Saturday, July 23, 2016

In the news because of another unnecessary police shooting: North Miami, Florida





Related reading:
Autism speaks:  Law enforcement

Shocker! Conservative GOP donor loves Scott Walker's pick of Dan Kelly to WI Supreme Court



Source:  WILL press release, 7/22/2016

That's right, folks, we have another Carpenters moment.



Alternative soundtrack:


Related post:
The company Scott Walker keeps: Daniel Kelly, dark horse Supreme Court pick.  (7/22/2016)
 

Get me rewrite! Michelle Obama dispels doom and gloom at GOP convention


Melania is obviously an admirer.


Related post:
Apparently, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort thinks Hillary wrote Melania's speech.  (7/19/2016)
It appears The Donald and Melania are two peas in a pod when it comes to making stuff up.  (7/20/2016)

Wow! No big deal? Trump willing to spend millions to end careers of Cruz, Kasich


Trump in revenge fantasy mode.  If elected President, this thin-skinned galoot would find no time to govern.


Sources:

"A person familiar with Trump's thinking?"  Sounds a little shaky to me, but this bit of news certainly has an element of believability.

Donald Trump tells the white men of America, "I am your voice!"



Quoted in We Finally Have A Candidate That Speaks To ‘White Males,’ GOP Congressman Says.  (ThinkProgress, 7/22/2016)

Related post:
White power and Donald Trump: The American Renaissance edition.  (3/1/2016)
Dear Donald Trump, In the case of David Duke, just once -- directly, unequivocally, and right off the bat.  (3/1/2016)
Does this sound like a man with a bad earpiece or someone who is a pathological liar?  (2/29/2016)
Presidential candidate with emotional development of 12 year old wings it.  (2/29/2016)
Donald Trump and the white nationalists.  (1/12/2016)

GOP, Donald Trump make no African-American friends at RNC2016



Quoted in Black Republicans See a White Convention, Heavy on Lectures.  (The New York Times, 7/19/2016)

Point/counterpoint: Republican National Convention spectacle and ratings



Reported at Republican Conventions Falls Short of TV Ratings Expectations, by Michael M. Grynbaum.  (The New York Times, 7/22/2016)

Related article:
Donald Trump Speech Ratings Fall Far Below GOP Record on Final Night of RNC.  (Variety, 7/22/2016)


Los Angeles mass transit: Where a subway is not really a subway




Los Angeles’ ‘Subway tothe Sea’ Is Less About Play and More About Work, by Jennifer Medina.  (The New York Times, 7/17/2016)
It is neither a subway — the train is in fact elevated more often than it is underground — nor does it go all the way to sea. But as a passenger travels west from downtown to Santa Monica, a ride along the Expo Line offers a small portrait of this sprawling city.


Vice President headline news: Meet the unknowns


It comes with the territory.

2016
Morning Consult, 7/22/2016                                   NBC News, 7/20/2016

2012

2008

Glenn Grothman rides the anchor baby bandwagon in Cleveland



Quoted in Wisconsin congressman says 'anchor babies' are not U.S. citizens.  (WXOW, 7/21/2016)


Original 3/16/2016 post, "This just in from Glenn Grothman:  Ted Cruz 'not for anchor babies'", starts here.


Quoted in GOP Rep: Only Ted Cruz Can Save Us From Single Moms Having 'Anchor Babies'.  (Right Wing Watch, 3/16/2016)
Telling talk radio host Charlie Sykes that “Ted Cruz is the one,” Grothman said that the Texas Republican “has the track record in the Senate, you know that he’s going to put a stop to this huge amount of illegal immigration in this country.” 

Other Grothman posts:
Glenn Grothman raises GOP specter of black bogeyman Al Sharpton.  (7/14/2016)
Recommended reading from Glenn Grothman.  (3/3/2016)
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)

Elsie Larson Johnson (1919-2016) Warren High School Class of 1938



1938 Dragon yearbook

Elsie's high-school activities:
Stenographers' Club (4).

1967 Warren City Directory
  • [county section] Johnson Elsie E 450 Follett Run rd
  • [county section] Johnson Robt W 450 Follett Run rd
1983 Warren City Directory (same as above)

Any older baby boomer (like me) who grew up (Swedish) Lutheran will be quite familiar with the name 'Elsie'.  (Elsie Larson Johnson)


'Elsie' is #35 on a list of most popular names for girls in the 1890s and #55 in the 1880s.  She obviously had no 20th-century staying power.

Other class of '38 grads:
Joseph Suppa.  (2/28/2016)
Doris Knapp Gnage.  (10/14/2014)
Harry Kershaw.  (9/1/2014)
Frank Flood.  (6/30/2014)
Wayne Mahaffy.  (2/22/2014)

Donald Trump enjoys the ride on the white party love train


Like the Rolling Stones ("You Can't Always Get What You Want") and Queen ("We Are the Champions"), the O'Jays have taken issue with Trump using their music. 





Reported at Donald Trump Basks in Convention ‘Love’ (but Has None for Ted Cruz).  (The New York Times, /7/21/2016)

Related reading:
White Nationalists Love Trump’s Convention: “GOP Is Becoming The De Facto White Party”. Melania Trump Speech Controversy Blamed On “Filthy Kike Media”.  (Media Matter, 7/20/2016)

Donald Trump has high praise for National Enquirer



Quoted in Donald Trump Basks in Convention ‘Love’ (but Has None for Ted Cruz) by Ashley Parker and Alan Rappeport.  (The New York Times, 7/21/2016)

Related reading:
Ted Cruz's Father Linked to JFK Assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.  (Truth of Fiction, 4/21/2016)
Was Ted Cruz's father really pictured with JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald?  (Inquisitr, 4/24/2016)
Donald Trump Accuses Ted Cruz’s Father of Associating With Kennedy AssassinPhoto, by Maggie Haberman.  (The New York Times, 5/3/2016)

Friday, July 22, 2016

Corynne Peterson Schumann (1925-2016) Warren High School Class of 1942



1942 Dragon yearbook

Corynne's high-school activities:
French Club (4); Latin Club (2); Science Club (4); Dramatic Club (3, 4); Girls' Club (2, 3, 4); Glee Club (2, 3); Girls' A. A. (2, 3); Carnival (2, 3, 4); Traffic Squad (4).

I guess we'll never know if Corynne became a telephone operator, since her brief obituary provides no employment information, and she's not listed as employed in the 2 city directories I use for this series.

1967 Warren City Directory
  • Peterson Leroy G (Autumn I) carp 38 Linda la d ho
  • Schumann Robt L (Corynne A) teleg mtcewmn PRR (Pennsylvania Railroad) h23 Linda la
1983 Warren City Directory

'Corynne' has never appears on the Social Security Administration's list of top 1000 baby names.  And 'Leroy' has already been graphed here.  So let's take a look at 'Autumn'.


'Autumn' was an uncommon name even when Corynne and her two daughters were born, but she has certainly come into her own of late, placing in the top 100 for nearly two decades.

Other class of '42 members:
Marjorie Gillett Larson.  (7/21/2016)
Robert Weidert.  (8/25/2015)
Margaret Siefert Lane.  (8/12/2015)
Richard Hause.  (4/6/2015)
Elizabeth Hottel Streich.  (8/16/2014)
Mary Hoskins.  (10/12/2013)

The company Scott Walker keeps: Daniel Kelly, dark horse Supreme Court pick



Photo credit:  LinkedIn

Reported in Two high court finalists have opposed gay marriage.  ( Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7/21/2016)

Related reading:
Sources:  Daniel Kelly could be dark horse Supreme Court pick.  (Madison.com, 7/21/2016)

9 of Kelly's 13 campaign contributions went to former Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen,

Other company Scott Walker keeps:
Rush Limbaugh.  (9/12/2015)
Jan Mickelson.  (8/21/2015)
Scott Walker goes where the money -- and the Koch Brothers -- are.  (8/2/2015) 
Diane Hendricks adds a zero on her latest check to Scott Walker.  (8/1/2015
Dear Scott Walker: Regarding the company you keep, I think it's time for all of us to watch this Diane Hendricks video once again
The company he keeps: Scott Walker is one of 9 Presidential candidates attending the July 18th Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa.  (7/14/2015)
The company he keeps: Scott Walker receives high praise from Rep. Tom Cole, R-OK.  (5/19/2015)
The company he keeps: Scott Walker to pal around with Steve King in Iowa on January 24.  (1/9/2015)
Getting to know Scott Walker by the company he keeps.  (2/20/2014)

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Trump engages in the ultimate in empty boasting



As found at Read this leaked draft of Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the RNC.  (Vox, 7/21/2016)

Related post:
Donald Trump calls for a change in leadership.  (7/21/2016) 
Donald Trump, of course, will be ranting about illegal immigrants tonight.  (7/21/2016)
Donald Trump waves a magic wand.  (7/21/2016)

Donald Trump calls for a change in leadership


And I couldn't agree more!


Leaked at Read this leaked draft of Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the RNC.  (Vox, 7/21/2016)


Related post:
Donald Trump, of course, will be ranting about illegal immigrants tonight.  (7/21/2016)
Donald Trump waves a magic wand.  (7/21/2016)

Donald Trump, of course, will be ranting about illegal immigrants tonight



Reported at Read this leaked draft of Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the RNC.  (Vox, 7/21/2016)

In 2014, an average of 27 people were killed by drunk drivers each day.   I suspect a very small minority of them are 'border-crossers', unless we're taking about Illinois to Wisconsin, or Pennsylvania to New York, or Georgia to Florida, etc. etc.

And, by the way, have you noticed how white the audiences are at the Quicken Loan Center in Cleveland this week?

Related post:
Donald Trump waves a magic wand.  (7/21/2016)

Donald Trump waves a magic wand



As reported at Read this leaked draft of Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the RNC.  (Vox, 7/21/2016)

Yikes! Advertising Age reporter is not kind to Michelle Van Etten




What Cruz-Out-of-Control Says About Trump's Convention.  (Advertising Age, 7/21/2016)
Take, for instance, Michelle Van Etten, one of the speakers who took the stage during the primetime block. Billed as the head of something called Women In Business For Trump, she is, quite simply, a dreadful speaker who kept on fumbling her lines, misreading the teleprompter and gesticulating entirely out of sync with her words. She came off like the sort of well-meaning moron that Catherine O'Hara would play in a Christopher Guest mockumentary.

Related article:
One Of Tonight's Big RNC Speakers Hawks 'Pyramid Scheme' Vitamins. (TPM, 7/20/2016)

Beyond CES 2016: Smart windows




Smart Windows Coming Soon. (Jetson Green, 7/21/2016)
Smart windows are the logical next step in the evolution of home design. Basically, the idea behind them is that instead of adding blinds or curtains to windows, so as to control the amount of heat or light entering the home (or for privacy) the windows would already have this function built in. Sounds futuristic, but a team of researchers at Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have found a simple and quite affordable way to achieve it.

David Clarke, Extended Tarr Family Professor of Materials

Other Beyond CES posts: 
This video is dedicated to those of us who have survived prostate cancer.  (7/6/2016)
DOGO.  (6/23/2016)
Cowarobot.  (5/15/2016)
Robot empowers staff to focus on customer service.  (4/15/2016)
Bentley reveals the future of luxury driving -- a holographic assistant.  (4/8/2016)
Don't expect Olive Oyl while wearing this virtual reality sex suit.  (4/6/2016)
Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter.  (4/2/2016)
Cocoon cam.  (3/13/2016)
Brita Infinity pitcher.  (3/11/2016)
Kids' shoes for helicopter parents.  (3/4/2016)
Tangram smart rope.  (3/1/2016)
Meet the smartwatch of the day, the Garmin Vivoactive HR.  (2/21/2016)
Can the LG Rolling Bot locate a hairball hidden under the bed?  (2/21/2016)

Link to most recent CES 2016 post (with links to the rest of the series).

Dear Scott Walker, God has already spoken



As quoted in Scott Walker lays groundwork for potential future presidential run . (Madison.com, 7/20/2016)

Clearly, God's calling does not include Scott Walker in the White House.

Related post:
Get me rewrite: Scott Walker lays groundwork for potential future presidential humilation.  (7/21/2016)

Get me rewrite: Scott Walker lays groundwork for potential future presidential humilation


Just a single word change will do.


Scott Walker lays groundwork for potential future presidential run.  (Madison.com, /7/20/2016)
Matt Moore must live under a rock.  Matt Moore, the South Carolina Republican Party chairman, said one of the factors that tripped up Walker in the presidential election was that he got a late start.

Walker didn't make his official announcement until July 13, 2015, but he spent most of his time during the first 6 1/2 months making multiple visits to the early primary states -- Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina -- and traveling to Washington D.C., Florida, Nevada, California, and elsewhere to hit up fatcats for donations.  He most certainly did not get a late start

Ted Cruz, no servile puppy dog, hogs the political spotlight for the moment


But he was certainly lapping up the applause, as is clearly shown in this video



Quoted in
Ted Cruz doubles down on Wednesday’s speech.  (Boston Globe, 7/21/2016)

From a distance, it looks and sounds like some mighty strange kinda booing.




But, digging in, you'll hear that there were indeed some unhappy folks.



When I encounter the term "booed off the stage", I assume, perhaps wrongly, that the target wasn't able to finish a performance.  Cruz concluded his speech last night with a determined flourish.

Iowa embarassment, subgroups expert, and supreme whiteman Steve King sounds off again



As quoted in What, Congressman Steve King Asks, Have Nonwhites Done for Civilization?  (The New York Times, 7/18/2016)

Other Steve King posts:
UPDATE: Iowa's nutburger-in-chief, Rep. Steve King, displays Confederate flag on office desk.  (7/12/2016)
The company Ted Cruz keeps.  (11/21/2016 )
UPDATE: The Company He Keeps: Scott Walker to Pal Around With Steve King in Iowa on January 24.  (10/8/2015)
King introduces a resolution that encourages and empowers "individuals, businesses, churches, religious groups, and other faith-based organizations" to discriminate.  (7/12/2015)
Meet the members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/12/2015)
No friend to the environment.  (1/5/2015)

Marjorie Gillett Larson (1924-2016) Warren High School Class of 1942


1942 Dragon yearbook

Marjorie's high-school activities:
Science Club (4); Junior Chamber of Commerce (2, 3, 4); Stenographers' Club (4); Bookkeeping Club (2); Junior Shorthand Club (3); A Capella Choir (3).

1967 Warren City Directory
  •  Larson Nels H (Marjorie) pntr 607 S State (North Warren) h do
1983 Warren City Directory
  • Larson Glenn D & Delores; emp  Boro of Warren Pa h6 Rollins St
  • Larson Jeffrey & Norma; jkan Trinity Mem Epls Ch h52 Allegheny Dr (Starbrick)
  • Larson Nels H & Marjorie A (Nels Larson's Interiors) h607 S State St 

Marjorie's peak of popularity occurred during the 1920s, when she spent 3 years at #16 (1921-23).  By 1960, her decline had accelerated, and she disappeared from view after 1994. Since 2013, she has been attempting a comeback.


Other class of '42 members:
Robert Weidert.  (8/25/2015)
Margaret Siefert Lane.  (8/12/2015)
Richard Hause.  (4/6/2015)
Elizabeth Hottel Streich.  (8/16/2014)
Mary Hoskins.  (10/12/2013)

Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch is excited, betcha by golly wow!



As quoted in Mike Pence helps Wisconsin Republicans get excited about Donald Trump ticket.  (Capital Times, 7/19/2016)
The nominee that dare not speak its name.  Kleefisch, much like House Speaker Paul Ryan in his Monday speech to the delegation, did not mention Trump by name in her address.

Other 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' posts:
Meet Wisconsin's new governor.  (3/10/2016)
Rebecca Kleefisch pens puff piece, sez 'the proof is in the pudding'.  (1/14/2016)
The wit and wisdom of Rebecca Kleefisch.  (10/26/215)
The furiously vibrating spin cycle of our very own Rebecca (of Sunnybrook Farm) Kleefisch.  (9/23/2015)
Wondering, Wisconsin, if this is part of the 'Meet the New Boss' rollout. (9/4/2015)
Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch tries out for the lead role in 'Pollyanna".  (5/9/2015)
Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch, as Dale and Grace, "Stop and Think It Over".  (12/10/2014)
The Rebecca Kleefisch connection.  (12/10/2014)
In the News: The Wisconsin Tax Reform Roundtable, starring Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch.  (2/18/2014)
Kleefisch in a lovey-dovey mood behind closed doors.  (1/3/2014)
Where's the outcry over Kleefisch's closed roundtables?  (12/13/2013)

Trump virus 'spreads explosively' through the United States



As reworked from Norovirus strikes the Republican National Convention, infects 13 California GOP staffers.   (Washington Post, 7/20/2016)
The virus causes extreme vomiting and diarrhea and has been known to spread explosively through people in closed places...

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

We called it a self-portrait, not a selfie, back in 1985


The sun sets over Lake Michigan on day 3 of an 8-day, 640-mile bike trip.



It appears The Donald and Melania are two peas in a pod when it comes to making stuff up


Did I just call her a liar?





















If  so, do you think I have a case?

And did Trump just throw his wife under the campaign bus?

Source of Melania quote:  
Melania Trump says she wrote convention speech with little help.  (Los Angeles Times, 7/20/2016)

Source of McIver quote:
Staff writer takes blame for Melania Trump’s controversial speech.  (Boston Globe, 7/20/2016)

Supposedly, millions of people want these clowns to occupy the White House.  Oy!

Related post:
Apparently, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort thinks Hillary wrote Melania's speech.  (7/19/2016)

What Republicans (really) believe: America as a Christian nation, intolerant of other religious subgroups


Source:  We the People (Republican Platform 2016)
[emphasis added]

Dear GOP platform committee members,

Do you realize how laughably unbelievable that opening statement is?


Love,

Retiring Guy

P.S. Here's a clip from one of the top-grossing Hollywood movies of the period that made America great.  It is the '50s you want us to return to, right?




Related posts:
What Republicans believe:  Traditional marriage.  (7/20/2016)
What Republicans believe:  Education as indoctrination.  (7/20/2016)
What Republicans believe:  Prison reform.  (7/29/2016)
What Republicans believe: The Defense of Marriage Act (homophobia) should be the law of the land.  (7/20/2016)

What Republicans believe: The Defense of Marriage Act (homophobia) should be the law of the land


Related reading:
A Message on the GOP Platform from Log Cabin Republicans President Gregory T. Angelo.  (Log Cabin Republicans press release, 7/12/2016)
'Just say no' still rings in their heads.   This isn’t my GOP, and I know it’s not yours either. Heck, it’s not even Donald Trump’s! When given a chance to follow the lead of our presumptive presidential nominee and reach out to the LGBT community in the wake of the awful terrorist massacre in Orlando on the gay nightclub Pulse, the Platform Committee said NO.

Related posts:
What Republicans believe:  Traditional marriage.  (7/20/2016)
What Republicans believe:  Education as indoctrination.  (7/20/2016)
What Republicans believe:  Prison reform.  (7/29/2016)

What Republicans Believe: Prison 'reform'



This is why American's prison system is broken.  (Business Insider, 9/27/2015)
  • 1 in 100 American adults are incarcerated.
  • U.S. percentage of world population is 5%; U.S. percentage of prisoners is about 22%
  • 70%:  The chance that an African-American man without a high school diploma will be imprisoned by his mid-30s.
  • $88,000 is the cost per year to house one juvenile in a detention center
  • 40% is the amount that earnings drop after serving time in prison
  • Minorities comprise 60% of U.S. prison population (compared to 38.4% of total U.S. population
  • More than 40 states charge inmates for room and during jail and prison stays
  • Nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons have been convicted of a drug offense
  • U.S. prison population had quadrupled since 1980.

Related article:
Reducing Mass Incarceration Requires Far-Reaching Reforms.  (urban.org)
Not glib statements are "renewing American values".

Related posts:
What Republicans believe:  Traditional marriage.  (7/20/2016)
What Republicans believe:  Education as indoctrination.  (7/20/2016)

What Republicans believe: Education as indoctrination





Related post:
What Republicans believe:  Traditional marriage.  (7/20/2016)

What Republicans believe: Marriage is a union of one man, one woman



Merriam-Webster defines non sequitur

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Reason #3 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad


President Lyndon Baines Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 13, 1967.

Source:  Miller Center
Related post:
Reason #1 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad.  (7/18/2016)
Reason #2 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad.  (7/18/2016)

Reason #2 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad



Related post:
Reason #1 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad.  (7/18/2016)

Reason #1 why Trump thinks the 60s were bad, really bad



As quoted in It’s Donald Trump’s Convention. But the Inspiration? Nixon.  (The New York Times, 7/18/2016)

June 2, 1964

Source:  The White House

Opening the springs of racial poison is a Trump specialty.