Bobcat on top of a Saguaro -- Only in Arizona

UPDATED

OUT IN ARIZONA SOMEWHERE.
A Mountain Lion had chased a Bobcat up a tall Saguaro.

Photos are by Curt Fonger, taken in Gold Canyon, AZ. Original Story http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/offbeat/bobcat-on-cactus-4-6-2011

Hail, Fellow Survivors of the Apocalypse!

I know, I know, it's not supposed to start until 6 PM wherever you are - this was a rolling apocalypse - but that meant it was supposed to start in New Zealand at 1 AM our time today. It's now 1:30 AM. Nothing has happened in New Zealand yet.

"New Zealand region yet to suffer destruction forecast by Oakland-based doomsday predictor:" http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/05/new-zealand-earthquake-christmas-island-harold-camping-may-21-rapture-doomsday.html

So, to all survivors, I wish to say that I believe that we can build a society based on honesty, trust, and respect for each other. No, seriously, welcome back to the same old stuff, life, and all of its mysteries.

It’s a Test

3.2 Billion dollars, mostly in cash, will be spent on what this year?

NO searching the web...

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Four for Fridays after a rather short week. Time just flew....Well, just some random questions off the top my head this morning....

1) If you were a billionaire, would you live lavishly or modestly?

2) Whom do you consider a hero?

3) How many clocks do have in your house?

4) Do you know how to swim?

Enjoy your weekend!

"Biggest domino pyramid ever... almost"

Ding dang darn! That will put a kink in your day.
 

Open Blog - Friday

Freak yeah!

"We need your support-Unlicensed drivers laws gaining momentum & strength"

The following is reprinted in whole from Racine Uncovered, http://racineuncovered.org/?p=35691

We hear it time and time again, driving after suspension/revocation. I think the record I have heard on the scanner was the 10th time without a valid license. People continue to be hurt or killed by unlicensed drivers and families are destroyed. The fight to strengthen laws and hold those accountable started shortly after my sister was killed on January 1, 2005, my good friend retired Police Chief Rob Dams lost his son-Nick to an unlicensed driver just a few short months later.

Our families bonded, joined forces. Talk about a strange bunch, a highly decorated Police Chief and a girl from Racine. We fought, we swore, we cried, but we never gave up. The first laws were signed into effect in May 2006. We testified time again and again. We took some hits getting those initial laws passed, not as much jail time as we wanted. But we took what we could.

My good friend has now gotten Assembly Bill 80 (driving without a license laws) moving again. This time, stronger, stricter and will hold those who have no regard for the law ACCOUNTABLE. He has fought every day, countless hours, never giving up.

Next Tuesday, on May 24th, the bill will be testified by people like Rob Dams and others telling our stories once again. I find it getting harder and harder to speak without emotion about my sister Kristy being killed. Being hit by a car, her down coat exploding and feathers floating in the air, her body from head to toe, broken, crumple and devasted. She was thrown 50 feet down the street, fatally injured. Watching her being kept alive for 10 hours on life support, showing no hope of every coming back and watching my neice at that time 17 years old having to make the decision to take her off life support.

I have made peace, I cannot hate the person responsible for killing my sister that morning, he is going to live with that the rest of his life.  I discovered going through this that having so much hate and anger, can destroy a person. But I can try to make laws stronger for those who have a total disregard for human life and drive without a license to help those in the future.

I have copied the information that Rob has sent me along with the newest statics showing that driving after suspension/revocation in fact is growing in numbers. At the bottom of this is Rep. Krusicks email. I am asking everyone to copy and paste that information and send her an email showing support for this law.

ALL EMAILS WILL BE SHARED DURING THE COMMITTEE TESTIMONY.  I have also inserted the complete copy of the Bill in PDF version at the bottom.  These emails have to be sent BEFORE next Tuesday. Any words you can send I would greatly appreciate and so will Kristy, Nick (son of Rob) and all victims and families. Show your support!

Licenses revoked or suspended by Wisconsin Courts:

2008                      2009

419,716                 455,492

(An increase of 35,776)

Convictions by Wisconsin Courts:

                                2008                      2009

  OWL                   25,277                  30,458

   OAS                        56,143                  64,559 

    OAR                       26,050                  33,815 

     Total           107,470                 128,832

(An increase of 21,362)

WRITE OR CUT AND PASTE:

I am supporting Assembly bill AB80  Rep.Krusick@legis.wisconsin.gov

Then sign it with just your name and send it. 

Complete AB80 Bill

AB-80 2011

Thank you, Beth, for your concern for others that they may not have to live through what you and your family did. You know my stance on this. It is inane that people are allowed to get away with driving on a suspended or revoked license over and over, the same as with our drunk drivers. To lose a life because of something so preventable is a sin. These offenders cause massive property damge, maim others, and even kill. Please, let's stop them now.

"Bids soar for princess's 'toilet seat' wedding hat"

Remember SER's blog, "Stupid Hats at the Royal Wedding"?

http://www.jtirregulars.com/2011/05/stupid-hats-at-royal-wedding.html

Well, check out this report from Reuters:

"The much-mocked hat worn by Princess Beatrice to Britain's royal wedding last month -- widely described as looking like a 'toilet seat' -- is up for sale on eBay where bids have reached 18,400 pounds ($29,940).

"The tea rose, silk hat was 'the most talked about hat of the whole occasion' Harold Tilman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, said on eBay."

More at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/18/us-wedding-hat-idUSTRE74H3XF20110518

I still think she needed more eyeshadow.

Let the GOOD TIMES ROLL!

When the Cars hit the charts, I was OH YEAH! Here were four guys that couldn't grow beards, three weren't all that handsome, and one even had a hair lip (I'm sorry, I don't know the PC term for it). The lead singer was gay as seen by his choice of ear that is pierced, and they made it BIG! To me, the world was Right and good because we weren't so jaded, we allowed good music to matter, versus looks and flash. Yeah, there were others that weren't pretty boys and girls that made it big, but it seems as the Cars faded from the spotlight, there was a change. We became shallower as a Nation and couldn't just let the music do the talking. Just call it the fall out of the video age.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my chirping chickadees! How are you? I know that the weather has been dreadful lately. There were frost warnings a couple of nights ago! Oh my. Fear not, my dear Irregulars. Despite Mr. OrbsCorbs’ misgivings about my weather predicting skills, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the weather will get warmer as Ms. Why Not? and her family approach Racine. A hometown girl will bring us warmth all the way from Sweden. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Mother Nature.

Of course, we all know that Ms. Why Not? has been preparing for her and her family’s summer trip to Racine for weeks. Finally, as you read this blog, they are aboard a train, starting their trip here. It was very hectic a few days ago, however. Ms. Why Not? was feeling the pressure and emailed me on Sunday:

“Hello to the glorious Madame Zoltar,

“I'm sure you have seen in my posts that I am in the middle of getting ready for my flight back to my beloved Racine for a longer trip ‘home’. With this I have my travel cleaning which is quite extensive, I have to complete some school work still, I have sick kids that just are not getting better yet, I have the packing still needing to be done somewhat and all of the saying goodbye and visits still to complete and I'm sure a hundred other things before we head off on a train Wednesday morning.. Last week Maia was quite sick with fever and eye infection and other less plesant things I'd rather not bring up here to spare everyone who reads your blog and now it is Mina's turn, she now is showing signs of an eye infection and ear infection on top of a terrible cough and just plain grumpiness .. I feel as though I am losing my mind, with all of the stress.. Do you have any words of wisdom, magic potions or magic spells that you could use on this poor run down stay at home mom and student to get me through these next couple of days? Can you see into my future and tell me things will be just fine on the flight and things will get done in time? I could really use any form of help you could spare..

“Thank you,
Why Not?”

Oh dear! Ms. Why Not? needed my help and I couldn’t wait until she read my blog today to assist her (if she’ll even have the chance). I replied to her immediately:

“Dear Ms. Why Not?,

“Oh my, oh my, my dear, dear child. Please stop, take a deep breath, and know that Madame Zoltar is always with you and all the other Irregulars. Everything will be just fine. Honestly. I am a professional and this is what I do.

"'I feel as though I am losing my mind, with all of the stress.. Do you have any words of wisdom, magic potions or magic spells that you could use on this poor run down stay at home mom and student to get me through these next couple of days? Can you see into my future and tell me things will be just fine on the flight and things will get done in time? I could really use any form of help you could spare.’

“Special psychic blessings were on the way the instant I received your message. You are taking on so much responsibility and I know how overwhelming that can be, especially as you approach the deadline for your trip. Instead of confronting all of the tasks at once, take them on one at a time. Chop everything up into little pieces, and do it one piece at a time. That's the only way I can get through the day sometimes. Otherwise I would worry myself to death.

“You have a couple of special miracles in your daughters. Children will get sick from time to time. It's part of the ritual of growing up. Follow medical advice, comfort them as best you can, and know that this, too, shall pass.

“I have peered deeply into my crystal ball and I see no major obstacles to your trip here. I see that you will enjoy most of the trip and especially enjoy your visit in Racine this summer. In fact, I predict that the warmth won't really arrive in Racine until you and your family do.

“Have faith. Know that you are loved and cared for. Take the time to slow your breathing and center yourself. We all worry so much about so many things, and the vast majority never happen.

“I would send you some Zoltar® Brand Medical Relaxant and Nerve Tonic by overnight express, but my potions never pass customs. Bah! As I said, though, you and your family will be fine. We all look forward to seeing you at the next JTI gathering. Relax and enjoy the adventure. Remember to take time for yourself. I will send an extra psychic boost whenever I sense that you need one, dear. Take care of mom - that's you!

“Love,
Madame Zoltar”

So there you have it, Irregulars. Ms. Why Not? and family (“The Why Not?s”?) are on their way to grace Racine for an entire summer. I look forward to meeting them and all of you again at the next JTI gathering.

Please note that emails submitted to me are answered in my blog the following Wednesday. In dire circumstances, or at the request of any Irregular, I will reply personally. If you need my assistance, my friends, I am here for you. Please also note that emails submitted to me are published in my weekly blog, unless you request otherwise. Of course I will protect your privacy if you desire. The relationship between a psychic and her client/Irregular is a special one, like that between a doctor or lawyer and a client.

Please send your questions and comments to: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

Thank you for reading my blog this week, my wonderful, dear Irregulars. I love each and every one of you. It’s time to put those coats in the closet until fall. Get out and enjoy yourselves. Saprophytism!

ATTENTION! TIME IS SHORT!

The world is ending Saturday, and you haven't given me all your stuff yet. Face it, you won't be needing it for the Rapture, and I can use it during my final days. Show your true faith and face your fate with open arms. I promise, my arms will be open wide to take your stuff before you leave. You'll be happy, and I'll be VERY happy.

Lazy Cakes

The JT Irregulars have posted numerous blogs about relaxation drinks, and we've even received some free samples to try out and blog about:

http://www.jtirregulars.com/search?q=ichill

http://www.jtirregulars.com/search?q=minichill

http://www.jtirregulars.com/2009/06/drank-anti-energy-drink.html

Therefore, this headline caught my eye tonight, "U.S. state riled up over 'relaxation' brownie." The story is from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/17/us-brownies-ban-idUSTRE74G5FY20110517 It states:

"Two towns in the state of Massachusetts are moving to ban sales of a 'relaxation' brownie named Lazy Cakes, laced with melatonin and sold in food markets, after children who ate them required hospitalization.

"The mellowing chocolate treats, which sell for $3 to $5 at food stores and some night clubs, are legal but contain nearly 8 milligrams of the supplemental sleep aid, which is about 25 times the usual amount prescribed for adults."

Of course, I had to see if Lazy Cakes has a site, and, of course, they do: http://www.mylazycakes.com/

Now I'm just hoping that the Sheriff sends this blog to the people at Lazy Cakes and they send us some sample brownies to blog about. We could hand them out at the next get-together. Please, don't try your brownie until you get home, unless you have a designated driver and someone to carry you out to the car.

Incandescent light bulbs. Really. I mean really.

I posted this to a blog about the mandatory phase out of incandescent light bulbs. It can make sense down south because you use energy with AC and if you can save from heating your house with low heat lighting while cooling it, that's a double energy savings, but what about us? I live well north of the Mason/Dixon line. At the moment it is 42* out. Today is May 17th, and it is night time. During the daytime it got all the way up to 52*. I don't really care if my light bulbs create heat. I prefer doing most of my heating with natural gas, but there are tons of electric space heaters people use in cold climates. I really do NOT mind if my light bulbs provide light AND heat. I suppose I'm also going to be told I need to paint my black roof white. It gets down to -5 at times and rarely above 32* during the winter, I'm really going to save energy with a white roof. I don't think so. What a bunch of idiots. Just because something might make sense in some areas of our country, doesn't mean makes sense all over. We live in a huge area with large climatic swings, If we were truly a Free Country, we'd be given a choice, and if it made energy sense, we would make the changes as needed, and technology became cheaper.

(updated. I made a typo saying 'Truly a 'Fee' country," but changed to Free. Thinking about it, we are more Fee than Free, aren't we?)

Open Blog - Wednesday

Have a sunny day.

Fond du Lac Man Eats 25,000th Big Mac

Here's a local story on it: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/121989104.html

I don't know what to say. Saving the cartons and receipts? Yes, he is, as he admits, obsessive-compulsive. But I can't think of anything I would want to eat twice a day, almost every day (9 missed), for 39 years. I go on food jags - still on the Cracker Jacks - but nothing like that. Congratulations, I guess.

Driving and shaving just don't mix!

Sorry for the length but this is a scream....

By now I'm sure that most of you have heard about the Florida woman who caused a two-vehicle wreck because she was shaving her bikini area while driving.
Guess that makes the time you drove with your elbows while eating a Whopper seem downright virtuous, doesn't it?

Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the car Megan Barnes was driving crashed into the back of a pickup truck at about 45 mph. Her reaction time was slowed down because she was too busy grooming her hoohah to pay attention to the road. Oh, like that's never happened to you?

Ms. Barnes told the investigating officer that she was on her way to a date and "wanted to be ready for the visit!

Yes, she wanted to look her best. All over. Except, well, we've seen Ms, Barnes' mug shot and she appears to have a face that would stop a clock and raise hell with small watches, bless her heart. To be blunt, I don't think a perfectly groomed love rug could possibly make that much difference.

It could've been worse, I suppose. Ms. Barnes could've been waxing her bikini area as she drove along in her T-bird (Yes, fun, fun, fun til the police took her T-bird awaaaaaayy) on those scenic bridges. Imagine the horror if she'd tossed the used wax strips out the window. The manatees might have tried to adopt them.

Hons, I've driven on this particular stretch of highway between Miami and Key West and it's flat-out beautiful with crystal blue water, gorgeous mangroves and cloudless skies.
Not once have I been so bored that I decided I'd rather drag a sharp blade over my nether regions just to have something to do.

There are so many "You might be a redneck if* elements to the story of Megan Barnes, but my favorite is that, while performing this extremely personal grooming ritual, she asked her EX-HUSBAND to steer the car so she could concentrate ("Help me out, Buford, I'm gonna make it look like a LIGHTNING BOLT!")

What a guy! Not only did he hold the steering wheel so she could concentrate on primping for her big date with ANOTHER MAN, but when the cops arrived, he tried to switch places and claim he'd been driving.

Trouble was, he had .burns on his chest from, the airbag that had deployed on THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY, Oops. To no one's particular surprise, the Highway Patrol quickly discovered that Ms, Barnes didn't have a valid driver's license. Oh, and, the day before, she'd been convicted of DUI and driving with a suspended license. Oh, and her car had been seized and had no insurance or registration. Oh, and she was on probation. Oh, and SHE'S A FLIPPIN' LUNATIC!

Albeit an impeccably groomed one.

Author: Celia Rlvenbark is a freelance columnist in Wilmington, NC






Megan Mariah Barnes is Florida's 1st bikini-shaving-related traffic offender of the year.

Website of All Websites

Looking for something on net...

Try here! Website of All Websites

Wisconsin Jokes

Have heard of a site called the Uncyclopedia? If you haven't, check it out. Its satire is rather hysterical... Here's a sample of their entry for Wisconsin.

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 38 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Park Falls is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too pricey," you might live in Wisconsin.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Wisconsin.

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Wisconsin.

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you may not have actually eaten it, but you have heard of Head Cheese, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have either a pet or a child named "Brett," you might live in Wisconsin.

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you think California is dumb jest because of their milk production, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you know how to say Ashwaubenon, Eau Claire, Waupaca, Shawano, Suamico, Oconomowoc, Waukesha. Wautoma, Menominee & Manitowoc, you might live in Wisconsin.

If every time you see moonlight on a lake, you think of a dancing bear, and you sing gently, "From the land of sky-blue waters,"....you might live in Wisconsin.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE WISCONSINITE WHEN:

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

2. "Vacation" means going up north past Hwy 8 for the weekend.

3. You measure distance in hours.

4. You know several people who have hit deer more than once.

5. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again.

6. Your whole family wears Packer Green to church on Sunday.

7 . You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard at night, without flinching.

8. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings and funerals).

9. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

10. You think of the major food groups as beer, bratwurst, and cheese.

11. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife or girlfriend knows how to use them.

12. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time.

13. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

14. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

15. You refer to the Packers as "we."

16. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.

17. You can identify a southern or eastern accent.

18. You have no problem pronouncing Lac Du Flambeau.

19. You consider Minneapolis exotic.

20. You know how to polka.

21. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.

22. You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.

23. Down South to you means Illinois.

24. A brat is something you eat.

25. Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole shed.

26. You go out to fish fry every Friday.

27. Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

28. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

29. You find minus twenty degrees "a little chilly."

30. Attend a High-School with less than 500 students, in the entire district.

Gotta admit some it is true...

Cats In Tanks

Don't say you weren't warned!
 

Pictures of the Roads of the World

If you are a motorcycle rider,
you might love these road to cruise on!

Any Thoughts on the Proposed Smoking Ban in Racine City Parks?

It will also ban smoking on beaches, sports fields, and playgrounds. I believe there will be some designated areas for smokers, but I'm not sure. In either case, I am against it. Something should be done about our ludicrous relationship with tobacco (discouraging it while depending upon it for tax income), but this isn't it. This further stigmatizes people who are hooked on nicotine. It is unnecessary and just drives more wedges between us. The Journal Times editorial cited below states:

"The benefit of an outdoor prohibition is hazier. Studies indicate secondhand smoke has minimal impact more than a couple of feet from the person who's smoking and, unlike in an enclosed space, the smoke drifts away after the cigarette has been stubbed out. No workers are typically nearby to be protected."

Enough of government chasing around after us like a nagging mother. Instead of creating more ordinances, how about we enforce the laws we already have? Every day I drive three miles to mom's house and three miles back. Within those 6 miles, I see at least three major traffic violations, often more. Every single day. Saturday, a guy blew the stop sign at 7th St. and Lake Ave., while a few blocks further down Lake, another guy was driving against traffic.

Let's get our priorities straight. I'd much rather our police officers be busting gangbangers or enforcing traffic laws rather than issuing citations for outdoor smoking violations. Enough already.


Related links:

Racine Post: "Racine Board of Health Considers Banning Smoking in Parks"

http://news.racinepost.com/2011/05/racine-board-of-health-considers.html

Racine Uncovered: "Letter from reader-To smoke or not to smoke, what are our rights?"

http://racineuncovered.org/?p=35065

Journal Times: "Smoking opponents overreach with attempted parks ban"

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_90c45b5e-267a-11e0-a196-001cc4c002e0.html

Open Blog - Monday

What happened to spring? 

Green Day - "Brain Stew" - Live

Green Day is one of my favorite bands. I've seen them live. At one point, lead guitarist and singer Billie Joe Armstrong took off his pants and ran around the stage twirling them above his head. I understand he does that at a lot of concerts. Watching the sheer exuberance of him jump and play in his underpants was great. (Btw, they were boxers.)