Saturday, March 5, 2016

It's a Ted Cruz caucus kinda day: First Kansas, now Maine



Ted Cruz snatches most Maine delegates amid heavy turnout.  (Portland Press-Herald, 3/5/2015)
Republican Party officials say 18,650 voters turned out, triple that of 2012, and give the Texas senator 12 of the state’s 23 delegates. 
Let's put this in perspective.  290,437 Mainiacs voted for Mitt Romney in 2012.


Related post:
Pollsters didn't have a clue that Cruz would win big in Kansas caucus.  (3/5/3016)

Dear Simon Heffer, You really need to start paying closer attention


Hillary Clinton will find it harder to crush Donald Trump than she thinks,  (Daily Telegraph, 3/5/2016)
The more the elite in politics and the media attack him – however merited – the higher Trump’s ratings go.

Failed Presidential candidate and disgraced former Governor explains rise of Donald Trump


That would be Louisiana's Bobby Jindal.


As quoted in Republican blames Trump’s rise on Obama’s level-headedness. (MSNBC, 3/5/2016)

This from someone who left a wake of destruction in his political path.


The damage done:
  • University funding:  gutted.
  • Rainy-day fund:  depleted
  • State workers:  cut to the tune of 30,000; others furloughed
Louisiana stands on the brink of economic disaster.  Despite all the cuts of the previous years, the nation’s second-poorest state still needed nearly $3 billion — almost $650 per person — just to maintain its regular services over the next 16 months. Edwards gave the state’s lawmakers three weeks to figure out a solution, a period that expires March 9 with no clear answer in reach.

The Presidential candidate as fulltime bottom feeder.

Meet the 'mainstream' Republican from Buffalo New York supporting Donald Trump


Trump’s congressional backers start to ‘come out of the closet’.  (MSNBC, 2/24/2016)
Today, as the Buffalo News reported, we found out. Rep. Chris Collins, a mainstream Republican from Clarence, on Wednesday became the first sitting member of Congress to endorse bombastic billionaire Donald Trump for president.  [emphasis added]

Photo sourceU.S. Congress
As found in Ballotpedia.

Add caption

Trump poised to win today's Louisiana GOP primary



New Orleans Times-Picayune video coverage:
  • Protesters crash Donald Trump's New Orleans rally.  (Donald trump pauses during his speech as a protester is removed.)
  • Ted Cruz makes his case to Louisiana.  (Ted Cruz thrills the crowd at a rally at the Castine Center in Mandeville.)

On the Opinion page.  Donald Trump is not a threat to American democracy: Robert Mann.
Vote against Trump if you detest him – I know I will – but let's have more faith in our country's capacity to survive someone as unqualified and loathsome as The Donald. The Republican Party might not survive President Trump. America most certainly will.

The current standings:


46 delegates are at stake in the GOP primary.

Related reading:
Is The Louisiana Primary Winner Take All? The Pelican State's Delegate Rules Are Complicated.  (Bustle, 3/5/2016)
So, is the Louisiana primary winner take all? In short, no, it isn’t. In Louisiana, delegates will be distributed proportionally — for the most part. There’s a catch, though, that could result in some of Louisiana’s delegates becoming de facto superdelegates at the convention.

Recent state polls:
Trump, Kasich losing steam going into March 8 Michigan primary.  (3/2/2016)
In Ohio, Governor Kasich has to setlle for 2nd place.  (2/23/2016)
None of the GOP candidates is catching fire in North Carolina.  (2/23/2016)
As you can see from this Michigan GOP primary poll line graph, a lot has happened since last September, none of it good for Ben Carson.  (2/8/2016)
Increasingly fewer Wisconsin GOP voters heed what Scott Walker sez.  (1/31/2016)
Trump more than doubles Rubio and Bush combined numbers in latest Florida Republican Presidential primary poll.  (1/20/2016)
Ted Cruz leaps ahead of Donald Trump in latest California poll.  (1/6/2016)
Chris Christie no favorite son in New Jersey; Donald Trump rules for now.  (11/18/2015)
As the polls churn in Arizona: Trump and Fiorina = big losers; Carson and Rubio = big winners.  (11/11/2015)

Friday, March 4, 2016

Library bummer of the day: Indian Creek Branch of the Olathe PL closed indefinitely due to water damage


Photo by Joshua Neff (Flickr)


  • 1997.  Bond issue passes for 12,000-square-foot branch after years of planning.
  • 1999.  April.  Groundbreaking..
  • 2000.  August 7.  Library opens.



Olathe (oh-lay-thÉ™) is located within the 14-county Kansas City (MO/KS) metropolitan area.  The fast-growing community is now Kansas' 4th largest.


Source:  Wikipedia


Edward Erickson (1936-2016) Warren High School Class of 1954



 1954 Dragon yearbook

Professor Edward W. Erickson portrait.  (NCSU Libraries)

1967 Warren City Directory
  • Erickson Creed A (Doris E) retd h507 East
  • Erickson Creed A jr (Marcia R; Creed A Erickson Ins) h11 2d Av  (Edward's brother Creed Jr. graduated from WHS in 1949.)
1983 Warren City Directory
  • Erickson Creed A retd h507 East St
  • Erickson Doris E Mrs retd h507 East St

The Creed Erickson family were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  Creed Sr., I assume, served as a member of the pastor relocation committee in 1957.  The Nelson family moved into the parsonage on August 1st.


'Edward' remained in the top 10 through 1930, the top 20 through 1948, the top 30 through 1966, and the top 100 through 1997.



Other members of the class of 1954:
Keith Otterbein.  (7/20/2015)
Marlene Ceriola English.  (6/28/2015)
Robert Johnson.  (8/10/2014)
Phillip Stewart.  (2/20/2014) 

Dear GOP, One of the biggest tests of the 2016 election? #epicfail


It's a fundraising appeal.  Click on a pic and you can "CHOOSE GIFT AMOUNT".

Dear Chris, Why didn't you focus your efforts on Nevada's 2 most populous counties in the first place?


Get out your hankies, folks.  Chris Young, National Field Director, Republican National Committee, has a sad tale to share.

I need to tell you this story. It’s not a happy one... 
I was working in Nevada during the 2012 Presidential Election helping to win the Silver State for Romney. 
And I was there that night in November when the disastrous results were announced. One by one we watched the red counties light up the screen on election night. 
We’d won 14 of them, but the largest two counties remained blue. All of Nevada went to Barack Obama as a result. 
We were devastated.  (from a 2/18/2016 email blast)


It's always a good idea to do your homework first, Chris.


GOP Joint Finance Committee co-chairs sponsor Rebecca Bradley fundraiser


Photos:  Wisconsin State Legislature
Source:  WisPolitics


Other Rebecca Bradley posts:
Tenants vs. tenets battle it out in Rebecca Bradley endorsement.  (2/18/2016)
Three-time Scott Walker appointee Rebecca Bradley underperforms in WI Supreme Court primary election.  (2/17/2016)
How Rebecca Bradley interprets the law in her performance as Wisconsin Supreme Court justice.  (2/9/2016)
UPDATE: Where have we heard this meme before, Rebecca Bradley?  (2/3/2016) 
Justice Rebecca Bradley moves her lips but we don't hear a thing: The extended version.  (2/2/2016)
Justice Rebecca Bradley moves her lips but we don't hear a thing.  (2/2/2016)
In so many words: Let's get down and dirty, Rebecca Bradley has said.  (1/29/2016)
Republican donors prefer to take low road in Wisconsin Supreme Court elections.  (1/5/2016)
Ain't it funny how time slips away on Rebecca Bradley's empty calendar.  (12/21/2015)
Seems as though Scott Walker has a certain Bryan Adams song on his mind whenever Rebecca Bradley wants something.  (12/15/2015)
Rebecca Bradley rewrite: Scott Walker's political preference for me is irrelevant.  (12/12/2015)
Dear Scott Walker, What do you say about this kind of Rebecca Bradley contraception nonsense?  (12/5/2015)
Brad Courtney pimps out Rebecca Bradley.  (12/4/2015)
Republicans use rule of law dog whistle to get signatures on Rebecca Bradley's nomination papers in non-partisan Supreme Court race.  (12/3/2015)
Rebecca Bradley recklessly alludes to how Scott Walker has politicized her Wisconsin Supreme Court race.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley responds to JoAnne Kloppenburg comment with her 'rule of law' dog whistle.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley and the company she keeps (The David Clarke edition)  (11/8/2015)
This Rebecca Bradley headline must be from The Onion.  (10/26/2015)
It's all about the money: Rebecca Bradley on political and election processes.  (10/20/2015)
On the topic of Rebecca Bradley, Scott Walker speaks loudly, clearly.  (10/19/2015)
5 days on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and already Rebecca Bradley is receiving awards.  (10/17/2015)
Rebecca Bradley asks issue advocacy groups to observe 'rule of courtesy'.  (10/16/2015)
To which the packed audience responded with a loud, unified chorus of "THAT'S DEBATABLE!!"  (10/12/2015)
Rebecca Bradley talks in code at her christening ceremony.  (10/9/2015)
UPDATE: Scott Walker's Supreme Court appointment: Is it all about the money or who gets the money?  (10/9/2015)
Rebecca Bradley hopes Scott Walker will punch her $1,350 ticket to a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  (10/5/2015)

Freedom Caucus crazy Trent Franks offers up a Hobson's choice on House budget battle


As in the necessity of accepting one of two or more equally objectionable alternatives.  (Merriam Webster)

Photo credit:  U.S. House

As quoted in House GOP leaders’ latest budget proposal flops.  (Washington Post, 3/3/2016)


Other Franks posts:
Planned Parenthood videos altered? Makes no never mind.  (11/29/2015)
Meet 'the crazies' in the U.S. House of Representatives,  (9/29/2015)
Meet the members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/1/2015)
No friend to the environment.  (11/17/2014)

Paul Ryan takes a pass on Trump bashing, will keep his powder dry



As quoted in Walker, Ryan don't join Mitt Romney in bashing Trump.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/3/2016)

According to the noted lexicographer William Safire, we should expect to hear more from Ryan on the subject.


As explained in On Language:  Keeping Your Powder Dry.  (The New York Times, 2/23/1997)

In addition, Ryan plans to keep his mind on his driving and his hands on the wheel, while Trump fools around in the back seat.   Those 7 little girls are especially enamored of him after last night's debate.


Thursday, March 3, 2016

Below the short and curlies: Rubio baits the hook and Trump swallows it whole



As quoted in Marco Rubio Suggests That Donald Trump Has Smaller Than Average Genitals.  (New York, 2/29/2016)

Photo credit:  Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia

Transcribed from this YouTube video.

Mo Brooks' greatest hits, featuring 'Maya and Fidel'


Mo is one of 9 Republican U.S. House members who voted against naming a North Carolina post office in honor of Maya Angelou.

His current hit single, 'Maya and Fidel'


As quoted in Mo Brooks: 'Communist sympathizer' Maya Angelou doesn't deserve post office honor.  (al.com, 3/2/2016)

Not to mention these all-time favorites!!

'Spending Bill Blues'

Photo credit:  U. S. House of Representatives

As quoted, and shown in bold print, in Brooks Opposes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill That Betrays America's Future.  (Press release, 12/18/2015)

'Planned Parenthood Body Parts Boogaloo'


As quoted in Alabama GOP Congressional Delegation Vote to Defund Planned Parenthood.  ("In the News", Rep. Gary Palmer website, 9/22/2015)


"Pillory Hillary"


As quoted in Alabama GOP Congressional Delegation Vote to Defund Planned Parenthood.  ("In the News", Rep. Gary Palmer website, 9/22/2015)


"Dysfunction Junction"




As quoted in Brooks: My vote for Boehner was a vote against chaos. (Yellowhammer, 1/6/2015)


'When a Man Loves a Woman'




As reported in Congressman Mo Brooks joins Kansas rep in seeking constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.  (AI.com, 7/1/2013)


'Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows'

Unload gun, take selfie, reload. Repeat multiple times on same day.



As reported in Man accidentally kills himself while taking photos with gun.  (Skagit Valley Herald, 3/2/2016)

Dear Chad,

The girlfriend's story sounds a little fishy to me.

Best,

Retiring Guy

Not the 1st time:

Hello Wisconsin! Hello New Jersey! Let's play Fill in the Blanks



Seeing Chris Christie With Donald Trump, New Jersey and Internet Cringe.  (The New York Times 3/2/2016)

The print edition headline:  Standing With Trump, Christie is Diminished.


But wait!  There's more!
Mr. Christie appeared onstage at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., on Tuesday, as his warm-up act and head-nodding affirmer. Seemingly minutes later, carefully cut videos started zinging around the Internet, analyzing every movement of Mr. Christie’s eyes, head and fingers for signs of duress, as if he were a prisoner of war.



Related posts:
Headline News: The Fabuous Felonious Brothers read from the same script.  (1/14/2015)
The Fabulous Felonious Brothers feud.  (10/28/2014)
The Fabulous Felonious Brothers on the minimum wage.  (10/23/2014) 
The Fabulous Felonious Brothers take Hudson. (9/30/2014)
Fabulous Felonious Brothers tour in the offing? (8/6/2014)
Point/Counterpoint: Scott Walker and Chris Christie on the Republican fight against gay marriage.  (7/15/2014)
Meet the Fabulous Felonious Brothers.  (6/21/2014)

The greatest hits of Rep. John Fleming (R-Louisiana & Freedom Caucus crazy)



As quoted in Senate candidate:  Trump 'canary in coal mine'.  (WND, 3/2/2016)

What follows is a sampling of the 'Louisiana conservative values' Fleming has already brought to Washington.


As quoted in After State of the Union, Freedom Caucus Gears Up: ‘We Are the Party of Yes’.  (The Daily Signal, 1/13/2016)






As quoted in Traditional Marriages Still Best for Children & Society.  (Press release, 6/26/2015)


Text sourceFacebook

Other Fleming posts:
In the throes of Obama Derangement Syndrome.  (1/19/2016)
House 'crazy' John Fleming still delivering thoughts and prayers when it comes to gun violence.  (1/7/2016)
Meet 'the crazies' in the U.S. House of Representatives.  (10/5/2015)
Meet the Members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/14/2015)
No friend to the environment.  (1/18/2015)

Recommended reading from Glenn Grothman, featured player in Wisconsin's embarrassment of midges



As quoted in Glenn Grothman opposes Maya Angelou post office honor.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/2/2016)

American Thinker as described by Walter Hawkins:
...your garden-variety right-wing site for people who believe Jesus personally hand-delivered the Constitution to the founding fathers.
The American Spectator is published by the American Spectator Foundation, which is described as follows on its Charity Navigation webpage:
The American Spectator Foundation, founded in 1999, educates the public on new ideas, concepts and policies that favor the principles of economic freedom, individual liberty, limited government, and traditional American values. To this end, the Foundation also trains and cultivates young writers for careers in journalism and serves as a resource and an outlet for a host of both young and established conservative writers and thinkers

List of awards and nominations received by Maya Angelou.


Other Grothman posts:
Once again, Grothman does the blah blah blah.  (1/13/2016)
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)