Saturday, June 28, 2014

Street Projects Under Way in Middleton, Part 2

Terrace Avenue, from intersection with Parmenter Street.








From intersection with High Point Road


Street Projects Underway in Middleton, Part 1

Branch Street, looking north from intersection with Boulder Drive.




From intersection at Century Avenue


Glenn Grothman Gushes Over His First Meeting with Rick Santorum

On the Capitol: Glenn Grothman finds a soul mate, Ron Johnson won't oppose voters on gay marriage. (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/27/2014)

The odd couple“When I met him, I felt we were almost soulmates,” Grothman said. “It’s kind of an odd thing.” 


Rick endorses Glenn for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.

My Favorite Bobby Womack Song Not Mentioned in Any of These Obituaries



Bobby Womack, Royalty of the Soul Era, Dies at 70.  (The New York Times, 6/27/2014)

Bobby Womack, soul singer and song writer, dies at 70.  (Los Angeles Times, 6/27/2014)

Soul poet Bobby Womack is dead at 70.  (Chicago Tribune, 6/28/2014)

AllMusic:  Lookin' for a Love Again.

No argument here.   "You're Welcome, Stop on By" was the second single. As with most of this soulman's numbers, this one has that irresistible, percolating rhythm augmented by Womack's wailing delivery. 

Lookin' for a Love Again made its debut on the  Billboard Top 200 Albums chart on February 9, 1974.  It peaked at #85, powered by the single "Lookin' for a Love", which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"You're Welcome, Stop on By", the second single from the album Lookin' for a Love Again, made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 6, 1974 -- inauspiciously, at #97.  It never gained any momentum and peaked at #57, spending a short 7 weeks on the chart.  The song deserved much better.

Quite the Mushroom Development in our Front Yard This Morning


Mushrooms in Lawn:  Why They Form, And How To Get Rid of Them.  (Weekend Gardener)


Friday, June 27, 2014

Basing the Minimum Wage on Regional Differences

 Source:  The New York Times

The Upshot:  A Minimum Wage That Makes More Sense.  (The New York Times, 6/27/2014)

Retailer puts idea into practice.   Ikea had this very notion in mind when it announced that it would raise the minimum wage of its employees. The hourly wage for each store will be based on the cost of living in that particular area, ranging from $8.69 to $13.22.

Related posts: 
What happened the last time a minimum wage bill was introduced in the Wisconsin state legislature.  (6/27/2014) 
UW-Milwaukee survey:  76% of respondents support raising the minimum wage.  (6/25/2014)
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed! (6/24/2014)
U.S. minimum wage since 1960.  (6/24/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows.  (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve.  (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour.  (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour.  (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage:  It's not the same all over.  (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage.  (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter.  (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline.  (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage.  (11/12/2013)
A look at the minimum wage.  (9/28/2013)

What Happened the Last Time a Minimum Wage Bill was Introduced in the Wisconsin State Legislature


Assembly Bill 286.   Relating to: a state minimum wage, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.

A 3-step approach
  • $8.20 before the 1st day of the 15th month after the bill's publication
  • $9.05 on the last day of the 26th month after publication
  • $10.10 on the last day of the 38th month after publication

Assembly sponsors (Democrats)
  1. Mandela Barnes
  2. Terese Berceau
  3. Jill Billings
  4. Fred Clark
  5. Chris Danou
  6. Eric Genric
  7. Evan Goyke
  8. Gary Hebl
  9. Dianne Hesselbein
  10. Gordon Hintz
  11. Brett Hulsey
  12. La Tonya Johnson
  13. Andy Jorgensen
  14. Robb Kahl
  15. Fred Kessler
  16. Deb Kolste
  17. Cory Mason
  18. Nick Milroy
  19. Tod Ohnstad
  20. Sandy Pasch
  21. Sondy Pope
  22. Jon Richards
  23. Dan Riemer 
  24. Janis Ringhand
  25. Melissa Sargent
  26. Katrijna Shankland 
  27. Christine Sinicki
  28. Chris Taylor
  29. Dana Wachs
  30. Mandy Wright
  31. Leon Young
  32. Jocasta Zamarripa
  33. Josh Zepnick

Assembly sponsors (Republicans): NONE

Senate sponsors (Democrats)
  1. Tim Carpenter
  2. Tim Cullen
  3. Jon Erpbenbach
  4. Dave Hansen
  5. Nikiya Harris
  6. Chris Larson
  7. John Lehman
  8. Mark Miller
  9. Fred Risser
  10. Lena Taylor
  11. Kathleen Vinehout
  12. Bob Wirch 

Senate sponsors (Republicans):  NONE



No public hearing scheduled.

ALEC don't allow.
Related posts: 
UW-Milwaukee survey:  76% of respondents support raising the minimum wage.  (6/25/2014)
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed! (6/24/2014)
U.S. minimum wage since 1960.  (6/24/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows.  (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve.  (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour.  (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour.  (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage:  It's not the same all over.  (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage.  (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter.  (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline.  (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage.  (11/12/2013)
A look at the minimum wage.  (9/28/2013)

Van Hollen Donor Sez Walker Not Target of Criminal Probe


Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker not target of criminal probe into campaign coordination. (Washington Post, 6/26/2014)

Trying to wash away the taint.   Randall D. Crocker, who is representing special prosecutor Francis Schmitz, also said Thursday that court filings released last week merely outlined a theory of the case and did not constitute a finding that charges were warranted.

Related reading:
Sources say Van Hollen's office declined to help with John Doe.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/20/2011) 
Van Hollen says he won't take over John Doe investigation. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/11/2012)

Related posts:
Francis Wilkinson calls Scott Walker a "numbskull".   (6/23/2013)
Scott Walker runs for cover to the friendly confines of Fox & Friends.  (6/21/2014)
The Ralph Randa resume, abbreviated.  (5/6/2014)
One of the Governor's supporters thinks he needs to man up.  (3/1/2014)
It's the same old song.  (2/26/2014)
That's my story and I'm stickin' with it.  (2/25/2014)
When you don't have anything of substance to say, spout talking points over and over and over again.  (2/24/2014)
The Scott Walker interview that will keep on giving.  (2/22/2014)
Another John Doe shocker:  Scott Walker doesn't blame Jim Doyle.  (2/21/2014)
John Doe shocker: Scott Walker lied to us.  (2/20/2014)
Getting to know Scott Walker by the company he keeps. (2/20/2014)

Make Way for the West Central Lateral


PSC approves pipeline to aid mining companies. (Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, 6/27/2014)

Boss's orders.  The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a $182 million pipeline project between Fairchild and Tomah that brings natural gas to frac sand mining processors and several western Wisconsin communities.

By a 2-1 vote, commissioners said the WE Energies pipeline was in the public's interest because it serves future economic development needs, brings natural gas to areas not currently served and adds needed capacity to the Black River Falls and Tomah areas.



Other frac sand mining posts:
Scott Walker continues his "Thank You for Your Contributions" tour.  (5/23/2014)
What a mere $8,000 will buy you in the Scott Walker House of Favors,  (3/30/2014)
Frac sand mining and property values: Homeowners vs. landowners.  (3/30/2014)
Nevertheless, transparency would have been in the general pubic's best interest.  (3/15/2014)
Wisconsin Towns Association has second thoughts about that "gentler" frac sand mining regulation bill. (3/4/014)
Scott Walker likely to support Tom Tiffany's new mining bill.  (2/27/2014)
The vision of Trempealeau County as one big mining operation -- nipped in the bud.  (2/20/2014)
Glenwood City Council members defeat their recall challengers by a hair.  (12/18/2013)
Wyoming's Republican Governor has a message for Wisconsin mining industry's "Tom Terrific".  (11/24/2013)
The mining industry's "Tom Terrific" gets pushback from his Republican colleagues.  (11/18/2013)
In so many words: Dear Sen. Tiffany, Your bill sucks, Sincerely, Pepin County Board.  (11/13/2013)
Follow the Gogebic money.  (11/7/2013)
Sand mine industry leaders put our minds at ease.  (11/5/2013) 
Scott Walker donor promises jobs, permanence for Independence and Whitehall residents.  (10/29/2013) 
Sen. Tom Tiffany's sand mine bill a hot potato.  (10/28/2013) 
Another Walker campaign donor for SB349.  (10/25/2013)
Expensive to the Tune of $430,505.49 (as of June 30, 2013).  (10/25/2013) 
The Nipper Chronicles: The frac sand mining masters speak.  (10/18/2013)
Things aren't so tranquil in Glenwood City Wisconsin lately  (10/10/2013)

"Of course, there was more whispering than cheering going on" at the Birmingham Public Library

Of course.

Looks like at least 2 people checking out the action on their cell phones.




Thursday, June 26, 2014

Obviously, I'm missing something here

As my two sons will certainly attest to.

"Hey, what's up guys? Cory, Mr. Safety here..."



Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm turning 65 in October.

By the way, you know you're turning 65 when you get a Medicare solicitation in the mail every day.

Speaking of "shock",

Billy Idol recycles his greatest riffs.



But here's my "shock" preference.

Library Promotion Case Study: When the Message Doesn't Match the Visual


YouTube

So what do we see during most of the first 30 seconds of the video?

Books.

Books.
 Books.
 Books.
 And more books.


No Business Interruption at the Pauline Haass Public Library

Short an "s", but what the hey.  Maybe she can play at the re-dedication of the library as a municipal entity. (Wisconsin State Statutes 43.52)



Pauline Haass Library will not have to close after funding agreement ends. (Sussex Sun, 6/20/2014)

DPI weighs in.  Town officials have anticipated that the two municipalities would begin negotiations over dividing the assets of the library because the 26-year-old, joint-municipal agreement requires the assets be divided "should termination of this agreement result in the closing of the library." 

However, John De Bacher, director of library development for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, has told Lake Country Publications that the library does not have to be closed unless a court intervened. 

De Bacher said the library can continue to operate if the village of Sussex is willing to provide an operating budget, staff and maintain the library according to state standards.

And that's just what the village plans to do. 

Related articles: 
Joint library jukebox.  (6/25/2014)
Somehow I can't imagine Pewaukee waiting with open arms.  (6/22/2014)
Pauline Haass Library dispute continues XXXV.  (4/16/2014)
The Sussex-Lisbon library dispute continues.  (3/27/2014)
Differing opinions on the future of the library.  (3/3/2014)
Dissolution, "from Latin dissolutionem (nominative dissolutio) "a dissolving, destroying, interruption..."  (1/29/2014)
Getting out of joint?  (1/10/2014)
Pauline Haass library board 1, Town of Lisbon 0.  (1/3/2014)
Pauline Haass Public Library considers the cost of litigation.  (11/27/2013)
Sussex/Lisbon: Mediation fails, time to go to court.  (10/23/2013)
Town of Lisbon agrees to nonbinding arbitration with Pauline Haass.  (10/19/2013)
An uncertain funding picture for the Pauline Haass Public Library.  (10/11/2013)
This land is my land, this land is my land.  (9/12/2013)
Sussex-Lisbon library agreement still appears to be more "if" Than "when".  (8/22/2013) 
Still following the Sussex-Lisbon library talks -- since 2010.  (8/6/2013) 
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon.  (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter.  (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board.  (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave.  (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been.  (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases.  (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services.  (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns.  (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on.  (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue.  (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community.  (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap.  (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding.  (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement.  (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon:  Local politics and library negotiations.  (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process.  (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue.  (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement?  (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception.  (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library.  (5/31/2010)

Wisconsin State Assembly District 27: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary?

Open seat.  Incumbent not running for re-election.

 

Public libraries in the 27th Assembly District
Elkhart Lake Public Library
Kiel Public Library
Kohler Public Library
Mead Public Library, Sheboygan (service area)
Plymouth Public Library

Academic library
John Esch Library, Lakeland College

The 3 Republican candidates

Candidate biographies

The winner of the August 12 primary will face Democratic candidate Scott Grover Heinig.

About Scott, something of a mystery man:
  • Home:  Plymouth
  • Occupation:
  • Elected office/memberships: Heinig is listed here as a 2009 candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Tony Evers, who won the election, is also from Plymouth.

The 27th Assembly District is currently represented by Steve Kestell, who has served in the state legislature since 1998.  Kestell announced his retirement in April.

Related posts
Who's running unopposed in the Senate and Assembly? (6/16/2014)
August 12 primaries
Assembly District 1.  (6/17/2014)
Assembly District 4.  (6/18/2014)
Assembly District 8.   (6/19/2014)
Assembly District 10.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 16.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 19.  (6/22/2014)
Assembly District 20  (6/23/2014)
Assembly District 22  (6/24/2014)
Assembly District 26  (6/25/2014)

Local Control: Paying Lip Service to a GOP Principle

Rep. Barca: Wisconsin Republicans expand role of state government, erode local control.  (WisPolitics, 6/23/2014)

State Lawmakers Act to Limit Local Control.  (Wisconsin Budget Project Blog, 6/24/2014)



Memo from the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau  (Partial screenshot shown here.)
2011-12 legislative session:  29 items
2013-14 legislative session:  34 items

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Joint Library Jukebox



Lisbon terminates Sussex library agreement.  (Sussex Sun, 6/23/2014)

It's all over but the crying.  The town and village have been attempting to agree on a new funding formula during nearly four years of negotiations that were side tracked when the Library Board decided to sue the town over control of 65 acres of farm land donated to the town for library purposes by Pauline Haass. 


The library is not expected to close when the funding agreement expires. Sussex village officials have vowed to take over the library and maintain it at existing service levels.



I suspect few tears are being shed as this overlong series finally comes to an end..

Related articles: 
Somehow I can't imagine Pewaukee waiting with open arms.  (6/22/2014)
Pauline Haass Library dispute continues XXXV.  (4/16/2014)
The Sussex-Lisbon library dispute continues.  (3/27/2014)
Differing opinions on the future of the library.  (3/3/2014)
Dissolution, "from Latin dissolutionem (nominative dissolutio) "a dissolving, destroying, interruption..."  (1/29/2014)
Getting out of joint?  (1/10/2014)
Pauline Haass library board 1, Town of Lisbon 0.  (1/3/2014)
Pauline Haass Public Library considers the cost of litigation.  (11/27/2013)
Sussex/Lisbon: Mediation fails, time to go to court.  (10/23/2013)
Town of Lisbon agrees to nonbinding arbitration with Pauline Haass.  (10/19/2013)
An uncertain funding picture for the Pauline Haass Public Library.  (10/11/2013)
This land is my land, this land is my land.  (9/12/2013)
Sussex-Lisbon library agreement still appears to be more "if" Than "when".  (8/22/2013) 
Still following the Sussex-Lisbon library talks -- since 2010.  (8/6/2013) 
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon.  (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter.  (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board.  (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave.  (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been.  (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases.  (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services.  (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns.  (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on.  (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue.  (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community.  (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap.  (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding.  (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement.  (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon:  Local politics and library negotiations.  (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process.  (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue.  (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement?  (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception.  (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library.  (5/31/2010)

Is Oostburg the Most Conservative Community in Wisconsin?


See for yourself.  Rick Santorum kicks major-league butt.

It appears to be the most Republican. 

So far I haven't found a municipality with a greater-than-95.7% Republican party preference in any election.  (I stumbled across these election results while doing research for the this post.)


Wisconsin State Assembly District 26: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary?

An open seat. Incumbent not running for re-election.



Public libraries in the 26th Assembly District
Sheboygan Falls  Memorial Library

The 2 Republican candidates

Candidate biographies

The winner of the August 12 primary will face Democrat Terry Van Akkeren.

About Terry
  • Home:  Sheboygan
  • Occupation:
  • Elected office:
    • Mayor, City of Sheboygan, 2012
    • Wisconsin State Assembly, 2003-2011
    • Sheboytan

The 26th Assembly District is currently represented by Mike Endsley, who defeated Van Akkeren in the Tea Party wave of November 2010 and was re-elected to a second term in 2012.  Endsley announced in March that he is not seeking a third term

Related posts  
Who's running unopposed in the Senate and Assembly? (6/16/2014)
August 12 primaries
Assembly District 1.  (6/17/2014)
Assembly District 4.  (6/18/2014)
Assembly District 8.  (6/19/2014)
Assembly District 10.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 16.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 19.  (6/22/2014)
Assembly District 20  (6/23/2014)
Assembly District 22  (6/24/2014)

UW-Milwaukee Survey: 76% of Respondents Support Raising the Minimum Wage

A survey of registered voters.


UWM survey: Voters support raising Wisconsin minimum wage.  (Milwaukee Business Journal, 6/12/2014)

A solid majority are in support. According to a poll of registered voters out Thursday, 76 percent support raising the minimum while 23 percent oppose going above the current rate of $7.25 per hour. Those results track closely with what previous polls have shown, according to UWM. 

The question remains, how much?


Related posts: 
U.S. minimum wage since 1960.  (6/24/2014)
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed!  (6/23/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows.  (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve.  (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour.  (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour.  (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage:  It's not the same all over.  (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage.  (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter.  (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline.  (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage.  (11/12/2013)
A look at the minimum wage.  (9/28/2013)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Victoria Mullins Did Not Get Kicked Out of KFC, Reports the Jackson Clarion-Ledger

At 10:04 this morning.

Fact check first?  Meh!   National and world media such as CNN, Nancy Grace, Huffington Post and "The Today Show" umped on the story, lambasting the employees, KFC and YUM! Brands, KFC's corporate owners. 

It's all about the ratings, getting a story first.

Nearly 12 hours later, Nancy Grace hasn't acknowledged her over-reaction.  But then over-reaction is her speciality.




Ronald Hultman (1943-2014) Warren Area High School Class of 1961


1961 Dragon yearbook

"Ronald" spent 27 years (1932-1958) among the top 20 most popular baby names for boys.  Best year:  1941-43 at #9.


In the top 10 when the class of '61 graduated.

U.S. Minimum Wage Since 1960

History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009

Increase by decade
  • 1960s:  3
  • 1970s:  5
  • 1980s:  2
  • 1990s:  4
  • 2000s:  3
  • 2010s:  0

Revised 6/25/2014

Related posts: 
Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage: "Minimum comfort" indeed!  (6/23/2014)
Support for minimum wage hike grows.  (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve.  (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour.  (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour.  (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage:  It's not the same all over.  (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage.  (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter.  (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline.  (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage.  (11/12/2013)
A look at the minimum wage.  (9/28/2013)

Honolulu's Homeless Solutions: Tickets, Property Confiscation....

From 2013.  One of the efforts that has fallen short, as Mayor Kirk Campbell admits



Honolulu Shores Up Tourism With Crackdown on Homeless.  (The New York Times, 6/22/2014)

The housing part of it almost seems an after-thoughtIn addition to seizing the belongings of homeless people, Honolulu is closing public parks at night and banning tents and lean-tos in public spaces. The City Council last week began debating legislation that would authorize the police to roust anyone found lying or sleeping on a sidewalk or in a public space; a second law would impose fines of up to $1,000, or 30 days in jail, for public urination or defecation in the beachfront neighborhood of Waikiki. The council also authorized a $47 million program to create low-cost housing.

Homeless service organizations  in Hawaii.

Wisconsin State Assembly District 22nd: Who's on the Ballot for the August 12 Primary?

An open seat.  Incumbent not running for re-election.

22nd Assembly District
 
Public libraries in the 22nd Assembly District
Milwaukee Public Library.  (service area sliver)
Pauline Haass Public Library, Sussex (Lisbon service area)


The 3 Republicans candidates

Candidate biographies

The winner of the August 12 primary will face Democratic candidate Jessie Read.

About Jessie:
  • Home:   Sussex
  • Occupation:  Self-employed bookkeeper and interim office manager
  • Elected office/membership:  Treasurer, Waukesha County Democratic Party

The 22nd Assembly District is currently represented by Don Pridemore, who has served in the state legislature since 2004.   Pridemore announced his retirement in April 2014.  In April 2013, State State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers brushed back a challenge by Pridemore.

Sidebar:  Nick Oliver challenged Pridemore in a 2012 primary.  Crushed!



Related posts  
Who's running unopposed in the Senate and Assembly? (6/16/2014)
August 12 primaries
Assembly District 1.  (6/17/2014)
Assembly District 4.  (6/18/2014)
Assembly District 8.  (6/19/2014)
Assembly District 10.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 16.  (6/20/2014)
Assembly District 19.  (6/22/2014)
Assembly District 20  (6/23/2014)

Wrigley's Doublemint Gum: 100 Years of Chewing Its Trade Secret*

Doublemint
  • 1914.  The 3rd brand to be introduced by Wrigley (Spearmint and Juicy Fruit being the other 2)
  • 1939.  The Doublemint Twins make their first appearance -- on the radio, on billboards, and in magazine ads
  • 1960. The Doublemint Twins appear in their 1st TV commercial.



According to Euromonitor International
  • Young consumers have an increased apathy towards chewing gum
  • New methods of packaging and promotion haven't reversed this trend.
  • Wrigley has a 53% market share.

*The actual flavorings used in Doublemint gum are a trade secret, but the company does say that the main flavor ingredient is peppermint. Although it is not a sugarless gum, Wrigley's replaced some of the sugar with aspartame and acesulfame potassium, both artificial sweeteners, in 2003.  (Wikipedia)

VISIT Milwaukee is Relieved Quote Appears at End of Article

Since few people will read it in its entirety.

Carjacking, shooting shatter weekend for ex-Milwaukee man. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/23/2014)

Former resident visits Milwaukee to attend his high school reunion.   Wife unable to accompany him as she works as a criminal defense attorney in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Her reaction, offered with a shake of her head, to her husband's misfortune.






The Clearly Unchallenged Homogenization of Radio

Longtime WIBA-AM radio personality Mitch Henck laid off.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/23/2014)

Tyler, of course, ignored 2 emails and 2 phone calls from the reporter Henck’s supervisor, AM operations manager Tim Scott, on Monday referred questions to Jeff Tyler, market manager for the Madison stations owned by Clear Channel Communications, based in San Antonio, Texas.


Once upon a time, AM radio stations, particularly those operating in smaller communities, used to provide regular, daily, community-based reporting throughout the daylight hours.  WNAE was such a station, offering a wide array of local programming, as this schedule from 1967 demonstrates.


 What's on the WNAE schedule today?  Needless to say, it's a station my brothers no longer listen to.
  • 6 to 9:a.m.  A mix of oldies; local, state, and world news; and sports.
  • 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Glenn Beck.
  • 12 noon to 3 p.m.  Rush Limbaugh
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Sean Hannity.
  • 6 to 7 p.m.  Jerry Doyle
  • 7 to 10 p.m. Michael Savage

As you might guess, Warren is not the kind of place where people stick around anymore.


Monday, June 23, 2014

Francis Wilkinson Calls Scott Walker a "Numbskull"


Scott Walker Makes a Mess, by Francis Wilkinson.  (BloombergView, 6/23/2014)

Hey, I'm not going to argue with himThe e-mail is not the smoking gun that some would like it to be. But it's pretty solid evidence that Walker is a numbskull. Again, this is a guy who has seen six aides convicted for violating campaign laws. And here he is sending a highly suspicious, potentially incriminating, e-mail to a man whose reputation is synonymous with political subterfuge.  

Related posts:
Scott Walker runs for cover to the friendly confines of Fox & Friends.  (6/21/2014)
The Ralph Randa resume, abbreviated.  (5/6/2014)
One of the Governor's supporters thinks he needs to man up.  (3/1/2014)
It's the same old song.  (2/26/2014)
That's my story and I'm stickin' with it.  (2/25/2014)
When you don't have anything of substance to say, spout talking points over and over and over again.  (2/24/2014)
The Scott Walker interview that will keep on giving.  (2/22/2014)
Another John Doe shocker:  Scott Walker doesn't blame Jim Doyle.  (2/21/2014)
John Doe shocker: Scott Walker lied to us.  (2/20/2014)
Getting to know Scott Walker by the company he keeps. (2/20/2014)

Wisconsin's $7.25 Minimum Wage: "Minimum Comfort" Indeed!


"Minimum" is not included in section 272.001 Definitions.

Related posts: 
Support for minimum wage hike grows.  (6/21/2014)
More evidence that Scott Walker and the Republican state legislature is increasingly out of touch with the people they serve.  (5/28/2014)
Earning minimum wage and looking for a place to live? Check the "Dumps" listings! (4/25/2014
Scraping by on $83.65 an hour.  (3/17/2014)
Minnesota legislature looks to boost minimum wage from $6.15 to $9.50 per hour.  (3/4/2014)
The minimum wage:  It's not the same all over.  (2/18/2014)
A border debate on the minimum wage.  (2/16/2014)
The MacIver Institute's Pavlovian response to an increase in the minimum wage. (1/10/2014)
The view from the other side of the counter.  (11/29/2013)
The minimum wage and the poverty guideline.  (11/20/2013)
Most of us don't buy into U.S. Chamber of Commerce handwringing over minimum wage.  (11/12/2013)
A look at the minimum wage.  (9/28/2013)

Lois Egger Anderson McDanel (1936-2014) Warren High School Class of 1954



Lois is described as Reserved.....easily flustered.....agreeable......has way of her own.

As a baby name, "Lois" reached her peak of popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, spending 15 years (1023-37) in the top 30Best years:  1929 and 1930 at #17.  



If Lois went to the prom her senior year, she would have likely danced to this song, crooned by a fellow Pennsylvanian.