"Photos: A chilly — but festive — St. Patrick's Day Parade"

From The Journal Times.com:

Scott Anderson, special to The Journal Times

"The cooler temperatures did not keep spectators from enjoying Downtown Racine's annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday."

See the photos: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/photos-a-chilly-but-festive-st-patrick-s-day-parade/collection_2f1f323c-c803-5e05-931f-25179ad06a83.html#1

"Showing some love on National Puppy Day"

From The Journal Times.com:

MARK FELDMANN mark.feldmann@journaltimes.com  2 hrs ago  0

"RACINE — Regency Mall experienced a massive outbreak of puppy love Saturday.

"Dogs lovers from all over came to the shopping center Saturday to celebrate National Puppy Day — which is actually March 23 — and perhaps adopt a pet from several animal rescue groups that gathered at the mall’s center court.

"Regency Mall hosts the pet adoption events about six times a year.

"Among the groups represented Saturday were Woof Gang Rescue, Loving Fosters K9 Rescue, Maltese Rescue and Safe Harbor Humane Society.

"The groups take in abused, unhealthy and unwanted pets and try to find loving homes for them.

"'A dog is a constant companion,' said Racine’s Jodie Hoffman, who founded Woof Gang Rescue in 2012. 'A dog will always be excited to see you when you come home.'

"Woof Gang usually gets between 10 and 40 new dogs each month, she said. Potential adopters must fill out an application and have their information reveiwed before they get a pet, she said.

"But the process is worth the payoff, said Shane Rose, a volunteer at Kenosha’s Safe Harbor Humane Society.

"'A pet keeps people company and keeps you active,' Rose said. 'Kids with pets learn responsibility. I think pets benefit everyone.'

"Saturday’s event had an additional heaping of love because of National Puppy Day, founded in 2006 by author and animal lover Colleen Paige.

"'It’s a special day to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives,' Paige said on her website. 'It’s a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe.'"

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/showing-some-love-on-national-puppy-day/article_ca3fe22c-ff57-5b40-aefc-06544d03c6c5.html

"Suvivors of Loved Ones Suicide Support Group"

From RacineUncovered:

03/19/2016 | Filed under: Community Calendar,Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

HELP, HOPE , HEALING
You are not alone
SOLOS-Survivors of Loved Ones Suicide
Support Group

NAMI RACINE COUNTY will be holding a support group for
adults at the AURORA MEDICAL BUILDING
Located at 8400 Washington Avenue – EAST building Parking in back lot.
Enter at the Walk-In Clinic

Signs will guide you to the support group
March 9th and March 23rd
April 13th and April 27th
May 11th and May 25th
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Please contact NAMI Racine County for questions on support group at 262-637-0582 or 262-637-6200

Read more:  http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/suvivors-of-loved-ones-suicide-support-group/

"Well, shit. Fuck"

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

"Posted on 03/19/2016 by Wirecutter
 

"Fiocchi 125 gr. 357 magnums. Six rounds in a little under 5 seconds, in a 12″x12″ target 10 yards away from a ready position and ohmigod I can’t believe I’m that slow.

"I went up shooting with Cousin Jimmy a few weeks ago and tried a fast draw-n-shoot and thoroughly blew it. Two years ago I was doing it from a draw in just over 4 seconds and nowadays I can barely do 6 in 5.

"Getting old fucking sucks. Not staying in the game sucks even more."

Read more and see video:  http://knuckledraggin.com/2016/03/well-shit-fuck/

Open Blog - Weekend

Enjoy.

"Alleged Family Dollar shoplifting turns into parking lot fight on Rapids"

From The Journal Times.com:

KRISTEN ZAMBO kristen.zambo@journaltimes.com  Mar 17, 2016  8

 

"RACINE — What began with a man allegedly walking out of Family Dollar Store with a pink plastic shopping bag filled with stolen merchandise ended with him — allegedly on the ground in the parking lot — fighting with the manager, according to Racine police.

"Prosecutors on Thursday charged Randy L. McBride, 34, of the 2200 block of Ohio Street, with attempted robbery with the use of force, a felony, and misdemeanor battery and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

"Racine police were called at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday to Family Dollar, at 2300 Rapids Drive in Racine, after someone flagged down a Racine County Sheriff’s deputy about the fight in the parking lot, according to McBride’s criminal complaint.

"The store manager told a Racine police officer that after McBride entered the store, appearing intoxicated, he placed various, unspecified items in his shopping cart next to the pink shopping bag. Then he pushed the cart near the exit door and began stuffing a handful of items into the shopping bag, the complaint states. With some items left behind in the cart, McBride walked out without paying for the others, the complaint states.

"After the manager followed him, yelling 'Hey you didn’t pay, I need my stuff back,' he and McBride began punching each other, the complaint states.

"Court Commissioner John Bjelajac set bond at $5,000 cash during McBride’s initial appearance in court on Thursday. He also ordered him not to have any contact with the store manager or Family Dollar.

"McBride remained in the Racine County Jail on Thursday evening, booking logs show.

"If convicted of the stiffest charge, the attempted robbery, McBride faces a maximum of 7 ½ years in prison, up to five years on extended supervision and a fine capped at $25,000. He could face additional time if convicted as a repeat offender, which is considered a sentencing enhancer. His preliminary hearing is Wednesday."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/alleged-family-dollar-shoplifting-turns-into-parking-lot-fight-on/article_9c4e7688-98ae-5962-8a39-47d2c440c9ff.html 


"If convicted, blah, blah, blah."  He'll probably sue Family Dollar and the manager for knocking him on his ass.

Four for Fridays!

Sorry I am posting this late I had to go out to Whitewater to pick up my daughter she is home for the week they have Spring break next week. I hope everyone had a nice week. Here are your questions.

1) Do you do more for other people or for yourself?

2) What is the name of your favorite soda?

3) What are your plans for Easter?

4) Are you getting over your cabin fever?

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

"Reefer Madness (1936) - Original Version"

Those were the good old days, when a joint turned you into an axe murderer. Today's marijuana is the exact opposite: it makes you more peaceful.

"Animal House - Fat, drunk and stupid"

Open Blog - Friday

I agree.

"Donald Trump's Brutal Attack Ad on Hillary Clinton: Footage of Hillary Clinton Barking like a Dog"

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - St. Patrick's Day

The day that everyone is Irish.

"Late maneuvering in Senate blocks cannabidiol measure"

From JSOnline:

By Jason Stein and Cary Spivak of the Journal Sentinel

"Madison— A bill to help anguished parents get a child seizure treatment failed to get a vote amid Tuesday's hastily adjourned Senate session, even though a strong majority of senators support the proposal.

"Three top GOP senators successfully blocked the bill, which would have made it easier to get a drug that is derived from marijuana and used to treat children who suffer from severe seizures and have few other medical options.

"Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) stymied a floor vote on the legislation Tuesday by scheduling a hearing on the bill and then canceling it on Wednesday. Bills can't be brought to the floor if they have a hearing pending.

"Fitzgerald, who indicated he would have voted for the bill himself, said he used the parliamentary rule to keep other GOP senators from having to vote against a bill that they support.

"When Democrats tried to take a two-thirds vote to override that rule, Fitzgerald abruptly adjourned the Senate before the vote could be held. The action drew sharp criticism Wednesday from the bill's bipartisan supporters, including Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).

"'They should use actual facts to explain why they are blocking the will and hope of parents statewide,' Wanggaard said of the bill's opponents.

"'That three senators stopped that bill — it's outrageous and it's unconscionable,' Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) said.

Read more:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/late-maneuvering-in-senate-blocks-cannabidiol-measure-b99688802z1-372227811.html


Assholes.
 

"Howell a finalist for Rockford chief job"

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE — Racine Police Chief Art Howell is a finalist for the police chief vacancy in Rockford, Illinois.

"Ian Linnabary, the board secretary for the Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, confirmed that Howell is one of three finalists for the opening vacated by Chester Epperson in November 2015.

"Linnabary also confirmed that Rockford Assistant Deputy Chief Doug Pann and Elgin, Illinois Operations Bureau Commander Daniel O'Shea are the other two finalists for the position.

"Howell became Racine's first black police chief in April 2012. 

"The Journal Times will update this story as more information becomes available."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/howell-a-finalist-for-rockford-chief-job/article_153eca4d-855c-54ab-9283-94a049b1aa78.html

"Relatives Of Killed 17-Year-Old Home Invader: How Else Is He 'Gonna Get His Money'?"

By: Robert Kraychik March 15, 2016 

 

"Relatives of a teenaged home invader who was killed by a homeowner while seemingly exiting the home he had broken into are asking observers to consider the mentality of of children “raised in the hood.”

"17-year-old Trevon Johnson was shot and killed after the 54-year-old woman homeowner was alerted to his crime via a home surveillance system. After arriving at her home, she witnessed Johnson exiting a window of her house. There was then a confrontation in which Johnson was shot once. Police arrived on the scene within seconds and applied CPR. After being rushed to the hospital, Johnson was pronounced dead.

"Seemingly justifying her relative’s commission of burglary, Johnson’s cousin Nautika Harris suggested it was the only way through which he could obtain money.

"'You have to understand, you have to look at it from a child's point of view that was raised in the hood. How he gonna get his money to have clothes to go to school?' asked Harris.

"'I don't care if she have her gun license, her rights, or any of that,' said Harris. 'That is way beyond law. Way beyond.'"

Read more: http://www.dailywire.com/news/4144/relatives-killed-17-year-old-home-invader-how-else-robert-kraychik

My God.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my sweets!  How are you?  Are you enjoying the spring-like weather?  I love it.  I start to feel more human with the "longer" days and sunshine.  I start to feel like dancing and singing.  When I do, Junior frowns and leaves the room.  Too bad, so sad, but I'm glad.  I love hearing and seeing the birds.  We have a feeder up and all sorts of winged visitors appear there daily.  And, of course, the squirrels, who constantly strive to reach the feeder.  Señor Zanza says he'd like to take his .22 and do a little target shooting at the squirrels, but I forbade him.  I know they're a pain in the butt, but they're so cute.  You always hear or read stories about crazy cat ladies, but how come never crazy squirrel ladies?  A few peanuts and a squirrel is your friend.

Speaking of friends, Madame Olga, one of my best friends, has passed away.  This is a very bitter pill to swallow. We had so many good times together and now it's over.  I loved her.  But life (and death) goes on.  It's difficult to imagine a future without Madame Olga.  She was my confidant.  I miss her sorely.  I hope there is a heaven and she is looking down on all of us.  I love you, Madame Olga.

One of the hardest parts of getting older is the friends you lose to disease, accidents, and death.  I've spoken with people older than me and they all agree that losing friends is one of the worst things about growing older.  Those who survive the longest may find themselves simply "running out" of friends.  Lifelong friends can never be replaced.  I hate to say it, but I almost wish I pass away before too many more of my friends do.  I love life, but not a lonely one.  Well, I guess as long as  Señor Zanza and Junior are around, I'll be OK.

Here's a cute picture of a bird I got from the internet:

Oh my, such language.  Mr. drewzepmeister, do you know what kind of bird this is?  It's a naughty bird!

Here's an interesting story from Racine County Eye: "Razing Begins On Building To Make Way For Machinery Row"  Who wants to live next to the stinking Root River?  The Badger Uniform building rehab was along similar lines.  It utterly failed and bankrupted.  Guess who was the realtor behind it all?  Mr. Lying Mayor Dickert, that's who.  Machinery Row is delusional thinking on Mr. Liar's part.  Millions of dollars which would be better spent on feeding and educating the poor people of Racine will be flushed down the river.  What a shame.  This is what happens when you have criminals in office.

Thank you for reading my blog today.  I love you all, regular and Irregular. Your presence gives me great joy.  Please come back next week.

Want to know what's next?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com 

Be careful today of the big thunderstorm.  High winds and hail are predicted.  Just another spring storm, but you never know how bad or good it's going to be.  Take care of each other and  spread a little love.  Adios! 

Open Blog - Wednesday

Best day of the week? If you say so.

"Racine family searching for missing loved one"

From RacineUncovered:

03/15/2016 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

"The family of Jacqueline Marie Vena has asked us to reach out to the community to help find their missing loved one. She has not been seen since March 11th. Jacqueline is 24 years old, 5’2″ and was last seen wearing a pink jogging pants with a skinny line blue and white down the side and a black jacket and was spotted Friday March 11th at at the 24 hour bp gas station and a bar on Washington Ave. Family states there is a medical problem with a family member and she needs to reach her. Please call 262-412-8605 with any information. Family member states that the she now has black hair which is different than the photo they sent us." 

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/racine-family-searching-for-missing-loved-one/ 

"Doctors told to avoid prescribing opiates for chronic pain"

"The nation's top federal health agency urged doctors to avoid prescribing powerful opiate painkillers for patients with chronic pain, saying the risks from such drugs far outweigh the benefits for most people.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its first ever guidelines for dispensing the morphine-like, addictive drugs, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, said it took the action Tuesday to combat the nation's deadly prescription painkiller epidemic.

"The guidelines carve out an exception for patients receiving cancer treatment or end-of-life care. When doctors determine that such drugs are necessary in other situations, the CDC advises doctors prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.

"About 40 Americans die each day from overdosing on prescription painkillers, according to the CDC. In 2013, an estimated 1.9 million people abused or were dependent on prescription opiates.

"'We know of no other medication routinely used for a nonfatal condition that kills patients so frequently,' said CDC director Thomas Frieden. 'We hope to see fewer deaths from opiates. That's the bottom line. These are really dangerous medications that carry the risk of addiction and death.'

"The CDC directed the guidelines to primary care physicians, who prescribe nearly half of opiates. Doctors aren't legally obligated to follow the recommendations, which are intended for adult patients, but such directives often have influence."

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/03/15/cdc-issues-new-guidelines-opiate-prescribing-reduce-abuse-overdoses/81809704/ 


The Center for Disease Control once again shows its ignorance about addiction.  Doesn't anyone else think the rise in heroin use is tied to previous CDC attempts to curb opiate painkillers?  People will get their drugs, one way or another.  In my opinion, initiatives like these do more harm than good by forcing more people to use street drugs to treat their pain. 

"From 2001 to 2014 there was a 6-fold increase in the total number of deaths," from heroin. - https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

Open Blog - Tuesday

Listen to the panda and have a good one.

"18 dogs surrendered after welfare check done in Racine home"

From RacineUncovered:

Credit Wisconsin Humane Society

"Angela Speed with the Wisconsin Humane Society has notified us that 18 dogs were surrendered this morning to authorities after Racine Police, CSO officers, City of Racine Health Department officials and personnel were called to a home on Racine’s northside for a welfare check and discovered a hoarding situation. All the dogs that were surrendered were Chihuahuas, with the exception of a Beagle. A mother dog and her 2 week old puppies which staff consider too fragile to transport will be held at the Wisconsin Humane Society-Racine Campus. The owners were cooperative and surrendered 18 dogs to officials. 17 Chihuahuas and 1 Beagle. The dogs are getting veterinary exams today and some will be transferred to our Ozaukee Campus this afternoon due to space limitations in Racine.To help with the care of the dogs please visit Support the Chi’s "

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/18-dogs-surrendered-after-welfare-check-done-in-racine-home/ 


It seems to me that Racine county has had a lot of these cases this past year.  I feel so sorry for the animals.  They are innocent, yet they suffer.  

Open Blog - Monday

And so starts another week . . .

"Lightning almost strikes girl in Sydney!!! Boyfriend's reaction is priceless!!!!"

"The weirdest, crazier cars of Amelia Concours 2016"

See and read more: http://www.slashgear.com/the-weirdest-craziest-cars-of-amelia-concours-2016-13431588/

More pics: http://www.slashgear.com/gv/oddball-cars-of-amelia-island-concours-delegance-2016/#jp-carousel-431532

Seriously....

There is nothing like serenity for tired eyes, especially in the mornings. Aside from a little bit of traffic, the country roads at 5:30 A.M. are usually quiet and peaceful. Therefore, going to work at this hour can be a blessing. Sometimes it's a curse.

Recently, it was a curse....

I'm driving down this serene back road, alone and radio is on to keep me company. The moon glow is beautiful on these darkened streets. There is nobody around for miles! Nothing to worry about except for an occasional critter. I'm in my peaceful world....

About a third of the way to work, I see something that resembled a small star behind me in my rear view mirror. (Mind you, I drive a car similar to a PT Cruiser)  Nothing to worry about, yet. Seconds later, lights flood the interior of my car, blinding me! What is this thing? An amusement park ride? A U.F.O.? A spaceship? Is E.T. on board? Am I going to be abducted? Should I worry? You guessed it, it is a 4 x 4 SUV of some model with luminous headlamps, fog lights, cab lights and a disco ball.

"Go around", I thought. Minutes later, it's still kissing my exhaust pipe. The temperature is rising. My corneas are slowing burning... I'm fumbling around a glove compartment for sunglasses. Maybe, I'll find some sunscreen. WHY!

I get to a corner to make a left hand turn. Can't see a thing, because of this blinding white light. Am I going to be interrogated? Is there a baseball bat to bust out some lights?  Well. I have to make the turn. Going for broke, I gunned the car and made the turn, barely. At least, I lost whatever that was....

As I was making a sigh of relief, this supernova reappeared in the rear view, again! "Seriously!" I screamed. Time get some distance between me and this yahoo...so, I floored the gas. 60, 65, 70 mph (in a 50 zone) and Captain Kirk is still right behind me!

I get about two blocks from work and the lights disappear. The Enterprise has changed is course, assuming to dock its work at the Death Star. Its a peaceful ride from here.

I'm still seeing spots......