morning.

FRI2 = the day after this article was published.

Walker critics flock to Amazon to rip his new book, whether they've read it or not. Capital Times, 11/28/2013)

Well said, Jack Craver, with RG's emphasis added.  While the zeal with which the governor's critics rushed online to diss his book may demonstrate that he will never achieve the level of popularity that, for instance, former Gov. Tommy Thompson once enjoyed, it is perhaps the small number of reviewers who gave Walker's book two, three or four stars that say more about his political future. It's that tiny group of independent voters in the middle, who like some things about Walker but not others, whose votes will determine whether he wins re-election and is able to make a serious run for president.  

Other Unintimidated posts:
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" by roller coaster ride on Amazon.  (11/28/2013)
Scott Walker "Unintimidated" to peak early on Amazon during first week of book's publication.  (11/26)
On day 6, Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" reverses course, but the bad reviews keep rolling in.  (11/24/2013)
Day 5: Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" experiences that overnight sinking feeling. (11/24/2013) 
Day 4: Scott Walker Unintimidated As his book slowly slip slides away.  (11/23/2013)
On day 3, Scott Walker Unintimidated to tread water.  (11/22/2013)
On day 2, "Unintimidated" Shows Sales Momentum, but Reviews Still Split.  (11/21/2013)
Day one:  Amazon's best-selling books "Unintimidated" by Scott Walker.  (11/19/2013)
Once again, Scott Walker is unintimidated by the facts.  (11/2/2013)
Unintimidated by the facts.  (10/28/2013)

At This Time of the Year?

Wiscsonsin State Journal, 12/2/2013

Well, no, actually, but this isn't a headline you expect to see in a Wisconsin newspaper in December.

June to early October = 127 days.  The Department of Natural Resources issued 13 citations at the beach between June and early October this year. All were for sex, and 11 were issued on weekends. Those numbers are down from 2012's totals, but wardens said the problem is far more prevalent than the numbers suggest. All the citations were issued during just seven days of surveillance and some people seen having sex ran off before wardens could cite them.

"...shifted the hanky panky to the weekend."    DNR to close all of Mazomanie Beach on weekdays.  (DNR news release, 3/19/2013)
 
The New York Times raises an eyebrow.  On the Beach, in the Buff. In Wisconsin?  (7/9/2012)

Rep. Ott Offers the Key Quote in this Article on Assembly Speaker Robin Vos

In post-Act 10 Capitol, Assembly Speaker Vos faces challenges from inside party and out. (Racine Journal Times, 11/30/2013)

As quoted.

Photo credit:  Wisconsin State Legislature

Excerpt:    Now, as Vos’ caucus funnels legislation through to the Senate, he acknowledges there’s a certain slowness to the upper house’s response. In some cases, Scott Fitzgerald has said point-blank the Senate will not take up certain bills, including a revamped voter identification bill that Vos has championed. Fitzgerald also commands a far narrower Republican majority in the Senate; many members’ seats are arguably more vulnerable in the coming election year. 

Vos says it’s traditional for the upper house to take more time. Fitzgerald’s office did not return requests for comment.

Related post:   Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly Hard at Work Promoting Governor Walker's Jobs Agenda (and GOP Principles).   (11/15/2013)

[Nose Tinkle] Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle Clue: 7 Down, Daughter in "Bewitched"

Seems like just about anything will lead me back to Popular Baby Names nowadays.

As you can see, both Samantha and Tabitha have been around for awhile.  Samantha, in fact, was moderately popularity in the 19th century, "born" in the American South after 1800 according to two websites, including this one.

Bewitched debuted on September 17, 1964.  An instant hit, it was the #2 most popular show during the 1964-65 television season and #7 in 1965-66.

After spending most of the 20th century off the chart, Samantha reappeared at #472 in 1964 and jumped to #179 in 1965.  She spent 19 years (1988-2006) in the top 10, peaking at #3 in 1998, when "Bewitched" was in heavy rotation on Nick at Nite.

Tabitha charted 6 times from 1880 to 1893, reappearing at #524 in 1966, the year she was introduced as Samantha and Darrin's daughter on "Bewitched".  Her best years were from 1977 until 1992, when she remained in the top 200.  Best year:  #129 in 1978.

As for Sam's mother,  Endora is not in the top 1000 female names for any year of birth in the last 133 years.

Other baby name posts:
Anna, a model of consistency through the years.  (11/30/2013)
Rubies and Pearls.  (11/29/2013)
The Lucy and Ethel synchronized dive.  (11/28/2013)
The George Burns and Gracie Allen line graph.  (11/27/2013)
Rick, Dick & Rich -- but above all, Richard.  (11/26/2013)
When Jennifers rules the world.  (11/24/2013)
Ralph and Alice part ways in 1988. (11/23/2013)
Now Appearing in a Colorful Line Graph -- The 6 Jans.  (11/23/2013)
Which Do You Prefer: Catherine/Cathy or Katherine/Kathy?  (11/22/2013)
Just when you thought he was going, going, gone, Eugene bounces back.  (11/21/2013)
Sidney swings both ways.  (11/21/2013)
Popular baby names:  Nancy (1880-2012).  (11/17/2013
Madge: Off the chart even when she was an advertising icon.  (11/16/2013)
Cindy: Not Always a Nickname for Cynthia (Since 1938).  (11/15/2013)
Lizabeth:  There's only one reason why this name made the list.  (11/14/2013)
Paul and Paula:  1954 was their very best year together.  (11/14/2013)
Bonnie and Clyde take a dive together.  (11/13/2013)
Joseph demonstrates more staying power than Mary.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Elizabeth as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of William as a baby name.  (11/12/2013)
The popularity of Thomas as a baby name.  (11/11/2013)
Susan is losin' popularity.  (11/11/2013)
The popularity of Robert as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of Denise as a baby name:  1926-2012.  (11/10/2013)
The popularity of John as a baby name:  1880-2012.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of Sheila as a baby name:  1917-2002, 2003-2004.  (11/9/2013)
The popularity of James as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Michael as a baby name: 1880-2012.  (11/7/2013)
The popularity of Sherry as a baby name:  1926-1995.  (11/7/2013)
Friends choose 15th and 16th most popular baby names for their unexpected twin boys.  (11/3/2013) 
Destiny Hope Cyrus's impact on popular baby names for girls.  (10/15/2013)
There really was something about Mary.  (9/22/2013)
"Gone With the Wind" and baby names.  (11/27/2011)
The baby names list, 1900-1999.  (5/11/2010)

Boom and Bust in North Dakota and Montana

Right now, it's boom time.

About that 1980s spike in population.   At the beginning of the oil boom in the late 1970s, local community members convinced Toby Holm's mother and father to build a 200-person trailer park to help house all of the workers flocking into the town.

"It was a huge endeavor and my mother worked until her fingers literally bled," said Holm. But the money flow stopped abruptly about five years later, and the trailer court that once boasted a 200-person per trailer waiting list was down to just five trailers. What had become a lifeline for Holm's parents was repossessed.   (From "When a Boomtown Goes Bust:  "Sudden Desertion", KPAX, 12/6/2011)

As Oil Floods Plains Towns, Crime Pours In.  (The New York Times, 11/30/2013)

Some figures presented in this article.

• Arrests up 565%  since 2005 in Watford City, North Dakota, where the population has increased 42% since 2010 -- from 1,744 to 2,482
• Arrests up 855% since 2005 in Roosevelt County, Montana.
• Violent crimes  in Dickinson, North Dakota, increase from 7 to 41 in 5 years.
• Annual pay for gas station attendants:  $50,000
• Small apartments rent for $2,000 per month