Saturday, August 30, 2014
Checking the Number on Middleton's Family Video Sign
Family Video: About Us. We are the largest movie and video game rental chain in the United States. We operate more than 775 Family Video stores in 19 U.S. States and Canada; we're opening more all the time.
Not a rental time of day.
"....about 780 locations in the U.S. and Canada" reports the Chicago SunTimes. (If you saw Family Video's profits, you'd open a store too.)
Supercenter Meijer Plans to Expand into Southeastern Wisconsin
Big expansion plans. The privately held chain is in the process of a major move into Wisconsin. The company previously announced plans to build its first supercenters in this state, including stores in Grafton, Sussex, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Kenosha and Oak Creek.
The company, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., also has purchased a distribution center in Pleasant Prairie from SuperValu Inc. The center is being expanded to accommodate Meijer's entry into Wisconsin and other states in the retailer's western division.
Happiness is a maxed-out campaign contribution. (4 of them, in this case.)
Like their support of Scott Walker, Meijer's emphasis on the supercenter model of retailing might be misplaced.
Wal-Mart's Supercenters Are Becoming A Major Problem. (Business Insider, 8/14/2014)
Changing consumer habits. Wal-Mart's supercenters are struggling as consumers increasingly choose convenience stores over one-stop shops.
Wal-Mart's supercenters are struggling as consumers increasingly choose convenience stores over one-stop shops. (CNBC, 1/31/2014)
Even behemoths get the blues. The big-box discounter is in need of a bricks-and-mortar makeover, analysts said. To resonate with today's shopper, Wal-Mart needs to move its stores closer to major population centers, shrink the square footage of its superstores and shutter about 100 underperforming U.S. locations, they suggest.
Perhaps Meijer sees the writing on the wall? Construction on Sussex Meijer halted. (Sussex Sun, 8/11/2014). 2015 spring completion date pushed back a year. Still, the article notes the store "could be opened".
It's a Family Affair: The Westcotts of Dallas Love That Scott Walker Guy
[Sidebar: Wondering if there's any numerical significance to 6129.]
Carl H. Westcott is chairman of Westcott LLC.
Carl and his wife Jimmy live in the 80th most expensive home in Dallas.
- Home value: $8,350,000
- Land value: $939,500
- Square footage: 13,969
- Year built: 2005
- Special feature: 6 fireplaces (not one of 7 ways to beat the heat)
Jimmy Westcott is Director of the Westcott Foundation.
Chart Westcott, son of Carl and Jimmie, is a "Dallas-based real estate attorney and GOP activist", as he notes on his resume. In spite of raising big bucks, he lost a Republican run-off for a Texas House seat earlier this year.
Court Westcott is a member of othe Westcott LLC team. According to the investment company's website, Court identifies investments with a strong focus on emerging technologies. He also participates in the management of Westcott LLC.
California native Kameron Allen Westcott is married to Court. D Magazine selected her as one as of "The 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas 2009". Her photo and brief profile appears 1st in the article.
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Parts WXYZ)
Minimum contribution $5,000.
Scott Walker
Mary Burke
Wishful thinking. Scott Walker Says the Dark Money Probe Is 'Over,' but He's Wrong. (Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch, 6/23/2014 . Dark money -- the millions and millions of dollars we don't see on these lists.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Part TUV). (8/30/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part S) 8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
ut the vote. (4/25/2013)
Scott Walker
Mary Burke
Wishful thinking. Scott Walker Says the Dark Money Probe Is 'Over,' but He's Wrong. (Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch, 6/23/2014 . Dark money -- the millions and millions of dollars we don't see on these lists.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Part TUV). (8/30/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part S) 8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
ut the vote. (4/25/2013)
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Parts TUV)
Minimum contribution $5,000.
Scott Walker
Related reading:
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sought help from top GOP donors for allied group. (Washington Post, 8/23/2014)
Donald Trump's also appears on a list that is disclosed to voters. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker solicited heavyweight conservative donors such as Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, hedge fund manager Paul Singer and real estate magnate Donald Trump to give large contributions to an allied tax-exempt group that backed him and other state GOP lawmakers facing recall efforts, according to newly released court documents.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part S) 8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
ut the vote. (4/25/2013)
Scott Walker
Related reading:
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sought help from top GOP donors for allied group. (Washington Post, 8/23/2014)
Donald Trump's also appears on a list that is disclosed to voters. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker solicited heavyweight conservative donors such as Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, hedge fund manager Paul Singer and real estate magnate Donald Trump to give large contributions to an allied tax-exempt group that backed him and other state GOP lawmakers facing recall efforts, according to newly released court documents.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part S) 8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
ut the vote. (4/25/2013)
Friday, August 29, 2014
A Visit to Madison Central Library's Barely Furnished 3rd Level Public Area
Which, as you see, I had to myself for awhile.
Looking toward the Capitol Square.
Floor plan
Looking toward the green roof.
Makes me wonder if there have been "supervision issues" here. From my previous visits, I remember a furniture layout more in line with the floor plan.
Looking at the Overture Center across West Mifflin Street.
Looking toward the Capitol Square.
Floor plan
Looking toward the green roof.
Makes me wonder if there have been "supervision issues" here. From my previous visits, I remember a furniture layout more in line with the floor plan.
Looking at the Overture Center across West Mifflin Street.
All photo by Retiring Guy
Natural landscaping or natural mess?
In the Middleton Heights neighborhood.
Neighborly Natural Landscaping: Creating Natural Environments in Residential Areas. (Penn State Extension)
- Back to the future
- "Weed laws" and why they exist
- Myths and facts
- First steps toward an alternative lawn
- Benefits of natural landscapes
- Working with officials to improve weed laws
- Designing a natural landscape "garden"
A Continuing Decline in Wisconsin's Monthly Tax Collections
Preliminary 2013-14 General Fund Tax Collections. August 28, 2014, Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo to Joint Committee on Finance chairs Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette).
A final report will be available in October.
[Note: I haven't seen a separate accounting for June 2014, so I subtracted the difference between the Fiscal Bureau's preliminary report and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's 6/27/2014 news release.]
As of March 31, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collections were up 3.3% over FY2013.
As of February 28, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collections were up 3.9% over FY2013.
As of January 31, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collection were up 4.8% over FY2013.
As of October 31, 2013, FY 2014 year-to-date tax collection were up 6.9% over FY2013.
Get the picture?
A final report will be available in October.
[Note: I haven't seen a separate accounting for June 2014, so I subtracted the difference between the Fiscal Bureau's preliminary report and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's 6/27/2014 news release.]
As of March 31, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collections were up 3.3% over FY2013.
As of February 28, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collections were up 3.9% over FY2013.
As of January 31, 2014, FY2014 year-to-date tax collection were up 4.8% over FY2013.
As of October 31, 2013, FY 2014 year-to-date tax collection were up 6.9% over FY2013.
Get the picture?
No, it's motivated by his incongruous schoolboy 'do'
Democrats Wary of Benghazi Inquiry Sprawling Into '16 Election Season. (The New York Times, 8/28/2014)
Trey is 50. (Wishing he were 15?)
I can imagine Tammy Faye Bakker sayin' somethin' like this when I first saw her on TV in 1977*
"I just want to encourage everyone of us to realize, when we obey God, we're not doin' it for God. I mean that's one way to look at it. We're doin' it for ourselves, because God takes please when we're happy. That's the thing that gives me the great joy this morning. So I want you to know this morning, just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship him, you're not doing it for God, really, you're doin' it for yourself. Because that's what makes God happyAmen."
The punch line starts at 0:34.
*I didn't own a TV at the time. This viewing occurred during a visit at my parents' house. After getting myself in the proper frame of mind, I did some late-night channel-surfing and stumbled across this odd couple giddily praising the Lord before an enthusiastic, adoring audience. At first I assumed it was a satirical sketch, in the manner of Saturday Night Live or Kentucky Fried Movie, the latter having open in movie theaters just a few weeks earlier.
But as the "sketch" continued, I quickly realized that I wasn't watching two improvisational comedians -- although there might be some debate there.
These folks really mean what they say, I thought, incredulous.
I eventually lost interest and continued to surf, hoping to find an episode of Benny Hill, an earlier 1977 "discovery", or a Honeymooners rerun.
Henry Blick Jr. (1929-2014) Warren High School Class of 1947
1947 Dragon yearbook
Despite a decline in popularity, especially after World War II, Henry never really fell out of fashion as a baby name and is now making a strong resurgence.
A huge hit song during the spring of 1947.
Rick Gudex's Case of Selective Amnesia
Selective amnesia by liberals in Madison. (State Senator Rick Gudex, R-Fond du Lac, news release, 9/28/2014)
Here's a quote.
Here's the real story.
Wisconsin second only to Alabama in cuts to education funding, study shows. (Capital Times, 6/24/2014)
And Sen. Gudex can't look to recent history to support his statement.
Here's a quote.
Photo credit: Wisconsin State Legislature
Here's the real story.
Wisconsin second only to Alabama in cuts to education funding, study shows. (Capital Times, 6/24/2014)
And Sen. Gudex can't look to recent history to support his statement.
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Part S)
Minimum contribution: $5,000.
Scott Walker
Mary Burke
Related article.
The Big Money Behind Walker’s Campaign. (Express Milwaukee, 8/12/2014)
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
Scott Walker
Mary Burke
Related article.
The Big Money Behind Walker’s Campaign. (Express Milwaukee, 8/12/2014)
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts PQR). (8/29/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Parts PQR)
Minimum contribution: $5,000.
Scott Walker
Mary Burke
Wisconsin Gov. Walker launches attack against opponent. (Daily Herald, 6/20/2014)
A lot of good that did him.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
Scott Walker
Wisconsin Gov. Walker launches attack against opponent. (Daily Herald, 6/20/2014)
A lot of good that did him.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts NO). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
A Cacophony of Tweets
Ferguson Reveals a Twitter Loop. (The New York Times, 8/27/2014)
A steady stream of nonsense. What I “saw” were thousands of one-sided accounts, many of which were grossly inaccurate. And I was reminded that when it comes to real time and social media, more is definitely less.
No one will argue that Twitter played an imperative role in ensuring that the events in Ferguson led to an international debate about police violence and race in America. But it was also responsible for creating and perpetuating numerous falsehoods. What’s worse, Twitter users sought out and shared accounts that aligned with their viewpoint, with little regard to whether they were true.
Over 7.8 million tweets have mentioned #Ferguson in the past 9 days. (Pando Daily, 8/18/2014)
Related posts:
I have to wonder, though, how many more incidents will it take? (8/22/2014)
Parents throughout St. Louis County (and elsewhere, it appears) insulted their children in the spring 2014 elections. (8/18/2014)
Isn't that redundant? (8/15/2014)
In the news. (8/12/2014)
A steady stream of nonsense. What I “saw” were thousands of one-sided accounts, many of which were grossly inaccurate. And I was reminded that when it comes to real time and social media, more is definitely less.
No one will argue that Twitter played an imperative role in ensuring that the events in Ferguson led to an international debate about police violence and race in America. But it was also responsible for creating and perpetuating numerous falsehoods. What’s worse, Twitter users sought out and shared accounts that aligned with their viewpoint, with little regard to whether they were true.
Over 7.8 million tweets have mentioned #Ferguson in the past 9 days. (Pando Daily, 8/18/2014)
Related posts:
I have to wonder, though, how many more incidents will it take? (8/22/2014)
Parents throughout St. Louis County (and elsewhere, it appears) insulted their children in the spring 2014 elections. (8/18/2014)
Isn't that redundant? (8/15/2014)
In the news. (8/12/2014)
Thursday, August 28, 2014
American Millstone (Chicago Tribune, 1985)
Lost Society Infects Cities. Permanent Underclass May Be Developing. (9/15/1985)
- Great setbacks occurred in progress on rights
- Old industrial jobs in cities disappear
- 5 million dependent on aid from the state
Roots of underclass found in racism, failed policies. (9/16/1985)
- Female-headed families big factor
- Today's bias rooted in slavery
- Urban decline -- racial succession
- Neo-conservative black perspective
Everyone pays the price for crime in ghetto. (9/17/1985)
- Even 'safe' suburbs don't escape crime
- Criminal behavior is reinforced
High school has crime as teacher. (9/17/1985)
Youth came to society's attention once -- in big way. (9/17/1985)
For poverty, not even money has been a cure. (9/18/1985)
- Special aid plans deal with underclass
- No success could match expectations
- Aid to tobacco, dairy farmers unquestioned
- Family breakdown a huge problem
- Mood is for more local solutions
Lost jobs leave legacy of despair. (9/19/1985)
- Where some may never know work
- Migrants still come, but jobs dissolve
- Pay, pride undercut status of steady job
- Career hopes vanish -- why go to school?
- Incentives fail to lure investment
Schools outclasses in fight with failure. (9/30/1985)
- Middle class cares little about schools
- Inner-city pupils called hard to teach
- Task force urges preschool programs
Inner-city teaching usually a textbook case of frustration. (6/16/1985)
Fortress of poverty marks grave of a dream. (10/1/1985)
- 'Rent's going up, buildings do down'
- 'It's like a prison' for a mother of five
- Whites rejected black neighbors
The road to hell. For Cabrini-Green, it was paved with good intentions. (Chicago Tribune Magazine, 3/31/1985)
The family is No. 1 casualty of welfare warfare. (10/2/1985)
- AFDC payments fail to keep pace
- Blacks also seeking place in the Sunbelt
- Welfare cheating: myth vs. reality
One family's ordeal -- 28 years of poverty in urban America. (10/6/1985)
Cycle of poverty, despair born again in delivery room. (10/7/1985)
North Lawndale blues -- day with the down and out. (10/8/1985)
Fighting a losing battle to help hopeless. (10/16/1985)
Sean: A West Side child.
Futures of 3 men junked in vacant lot. (10/17/1985)
Another infant without a fighting chance. (10/18/1985)
School under siege of poverty. (10/27/1985)
Spinning their wheels at the corner of nowhere. (10/30/1985)
Parole puts crime back on streets. (11/11/1985)
Addicts slip out back door of reality. (11/13/1985)
Lawndale's lots eerily empty, haunted by economy that died. (11/17/1985)
North Lawndale can't afford a dream. (11/18/1985)
Community's housing in a state of collapse. (11/19/1985)
In a nation of riches, a permanent underclass. (12/1/1985)
Too proud to trade welfare for minimum wage. (12/1/1985)
Escape is a struggle but some will pay the price. (12/1/1985)
Churches offer hope, but only for the hopeful. (12/1/1985)
A system unwilling or unable to respond. (12/1/1985)
Checks bring basics and a dead-end emptiness. (12/1/1985)
Courage and brains can grind a millstone into dust. (12/6/1985)
Related posts:
A New York City (primarily Manhattan) bibliography. (8/15/2013)
The outer boroughs. (8/22/2013)
Clearing out the paper files again: The Milwaukee area edition. (8/1/2014)
A Chicago bibliography of newspaper articles (1985-1988). (8/9/2014)
A Chicago bibliography (1989). (8/10/2014)
The 1980s suburban Chicago population boom: A very selective bibliography with line graphs. (8/20/2014)
Madison Public Library Green Roof: From Afar and Up Close
New Central Library Design Meeting Includes Green Roof Feasibility Study Discussion. (City of Madison news release, 2/10/2011)
Photos
by Retiring Guy Madison Public Library’s Central Library Achieves LEED Gold Certification. (City of Madison news release, 7/25/2014)
Seen in the Vicinity of the Middleton Senior Center
Buick lowers average age of buyer, but it’s higher than norm. (The Columbus Dispatch, 3/30/2013)
Those were the days. Buick, once coveted for its understated elegance, used to be a dominant brand. In 1984, GM sold 942,000 Buicks in the U.S., according to Ward’s AutoInfoBank. But younger people opted for SUVs and cooler European cars, and never aged into Buicks. Sales tumbled, bottoming out at barely more than 102,000 in 2009. GM kept the brand alive only because it became a huge seller in China.
We had a Buick once.
Photo by Retiring Guy's Dad
Dallas News Editorial Board: Restore Full Funding to Dallas Public Libraries!
Restore full funding to Dallas public libraries. (Dallas News, 8/26/2014)
Dallas official haven't loved and valued library services lately. According to a recent Dallas Morning News study, Dallas also has the lowest percentage of adults who have a high school diploma among 22 peer cities nationally.
Yet despite the compelling need for a robust public library system, the operating hours of the public libraries in Dallas are the lowest in the D-FW area and the lowest among our peer cities in Texas.
While most other public libraries in the region are open at least 50 or 60 hours per week, almost all of the public library branches in Dallas are open a mere 40 hours per week and are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Most of the libraries in Dallas don’t even have copiers.
Related posts:
Open libraries, unlock potential: Friends of the Dallas Public Library's grassroots advocacy campaign. (8/9/2014)
Another successful summer reading program, another round of budget cuts. (8/15/2010)
City Manager's recommended budget includes lotsa library and park employee cuts. (8/9/2010)
Attention library budget cutters: These words still ring true. (5/29/2010)
From 'sacred cow' to 'sacrificial lamb'. (5/29/2010)
Axe is poised over library. (5/24/2010)
Friends of Library board chairman speaks out. (9/1/2009)
Dallas Public Library budget hacked (old-style). (7/23/2009)
Scott Walker Wonders Why Iowa Republicans Aren't Playing His Song
Walker finds himself in next-to-last place in latest Iowa poll.
Perhaps those Hawkeye GOPers have another tune in mind.
Related posts:
Bobby Jindal's Tea-Party pandering gets him nowhere. (8/21/2014)
Tight gubernatorial race outs Scott Walker's Presidential ambitions on Hold. (8/15/2014)
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)
Current Market Value of All Taxable Property in Wisconsin Ends 5-year Slide
Statewide Property Values End Five-Year Decline, But Trends Vary by County. (Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance news release, 8/28/2014)
Overall value is still 7% below that of 2008.
No other counties registered gain from 2008 to 2013.
Statewide, the percentage is -9.1.
The counties, mapped. Interesting cluster of gainers in western Wisconsin.
Related posts:
Wisconsin turns the corner on equalized property values. (8/15/2014)
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)
Overall value is still 7% below that of 2008.
No other counties registered gain from 2008 to 2013.
Statewide, the percentage is -9.1.
The counties, mapped. Interesting cluster of gainers in western Wisconsin.
Related posts:
Wisconsin turns the corner on equalized property values. (8/15/2014)
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)
Meet Scott Walker Donor Manuel "Matty" Moroun
Is the other $5,000 check in the mail?
From Forbes profile.
Manual Moroun's house at Virtual Globetrotting.
The Grosse Points are located in the northeastern section of the map.
Related post:
$70,000 in one day: Michigan family Cottons to Scott Walker. (8/25/2014)
From Forbes profile.
Land Grab: How a bridge baron ruined a neighbourhood. (The Windsor Star, 12/13/2013)
Homewrecker. The analysis identified 182 total real estate transactions involving the bridge company or affiliates, with billionaire bridge owner Matty Moroun spending a total of $52 million on Windsor property. Since the bridge company often registers the ownership with numbered corporations or lawyers, it’s possible it owns even more Windsor real estate than that.
Moroun spent the bulk of that money — $31.9 million – on houses, apartment buildings and residential vacant lots in Sandwich from the mid-‘90s to the present. That’s $2 million more than Moroun spent to purchase the Ambassador Bridge itself in 1979.
Those homes have fallen so far into disrepair that they’re currently only worth about $13 million, according to assessment records.
Manual Moroun's house at Virtual Globetrotting.
The Grosse Points are located in the northeastern section of the map.
Related post:
$70,000 in one day: Michigan family Cottons to Scott Walker. (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin Gubernatorial Campaign Fundraising (Parts NO)
Minimum donation: $5,000.
Scott Walker
Nationwide support behind Scott Walker's fundraising advantage. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/3/2014)
The Heeling of America. Walker used his additional time and national reputation to solicit contributions from big-dollar donors. He received 85 contributions of $10,000 from individuals — the most anyone can give — for a total of $850,000 from the most well-heeled givers.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)
Scott Walker
The Heeling of America. Walker used his additional time and national reputation to solicit contributions from big-dollar donors. He received 85 contributions of $10,000 from individuals — the most anyone can give — for a total of $850,000 from the most well-heeled givers.
Related posts:
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part M). (8/28/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part L). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part K). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part J). (8/27/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part HI). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part G). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Parts DEF). (8/26/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part C). (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part B) (8/25/2014)
The ABCs of Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign fundraising (Part A). (8/25/2014)
Welcome to Walker World. (8/11/2014)
Here's the message that Wisconsin voters need to deliver to Scott Walker on November 4, 2014 (7/31/2014)
Scott Walker shines in big-money, out-of-state campaign contributions. (7/24/2014)
In latest Marquette Law School poll, Mary Burke Has a slight advantage among likely voters (7/24/2014)
If that's the case, Walker should immediately announce that he's not a candidate for the 2016 Republican Presidential nomination. (5/23/2014)
Lock the doors!! Hide the kids!! (4/21/2014)
States where Scott Walker will be spending a lot of time in 2015 (Not Wisconsin). (4/17/2014)
Rasmussen poll: Mary Burke tied with Scott Walker. (3/12/2014)
Joe and Jennifer Korb struggle to get by in their $800,000 home. (3/10/2014)
Sounds to me like plenty of Wisconsin voters are content to have Scott Walker be a one-term Governor. (10/2/2013)
Walker's approval numbers slip in polling NOT conducted by a "Democrat leaning firm". (9/19/2013)
Four words to Wisconsin Democrats in 2014: Get out the vote. (4/25/2013)