Saturday, July 5, 2014
"Racine Equality Project Wins Racines Best 4th. Of July Float!"
From Racine Exposed:
"The Racine Equality Project and The entire City of Racine celebrates Transparency, Truth, Trust and Justice for all on this Fourth of July, 2014!
"Click on image to enlarge. These are huge images that need to be clicked on to enjoy the vibrant color and details!"
Read and see more photos: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/racine-equality-project-wins-racines-best-4th-of-july-float/
Related: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/90856077128/congratulations-to-racine-equality-project-and
"The Racine Equality Project and The entire City of Racine celebrates Transparency, Truth, Trust and Justice for all on this Fourth of July, 2014!
"Click on image to enlarge. These are huge images that need to be clicked on to enjoy the vibrant color and details!"
Read and see more photos: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/racine-equality-project-wins-racines-best-4th-of-july-float/
Related: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/90856077128/congratulations-to-racine-equality-project-and
Friday, July 4, 2014
"Plaintiffs Continue to Seek Justice in Racine Lawsuit"
From the Racine Equality Project:
"The Plaintiffs in THOMAS J. HOLMES, et al., v. JOHN DICKERT, et al., Case No. 14-CV-208 have responded to the Defendants Motion to Dismiss and the next course of action rests with the Defendants, who have 14 days to respond. Should the Defendants choose not to respond in writing, the Court may move to oral arguments, or make a decision on the Motions. Almost forgotten, is that the Racine County Circuit Court, in a decision upheld by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, already ruled that Thomas J. Holmes right to due process was violated by The City of Racine, City of Racine Common Council, City of Racine Public Safety and Licensing Committee and Kurt Whalen; in an unlawful act that also deprived Thomas Holmes to the use of his private property, business, and the ability to provide a living for his Family and himself. See: State of Wisconsin Court of Appeals Case No. 2011AP2282."
Read more: http://racineequalityproject.org/?p=96
"The Plaintiffs in THOMAS J. HOLMES, et al., v. JOHN DICKERT, et al., Case No. 14-CV-208 have responded to the Defendants Motion to Dismiss and the next course of action rests with the Defendants, who have 14 days to respond. Should the Defendants choose not to respond in writing, the Court may move to oral arguments, or make a decision on the Motions. Almost forgotten, is that the Racine County Circuit Court, in a decision upheld by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, already ruled that Thomas J. Holmes right to due process was violated by The City of Racine, City of Racine Common Council, City of Racine Public Safety and Licensing Committee and Kurt Whalen; in an unlawful act that also deprived Thomas Holmes to the use of his private property, business, and the ability to provide a living for his Family and himself. See: State of Wisconsin Court of Appeals Case No. 2011AP2282."
Read more: http://racineequalityproject.org/?p=96
Thursday, July 3, 2014
"Vashon mystery: How did the bike become embedded in the tree?"
SER, and others, do you remember this post?
http://www.jtirregulars.com/2012/12/veterans-day-picture.html
Well, another comment has been added to it.
Which led to this video:
http://www.jtirregulars.com/2012/12/veterans-day-picture.html
Well, another comment has been added to it.
Which led to this video:
Best of Racine 2014 - Fast Food
You're in a hurry, no time to cook.
Your tummy is growling and you want something NOW.
Where do you go?
Who is your favorite fast food joint?
Vote now!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, my sweltering sweethearts! How are you?
“Hot enough for you?” Yesterday a woman asked me that and it was the
first time I heard the phrase this summer.
I’m sure we’ll all hear it more and more. I don’t know if the heat has hit 90 degrees
yet, but that’s when it gets very uncomfortable for me. I haven’t turned on the a/c much yet, mainly
because I’m afraid of the electric bill.
But we have windows open and fans blowing, so it’s tolerable. And, as they always say, “It’s not the heat,
it’s the humidity.”
Recent nocturnal storms had glorious lightning visuals, but
the boom of the thunder had me wonder if I was in an earthquake. The whole place shook a number of times.
The 4th of July is this Friday. Please be careful if you partake in any of the
celebrations, and doubly so if you’re drinking alcohol. For many people, the 4th of July
is an all day party. The city goes nuts
for a day and you never know what to expect.
With the 4th falling on a Friday, I’m afraid some people will
party even heartier than they normally do.
So keep your eyes open, stay alert, and always be aware of your
surroundings. If you’re traveling on the
4th, please allow plenty of time for traffic. And, as always, watch out for children.
Also, the 4th of July falls on a First Friday, so
the Downtown Racine Corporation has decided to hold this First Friday on
Thursday, July 3rd. Wow, you
can get drunk starting tomorrow night all the way through Sunday and claim that
you’re being patriotic.
Thank you, in advance, to all the Law Enforcement Officers
who are working this weekend. Thank you
for keeping us from hurting ourselves.
God bless you.
And, God bless America! This holiday is about the birth of our
nation. Parades and fireworks are fun,
but light one for the fathers of our nation.
Oh my, but they used real guns in the Revolutionary War,
too.
Thank all you JTI groupies for reading this. In fact, thank everyone who’s stopped by.
Got a problem? Ask: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
Enjoy the weather, my friends and lovers. Get up, get out, and exercise. Even a walk has benefits. Psst, big secret: I love the JT
Irregulars. Have some fun. Damnum fatale
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
From the Farmer's Market, to Sushi Bowls, to Pasta and Beyond!
After a couple of weeks of being purely busy, to the point that I'm
even behind on my blogs, I have to say that it's been pleasant at my
house the last few days... Last Wednesday afternoon, I took my son to
the West Racine Farmer's Market on West Blvd & Washington Ave. He
picked out some kale at one of the stands, and I bought some green
onions, that had a nice size knob on the end, and the bunch was a mix
between white and red onions. We also got some sugar snap peas, and a
garlic bulb with all of the greens still on it, including the shooting
star. These shoots are edible. We know that with the warmer weather,
we don't necessarily like heavy meals, so I had an idea yesterday...
But anyway, I sold a couple of rely local cards today, and the proceeds of that will be going toward buying more fresh produce at the farmer's market again... With more recipes to be inspired around the foods that I buy... So, it's like helping the community businesses, area farms, as well as offering quality & fresh foods to my family!
red leaf kale
garlic shooting star
I decided to make Tokyo style scattered sushi bowls, and put all of my stuff to good use... Take about 12 dried shiitake mushrooms, and let soak soft in a sauce pan. When soft, add 1/2 cup of dashi, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup cooking sake, and I like to also add 2TBS mirin. Bring to a boil, and simmer about 20 minutes. I used a bowl shaped strainer to put the sliced green onion tops, sugar snap peas, and the kale in it, and set it on top of the sauce pot, to let the steam lightly cook those to be more tender for eating. For the rice, make sure you have sushi grade rice. Rinse well until you don't see the white come out, and cook as directed. When it's done, have a large pan, such as a rectangle cake or lasagna pan, and spread the rice in there. Have a mix of 5 TBS + 1tsp rice vinegar, 5 tsp sugar, and 4 tsp salt - blended well. Slowly drizzle that mix over the rice, while flipping the rice, to mix well. Let it rest, until cooled down to room temp. Top with various items, such as the flavored shiitake mushrooms, blanched spinach, takuan (Japanese pickled radish), egg omelet (super thin), strips of seaweed, etc... Be creative. We enjoyed supper last night, with more for lunch today.
scattered sushi
But anyway, the aroma from the garlic was very pleasant, w/o being overpowering. So, I took the garlic greens and my "dump bag", in which I store onion skins, carrot peelings, celery roots, you know, the parts you don't eat... and made it into a veggie broth.
So, anyway, I am using the red and white knob ends of the onions for part of my spaghetti sauce, as well as the fresh garlic, which I already peeled, and each of the cloves are good sized, with pretty much uniformity throughout... It should be pretty good. I will be using the broth in place of the water for my sauce, to add even more dimension to the flavors. My son's favorite is my home made spaghetti sauce. I remember once when he was a baby, about 9 months old, he woke from his nap upon smelling sauce that JUST went on the stove, so it was going to be a while... He would NOT stop fussing. Not even mashed potatoes nor pureed pears would do. 90 minutes worth of fussiness, just to get the spaghetti. Then, when he was 2, we were spring cleaning, and time got away from us... So we doctored up a jar of sauce, and there was no way to make it better. My son, seeing the plate of pasta, starts getting excited. he takes his fork, twirls it... shoves the fork in his mouth... then proceeds to push the plate out away from him, insisting that, "I can't want to like that"! Oh my... A spaghetti sauce connoisseur at age of 2.
spaghetti & meatballs...
meatball recipe:
About a generous pound of freshly ground meat (you may be able to substitute a moist, crumbled tofu)
1/3 cup each of bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup parsley
2 level TBS oregano, 1 slightly heaping TBS basil
1 egg
1 tsp salt & about 1/8 tsp of black pepper
Mix well with hands. Make into about 1" diameter balls, and they should be slightly stiff. (Yes, stiff balls are good)
Brown well in the pot that you're going to use for the sauce. Get all sides, and drain the grease. it will cook the rest of the way when simmering with the sauce.
spaghetti sauce recipe:
1 medium onion (I prefer regular yellow onion, but any kind are okay) minced finely
1 bulb of garlic, peeled, finely minced.
1 bell pepper (I like green or red) finely minced
12 oz tomato paste (with 3 cans of water)
sliced mushrooms (I prefer portabellos or baby bellas)
4-5 TBS oregano, 3 TBS basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
After draining the grease, place the pot back on the burner, letting the grease drain from the balls while in the strainer.
Brown the onion, garlic and bell pepper until aromatic.
Put meatballs in the pot, to bring them up to temp.
Add tomato paste with 3 cans of water. Let it absorb into the water. Add the spices. DO NOT ADD SALT. The balls will be salty, and this will add to the sauce to blend the flavors. As it comes to a boil, add the mushrooms, turn down the heat, and let simmer for at least 90 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add water as needed.
Serve with your favorite pasta. Bon Apetito!
Off to make my spaghetti...
But anyway, I sold a couple of rely local cards today, and the proceeds of that will be going toward buying more fresh produce at the farmer's market again... With more recipes to be inspired around the foods that I buy... So, it's like helping the community businesses, area farms, as well as offering quality & fresh foods to my family!
red leaf kalegarlic shooting starI decided to make Tokyo style scattered sushi bowls, and put all of my stuff to good use... Take about 12 dried shiitake mushrooms, and let soak soft in a sauce pan. When soft, add 1/2 cup of dashi, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup cooking sake, and I like to also add 2TBS mirin. Bring to a boil, and simmer about 20 minutes. I used a bowl shaped strainer to put the sliced green onion tops, sugar snap peas, and the kale in it, and set it on top of the sauce pot, to let the steam lightly cook those to be more tender for eating. For the rice, make sure you have sushi grade rice. Rinse well until you don't see the white come out, and cook as directed. When it's done, have a large pan, such as a rectangle cake or lasagna pan, and spread the rice in there. Have a mix of 5 TBS + 1tsp rice vinegar, 5 tsp sugar, and 4 tsp salt - blended well. Slowly drizzle that mix over the rice, while flipping the rice, to mix well. Let it rest, until cooled down to room temp. Top with various items, such as the flavored shiitake mushrooms, blanched spinach, takuan (Japanese pickled radish), egg omelet (super thin), strips of seaweed, etc... Be creative. We enjoyed supper last night, with more for lunch today.
scattered sushiBut anyway, the aroma from the garlic was very pleasant, w/o being overpowering. So, I took the garlic greens and my "dump bag", in which I store onion skins, carrot peelings, celery roots, you know, the parts you don't eat... and made it into a veggie broth.
So, anyway, I am using the red and white knob ends of the onions for part of my spaghetti sauce, as well as the fresh garlic, which I already peeled, and each of the cloves are good sized, with pretty much uniformity throughout... It should be pretty good. I will be using the broth in place of the water for my sauce, to add even more dimension to the flavors. My son's favorite is my home made spaghetti sauce. I remember once when he was a baby, about 9 months old, he woke from his nap upon smelling sauce that JUST went on the stove, so it was going to be a while... He would NOT stop fussing. Not even mashed potatoes nor pureed pears would do. 90 minutes worth of fussiness, just to get the spaghetti. Then, when he was 2, we were spring cleaning, and time got away from us... So we doctored up a jar of sauce, and there was no way to make it better. My son, seeing the plate of pasta, starts getting excited. he takes his fork, twirls it... shoves the fork in his mouth... then proceeds to push the plate out away from him, insisting that, "I can't want to like that"! Oh my... A spaghetti sauce connoisseur at age of 2.
spaghetti & meatballs...meatball recipe:
About a generous pound of freshly ground meat (you may be able to substitute a moist, crumbled tofu)
1/3 cup each of bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup parsley
2 level TBS oregano, 1 slightly heaping TBS basil
1 egg
1 tsp salt & about 1/8 tsp of black pepper
Mix well with hands. Make into about 1" diameter balls, and they should be slightly stiff. (Yes, stiff balls are good)
Brown well in the pot that you're going to use for the sauce. Get all sides, and drain the grease. it will cook the rest of the way when simmering with the sauce.
spaghetti sauce recipe:
1 medium onion (I prefer regular yellow onion, but any kind are okay) minced finely
1 bulb of garlic, peeled, finely minced.
1 bell pepper (I like green or red) finely minced
12 oz tomato paste (with 3 cans of water)
sliced mushrooms (I prefer portabellos or baby bellas)
4-5 TBS oregano, 3 TBS basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
After draining the grease, place the pot back on the burner, letting the grease drain from the balls while in the strainer.
Brown the onion, garlic and bell pepper until aromatic.
Put meatballs in the pot, to bring them up to temp.
Add tomato paste with 3 cans of water. Let it absorb into the water. Add the spices. DO NOT ADD SALT. The balls will be salty, and this will add to the sauce to blend the flavors. As it comes to a boil, add the mushrooms, turn down the heat, and let simmer for at least 90 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add water as needed.
Serve with your favorite pasta. Bon Apetito!
Off to make my spaghetti...
WIldflowers Pt 5!
I am getting an early start to posting some more wildflowers for everyone to enjoy. The reason for this is we are going up north tomorrow to spend the holiday with our families. We do plan on going to see the fireworks up there with the kids and grandkids. I am hoping to get more wildflower pictures from up there to share with everyone.
Here are some pictures for everyone-
This is an American White Waterlily taken on Industrial Drive in Franksville Wi.
This is a Brown Eyed Susan taken at Richard State Bong Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a Evening Primerose taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a Hedge Bindweed taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a Orange Milkweed taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a Sulfur Cinqefoil taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a Bird's Foot Trefoil taken at Pike River Pathway in Mount Pleasant Wi.
This is a Daylily taken at Pike River Pathway in Mount Pleasant Wi.
This is a Virginia Spiderwort taken at Pike River Pathway in Mount Pleasant Wi.
We Drew and I go out we both look for the wildflowers and birds. We try to get the best pictures we can to share with everyone. I am really hoping to get some new wildflower pictures when we go up north. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures!
Here are some pictures for everyone-
We Drew and I go out we both look for the wildflowers and birds. We try to get the best pictures we can to share with everyone. I am really hoping to get some new wildflower pictures when we go up north. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures!
Monday, June 30, 2014
"RACINE RAIDERS HOST ARMED FORCES NIGHT ON JULY 5"
"Veterans and active duty military personnel
and one guest receive free admission"
"June 29 (RACINE, WIS.) - The Racine Raiders will host Armed Forces Night on
Saturday, July 5, 2014, at Historic Horlick Field. Kickoff for the game against
the Fox Valley Force of the Northern Elite Football League is set for 7:00
p.m.
"The Racine Raiders are offering free admission to all veterans and active duty military personnel with their military identification card, something they do for every home game. For this game, the team will also allow each armed forces member or veteran to bring one guest (friend, spouse, etc.) to the game for free.
"The Great Lakes Naval Band will perform the National Anthem and will return to perform at halftime. There will also be a flyover for the National Anthem and fireworks.
"To further honor the United States of America, all in-game music will be patriotic-themed.
"The Raiders host the Fox Valley Force, who are 9-0 on the season. This will be the first-ever meeting of the two in-state powerhouses.
"The Force are coming off of a weather-shortened, 14-13 win over the Chippewa Valley Predators this past Saturday. The Raiders had a bye this past weekend but beat the Leyden Lions, 65-13, on June 21.
"Discounted tickets are available at nine-area Racine ticket outlets. A complete listing of outlets can be found on the Racine Raiders website at http://www.racineraiders.com/schedule-2014/tickets/.
"The gates at Historic Horlick Field open at 5:30 p.m. Plenty of free parking is available in two parking lots (tailgating is allowed) and on the streets around the field.
"The Racine Raiders, a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, begin their 62nd season of operations in 2014. The Raiders won their eighth national championship in 2012. For more information on the Racine Raiders and their mission to advance football in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit http://www.racineraiders.com."
"The Racine Raiders are offering free admission to all veterans and active duty military personnel with their military identification card, something they do for every home game. For this game, the team will also allow each armed forces member or veteran to bring one guest (friend, spouse, etc.) to the game for free.
"The Great Lakes Naval Band will perform the National Anthem and will return to perform at halftime. There will also be a flyover for the National Anthem and fireworks.
"To further honor the United States of America, all in-game music will be patriotic-themed.
"The Raiders host the Fox Valley Force, who are 9-0 on the season. This will be the first-ever meeting of the two in-state powerhouses.
"The Force are coming off of a weather-shortened, 14-13 win over the Chippewa Valley Predators this past Saturday. The Raiders had a bye this past weekend but beat the Leyden Lions, 65-13, on June 21.
"Discounted tickets are available at nine-area Racine ticket outlets. A complete listing of outlets can be found on the Racine Raiders website at http://www.racineraiders.com/schedule-2014/tickets/.
"The gates at Historic Horlick Field open at 5:30 p.m. Plenty of free parking is available in two parking lots (tailgating is allowed) and on the streets around the field.
"The Racine Raiders, a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, begin their 62nd season of operations in 2014. The Raiders won their eighth national championship in 2012. For more information on the Racine Raiders and their mission to advance football in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit http://www.racineraiders.com."
Butterflies You Can Chase...
What do birders do when the spring migration is over? They take pictures of bugs, butterflies and dragonflies! Even though some of them are interesting, I'm no expert on bugs. Kind of hard to identify them when there are THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of different species of them spanning the globe.
I find that butterflies are a little easier (and prettier) to comprehend... Here are some photos I've taken...
Eastern Swallowtail Nicholson Wildlife Refuge 6 2 2012
Eastern Comma Nicolet National Forest Doty WI 7 1 2012
Baltimore Checkerspot Tichigan State Wildlife Refuge Tichigan, WI 6 3 2012
Northern Crescent Shoop Park Racine WI 6 4 2012
Common Buckeye Shoop Park Racine WI 6 24 2012
Mourning Cloak Samuel Myers Park Racine WI 9 17 2012
.JPG)
Cabbage White Shoop Park Racine WI 6 26 2012
The Monarch Butterfly (picture below taken at Bong SRA near Brighton WI on 6 28 2013) numbers have steadily declined over the years due to loss of their habitat and food source. (they need the Milkweed for their survival) It has been said they may go extinct in our lifetimes. I hope this doesn't happen.
Sometimes in nature, Tender Heart and I witness the unusual. Such a case of a massive gathering of Red Admirals (see picture below taken near Doty WI on 7 1 2012) by her mother's old place in the Nicolet National Forest. There were thousands of them! They were on trees and roads. It was kind of neat (and at the same time annoying) having a half of a dozen butterflies flutter around your head...
Each time we go out in nature, Tender Heart and I make a new discovery.... Weather it's butterflies, mammals, wildflowers and even birds, it's a whole new world for us. Till next time!
I find that butterflies are a little easier (and prettier) to comprehend... Here are some photos I've taken...
Eastern Swallowtail Nicholson Wildlife Refuge 6 2 2012
Eastern Comma Nicolet National Forest Doty WI 7 1 2012
Baltimore Checkerspot Tichigan State Wildlife Refuge Tichigan, WI 6 3 2012
Northern Crescent Shoop Park Racine WI 6 4 2012
Common Buckeye Shoop Park Racine WI 6 24 2012
.JPG)
Cabbage White Shoop Park Racine WI 6 26 2012
Sometimes in nature, Tender Heart and I witness the unusual. Such a case of a massive gathering of Red Admirals (see picture below taken near Doty WI on 7 1 2012) by her mother's old place in the Nicolet National Forest. There were thousands of them! They were on trees and roads. It was kind of neat (and at the same time annoying) having a half of a dozen butterflies flutter around your head...
Each time we go out in nature, Tender Heart and I make a new discovery.... Weather it's butterflies, mammals, wildflowers and even birds, it's a whole new world for us. Till next time!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
"Miracle On Racine’s Water and Sixth Streets"
From Racine Exposed:
"Who knew what and when. It’s always the key to making a killing on Real Estate through an Insider Knowledge deal. Is there a small group of Racine City Hall Insiders who have managed to score a few buys of the century? Who had Insider knowledge of future projects that would greatly increase their sales price and commissions? Why else did Mayor John Dickert and the Redevelopment Authority violate numerous Ordinances, make deals in secret, and maintain silence behind the scenes, only to suddenly spring the results on the Common Council and Residents AFTER the Grants and Loans had been approved? Then, when honest and decent Aldermen pointed out that the process was in violation of Democratic principles as well as the law, certain other Aldermen demanded that the project go ahead anyways, AND in a rush!"
Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/miracle-on-racines-water-and-sixth-streets/
"Who knew what and when. It’s always the key to making a killing on Real Estate through an Insider Knowledge deal. Is there a small group of Racine City Hall Insiders who have managed to score a few buys of the century? Who had Insider knowledge of future projects that would greatly increase their sales price and commissions? Why else did Mayor John Dickert and the Redevelopment Authority violate numerous Ordinances, make deals in secret, and maintain silence behind the scenes, only to suddenly spring the results on the Common Council and Residents AFTER the Grants and Loans had been approved? Then, when honest and decent Aldermen pointed out that the process was in violation of Democratic principles as well as the law, certain other Aldermen demanded that the project go ahead anyways, AND in a rush!"
Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/miracle-on-racines-water-and-sixth-streets/