This post has an assortment of pictures ranging from animals to scenic views, please enjoy.........
This one is my favorite, a dandelion in seed with morning dew on it.
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This one is interesting, they are clouds over a volcano...
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
BWAA HA HA News room Asshats
The spin doctors are seriously out in force. "Face masks do little good." "Computer simulations show 'only' 1,400 cases of Swine flu."
Let's look at the last one first. If a reader understands math, they understand exponential growth. I realize math gives folks the heebie jeebies so I'll give a short story of exponential growth for you. A king once promised a reward of a gold coin that was doubled for each square of a checker board. The king died a poor penniless old man for that. In the first eight days it started small.
1 coin for the first day, 2 coins for the second. Four for the third day, and eight for the fourth. On the eight day, the king paid 64. The next row things got a little out of hand. On day sixteen, the king paid, 16,384. He had paid in total by the sixteenth day over 32,000 gold coins. With six rows left to go, the numbers get huge. Now lets look at this "only 1,400" amount they are placating you with.
If we look at the words exponential growth and that "looking further out, things are very different." There are still six more rows to go folks. It isn't over in four weeks, it's just starting. The numbers that get sick are going to be huge because we have no defense You might want to be an early bird and get it over with now. Getting any kind of service in a couple of months is going to be interesting.
Not to panic though, this isn't Bird Flu and the death rate will be manageable. Yes people are going to die. Not hordes of them. The media will try to make it seem like hordes, but not so. If it were Bird Flu (H5N1) I'd have bought a gun last week. Not for me, but society will have some issues with Bird Flu. Anyhow, they are spreading disinformation to lull you into not taking action until too late.
Might was well buy some cough syrup and cold meds now while they are on store shelves. Stock up on toilet paper too. Trust me when you are sick and everyone in the house is bowl blasting, you do not want to have to run to the store and see empty TP shelves. TP is near worth it's weight in gold sometimes. As for other things, you know the drill. Racine actually has a disaster preparedness website. The Journal times actually ran a series of what to buy each month to outfit a well stocked disaster kit. I don't think you will need a full kit, but a good look over the list will help you see what you and your family need for that rough period.
Oh yeah, the face masks. You aren't going to find them, you're going to pay premium when you do, and they do work better than you've been lead to believe. If you make a run on them, then those out on the Front Lines won't be able to find them. This is the real reason the news story went out that they don't work that well. If you have an N95 rated mask, and use it correctly, you are much safer out in public. *NOTE I said "N5" in an earlier post. the correct number is "N95"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090501/sc_livescience/worstcasescenarioforfluestimated
Let's look at the last one first. If a reader understands math, they understand exponential growth. I realize math gives folks the heebie jeebies so I'll give a short story of exponential growth for you. A king once promised a reward of a gold coin that was doubled for each square of a checker board. The king died a poor penniless old man for that. In the first eight days it started small.
1 coin for the first day, 2 coins for the second. Four for the third day, and eight for the fourth. On the eight day, the king paid 64. The next row things got a little out of hand. On day sixteen, the king paid, 16,384. He had paid in total by the sixteenth day over 32,000 gold coins. With six rows left to go, the numbers get huge. Now lets look at this "only 1,400" amount they are placating you with.
If we look at the words exponential growth and that "looking further out, things are very different." There are still six more rows to go folks. It isn't over in four weeks, it's just starting. The numbers that get sick are going to be huge because we have no defense You might want to be an early bird and get it over with now. Getting any kind of service in a couple of months is going to be interesting.
Not to panic though, this isn't Bird Flu and the death rate will be manageable. Yes people are going to die. Not hordes of them. The media will try to make it seem like hordes, but not so. If it were Bird Flu (H5N1) I'd have bought a gun last week. Not for me, but society will have some issues with Bird Flu. Anyhow, they are spreading disinformation to lull you into not taking action until too late.
Might was well buy some cough syrup and cold meds now while they are on store shelves. Stock up on toilet paper too. Trust me when you are sick and everyone in the house is bowl blasting, you do not want to have to run to the store and see empty TP shelves. TP is near worth it's weight in gold sometimes. As for other things, you know the drill. Racine actually has a disaster preparedness website. The Journal times actually ran a series of what to buy each month to outfit a well stocked disaster kit. I don't think you will need a full kit, but a good look over the list will help you see what you and your family need for that rough period.
Oh yeah, the face masks. You aren't going to find them, you're going to pay premium when you do, and they do work better than you've been lead to believe. If you make a run on them, then those out on the Front Lines won't be able to find them. This is the real reason the news story went out that they don't work that well. If you have an N95 rated mask, and use it correctly, you are much safer out in public. *NOTE I said "N5" in an earlier post. the correct number is "N95"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090501/sc_livescience/worstcasescenarioforfluestimated
Astronomy Day May 2nd
I just wanted to give you a heads up that Astronomy Day is May 2nd. The Racine Astronomical Society is having events at their observatory all day Saturday. Solar observing (with appropriate solar filters of course) takes place Saturday from 2 to 5pm and night observing is from 8 to 11pm at the Modine-Bensted Observatory. All events are free (although donations are accepted...no pressure. You might even miss the donation bin unless you are looking for it!)
They really have a great facility out there. The large dome houses a 16inch reflector and the smaller dome a 14 inch reflector (both of different optical designs, but I won't bore you with technical details!) Several telescopes will be set up oustide the domes as well.
The Moon will be a day past first quarter which is an excellent time to observe the Moon. Craters along the terminator (the day-night dividing line) have long shadows providing high contrast and excellent views. Saturn is still well positioned for viewing early in the evening. It's rings are nearly edge on. This happens once every 15 years giving the planet a distinct appearance. I can't give a list of other objects they will feature (although I know what I would show you!) but they will feature other star clusters, double stars and galaxies throughout the night.
They really have a great facility out there. The large dome houses a 16inch reflector and the smaller dome a 14 inch reflector (both of different optical designs, but I won't bore you with technical details!) Several telescopes will be set up oustide the domes as well.
The Moon will be a day past first quarter which is an excellent time to observe the Moon. Craters along the terminator (the day-night dividing line) have long shadows providing high contrast and excellent views. Saturn is still well positioned for viewing early in the evening. It's rings are nearly edge on. This happens once every 15 years giving the planet a distinct appearance. I can't give a list of other objects they will feature (although I know what I would show you!) but they will feature other star clusters, double stars and galaxies throughout the night.
More State Child Care Funds Looted - Racine DA Twiddles Thumbs
"A Kenosha County child-care provider whose fraudulent activity was detailed in a Journal Sentinel series this year is back in business - billing the state for more than $1,400 in recent weeks.
"Angela Hale never officially shut down her day care operation but stopped billing after the newspaper detailed how she charged the state when she wasn't actually taking care of children.
"The Racine County district attorney's office has been investigating the circumstances surrounding Hale and the Racine mother who allegedly took her kids to Hale's home-based day care.
"No criminal charges have been filed against either. Nor have Kenosha County regulators yanked Hale's child-care certification.
"Adelene Greene, head of the Kenosha County Division of Workforce Development, said Kenosha County couldn't take action against Hale because the children she was allegedly caring for were from Racine. And Hale's work hours were submitted to Racine County regulators for approval.
"'We cannot handle a Racine situation,' Greene said."
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/44103702.html
Eh, it's only Racine, it's only children, it's only public funds, right, Nieskes?
Party on!
"Angela Hale never officially shut down her day care operation but stopped billing after the newspaper detailed how she charged the state when she wasn't actually taking care of children.
"The Racine County district attorney's office has been investigating the circumstances surrounding Hale and the Racine mother who allegedly took her kids to Hale's home-based day care.
"No criminal charges have been filed against either. Nor have Kenosha County regulators yanked Hale's child-care certification.
"Adelene Greene, head of the Kenosha County Division of Workforce Development, said Kenosha County couldn't take action against Hale because the children she was allegedly caring for were from Racine. And Hale's work hours were submitted to Racine County regulators for approval.
"'We cannot handle a Racine situation,' Greene said."
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/44103702.html
Eh, it's only Racine, it's only children, it's only public funds, right, Nieskes?
Party on!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Rock and Roll Revival
Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Rock and Roll Revival! I grew up listening to music before the days of MTV and videos. Like everybody else, I listened to music over the radio. I became intriged by song from Kiss, Calling Dr. Love So, I went to the store and bought my first album ever, Love Gun. I had no idea what the band looked like or what. Come to find out, it was them on the cover! The bizarre costumes and make-up! Cool, I thought. I was only twelve years old and became obcessed with Kiss.
My interest in Kiss waned over the years as I picked upon more talented artists like Led Zeppelin. I grew away from the gimmicks that filled rock music. I became more focused on the music itself. Personally, I don't care what they look like anymore, as long as the music is good.
We live in an image conscience world. Where first impression "matters." You can't judge a book by it's cover. The same applies to music. So my question is-should a band an image, gimmick, or controversy to sell themselves or just let the music do the talking?
BTW-I still think Kiss rocks!!!
My interest in Kiss waned over the years as I picked upon more talented artists like Led Zeppelin. I grew away from the gimmicks that filled rock music. I became more focused on the music itself. Personally, I don't care what they look like anymore, as long as the music is good.
We live in an image conscience world. Where first impression "matters." You can't judge a book by it's cover. The same applies to music. So my question is-should a band an image, gimmick, or controversy to sell themselves or just let the music do the talking?
BTW-I still think Kiss rocks!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine flu heeby jeebies
Okay, the news reels are screaming PANDEMIC! should we care? I think we should care a little but not dire dread. Lets look at the facts. This isn't bird Flu (H5N1) or SARS. This is a new Swine Flu (H1N1) and isn't nearly as bad with high morbidity (death) rates. H5N1 has a morbidity of over 64%., and SARS was a bit over 18%. This Swine flu has a morbidity of under .5%. It is also susceptible to anti-virals like Tamiflu. H5N1 has started laughing at the antivirals.
What does this mean to us? It means we should take precautions, but not lose undue amounts of sleep. it means that people will see that the PANDEMIC! worries are overblown and let their guards down for the real pandemic influenzas.
Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, use common sense.
What does this mean to us? It means we should take precautions, but not lose undue amounts of sleep. it means that people will see that the PANDEMIC! worries are overblown and let their guards down for the real pandemic influenzas.
Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, use common sense.
Converter boxes.........
I don't do cable ( we all know why,moneys tight).......so I got the converter box and I was so happy ..AT FIRST, when the picture does come in it's VERY clear.
Well the down falls are as follows:
Well the down falls are as follows:
- When neighbor is on cell TV losses signal. (he's always on the dam thing)
- Some channels work upstairs, some down stairs.
- Plane flys over it goes out.(I'm near the airport)
- Daughter turns on radio in room above TV signal goes out.
- Dish washer is on signal goes in and out.
- Many, many more.
I was just wondering if anyone else has the converter and is considering breaking down and getting cable?
To watch Dancing with the stars last night I had to have both kids positioned just right on the couches (holding tin foil....J/K) and all of the appliances turned off.............no one was allowed to move until the commercials! HEEHEE.....it'll be the same Thursday when Bones and Hell's kitchen are on!
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, my friends! How are you?I’m ashamed to say that I forgot about this week’s blog until just now. And that’s about all that I have to say. There were no email questions or comments this week, and I don’t have any pressing issues to prognosticate on.
A quick glance at the news this morning reveals the usual economic horrors and criminal brutalities facing the fair residents of our city. However, even though the first U.S. death from Mexico’s swine flu has been confirmed and President Obama has declared, “This is obviously a serious situation, serious enough to take the utmost precautions,” a Journal Times editorial pooh-poohs all of that flu-poo nonsense and encourages us to party on. Thank God that the crack team of medical experts and epidemiologists at the Journal Times are keeping a keen eye on this so-called pandemic for us; otherwise, I might worry.
There also appears to be some concern locally that state senator John Lehman is actually listening to his constituents and not the special interest groups that he is paid to represent. Don’t worry, though, for I predict that he will come around. Once the genius of government of the government, by the government, and for the government is demonstrated to him, he will realize the foolishness of listening to taxpayers. There is no arguing with what the government has done for our economy and in global affairs. Even our local government has shone through with its visionary treatment of children as fodder for the pleasures of perverts and sadists. Can you say “coal train,” kiddies? I feel so much more secure knowing that we bury our little secrets in Racine.
Well, I’m off to tend to the enflamed genitalia of a local captain of industry who buggered a boy that had the insolence to purchase and use one of my hex potions in revenge. Tsk, tsk. Won’t you Racine NAMBLA members ever learn?
Don’t forget to send you questions and comments to me at: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.
I’ll see you next week, dears. Be sure to vote in next Tuesday’s mayoral election and write in “Madame Zoltar.” Ta-ta!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
News from Florida
Nah, there is no news...just sunny and warm...nice ocean breezes...no rain in the forecast for several days. SER put down that finger, NOW!!!!!!
To all of you, I want to say 'thank you' for making my trip up there so enjoyable. And while my house may have looked like a bombsite for a little bit, we had it whipped back into shape in no time.
I enjoyed seeing DA separately from you since she was concerned about Minnie's behavior...how could her behavior been any worse than Fungi on the pole????
This group has proven to me once again that they are just plain nice, caring people who like to have fun...You made this trip worth every penny!
See you in the summer, guys. Thanks for being (a) friend!
To all of you, I want to say 'thank you' for making my trip up there so enjoyable. And while my house may have looked like a bombsite for a little bit, we had it whipped back into shape in no time.
I enjoyed seeing DA separately from you since she was concerned about Minnie's behavior...how could her behavior been any worse than Fungi on the pole????
This group has proven to me once again that they are just plain nice, caring people who like to have fun...You made this trip worth every penny!
See you in the summer, guys. Thanks for being (a) friend!
Monday, April 27, 2009
ROAD TRIP!!!
ALL ABOARD!!!!
After the party, it may be a good idea
to leave town for awhile,
hurry up, get in!!!!
***UPDATED***
OK Abby, we only have to take the
'old' bus to the west coast where the monster bus
is waiting for us.
I know we're moving but I can't see who's driving...
Tisa Hawes pleads no contest to failing to act to prevent harm to a child
http://journaltimesonline.com/newsrightnow/?idvar=2077
Tisa is the "mother" who stood by while her live-in boyfriend tortured her son and tied him into bed at night, eventually suffocating him. She faces up to six years in prison for letting her child be murdered, but the state is making no recommendation on the length of her sentence.
I believe "the state" here means District Attorney Mike Nieskes' office, the same guys who are bungling (or putting in the fix for?) the Becker case.
Screw you, Nieskes. You are a disgrace to your office and to the people of Racine.
Tisa is the "mother" who stood by while her live-in boyfriend tortured her son and tied him into bed at night, eventually suffocating him. She faces up to six years in prison for letting her child be murdered, but the state is making no recommendation on the length of her sentence.
I believe "the state" here means District Attorney Mike Nieskes' office, the same guys who are bungling (or putting in the fix for?) the Becker case.
Screw you, Nieskes. You are a disgrace to your office and to the people of Racine.
The sky is falling
Mom mentioned the news was saying flooding in southeast Wisconsin. I looked up the news on the Net, and got channel 58. The short clip showed a 16" road culvert rushing water 3/4 deep, and a puddle in a ditch. Must be a slow news day
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"Don't you mess with grandpa, sonny"
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/43601852.html
This man stopped to help a couple of guys on the street and they tried to hijack his car. They punched him in the eye. He returned the favor by kicking one in the nuts and the other in the gut.
Go, grandpa!