Yeah, but cars don't poop all over the place.
Downtown Milwaukee lights up with holiday spirit
2 hours ago
Saturday, March 26, 2016
"Hartland dog honored for heroism"
From JSOnline:
"Hartland — Nicole Siekert felt tired and so did her 5 1/2-year-old twin daughters, but she figured it was the flu or a cold.
"Her Australian border collie Abby knew differently.
"The Siekert house was cold the morning of Feb. 11 and after Brian Siekert left for work, Nicole plugged in a space heater because they had been having trouble with their furnace. When Bella and Grace got up, they weren't bouncing around like normal. She checked for fevers but they were normal.
"'They both said they were tired but they wanted to go to school,' recalled Nicole Siekert, who walked them out to the school bus at 8:30 a.m. 'I almost kept them home. I'm so glad I didn't.'
"She didn't know the furnace intake was blocked. She didn't know dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were building up inside her home. She couldn't see or smell the gas. But one member of the household knew something was very wrong.
"Feeling lethargic and foggy, Siekert decided to lie down after her daughters left for school. Abby couldn't tell her owner the carbon monoxide detector was sounding in the basement, but the smart canine knew what to do. The 9-year-old dog continually stuck her black-going-gray muzzle underneath Nicole's chin as she closed her eyes and tried to drift off.
"Finally, Siekert got up and, thinking Abby wanted to go outside for a potty break, walked to the door. Instead, Abby padded downstairs to the basement and sat right next to the carbon monoxide detector.
"'It was a loud noise but because I was so out of it, it didn't sound loud to me,' Siekert said in an interview at her kitchen table. 'That's when I got it. I was like, "Oh, thank you, Abby. I love you."'
"She called her husband at his job at J.M. Brennan in Milwaukee. She opened windows and doors, shut off the furnace and then went outside to sit in her vehicle for warmth and call her daughters' school and doctor.
"The family was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where blood tests showed Nicole had very high levels and the girls had lower levels. Abby's veterinarian told Nicole to check the dog for pale gums, labored breathing and fatigue, but Abby showed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"The Siekerts adopted Abby when she was 8 months old from an animal rescue shelter in Illinois.
"'We rescued her, but she rescued me,' Nicole Siekert said."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/hartland-dog-honored-for-heroism-b99693996z1-373517101.html
Good dog!
 |
| The Siekerts — twins Bella and Grace , mom Nicole and dad Brian — pose for a photo with their Australian border collie Abby who has been honored for heroism in alerting Nicole to the warning sound from the family’s carbon monoxide detector. Credit: Michael McLoone |
"Hartland — Nicole Siekert felt tired and so did her 5 1/2-year-old twin daughters, but she figured it was the flu or a cold.
"Her Australian border collie Abby knew differently.
"The Siekert house was cold the morning of Feb. 11 and after Brian Siekert left for work, Nicole plugged in a space heater because they had been having trouble with their furnace. When Bella and Grace got up, they weren't bouncing around like normal. She checked for fevers but they were normal.
"'They both said they were tired but they wanted to go to school,' recalled Nicole Siekert, who walked them out to the school bus at 8:30 a.m. 'I almost kept them home. I'm so glad I didn't.'
"She didn't know the furnace intake was blocked. She didn't know dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were building up inside her home. She couldn't see or smell the gas. But one member of the household knew something was very wrong.
"Feeling lethargic and foggy, Siekert decided to lie down after her daughters left for school. Abby couldn't tell her owner the carbon monoxide detector was sounding in the basement, but the smart canine knew what to do. The 9-year-old dog continually stuck her black-going-gray muzzle underneath Nicole's chin as she closed her eyes and tried to drift off.
"Finally, Siekert got up and, thinking Abby wanted to go outside for a potty break, walked to the door. Instead, Abby padded downstairs to the basement and sat right next to the carbon monoxide detector.
"'It was a loud noise but because I was so out of it, it didn't sound loud to me,' Siekert said in an interview at her kitchen table. 'That's when I got it. I was like, "Oh, thank you, Abby. I love you."'
"She called her husband at his job at J.M. Brennan in Milwaukee. She opened windows and doors, shut off the furnace and then went outside to sit in her vehicle for warmth and call her daughters' school and doctor.
"The family was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where blood tests showed Nicole had very high levels and the girls had lower levels. Abby's veterinarian told Nicole to check the dog for pale gums, labored breathing and fatigue, but Abby showed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"The Siekerts adopted Abby when she was 8 months old from an animal rescue shelter in Illinois.
"'We rescued her, but she rescued me,' Nicole Siekert said."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/hartland-dog-honored-for-heroism-b99693996z1-373517101.html
Good dog!
"Delivery driver murdered on Racine’s northside"
From RacineUncovered:
03/26/2016 | Filed under: Crime News |
"On March 25, 2016 at approximately 11:30pm, officers responded to the
3900 block of Green Street regarding multiple calls of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a neighborhood search, at which time a
male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound was located. The victim
was transported to Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room where he was
pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
"The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was a restaurant delivery driver who was in the area making a delivery.
"The Racine Police Department Major Crimes Unit has been activated and this investigation remains active, with no arrests being made as of this time.
"Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information anyone may have regarding this crime. Witnesses or other citizens with information are urged to contact the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7756.
"Callers who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Racine County, Inc. at (262) 636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637).
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/delivery-driver-murdered-on-racine-northside/
Oh no. For what? A few dollars and a pizza? With all these shootings in Racine, lying John still claims crime is low. Maybe he should be a delivery driver for awhile to find out what real life is like. He's disgusting and so is this murder.
03/26/2016 | Filed under: Crime News |
"On March 25, 2016 at approximately 11:30pm, officers responded to the
3900 block of Green Street regarding multiple calls of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a neighborhood search, at which time a
male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound was located. The victim
was transported to Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room where he was
pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
"The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was a restaurant delivery driver who was in the area making a delivery.
"The Racine Police Department Major Crimes Unit has been activated and this investigation remains active, with no arrests being made as of this time.
"Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information anyone may have regarding this crime. Witnesses or other citizens with information are urged to contact the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7756.
"Callers who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Racine County, Inc. at (262) 636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637).
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/delivery-driver-murdered-on-racine-northside/
Oh no. For what? A few dollars and a pizza? With all these shootings in Racine, lying John still claims crime is low. Maybe he should be a delivery driver for awhile to find out what real life is like. He's disgusting and so is this murder.
"Does Racine Mayor John Dickert Read The Journal Times?"
From News The JT Can't Use:
"The Publisher of The Journal Times, Mark Lewis, has bent over backwards
been more than gracious in allowing Racine Mayor John Dickert to
publish his editorials in the newspaper. In addition, The Journal Times
is a valuable source of information and the cities newspaper of record.
It is unfathomable to think that Racine Mayor John Dickert does NOT read
the newspaper, but then again John Dickert is no paragon of virtue.
Oddly enough, despite showing such contempt for The Journal Times, along
with setting a bad example for Racine Residents, John Dickert shares
the distinction, along with Mark Lewis, of being a sitting member on
many local boards of importance, to include RCEDC and RAMAC."
Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/03/21/does-racine-mayor-john-dickert-read-the-journal-times/
"The Publisher of The Journal Times, Mark Lewis, has
Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/03/21/does-racine-mayor-john-dickert-read-the-journal-times/
Friday, March 25, 2016
"What believing in God does to your brain"
"Researchers found humans suppress the analytical areas of their brain in order to believe in god"
Samuel Osborne 627 comments
 |
| The study also found those with spiritual beliefs were more empathetic than those without |
"Humans suppress areas of the brain used for analytical thinking and engage the parts responsible for empathy in order to believe in god, research suggests.
"They do the opposite when thinking about the physical world, according to the study.
"'When there's a question of faith, from the analytic point of view, it may seem absurd,' said Professor Tony Jack, who led the research.
"'But, from what we understand about the brain, the leap of faith to belief in the supernatural amounts to pushing aside the critical/analytical way of thinking to help us achieve greater social and emotional insight.'"
Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/what-believing-in-god-does-to-your-brain-a6950956.html
If believing in God makes people more empathetic, then what's the harm? The world could use a whole lot more empathy and/or God.
"Microsoft's Twitter Chat Robot Quickly Devolves Into Racist, Homophobic, Nazi, Obama-Bashing Psychopath"
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 03/24/2016 23:58 -0400
"Two months ago, Stephen Hawking warned humanity that its days may be numbered: the physicist was among over 1,000 artificial intelligence experts who signed an open letter about the weaponization of robots and the ongoing 'military artificial intelligence arms race.'
"Overnight we got a vivid example of just how quickly 'artificial intelligence' can spiral out of control when Microsoft's AI-powered Twitter chat robot, Tay, became a racist, misogynist, Obama-hating, antisemitic, incest and genocide-promoting psychopath when released into the wild.
"For those unfamiliar, Tay is, or rather was, an A.I. project built by the Microsoft Technology and Research and Bing teams, in an effort to conduct research on conversational understanding. It was meant to be a bot anyone can talk to online. The company described the bot as 'Microsoft’s A.I. fam the internet that’s got zero chill!.'
"Microsoft initially created 'Tay' in an effort to improve the customer service on its voice recognition software. According to MarketWatch, 'she' was intended to tweet 'like a teen girl' and was designed to 'engage and entertain people where they connect with each other online through casual and playful conversation.'
"The chat algo is able to perform a number of tasks, like telling users jokes, or offering up a comment on a picture you send her, for example. But she’s also designed to personalize her interactions with users, while answering questions or even mirroring users’ statements back to them.
"This is where things quickly turned south.
"As Twitter users quickly came to understand, Tay would often repeat back racist tweets with her own commentary. Where things got even more uncomfortable is that, as TechCrunch reports, Tay’s responses were developed by a staff that included improvisational comedians. That means even as she was tweeting out offensive racial slurs, she seemed to do so with abandon and nonchalance.
"Some examples:"
"Two months ago, Stephen Hawking warned humanity that its days may be numbered: the physicist was among over 1,000 artificial intelligence experts who signed an open letter about the weaponization of robots and the ongoing 'military artificial intelligence arms race.'
"Overnight we got a vivid example of just how quickly 'artificial intelligence' can spiral out of control when Microsoft's AI-powered Twitter chat robot, Tay, became a racist, misogynist, Obama-hating, antisemitic, incest and genocide-promoting psychopath when released into the wild.
"For those unfamiliar, Tay is, or rather was, an A.I. project built by the Microsoft Technology and Research and Bing teams, in an effort to conduct research on conversational understanding. It was meant to be a bot anyone can talk to online. The company described the bot as 'Microsoft’s A.I. fam the internet that’s got zero chill!.'
"Microsoft initially created 'Tay' in an effort to improve the customer service on its voice recognition software. According to MarketWatch, 'she' was intended to tweet 'like a teen girl' and was designed to 'engage and entertain people where they connect with each other online through casual and playful conversation.'
"The chat algo is able to perform a number of tasks, like telling users jokes, or offering up a comment on a picture you send her, for example. But she’s also designed to personalize her interactions with users, while answering questions or even mirroring users’ statements back to them.
"This is where things quickly turned south.
"As Twitter users quickly came to understand, Tay would often repeat back racist tweets with her own commentary. Where things got even more uncomfortable is that, as TechCrunch reports, Tay’s responses were developed by a staff that included improvisational comedians. That means even as she was tweeting out offensive racial slurs, she seemed to do so with abandon and nonchalance.
"Some examples:"
Read and see more: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-03-24/microsofts-twitter-chat-robot-devolves-racist-homophobic-antisemitic-obama-bashing-p
I think this is utterly hilarious. Read the rest of the article and see more of Tay's comments. They should have put a white robe and hood on Tay. Big embarrassment for Microsoft. How would you like a bunch of armed robots roaming around with Tay's personality? Terminator, here we come.
Four for Fridays!
I am sorry this is getting posted late this week but I could not get on the computer since Drew has a four day weekend. Here are your questions for this week.
1) Have you ever had to make last minute changes that you already planned?
2) Do you ever get calls from family members late at night that are not an emergency?
3) How do you like are Spring weather this week?
4) Do you have any special plans for the weekend?
I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
1) Have you ever had to make last minute changes that you already planned?
2) Do you ever get calls from family members late at night that are not an emergency?
3) How do you like are Spring weather this week?
4) Do you have any special plans for the weekend?
I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
"David Letterman is Now Unrecognizable!"
"Late Show legend David Letterman, who passed the torch to Stephen Colbert last summer, appears to be enjoying his retirement. In recently snapped photos, a bald and bearded Letterman is seen taking a casual jog in the Caribbean. In the photos, Letterman is shown sporting yellow shorts and yellow headphones to match his sunny post-retirement disposition as well as a Ball State t-shirt, which is where he went to school. For anyone looking to retire soon, this is how you do it right."
Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxGToovRbSQ
He looks like Santa Claus.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
"Building, Easily Remembering Strong Passwords"
From Racine County Eye:
By John Acheson in Tech Corner · March 22, 2016 · No comments
"As we are all told every time we are setting up an on-line account somewhere, it’s important that you choose a strong password for a number of reasons. The first is to avoid a hacker guessing your password through brute-force or what is often called 'dictionary' hacking. That’s exactly what it sounds like – a hacker runs through a 'dictionary' of common words until one works. Since hackers are using automated scripts, they can literally try thousands of passwords per hour. The secondary danger is using the same password across multiple sites. If a hacker gets that common password, he or she can now access anything you have using the same password. Here is a simple and easy to remember technique for building and easily remembering strong passwords for any website or service.
"Mnemonic is just a 75 cent word (adjusted for inflation) that simply means 'easy to remember'. OK that’s not the dictionary definition but close enough for our purposes. We are not trying to remember multiple passwords, we just want to be able to easily remember this root password. We’ll get into why I call it a 'root' password in the next step. What really works for me is to take a memorable line from a song, book or movie, and take the first letter of each word and string them together. So for example, 'All You Need is Love' becomes 'aYniL' Capitalize a couple of the letters. This is a good start, but most sites and services require at least 8 characters. Again drawing on stuff you won’t forget, split your birth year to each end of the string. So now I have '19aYniL63'. But wait, there’s more! Quite often your password needs to contain 'special characters'. Those are the ones we usually use for swearing online. So I add a couple of those, again to each end: '@19aYniL63#'. Yay! We have a relatively strong root password, that you’ll find easy to memorize. But we don’t want to use this as an actual password anywhere. Using the exact same password on multiple sites is nearly as bad as a weak password. On to step 2.
"Next we are going to devise a 'password formula' that we use to make our root password unique for every site where a password is needed. The simplest formula is to simply add the first two characters of the website to the front of the root password, and the last two characters to the end of the root password. Use at least two characters to minimize any password duplication between sites with similar names. So to use our example root password for facebook, it would become 'fa@19aYniL63#ok'. There we go – a 15 character, very strong password that looks like random characters, but will be easy for you to remember simply by memorizing the root password, and always applying the same formula to build the full password. You can devise whatever formula you want, but it’s vital that you consistently use the same formula.
"Enough said.
"And that’s all there is to it. You’ll have passwords that every paranoid security administrator will love, and an easy method to build those passwords and later recall them with little effort."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/building-easily-remembering-strong-passwords/
By John Acheson in Tech Corner · March 22, 2016 · No comments
"As we are all told every time we are setting up an on-line account somewhere, it’s important that you choose a strong password for a number of reasons. The first is to avoid a hacker guessing your password through brute-force or what is often called 'dictionary' hacking. That’s exactly what it sounds like – a hacker runs through a 'dictionary' of common words until one works. Since hackers are using automated scripts, they can literally try thousands of passwords per hour. The secondary danger is using the same password across multiple sites. If a hacker gets that common password, he or she can now access anything you have using the same password. Here is a simple and easy to remember technique for building and easily remembering strong passwords for any website or service.
Start with a “mnemonic” root password.
"Mnemonic is just a 75 cent word (adjusted for inflation) that simply means 'easy to remember'. OK that’s not the dictionary definition but close enough for our purposes. We are not trying to remember multiple passwords, we just want to be able to easily remember this root password. We’ll get into why I call it a 'root' password in the next step. What really works for me is to take a memorable line from a song, book or movie, and take the first letter of each word and string them together. So for example, 'All You Need is Love' becomes 'aYniL' Capitalize a couple of the letters. This is a good start, but most sites and services require at least 8 characters. Again drawing on stuff you won’t forget, split your birth year to each end of the string. So now I have '19aYniL63'. But wait, there’s more! Quite often your password needs to contain 'special characters'. Those are the ones we usually use for swearing online. So I add a couple of those, again to each end: '@19aYniL63#'. Yay! We have a relatively strong root password, that you’ll find easy to memorize. But we don’t want to use this as an actual password anywhere. Using the exact same password on multiple sites is nearly as bad as a weak password. On to step 2.
Create a consistent “Password Formula”.
"Next we are going to devise a 'password formula' that we use to make our root password unique for every site where a password is needed. The simplest formula is to simply add the first two characters of the website to the front of the root password, and the last two characters to the end of the root password. Use at least two characters to minimize any password duplication between sites with similar names. So to use our example root password for facebook, it would become 'fa@19aYniL63#ok'. There we go – a 15 character, very strong password that looks like random characters, but will be easy for you to remember simply by memorizing the root password, and always applying the same formula to build the full password. You can devise whatever formula you want, but it’s vital that you consistently use the same formula.
DO NOT tell anyone your root password or formula.
"Enough said.
"And that’s all there is to it. You’ll have passwords that every paranoid security administrator will love, and an easy method to build those passwords and later recall them with little effort."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/building-easily-remembering-strong-passwords/
"The GREAT of Racine - Police K9 units pay a special visit to a little boy"
From RacineUncovered:
03/23/2016 | Filed under: Commentary/Opinion,Local News |
"On Wednesday morning, March 23rd, a very special young boy got a
surprise visit from all the K9 units with the Racine Police Department
and Mount Pleasant Police Department. Daxton loves police officers and
K9’s.
"In October of 2015 the Racine Police K-9 Unit teamed up with the Mt. Pleasant PD, and Racine County Sheriffs Department for a calendar fundraiser. The Racine PD K-9 Unit was contacted by the mother of Daxton LaRue. His mother requested that one of our Handlers personally deliver Daxton’s calendar to him. On October 15th, K-9 TITAN and his Handler made a special trip over to deliver the calendar and take a photo with Daxton. Since then, TITAN paid a visit to Daxton’s classroom. On March 15th we received a message from one of Daxton’s family members that on March 10th Daxton was diagnosed with Leukemia. He recently received his first dose of chemo and was released from Children’s hospital on March 14th. His family member asked if a K-9 would stop by to put a smile on his face amid some very scary times. Well we did it…and then some.
"Today the Racine Police, and Mount Pleasant Police Department K-9 Units made a special trip over to Daxton’s house where he was presented with several gifts from the Teams and the Chief of Police. The looks on his face are priceless!! Enjoy the pictures, and share this story!The story will be on their site as well.
"Please go to a website set up for Daxton."
https://facebook.com/DaxtonsFight/
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/the-great-of-racine-police-k9-units-pay-a-special-visit-to-a-little-boy/
Thank you, local Law Enforcement Officers.
03/23/2016 | Filed under: Commentary/Opinion,Local News |
 |
| Credit - Racine Uncovered |
"In October of 2015 the Racine Police K-9 Unit teamed up with the Mt. Pleasant PD, and Racine County Sheriffs Department for a calendar fundraiser. The Racine PD K-9 Unit was contacted by the mother of Daxton LaRue. His mother requested that one of our Handlers personally deliver Daxton’s calendar to him. On October 15th, K-9 TITAN and his Handler made a special trip over to deliver the calendar and take a photo with Daxton. Since then, TITAN paid a visit to Daxton’s classroom. On March 15th we received a message from one of Daxton’s family members that on March 10th Daxton was diagnosed with Leukemia. He recently received his first dose of chemo and was released from Children’s hospital on March 14th. His family member asked if a K-9 would stop by to put a smile on his face amid some very scary times. Well we did it…and then some.
"Today the Racine Police, and Mount Pleasant Police Department K-9 Units made a special trip over to Daxton’s house where he was presented with several gifts from the Teams and the Chief of Police. The looks on his face are priceless!! Enjoy the pictures, and share this story!The story will be on their site as well.
"Please go to a website set up for Daxton."
https://facebook.com/DaxtonsFight/
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/the-great-of-racine-police-k9-units-pay-a-special-visit-to-a-little-boy/
Thank you, local Law Enforcement Officers.
"Governor Scott Walker Declares State of Emergency for Winter Storm"
From RacineUncovered:
"Gov. Scott Walker issued Executive Order #190 today declaring a state
of emergency as a major winter storm begins to impact Wisconsin.
"This storm is bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions across the statetonight, Gov. Walker said. It may cause dangerous drifting and blowing snow as well as limited visibility on roads and highways, causing treacherous driving conditions. As a precautionary measure, we want to ensure all state resources are available and ready, if needed. We urge all Wisconsinites to be cautious of the weather conditions and remain safe while outside or driving.
"The National Weather Service has forecasted up to a foot of snow for central Wisconsin from River Falls to the Green Bay area. Other areas will see lesser amounts of snow. Winds of over 30 miles per hour will cause blowing and drifting snow.
"Gov. Walkers State of Emergency calls to active duty elements of the Wisconsin National Guard as deemed necessary by Major General Donald Dunbar to assist local authorities. The declaration also directs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts.
"Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) has been monitoring this storm system and working closely with state agencies, local officials, and the National Weather Service to track the storm and monitor the road conditions. If needed, actions could be taken to close roadways or portions of the interstate."
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/governor-scott-walker-declares-state-of-emergency-for-winter-storm/
Hot damn. This could be a killer snowstorm. Be careful out there.
"Gov. Scott Walker issued Executive Order #190 today declaring a state
of emergency as a major winter storm begins to impact Wisconsin.
"This storm is bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions across the statetonight, Gov. Walker said. It may cause dangerous drifting and blowing snow as well as limited visibility on roads and highways, causing treacherous driving conditions. As a precautionary measure, we want to ensure all state resources are available and ready, if needed. We urge all Wisconsinites to be cautious of the weather conditions and remain safe while outside or driving.
"The National Weather Service has forecasted up to a foot of snow for central Wisconsin from River Falls to the Green Bay area. Other areas will see lesser amounts of snow. Winds of over 30 miles per hour will cause blowing and drifting snow.
"Gov. Walkers State of Emergency calls to active duty elements of the Wisconsin National Guard as deemed necessary by Major General Donald Dunbar to assist local authorities. The declaration also directs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts.
"Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) has been monitoring this storm system and working closely with state agencies, local officials, and the National Weather Service to track the storm and monitor the road conditions. If needed, actions could be taken to close roadways or portions of the interstate."
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/governor-scott-walker-declares-state-of-emergency-for-winter-storm/
Hot damn. This could be a killer snowstorm. Be careful out there.
"Finding the right tools for recovery"
From The Journal Times.com:
"He and his wife had been separated for about two years, and he was feeling more than a little down.
"'I felt so badly. I guess I tended to underestimate my abilities and be self-critical,' he said.
"That’s when the Oconomowoc man, then an elementary school band teacher, found a Recovery International chapter in Racine. Attending those regular support group meetings, he said, 'helped me to get myself together.'
"'It’s a make-it-or-break-it situation usually' that prompts people to seek help, said Block, who now leads this self-help group, which he said is the only one like it in Racine. 'Recovery will certainly help you make it. It helped me.'
"According to the organization, there are an array of mental and physical issues for which the members of this self-help group can find support and assistance. These include angry outbursts, depression, dizziness, various mood disorders, insomnia, schizophrenia, and social anxiety, according to Recovery International.
"Block, 73, said one doesn’t have to have a diagnosed mental health issue to attend these meetings, because they also are designed to help people deal with various emotional states and feelings. These can include anger, fearfulness and worry, he ticked off of a list.
"'We need to try to stay in the realm of averageness. That’s where good mental health lies,' Block explained."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/finding-the-right-tools-for-recovery/article_9718bf7b-41a4-5ad4-bec5-e655d50e8286.html
It says in the article that Recovery Internatiohnal started two years after AA. How come I've never heard of it? This may be the thing for me.
"RACINE COUNTY — Looking back, Dwayne Block says he wasn’t in the best place before he began attending a Racine County support group in 1985.
"He and his wife had been separated for about two years, and he was feeling more than a little down.
"'I felt so badly. I guess I tended to underestimate my abilities and be self-critical,' he said.
"That’s when the Oconomowoc man, then an elementary school band teacher, found a Recovery International chapter in Racine. Attending those regular support group meetings, he said, 'helped me to get myself together.'
"'It’s a make-it-or-break-it situation usually' that prompts people to seek help, said Block, who now leads this self-help group, which he said is the only one like it in Racine. 'Recovery will certainly help you make it. It helped me.'
"According to the organization, there are an array of mental and physical issues for which the members of this self-help group can find support and assistance. These include angry outbursts, depression, dizziness, various mood disorders, insomnia, schizophrenia, and social anxiety, according to Recovery International.
"Block, 73, said one doesn’t have to have a diagnosed mental health issue to attend these meetings, because they also are designed to help people deal with various emotional states and feelings. These can include anger, fearfulness and worry, he ticked off of a list.
"'We need to try to stay in the realm of averageness. That’s where good mental health lies,' Block explained."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/finding-the-right-tools-for-recovery/article_9718bf7b-41a4-5ad4-bec5-e655d50e8286.html
It says in the article that Recovery Internatiohnal started two years after AA. How come I've never heard of it? This may be the thing for me.
Dear Madame Zoltar
This election thing has the whole country wondering how low certain candidates will go. We're divided right down the middle. That's not good. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Mr. Lincoln knew about these things. And still civil war broke out. I would maintain that the current crop of candidates are far from the best people for the job. However, the best people aren't interested. So we get clowns instead. But there's nothing funny about these clowns . . .
Señor Zanza perseveres in his efforts at teaching Junior how to drive. That is, if it doesn't drive him insane, first. I've seen white people before, but no one as white as Señor Zanza when a lesson with Junior is over. Junior wants to hot rod it, while Señor Zanza's driving style is considerably more muted. Which one will win out? Well, if Junior really wants his license, his antics will have to stop. Furthermore, I'm not in a position to pay the price increase on my automobile insurance if Junior gets his license. Once I make him realize that he has to make up the difference, he may not be in such a hurry to drive.
I see in the news where Paul McCartney is trying to get back the Beatles' music catalog. It must be galling to have to pay royalties on songs he wrote or co-wrote. I assume he doesn't perform those old songs too often. It could get expensive.
 |
| Accessing human sources of food might make birds better problem solvers. (Jack Guez/AFP) |
So, the next time a bird poops on you. remember that it may be PhD poop.
Thank you all so much for reading my blog today. I love each and every one of you. I consider it a great honor when you choose to read my blog. Thank you, again.
PhD poop? Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
Take it easy this week if the weather proves rough. Slow down and live. As I said earlier, it'll soon melt. I love you and hope you have a great week. See you next week.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
"Huge regional divide over Trump among GOP voters in Wisconsin"
From JSOnline:
"Donald Trump has inspired a gaping regional divide among Republican voters in Wisconsin, reflecting many of the fault lines plaguing the GOP today.
"In an upside-down version of a traditional campaign, the Republican front-runner is immensely unpopular in the reddest part of the state — the outer suburbs and exurbs that ring Milwaukee.
"These are the party’s bedrock counties: Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee. They typically dictate the outcome of GOP primaries like the one Wisconsin will hold for president April 5. And in fall elections, they’re arguably the best-performing Republican counties in America.
"But GOP voters in these counties dislike Trump by a very large margin. In extensive polling by the Marquette University Law School, 25% view him positively and 64% view him negatively, for a 'net favorability' — in his own party — of 'minus 39.'
"The picture is dramatically different at the other end of the state, in the small cities, towns and countryside of northern and western Wisconsin.
"Here Trump’s favorability score is 'plus 21' among Republicans: 53% view him positively and 32% view him negatively.
"This geographic chasm reflects some of the key voting patterns seen in other states this year, including Trump’s strength in struggling white communities and his appeal to blue-collar Republicans."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/372741131.html
Trump's a dick.
 |
| Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to guests gathered at Fountain Park during a campaign rally on March 19. Credit: Getty Images |
"Donald Trump has inspired a gaping regional divide among Republican voters in Wisconsin, reflecting many of the fault lines plaguing the GOP today.
"In an upside-down version of a traditional campaign, the Republican front-runner is immensely unpopular in the reddest part of the state — the outer suburbs and exurbs that ring Milwaukee.
"These are the party’s bedrock counties: Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee. They typically dictate the outcome of GOP primaries like the one Wisconsin will hold for president April 5. And in fall elections, they’re arguably the best-performing Republican counties in America.
"But GOP voters in these counties dislike Trump by a very large margin. In extensive polling by the Marquette University Law School, 25% view him positively and 64% view him negatively, for a 'net favorability' — in his own party — of 'minus 39.'
"The picture is dramatically different at the other end of the state, in the small cities, towns and countryside of northern and western Wisconsin.
"Here Trump’s favorability score is 'plus 21' among Republicans: 53% view him positively and 32% view him negatively.
"This geographic chasm reflects some of the key voting patterns seen in other states this year, including Trump’s strength in struggling white communities and his appeal to blue-collar Republicans."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/372741131.html
Trump's a dick.
"Plea deal for Mount Pleasant man in alleged child sexual assault case"
From The Journal Times.com:
"During a plea hearing on Tuesday, Salvador Q. Escobedo, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault of a child. The plea deal means Escobedo faces potentially more time behind bars than he has been alive, and his defense attorney, Patrick Cafferty, said he would have to register as a sex offender for life after he is sentenced this summer.
"The charge is punishable by a maximum of 25 years behind bars and up to 15 years on extended supervision. But as part of the plea agreement, Racine County Assistant District Attorney Dirk Jensen said he will recommend that Escobedo be sentenced to whatever amount of time is proposed by a Wisconsin Department of Corrections agent who will evaluate Escobedo before his sentencing.
"But Circuit Judge John Jude warned he’s not bound by recommendations made by Jensen, the agent or Cafferty.
"'I can impose whatever penalty I think is appropriate, including up to the maximum time,' Jude said."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/plea-deal-for-mount-pleasant-man-in-alleged-child-sexual/article_fc6a0d16-c8b7-57ed-8ecd-b5cc3d3e2c6d.html
Why the plea bargaining? Racine continues to be soft on child sex and porn cases. What can you do when the judges are corrupt, too?
"RACINE — A Mount
Pleasant man inked a plea agreement on Tuesday, seven months after he
was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl he met online.
"During a plea hearing on Tuesday, Salvador Q. Escobedo, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault of a child. The plea deal means Escobedo faces potentially more time behind bars than he has been alive, and his defense attorney, Patrick Cafferty, said he would have to register as a sex offender for life after he is sentenced this summer.
"The charge is punishable by a maximum of 25 years behind bars and up to 15 years on extended supervision. But as part of the plea agreement, Racine County Assistant District Attorney Dirk Jensen said he will recommend that Escobedo be sentenced to whatever amount of time is proposed by a Wisconsin Department of Corrections agent who will evaluate Escobedo before his sentencing.
"But Circuit Judge John Jude warned he’s not bound by recommendations made by Jensen, the agent or Cafferty.
"'I can impose whatever penalty I think is appropriate, including up to the maximum time,' Jude said."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/plea-deal-for-mount-pleasant-man-in-alleged-child-sexual/article_fc6a0d16-c8b7-57ed-8ecd-b5cc3d3e2c6d.html
Why the plea bargaining? Racine continues to be soft on child sex and porn cases. What can you do when the judges are corrupt, too?
"Snowstorm takes aim at Wisconsin as track shifts slightly north"
From JSOnline:
"The track of a snowstorm heading for Wisconsin appears to have shifted slightly to the north, which is bad news if you live in Wausau but better news if you live in Wauwatosa.
"The Milwaukee area won't escape the storm entirely. The forecast now calls for 1 to 2 inches of snow in the city Wednesday night and Thursday, but a wintry mix of snow and rain is the most likely scenario for far southeast Wisconsin.
"No so for the counties to the north. A winter storm watch already has been issued, taking effect at 7 p.m. Wednesday, and includes Washington and Dodge counties and a wide swath of the state to the north and west. The center of that band of snow could see accumulations of 6 to 10 inches, the National Weather Service predicts."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/weather/snowstorm-takes-aim-at-wisconsin-as-track-shifts-slightly-north-b99692133z1-373053041.html
The National Weather Service changes their mind more often than my bank.
"The track of a snowstorm heading for Wisconsin appears to have shifted slightly to the north, which is bad news if you live in Wausau but better news if you live in Wauwatosa.
"The Milwaukee area won't escape the storm entirely. The forecast now calls for 1 to 2 inches of snow in the city Wednesday night and Thursday, but a wintry mix of snow and rain is the most likely scenario for far southeast Wisconsin.
"No so for the counties to the north. A winter storm watch already has been issued, taking effect at 7 p.m. Wednesday, and includes Washington and Dodge counties and a wide swath of the state to the north and west. The center of that band of snow could see accumulations of 6 to 10 inches, the National Weather Service predicts."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/weather/snowstorm-takes-aim-at-wisconsin-as-track-shifts-slightly-north-b99692133z1-373053041.html
The National Weather Service changes their mind more often than my bank.
Monday, March 21, 2016
"Heavy snow in forecast for first week of spring in parts of Wisconsin"
From JSOnline:
By of the Journal Sentinel
"It's the first week of spring: Get ready for snow, Milwaukee.
"The forecast is calling for more than 8 inches of snow Wednesday night into Thursday in parts of southeast Wisconsin, mostly far north of Milwaukee, the National Weather Service said Monday morning.
"Milwaukee is set to receive at least 2 inches, according to the latest projections. So if that 71-degree day earlier this month prompted you to put away the snow shovel, you might want to dig it out again.
"But how much snow actual will fall is anyone guess. 'Storm systems this time of year are especially difficult to predict, and this one is't doing anything to prove that,' the National Weather Service office in Sullivan said Monday in an online post about the coming storm.
"It depends on whether the storm tracks to the north or to the south, and how much moisture it picks up along the way. Be prepared for the forecast to change one way or the other as the storm gets nearer to Wisconisn.
"It already has been a roller-coaster of a March, with freezing temperatures and several inches of snow to start the month. That was followed by a rapid warmup, with the high in Milwaukee hitting 71 on March 8. That didn't break the record for the day, but the 67 degrees recorded on March 9 did.
"After that, temperatures retreated into the 30s and 40s until last weekend, when the low Sunday dropped to 28, just below normal for this time of the year."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/weather/heavy-snow-in-forecast-for-first-week-of-spring-in-southeast-wisconsin-b99691295z1-372922241.html
By of the Journal Sentinel
"It's the first week of spring: Get ready for snow, Milwaukee.
"The forecast is calling for more than 8 inches of snow Wednesday night into Thursday in parts of southeast Wisconsin, mostly far north of Milwaukee, the National Weather Service said Monday morning.
"Milwaukee is set to receive at least 2 inches, according to the latest projections. So if that 71-degree day earlier this month prompted you to put away the snow shovel, you might want to dig it out again.
"But how much snow actual will fall is anyone guess. 'Storm systems this time of year are especially difficult to predict, and this one is't doing anything to prove that,' the National Weather Service office in Sullivan said Monday in an online post about the coming storm.
"It depends on whether the storm tracks to the north or to the south, and how much moisture it picks up along the way. Be prepared for the forecast to change one way or the other as the storm gets nearer to Wisconisn.
"It already has been a roller-coaster of a March, with freezing temperatures and several inches of snow to start the month. That was followed by a rapid warmup, with the high in Milwaukee hitting 71 on March 8. That didn't break the record for the day, but the 67 degrees recorded on March 9 did.
"After that, temperatures retreated into the 30s and 40s until last weekend, when the low Sunday dropped to 28, just below normal for this time of the year."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/weather/heavy-snow-in-forecast-for-first-week-of-spring-in-southeast-wisconsin-b99691295z1-372922241.html
"Excellence in Racine: Art Can be Therapy at Racine Alternative Education"
From Racine County Eye:
By Heather Asiyanbi in Schools · March 21, 2016 · No comments
"Megan Goers’ art classroom at Racine Alternative Education is a collaborative environment where students learn to work together on something bigger than themselves and gain confidence to see their future.
"'I was so intimidated when I took my first class with Ms. Goers because everyone was so close and such a good artist,' Jazmyn Seeger said. 'I didn’t talk for the first month, but that’s all changed now.'
"Seeger, 16, is a junior, and she is filled with confidence; she sits tall and looks people in the eye when she talks to them. She suffered from such anxiety about asking for help in her math and chemistry classes at J.I. Case High School that she fell too far behind to realistically catch up in the traditional classroom. She said her parents found RAE, and attending classes there – especially art with Goers – made all the difference in the world.
"'I never thought I would draw or even paint, but Ms. Goers always knew I could do it, and now I do,' Seeger added.
"Dr. Eric Gallien, deputy superintendent, said art at RAE often serves as therapy for students.
"'The art program there is an outlet for students and really helps keep students engaged,' he said.
"Goers nodded her agreement.
"'What we do here is art therapy for at-risk students,' she said. 'I run my classroom as a collaborative effort where students have to learn to work together on something that’s bigger than just one person. They critique each other, which can be terrifying the first couple of times, but in the end, they learn about each other and themselves and that there is something bigger, like a future.'"
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/art-can-be-therapy-at-racine-alternative-education/
By Heather Asiyanbi in Schools · March 21, 2016 · No comments
 |
| Credit - Racine County Eye |
"Megan Goers’ art classroom at Racine Alternative Education is a collaborative environment where students learn to work together on something bigger than themselves and gain confidence to see their future.
"'I was so intimidated when I took my first class with Ms. Goers because everyone was so close and such a good artist,' Jazmyn Seeger said. 'I didn’t talk for the first month, but that’s all changed now.'
"Seeger, 16, is a junior, and she is filled with confidence; she sits tall and looks people in the eye when she talks to them. She suffered from such anxiety about asking for help in her math and chemistry classes at J.I. Case High School that she fell too far behind to realistically catch up in the traditional classroom. She said her parents found RAE, and attending classes there – especially art with Goers – made all the difference in the world.
"'I never thought I would draw or even paint, but Ms. Goers always knew I could do it, and now I do,' Seeger added.
"Dr. Eric Gallien, deputy superintendent, said art at RAE often serves as therapy for students.
"'The art program there is an outlet for students and really helps keep students engaged,' he said.
"Goers nodded her agreement.
"'What we do here is art therapy for at-risk students,' she said. 'I run my classroom as a collaborative effort where students have to learn to work together on something that’s bigger than just one person. They critique each other, which can be terrifying the first couple of times, but in the end, they learn about each other and themselves and that there is something bigger, like a future.'"
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/art-can-be-therapy-at-racine-alternative-education/
Sunday, March 20, 2016
"RACINE MAYOR JOHN DICKERT SWEARS UNDER OATH THAT HE DOES NOT READ THE NEWSPAPER!"
From Racine Community Media:
"Despite writing numerous personal commentaries in the newspaper, Racine Mayor John Dickert swears underneath and penalty of perjury that he does NOT read the paper!!!"
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/141380001343/racine-mayor-john-dickert-swears-underoath-that-he
Maybe he's illiterate.
"Despite writing numerous personal commentaries in the newspaper, Racine Mayor John Dickert swears underneath and penalty of perjury that he does NOT read the paper!!!"
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/141380001343/racine-mayor-john-dickert-swears-underoath-that-he
Maybe he's illiterate.
"Mount Pleasant Police investigating Sunday morning robbery"
From RacineUncovered:
03/20/2016 | Filed under: Crime News |
"Mount Pleasant Police are investigating an armed robbery that happened
around 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Mount Pleasant Police responded after 911
calls came in for SF Petroleum in the 2300 block of Racine being robbed
at gunpoint. Radio reports that the suspect did display a handgun, after
the robbery, the suspect fled on foot. Racine Police are also in the
area at this time. No further information is available at this time.
Check back for update."
Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/mount-pleasant-police-investigating-sunday-morning-robbery/
How can this be when lying John keeps telling us that crime is at a 50-year low? Maybe he figures he can lie crime to extinction.
03/20/2016 | Filed under: Crime News |
"Mount Pleasant Police are investigating an armed robbery that happened
around 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Mount Pleasant Police responded after 911
calls came in for SF Petroleum in the 2300 block of Racine being robbed
at gunpoint. Radio reports that the suspect did display a handgun, after
the robbery, the suspect fled on foot. Racine Police are also in the
area at this time. No further information is available at this time.
Check back for update."Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/mount-pleasant-police-investigating-sunday-morning-robbery/
How can this be when lying John keeps telling us that crime is at a 50-year low? Maybe he figures he can lie crime to extinction.
"Join the Journey to Disrupt Aging"
Posted on 03/18/2016 by Jo Ann Jenkins | Comments: 0
| 
Print
"With the help and support of my friends, family, and colleagues, and with the inspired contributions of my co-worker, Boe Workman, I’m counting the days to publication of Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age.
"Disrupt Aging is an invitation to choose how you live and age, a guide for anyone who wants to continue exploring possibilities, to celebrate discovery over decline, and to seek out opportunities to live the best life there is to live.
"I want people who read it to see what all of us at AARP see, that at a time when individuals should be basking in the glorious gift of longer, healthier lives, we are surrounded by negative images of aging. These images, and the fears of growing older that they inspire, are overdue for an overhaul. In my fantasy, every reader will be moved to become a disruptor of aging, creating a mass movement to shake up outdated beliefs, change the conversation about what it means to get older today, and spark new solutions so more people can choose how they want to live and age.
Disrupt Aging: The Book — A bold new path to living your best life at every age »
"In tackling this social mission, I’ve grabbed the baton that AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, passed to each of us who has had the honor of leading AARP. Ethel was a wonder, and she was one of the original disruptors of aging. She said, way back in 1962: 'This is a country where it is wonderful to be young. It must also become a country where it is wonderful to be old.' At that time, she’d already hurled herself into making it happen, with the creation of AARP one of her most important contributions.
"We’ve made enormous progress since Ethel’s day, but not enough to bridge the gap between what people would like aging to be like, and what’s holding them back from achieving their vision. They want to be self-sufficient, stay active, build intimacy with family and friends, and just have fun. But they are being constrained by the dominant cultural view of aging as a process of deterioration, dependency, reduced potential, family dispersal, and digital incompetence.
"AARP took part in a study that concluded 'these deep and negative shared understandings make … aging something to be dreaded and fought against, rather than embraced as a process that brings new opportunities and challenges for individuals and society.'
"It’s time we put a stop to this dusty old thinking and replace it with more accurate, up-to-the minute ideas. Aging has changed, and it’s important to understand where we are today, where we must go, and how to take advantage of the incredible opportunities we now have to change the way we live our lives for the better.
"As CEO of AARP, as a daughter, wife, and mother, as a woman rejoicing in my vintage, I want to be judged by who I am, and what I do – not by how old I am.
"Most people turning 50 today can expect to live another 30-plus years. That’s more time than they spent in childhood and in adolescence, and for many, it’s more time than they spent working.
"Our ability to live longer, healthier, more productive lives is one of mankind’s greatest accomplishments. I invite you to join us in this Disrupt Aging journey."
Read more: http://blog.aarp.org/2016/03/18/join-the-journey-to-disrupt-aging/
Jo Ann Jenkins is the chief executive officer of AARP. Follow her on Twitter @JoAnn_Jenkins.
Print
"With the help and support of my friends, family, and colleagues, and with the inspired contributions of my co-worker, Boe Workman, I’m counting the days to publication of Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age.
"Disrupt Aging is an invitation to choose how you live and age, a guide for anyone who wants to continue exploring possibilities, to celebrate discovery over decline, and to seek out opportunities to live the best life there is to live.
"I want people who read it to see what all of us at AARP see, that at a time when individuals should be basking in the glorious gift of longer, healthier lives, we are surrounded by negative images of aging. These images, and the fears of growing older that they inspire, are overdue for an overhaul. In my fantasy, every reader will be moved to become a disruptor of aging, creating a mass movement to shake up outdated beliefs, change the conversation about what it means to get older today, and spark new solutions so more people can choose how they want to live and age.
Disrupt Aging: The Book — A bold new path to living your best life at every age »
"In tackling this social mission, I’ve grabbed the baton that AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, passed to each of us who has had the honor of leading AARP. Ethel was a wonder, and she was one of the original disruptors of aging. She said, way back in 1962: 'This is a country where it is wonderful to be young. It must also become a country where it is wonderful to be old.' At that time, she’d already hurled herself into making it happen, with the creation of AARP one of her most important contributions.
"We’ve made enormous progress since Ethel’s day, but not enough to bridge the gap between what people would like aging to be like, and what’s holding them back from achieving their vision. They want to be self-sufficient, stay active, build intimacy with family and friends, and just have fun. But they are being constrained by the dominant cultural view of aging as a process of deterioration, dependency, reduced potential, family dispersal, and digital incompetence.
"AARP took part in a study that concluded 'these deep and negative shared understandings make … aging something to be dreaded and fought against, rather than embraced as a process that brings new opportunities and challenges for individuals and society.'
"It’s time we put a stop to this dusty old thinking and replace it with more accurate, up-to-the minute ideas. Aging has changed, and it’s important to understand where we are today, where we must go, and how to take advantage of the incredible opportunities we now have to change the way we live our lives for the better.
"As CEO of AARP, as a daughter, wife, and mother, as a woman rejoicing in my vintage, I want to be judged by who I am, and what I do – not by how old I am.
"Most people turning 50 today can expect to live another 30-plus years. That’s more time than they spent in childhood and in adolescence, and for many, it’s more time than they spent working.
"Our ability to live longer, healthier, more productive lives is one of mankind’s greatest accomplishments. I invite you to join us in this Disrupt Aging journey."
Read more: http://blog.aarp.org/2016/03/18/join-the-journey-to-disrupt-aging/
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