Saturday, May 27, 2017

Does West Virginia matter any more? Probably not since 1950


Source:  Wikipedia

This guy certainly doesn't.  (Talk about deer in the headlights!)


Coal Country’s Power Plants Are Turning Away From Coal.  (The New York Times, 5/26/2017)

Related post:
Looking for a Job in Mining: Be the First Robot in Line.  (3/2/2013)

Richard Suppa (1934-2017) Warren High School class of 1952



1952 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory
  • Suppa Joan T Mrs clk Wards h21 Elk
  • Suppa Richd G (Durelle) weld mech Sylvania hHighland dr
1983 Warren City Directory
  • Suppa Durelle Mrs ofc sec Wrn State Hosp h54 Highland Dr
  • Suppa Joan T Mrs retd H21 Elk St
  • Suppa Lesey [sic]studt r54 Highland Dr
  • Suppa Michael studt r54 Highland Dr
  • Suipa Richd G & Durelle; machi opr G T E Sylvania h54 Highland Dr

The popularity of 'Richard' as a baby name is graphed here.  Let's look at Leslie.


Like Gary, Leslie experienced a topsy-turvy start in the 20th century, although she never quite reached the same heights.  Nevertheless, she has spent 41 years in the top 100 (1953-55, 1957-1988, 1999-2004), peaking at #56 in 1961.  Lately, though, things aren't looking very good for her.

Other class of '52 grads:
Neil Siefert.  (4/18/2017)
Mary Anne Handest McHenry.  (3/23/2017)
Reynold Flatt.  (2/27/2017)
Donald Merkle.  (9/23/2016)
Minnie Bonavita Miller.  (6/10/2016)
Myra Wilson Babcock.  (5/19/2016)
Norma Pierce Nielsen.  (4/6/2016)
Santo 'Sam' Pascuzzi.  (2/14/2016)
Glenn Culbertson.  (10/23/2015)
Elizabeth Eggleston Hoffman.  (10/17/2014)

From the Madison Public Library clippings files: Regent Street extension beyond Rosa Road, another bad idea left on the drawing board

From the 6/5/1960 Wisconsin State Journal

The view on Regent Street near Merrill Crest Drive, looking east toward Whitney Way.

All photos by Retiring Guy

From the terrace, looking west toward Rosa Road.  In 1960, Regent Street would have ended at the point not far beyond where the pavement disappears behind the trees.


From Regent & South Kenosha Drive.  Based on the 1960 aerial photo,  the 1960s extension begins up the hill.  


Looking at the intersection of Regent Street and Rosa Road, the point at where the early 1960s extension ends.


Where Anchorage Avenue, orange arrow on map below, ends.


As the 1960 article notes:  Using Regent st. as a major highway to the west came into discussion in Madison several years ago, when the University of Wisconsin and University ave. merchants objected to the widening of University ave.  Use of Regent st. was proposed at that time and the widening plan was killed.

A gulley west of Rosa Road kept Regent Street from becoming a major arterial to the west.  Its extension would have probably extended in the direction of the yellow arrow, continuing into the Faircrest neighborhood, most of which developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.


Related post:
From the Madison Public Library clippings files: Drake Street extension, a bad idea left on the drawing board.  (5/26/2017)

The healthiest county in each Midwestern state: Platte County, Missouri

 'Midwest' as defined by this map.



Healthiest County in Every State.  (24/7 Wall Street, 5/9/2017)

Part of the Kansas City MO/KS metro area, Platte County is one of Missouri's fastest-growing counties.  Its population has increased 542% since 1950, compared to a 63% decrease in Pemiscot County, Missouri's unhealthiest, since its 1940 peak.  Platte County residents are nearly four times as likely as Pemiscot residents to have a bachelors degree.


Other numbers
% of population living in poverty
  • Platte County | 7.6%
  • Pemiscot County | 28.0%
  • Missouri | 14.0%
  • U.S.  13.5%
    % of population 25 and older with bachelor's degree
    • Platte County | 40.4%
    • Pemiscot County | 11.7%
    • Missouri | 27.1%
    • U.S. | 29.8%
    Median household income:
    • Platte County | $68,254
    • Pemiscot County | $29,238
    • Missouri | $61,492
    • U.S. | $53,889

    Source:  Wikipedia



    Other posts in this series:
    Monroe County, Illinois.  (5/21/2017)
    Hamilton County, Indiana.  (5/22/2017)
    Sioux County, Iowa.  (5/23/2017)
    Johnson County, Kansas.  (5/24/2017)
    Ottawa County, Michigan.  (5/25/2017)
    Carver County, Minnesota.  (5/26/2017)


    Original 4/14/2017 post starts here.

    The least healthy counties in every state.  (24/7 Wall Street, 3/15/201\7)

    Pemiscot County, Missouri.  Since 1940, its population has declined 63%.


    Source:  Wikipedia




    Other numbers
    % of population living in poverty
    • Pemiscot County | 28.0%
    • Missouri | 14.0%
    • U.S.  13.5%
      % of population 25 and older with bachelor's degree
      • Pemiscot County | 11.7%
      • Missouri | 27.1%
      • U.S. | 29.8%
      Median household income:
      • Pemiscot County | $29,238
      • Missouri | $61,492
      • U.S. | $53,889
      The least healthy county in each Southern state.

      Friday, May 26, 2017

      UPDATE. U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for 2016: 33 Wisconsin counties lose population



      Madison, Dane County lead the state population growth in latest U.S. Census estimates.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/26/2017)
      Released annually, the census data estimates the population nationwide as of July 1, 2016, a date used every year. 
      The figures are based on births and deaths, domestic migration — determined sometimes through tax returns — and international migration, said David Egan-Robertson, a demographer with UW-Madison's Applied Population Laboratory.



      Original 3/27/2016 post, U.S. Census Bureau population estimates:  Nearly half of Wisconsin counties lose population", starts here.

      From July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2015.

      In most cases the population loss is very small.  For example, Adams County dropped to 20,148 in 2015 from 20,194 in 2014 -- a loss of 46 residents.


      Source for color coding:  U.S. Census Bureau American Fact Finder

      Related posts:
      Wisconsin population projections, 2010-2040: Top 10 counties by % decline and growth.  (5/14/2015)
      Top 10 Wisconsin Counties by Percentage of Population Growth, Loss (2010-2014).  (3/27/2015)
      Wiscousin counties:  Population 65 and older.  (10/24/2014)
      Wisconsin trivia: What was Wisconsin's 2nd-largest city in 1910?  (/9/1/2014)
      Dane County tallies 39% of state's population growth since 2010.  (3/27/2014)
      2012 U.S. Census population estimates: More gains than losses among Wisconsin's largest communities.  (5/28/2013)

      UPDATE. In bright red district, Democrats narrow gap considerably in last month's Kansas U.S. House special election


      For Rep. Mike Pompeo, now CIA Director, thumped his 3 U.S. House opponents by an average margin of 31.5 percentage points.  Republican Ron Estes defeated Democrat James Thompson by 6.8 percentage points.


      Republicans keep Kansas House seat in special election.  (CNN, 4/12/2017)
      The seat was considered to be by Republicans a straight win -- until an energized Democratic base left Estes with a smaller advantage.

      5/25/2017 update, " GOP loses longtime red seat in New Hampshire House of Representatives", starts here.

      Source:  Ballotpedia (2012, 2014, 2016)

      NH House special elections: Democrat pulls off upset in Wolfeboro, Republican wins Hillsborough County seat.   (WMUR, 5/24/2017)
      Wolfeboro Town Clerk Patricia Waterman said DesMarais was the first Democrat elected to the New Hampshire House from that town since 1913.


      Original 5/24/2017 post, "Cue the Dragnet theme for Donald Trump and the Republicans", starts here.

      Source:  Ballotpedia (2012, 2014, 2016), Massapequa Patch (2017)

      New York Democrats See Special Election Assembly Win as Good Sign for ’18.  (The New York Times, 5/24/2017)
      Well, yeah! Ms. Pellegrino defeated her Republican opponent, Tom Gargiulo, in the 9th Assembly District on Long Island, 58 percent to 42 percent, despite the district being heavily Republican and President Trump winning it with 60 percent of the vote.

      The Massapequa Patch published preliminary tallies. 




      Greetings from the Hollywood Bowl


      From Retiring Guy's postcard collection

      Although the site had been in use for theater productions and other events since 1916, the first arched proscenium stage wasn't constructed until 1926.  The Streamline Moderne 'signature shape' of the Bowl was constructed in 1929.

      The Bowl's attendance record -- 26,410 -- was set at a 1936 concert by French-American operatic soprano Lily Pons.

      For safety reasons, attendance at events was limited to 5,000 during World War II.

      A reflecting pool was installed at the front of the stage in 1953.  It was removed in 1972.

      The Beatles played 3 concerts at the Bowl during the mid-1960s -- 1 in 1964, and 2 in 1965.

      Hollywood Bowl timeline



      Other greetings:
      Downtown Los Angeles.  (5/24/2017)
      Giant Springs, Great Falls, Montana.  (5/23/2017)
      Hollywood Boulevard.  (5/22/2017)
      Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.  (5/21/2017)
      Brown Derby, Hollywood.  (5/20/2017)
      Southern California.  (5/20/2017)
      Mojave Desert (Joshua trees).  (5/20/2017)
      Rose Hill Motel in Mena, Arkansas.  (5/20/2017)
      Will Rogers Ranch.  (5/20/2017)
      Grauman's Chinese Theater.  (5/18/2017)
      Hollywood Boulevard.  (5/18/2017)
      Barstow, California.  (5/17/2017)
      California.  (5/14/2017)
      Parklabrea Towers, L.A.  (5/14/2017)
      La Jolla Children's Pool.  (5/13/2017)
      Los Angeles.  (5/11/2017)
      Laguna Beach, California.  (5/10/2017)
      California.  (5/9/2017)
      Los Angeles.  (5/9/2017)
      California.  (5/8/2017)
      Pomona College, Claremont, California.  (5/7/2017)
      La Jolla, California.  (5/6/2017)
      Hope, Arkansas.  (5/4/2017)
      Bakersfield, California.  (5/3/2017)
      Little Rock, Arkansas.  (5/1/2017)
      California.  (4/28/2017)
      Little Rock, Arkansas.  (4/19/2017)
      Superstition Mountain, Arizona.  (4/15/2017)
      Tucson, Arizona.  (4/12/2017)
      Phoenix, Arizona.  (4/8/2017)
      Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah.  (4/8/2017)
      Dothan, Alabama.  (4/5/2017)
      Mobile, Alabama.  (4/5/2017)
      Anniston, Alabama.  (3/29/2017)

      Rita Fitzgerald Lindgren (1942-2017) Warren High School class of 1960


      Source:   Warren Times Observer

      1960 Dragon yearbook


      1967 Warren City Directory
      • [county section] Fitzgerald Eliz V Box 162 Irvine
      • [county section] Fitzgerald Merle C Box 162 Irvine
      • Lindgren Ralph lab Rubber Tire r11 W 5th av
      1983 Warren City Directory
      • Fitzgerald Merle C & Eliz retd Hazel St Irvine
      • Lindgren Ralph & Rita hOld Rt 6 Irvine

      The popularity of 'Rita' as a baby name is graphed here.  We haven't checked out Gary yet.


      After a topsy-turvy start, 'Gary' caught fire in the 1920s and enjoyed a strong run of mid-century popularity.  He spent 56 years (1933-1988) in the top 100, 20 years (1940-1959) in the top 20, and 5 in the top 10 (1950-54), peaking at #9 in 1954.

      Other members of the class of 1960
      Judy Charles Lobdell.  (5/2/2017)
      James Johnson.  (3/6/2017)
      William Ritchie.  (2/21/2017)
      Janice Carlson.  (5/9/2016)
      William Irwin.  (3/18/2016)
      Patricia O'Neill.  (12/27/2015)
      David Hollingshead.  (11/18/2015)
      Marlene LeTrent Peterson.  (7/15/2015)
      John Marymount.  (3/24/2015)
      Kraig Werlin.  (2/1/2015)
      Mary Kays Frederick.  (12/9/2014)
      Nancy Goodwill Bonavita.  (3/9/2014)
      Mary Madeleine Graham Helmbrecht Haslett.  (1/6/2014)

      From the Madison Public Library clippings files: Drake Street extension, a bad idea left on the drawing board


      The article announces a project to widen Drake Street from South Park to Garfield and the eventual goal of creating an additional east-west arterial route to Mineral Point Road and the West Beltline.  I imagine the latter proposal created a firestorm of protest.

      Wisconsin State Journal, December 18, 1959

      Drake Street at Garfield, looking east toward South Park Street.  (Photo taken in March 2017)

      All photos by Retiring Guy

      On Drake Street, looking west to Garfield.


      A view with a portion of Vilas Park in the frame.


      Based on the dotted line in the newspaper aerial photo, the idea was to extend the street between Lake Wingra and the Edgewood College campus, which is now a lovely bike-pedestrian path.


      Obviously, a very bad idea.  It's no wonder it was never implemented.
      Green arrow runs along Drake Street.  Red arrow is where Mineral Point Road starts.


      It's bromance time for Glenn Grothman, sez Greg Gianforte seems like a good guy.


      Maybe it's the alliterative G's.


      Quoted in Glenn Grothman: Greg Gianforte 'seems like a good guy'.  (Wisconsni State Journal, 5/26/2017)

      Other Grothman posts:
      Grothman dons his clown suit again.  (5/1/2017)
      At Glenn Grothman's groan-inducing town hall.  (5/2/2017)
      51 U.S. House members implore Trump to legalize LGBT discrimination.  (4/27/2017)
      At KFIZ, everybody loves a clown.  (4/17/2017)
      Wishful thinking: Glenn Grothman does a little Mick Jagger at the podium during Sheboygan listening session.  (4/11/2017).
      What DO they think of Glenn Grothman on Capitol Hill?  (1/31/2017)
      Not a Muslim ban, Glenn Grothman? The numbers indicate otherwise.  (1/31/2017)
      On the other hand, some might say we do need Congressmen, but we can not have the wrong Congressmen.  (1/2/2017)
      The conservative values of Glenn Grothman, straight shooter and exemplary public servant.  (10/30/2017)
      GOP donor and Neenah realtor pens letter to editor, praises Glenn Grothman.  (10/28/2017)
      Well, Glenn Grothman, looks as though Donald Trump and Paul Ryan won't accompany Mr. Gumpy on his outing.  (10/20/2016)
      Meet the 3 Stooges who introduced Donald Trump at yesterday's rally in Green Bay.  (10/18/2016)
      Likely to be other reasons why Trump and Glenn Grothman's relationship might be "less than perfect".  (10/13/2016)
      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)

      UPDATE. The healthiest county in each Midwestern state: Carver County, Minnesota

       'Midwest' as defined by this map.


      Healthiest County in Every State.  (24/7 Wall Street, 5/9/2017)

      Part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, Carver County is one of Minnesota's fastest-growing counties.  Its population has increased 260% since 1960, compared to a 32% decrease in Mahnomen County, Minnesota's unhealthiest, since its 1940 peak.  Carver County's nonwhite population is 10.5% of its total compared to 53% (47.4% Native American) in Mahnomen.


      Other numbers
      % of population living in poverty
      • Carver County | 4.5%
      • Mahnomen County | 21.5%
      • Minnesota | 10.2%
      • U.S.  13.5%
        % of population 25 and older with bachelor's degree
        • Carver County | 45.2%
        • Mahnomen County | 12.9%
        • Minnesota | 33.7%
        • U.S. | 29.8%
        Median household income:
        • Carver County | $86,323
        • Mahnomen County | $41,118
        • Minnesota | $61,492
        • U.S. | $53,889

        Source:  Wikipedia


        Other posts in this series:
        Monroe County, Illinois.  (5/21/2017)
        Hamilton County, Indiana.  (5/22/2017)
        Sioux County, Iowa.  (5/23/2017)
        Johnson County, Kansas.  (5/24/2017)
        Ottawa County, Michigan.  (5/25/2017)


        Original 4/13/2017 post starts here.

        The least healthy counties in every state.  (24/7 Wall Street, 3/15/2017)

        Mahnomen County, Minnesota


        Source:  Wikipedia




        Other numbers
        % of population living in poverty
        • Mahnomen County | 21.5%
        • Minnesota | 10.2%
        • U.S.  13.5%
          % of population 25 and older with bachelor's degree
          • Mahnomen County | 12.9%
          • Minnesota | 33.7%
          • U.S. | 29.8%
          Median household income:
          • Mahnomen County | $41,118
          • Minnesota | $61,492
          • U.S. | $53,889
          The least healthy county in each Southern state.

          Thursday, May 25, 2017

          Donald Trump throws up his hands, as if to say, "Don't blame me!"




          Carrier to begin laying off 600 employees this summer.  (Indianapolis Star, 5/22/2017)
          In this case, 'many' is probably less than 40%  Last year, the company originally said it planned to move its entire operation to Mexico, laying off more than 1,000 Hoosiers. Last fall, President Trump struck a deal with Carrier to save many of those jobs.The company says around 630 will be laid off starting July 20 and lasting through the end of the year.

          And which door is that?



          Beyond CES 2017: Hey, Rosie, look what folks can buy for $16,000




          Caveats:
          • "...but not socks, unfortunately, which is pretty strange, but apparently they're really hard to fold."
          • takes 5 minutes to fold 1 t-shirt
          • cost:  $16,000
          • available only in Japan

          Take a Load Off. The Robots That Fold Laundry Are Coming.  (The New York Times, 5/24/2017)
          Snark alert!  Neither Laundroid, which was invented in Japan, nor FoldiMate, being developed in Israel by an American company, can express existential ennui as Rosey the Jetsons’ robot did, or interface with your Roomba or your Wi-Fi-enabled Mr. Coffee to create a seamless automated washing, vacuuming and caffeinating experience. But they do seem to be a crucial advance for in-home automation, where a thinking machine lends a genuinely useful metallic hand with the chores.




          CES 2017 and beyoud:
          SleepPhones.  (2/6/2017)
          Fuggedabout the Sominex.  (2/6/2017)
          Griffin connected toaster.  (2/1/2017)
          Ara by Kolibree smart toothbrush.  (1/27/2017)
          Hypersuit.  (1/24/2017)
          Omron Project Zero wrist blood pressure monitor.  (1/16/2017)
          Pity the generations of parents who raised kids before CloudTot.  (1/15/2017)
          Help your baby sleep through the night with this $1160 Snoo Smart Sleeper.  (1/15/2017)
          Add some drama to your life with Razer Project Valerie.  (1/15/2017
          LG Smart InstaView refrigerator.  (1/15/2017)
          PowerVision PowerRay Drone.  (1/15/2017)
          Equisense Care horse bodysuit.  (1/13/2017)
          Vuze 3D-360° Virtual Reality Camera.  (1/13/2017)
          HiTech Ninja solar power backpack.  (1/13/2017)
          Augmented reality and head-up technology.  (1/12/2017)
          LIVS:  Life-enhancing intelligent vehicle solution.  (1/12/2017)
          Sony HT-ST65000 sound bar.  (1/12/2017)
          The Las Vegas robot parade continues with Ewaybot's Moro.  (1/9/2017)
          Meet Olly.  (1/7/2017)
          Lynx Robot.  (1/7/2017)
          LG Hub Robot.  (1/6/2017)
          Lego goes robotic.  (1/6/2017)
          Meet Kuri. (I'll leave you to decide if this allegedly 'adorable' robot is worth $700).  (1/6/2017)
          Are you still using a dumb brush?  (1/3/2017)
          IllumniBowl 2.0 (as seen on TV).   (12/21/2016)
          Fireside Audiobox.  (12/20/2016)
          Sony 4K OLED TV.  (12/19/2016)

          Leroy Sorensen (1934-2017) Warren High School class of 1953



          1953 Dragon yearbook


          1967 Warren City Directory
          • [county section] Sorensen Andrew 414 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Curtis 358 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Henry 408 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Joan 358 Cobham Park rd
          • Sorensen L H emp Sylvania r405 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Margaret 405 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Myrtle 414 Cobham Park rd
          • [county section] Sorensen Rosalie [sic] 408 Cobham Park rd
          1983 Warren City Director 

          • Sorensen Andrew & Myrtle retd h416 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Curtis L supt mtce Conewango Apts r69 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Donald L lab Valentine Disposal r405 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Gary and Caroline; emp CETA h414 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Leroy & Margt; emp G T E Prod h405 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Margt J Mrs ofc sec Warren Cnty Sch Dist h405 Cobham Park Rd
          • Sorensen Rosella retd h408 Cobham Park Rd

          The popularity of 'Leroy' is graphed here.   Let's see how his brother fares.

          Through most of the 20th century, 'Curtis' was a steady performer, peaking at #72 in 1963.  A serious decline began in the early 1990s.  Since that time, he has dropped more than 400 places.

          Other members of the class of 1953:
          Carole Weigel Wunner.  (5/10/2017)
          Arthur Wagner.  (1/5/2017)
          Robert Harrington.  (12/6/2016)
          Beverly Taft Littlefield.  (11/26/2016)
          Karolyn Lane Stone.  (11/24/2016)
          Roberta Leave Troutman.  (6/8/2016)
          Grace Tigani.  (5/20/2016)
          Nan Perry Fischer.  (6/18/2015)