Saturday, August 16, 2014
Happy Columbus Day!
Will August primaries cut turnout, increase partisanship? (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/15/2014)
The ballots are delivered via the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. The move to an August primary beginning in 2012 was spurred by a 2011 law signed by Gov. Scott Walker. Moving the primaries was needed to conform to a federal law that requires states to send absentee ballots to military and overseas voters at least 45 days before a general election. Wisconsin's previous election schedule made it impossible to comply with that federal law, election officials said.
Duh?
Will August primaries cut turnout, increase partisanship? (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/15/2014)
"Fairly consistently"? Tuesday's primary, the second the state has held in August rather than September, also yielded attendance below the average of 15.8% recorded in the past 10 years. The 2012 race was heavily publicized because of a four-way Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Primary voter turnout has fairly consistently decreased since the late 1940s.
Vin Scully began broadcasting Dodgers games when I was in early diaper mode
May 1950
For as long as I've been on God's green earth. Scully began broadcasting Dodgers games in 1950 and took over as the team's primary play-by-play man when Red Barber went to work for the New York Yankees in 1953. Scully accompanied the Dodgers to Los Angeles before the 1958 season. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982.
Related article:
Vin Scully remembers his greatest calls. (GQ, October 2011)
Memo to Land's End.
Stick with baseball.
Elizabeth Hottel Streich (1924-2014) Warren High School Class of 1942
1942 Dragon yearbook
Elizabeth is describes as.....A cute little lassie....a football fan....willing to do her part....popular North Warrenite.
Her high school activites include: Latin Club (2, 3, 4); Science Club (4); Nunc et Tunc (3).
Perhaps this "cute little lassie" dances to this song at The Spot as graduation day approached.
A Frenzy of Ants
Serendipitous soundtrack provided by luxuriamusic.com.
(Full screen, unfortunately, makes everything fuzzy.)
Phase 1 of Branch Street Reconstruction Close to Completion
Looks like just another layer of asphalt is needed.
Related post:
Street projects underway in Middleton, part 1. (6/28/2014)
Milwaukee County's 2013 Equalized Property Value Overachievers
Data source is found here.
The Walkers have lived in Wauwatosa since 1993. Considering the current state of Maple Bluff's equalized property values, I think it's a great idea to send Scott Walker back to where he belongs this November.
County Funding to Libraries in Adjacent Counties: Geography and Convenience Trump the "Easy Fix" for Kewaunee County
In 2014, Kewaunee County paid $63,956 to public libraries in Brown and Manitowoc counties.
Kewaunee pays thousands to consolidated libraries. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/15/2014)
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Abitz. The problem looks like an easy fix: Kewaunee County residents should not use the Brown County Library. Try explaining this to residents of some of the western community residents of Kewaunee County. Jerry Abitz, for example, is located exactly 1.5 miles from both the Brown and Door county lines. (In the vicinity of the red arrow.)
Abitz and his wife are avid readers and find it more convenient to utilize the Brown County Library system. For Abitz, who travels to Green Bay six times per week already, a stop at the library is easy.
"What do I do? The downtown library is only 24 minutes from my house by freeway," Abitz said. "To go to Algoma would be a half-hour drive one way, and I'm not going there for any other reason."
Not even the lake views are an incentive.
FAQ About County Library Funding to Libraries in Adjacent Counties (Act 420)
Kewaunee pays thousands to consolidated libraries. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/15/2014)
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Abitz. The problem looks like an easy fix: Kewaunee County residents should not use the Brown County Library. Try explaining this to residents of some of the western community residents of Kewaunee County. Jerry Abitz, for example, is located exactly 1.5 miles from both the Brown and Door county lines. (In the vicinity of the red arrow.)
Abitz and his wife are avid readers and find it more convenient to utilize the Brown County Library system. For Abitz, who travels to Green Bay six times per week already, a stop at the library is easy.
"What do I do? The downtown library is only 24 minutes from my house by freeway," Abitz said. "To go to Algoma would be a half-hour drive one way, and I'm not going there for any other reason."
Not even the lake views are an incentive.
Photo source: Wikipedia
FAQ About County Library Funding to Libraries in Adjacent Counties (Act 420)
Wisconsin Turns the Corner on Equalized Property Values
Residential property values in Wisconsin rise after 5-year slide. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/15/2014)
After 5 consecutive years of decline, the total equalized property value for the state increased 2.6%, or $479 billion, in 2013.
10-page overview of Wisconsin's equalized property values. (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
Go to the 2013 report of statewide equalized property values.
First view close-up.
When I click on "Dane", I get to a list of Dane County municipalities..
Dane County equalized property values increased 4.3% in 2013, higher than the state average.
To do another search, you need to observe the following navigation tip. (Highlight added.)
Interesting that 2 of the county's wealthiest communities are moving in opposite directions. (Maple Bluff is where the Governor's Executive Residence is located. What's that expression? "There goes the neighborhood!")
And perhaps we'll see this headline in the Verona Press.
Related posts:
Drop in property values for 5 years in a row. (8/30/2013)
The Flint Public Library Continues to Experience the Double Whammy of Declining Property Values and Reduced Tax Revenues. (8/4/2013)
Decatur Illinois & the double whammy of falling home values and reduced tax revenue. (6/4/2013)
Reduced state aid and decreasing property values a double whammy for Shawano School District. (10/19/2012)
Greater St. Croix Valley equalized property values show double-digit decline since 2008. (8/22/2012)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Statement of changes in equalized property values - preliminary 2012 report. (8/7/2012)
The Atlanta housing meltdown continues. (2/2/2012)
Wisconsin Property Values Drop for 3rd Consecutive Year. (9/26/2011)
The Property Tax Domino Effect (Atlanta Metro Area) (12/27/2010)
On the basis of this trend, urban libraries will certainly be tightening their belts again next year. (12/26/2010)
National League of Cities Research Brief on America's Cities. (10/7/2010)
After 5 consecutive years of decline, the total equalized property value for the state increased 2.6%, or $479 billion, in 2013.
10-page overview of Wisconsin's equalized property values. (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
- Definition
- Development
- Use
Go to the 2013 report of statewide equalized property values.
First view close-up.
When I click on "Dane", I get to a list of Dane County municipalities..
Dane County equalized property values increased 4.3% in 2013, higher than the state average.
To do another search, you need to observe the following navigation tip. (Highlight added.)
In the following sample, percentages for Dane County municipalities range from -8.4% (Village of Maple Bluff) to 16.8% (City of Verona).
Interesting that 2 of the county's wealthiest communities are moving in opposite directions. (Maple Bluff is where the Governor's Executive Residence is located. What's that expression? "There goes the neighborhood!")
And perhaps we'll see this headline in the Verona Press.
Verona Posts Epic Boom in Property Values
Related posts:
Drop in property values for 5 years in a row. (8/30/2013)
The Flint Public Library Continues to Experience the Double Whammy of Declining Property Values and Reduced Tax Revenues. (8/4/2013)
Decatur Illinois & the double whammy of falling home values and reduced tax revenue. (6/4/2013)
Reduced state aid and decreasing property values a double whammy for Shawano School District. (10/19/2012)
Greater St. Croix Valley equalized property values show double-digit decline since 2008. (8/22/2012)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Statement of changes in equalized property values - preliminary 2012 report. (8/7/2012)
The Atlanta housing meltdown continues. (2/2/2012)
Wisconsin Property Values Drop for 3rd Consecutive Year. (9/26/2011)
The Property Tax Domino Effect (Atlanta Metro Area) (12/27/2010)
On the basis of this trend, urban libraries will certainly be tightening their belts again next year. (12/26/2010)
National League of Cities Research Brief on America's Cities. (10/7/2010)
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tight Gubernatorial Race Puts Scott Walker's Presidential Ambitions on Hold
And as a result, he continues to tread water, barely keeping his head above the surface, in the Republican presidential primary polls.
The latest McClatchy-Marist poll is no exception.
Related posts:
Scott Walker joins the 2016 Republican Presidential candidate wooing game of Hispanic voters. (8/9/2014)
Fox News poll has got the love for Rick Perry. (7/28/2014)
CNN/ORC poll: 2016 Republican primary preferences. (7/28/2014)
Scott Walker looks to Iowa and wonders. (7/18/2014)
Scott Walker: "Try not to talk about 2016 right now." 7/13/2014)
New Hampshire Republicans to Chris Christie: "C'mon, baby, (re)light our fire"! (7/13/2014)
Quinnipiac polls: Chris Christie's favorables take a tumble after George Washington Bridge scandal hits the news . (7/10/2014)
Quinnipiac polls: Since May 2013, Jeb Bush's unfavorables outpace his favorables . (7/9/2014)
Do Republicans have a problem with women voters? (7/9/2014)
Based on 15 months of Quinnipiac polling, Scott Walker is the only Republican candidate with any momentum. (7/9/2014)
Republican 2016 Presidential primary preferences are flattening. (7/9/2014)
Scott Walker edges out Rick Santorum and Bobby Jindal in New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary poll. (6/20/2014)
Another Presidential poll, another 5% for Walker. (6/16/2014)
Hello, Wisconsin independent voters, Scott Walker is polling at 6% in Iowa. (5/23/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014
The Marquette University Law School poll asks the question, Do Wisconsin voters want to see Walker run for president in 2016? (5/22/2014)
"Scott Walker" tied with "None" for 1st choice in CNN/ORC Republican Presidential preference poll. (5/8/2014)
Another Presidential primary poll, another 5% showing for Scott Walker. (5/1/2014)
I hope Scott Walker had a good Easter cuz Donald Trump is outpolling him in New Hampshire. (4/20/2014)
Fox News: Scott Walker polling neck-and-neck with Rick Santorum. (4/17/2014)
Iowa Republican caucus voters not singing Scott Walker's song. (4/10/2014)
Scott Walker still "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again". (4/4/2014)
While Mary Burke campaigns for Governor, Scott Walker continues to run for President. (3/28/2014)
The Washington Examiner offers a boost to Scott Walker Presidential campaign without a hint of irony. (3/26/2014)
Let's do an ID update on this Townhall straw poll. (3/25/2014)
Scott Walker for President 2016: Pundits like the idea but the public sez "meh". (3/16/2014)
Scott Walker is in a bind. (3/15/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 3. (3/8/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 2. (3/7/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 1. (3/7/2014)
The chattering class falls hard for Scott Walker, but the voters are still scratching their heads. (3/6/2014)
So he, too, can embarrass himself. (12/30/2013)
The latest McClatchy-Marist poll is no exception.
Scott Walker joins the 2016 Republican Presidential candidate wooing game of Hispanic voters. (8/9/2014)
Fox News poll has got the love for Rick Perry. (7/28/2014)
CNN/ORC poll: 2016 Republican primary preferences. (7/28/2014)
Scott Walker looks to Iowa and wonders. (7/18/2014)
Scott Walker: "Try not to talk about 2016 right now." 7/13/2014)
New Hampshire Republicans to Chris Christie: "C'mon, baby, (re)light our fire"! (7/13/2014)
Quinnipiac polls: Chris Christie's favorables take a tumble after George Washington Bridge scandal hits the news . (7/10/2014)
Quinnipiac polls: Since May 2013, Jeb Bush's unfavorables outpace his favorables . (7/9/2014)
Do Republicans have a problem with women voters? (7/9/2014)
Based on 15 months of Quinnipiac polling, Scott Walker is the only Republican candidate with any momentum. (7/9/2014)
Republican 2016 Presidential primary preferences are flattening. (7/9/2014)
Scott Walker edges out Rick Santorum and Bobby Jindal in New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary poll. (6/20/2014)
Another Presidential poll, another 5% for Walker. (6/16/2014)
Hello, Wisconsin independent voters, Scott Walker is polling at 6% in Iowa. (5/23/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014
The Marquette University Law School poll asks the question, Do Wisconsin voters want to see Walker run for president in 2016? (5/22/2014)
"Scott Walker" tied with "None" for 1st choice in CNN/ORC Republican Presidential preference poll. (5/8/2014)
Another Presidential primary poll, another 5% showing for Scott Walker. (5/1/2014)
I hope Scott Walker had a good Easter cuz Donald Trump is outpolling him in New Hampshire. (4/20/2014)
Fox News: Scott Walker polling neck-and-neck with Rick Santorum. (4/17/2014)
Iowa Republican caucus voters not singing Scott Walker's song. (4/10/2014)
Scott Walker still "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again". (4/4/2014)
While Mary Burke campaigns for Governor, Scott Walker continues to run for President. (3/28/2014)
The Washington Examiner offers a boost to Scott Walker Presidential campaign without a hint of irony. (3/26/2014)
Let's do an ID update on this Townhall straw poll. (3/25/2014)
Scott Walker for President 2016: Pundits like the idea but the public sez "meh". (3/16/2014)
Scott Walker is in a bind. (3/15/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 3. (3/8/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 2. (3/7/2014)
Christie/Walker meme, part 1. (3/7/2014)
The chattering class falls hard for Scott Walker, but the voters are still scratching their heads. (3/6/2014)
So he, too, can embarrass himself. (12/30/2013)
Just In Case You've Never Seen It: 'Baby' Teaches 'Bogie' How to Whistle
From the 1944 movie To Have and Have Not
- Lauren Bacall makes a big impression in her Hollywood debut at age 19.
- She married her co-star, Humphrey Bogart, 25 years her senior, in 1945. They made a total of 4 movies together, including.
- The Big Sleep (1946)
- Dark Passage (1947)
- Key Largo (1948)
- Director Howard Hawks, who worked in a variety of genres, is responsible for some of Hollywood's most entertaining movies.
- Scarface (1932)
- Twentieth Century (1934)
- Bringing Up Baby (1938)
- Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
- His Girl Friday (1940)
- Sergeant York (1941)
- Ball of Fire (1941)
- To Have and Have Not (1944)
- The Big Sleep (1946)
- Red River (1948)
- I Was a Male War Bride (1949)
- Monkey Business (1952)
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Related articles:
Lauren Bacall Dies at 89; in a Bygone Hollywood, She Purred Every Word. (The New York Times, 8/12/2014)
That Voice, and the Woman Attached. Lauren Bacall’s Debut in ‘To Have and Have Not’. . (8/13/2014)
Best-Financed Candidate Comes Up Short in 97th Assembly Primary Race
For Brandon, not even 2 photos with Scott Walker, 1 with Paul Ryan, 1 with a gun and a dead pheasant, and 1 with a gun and a dead deer were enough to lure a plurality of voters.
Related posts:
Facebook "likes" don't translate to a victory for Brandon Rosner. (8/13/2014)
Facebook likes and primary votes. (8/6/2014)
Wisconsin State Assembly District 97: Who's on the ballot for the August 12 primary? (8/2/2014)
Big Spender Mike Rohrkaste Hopes to Spend Some Time in the Wisconsin State Assembly
Source of amount spent: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money
Rohrkaste emerges in GOP field to succeed Kaufert. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 8/12/2014)
About Mike Rohrkaste. The Neenah Republican holds a bachelor's degree in social science and a master's degree in labor and industrial relations. He worked for Menasha Corp. and recently retired from Oshkosh Corp.
If elected in November, Rohrkaste said he would work full-time for the legislature, in addition to time spent on non-profit boards for the YMCA and Samaritan Counseling.
Rohrkaste still has $58,008 "cash on hand."
His Democratic opponent, Mark Westphal, has $13,889.
Related posts:
Jay Schroeder betrayed by Facebook friends in 55th Assembly primary election. (8/13/2014)
Can we expect that Jay Schroeder will trounce his opponents in Tuesday's 55th Assembly District primary? (8/7/2014)
Wisconsin State Assembly District 55: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary? (7/3/2014)
Republican "Grass Roots" in Action: Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Makes No Bones About Cozying Up to Lobbyists
GOP lawmakers recruit lobbyists for door-to-door visits. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/14/2014)
Photo credit: Wisconsin State Legislature
Current legislators. Source: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
John Lehman and the Reconstituted 21st State Senate District
John Lehman unsurprised by margin in primary win, ready to support Mary Burke. (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/14/2014)
Before 2011
Squeezed out as a result of redistricting. Lehman said his decision to run for lieutenant governor was based on determining how he could best use his talents. Before his district was redrawn, it was "a beautifully competitive, 50-50 district," Lehman said. Its new boundaries favor Republicans and Wangaard is on the ballot again.
The latest, exacto'd version.
Related posts:
Wishful thinking on Sen. Schultz's part. (2/4/2014)
What are the odds (the follow-up). 1/26/2014)
What Are the Odds That Governor Walker Calls for Redistricting Reform in his State of the State Address? (1/21/2014)
Editorial Boards Make Sport of Rep. Chad Weininger. (12/11/2013)
Much to their chagrin, Republicans can't make redistricting reform go away. (12/10/2013)
Redistricting pipe dream. (12/9/2013)
An unintended consequence of redistricting. (11/12/2013)
Taxpayer money and political contributions. (11/2/2013)
Iowa's nonpartisan approach to legislative redistricting. (10/14/2013)
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)
Before 2011
Squeezed out as a result of redistricting. Lehman said his decision to run for lieutenant governor was based on determining how he could best use his talents. Before his district was redrawn, it was "a beautifully competitive, 50-50 district," Lehman said. Its new boundaries favor Republicans and Wangaard is on the ballot again.
The latest, exacto'd version.
Related posts:
Wishful thinking on Sen. Schultz's part. (2/4/2014)
What are the odds (the follow-up). 1/26/2014)
What Are the Odds That Governor Walker Calls for Redistricting Reform in his State of the State Address? (1/21/2014)
Editorial Boards Make Sport of Rep. Chad Weininger. (12/11/2013)
Much to their chagrin, Republicans can't make redistricting reform go away. (12/10/2013)
Redistricting pipe dream. (12/9/2013)
An unintended consequence of redistricting. (11/12/2013)
Taxpayer money and political contributions. (11/2/2013)
Iowa's nonpartisan approach to legislative redistricting. (10/14/2013)
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)
Susan Happ, Democratic Candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General, Needs Our Help and Support
Volunteer.
Contribute.
Once sleepy attorney general race heats up. (Wisconsin State Journal, (8/16/2014)
A very impressive victory in Tuesday's primary election. Jefferson County district attorney Susan Happ, 42, topped her two opponents in all of the state’s 72 counties Tuesday.
Contribute.
Once sleepy attorney general race heats up. (Wisconsin State Journal, (8/16/2014)
A very impressive victory in Tuesday's primary election. Jefferson County district attorney Susan Happ, 42, topped her two opponents in all of the state’s 72 counties Tuesday.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Reporting the Economic News Like There's Still an Abundance of Good-Paying Union Jobs Out There
You know, the kind of jobs that used to keep this 900,000-square-foot Mirro facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, humming....
...until.......
Retail sales report suggests Americans are hesitant to spend. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/13/2014)
Suggest? Which could? Hey, a lotta folks don't have the money to be hesitant about spending, Gomer. The figures suggest that Americans are hesitant to spend, which could limit growth for the economy. Retail sales are closely watched because consumer spending accounts for 70% of economic activity.
Retail sales have flatlined even though employers have added more than 200,000 jobs a month for the past six months. Payrolls increased by 209,000 in July and 298,000 in June.
An average of 200,000 jobs per month. As Officer Gunther Toody used to say,
Sorry, Toody, it ain't that big of a deal.
It's deja vu all over again: Let's trot out what the naysayers said the last time the minimum wage was raised. (8/4/2014)
Best states for beer-drinkin', softball-playin' women. (7/15/2014)
Employers see upside to minimum wage increase (7/8/2014)
Why C1 Bank CEO Trevor Burgess supports an increased minimum wage. (7/6/2014)
Why Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti pays his team more than the minimum wage. (7/5/2014)
Efforts to raise Nebraska's minimum wage gets boost. (7/4/2014)
Seattle's minimum wages; It's complicated. (6/29/2014)
What happened the last time a minimum wage bill was introduced in the Wisconsin state legislature. (6/27/2014)
UW-Milwaukee survey: 76% of respondents support raising the minimum wage. (6/25/2014)
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed! (6/24/2014)
U.S. minimum wage since 1960. (6/24/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows. (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve. (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour. (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour. (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage: It's not the same all over. (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage. (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter. (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline. (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage. (11/1/2013)
A look at the minimum wage. (9/28/2013)
Photo by Retiring Guy
...until.......
Retail sales report suggests Americans are hesitant to spend. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/13/2014)
Suggest? Which could? Hey, a lotta folks don't have the money to be hesitant about spending, Gomer. The figures suggest that Americans are hesitant to spend, which could limit growth for the economy. Retail sales are closely watched because consumer spending accounts for 70% of economic activity.
Retail sales have flatlined even though employers have added more than 200,000 jobs a month for the past six months. Payrolls increased by 209,000 in July and 298,000 in June.
An average of 200,000 jobs per month. As Officer Gunther Toody used to say,
Sorry, Toody, it ain't that big of a deal.
The New York Times, 4/27/2014
Related posts: 
It's deja vu all over again: Let's trot out what the naysayers said the last time the minimum wage was raised. (8/4/2014)
Best states for beer-drinkin', softball-playin' women. (7/15/2014)
Employers see upside to minimum wage increase (7/8/2014)
Why C1 Bank CEO Trevor Burgess supports an increased minimum wage. (7/6/2014)
Why Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti pays his team more than the minimum wage. (7/5/2014)
Efforts to raise Nebraska's minimum wage gets boost. (7/4/2014)
Seattle's minimum wages; It's complicated. (6/29/2014)
What happened the last time a minimum wage bill was introduced in the Wisconsin state legislature. (6/27/2014)
UW-Milwaukee survey: 76% of respondents support raising the minimum wage. (6/25/2014)
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed! (6/24/2014)
U.S. minimum wage since 1960. (6/24/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows. (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve. (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour. (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour. (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage: It's not the same all over. (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage. (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter. (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline. (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage. (11/1/2013)
A look at the minimum wage. (9/28/2013)
Scott Walker's Storytime
Scott Walker keeps IDs of workers in new TV ad under wraps. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/15/2014)
Take my word for it. The Walker campaign rejected an offer by the Journal Sentinel not to publish the names of the people in the ad in exchange for allowing the newspaper to independently verify the individuals' employment claims.
Interestingly, the Republican Governors Association -- which strongly backs Walker -- is attacking its Democratic counterpart for not doing sufficient research on an individual appearing in one of its ads in Michigan.
As I see it. Transparency, accountability for thee, but not for me, sez Scott Walker.
Anaheim and Santa Ana: Just 8.4 Miles Apart
Santa Ana library tries to turn the page. (Orange County Register, 8/12/2014)
Not twin cities. Public library funding should be a concern for any city like Santa Ana with a high percentage of young people from low-income households who have a much greater need for a public library than youth in more affluent communities, said California State Librarian Greg Lucas.
Santa Ana Public Library
Anaheim Public Library
Monona Bay in a Reflective Mood
Photo by Retiring Guy
The focus of a 174-page study in 2007. Enhancing an Urban Resource:Watershed Assessment and Management Planfor Monona Bay, Madison, Wisconsin
Friends of Monona Bay
Fishing reports.
And then there was this at my feet.
What's in Your Little Free Library? (Charter #5763)
The slimmest of pickin's. here.
Twig, the Collie by Craig Massey
The Power of Ethical Persuasion by Tom Rusk, M.D.
Argentina, America Latina y la Globalizacion Economica by Jose Gustavo Roger
Good News Bible for Catholics
The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth
Parents (magazine, March 2014)
On the other hand, the view is great, and there's a convenient bench to park your butt for awhile.
Orange arrow indicates approximate vantage point.
Related posts:
Charter #8443. (7/25/2014)
Unchartered #2. (7/24/2014)
Unchartered #1. (7/21/2014)
Charter #5719. (7/19/2014)
Charter #0657. (7/18/2014)
It's an Increasingly Dense Jungle Out There: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Travel Time Reliability and Delay Report (Spring 2014)
- tra ffic incidents,
- weather,
- special events,
- holiday tra ffic and
- work zones.
As I see it, the above list doesn't address the root cause -- too many private vehicles, not enough public transit.
Source: Federal Highway Administration
And here's what I see as the biggest roadblock to a sustainable solution.
Source: Driving Alone Dominates 2007-2012 Commuting Trend. (New Geography, 10/9/2013)
As we have seen for decades, more highways and additional lanes and exits only serve to encourage more auto traffic, more driving alone. Until serious efforts are made to change people's long-ingrained driving habits and to provide sufficient funding for public transit, the orange and red lines on the above map are not going to change. In fact, there will likely be a need to increase their width.
Company Looks to Expand Its Geographic Business Focus?
WEDC website wins praise. (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/13/2014)
From whence? The Sigala consulting firm, of Clovis, California, analyzed more than 300 features on economic development websites in all 50 states.
From whence? The Sigala consulting firm, of Clovis, California, analyzed more than 300 features on economic development websites in all 50 states.
To the Tune of $692,000
As of the end of July.
Which factors out to $43.61 per vote.
Most of the voters saw through this self-serving approach to campaigning.
Related posts:
Glenn Grothman: A man without a mandate. (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service. (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead. (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives. (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. (4/28/2014)
Which factors out to $43.61 per vote.
Most of the voters saw through this self-serving approach to campaigning.
Related posts:
Glenn Grothman: A man without a mandate. (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service. (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead. (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives. (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. (4/28/2014)
Glenn Grothman: A Man without a Mandate
Grothman wins GOP primary for US Rep. Petri's seat. (The State, 8/12/2014)
Headline news
And as for the turnout? Less than 12% of voting-age adults bothered to vote, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Statewide turnout was a pathetic 10%, according to early reports.
Related posts:
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service. (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead. (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives. (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. (4/28/2014)
Headline news
And as for the turnout? Less than 12% of voting-age adults bothered to vote, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Statewide turnout was a pathetic 10%, according to early reports.
Related posts:
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service. (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead. (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives. (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. (4/28/2014)
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Botlr Boy
'Beep,' Says the Bellhop. (The New York Times, 8/12/2014)
Welcome to Robot World. On Aug. 20, the Aloft hotel here will begin testing this robotic bellhop, a wheeled service vehicle designed to shuttle items from the hotel lobby desk to guest rooms. Whether a gimmick or a sign of things to come, Botlr is the latest among a new generation of robots — like Google’s self-driving car, Aetheon’s Tug hospital supply robot and Caddytrek’s electric golf caddy — that are starting to walk or roll around the everyday world.
I suppose it's an improvement over this.
Franklin Gives a Jolt to Hulsey's Numbers
In Franklin, Wisconsin, they love their Scott Walker.
2010 Gubernatorial election
Scott Walker 9,534 / Tom Barrett 5,397
63.8% of the vote to Walker.
In Franklin, Wisconsin, they love their Mitt Romney, though not as much as they love their Scott Walker
2012 Presidential election
Mitt Romney 11,849 / Barack Obama 8,163
59.2% of the vote to Romney.
In Franklin, Wisconsin, they love their Tommy Thompson, a little bit more than they love their Mitt Romney.
2012 U.S. Senate election
Tommy Thompson 11,525 / Tammy Baldwin 7,878
59.4 % of the vote to Thompson.
2014 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
In Franklin, Wisconsin, they.......they......they.....gave Brett Hulsey a majority of their votes.
Brett Hulsey 2,057/ Mary Burke 2,016
Brett Hulsey should probably write a thank-you note, because in Franklin, Wisconsin, they love their David Clarke, almost as much as they like their Scott Walker.
David Clarke 3230 / Chris Moews 1906
62.9% of the vote to Clarke.
Source: Milwaukee County Election Commission
Other picayune 2014 primary election posts:
Jay Schroeder betrayed by Facebook friends in 55th Assembly primary election. (8/13/2014)97
55th Assembly District primary election: Facebook "likes" don't translate to a victory for Brandon Rosner. (8/13/2014)
Town of Amherst votes for Brett Hulsey. (8/13/2014)
Brett Hulsey's hot spot. (8/13/2014)
In the News: Argo Floats
In the Ocean, Clues to Change. (The New York Times, 8/11/2014)
Building a better robot. That is where the prototype robotic floats, developed at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, come in.
The idea is to supplement the older robots that are already prowling the ocean. That system, known as Argo, is one of the scientific triumphs of the age, but even the most advanced of the floats can dive only a little more than a mile, so they miss the bottom half of the sea.
Developing robots able to go deeper has been a technical challenge, but scientists think they are about to lick it...
Argo floats....
How is Argo data used?
Other climate change posts:
Climate change/ocean acidification: Washington's conservative legislators fiddle while the state's baby oysters die by the billions. (8/4/2014)
Climate change: Somebody can't see the forest for the trees. (7/29/2014)
Worldwide it was a very warm June. (7/23/2014)
Extreme weather, climate change: The Pacific Northwest edition. (7/22/2014)
This isn't what Gene McDaniels had in mind (Unh, unh, unh, unh, unh, unh). (5/21/2014)
In this case, you'll find the Crazy, a hidebound ideologue, in room 205 of the Russell Senate Office Building. (5/14/2014)
Sunny-day flooding in Miami Beach: The everyday reality and the political denial. (5/9/2014)
The rising sea levels of Bangladesh. (3/30/2014)
Cold enough for you? (3/9/2014)
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)
Building a better robot. That is where the prototype robotic floats, developed at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, come in.
The idea is to supplement the older robots that are already prowling the ocean. That system, known as Argo, is one of the scientific triumphs of the age, but even the most advanced of the floats can dive only a little more than a mile, so they miss the bottom half of the sea.
Developing robots able to go deeper has been a technical challenge, but scientists think they are about to lick it...
Argo floats....
- can rise or sink by themselves
- powered by batteries and can last for 4-7 years
- float for 9 days, measuring temperature and current speed
- sinks to 2,000 meters on day 9
- rises slowly to surface on day 10 measuring temperature, saltiness, and depth
- sends data to satellite
- repeats cycle every 10 days
How is Argo data used?
- Farmers. Better predict weather and climate.
- Oil and gas industries. Information about waves and swell
- Shipping industries. Current speed and direction.
- Fishing industries. Finding schools of fish.
- Scientists. Understand the oceans and global climate.
Other climate change posts:
Climate change/ocean acidification: Washington's conservative legislators fiddle while the state's baby oysters die by the billions. (8/4/2014)
Climate change: Somebody can't see the forest for the trees. (7/29/2014)
Worldwide it was a very warm June. (7/23/2014)
Extreme weather, climate change: The Pacific Northwest edition. (7/22/2014)
This isn't what Gene McDaniels had in mind (Unh, unh, unh, unh, unh, unh). (5/21/2014)
In this case, you'll find the Crazy, a hidebound ideologue, in room 205 of the Russell Senate Office Building. (5/14/2014)
Sunny-day flooding in Miami Beach: The everyday reality and the political denial. (5/9/2014)
The rising sea levels of Bangladesh. (3/30/2014)
Cold enough for you? (3/9/2014)
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)
Marathon County Dairy Farmer Fined $464.10 for 1 Million Gallon Dump
1 million gallons of manure dumped in wetland. (Wausau Daily Herald, 8/13/2014)
The waste produced per day by one dairy cow is equal to that of 20-40 people. The discharge at the 120-cow Willcome dairy farm on Century Road near Spencer was going on for about a year, according to Paul Daigle, land and water program director for the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department.
The waste produced per day by one dairy cow is equal to that of 20-40 people. The discharge at the 120-cow Willcome dairy farm on Century Road near Spencer was going on for about a year, according to Paul Daigle, land and water program director for the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department.
Source: FindTheBest
Town of Amherst Votes for Brett Hulsey
With 1.9% of Portage County's population, Town of Amherst voters provided Hulsey with 9% of his county vote total.
Overall, Portage County was one of Hulsey's best performers.
Overall, Portage County was one of Hulsey's best performers.
Blue vs. red indicates Obama vs. Romney in 2012