Meet gallery of Trump sycophants in the Wisconsin state legislature

 

Wisconsin Public Radio, 10/21/2021

If you find yourself in "Facebook Jail," new legislation could allow you to sue for damages in Wisconsin. A pair of Republican-backed bills in the state Assembly aims to prohibit social media censorship. 

A pair of Republican-backed bills in the state Assembly aims to prohibit social media censorship. "Americans, including journalistic enterprises, are increasingly finding that their speech is being blocked, being hidden, being subverted by the very public forums that they use most often to communicate," said bill author Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, at a public hearing Thursday before the Assembly Committee on Constitution and Ethics.

Wisconsin State Legislature

Wisconsin State Journal misses the mark -- again - and earns a KISS

 

Keep it simple, stupid!

Wisconsin State Journal, AP

Around Town Madison: Orange cones for habits that are hard to break

 

The curb cut to knocking your car out of alignment

Photos by Retiring Guy

Other Around Town Madison posts:

Mixed messages at the entrance to West Towne Office Max.  (4/26/2021)
This house really pops out during a snowy winter.  (3/1/2021)
Be sure to read the fine print before you enter.  (11/12/2020)
Target drive up.  (1/8/2019)
Oh, Babe, what would you say?  (4/10/2018)
Is this considered legal parking?  (6/13/2018)

Heights Apartments on University Avenue, Madison WI: proposed construction site visit

 

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

Actually, this video appears to be shot by Mary Ann with the shaking hand.

Wisconsin State Journal, 10/11/2021

MSP Real Estate. “The Heights Apartments,” a $23.6 million project at 2208 University Ave. on the Near West Side with 62 of 79 units for those with lower incomes. Would receive $2.35 million in city support. Awarded $1.45 million from Dane County subject to County Board approval. Has already secured tax credits through WHEDA and city land use approvals.

Google Maps

GET ME REWRITE: Iowa GOP wants to gerrymander Democrat Cindy Axne out of U.S. House

The current configuration of Iowa's 4 U.S. congressional districts

Wikipedia

One of the proposed redistricting maps that favors Republicans

Des Moiens Register, 11/21/2021

The despicable Iowa GOP wants dilute Democratic gains in urban and suburban areas.

Des Moines is the county seat of Polk County, whose recent election results are shown below,

Wikipedia

Wacko news website recycles cell phones and hip bones meme

All the rage in 2009.

Swords Today, 10/20/2021

Doctors warn that using a cell phone near the hips and thighs can greatly weaken the bones in the hip area. The pelvis is the source of support for the human body. If those bones are broken, so be it. They also point out that cell phones should not be used too close to touch the pelvis.

7/17/2019 update, "Cell phones and hip bones UPDATE. It's all your fault, Bill Curry", starts here.

Reported in The 5G Health Hazard That Isn’t.  (The New York Times, 7/16/2019)


6/17/2019 update, "Consumer Reports offers comfort to cell phone users", starts here.

Reported in Does Cell-Phone Radiation Cause Cancer?  (Consumer Reports, 9/28/2015)

5/26/2019 update, "Dem bones:  Toe, foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh, hip, back, neck, head", starts here.

Do Cell Phones Emit Radiation that is Actually Harmful?  (Defender Shield, 5/6/2019)

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!  The degree of exposure depends on several factors, including the type of cell phone being used, how far the user is from the cell phone’s antenna, how much time is spent on the cell phone and how far the user is from cell towers. Because smartphone users are likely to use their smartphones more extensively, and also carry these devices with them at all times, it stands to reason that cell phone radiation may pose potential health issues.

5/21/2019 update, "Cell phones and your butt", starts here.

Cell-phone sciatica is a pain in the buttSitting on your smartphone can do more than just bend the device.  (Consumer Reports, 4/14/2015)

Specifically, it can trigger sciatica, or pain that starts in your buttocks and shoots down the leg. I know that because, as a practicing neurologist, I have seen several patients complaining of the problem over the past few years. And I've been able to trace it back to the object tucked into their back pocket.

Original 10/27/2009 post, "Cell phones and hip bones", starts here.

Image source

With the operative word being "may".

Link to October 27 textually.org post, "Cell Phone May Reduce Bone Density in Hips".

Link to October 27, 2009, WebMD Health News article, "Cell Phones on Hip May Weaken Bone. Study Suggests Link Between Bone Weakness and Wearing a Cell Phone on the Hip".

Excerpt: Using an X-ray technique used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with osteoporosis, researchers from Turkey's Suleyman Demireli University measured pelvic bone density in 150 men who regularly carried their cell phones attached to their belts.

The men carried their phones for an average of 15 hours each day; they had used cell phones for an average of six years.

The researchers found that bone mineral density was slightly less on the side of the pelvis where the mobile phones were carried than on the side that was not in contact with the phones.

The difference was not statistically significant and fell far short of approaching bone density reductions seen in people with osteoporosis.

BONUS ROUND (August 26, 2012)

For those of you for whom the operating word is "meh", these all-leather cell phone pouches from Australia -- have Velcro closures and slip upright on any belt -- are certainly an eye-catching accessory.

The Emerson at Bay Creek on South Park Street in Madison WI: October construction site visit

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

8/17/2021 update starts here

Photo by Retiring Guy

2-bedroom floor plan (1029 square feet; $2109 monthly rent)

6/18/2021 update starts here

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

Rendering

Floor plans  (studio and one bedroom)

3/29/2021 update starts here

Phots and video by Retiring Guy

The view from across South Park Street

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

2/3/2021 update starts here

'Behind the scenes' alley view

1/13/2021 update starts here.

Two views as seen from the top level of the UW Health Arboretum Clinic parking ramp

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

11/9/2020 update starts here

Looking north

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

Looking northeast

10/5/2020 update starts here

Looking north

Photos by Retiring Guy

Looking northeast

A view from across South Park Street

Judge Doyle Square project UPDATE: NoVo Apartments October site visit, Madison WI

Photos by Retiring Guy

8/3/2021 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

1-bedroom apartment

2-bedroom apartment

5/11/2021 update starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

3/30/2021 update starts here

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

3/2/2021 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

NoVo Apartments

2/5/2021 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

Capital Times, 1/13/2021

The complex $175 million public-private development, which includes parking, commercial space, apartments and a hotel on the two blocks now occupied by the Madison Municipal Building and nearly demolished Government East parking garage, has been in the works for years and seen several iterations.

1/22/2021 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

12/16/2020 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

o

11/20/2020 update starts here

Photo by Retiring Guy

11/9/2020 update starts here

3 views of the project rising behind the Madison Municipal Building

Photos by Retiring Guy

Developer reduces height, changes design of Judge Doyle hotel.  (Madison.com, 10/31/2020)

Beitler Real Estate Services, of Chicago, which initially proposed a shimmering, 12-story glass-sheathed building to rise on the 200 block of South Pinckney Street, says it now intends to build a nine-story structure that retains its curved shape facing the street but abandons the dominant glass appearance for a mix of metal panels and glass and some masonry at the base. Despite the reduced height, the hotel will still have roughly 260 rooms and other amenities including a first-floor lobby with bar, restaurant and meeting spaces.

10/14/2020 update starts here

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

Judge Doyle Square project progresses amid pandemic.  (Capital Times, 7/20/2020)

Most recently, the city completed work on a $50.4 million, 560-space underground parking garage parking structure with first floor commercial space, including a bicycle center, on the Municipal Building block. Situated behind the Municipal Building and between Doty and Wilson Streets, it will replace the city’s first publicly-owned garage, Government East, built in 1958. 

This set the stage for Stone House Development to start construction on 162 units above the garage and kicked into motion a timeline for Beitler Real Estate Services, the city’s development partner, to start work on a 250-room hotel and housing project on the Government East Ramp block.

7/2/2020 update starts here

Photos and videos by Retiring Guy

New Wilson Street parking garage to open June 22.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/12/2020)

The new parking garage at 20 E. Wilson St. is directly behind the Madison Municipal Building between Doty and Wilson Streets. Customers currently using the Government East parking garage for monthly parking will be directed to the new Wilson Street garage on June 22.

5/30/2020 update starts here

Photos by Retiring Guy

Opening of parking garage, bike center at Judge Doyle Square pushed back to June.  (Wisconsin State Journal 2/4/2020)

The latest delay will also push back demolition of the aging Government East parking garage but is not expected to delay the start of construction of a hotel and apartments, city officials said. 

The redevelopment, which also will include commercial space and parking on the blocks that hold Government East and the landmark Madison Municipal Building, has been long plagued by setbacks.

1/26/2020 update starts here

Photo by Retiring Guy

Madison poised for deal with developer on Judge Doyle Square.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 11/15/2019)

The city is pursuing a redevelopment that would bring a hotel, apartments, commercial space and parking on blocks that hold the landmark Madison Municipal Building and aging Government East parking garage. 

The city is now completing a $50.4 million structure that includes a 560-space underground parking garage, first-floor commercial space, and two floors of parking with 148 more spaces above the commercial space on the Municipal Building block.

11/12/2019 update starts here

Video and photo by Retiring Guy

Madison brings street art to Judge Doyle Square parking garage. (Capital Times, 11/10/2019)

Madison’s newest parking garage on East Wilson Street features a pop of color with the installation of two murals called “Multiplicity.” 

The murals, which utilize bright colors and widescreen shapes, are Madison's first city-directed street art installations. Momentum Art Tech Owner James Gubbins said the piece is a “big milestone.”

10/11/2019 update, "With some minor cosmetic changes", starts here.

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

9/25/2019 update, " Guess we'll be looking at this scene for awhile", starts here.

Photo by Retiring Guy

Negotiations with Stone House Development continue for Judge Doyle Square housing project. (Madison.com, 9/24/2019)

The team and the developer scheduled five negotiating sessions through the end of October with the second session set for Thursday, Sept. 26. The staff team hopes to present a draft development agreement to the Finance Committee Nov. 11. From there, a resolution would be introduced at the Nov. 19 City Council meeting with the possibility for a vote Dec. 3. If the development agreement is approved, the construction start date is targeted for June 1, 2020, with a move-in date of June 2021.

9/6/2019 update starts here

Video by Retiring Guy

Update: Madison weighing costly choices on Judge Doyle Square, negotiations to come.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/13/2019)

Under Gebhardt’s initial plan, the nine-story building would have had an engineered wood frame. But the relatively new construction method isn’t yet recognized in the state building code. A concrete frame building, however, would be too heavy for the base, which consists of a five-level public underground parking garage, first-floor commercial space and two floors of above-ground parking. 

Using concrete would also add to the cost and set the project back by up to six months in order to modify the base, the company said.

Another setback for Judge Doyle Square, as city calls for new developer for portion of project.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/27/2019)

Gebhardt was picked in June in large part because its plan for the building offered the largest number of low-cost housing units in the apartment complex that would go above the garage. 

But on Monday, the committee recommended the city go with Stone House Development, which the city’s negotiating team had initially chosen for the project. 

Madison picks Judge Doyle Square developer offering fewer affordable housing units.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 9/4/2019)

On a near unanimous vote, the council picked Stone House Development — which the city’s negotiating team had initially recommended — to build an apartment complex above the soon-to-be-completed parking garage on the Madison Municipal Building block. 

 

Gebhardt had proposed around 80 affordable housing units, while Stone House proposed around 40, with around half being just as affordable as Gebhardt and half being less affordable.

8/3/2019 update starts here.

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

City faces costly choice on low-cost housing for Judge Doyle Square.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/1/2019)

Under one new option from Gebhardt Development, distributing the originally proposed 78 units throughout the building while restricting them to those making no more than 60% of Dane County median income, or $54,240 for a family of three, could cost the city up to $2.4 million more than planned. Other options would reduce the number of low-cost units but still increase the public cost up to $720,000

7/12/2019 update starts here.

Video and photo by Retiring Guy

6/12/2019 update starts here.

From the top of the Government East ramp

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

Madison committee recommends Gebhardt Development for Judge Doyle Square project. (Madison.com, 6/11/2019)

On a near-unanimous voice vote, the committee opted for a plan by Gebhardt Development, of Madison, that would set aside 78 of 196 apartments for households with incomes at or below 60% of the county median income, or $49,560 for a family of three.

'Resolve the impasse:' City Council approves Judge Doyle Square project changes.  (Capital Times, 6/9/2019)

“The proposal tonight will resolve the impasse and will allow us to build a hotel, I think, as quickly as possible to serve Monona Terrace,” Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said. 

It will also reduce the risk of future litigation, City Attorney Mike May said.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway baffled by recent disagreement over Judge Doyle Square.  (Capital Times, 6/6/2019)

However, on May 3, Beitler sent the city two notices of default on a development agreement between the partners. The setback follows signs of some progress after another round of default notices in March.

From East Wilson Street between MLK Blvd. and King St.

5/31/2019 update starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

Amid progress, city and developer renew spat over Judge Doyle Square.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/30/2019)

Madison is again squabbling with a developer over part of the massive Judge Doyle Square project covering parts of the Madison Municipal Building and Government East parking garage blocks Downtown. 

Beitler Real Estate Services of Chicago is taking steps to build a hotel to serve Monona Terrace, one of two glass-sheathed buildings it eventually hopes to construct on the Government East block.

City staff recommends Stone House Development for Judge Doyle Square project.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/25/2019)

A special city negotiating team is recommending Stone House Development, of Madison, over two other suitors to do a pricey mixed-use development above the large underground parking garage nearing completion at the Judge Doyle Square project Downtown.

4/20/2019 update starts here.

Photos and videos by Retiring Guy

Madison gets first look at three new proposals for piece of Judge Doyle Square.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/16/2019)

Gebhardt Development and Stone House Development, both of Madison, and Mandel Group, of Milwaukee, on Monday responded to a city request for development proposals with distinct designs for a private portion of the project site, which includes the landmark Madison Municipal Building and aging Government East parking garage blocks.

3/19/2019 update starts here.

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

Mid-February edition starts here.

Photos and video by Retiring Guy

City to ask for affordable housing in Judge Doyle Square developer proposals.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 2/1/2019)

The city settled a dispute with Judge Doyle Square developer Beitler Real Estate Services of Chicago by agreeing on Jan. 8 to pay the firm $700,000 in exchange for development rights to the Downtown project in the block directly behind the Madison Municipal Building, among other terms. Now the city is looking for a developer for that portion of the project.

Judge Doyle Garage.  (City of Madison Engineering)



1/14/2019 update starts here.

Photo and video by Retiring Guy

City Council approves $700,000 payment to developer to resolve Doyle Square dispute.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 1/9/2019)

Council members voted 15-0 in favor of the proposal — which also requires Beitler to accelerate construction of a hotel to serve Monona Terrace — after the body last year rejected two other proposals meant to resolve the dispute with the Chicago-based developer. 

The proposal amends a development agreement between Madison and Beitler and would free the city to seek a new developer to build behind the Madison Municipal Building

12/14/2018 update starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

Judge Doyle Square litigation could cost city $40 million, developer says.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 11/20/2018)

The council twice has refused to pay $600,000 to Beitler to resolve the dispute over part of the $186 million project, which calls for a hotel, apartments, commercial space and parking on blocks that hold the Madison Municipal Building and Government East parking garage.

8/14/2018 update starts here.

Photos and videos by Retiring Guy

Judge Doyle Square designs earn praise for ability to stand alone if development deal falls through.  (Capital Times, 6/19/2018)

Mid-July update starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

Related articles:
Developer sues city of Madison over Judge Doyle Square project.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/5/2018)
City moves forward with Judge Doyle Square plans despite lawsuit. (WKOW, 6/6/2017)
Madison seeks to hire outside law firm in litigation with Judge Doyle Square developer.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/14/2018)

6/5/2018 update starts here.

Photos by Retiring Guy

5/13/2018 update, "There's that huge hole in the ground again", starts here.

Photo by Retiring Guy

Explainer: What's going on with the Judge Doyle Square project in downtown Madison?  (Capital Times, 5/12/2018)

Construction on a new municipal garage is underway (note the huge hole in the ground behind the Madison Municipal Building between Doty and East Wilson streets). However, the developer said it is too expensive to construct a building on top of the underground ramp and is asking the city to fund a structural component of the project. 

4/23/2018 update, "That big pile of dirt is gone", starts here.

View from just southwest of MLK Blvd.

Shape-shifting panorama

3/2/2018 update, "What's going on behind the Madison Municipal Building?" starts here.

Installation of a new addition at the rear of MMB for staff and building support space.

Photo by Retiring Guy

Video by Retiring Guy

Madison Municipal Building renovation

What's going on with renovations at the Madison Municipal Building?  (Capital Times, 2/27/2017)

A $30 million plan to renovate the landmark Madison Municipal Building could be delayed two months, city engineers estimate, after bids from two general contractors came in significantly over the city’s budget.

City sighs relief with new bids for Madison Municipal Building renovation.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/26/2017)

To save money, the city cut back masonry restoration, removed an audiovisual package, separated bids for historic window restoration on the second and third floors and changed a number of smaller items, said Bryan Cooper, an architect for the city’s Engineering Division.

Municipal Building renovations on track to finish by fall 2018.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/28/2017)

Progress is also being made in the back of the building. Construction of the annex addition behind the rooftop courtyard is underway, Schuchardt said, and the crew has begun the masonry work at the courtyard as well.