A Scott Walker quote that will keep on giving



As quoted in Walker Doesn't Share Opinion On Allowing Guns On School Grounds.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 1/15/2016)

Dear Scott Walker,

Wasn't that how it was supposed to be from January 3, 2001, forward?  Jobs, jobs, jobs?

It's all BS now.

Wisconsin library history link of the day: Altoona Public Library



Altoona Public Library history,  by Lacey Best (2014)

Key dates
  • 1897.  Library established by Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. (Did not operate continuously.)
  • 1941.  Library sponsored by Eau Claire County Federation of Women's Clubs.  (Opened December 2.)
  • 1960 (January 1).  City of Altoona takes over operation of library.
  • 1965.  Library moves into new municipal building.
  • 1978.  Library joins Indianhead Federated Library System.
  • 1986.  Library moves to building at 1303 Lynn Avenue.
  • 1989.  Library expansion increases square footage to 8040.

Photo credit:  Visit Eau Claire


Other library history posts:
Alma Public Library.  (1/15/2016)

Scott Walker is still saying thank you -- and please make a donation on your way out




Last I heard, his spectacular failure as a Presidential candidate left his campaign with a million-dollar debt 

And I have no idea as to how much Ted Cruz's solicitation has helped.


Scott Walker spent more than $6,400,000 of his GUBERNATORIAL campaign funds in 2015


Wisconsin's next gubernatorial election takes place on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.


End of year balance:  $20,257.

As itemized (above) and quoted (below) in Scott Walker ended 2015 with depleted state campaign coffers.  (Madison.com, 1/16/2016)




Yes, and for the 82% of Walker's donors who live out-of-state, moving Wisconsin forward is all they think about.

Joe does not list his current position on his LinkedIn resume.

Friday, January 15, 2016

A brightly lit, empty restaurant interior


Photo by Retiring Guy

The restaurant open for business.  Guess everyone in the mood for pizza went to Ian's.

The TV is tuned to a women's basketball game.

On August 26, 2006, Arthur Laffer said, "the United States economy has never been in better shape"


The Laffer nonsense begins at 1:24.



Peter Schiff vs. the "experts".  (Unforeseen Circumstances, 11/28/2008)
Stein, Laffer, and the rest cannot understand what is happening, and are now reduced to crying about "losses of confidence" and inadequate aggregate demand, as though the cure is big doses of Prozac and more of the Keynesian fiscal and monetary poison that brought us to this point. Economists who were caught off guard by the crisis didn't have sound theory to warn them, and don't have theory to explain what has happened. They can't explain how they could have been so wrong, but nevertheless they are quite confident in their competence to steer us out of this mess.



Related post:

You've heard of Porta Potty; meet Porta Palace




Mobile Tiny House Brings you Closer to Nature.  (Jetson Green, 1/15/2016)
194 square feet. The interior features an open plan living and dining area, which is fitted with built-in furniture and storage space. This space is also equipped with glass doors that let in plenty of natural light, offer great views and open outwards to effectively extend the living area into the surrounding space.

Porta Palace

Related posts:
In the News (Here and Elsewhere): "Tiny House" Village for Homeless.  (1/17/2014)
The Tiny House Movement.  (11/29/2010)

Recent Republican polls show candidates still drifting along



  • 3% - Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, Rand Paul
  • 1% - Mike Huckabee
  • 0% - Rick Santorum 
Other stuff:
  • Rand Paul edges out Rick Santorum for "No, could not see self supporting" -- 64% to 63%

Recent related posts:
When you get right down to it, nothing has changed in Republican national polls in last month.  (1/12/2016)
Nationally, none of the top 4 Republican Presidential candidates is peaking at this time.  (1/11/2016)
Latest FOX News poll has subgroup margins of error that would embarrass the 1962 New York Mets.  (1/8/2016)
Donald Trump's hair back in place with results of latest national poll.  (12/23/2015)
Trump's hair gets mussed by Ted Cruz in latest national poll.  (12/22/2015)
Donald Trump solidifies lead in 2 latest national polls.  (12/19/2015)
Trump keeps a-rollin' goin' into 5th debate.  (12/15/2015)
Likely outlier, Monmouth poll has Trump with huge lead over 2nd place Cruz.  (12/14/2015)
With poll results like this, expect lots more noise from Trump.  (12/10/2015)
Trump holds steady in 1st, Cruz regains 2nd, and Carson resumes his slide in latest Republican poll.  (12/8/2015)
Trump still in 1st in latest national poll; Carson, Rubio, Cruz duke it out for 2nd place.  (12/7/2015)
Trump maintains lead, Carson continues to fade, Bush a real nowhere man in latest national poll.  (12/2/2015)

UPDATE: Newly situated, the Steensland House is now a student housing service-learning community


The Steensland House assumes its new position.


Bethel Lutheran Church:  Steensland House Apartments



Where the house used to sit (foreground).


Original post starts here.

Historic Steensland House scheduled to be moved on Wednesday.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/19/2015)

It's not moving far -- from its original location at 315 N. Carroll Street (foreground) to 124 East Gorham Street.


The current plan keeps the house closer to the site where it was built and retains the church as the house’s owner and steward, both pluses, Mohs said.


And on the wagon, so to speak.
The house is both an official city landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house still needs to make a slight shift to the east.

All photos by Retiring Guy

Related post: 
The Steensland House gets ready for its move. (5/7/2015)

Wisconsin library history link of the day: Alma Public Library



Alma Public Library Milestones, by Marie L. Marquardt, (former) Director (2010)

Key dates
  • 1939.  Establishment of Alma Free Library (25 cents annual fee to join) 
  • 1985.  Legal establishment of library
  • 1989.  Library expands into room next to City Hall
  • 2000.  Library automation
  • 2007.  Library joins Horizon shared system (Winding Rivers Library System)

Photo credit:  Alma Public Library

Military historian suffers from a slight case of Obama Derangement Syndrome


Conveniently ignoring pertinent related facts in his latest essay.

Photo credit:  ASMEA

Such as the fact that George W. Bush's disapproval rating was higher at the same time of this Presidency:  60%

And it got worse.

Source:  Gallup

Related posts:
House Republicans remain severely afflicted with OBS (Obama Derangement Syndrome).  (8/13/2015)
Another doctor calls for Obama's impeachment.  (11/23/2014)
Obama Derangement Syndrome: The Mitch McConnell edition.  (5/15/2013)

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Wrong on all counts: The wishful thinking of Arthur Laffer


Look for the Republicans to 
  • win the White House, 
  • gain a majority of the Senate and 
  • increase their lead in the House of Representatives 
economist Arthur Laffer said Tuesday.

Democrat Barack Obama is re-elected President.  Arthur is wrong, part 1.

Democrats gain 2 seats in the U.S. Senate.  Arthur is wrong, part 2.

Democrats gain 8 seats in the House.  Arthur is wrong, part 3.

He's baaaaack!!
Transcription by Bradford Richardson.
to whom this song is dedicated

In so many words, Rep. Jesse Kremer sez he'll sleep better with more guns in Wisconsin schools



As quoted in Assembly vote unlikely on revived proposal to allow concealed weapons at schools.  (Madison.com, 1/14/2016)

Other Jesse Kremer posts:
Cartoon conservative principles, the Christmas edition: Rep. Kremer accuses fire officials of 'relieving themselves'.  (12/23/2015)
Bathroom bill update: Julaine Appling must have inadvertently loosened her grip on Jesse Kremer's leash.  (12/16/2015)
Out of (local) control: When it comes to anything resembling a train, Republicans just can't help themselves.  (12/1/2015)  
The 'bathroom bill' marriage of Jesse Kremer and Julaine Appling.  (11/21/2015)
ALEC/NRA waterboy Jesse Kremer blames the media.  (10/23/2015)
Waterboys for the NRA and ALEC: Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) and Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)  (10/13/2015)
Wisconsin Republicans continue their laser-like focus on jobs and the economy.  (10/7/2015)
Wisconsin Assembly candidate denounces tax breaks for wind energy but conveniently overlooks what big oil receives.  (8/7/2014)
Just what the Wisconsin legislature needs: Another ALEC disciple.  (8/7/2014)

Dear Scott Walker, WEDC is the agency that received the scathing, damning, critical audit










As quoted in Scott Walker backs bill making WEDC fraud a felony.  (Madison.com, 1/14/2016)

Other WEDC posts:
Robin Vos sez, "They don't want rebranding because they think WEDC's brand is OK."  (12/30/2015) WEDC board members say, "Gee, maybe we should start vetting requests for financial assistance." (12/14/2015)
Scott Walker's growing list of things worth considering: U.S.-Canada border wall, wreaking havoc in Washington, tougher penalties for WEDC fraud   (9/8/2015)
Todd Jensen, former WEDC underwriter, provides the recipe for the current agency disaster.  (8/9/2015)
We know Scott Walker didn't graduate from college, but apparently he hasn't been paying attention to anyone but himself since kindergarten.  (6/25/2015)
4:24 p.m. Friday WEDC news dump.  (6/20/2015)
The stink of WEDC follows Brenda Hicks-Sorensen to Nebraska.  (6/16/2015) 
Scott Walker tries to run, but there's no place to hide.  (5/26/2015)
No matter how you slice it, Alberta, it's still stinky cheese.  (5/23/2015)
Joint Finance Republicans to Scott Walker:  "You're Fired!".  (5/21/2015)
Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation -- Nice work if you can get it.  (5/20/2015)
It's story time.  (5/18/2015)
From the pay-to-play archives: The William Minihan-Scott Walker connection.  (5/17/2015) 
What's wrong with this Scott Walker headline?  (5/16/2015)
Chairman of the Board Scott Walker's BIG, BOLD idea.  (5/8/2015) 
Based on WEDC's previous track record, this is what came to mind when I saw first saw this headline.  (4/2/2015)
Apparently, being the CFO of WEDC is not much of a resume-builder.  (3/13/2015)
WEDC's revolving door.  (9/12/2014)
Here's how the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is "Reinventing Economic Development".  (8/24/2014) 
Company looks to expand its business geographic focus?  (8/14/2014)
Scott Walker and the horrible, terrible, no good, very transparent day.  (7/28/2014)
Kestrel Aircraft: All these incentives, but no construction, no jobs.  (7/13/2014)
The Eaton Corporation/WEDC timeline of shame.  (7/10/2014)
Wisconsin featured in report on privatized state economic development agencies.  (10/25/2013)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation pledge: Following the money.  (7/23/2013)
Incompetence rewarded.  (5/9/2013)
And while we're at it, let's take a look at WEDC 's core values. (5/9/2013)
WEDC Public Information Officer Resigns After 1 Month on the Job.  (5/9/2013)
Plenty of time for messaging but none for fixing what ails WEDC.  (5/9/2013)
Previous WEDC audits?  What previous audits?  (5/8/2013)
Are you seeing a trend yet?  (5/8/2013)
Echoes.  (5/7/2013)
Get me rewrite.  (5/4/2013)
Legislative Audit Bureau Report on Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: The "Cliff Notes" Version.  (5/3/2013
"Tales of woe never end at WEDC."  (4/25/2013)
Enterprise Florida and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Share a Lack of Transparency.  (2/28/2015)

Other blame Doyle posts:
Wait a minute! Did Laurel Patrick just blame Jim Doyle?  (12/18/2015)
Headline News: Dishing out blame is a Scott Walker specialty.  (5/6/2015)
Alberta Darling and John Nygren, co-chairs of the 'powerful' Joint Finance Committee, join Scott Walker in a chorus of 'Blame Jim Doyle'.  (4/30/2015)
The Blame Game: With nothing to show in his 5th year as Governor, Scott Walker continues to claim, "It's Jim Doyle's fault!" (4/24/2015)
After taking the advice of Iowa conservatives, Scott Walker blames Jim Doyle for casino decision.  (1/24/2015)
Scott Walker in so many words: Jim Doyle responsible for 1.5% of U.S. job loss during Great Recession.  (9/2/2014) 
Can't helping himself, Scott Walker thinks running against Jim Doyle is the best strategy. (8/31/2014)
The Facts Are: Scott Walker has nothing to run on.  (8/24/2014) 
What a whiner! With no accomplishments of his own to trumpet, Scott Walker runs against Jim Doyle ...again.  (6/20/2014)
Four years later and Scott Walker is still running against Jim Doyle.  (3/4/2014)
Another John Doe Shocker: Scott Walker doesn't blame Jim Doyle  (2/21/2014)
Blame Doyle: Republican Governors Association pimp for Scott Walker like it's 2010.  (2/13/2014)
After taking the advice of Iowa conservatives, Scott Walker blames Jim Doyle for casino decision.  (1/24/2015)
Scott Walker in so many words: Jim Doyle responsible for 1.5% of U.S. job loss during Great Recession.  (9/2/2014) 
Can't helping himself, Scott Walker thinks running against Jim Doyle is the best strategy. (8/31/2014)
The Facts Are: Scott Walker has nothing to run on.  (8/24/2014) 
What a whiner! With no accomplishments of his own to trumpet, Scott Walker runs against Jim Doyle ...again.  (6/20/2014)
Four years later and Scott Walker is still running against Jim Doyle.  (3/4/2014)
Another John Doe Shocker: Scott Walker doesn't blame Jim Doyle  (2/21/2014)
Blame Doyle: Republican Governors Association pimp for Scott Walker like it's 2010.  (2/13/2014)

Trump gets a little breathing room in latest Iowa poll; Rubio's stock flags



The behinders in the 1/11-12 Gravis Marketing poll:
  • 4% - Jeb Bush, John Kasich
  • 3% - Rand Paul
  • 2% - Mike Huckabee
  • 1% - Carly Fiorina
  • 0% - Rick Santorum

Trump gives the results a thumbs-up.


Highly respected?  Not so much by Nate Silver.  

Gravis earns a grade of C on the FiveThirtyEight's pollster ratings.

Recent Iowa caucus posts: 
Trump and Cruz head for a showdown in Iowa.  (1/12/2016)
Pushing aside Cruz, Trump elbows his way into 1st in two most recent Iowa caucus polls.  (1/11/2016)
Cruz/Trump remain one/two in 2nd Iowa caucus poll of year.  (1/10/2016)
It's turned into an Archie Bell & the Drells moment.  (1/9/2016)

CES2016: Virtual reality porn ('full immersion for the adult experience')





VR porn lends a hand. Masturbation will never be the same.  (c|net, 1/9/2016)
But I couldn't forget I was in a crowded suite on the 34th floor of the Cosmopolitan, a fancy hotel on the Las Vegas strip. Or that I was wearing a boxy virtual reality headset while sitting next to my co-workers. The girls were just performers in a Naughty America video that had been recorded with the new technology.

Naughty America (also slightly NSFW) CIO Ian Page predicts that 10 to 20 million users will be accessing adult VR content at least once a month by the end of 2016.

Other CES 2016 posts:
'Crazy, trippy' OLED rollable TV.  (1/14/2016)
ModiFace mirror.  (1/14/2016)
A personal bartender available in multiple colors.  (1/10/2016)
Wearable translator.  (1/10/2016)
Samsung KS9500 SUHD 4K TV with stunning natural curves.  (1/8/2016)
Be your own home brewer the easy way with Pico Brew Micro Brewer.  (1/8/2016)
Daqri smart helmet.  (1/8/2016)
This shower head tells you when your time is up.  (1/7/2016)
According to this HairMax instructional video, 82 medical-grade lasers will put a smile on your face.  (1/6/2016)
You may or may not get a charge out of the Digitsole Smartshoe.  (1/6/2016)
Enrich your family life with this Samsung Smart Family Hub Fridge.  (1/6/2016)

CES2016: 'Crazy, trippy' OLED rollable TV


Don't get too excited.  As David Katzmeier reports, there are numerous issues with the product yet to be worked out, including resolution and outlet placement.



LG rolls up OLED TV, smokes my mind (hands-on).  (c|net, 1/7/2016)
The 18-inch OLED display was tightly rolled into a cone shape, supported by a black stand and wedged into a chunk of plastic like a pair of lips. On its surface, improbably, danced images of city skylines and other demo footage, rendered alien by the tight curvature. It was like nothing I'd seen before
LG Display


Other CES 2016 posts:
ModiFace mirror.  (1/14/2016)
A personal bartender available in multiple colors.  (1/10/2016)
Wearable translator.  (1/10/2016)
Samsung KS9500 SUHD 4K TV with stunning natural curves.  (1/8/2016)
Be your own home brewer the easy way with Pico Brew Micro Brewer.  (1/8/2016)
Daqri smart helmet.  (1/8/2016)
This shower head tells you when your time is up.  (1/7/2016)
According to this HairMax instructional video, 82 medical-grade lasers will put a smile on your face.  (1/6/2016)
You may or may not get a charge out of the Digitsole Smartshoe.  (1/6/2016)
Enrich your family life with this Samsung Smart Family Hub Fridge.  (1/6/2016)

CES2016: ModiFace mirror


At $2,000 per, not for the home market.  (Unless you're a 1-percenter.)



Mirror, mirror on the wall, do my virtual makeup and all (hands-on).  (c|net, 1/6/2016)
ModiFace is the company behind a mirror you could one day soon see at your favorite cosmetics counter. It supplies the software-plus-mirror combination to brands like L'Oreal, a current client, to enhance your reflection with anywhere from 10 to 15 makeup combinations.

And there is an app for that.

Other CES 2016 posts:
A personal bartender available in multiple colors.  (1/10/2016)
Wearable translator.  (1/10/2016)
Samsung KS9500 SUHD 4K TV with stunning natural curves.  (1/8/2016)
Be your own home brewer the easy way with Pico Brew Micro Brewer.  (1/8/2016)
Daqri smart helmet.  (1/8/2016)
This shower head tells you when your time is up.  (1/7/2016)
According to this HairMax instructional video, 82 medical-grade lasers will put a smile on your face.  (1/6/2016)
You may or may not get a charge out of the Digitsole Smartshoe.  (1/6/2016)
Enrich your family life with this Samsung Smart Family Hub Fridge.  (1/6/2016)

Once again, Glenn Grothman does the Bla Bla Bla




More blah blah blah 
Tea Party alert: Glenn Grothman supports increase in federal gas tax.  (12/29/2015)
Glenn Grothman's moving service.  (11/16/2015)
Glenn Grothman: Still trying to get to 'yes' with Paul Ryan.  (10/18/2015) 
Dear Glenn Grothman, Breaking up is hard to do.  (10/17/2015) 
He's a guy, and has access to 'all machines that one would need'.  (9/29/2015) 
Meet the Members of the Republican Study Committee: Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th District).  (8/18/2015)
What about seeing the light, Representative Grothman?  (8/11/2015)
Glenn Grothman's gibberish in full flower.  (7/1/2015)
Rep. Glenn Grothman puts corporate personhood first.  (6/23/2015)
Glenn Grothman Finds His Voice in Washington, D.C. (6/19/2015)
Glenn Grothman goes seriously bland on us.  (5/12/2015)
Glenn Grothman's lips are zipped.  (4/9/2015)
Glenn Grothman Speaks the Language of the Godfather of states' rights.  (1/13/2015)
Glenn Grothman, Quiet Man.  (10/12/2014)
Tom Petri returns the favor to Glenn Grothman.  (9/5/2014)
Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District primary: Less than 12% of voters paid attention.  (8/24/2014)
Hey guys and gals, Scott Walker is not 100% convinced that Glenn Grothman can win the 6th CD. (8/23/2014)
Career politician Glenn Grothman moves one step closer to Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District general election.  (8/22/2014)
To the tune of $692,000.   (8/14/2014)
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)



Dear Alan, the gasket-blowin' Bob Gannon lives in Washington County


Rep. Bob Gannon must go.  (Isthmus, 1/13/2016)
My guess is that they like him just fine. This post is for the West Bend Republicans out there. Some of you have to be embarrassed by the actions of Rep. Bob Gannon (R-Slinger). 



Other gasket-blowin' posts:
When it comes to that gasket-blowin' Bob Gannon, the bird is the word.  (1/12/2016)
That gasket-blowin' Bob Gannon is back on the scene with more words of wisdom.  (12/21/2015)
The way I see it, Bob Gannon's bill doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell in the Wisconsin State Senate.  (11/24/2015)
'Real gun control' as described by the volatile, gasket-blowing Bob Gannon.  (10/3/2015)
Bob Gannon boldly blows another gasket.  (9/15/2015)
Bob Gannon blows a gasket.  (7/6/2015)

Nikki Haley sez to her fellow Republicans, "Yield not to temptation"


Photo credit:  South Carolina Governor's Office

As quoted in Trump And Supporters Hit Back At Nikki Haley's Jabs.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 1/13/2016)

Pardon the vulgarity, but the Republican establishment is shitting its britches.


And, no, she did not play Abbie Carmichael on Law & Order.