Saturday, September 2, 2017

Ron Golub has 16 years experience in journalism but none, apparently, in fact-checking



Reported in U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is back home, admiring Israeli optimism.  (Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, 8/31/2017)

First of all, Grothman had 2 opponents in 2016:  Democrat Sarah Lloyd and Independent Jeff Dahlke.  He won quite a bit less than 99% of the vote.

Source:  Ballotpedia

And neither did Grothman run unopposed in 2014, when he was first elected to Congress.






Thea Kelley Sederberg (1918-2017) Warren High School class of 1937



1937 Dragon yearbook

Thea's high school activities:
Stenographers' Club (4)

1967 Warren City Directory
  • Sederberg Clair E (Thea A) formn Warren Components h1 Bauer (now Stoney Lonesome Rd)
  • Sederberg Loren N lab Superior Tire & Rubber r1 Bauer
1983 Warren City Directory
  • Sederberg Loren N nurse Warren State Hosp r1300 1/2 Conewango Av Extn
  • Sederberg Patricia E nurse Warren Genl Hosp r1300 1/2 Conewango Av Extn
  • [county section] Sederberg Thea A 1 Bauer St

Thea was marginally popular enough to spend the 1st 2 years of the 1900s in the top 1000.  She attempted comebacks in the 1950s and 1960s. both unsuccessful, and then disappeared for another long stretch.  But just look at her now!


Other class of '37 members.
Naomi Schaffer Anderson.  (1/8/2017)
Jeanne Rossell Parisi.  (3/20/2015)
Marie Whitten  Heald Passaro.  (3/2/2015)

UPDATE. Juicero owners now have an exhibit item from the Museum of Insular Excess



Reported in Juicero, Start-Up With a $700 Juicer and Top Investors, Shuts Down.  (The New York Times, 9/1/2017)

Refunds available.

Original 7/17/2017 post, "The answer to the question is an emphatic 'no'", starts here.




Dissed in FiveThirtyEight's Significant Digits for Monday, July 17, 2017  (subscribe here)
Juicero is a start up that seeks to bring fresh pressed juice to the masses. Before January, the company priced each juice pack at about $5 to $7 and the juice pressing machine at $699, before later dropping to $399. Here’s the issue though: a Bloomberg investigation found (and shown in the above video) that you could just use your hands to squeeze the juice out of the packs rather than paying for the hardware. Based on my own estimates, more people have hands than $399 to drop on a fancy juice pressing machine. Juicero announced last week they’re laying off 25 percent of their staff and will drop the price of their still superfluous press to the $200 price range.

Actually, this is a clear sign of Scott Walker desperation over Foxconn deal


No, Scott, many Wisconsinites are questioning the wisdom of a $3 billion giveaway with a side of waived environmental regulations.


Other Foxconn posts:
UPDATE. Another example of Foxconn lack of specifics.  (9/1/2017)
Two months ago, Pennsylvania was the leading candidate for Foxconn assembly plant.  (8/30/2017)
UPDATE. How Scott Walker and GOP state legislators view Dane County.  (8/29/2017)
Our sloganeering governor: Scott Walker takes playing politics to new heights.   (8/24/2017)
GOP hypocrisy: Fiscally conservative, small-government, free-market guy signs off on Foxconn deal.  (8/24/2017)
About those Foxconn environmental exemptions, Wisconsin (Prepare for the worst).  (8/24/2017)
The Scott Walker Foxconn inflation factor: Do I hear 60,000?!!!!  (8/23/2017)
WEDC CEO Mark Hogan announces symmetrical distribution of Foxconn salaries.  (8/23/2017) Wisconsin DOA Secretary Scott Neitzel gazes into his crystal ball.  (8/23/2017)
Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/21/2017)
So excited: Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
The lemony flavor of the Foxconn lure.  (8/18/2017)
Dear Politifact, there's a big difference between "is bringing" and "is pledging".  (8/18/2017)
WEDC hasn't done its Foxconn homework yet and GOP committee members are fine with that.  (8/16/2017)
UPDATE. Funny how there's all this talk about Foxconn jobs that pay well below the alleged average salary.  (8/12/2017)
Reggie White:Green Bay Packers:: Foxconn:Wisconsin (Scott Walker analogy reveals his crazed desperation).  (8/10/2017)
Foxconn has been looking to replace workers with robots for at least 2 years. (8/9/2017)
Scott Walker and Terry Gou share a laugh at Wisconsin taxpayers' expense.  (8/8/2017)
Really, Ray, all this and heaven too provided by a factory to assemble display panel screens?  (8/6/2017)
That was then. This is now. The free market/small government Robin Vos.  (8/4/2017)
Bloomberg sees short-term gain, long-term pain for Wisconsin's Foxconn deal.  (8/4/2017)
Sean Duffy gets it wrong.  (8/3/2017)
Scott Walker and Paul Ryan collude on campaign digital ads for Foxconn.  (8/3/2017)
Here's some news that pains Scott Walker to his core: Foxconn considering Dane County site.  (8/2/2017)
Fast Company: Scott Walker deal a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders. (8/2/2017)
Donald Trump pinches off another loaf.  (8/1/2017)
Scott Walker lets Fiserv piggyback onto Foxconn legislation.  (8/1/2017)
Calendar UPDATE. In the case of the committee hearing, 1 day is sufficient time to prepare, sez Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.  (8/1/2017) 
Rep. Bob Kulp sprinkles Foxconn fairy dust all over the Badger State.  (8/1/2017)
Of which just 3,000 of these 'new' jobs are permanent.  (7/31/2017)
UPDATE. State Sen. Van Wanggaard on board with Wisconsin's Foxconn deep-pockets strategy.  (7/30/2017)
A Ring of Familiarity. Once upon a time in Pennsylvania.....  (7/29/2017)
Matt, it doesn't appear that 'rigorous' and 'review' are in Scott Walker's and Foxconn's vocabulary.  (7/29/2017)
Scott Walker and Foxconn steamroll environmental regulation going forward.  (7/29/2017)
UPDATE.  The luring of Foxconn intensifies in Wisconsin.   (7/20/2017)
While Wisconsin and Michigan duke it out for low-paying jobs, Foxconn announces $5 billion investment in India.  (7/8/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)
Foxconn officials eyeing sites in Michigan.  (7/6/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)

Friday, September 1, 2017

Christine Baranski and Betsy DeVos: Separated at birth?



Reported in Trump and DeVos fuel a for-profit college comeback.  (Politico, 8/31/2017)

Remember the "Separated at Birth" feature in Spy magazine?

Here's an update.

Dear ‘SNL,’ Please Let Christine Baranski Play Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.  (HuffPost, 2/10/2017)


Original 5/17/2017 post, "Apparently, Betsy DeVos doesn't give a shit if your for-profit school leaves you deep in debt and degreeless", starts here.


Reported in U.S. Crackdown on For-Profit Schools Is Said to Go Idle.  (The New York Times, 5/12/2017)

Dear Charlotte Law School students, Welcome to Catch-22.  You're on your own.  Love, Betsy.
For-Profit Charlotte Law School Is Subject of North Carolina Inquiry.  (The New York Times, 5/12/2017)
The Education Department, which has not yet resumed the loans, did not respond to requests for comment. 
About 100 students are set to graduate on Saturday. The school has notified them that absent the federal funds, they may pay their outstanding tuition with private loans the school is providing at zero interest and payable over 10 years. 
It was unclear whether graduates must sign up for the loans in order to receive degrees. Without a degree, they cannot take a state bar exam in North Carolina or elsewhere to qualify to practice law.

About those hiring decisions.
Betsy DeVos’s Hiring of For-Profit College Official Raises Impartiality Issues.  (The New York Times, 3/17/2017)
“There’s no question that there’s a fast-moving revolving door between the Education Department and the industries that it regulates,” said Rohit Chopra, former assistant director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a former special adviser to the secretary of education. “This is a bipartisan problem.”

UPDATE. Another example of Foxconn lack of specifics




Reported in Wisconsin's offer to Foxconn grew substantially and hit $3 billion on handwritten note.  ( Milwaukee  Journal Sentinel, 8/31/2017)


Original 8/30/2017 post, "Newspaper asks questions and doesn't get much in the way of specifics from Foxconn", starts here.


Map sources: Wikipedia, Kenosha County (highlight added)

Foxconn remains committed to project, but remains vague on details.  (Racine Journal Times, 8/29/2017)
The location has not been announced, but it has been confirmed that property owners in Mount Pleasant in Racine County and the Town of Paris in Kenosha County have been approached about selling land for the plant.

Looking forward to learn how Foxconn defines "very near future".


Other Foxconn posts:
Two months ago, Pennsylvania was the leading candidate for Foxconn assembly plant.  (8/30/2017)
UPDATE. How Scott Walker and GOP state legislators view Dane County.  (8/29/2017)
Our sloganeering governor: Scott Walker takes playing politics to new heights.   (8/24/2017)
GOP hypocrisy: Fiscally conservative, small-government, free-market guy signs off on Foxconn deal.  (8/24/2017)
About those Foxconn environmental exemptions, Wisconsin (Prepare for the worst).  (8/24/2017)
The Scott Walker Foxconn inflation factor: Do I hear 60,000?!!!!  (8/23/2017)
WEDC CEO Mark Hogan announces symmetrical distribution of Foxconn salaries.  (8/23/2017) Wisconsin DOA Secretary Scott Neitzel gazes into his crystal ball.  (8/23/2017)
Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/21/2017)
So excited: Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
The lemony flavor of the Foxconn lure.  (8/18/2017)
Dear Politifact, there's a big difference between "is bringing" and "is pledging".  (8/18/2017)
WEDC hasn't done its Foxconn homework yet and GOP committee members are fine with that.  (8/16/2017)
UPDATE. Funny how there's all this talk about Foxconn jobs that pay well below the alleged average salary.  (8/12/2017)
Reggie White:Green Bay Packers:: Foxconn:Wisconsin (Scott Walker analogy reveals his crazed desperation).  (8/10/2017)
Foxconn has been looking to replace workers with robots for at least 2 years. (8/9/2017)
Scott Walker and Terry Gou share a laugh at Wisconsin taxpayers' expense.  (8/8/2017)
Really, Ray, all this and heaven too provided by a factory to assemble display panel screens?  (8/6/2017)
That was then. This is now. The free market/small government Robin Vos.  (8/4/2017)
Bloomberg sees short-term gain, long-term pain for Wisconsin's Foxconn deal.  (8/4/2017)
Sean Duffy gets it wrong.  (8/3/2017)
Scott Walker and Paul Ryan collude on campaign digital ads for Foxconn.  (8/3/2017)
Here's some news that pains Scott Walker to his core: Foxconn considering Dane County site.  (8/2/2017)
Fast Company: Scott Walker deal a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders. (8/2/2017)
Donald Trump pinches off another loaf.  (8/1/2017)
Scott Walker lets Fiserv piggyback onto Foxconn legislation.  (8/1/2017)
Calendar UPDATE. In the case of the committee hearing, 1 day is sufficient time to prepare, sez Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.  (8/1/2017) 
Rep. Bob Kulp sprinkles Foxconn fairy dust all over the Badger State.  (8/1/2017)
Of which just 3,000 of these 'new' jobs are permanent.  (7/31/2017)
UPDATE. State Sen. Van Wanggaard on board with Wisconsin's Foxconn deep-pockets strategy.  (7/30/2017)
A Ring of Familiarity. Once upon a time in Pennsylvania.....  (7/29/2017)
Matt, it doesn't appear that 'rigorous' and 'review' are in Scott Walker's and Foxconn's vocabulary.  (7/29/2017)
Scott Walker and Foxconn steamroll environmental regulation going forward.  (7/29/2017)
UPDATE.  The luring of Foxconn intensifies in Wisconsin.   (7/20/2017)
While Wisconsin and Michigan duke it out for low-paying jobs, Foxconn announces $5 billion investment in India.  (7/8/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)
Foxconn officials eyeing sites in Michigan.  (7/6/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)

GOP House budget bill proposes cutting FEMA funds to pay for border wall


Photo credit:  CNN

GOP eyeing nearly $1 billion cut to Harvey disaster funds to help finance Trump's border wall. (CNBC, 8/30/2017)

Their timing couldn't have been worse.  (H.R. 3354)

Related posts:
Trump pledges $1 million to Harvey relief. Actually, our ethically-challenged president can dig much deeper.  (8/31/2017)
Most old folks just fine and dandy with Trump's handling of flooding in Texas.  (8/20/2017)
There when you need them: The leaders of the Harris County Flood Control District.  (8/30/2017)
Donald Trump, a case study in narcissism.  (8/29/2017)
On the fourth day of Harvey's devastation, imagine what a narcissist in the White House would say. (8/29/2017)
Before Harvey hit, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 'On your mark, get set, go!!' to 2.3 million Houston residents,  (8/28/2017)
These 21 grinning idiot GOP members of the Texas U.S. House delegation voted against Hurricane Sandy disaster assistance.  (8/21/2017)
Fox News contributor and wingnut ideologue Lisa Boothe just hates it when science enters the picture.  (8/28/2017)
Trump's 6 most recent tweets.  (8/27/2017)
Talking to America when a hurricane is about to make landfall: What a difference a President makes.  (8/26/2017)

UPDATE. Being doubly special in the Age of Trump (by way of Gidget)



From the Online Etymology Dictionary
chick (n.) Look up chick at Dictionary.com mid-14c. shortening of chicken (n.). Extended to human offspring (often in alliterative pairing chick and child) and thence used as a term of endearment. As slang for "young woman" it is first recorded 1927 (in "Elmer Gantry"), supposedly from African-American vernacular. In British use in this sense by c. 1940; popularized by Beatniks late 1950s. Chicken in this sense is from 1711. Sometimes c. 1600-1900 chicken was taken as a plural, chick as a singular (compare child/children) for the domestic fowl.

Original 8/31/2017 post, "Being special in the Age of Trump (by way of Gidget)" starts here.

Photo credit:  Montauk Patch

Montauk 'Prince' Still Wears His Crown.  (The New York Times, 8/30/2017)



Related reading:
How to speak surfer dude.  (ABC News, 8/24/2001)

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Trump pledges $1 million to Harvey relief. Actually, our ethically-challenged president can dig much deeper.


Trump to donate $1 million to Texas recovery.  (CNN, 8/31/2017)


Reported in Mar-a-Lago, the Florida resort where Trump has spent 25 days since taking office, sees huge boost in revenue.  (Business Insider, 6/16/2017)

Related posts:
Most old folks just fine and dandy with Trump's handling of flooding in Texas.  (8/20/2017)
There when you need them: The leaders of the Harris County Flood Control District.  (8/30/2017)
Donald Trump, a case study in narcissism.  (8/29/2017)
On the fourth day of Harvey's devastation, imagine what a narcissist in the White House would say. (8/29/2017)
Before Harvey hit, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 'On your mark, get set, go!!' to 2.3 million Houston residents,  (8/28/2017)
These 21 grinning idiot GOP members of the Texas U.S. House delegation voted against Hurricane Sandy disaster assistance.  (8/21/2017)
Fox News contributor and wingnut ideologue Lisa Boothe just hates it when science enters the picture.  (8/28/2017)
Trump's 6 most recent tweets.  (8/27/2017)
Talking to America when a hurricane is about to make landfall: What a difference a President makes.  (8/26/2017)

UPDATE. Dear Scott Walker, 2080 hours times $20 = $41,600, not $53,875


Scott Walker is playing politics nonstop on Twitter.



8/29/2017 update, "Dear Scott Walker, If that's the case, why are we providing tax credits to Foxconn for less than $15/hour jobs?" starts here.

$30,000 divided by 2080 hours = $14.42


Original 8/12/2017 post, "Funny how there's all this talk about Foxconn jobs that pay well below the alleged average salary", starts here.

Graphic from @ScottWalker

Original 8/10/2017 post, "Why are we talking about poverty-wage, $10.88 per hour Foxconn jobs, Scott Walker?" starts here.


Under Deal, Wisconsin Could Reward Foxconn for Creating Jobs that Pay Near-Poverty Wages.  (Wisconsin Budget Project, 8/10/2017)
The deal would give Foxconn up to $1.5 billion of state tax money over 15 years in tax credits to subsidize the creation of new jobs at the facility and up to $1.35 billion in subsidies for the facility itself. The state would pay 17% of the salary of jobs that meet certain standards. 
The problem is that the salary standards for the new jobs are exceedingly low. The proposal puts forth two possibilities: 
  • The state would subsidize Foxconn jobs that pay at least $10.88 an hour, or an annual equivalent of about $23,000; or 
  • The state would subsidize jobs that pay at least $30,000 per year. That works out to at least $14.42 an hour for a full-time worker.

$10.88.  Not a livable wage.
$14.42.  Barely a livable wage.


Scott Walker.  Not an acceptable governor.



Other Foxconn posts:
The Foxconn catch-22.  (8/28/2017)
Time will eventually run out for Foxconn plant.  (8/27/2017)
Now showing!!! Scott Walker starring in 'Peter Pan'.  (8/26/2017)
Kurt, you live in Dane County, for crying out loud.  (8/25/2017)
Our sloganeering governor: Scott Walker takes playing politics to new heights.   (8/24/2017)
GOP hypocrisy: Fiscally conservative, small-government, free-market guy signs off on Foxconn deal.  (8/24/2017)
About those Foxconn environmental exemptions, Wisconsin (Prepare for the worst).  (8/24/2017)
The Scott Walker Foxconn inflation factor: Do I hear 60,000?!!!!  (8/23/2017)
WEDC CEO Mark Hogan announces symmetrical distribution of Foxconn salaries.  (8/23/2017) Wisconsin DOA Secretary Scott Neitzel gazes into his crystal ball.  (8/23/2017)
Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/21/2017)
So excited: Rep. James Edming (R-Glen Flora) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) wets his pants over Foxconn vote.  (8/18/2017)
The lemony flavor of the Foxconn lure.  (8/18/2017)
Dear Politifact, there's a big difference between "is bringing" and "is pledging".  (8/18/2017)
WEDC hasn't done its Foxconn homework yet and GOP committee members are fine with that.  (8/16/2017)
UPDATE. Funny how there's all this talk about Foxconn jobs that pay well below the alleged average salary.  (8/12/2017)
Reggie White:Green Bay Packers:: Foxconn:Wisconsin (Scott Walker analogy reveals his crazed desperation).  (8/10/2017)
Foxconn has been looking to replace workers with robots for at least 2 years. (8/9/2017)
Scott Walker and Terry Gou share a laugh at Wisconsin taxpayers' expense.  (8/8/2017)
Really, Ray, all this and heaven too provided by a factory to assemble display panel screens?  (8/6/2017)
That was then. This is now. The free market/small government Robin Vos.  (8/4/2017)
Bloomberg sees short-term gain, long-term pain for Wisconsin's Foxconn deal.  (8/4/2017)
Sean Duffy gets it wrong.  (8/3/2017)
Scott Walker and Paul Ryan collude on campaign digital ads for Foxconn.  (8/3/2017)
Here's some news that pains Scott Walker to his core: Foxconn considering Dane County site.  (8/2/2017)
Fast Company: Scott Walker deal a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders. (8/2/2017)
Donald Trump pinches off another loaf.  (8/1/2017)
Scott Walker lets Fiserv piggyback onto Foxconn legislation.  (8/1/2017)
Calendar UPDATE. In the case of the committee hearing, 1 day is sufficient time to prepare, sez Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.  (8/1/2017) 
Rep. Bob Kulp sprinkles Foxconn fairy dust all over the Badger State.  (8/1/2017)
Of which just 3,000 of these 'new' jobs are permanent.  (7/31/2017)
UPDATE. State Sen. Van Wanggaard on board with Wisconsin's Foxconn deep-pockets strategy.  (7/30/2017)
A Ring of Familiarity. Once upon a time in Pennsylvania.....  (7/29/2017)
Matt, it doesn't appear that 'rigorous' and 'review' are in Scott Walker's and Foxconn's vocabulary.  (7/29/2017)
Scott Walker and Foxconn steamroll environmental regulation going forward.  (7/29/2017)
UPDATE.  The luring of Foxconn intensifies in Wisconsin.   (7/20/2017)
While Wisconsin and Michigan duke it out for low-paying jobs, Foxconn announces $5 billion investment in India.  (7/8/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)
Foxconn officials eyeing sites in Michigan.  (7/6/2017)
UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)

Glenn Grothman demands that a border wall be built


The guy's certainly not averse to going out in the district and making a fool of himself.


Reported in Grothman talks Trump, Obamacare and border wall at town hall meeting.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/29/2017)

Recommended reading for Glenn:
Here’s the Reality About Illegal Immigrants in the United States.  (The New York Times, 3/6/2017)
To hear many liberals and immigrant advocates tell it, most undocumented immigrants are productive, law-abiding members of society, deeply rooted in communities all over the country, working hard, living quietly, paying taxes and raising families. 
Statistics show that many of the undocumented fit this profile. About 60 percent of the unauthorized population has been here for at least a decade, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.
This graphic accompanies the article
(The proportion of felons in the overall population was an estimated 6 percent in 2010, according to a paper presented to the Population Association of America.)


Also of note:
Just Facts: As Many Americans Have Criminal Records As College Diplomas.  (Brennan Center for Justice, 11/17/2015)

Other Grothman posts:
Here's something on which Glenn Grothman and I agree.  (8/10/2017)
Glenn Grothman wants us all to die.  Or not to fly.  (7/20/2017)
Short-term memory loss and The Glenn Grothman 24/7 Clown Show.  (7/15/2017) 
Steady drip-drip-drip inside Glenn Grothman's head vs. steady drip-drip-drip of evidence Russian collusion.  (7/13/2017)
Glenn Grothman gives a big thumbs up to Pennsylvania's congressional districts.  (6/22/2017)
Glenn Grothman on the Paris Accord:  The blithering goes on.  (6/7/2017)
Dear Glenn Grothman, Not that anyone is listening to you.  (6/5/2017)
Oh, yeah, I just bet he does.   (6/1/2017)
It's bromance time for Glenn Grothman, sez Greg Gianforte seems like a good guy.  (5/26/2017)
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)

Howard Wesley Jarvis (1929-2017) Warren High School



1945 Dragon yearbook 
(no subsequent appearances)


1967 Warren City Directory [county section]
  • Jarvis Beattie A Mrs bkpr Jarvis Clns r215 Russell
  • Jarvis Howard W (Beattie A; Jarvis Cln) h215 Russell
1983 Warren City Directory

The popularity of Howard is graphed here.  Let's take a look at Linda


After bouncing around in the 300s range during the 1st three decades of the 20th century, Linda took off in the 1930s and reached the top 10 in 1940, where she spent 26 years (1940-1965).  She bumped Mary from the #1 spot for 6 years (1947-1952).  Among the 210 or so girls in the Warren Area High School class of 1968, 11 are named Linda.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Most old folks just fine and dandy with Trump's handling of flooding in Texas



Poll: Public generally approves of Trump's Harvey response.  (Axios, 8/30/2017)

You need to dig a little deeper there, Axios folks.

Time for a little sing-along.



And here we thought MAGA meant the 1950s.

Related posts:
There when you need them: The leaders of the Harris County Flood Control District.  (8/30/2017)
Donald Trump, a case study in narcissism.  (8/29/2017)
On the fourth day of Harvey's devastation, imagine what a narcissist in the White House would say. (8/29/2017)
Before Harvey hit, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 'On your mark, get set, go!!' to 2.3 million Houston residents,  (8/28/2017)
These 21 grinning idiot GOP members of the Texas U.S. House delegation voted against Hurricane Sandy disaster assistance.  (8/21/2017)
Fox News contributor and wingnut ideologue Lisa Boothe just hates it when science enters the picture.  (8/28/2017)
Trump's 6 most recent tweets.  (8/27/2017)
Talking to America when a hurricane is about to make landfall: What a difference a President makes.  (8/26/2017)

There when you need them: The leaders of the Harris County Flood Control District


Photo credit:  Shop at the Ridge

Reported in How ‘Wild West’ growth may have led to devastating flood in Houston.  (San Jose Mercury News, 8/29/2017)
Houston calls itself “the city with no limits” to convey the promise of boundless opportunity. But it also is the largest U.S. city to have no zoning laws, part of a hands-off approach to urban planning that may have contributed to catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey and left thousands of residents in harm’s way. 
Growth that is virtually unchecked, including in flood-prone areas, has diminished the land’s already-limited natural ability to absorb water, according to environmentalists and experts in land use and natural disasters. And the city’s drainage system – a network of reservoirs, bayous and, as a last resort, roads that hold and drain water – was not designed to handle the massive storms that are increasingly common.

Harris County Flood Control District
Accordingly, the mission of the Harris County Flood Control District is to: Provide flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. The District accomplishes its mission by: 
  • Devising flood damage reduction plans 
  • Implementing the plans 
  • Maintaining the infrastructure.
As they note here, a major flood occurs somewhere in Harris County about every 2 years.

Heckuva job, guys!



Related reading:
For years, engineers have warned that Houston was a flood disaster in the making. Why didn't somebody do something?  (Los Angeles Times, 8/29/2017)
Houston is built on what amounts to a massive flood plain, pitted against the tempestuous Gulf of Mexico and routinely hammered by the biggest rainstorms in the nation. 
It is a combination of malicious climate and unforgiving geology, along with a deficit of zoning and land-use controls, that scientists and engineers say leaves the nation’s fourth most populous city vulnerable to devastating floods like the one caused this week by Hurricane Harvey.

Related posts:
Donald Trump, a case study in narcissism.  (8/29/2017)
On the fourth day of Harvey's devastation, imagine what a narcissist in the White House would say. (8/29/2017)
Before Harvey hit, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 'On your mark, get set, go!!' to 2.3 million Houston residents,  (8/28/2017)
These 21 grinning idiot GOP members of the Texas U.S. House delegation voted against Hurricane Sandy disaster assistance.  (8/21/2017)
Fox News contributor and wingnut ideologue Lisa Boothe just hates it when science enters the picture.  (8/28/2017)
Trump's 6 most recent tweets.  (8/27/2017)
Talking to America when a hurricane is about to make landfall: What a difference a President makes.  (8/26/2017)

This indeed looks like a massive development for Hill Farms


Proposed for just beyond the trees.

Photo by Retiring Guy

Massive development eyed for Hill Farms property on Madison's West Side.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 7/20/2017)
The developer has shared conceptual plans with the city Planning Division for the private portion of the Hill Farms property. They show the creation of what amounts to a mini-neighborhood with four new interior streets on the property, which is bordered by University Avenue, North Segoe Road and Sheboygan Avenue.  
The preliminary concept shows      
  • A 145,700-square-foot hotel tower;
  • 300 to 350 housing units; 
  • 225,000 square feet of office space; 
  • 152,370 square feet of medical office space; 
  • 26,800 square feet of restaurant space; 
  • 128,050 square feet of retail space; and, 
  • A parking garage with 2,800 spaces and 70 surface spaces.



 These and other documents found at City of Madison

Trump visits Missouri to sprinkle some tax cut fairy dust



Reported in Trump in Missouri Lays Groundwork for Tax Overhaul but Offers No Details.  (The New York Times, 8/30/2017)

Economists had this to say about Trump's plan.

Moreover, in light of this....


...(a) Trump's timing is off and (b) his tax cut proposal, even more so now, is depraved and unconscionable.

But then what should we expect the day after Trump visits Texas and offers no words of concern or compassion to those impacted by Harvey's devastation.

Church on Mineral Point Road to enlarge footprint to provide more open space


Bethany United Methodist Church is located at 3910 Mineral Point Road, at the corner of Larkin Street.

Photos by Retiring Guy

The 2 houses in the center of the photo below will be demolished to provide additional open space.



Pew Research: Almost half of Republicans have mixed feelings about how Trump conducts himself as president



Republicans Divided in Views of Trump’s Conduct; Democrats Are Broadly Critical.  (Pew Research, 98/29/2017)

Other findings:
  • 58% who identify as Republican/lean Republicans say Trump should listen more to Republicans who have experience working in government. 
  • (Open-ended question)  What do Trump approvers like most about him?  54% say "Approach/Personality".  (And look where that's got us, folks.)
  • (Open-endd question)  What concerns Trump approvers the most?  Use of Twitter/social medie (17%) and obstruction from others (16%).

UPDATE: A mostly finished Cardinal Row Apartments in Middleton at dusk



Photo by Retiring Guy

$1495/month for a 2-bedroom -- one of them windowless -- apartment.

Floor plan

3-D furnished view


7/3/2017 update, "Cardinal red siding for Cardinal Row Apartments, Middleton", starts here.

Photo by Retiring Guy

3-bedroom floor plan

3-D view


5/12/2017 update, " Windows and doors installed at Cardinal Row Apartments, Middleton", starts here.


Photo by Retiring Guy


1-bedroom floor plan 

3-D view


4/13/2017 update, "The setting sun illuminates the Cardinal Row Apartments " starts here.


Photos by Retiring Guy




3/24/2017 update, "Portrait and landscape views", starts here.


Photos by Retiring Guy



2/12/2017 update, "Framing underway", starts here.

A trio of views from Parmenter and Lee streets





1/14/2017 update, "Foundation work underway", starts here.

Photo by Retiring Guy


11/25/2016 update, "There's now a hole in the ground", starts here.



11/6/2016 update, " OK, so maybe 'coming soon' was a bit too optimistic", starts here.

Demolition takes place and excavation begins during a unseasonably warm November.


Photos by Retiring Guy




Original 3/15/2016 post, "Coming soon to this location in Middleton, Wisconsin:  Cardinal Row Apartments", starts here.

At Lee Street between Parmenter and Clark.

Right across the street from the home of one of Middleton's best fish frys.

All photos by Retiring Guy

Where the yellow arrow is placed on the map.


Preliminary elevations


A view from the Lee Street side.

Parmenter Circle apartments at left.  Parmenter Circle II at center beyond quonset huts,


Cardinal Row will include 16 units -- 4 with 3 bedrooms and 12 with 1 or 2 bedrooms.  Two of them will be affordable housing units.  The building will accommodate 25 underground parking stalls.

A view from Parmenter Street looking toward Lee Street and points north.  (Parmenter and Parmenter II at left.)