Cold weather cooking

There's just something about extreme cold weather that gets me to turn the oven on. I just frosted a crazy cake and have Oatmeal cookies in the works. My crazy cakelooks pretty good now that it is frosted. It didn't look so hot when I tried to remove it from the oven though. I got bad recipe for the length of time to bake it, and then I also used salad vinegar because i had no white. I didn't know the time was wrong and when I went to pull the cake from the oven, the entire center glooped to the side. Thankfully the cake came out okay with about double the baking. Butter cream chocolate frosting managed to hide the intersting mishapen top. Cho0colate is chocolate though, and it's YUMMY.

Tomo0rrow is Chili, Stew, and escalloped potatoes. I may also do a easy clam chowder. I hate the mess cooking makes, so I tend to do it all at once and then freeze portions. Tomorrow should set me up for a few weeks. The day starts with blackberry pancakes and then we'll see where it goes from there. I really need a woman that don't mind doing dishes and loves to eat.

Promises, Promises

Politicians are well known for making and breaking campaign promises. And the voters are well known for forgetting the promises come next election.

The good folks at PolitiFact (courtesy the St. Petersburg times, a newspaper I read for many years in Florida and did a pretty good job of rating the campaing commercials and attacks) have introduced the Obameter, a site to track his campaign promises. They are rating them as kept, broken, compromised, stalled, or no action. There is a complete list of 509 promises they have found during the campaign to track.

So far, five have been kept, mostly easy ones of course like naming at least one Republican to his Cabinet. 14 are in the works, one compromise and one stalled.

It will be interesting to see how these develop. Some may take longer than two terms and still be hard to quantify like "Restore the Great Lakes". Some seem almost too easy such as "Provide the CDC $50 million in new funding to determine the most effective approaches for cancer patient care" ($50 million isn't much in a $3 trillion budget).

Obama said to hold him accountable...this is a good first step and I look forward to seeing what progress is made on these.

Add your b-day.....just do it!

I just looked at the calendar for this year and only, KK, Ser, Drew and Abby have their birthdays on it. Could everyone take a second and add your birthday to our calendar? You go to the bottom of our page click the month you want then the day and add your birthday to it. It's easy and we all need to know about these big events so we can all pick on you for being older. Don't deny us the small pleasures! Thanks all.............

Something you don't see every day...

THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN IN THE WOODS NEAR KIRKLAND LAKE , ONTARIO , CANADA .ABOUT 30 MILES FROM Matheson , ONTARIO .

Happy Friday open blog!! Yeah, we made it!!

HAPPY FRIDAY ONE AND ALL!!!
Wow, what a week. I was sick most of it,
REALLY sick, just ask SER, wow,
he saw me on my worst day too :(
I'm feeling almost like myself again, I missed me!!

How are you guys doing?
Did you survive the week?
Whatcha doing this weekend?
I'm resting and MAKING sure I'll all better!!

Check your firearms at the door, please

Actor takes blame for gun accident

Good grief. Read this story about a stage troop here in Florida. They needed a gun for a production. Someone takes their gun out of the sock in the drawer and brings it in. No testing of the gun. The play is in rehearsal. The actor fires the gun and ta-dah, there are bullets in it.

This may be up there for the Darwin Awards this year!

I think Hale's Dad knows these people and may even help out at this theater. Hale???? Any inside dope????

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090122/ARTICLE/901220380

Fridays Grin.......

A good looking man walked into an agent's office in Hollywood and said 'I want to be a movie star.'

Tall, handsome and with experience on Broadway, he had the right credentials.

The agent asked, 'What's your name?'

The guy said, 'My name is Penis van Lesbian.'

The agent said, 'Sir, I hate to tell you, but in order to get into Hollywood , you are going to have to change your name.'

'I will NOT change my name! The van Lesbian name is centuries old, I will not disrespect my grandfather by changing my name. Not Ever.'

The agent said, 'Sir, I have worked in Hollywood for years...you will NEVER go far in Hollywood with a name like Penis van Lesbian!

I'm telling you, you will HAVE TO change your name or I will not be able to represent you.'

'So be it! I guess we will not do business together' the guy said and he left the agent's office.

FIVE YEARS LATER..... The agent opens an envelope sent to his office. Inside the envelope is a letter and a check for $50,000. The Agent is awe-struck, who would possibly send him $ 50,000? He reads the letter enclosed...

'Dear Sir, Five years ago, I came into your office wanting to become an actor in Hollywood , you told me I needed to change my name. Determined to make it with my God-given birth name, I refused. You told me I would never make it in Hollywood with a name like Penis van Lesbian.

After I left your office, I thought about what you said. I decided you were right. I had to change my name. I had too much pride to return to your office, so I signed with another agent. I would never have made it without changing my name, so the enclosed check is a token of my appreciation.

Thank you for your advice..


Sincerely,


Dick van Dyke


(I don't care who you are, that's funny ! )

Bush's Final Act as President

My Turban is in the Ring! (And my Wig.)

Hello again, my sweets!

I've received a most interesting email from Mr. Fred Dooley of Real Debate Wisconsin:

"My Esteemed Madame Zoltar.

"This whole Mayoral thing is beyond my ability to comprehend. Gary 'The Pervert' Becker actually ran unopposed in his re-election bid.

"Now that Gary is shuffling off to a new room-mate somewhere with lots of iron bars everyone and their sister seems to want to lead our fair berg.

"The real question is simple; will you lead us Madame Zoltar?

"If not, can you give us some insight as to who might?

"My Thanks
Fred Dooley"

Oh my, I am so flattered!

I must admit that my interest in the position was already piqued by some comments that Ms. kk made. Mr. OrbsCorbs also contacted me to urge me to run, but I assumed that he was joshing me. Now comes the same suggestion from one of the veterans of our political scene.

Oh my, oh my. I certainly could not do worse than our previous leader. And I don't particularly trust the people who gave their approval to his every whim, but are now backpedalling in their own efforts to secure the position. Even state representatives are clamoring for the job. Hmmm, what power does the mayor's job hold? Who better to trust with the position than someone already immersed in the dark arts? I could prepare voodoo dolls of my adversaries and stick them with a pin when they act up. Perhaps I could cast a spell on Madison, thereby forcing them to view our city with financial favor. Maybe I would even get to ride shotgun with the police like Mr. Becker did (I know, I know, oh the irony!), and I could mind meld with some local thugs, changing their destinies. Trust me, one encounter with Mme. Zoltar and I WILL turn your life around, or leave your head spinning like that kid in "The Exorcist."

Well, I have decided: if I'm not drafted, I will still run; if not nominated, who cares?; and if not elected, I will serve anyway!

Madame Zoltar for mayor! SER for police chief! AvengingAngel for city administrator! kk for RUSD superintendent! Once elected, I will create appropriate positions for others. Our fair city has suffered far too long from the lack of an official astrophysicist, lizard curator, music video director, dead snake mailer, and other positions.

I promise that if the citizens of Racine elect me, I will make them forget about Becker. In fact, when I'm through, I don't think they'll remember much of anything! Look deeply into my eyes, deeply, deeply. You are getting sleepy, sleepy. Vote for Madame Zoltar, vote for Madame Zoltar, . . .

Thank you all in advance for your support and efforts on my behalf. Please send your campaign contributions to: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

Observations on the City "Committee of the Whole"

I went to the meeting of the City Council last night. Wait, that's wrong, I went to the meeting of the committee of the whole. In case you're wondering, the committee of the whole is the whole city council, but they call it the committee of the whole so they can make recommendations to themselves. Whew!

They seemed to start off real well. They had an intelligent debate regarding the date of the special election to fill the vacant Mayorial [spit] seat. I was happy that none of the Aldermen even considered appointing someone until an election could be held next year.

It was about this time that I started to squirm in my seat. A few of the Alderman had to ask for clarification about the statutes governing the intervals of the primary and the general elections. About 3 or 4 times. Even with that, it became evident to me that at least one Alderman (who will remain nameless) still couldn't get it their head. C'mon, it is simple math. Primary is held, then general is held 28 days later. Why is this difficult?

Ok, so they voted to recommend to themselves that the election would be held in June. I wasn't too put off by this, but I couldn't help but notice how cavalier they are with our money. By moving it back, it will cost the citizens of Racine an additional $36,000. Not much in the scheme of things, but, what could you do with $36K?

Then, it went bad.

The discussion turned to the Mayorial [spit] appointment. Alderman Coe praised the efforts of Alderman Maack and made a motion to appoint Maack as "Acting" Mayor [spit].

After a few Alderman said nothing important, Alderman Helding finally stepped in to inform the rest of the Council, sorry, Committee, that they can't simply create the office of "Acting" Mayor [spit]. If they make an appointment, that person would be Mayor [spit] not "Acting" or "Interm" Mayor [spit]. Since the office of Alderman and Mayor [spit] are incompatible, the Alderman would have to resign his seat.

This obviously came as quite a shock to many Aldermen. The confused babble that ensued culminated in Alderman Maack asking Alderman Coe to withdraw his motion. I sat there wondering "Why didn't they know that?".

The committee ended the evening by resolving to meet again next week. I truly believe that, after this minor fiasco, they couldn't get out of that room fast enough. Before they left, at least one Alderman cautioned them to come prepared to make an appointment recommendation next week.

Let's hope so. We need to move away from the taint of Becker [spit] as fast as possible.

What's Your Sunspot Number?

I was just poking around at Spaceweather and found they have a new utility that will show you where you were born on the solar cycle. I was curious so I entered my birthday and found out I was born near solar maximum as you can see below.
So what good is this? Well, not much really. It is kind of fun to see historical graphs...and I like graphs!

If you try to prove relationships between solar cycles and the stock market, birth rates, or anything else, be sure to include your confidence levels and all the other fun statistics...I will be checking your work!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

Funny stuff....

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/01/22/local_news/doc49791fad16439871502038.txt

HAHAHAaaa.... this guy slammed into my parked car on State St ( by Lincoln Statue) in the middle of the night, drunk and with a 18 yr female. Hit it so hard it popped up onto another car and slammed that one into a light post.
This happened in the mid 80's .. can't remember the exact date though. But, I'll never forget his name.


Hey.. KK.. I think I did it right this time!!!

ok.. maybe not LOL

Omigosh! You want to tell them, or should I?

I Just Want To Say How Proud I Am Of The JT Irregulars

This week has been a blur to me, primarily because I've had to spend so much time on repairing my main computer. It still needs a lot of work (and, for technical reasons, I may start the process all over again). In feverishly trying to reinstall everything while worrying about this site and missing out on the news at other sites, I was running back and forth between the computer I was working on and the spare one I was using to keep an eye on the net. Whenever I glanced at this site, it looked impressive to me. The page is attractive. The content is funny, sad, informative, helpful, interesting, and inspiring. The people are wonderful.

When this site started, I wasn't at all sure that we would survive a couple of weeks, let alone a few months. I mean, we're not paid, and antipathy towards our former site is hardly enough glue to hold us together, nor are we the type of people who want to be bound only by a mutual resentment. Somehow, though, we seem to have found a niche. Caring, talented people coming together online, and in person, to enjoy banter and thoughts about our lives in and around Racine, Wisconsin, all the way out to the furthest reaches of the universe (thanks, Hale).

I'm very proud to be a part of this site and to know people like my fellow Irregulars. Thank you all, thank you very much.

Apple's 1984 Macintosh Commercial

"Today marks the 25th anniversary of the perhaps biggest advertisement in history. One that generated millions in free coverage and still does today: 1984—presenting the Apple Macintosh—is still a gem that leaves most people speechless."

http://i.gizmodo.com/5136951/1984-macintosh-ad-still-rocks-our-socks-25-years-later

That was 11 years before Windows 95. Record players, VHS tapes, and corded telephones were the norm. The information explosion had yet to occur, but I think Steve Jobs had an inkling that something was up with these new-fangled personal computer thingies.

"Microsoft profit misses, to cut up to 5,000 jobs"

http://www.reuters.com/article/hotStocksNews/idUSTRE50L2XB20090122

They paid Jerry Seinfeld $10,000,000 to appear in two commercials for their failed operating system, one of which was never seen and the other hardly at all. Why do businesses think like this? Why didn't they take the $10M and invest it in fixing their product, or designing a new one? Hell, why didn't they just spread the money out for discounts on Vista?

"Hey, Joe, it looks like our new operating system is a dog that no one wants to buy because it's bloated and poorly executed. Should we fix it? Naw, let's give $10 million to a comedian in the hope that he can help us con more people into buying our crap product."

Please, stop the lies.

Plots within Plots

Ok, everyone take out their copy of "The Prince" by Machiavelli.

A buzz has surfaced regarding the divorce filing of Mrs. Becker. The speculation is that the real reason for the filing is to protect their assets from litigation.

Basically, if they divorce and she is awarded all of the big ticket items (House, cars, savings/investments), then they can't be touched if someone sues the Mayor, because they will no longer be owned by him.

Who would be suing him? Well, if he has "corresponded" with a real 14 year old girl/girls (remember, they have thousands of lines of chat from his computer), then the parents could possibly sue for damaging their child.

I can't verify if this is accurate, but it is interesting speculation.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello my chickadees! How are you? My, haven’t we had an interesting week? We inaugurated a new president and deposed an old mayor. My prognostications have been in high demand by people who want to be in the know. Unfortunately, I can’t even make up things as juicy as the real news.

We have a couple of emails today. The first comes from Mr. Logjam, who writes:

Happy New Year Madame,

I need you to look into your ball. It's been 4 weeks now since my knee job, and I have to admit, I'm a bit down. I was hoping things would move along at a fair pace, but I'm still tied to crutches, the knee is still swollen and hurts like hell to bend it. Part of the reason I had the surgery was to allow me to continue to do what I enjoy doing.....officiating baseball and football. From what you see in your ball, am I calling balls and strikes this summer and running the sidelines tooting my whistle this fall, or doomed to walk the nursing home shuffle?

I thank you.

A Happy New Year to you, too, Mr. Logjam. Please don’t worry one bit more about your knee. I’m sure that winning the Powerball jackpot next week will take your mind off of that. Congratulations!

See, now wasn’t that easy? Unfortunately, you will not win the Powerball jackpot next week, but for a few moments there, you didn’t notice your knee at all, did you? I’m thinking that maybe you are focusing on your knee and worried because it is a difficult operation to undergo and recover from. Along with the deep freeze and 5 feet of snow. And all the good news about the economy, politics, world affairs, etc. I predict that by the time the tulips are blooming this spring, you and the boys of summer will be in training. Do what the physical therapists tell you to do, Mr. Logjam, and while you’re at it, have your eyes checked, too. Everyone knows that umpires often suffer from vision difficulties.

Our second email comes from Ms. Abby, who writes:

My dear Madam,

I'm thinking of dying my hair. Do you think the carpet should match the drapes? If so can you tell me if anyone will ever see it? Next what color would be best?

Thank you in advance.

Oh my, Abby, I’m bald and just wear a wig. ;) In any case, I believe that the carpeting should always match the drapes, especially if you want to attract a prospective tenant. As for anyone seeing it, I’m sure that if you want to show it, someone will always be willing to take a look. On the hair color issue, as I said, bald is beautiful, but “they” say that blondes have more fun. Perhaps Ms. kk could better attest to that. And who are “they,” anyway?

Confidential to GB: Sorry, but not even my considerable powers can help you out this time. On your way down, don’t forget to say hi to everyone that you stepped on on your way up.

That’s it for this week, my compadres. Don’t forget to send your questions and comments to: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

I hope that you have a wonderful week to come. José Cuervo!

Check this out!!!

Have you seen the article, Becker’s wife files for divorce posted by our friends at the, Racine News?

Becker Gets Kicked to the Curb

Open Letter to the City Of Racine Common Council

Dear Aldermen,

The citizens of Racine have been put through enough. Becker's actions have put a stain on our community and particularly our elected officials, namely, YOU.

We need to decide who will be the next Mayor. Any appointment by the Council will be looked upon with derision from this community and will, no doubt, be remembered when your seat comes up for reelection.

Do the right thing. Let the voices of the community be heard!

So that's how tequila works!!

And I thought it just made your clothes come off!

IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT BY NOW...............

What really brought down the passenger jet that went into the Hudson River?

Allah is mad at me...he sent me a pet cat...

Advertising!

I see an advertisement for JTI on the Racine News site. Cool!

Becker resigned as of 5:00 tonight.

The meeting for tonight has been canceled!

I just need to get this off my chest. Sorry about the rant.

I have some issues. I am very conservative biased. I am cynical as well. I have issues with just about everyone on the left, and it annoys Mrs. Wacko. (God Bless her for putting up with me and my issues) I talk to the TV. I call Nancy Pelosi “Evil”. I think Ted Kennedy should be in jail for murder. I think Nixon got screwed. I believe Bush 43 has faults, but he tried, and heaven help us if Algore had been President after 9/11.

President Obama still scares the crap out of me. I still feel that he lacks experience to run the country, and the fact that he is bringing in so many Clintonistas to the White House is discouraging. All the change he promised during the campaign are things he cannot do or pay for and a lot will have to be scaled back.

That being said, I am proud of our country that we have a peaceful, safe, and bloodless transfer of power every four or 8 years. It is one of the things that makes us unique and fills me with pride. I also understand the significance of a mixed race president. We have come along way as a country.

I wish I could get over this funk I am in and be joyful with the millions in the capitol today. My employer (Obama supporters) told people that they could take an hour to watch the coverage. I went back to work. If McCain was on the stand today that announcement would not have been made.

President Obama, please remember that 44% of Americans did not support you. We are Americans too, and while prideful about our country, don’t forget about us. You cant bring about “Change” alone no matter what Nancy Pelosi tries to tell you or what rules she changes without us. Remember the 44% Mr. President. Work with us. Listen to us. Don’t be polarizing. If you truly believe that you can make America better, be sure your making it better for all Americans, not just the ones that voted for you. God Bless you on this day and God Bless America.

PS: I am not trying to piss off our resident liberals, so dont start attacking me.

It didn't take long

First one of the year,let the games begin.

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/01/20/local_news/doc49751611b15e4840885441.txt

Think they'll actually do something this year?

A Graphic Depiction of Economic Bailout:

Greener Grass...

It's important in life to reach out, to strive for greater achievements, to go for that greener grass that is on the other side of the fence...to risk...to stretch the limits of our humble existences...

But one must also be careful. . . .

Sometimes, you can reach too far!

But when you find yourself over-extended and you're stuck in a situation that you can't get out of, there is one thing you should always remember...

Your Government...

Is there to help you!!!!

A Sweet Inaugural Ride

I was just surfing the web and found out that, in addition to several astronauts, the inaugural parade will include NASA's new Lunar Electric Rover (LER...you all know that NASA stands for National Association of Silly Acronyms I assume). The LER is not exactly your father's lunar rover. The original little rovers could cover a few miles. This rover is about the size of a pickup trick and is designed to support two astronauts on 14 day treks across the lunar surface. The cabin is pressurized so astronauts can wear normal clothes inside or suit up to go out and explore on foot.
Now I know that there are those who question the utility of the space program. Looking up the specs of this guy, they are developing new high capacity batteries for it. These batteries could power a sedan for about 500 miles without recharging. The research being done on this vehicle has a direct, short term practical application here on Earth.

I sure look forward to seeing this guy driving down the street for the inaugural parade tomorrow!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

Happy Monday OPEN Blog

Happy Monday one and all!
I'm feeling a bit 'off' today, kinda like this guy!
I'm just falling apart, how are you guys doing?
Anything exciting happening this week??

Checkout What is Happening Around the World

One of the most interesting sites I have ever seen. Just put your mouse on a city anywhere in the world and the newspaper headlines pop up... Double click and the page gets larger....

World Wide Newspapers

Also, if you look at the European papers, the far left side of Germany will pop up as The Stars & Stripes (European edition, of course). AND, this site changes everyday with the publication of new editions of the paper. Hope you enjoy this..

The Star Wars You Never Knew...

As told by someone who has not seen any of the movies...

Everyones lookin to save a buck

$7 SEX ......... A Florida couple, both well into their 80s, go to a sex therapist's office. The doctor asks, 'What can I do for you?' The man says, 'Will you watch us have sexual intercourse?' The doctor raises both eyebrows, but he is so amazed that such an elderly couple is asking for sexual advice that he agrees. When the couple finishes, the doctor says, 'There's absolutely nothing wrong with the way you have intercourse.' He thanks them for coming, he wishes them good luck, he charges them $50 and he says good bye. The next week, the same couple returns and asks the sex therapist to watch again. The sex therapist is a bit puzzled, but agrees. This happens several weeks in a row. The couple makes an appointment, has intercourse with no problems, pays the doctor, then leave. Finally, after 3 months of this routine, the doctor says, 'I'm sorry, but I have to ask. Just what are you trying to find out?' The man says, 'We're not trying to find out anything. She's married so we can't go to her house. I'm married and we can't go to my house. The Holiday Inn charges $98. The Hilton charges $139. We do it here for $50, and I get $43 back from Medicare. SHAME ON YOU FOR LAUGHING AT THAT.....