"Play The Game! Kickbacks and Lies From Racine Director Of City Development Brian O’Connell"

From Racine Exposed:

Posted by Paul Revere in Uncategorized

"From  the City of Racine Website, describing one of Brian O’Connell’s responsibilities: Development Regulation is the administration of the city’s development controls in such a manner as to maintain and increase property values…."

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/10/25/play-the-game-kickbacks-and-lies-from-racine-director-of-city-development-brian-oconnell/

Halloween 2014 Pt 1!

I went out yesterday afternoon to get some Halloween pictures to share with everyone. I just want to let you know I found a lot of really nice places to go and see Halloween decorations.

When I went to my doctors appointment the other day I was looking to see if I could find some places to go and get pictures when I got the car on Friday and I found a couple. Then I just started to drive around on Friday afternoon and kept finding different decorations and kept taking pictures. When I got home to and downloaded the pictures I had taken over a hundred pictures I could not believe I took that many because it didn't' seem like I took that many. Here are some of the pictures I took-

                                             This picture was taken on 16th St. in Racine Wi.

                                             This picture was taken on 16th St. in Racine Wi.

                                      This picture was taken on Blue River Ave in Racine Wi.

                                             This picture was taken on Taylor St in Racine Wi.

                                            This picture was taken on Taylor St. in Racine Wi.

                                            This picture was taken on Taylor St. in Racine Wi.

                                  This picture was taken on Country Lane in Elmwood Park Wi.

                                     This picture was taken on Daisy Lane in Elmwood Park Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys the picture and a lot more to come over the next week. I will just let you know that there are some really good ones coming up to share with everyone.

Open Blog - Weekend

Have a good one.

Eclipse Images

Just a quick post with a few of my eclipse images from yesterday...anyone there see it?

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It has been a rather quick week for me.... The stress has seems to be relieved, but still I'm looking forward to the weekend. Anyways, here's your questions...

1) How often do you take naps?

2) What do you prefer, X's or O's in Tic Tack Toe?

3) What poker games do you know how to play?

4) If you could replace a body part for something bionic (think "Six Million Dollar Man"), what body part would that be?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

And Friday loves me.

Carpooling in China

Support Racine's Alternative News Sources

From RacineUncovered:

From Racine County Eye:

From Racine Community Media:

From Racine Exposed:

From Racine in Ruins:

And more in the blogrolls on our sidebar.

Live Stream of Today's Partial Solar Eclipse From Kitt Peak

Kitt Peak just announced a livestream of today's partial solar eclipse. It is already live even though the eclipse won't start for a few hours. You can find it at https://sites.google.com/site/mcmathpierceeclipse/home

Of course you need eclipse shades or #14 welders glass to view it safely. Or you can try pinhole projection. Pro-tip I saw on facebook this morning...a Ritz cracker works great! I assume this was taken during a previous eclipse...and yes, I am going to buy some Ritz crackers to try it!

Allergies??

Yup, it's that time of year again, 

with the falling leaves, comes ground mold, 

fun stuff ahead!

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

If only I could keep it that simple.

Here today, gone in a blink...

Word Verification on Commenting

When I first checked the blogs today, I got a prompt in the comment area to type in words to prove I'm not a bot.  I got the same prompt from all blogs.  I checked our settings. Word verification was off.  I turned it on, then off again.  That didn't help.  Then I realized that I get the prompt only when I'm not signed in.  I signed in, and the prompt disappeared. 

I think this is another anti-bot measure.  I just wish Blogger would give us some notice of changes. 

Or maybe it's a screw-up, but it's not our screw-up.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my tooty-cutey friends!  How are you?  Every week, more leaves hit the ground and it gets a little cooler.  After New Years, I’d like to be put into a medically induced coma until outside temps are in the 60’s again.  I’m reading and hearing so much contradictory information on the coming winter.  We’re either going to die in the grip of a monstrous weather system, or not.

No one knows what’s going to happen with the weather, not even I, Madame Zoltar®.

I dislike the waning of the daylight.  I think it leads to depression.  The shortest day of the year is almost two months away and I’m already going stir crazy.  Getting older just makes it more difficult. 

And, of course, the waning of the daylight means cooler and cooler temps.  Winter - bah, humbug!

Junior’s going crazy over what character he should be for Halloween.  He always gets worked up like this, gets a sugar buzz from a few of the candies and then he crashes.  I suggested that he go as the Polar Vortex, but he’s afraid he may be attacked.  I don’t plan on attending every little and last party that Junior takes part in.  He grows from these experiences.

Our powerful Green Bat Packers took apart the Carolina Panthers last weekend.  This Sunday, October 26, at 7:30 PM, at the New Orleans Saints, the Packers will continue their climb to the top.

In the Irregular Football League, Mr. hale-bopp’s Half Astrophysicists still top the league.  I wonder if he’s using some super-computer to pick out his players.

Than you all for stopping by to read my blog.  It makes me feel wonderful if I help someone.

Take your problems to: MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

I love you all, my dears.  Stay safe and warm.  Instead of turning up the heat, we should huddle together under blankets. Taedium vitae!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Flowers for the best.

"RACINE VS. KENOSHA!!!!! THE TALE OF TWO BUDGETS"

From Racine Community Media:

"THE CITY OF KENOSHA IS OPERATING AT $5 MILLION DOLLARS LESS THAN RACINE, WITH A POPULATION OF 30 THOUSAND MORE RESIDENTS!!!!!!"

Rwad more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/100599524233/racine-vs-kenosha-the-tale-of-two-budgets

"Mayor Dickert gives 2014 Budget Address"

From RacineUncovered:

Read the entire address: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/10/mayor-dickert-gives-2014-budget-address/

Fall Colors Pt 3!

I am sorry I have not posted any Fall pictures lately. I have been really busy with all my doctor appointments and physical therapy. Then we had to get ready to go up north for our Grandson's 2nd Birthday party and visit with our families with in a couple of days. With all of the driving by the time we had gotten home I just wanted to go to bed and stay there for about a week I was just so tired. Yesterday I just felt like I was still driving at times.

I do have some really nice Fall pictures to share with you from up north. Yes there was still just a little bit of colors out in place up there. Here they are-

This picture was taken on Hwy 47 just outside of Black Creek in Wi. I stopped the car to take pictures and my daughter goes to me seriously.

This picture was taken on Cty Rd Dd in Pickeral in Wi. I took this picture because I thought it was really pretty with the light.

This picture was taken on Hwy 55 in the Menominee Reservation in Wi. I just like how the tree crosses over the road.

This picture was taken on Hwy 55 in the Menominee Reservation in Wi. I just love all the different colors on the tops of the trees.

This picture of the Tamarack Trees was taken on Hwy 52 in Lily Wi. This is right along side a bike and snowmobile trail.

This is on Cty Hwy W in Oconto County in Wi. This is by my mom's old house. I stopped on top of a hill to get this picture.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures as much as I do going out and getting the pictures. I do have more from up north I will share with you another week. Have a good week everyone!

Open Blog - Tuesday

Just watch me.

"RACINE MAYOR JOHN DICKERT TO INTRODUCE A WHEEL TAX ON ALL CITY OF RACINE RESIDENTS!!!!"

From Racine Community Media:

"RACINE- MAYOR JOHN DICKERT WILL INTRODUCE THE 2015 CITY BUDGET TONIGHT, IN IT, IS BELIEVED TO BE A WHEEL TAX ON ALL RACINE RESIDENTS!!!!!! "

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/100511856413/racine-mayor-john-dickert-to-introduce-a-wheel-tax

"Ayra’s at 1130 Washington Ave. Sold For $1.5M To Choice Petroleum – Racine Taxpayers Get Ripped Off By Jim Ladwig, John Dickert and Brian O’Connell Again!"

From Racine Exposed:

"More details will be coming this weekend concerning the special property tax arrangement and taxpayer funding provided by Racine Mayor John Dickert and  Redevelopment Authority of The City of Racine Director Brian O’Connell, and Debra Ladwig’s Employer (Racine County Executive Jim Ladwig’s wife)  that was provided for the construction of Ayra’s at 1130 Washington Avenue. This highly touted $1.2 Million Development was given a $850,000 assessment while Racine Mayor John Dickert and  Redevelopment Authority of The City of Racine Director Brian O’Connell publicly stated $1.2 Million."

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/ayras-at-1130-washington-ave-sold-for-1-5m-to-choice-petroleum-racine-taxpayers-get-ripped-off-by-jim-ladwig-john-dickert-and-brian-oconnell-again/

Local Loyalty - Grapes 2 Glass Wine Boutique

Good morning!
Today, I want to introduce you to

Grapes 2 Glass Wine Boutique 

You can also follow them -

Grapes 2 Glass on Facebook 

 

Their hours are -

Tues. - Thur. 11am - 9pm

Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm

Beginning in November, open also Sundays 11am-3pm

Closed on Mondays. 

I had a wonderful time visiting with Michele, the owner. 

Grapes 2 Glass opened in April of 2010. 

Located in the 'strip mall' in front of the Renaissance Theater, it's very easy to get to, easy to find. 

Personally, I just love the name!

When you walk in, it's warm and inviting. 

There are couches, tables and chairs and even a fireplace. Talk about a warm and cozy spot to visit with friends and hang out.

I had no idea what to expect, and was grateful for the time Michele took with me, telling me about her place.

You probably figured out that is is an extensive wine boutique. They specialize in estate grown grapes, which means, Michele can call up the wineries and get info on each of the wines, the way they created them, what specific grapes they used, what made them create them in the 1st place, whatever. She has a direct connection with the very people that make the wines, and knows where the grapes come from. 

I just thought that was really awesome. 

They also carry 150 different craft beers, 

and can create wine baskets and gifts. 

Sylia, the amazing cook, also makes jewelry, that is for sale.

This is a weakness of mine and I found a set I had to have!

Here is something you may not know (well, I didn't at least)...

Grapes 2 Glass hosts painting classes, and has a room that can be rented for parties, showers, whatever. 

Every Saturday, from 3-5pm, they offer free wine tastings.

If you caught it above, they have a cook, and amazing one at that, so yes, they have a bistro. I can vouch for the crab cakes. I had them Thursday and still think of how awesome they were. 

Check out their MENU - yum!

They have tapas, which are small plates. Great for sharing with friends to try a variety. With soups of the day, and some daily specials, 

this is a place you've got to try. 

Tuesday's special is Mexican. 

All day, tacos and tostadas are 3/$5, I can't wait to try those!

They also offer Mexican drink specials all day.
There are dinner specials after 4pm. 

Thursday is Pasta day/night,

 with special prices on a couple different pasta dishes, 

also with special dinner prices after 4. 

Friday is Fish Fry, all day. 

Featuring steamed cod with a white wine sauce,

Salmon, beer battered cod and also a seafood stuffed fish. 

While I might be allergic to fish, I can have the crab cakes any time, 

any day, so very, very good! 

Live music is featured on the weekends.

 They even carry local things like Sherwood's famous fudge, which is made right here in Racine! Local businesses helping local businesses, 

it doesn't get more awesome than that!

 The 3 words Michele chose - 

1. Unique

2. Variety

3. Eclectic 

(I just love that word)

Please stop in and check them out. 

Please remember to mention that you saw it here!

 

Open Blog - Monday

Marvelous, indeed.

"The Journal Times Repeats Racine City Administrator Tom Friedels Lie About The Civic Centre"

From Racine Exposed:

"What is the actual budget of The Civic Centre, and what are it’s annual losses?  Racine Exposed now takes a look at the actual numbers from the  2014 budget and  the  2013 Audited Financial Report to EXPOSE the truth for all to read."

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/the-journal-times-repeats-racine-city-administrator-tom-friedels-lie-about-the-civic-centre/