January was England's wettest winter month in almost 250 years. (The Guardian, 2/1/2014)
It's more than a question of temperature. Flooding has been identified as the most dangerous impact of climate change for the UK and is hitting harder and faster than expected, according to scientists. Thousands of homes have been flooded since December, and much of the low-lying Somerset Levels remains under water.
"Unprecedented"
Other climate change posts:
Meteors, glaciers, and climate change. (1/14/2014)
Climate change spurs northward growth of mangroves. (1/1/2014)
Dear Skeptics, Climate change is already driving informed business decisions. (12/15/2013)
Florida's vulnerable coastline. (11/12/2013)
Promoting the need for regionalism among nations along the Bay of Bengal coast. (10/14/2013)
Climate change not taking a back seat everywhere in Wisconsin. (9/27/2013)
Climate change deniers continue to jump on the Daily Mail crazy train (or Oops! they did it again). (9/25/2013)
Cal Thomas: This climate change bulletin just in from the Daily Mail. (9/24/2013)
Cal Thomas needs a research assistant. (9/23/2013)
Climate change, as a matter of fact. (8/31/2013)
Outagamie County residents will be better served with a more proactive approach. (8/20/2013)
Here's what got Ron Johnson's undies in a bundle (NoRoJo in 2016, chapter 12). (8/15/2013)
Georgia's anti-science climate denier caucus. (7/31/2013)
Here's a comforting headline. (3/8/2013)
Making Fox News-Inspired Jokes About Climate Change? Consider Australia. (3/5/2013)
The New Normal: Living With Extreme Weather (Northeastern U.S. Edition). (2/10/2013)
1975: "There's a new ice age coming, but I wouldn't want to predict when.". (1/27/2013)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Embargoes Use of Phrase "Climate Change"? (12/31/2012)
Can you say 'climate change'? (11/28/2012)
As you already know, Fox News is shameless. (9/29/2012)
Dear George, It will take more than denial to get over climate change in Greenland. (9/27/2012)
Climate change results in Coast Guard's "unprecedented" deployment to North Shore of Alaska. (7/23/2013)
Weather history is made in the Northeast. (10/30/2011)
Climate change in the American mind. (6/8/2011)
Stuff you won't see on Fox News. (1/8/2010)
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Another Lesson in Hypocrisy: Wisconsin Republicans Disparage Mary Burke for Her Wealth
But apparently, it's just fine, and thoroughly enriching, to have wealthy Republicans make sizable campaign contributions to the Big Guy.
Especially leading up to a recall election, when the $10,000 contribution limit by individuals is thrown out the window.
Here's a sampling from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money database of individuals who exceeded the regular election limit with a single contribution.
And these individuals also opened up their wallets big time. (Again, just a sampling.)
Diane Hendricks?
I'm sure you remember her. Walker and his pals love this woman!
Especially leading up to a recall election, when the $10,000 contribution limit by individuals is thrown out the window.
Here's a sampling from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money database of individuals who exceeded the regular election limit with a single contribution.
I'm sure you remember her. Walker and his pals love this woman!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Alberta Darling's Tailor-Made News Release
Statement by State Senator Alberta Darling on President Obama's Visit to Wisconsin.
First of all, CNBC didn't rank; they reported.
The National Association of Manufacturers ranked. Number of manufacturing jobs gained from December 2009 to March 2013
First of all, CNBC didn't rank; they reported.
The National Association of Manufacturers ranked. Number of manufacturing jobs gained from December 2009 to March 2013
- Michigan (88,100)
- Texas (57,500)
- Ohio (53,400)
- Indiana (51,900)
- Wisconsin (38,300, or about 957 jobs per month)
- Indiana (16.4%)
- Wisconsin (16.1%)
- Arkansas (13.6%)
- Michigan (12.8%)
- Alabama (12.7%)
- Michigan (20.7%)
- South Dakota (17.4%)
- Alaska (14.4%)
- Washington (13.1%)
- Indiana (13.0%)
- North Dakota (12.7%)
- Idaho (11.3%)
- Oklahoma (11.1%)
- Iowa, Wisconsin (9.9%)
At the Movies with Rep. Michael Grimm.
Haven't I heard you somewhere before? During the 2010 primary, Michael Allegretti, his opponent, accused him of wearing combat ribbons he had not earned.
The Unfolding Apartment (450 Square Feet of Inventive Space Use)
Tiny Unfolding NYC Apartment Gives the Impression of Spaciousness. (Jetson Green, 1/30/2014)
Adapting to a small space. The Unfolding Apartment is a renovated studio, located on NYC’s Upper West Side, and measures a mere 450 square feet. Despite its small size, the owner Eric Schneider, a young businessman still wanted an apartment that would allow him to entertain and host houseguests comfortably. The architects found a way to adhere to his wishes by making much of the apartment features capable of unfolding as needed.
"I can't be bothered with facts and numbers," he huffs "My mind is already made up."
Yes, the quote is fabricated, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility.
Farmington library caught in the middle of budget dispute. (Morning Sentinel, 1/30/2014)
Farmington library caught in the middle of budget dispute. (Morning Sentinel, 1/30/2014)
Photo credit: Town of Farmington Maine
Wisconsin Public Library Revenue by Decade (1950-2010)
Source: Public Library Service Data and its older variations
Related posts:
Wisconsin Public Library Municipal & County Revenue, 2003-2012. (7/17/2013)
Wisconsin Public Libraries: County Revenue (Including Non-System County Payments), 2000-2011. (10/25/2012)
Wisconsin Public Library Revenue 2000-2011: Municipal, County, All Other. (10/17/2012)
Status Report on Wisconsin's Public Libraries (Part 2A: Where Does the Money Come From?) (11/28/2011)
Status Report on Wisconsin's Public Libraries (Part 2: Where Does the Money Come From?) (11/22/2011)
Wisconsin Public Library Revenue by Source, 1990-2010. (10/10/2011)
Tool Lending Libraries Proliferate
The Tool Library Movement Gains Steam. (Shareable, 1/29/2014
More than just access to tools. The tool library movement is reinventing itself and growing in the process. No longer just places to get a drill when you need one, tool libraries are neighborhood hubs offering classes, community building spaces, workshops and a variety of tools ranging from belt sanders to lawnmowers and more. Homicki says this transformation from tool library to community space is one that often goes both ways.
A movement that is mostly independent of public libraries. He points out that in the U.S. there are about 15,000 public library locations, so we’re a long way from having as many tool library locations as libraries, but Homicki thinks that at least 1,000 tool libraries in the next five years in the U.S. is possible.
But there are a few public libraries in the U.S. that lend tools.
The Berkeley Public Library's Tool Lending Library, one of the oldest, has been around since 1979.
Other public libraries that lend tools:
Related post
California: The epicenter of tool-lending libraries. 11/28/2010)
More than just access to tools. The tool library movement is reinventing itself and growing in the process. No longer just places to get a drill when you need one, tool libraries are neighborhood hubs offering classes, community building spaces, workshops and a variety of tools ranging from belt sanders to lawnmowers and more. Homicki says this transformation from tool library to community space is one that often goes both ways.
A movement that is mostly independent of public libraries. He points out that in the U.S. there are about 15,000 public library locations, so we’re a long way from having as many tool library locations as libraries, but Homicki thinks that at least 1,000 tool libraries in the next five years in the U.S. is possible.
But there are a few public libraries in the U.S. that lend tools.
The Berkeley Public Library's Tool Lending Library, one of the oldest, has been around since 1979.
Other public libraries that lend tools:
- Alameda (CA) Free Library
- Oakland (CA) Public Library
- Grosse Point (MI) Public Library
- Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Vermont
Related post
California: The epicenter of tool-lending libraries. 11/28/2010)
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dissolution, "from Latin dissolutionem (nominative dissolutio) "a dissolving, destroying, interruption..."*
*from the Online Etymology Dictionary
Dissolution of library likely. (Sussex Sun, 1/28/2014)
The perils of Pauline. According to the agreement reached in 1987, "Should termination of this agreement result in the closing of the library, the assets thereof shall be divided among the two municipalities in accordance with the ration of expense sharing in the average of the five year period preceding said termination."
However, village officials argue there should be no division of the library's assets because the termination of the agreement will not result in the closing of the library since the Village Board intends to continue operations of the library without town funding.
Town officials argue, however, that once the agreement is terminated, the Pauline Haas Library ceases to exist and the assets should be divided. Any library operated in the future by the village is not the same as the existing library.
One of my guilty pleasures from late '72/early '73.
Looks as though this list will continue to grow for the time being.
Related articles:
Getting out of joint? (1/10/2014)
Pauline Haass library board 1, Town of Lisbon 0. (1/3/2014)
Pauline Haass Public Library considers the cost of litigation. (11/27/2013)
Sussex/Lisbon: Mediation fails, time to go to court. (10/23/2013)
Town of Lisbon agrees to nonbinding arbitration with Pauline Haass. (10/19/2013)
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)
Dissolution of library likely. (Sussex Sun, 1/28/2014)
The perils of Pauline. According to the agreement reached in 1987, "Should termination of this agreement result in the closing of the library, the assets thereof shall be divided among the two municipalities in accordance with the ration of expense sharing in the average of the five year period preceding said termination."
However, village officials argue there should be no division of the library's assets because the termination of the agreement will not result in the closing of the library since the Village Board intends to continue operations of the library without town funding.
Town officials argue, however, that once the agreement is terminated, the Pauline Haas Library ceases to exist and the assets should be divided. Any library operated in the future by the village is not the same as the existing library.
One of my guilty pleasures from late '72/early '73.
Looks as though this list will continue to grow for the time being.
Related articles:
Getting out of joint? (1/10/2014)
Pauline Haass library board 1, Town of Lisbon 0. (1/3/2014)
Pauline Haass Public Library considers the cost of litigation. (11/27/2013)
Sussex/Lisbon: Mediation fails, time to go to court. (10/23/2013)
Town of Lisbon agrees to nonbinding arbitration with Pauline Haass. (10/19/2013)
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)
A Lesson in Hypocrisy (Waukesha County Edition)
Quotes from the article
Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima to skip Barack Obama visit to GE plant. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/28/2014)
So that's just empty thanks, Jeff? There was that one time, he acknowledged.
In May of last year, Scrima accepted the invitation of officials from La Casa de Esperanza to speak at a school choice rally in Waukesha. He did not know that Walker would be speaking at the same event, Scrima said.
"I didn't know." You or someone in your office should have asked, if this is such a big deal for you, Jeff.
Editorial: Waukesha mayor plans to be a no-show at Obama stop. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/28/2014)
Apparently, he doesn't think Walker's school voucher plan is extreme. Scrima didn't address that question directly, but he did say in another email that "Both Walker and Obama are extremists. I've never joined a political party because I don't believe that either party has all the answers.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Farrah Fawcett's Influence on Popular Baby Names
Source: Social Security Administration's Popular Baby Names
1976. September 22. Charlie's Angels debuts on ABC.
1976. "Farrah" makes her first appearance on the list of top 1000 baby names for girls at #276.
1977. Farrah leaves Charlie's Angels after just one season.
1977. "Farrah" jumps to #177 in her 2nd year on the list of top 1000 baby names for girls.
2009. June 25. Farrah dies of cancer
2010. "Farrah" reappears on the top 1000 baby names for girls at #551.
Enterprise Zones: The Sequel
Job Aid Zones Face a New Test in Coal Country. (The New York Times, 1/27/2014)
Trying to reverse decades of decline. Nobody doubts that this hilly and remote stretch of Appalachia could use the help. The local unemployment rate is 12.8 percent. Drug abuse is rampant. The poverty rate is nearly 26 percent.
But experts are broadly skeptical that any federal initiative would be enough to combat either the immediate economic upheaval caused by the loss of coal jobs or the long-term economic torpor that is a product of remoteness, poor infrastructure and an undereducated work force.
From "A Brief History" (of Hazard and Perry County, Kentucky). In these heydays hundreds of coal mines were opened and work was abundant. Men were paid salaries never heard of in the mountains prior to the arrival of the railroad. Also for the first time people in the mountains were being exposed to other cultures as foreign nationals came into this prosperous area to work and start businesses. Prior to this time virtually the entire population was made up of descendants of pioneers who came over the mountains from Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina to scratch out a lonely existence in the wilderness.
After the stock market crashed and the depression set in, however, the glory days ended. Some coal miners were paid as low as $2.00 a day for 14 hours of work. The local economy was at its lowest level since before the railroad came. Coal was being sold in some cases for as little as 73 cents a ton. During this grim period mine and business failures were at an all-time high
A Statistical Look at Madison, Wisconsin: New Dwelling Units, 1921-1950
A Tudor-inspired design in Madison's Nakoma neighborhood.
Related posts:
Births. (1/20/2014)
Telephones. (1/12/2014)
Postal receipts. (1/9/2014)
Monday, January 27, 2014
Shocking Revelation: Tax-Cut Plan is a Republican Campaign Talking Point
Editorial: State must focus on long-term finances. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 1/25/2014)
Related post:
Don't expect to see this Luther Olsen quote framed and hung in Gov. Scott Walker's office. (1/27/2014)
Related post:
Don't expect to see this Luther Olsen quote framed and hung in Gov. Scott Walker's office. (1/27/2014)
Empathy Alert: Scott Walker Changes His Mind About Leaving Some Wisconsin Residents, Mostly Rural, in the Cold
Scott Walker pledges millions of dollars to ease propane shortage. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/27/2014)
Somebody must have pointed out to him that there is something to lose. On at least two occasions last week, Walker said that there would be nothing to gain from using a newly announced $1 billion state surplus or other public funds to address the propane shortage.
Households not likely to be campaign contributors. Across the country, propane use is most common in rural areas and mobile homes. About 83% of households with propane heating are located in rural areas that are typically beyond the reach of the natural gas distribution infrastructure. In the Midwest, the rural share is greater than 90%. Additionally, those living in mobile homes are twice as likely to heat with propane as those in other housing unit types.
On average, how much time do children spend reading each day?
The study, Learning at Home: Families' Educational Media Use in America , looks at 2 to 10 year olds.
46 minutes for girls. 34 minutes for boys.
From a 1/27/2014 GalleyCat post.
Parents still emphasize print. For the study, the organization spoke to more than 1500 parents of 2-10 year olds across the country. According to the report, 62 percent of these kids have access to eReaders or tablets, but only 31 percent actually use these devices because their parents want them to read print books.
46 minutes for girls. 34 minutes for boys.
From a 1/27/2014 GalleyCat post.
Parents still emphasize print. For the study, the organization spoke to more than 1500 parents of 2-10 year olds across the country. According to the report, 62 percent of these kids have access to eReaders or tablets, but only 31 percent actually use these devices because their parents want them to read print books.
Who Will Run for State Office in the 17th Senate District Now That Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) Has Announced His Retirement?
Howard Marklein, a Spring Green Republicans who represents the 51st Assembly District, announced his candidacy in April 2013. He has yet to earn Dale Schultz's endorsement.
Democrat Ernie Wittwer, a Town of Willow resident in Richland County, announced his candidacy in November 2013.
Public libraries in the 51st Assembly District, represented by Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green):
Other 2014 election posts:
59th Assembly District. (1/18/2014)
1st Assembly District. (12/13/2013)
Candidate scorecard for the 2014 Wisconsin Attorney General's race. (12/8/2013)
22nd Assembly District. 11/21/2013)
17 Senate District. (11/7/2013)
19th Assembly District. (11/7/2013)
9th State Senate District. (10/23/2013)
15th State Senate District. (10/10/2013)
Wisconsin Attorney General in 2014: Waukesha County DA Brad Schimel. (10/10/2013
25th State Senate District. (10/9/2013)
Democrat Ernie Wittwer, a Town of Willow resident in Richland County, announced his candidacy in November 2013.
The 17th Senate District includes the 49th, 50th, and 51st Assembly districts in southwestern Wisconsin.
Public libraries in the 49th Assembly District, which is represented by Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City):
Allen-Dietzman Public Library, Lancaster
Benton Public Library
Bloomington Public Library
Boscobel Public Library
Brickl Memorial Library, Dickeyville
Cuba City Public Library
Dwight T. Parker Public Library, Fennimore
Eckstein Memorial Library, Cassville
Hazel Green Public Library
Montfort Public Library
Muscoda Public Library
Platteville Public Library
Schreiner Memorial Library, Lancaster
Academic libraries in the 49th
Elton S. Karrmann Library, UW-Platteville
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Library, Fennimore
Allen-Dietzman Public Library, Lancaster
Benton Public Library
Bloomington Public Library
Boscobel Public Library
Brickl Memorial Library, Dickeyville
Cuba City Public Library
Dwight T. Parker Public Library, Fennimore
Eckstein Memorial Library, Cassville
Hazel Green Public Library
Montfort Public Library
Muscoda Public Library
Platteville Public Library
Schreiner Memorial Library, Lancaster
Academic libraries in the 49th
Elton S. Karrmann Library, UW-Platteville
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Library, Fennimore
Public libraries in the 50th Assembly District, represented by Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg):
Brewer Public Library, Richland Center
Elroy Public Library
Hatch Public Library, Mauston
LaValle Public Library
Necedah Community Siegler Memorial Library
New Lisbon Memorial Library
Reedsburg Public Library
Rock Springs Public Library
Wonewoc Public Library
Academic library in the 50th
Miller Memorial Library, UW-Richland Center
Brewer Public Library, Richland Center
Elroy Public Library
Hatch Public Library, Mauston
LaValle Public Library
Necedah Community Siegler Memorial Library
New Lisbon Memorial Library
Reedsburg Public Library
Rock Springs Public Library
Wonewoc Public Library
Academic library in the 50th
Miller Memorial Library, UW-Richland Center
Johnson Public Library, Darlington
Kraemer Public Library, Plain
McCoy Public Library, Shullsburg
Turgeson Memorial Library, Belmont
Other 2014 election posts:
59th Assembly District. (1/18/2014)
1st Assembly District. (12/13/2013)
Candidate scorecard for the 2014 Wisconsin Attorney General's race. (12/8/2013)
22nd Assembly District. 11/21/2013)
17 Senate District. (11/7/2013)
19th Assembly District. (11/7/2013)
9th State Senate District. (10/23/2013)
15th State Senate District. (10/10/2013)
Wisconsin Attorney General in 2014: Waukesha County DA Brad Schimel. (10/10/2013
25th State Senate District. (10/9/2013)
Don't Expect to See This Luther Olsen Quote Framed and Hung in Gov. Scott Walker's Office
Gov. Scott Walker sacrifices politics for policy. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/25/2014)
It's not money in the bank. The heart of Walker's message Wednesday night was a proposal to give back a big chunk of an expected state surplus to taxpayers on the speculative notion that a tax cut will stimulate the economy.
Other "2014 State of the State" posts:
What are the odds (the follow-up). (1/26/2014)
Scott Walker on kids and reading. (1/26/2014)
The Office of the Governor prefers to point a finger rather than to take full responsibility. (1/24/2014)
What are the odds that Governor Walker calls for redistricting reform in his State of the State Addressed? (1/21/2014)
Sunday, January 26, 2014
What Are the Odds That Governor Walker Calls for Redistricting Reform in his State of the State Address? (The Follow-up)
If you answered "zero to none", you are correct!
Related post:
What are the odds that Governor Walker calls for redistricting reform in his State of the State Addressed? (1/21/2014)
The word search
Related post:
What are the odds that Governor Walker calls for redistricting reform in his State of the State Addressed? (1/21/2014)
Scott Walker on Kids and Reading
Text analysis of Scott Walker's 2014 State of the State speech. (Capital Times, 1/23/2014)
Guess this is already yesterday's news. 2012?
Coming soon.
Sidebar: In his 2014 address, Walker used the word "children" once.
We ask adults without children seeking food stamps to enroll in employment training.
Guess this is already yesterday's news. 2012?
Coming soon.
Sidebar: In his 2014 address, Walker used the word "children" once.
We ask adults without children seeking food stamps to enroll in employment training.
On This Date in 1945
My parents were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, on Friday, January 26, 1945.
The only surviving member of the wedding party is the flower girl on the left -- my cousin Carole Benander Hultgren.
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