From Racine County Eye:
By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · May 21, 2016 · No comments
"Racine police say a 36-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man are
facing up to 90 days in jail each after a domestic incident in their
home that wasn’t quite as serious as it was made out to be.
"Rickie Sorensen and Pepe Houlston, both of Racine, were charged
Friday in Racine County Circuit Court with one misdemeanor count each of
disorderly conduct, domestic abuse assessment. If convicted, they each
face up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
"According to the criminal complaints against them, police were called
Thursday to their home for a report of a pregnant female requesting
rescue. When officers arrived, they spoke to Sorensen about what
happened, but they believed she was not telling them the truth while
describing how Houlston punched her in the stomach. A witness said they
overheard a heated argument during which Sorensen threatened Houlston by
saying, 'You’re going to jail tonight.'
"Police say they’ve responded 16 times to the defendants’ home and
know they call the police on each other in an attempt to get the other
arrested. During questioning, Houlston said he and Sorensen got into an
argument over text messages, but he put on headphones and went into
another room to get away from Sorensen. When she followed him and
removed the headphones from his head, Houlston said he pushed her away,
and that’s when she threatened him and then called police about being
punched in the stomach.
"While rescue was transporting Sorensen to the hospital, she refused
medical treatment and got out of the vehicle, the complaint reads,
telling the crew she wouldn’t have a ride home.
"Both Sorensen and Houlston were taken into custody for creating a
disturbance. At her initial appearance Friday, Sorenson was assigned a
$500 cash bond, and inmate lists indicate she is no longer in custody.
Houlston was assigned a $1,000 signature bond and was still in jail as
of Friday evening. They were both ordered to stay away from the other
and will both be in court June 16 for their pre-trial conferences."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/couple-charged-faked-domestic-incident/
Wow. 16 times. Is that some sort of record?
Saturday, May 21, 2016
"Off to the duck race, rubber duck derby comes to Racine"
From The Journal Times.com: CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com0
"RACINE — It’s been more than a few years since a local nonprofit has harnessed the power of the rubber duckies to raise funds for their cause, but in fewer than three weeks the Root River will once again be home to a rubber ducky derby.
"Substance abuse prevention organization Focus on Community and the City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department are teaming up to host the event, which is slated to kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at Island Park, 1700 Liberty St., in Racine.
"The goal is to bring families and the community together, say organizers, but also to help the two entities raise funds for youth programming.
"Sheila Simonsen, a program manager at Focus on Community, brought the idea to Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Tom Molbeck earlier this year after learning about rubber ducky derbies at a conference.
"'“I was just kind of intrigued by the idea and rubber ducks make me smile. And I thought if rubber ducks make me smile they got to make other people smile,' Simonsen said.
"When she asked Molbeck what kind of steps she would need to take to get permission to host the derby, Molbeck asked if Focus on Community would be interested in doing a joint fundraiser.
"'And as soon as I told him what we wanted to do, he kind of got this big goofy smile on his face, too, and he said: "Would you guys consider partnering with us?" And I said, "definitely,"' Simonsen said.
"Even though they aren’t sure if they’ll make a profit this first year, the overall goal for the event is for it to become a lucrative fundraiser going forward, Simonsen said.
"And at least some of the overhead for the first event will be covered. The nonprofit and the city received a $2,500 grant from Educators Credit Union to purchase 5,000 rubber ducks for the derby itself.
Not just a derby
"But how does a rubber duck derby work? Essentially it’s like betting on a horse race. All the ducks are numbered, and participants pay to sponsor a duck in the hopes their duck, or number, comes in first, second or third place.
"Those looking to participate in the derby can sponsor one duck for $5; six ducks for $25, or 20 ducks for $100. The first-place winner of the derby will win $500; the second-place winner, $250; and third-place winner, $100. As of Friday the nonprofit had sold 600 ducks.
"Ducks can be purchased online at www.focusracine.org/duck-derby.html, by phone at 262-632-6200, or in person at Focus on Community’s offices, 1220 Mound Ave., Suite 307, in Racine. Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
"In addition to the derby, there will be assorted children's activities and games, and a DJ. Top Dog will be on hand selling refreshments, Simonsen said, and families are encouraged to bring picnics.
"The nonprofit will also be holding a duck-o-rating contest in which participants can purchase a large duck for $25 and decorate, or 'duck-o-rate,' it. The finished ducks will be displaced at Racine Art Museum on Friday evening, June 3, for First Friday, so people can vote for their favorites. The best decorated ducks — as judged by First Friday attendees and celebrity judges — will net prizes. About 22 of the duck-o-rate ducks had seen sold as of Friday.
"'I think we are definitely doing it again no matter what,' she said of the overall event. 'This year is really just figuring out what works.'
"To learn more about the derby or how to take part in the Duck-O-Rating contest — where participants decorate a large rubber ducky — visit www.focusracine.org/duck-derby.html."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/off-to-the-duck-race-rubber-duck-derby-comes-to/article_8f456d0e-8124-5cd1-a859-927031bb3c7a.html
Of course,
Those duckies better be biodegradable, or someone might have a snit fit.
"Angry juror speaks out: Foreman disappointed with Downtown homicide decision"
From The Journal Times.com:
"RACINE — As jury
foreperson John Jacobson walked out of the courtroom Thursday following
the verdict in State of Wisconsin v. Christopher S. Brown, he felt
disappointment as he watched prosecutor Robert Repischak talking to the
victim’s family.
"'Christopher Brown is blowing kisses to whomever and this guy is out here trying to explain to the family why he didn’t get what he deserved,' Jacobson said.
"Brown, who was convicted in the March 2014 killing of Dulonden E. Ratliff in Downtown Racine, had been charged with first-degree reckless homicide, which comes with a penalty of up 40 years in prison, with possible additional enhancers.
"Jacobsen said a majority of jurors wanted to convict him of first-degree reckless homicide, but they couldn’t reach a consensus, and therefore had to convict him of second-degree charges which come with less severe punishments.
"It’s a compromise which attorneys say does not put the case in jeopardy of a retrial, but that Jacobsen said leaves a bad taste for him.
"'At any point in time did Mr. Brown show any iota of regard for human life?' Jacobson asked rhetorically. 'Here we had a chance to do something about the problem with the wrong people having guns.'"
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/angry-juror-speaks-out-foreman-disappointed-with-downtown-homicide-decision/article_991c3f81-307c-5d06-954f-265d7b2ab688.html
All too often in Racine do we see and read about how soft we are on criminals. All too often, it's true.
"35 miles an hour, son"
From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:
05/20/2016
"Posted in WTF? 9 Comments"
05/20/2016
"Posted in WTF? 9 Comments"
Then all of a sudden, his right arm disappears.
Idiot.
Friday, May 20, 2016
"Sheriff: Kenosha, Walworth helping with explosion investigation"
From The Journal Times.com:
0
"RACINE COUNTY —
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office has called in investigators from the
Kenosha and Walworth County sheriff’s departments to assist in the
ongoing investigation of the May 14 house explosion in the Town of
Burlington.
"At a news conference Friday, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling announced that the investigation into the fire and explosion at 29235 Ketterhagen Road remains active and that he enlisted the help of the neighboring departments to help locate a third body in the debris.
"'Here in Racine County, we have a fire investigative task force,' he said. 'Kenosha has the same and so does Walworth. So we called upon their resources to assist us in trying to recover this third individual, who was supposedly in this home.
"Schmaling still could not identify the two bodies his department has located because he’s not comfortable speculating without being 100 percent certain about the identifications. Milwaukee resident Kayla Lambert said Tuesday that her father, Craig Lambert; his girlfriend, Kimberly Howe; and Howe’s son, Nicholas, all lived in the house and have been missing since Saturday.
"'I know there are a lot of individuals in the community saying "this is who these people are,"' Schmaling said. 'I don’t speculate on community rumors and theories that are out there. I work on facts and what evidence tells us.'
"As for the length of the investigation, Schmaling said that the fire, explosion and extinguishing efforts have made finding evidence very labor-intensive.
"'Everything which was once standing is now lying in a basement in a pile of smoking debris,' he said. 'That just doesn’t happen overnight.'
"In the coming days, Schmaling hopes to have answers to the community’s numerous questions.
"'I want to make certain that at the end of the day, we have done everything humanly possible to create closure for the families of these victims and to find out the cause and origin of that fire and why did that home explode,' said Schmaling."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/sheriff-kenosha-walworth-helping-with-explosion-investigation/article_b2c50a1e-6f52-5af7-b779-c20444ed9be6.html
"Raccoon takes out power to thousands"
From The Journal Times.com:
Journal Times staff 3
"The outage hit about 7,000 customers in Racine, Caledonia and Mount Pleasant at about 12:30 a.m, but over half of those customers only saw their power out for a moment, according to WE Energies spokeswoman Cathy Schulze.
"She said about 3,000 customers were without power for about three hours while the equipment was repaired.
"Schulze said the company report did not specify the boundaries of the outage, but she noted that the company received a high volume of calls during the night from areas around Northwestern Avenue, Erie Street, Douglas Avenue and 4 Mile Road.
"Schulze could not immediately confirm how the raccoon had damaged equipment or if it survived the incident."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/raccoon-takes-out-power-to-thousands/article_27c1b640-489b-576a-9def-c73c385e9ee4.html
Journal Times staff 3
"RACINE — A raccoon's
contact with energy equipment knocked out power to thousands of We
Energies's customers on the northwest side of Racine early Friday
morning, a company spokeswoman confirmed.
"The outage hit about 7,000 customers in Racine, Caledonia and Mount Pleasant at about 12:30 a.m, but over half of those customers only saw their power out for a moment, according to WE Energies spokeswoman Cathy Schulze.
"She said about 3,000 customers were without power for about three hours while the equipment was repaired.
"Schulze said the company report did not specify the boundaries of the outage, but she noted that the company received a high volume of calls during the night from areas around Northwestern Avenue, Erie Street, Douglas Avenue and 4 Mile Road.
"Schulze could not immediately confirm how the raccoon had damaged equipment or if it survived the incident."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/raccoon-takes-out-power-to-thousands/article_27c1b640-489b-576a-9def-c73c385e9ee4.html
Open Blog - Friday
Can you be in love with a day? If so, Friday is a good choice. Or maybe Saturday...
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Hallelujah! - "Say goodbye to Time Warner Cable: sale leads to name change"
From The Journal Times.com:
MARLEY JAY Associated Press 0
"Time Warner, the largest cable provider in New York and Los Angeles, among other markets, was just bought by Charter Communications Inc., which has mostly operated in the Midwest. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company also bought Bright House Networks Wednesday. That makes Charter the second-largest home Internet provider and third-largest video provider in the U.S. Over the next year and a half, Charter will phase out the Time Warner Cable and Bright House names in favor of its own brand, Spectrum.
"New Spectrum subscribers will probably like some things. Charter will continue trying to boost Internet speeds and won’t have usage-based billing or caps on how much data customers can use. Its prices are generally lower than Time Warner Cable’s, and Charter says it will use its size to negotiate better deals with channel owners.
"Aguilar said Time Warner Cable in particular is seen as a static, distant company that doesn’t care about its customers. (Emphasis added.) But Charter has an opportunity to change that now. Comcast renamed its cable business Xfinity in 2010, and Aguilar said consumers like Xfinity as a brand.
"'If they marry the name with significant improvements in the customer experience, they could have something very interesting,' he said.
"But that might be tough. Over time, cable bills are likely to keep rising. The merger means Spectrum will have even less competition to keep prices down. Many of Time Warner’s cheaper deals, which offer slower Internet speeds, will go away. Costs for cable companies are still rising because they pay high prices for the rights to carry channels on cable lineups, and those increases get passed on to consumers.
"Those kinds of annoyances make complaining about cable companies a fact of life for a lot of people. From rising bills to unexplained outages to long hold times on the phone and lengthy and long waits for service, there’s always something to keep customers unhappy with their provider. Time Warner, which tried to merge with also-hated Comcast in 2015, had been acknowledging that lately. Its ads last year nodded toward typical cable company shortcomings, and in recent weeks the company has run an ad campaign that says it’s 'Changing for Good.' The ads say its service has improved and 99 percent of its technicians arrive within the one-hour appointment window consumers are given."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/say-goodbye-to-time-warner-cable-sale-leads-to-name/article_a47f3680-2e98-5ddd-9706-c9d6a485dd3b.html
I'm already in training for new wars with the new owners.
MARLEY JAY Associated Press 0
 |
| Associated Press |
"NEW YORK — Time
Warner Cable is going away, and that means you might have a new cable
company to hate. But you might find one you like better instead.
"Time Warner, the largest cable provider in New York and Los Angeles, among other markets, was just bought by Charter Communications Inc., which has mostly operated in the Midwest. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company also bought Bright House Networks Wednesday. That makes Charter the second-largest home Internet provider and third-largest video provider in the U.S. Over the next year and a half, Charter will phase out the Time Warner Cable and Bright House names in favor of its own brand, Spectrum.
"New Spectrum subscribers will probably like some things. Charter will continue trying to boost Internet speeds and won’t have usage-based billing or caps on how much data customers can use. Its prices are generally lower than Time Warner Cable’s, and Charter says it will use its size to negotiate better deals with channel owners.
"Aguilar said Time Warner Cable in particular is seen as a static, distant company that doesn’t care about its customers. (Emphasis added.) But Charter has an opportunity to change that now. Comcast renamed its cable business Xfinity in 2010, and Aguilar said consumers like Xfinity as a brand.
"'If they marry the name with significant improvements in the customer experience, they could have something very interesting,' he said.
"But that might be tough. Over time, cable bills are likely to keep rising. The merger means Spectrum will have even less competition to keep prices down. Many of Time Warner’s cheaper deals, which offer slower Internet speeds, will go away. Costs for cable companies are still rising because they pay high prices for the rights to carry channels on cable lineups, and those increases get passed on to consumers.
"Those kinds of annoyances make complaining about cable companies a fact of life for a lot of people. From rising bills to unexplained outages to long hold times on the phone and lengthy and long waits for service, there’s always something to keep customers unhappy with their provider. Time Warner, which tried to merge with also-hated Comcast in 2015, had been acknowledging that lately. Its ads last year nodded toward typical cable company shortcomings, and in recent weeks the company has run an ad campaign that says it’s 'Changing for Good.' The ads say its service has improved and 99 percent of its technicians arrive within the one-hour appointment window consumers are given."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/say-goodbye-to-time-warner-cable-sale-leads-to-name/article_a47f3680-2e98-5ddd-9706-c9d6a485dd3b.html
I'm already in training for new wars with the new owners.
Dear Madame Zoltar
The temperature here at the JT Irregulars could be described as cool, or cold, or frigid. After the implosion of our beloved site, the heat was gone. Maybe it'll stay that way, or get worse. A new Ice Age at the JTI.
Which brings me to our question for this week. It comes from Mr. OrbsCorbs. He writes:
"Dear Madame Zoltar,
"Is there any way to 'make things right again' on the JTI site? I lost a lot of friends, and I betrayed the confidence of one in particular which I wholeheartedly regret. Is there any way to 'fix' the situation?
"Love,
OrbsCorbs"
Dear Mr. OrbsCorbs,
The short answer is, "No." That's also the long answer.
Words once said can't be unsaid and actions once taken can't be untaken.
I suspect that you know this all too well.
Best wishes,
Madame Zoltar
Until science or sorcery comes up with a time machine, we won't be able to undo the past. And maybe not even then. I can astral project, but not into a different time. For now, the best thing we an do is to avoid unpleasant situations in the first place. Easier said than done, I know, for some people. For some, it's almost as if the unpleasant situations drag them in. God isn't a fair taskmaster. Far from it . . .
For some, the best answer is to avoid as much contact with other people as is possible. Especially avoid romantic entanglements. They can cause you to lose perspective and concentration. They can cause you to lose your job, or worse, far worse.
I still find the Golden Rule applicable, even if my peers don't. Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Such a simple concept, bu it's lost in the commercial world, lost in the world that many of us spend the most of our time in. Lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While I guess I can see that, I had higher hopes for the Peace Generation. And I never thought I'd live to see our society devolve into the state of open warfare that it is now. Hatred grips the nation. And more and more people are acting out. Peace, love, and guns in our classrooms. The more the dysfunction, the better.
I feel so bad for our country. Obviously, the vast majority of our population aren't nutjobs looking for a place to explode, but their numbers have been growing. Why? Why are so many of us self-destructing, and taking so many others with us? Why has hate become part of everyday discourse?
I love all of you and hope I haven't dragged you down with my little rant here. Madame Zoltar is your guardian angel, so fear not, worry not. I will always be there when you need me the most.
If elected president, will Donald Trump's hair have its own security detail? Ask: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
Enjoy the pageantry of spring. If nothing else, just walk (or drive slowly) up and down neighborhood streets. Beauty is blossoming everywhere. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this time of year.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
"First Penis Transplant Performed in U.S. on Cancer Patient"
From Newsweek:
By
"Things are looking up in life for a patient in Boston, thanks to a dead man’s penis.
"A team of surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital announced Monday that they successfully completed the first penis transplant to take place in the U.S.—and the third one worldwide—on a man who has been living without his member for several years due to penile cancer.
The penis transplant, a procedure also known as a genitourinary reconstructive vascularized composite allograft, took 15 hours for the physicians to complete. The patient, 64-year-old Thomas Manning of Halifax, Massachusetts, underwent a partial penectomy in 2012. Physicians on Friday said that he is doing well and that there are no signs of organ rejection, bleeding or infection.
"The surgical team spent more than three and half years preparing for this breakthrough procedure. It required the work of several different departments and specialists in the hospital, including plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, psychiatry, infectious diseases, nursing and social work. The hospital’s transplant center first considered performing this procedure in 2012 after they successfully performed a hand transplant, another highly complex surgery. The group worked closely with the New England Organ Bank to make it happen.
"In a statement issued by the hospital, the patient expressed gratitude to the team of doctors and acknowledged the potential for this surgery to change the lives of many men. 'Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result,' Manning wrote. 'In sharing this success with all of you, it’s my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation.' The hospital added that the donor’s family was pleased to hear the surgery was successful."
Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/surgeons-us-boston-first-penis-transplant-460497
"Things are looking up in life for a patient in Boston, thanks to a dead man’s penis." Rimshot.
This is great news! I hope they'll make it elective surgery. Just wait around until someone with a big penis, who is a good medical match for you, dies. Then claim that schlong!
By
 |
"Things are looking up in life for a patient in Boston, thanks to a dead man’s penis.
"A team of surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital announced Monday that they successfully completed the first penis transplant to take place in the U.S.—and the third one worldwide—on a man who has been living without his member for several years due to penile cancer.
The penis transplant, a procedure also known as a genitourinary reconstructive vascularized composite allograft, took 15 hours for the physicians to complete. The patient, 64-year-old Thomas Manning of Halifax, Massachusetts, underwent a partial penectomy in 2012. Physicians on Friday said that he is doing well and that there are no signs of organ rejection, bleeding or infection.
"The surgical team spent more than three and half years preparing for this breakthrough procedure. It required the work of several different departments and specialists in the hospital, including plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, psychiatry, infectious diseases, nursing and social work. The hospital’s transplant center first considered performing this procedure in 2012 after they successfully performed a hand transplant, another highly complex surgery. The group worked closely with the New England Organ Bank to make it happen.
"In a statement issued by the hospital, the patient expressed gratitude to the team of doctors and acknowledged the potential for this surgery to change the lives of many men. 'Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result,' Manning wrote. 'In sharing this success with all of you, it’s my hope we can usher in a bright future for this type of transplantation.' The hospital added that the donor’s family was pleased to hear the surgery was successful."
Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/surgeons-us-boston-first-penis-transplant-460497
"Things are looking up in life for a patient in Boston, thanks to a dead man’s penis." Rimshot.
This is great news! I hope they'll make it elective surgery. Just wait around until someone with a big penis, who is a good medical match for you, dies. Then claim that schlong!
"Johnson says supporting Trump different from endorsing him"
From The Journal Times.com:
"MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says that his supporting of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is not the same as endorsing him.
"The Eau Claire Leader Telegram reported earlier this month that Johnson said 'I am going to certainly endorse the Republican nominee, and obviously it looks like that will be Mr. Trump.'
"But in an interview Sunday with 1380-AM in Janesville, Johnson says 'To me, support versus endorse are two totally different things.'
"Johnson says he could withdraw his backing for Trump at any point, just as he would any candidate who 'crosses a line' or is so major he couldn't support them."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/state-and-regional/johnson-says-supporting-trump-different-from-endorsing-him/article_3b4463dd-c657-5e85-94fb-7e14a29070af.html
LOL. Politics at its best (worst). Playing word games to cover his ass instead of taking a stand. Politicians know how to do nothing but lie to us. What "line" would have to be crossed before Sen. Johnson awakens from his stupor? I must admit a bit of admiration of these nonsense pronouncements. I love language and these sons of bitches play it like a fiddle. Too bad it's always in the negative.
"MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says that his supporting of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is not the same as endorsing him.
"The Eau Claire Leader Telegram reported earlier this month that Johnson said 'I am going to certainly endorse the Republican nominee, and obviously it looks like that will be Mr. Trump.'
"But in an interview Sunday with 1380-AM in Janesville, Johnson says 'To me, support versus endorse are two totally different things.'
"Johnson says he could withdraw his backing for Trump at any point, just as he would any candidate who 'crosses a line' or is so major he couldn't support them."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/state-and-regional/johnson-says-supporting-trump-different-from-endorsing-him/article_3b4463dd-c657-5e85-94fb-7e14a29070af.html
LOL. Politics at its best (worst). Playing word games to cover his ass instead of taking a stand. Politicians know how to do nothing but lie to us. What "line" would have to be crossed before Sen. Johnson awakens from his stupor? I must admit a bit of admiration of these nonsense pronouncements. I love language and these sons of bitches play it like a fiddle. Too bad it's always in the negative.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Homage ut S. Ioannes
You slake my thirst when I'm dry. You bring me food when I'm
hungry. You bring me reading material when I'm depressed. You share my joy when
I'm happy. You've given so much to me and my family, that I can't repay
you. There isn't enough time left in my life.
When we speak, your share your comprehensive knowledge of current events, geography, and history with me. You never fail to awe me. When we speak of "the good old days," we laugh and laugh. Together we share our concerns about aging, disease, and friends dying. Together we condemn the anger which has gripped our nation. Together we rip politicians to pieces.
It's been more than 45 years. You've never failed me. In the least. I went drunkenly flying off of I-94 on St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee in your Chevy. It was totaled. We had the simmering hulk towed to your home. Your first words were, "Was anybody hurt?" We shook our heads. "Good," you said, "let's --- ----."
Later, you gave me a car, the Buick, aka, "The Puke." It died during the winter at State and Main Streets. We just left it there, in the road.
"Thank you" aren't the right words. They can't carry the weight of my debt to you. You go "above and beyond" what I'd expect from a friend. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have never brought me violence and you always leave in peace. I can't remember an encounter with you that I failed to learn something.
Peace, St. John, peace. May the next twenty years be more productive than the last. May your talents be recognized for the gifts that they are. May your path meet with the sunshine and the love that you deserve.
I love you and I thank you, sir,
OrbsCorbs
When we speak, your share your comprehensive knowledge of current events, geography, and history with me. You never fail to awe me. When we speak of "the good old days," we laugh and laugh. Together we share our concerns about aging, disease, and friends dying. Together we condemn the anger which has gripped our nation. Together we rip politicians to pieces.
It's been more than 45 years. You've never failed me. In the least. I went drunkenly flying off of I-94 on St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee in your Chevy. It was totaled. We had the simmering hulk towed to your home. Your first words were, "Was anybody hurt?" We shook our heads. "Good," you said, "let's --- ----."
Later, you gave me a car, the Buick, aka, "The Puke." It died during the winter at State and Main Streets. We just left it there, in the road.
"Thank you" aren't the right words. They can't carry the weight of my debt to you. You go "above and beyond" what I'd expect from a friend. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have never brought me violence and you always leave in peace. I can't remember an encounter with you that I failed to learn something.
Peace, St. John, peace. May the next twenty years be more productive than the last. May your talents be recognized for the gifts that they are. May your path meet with the sunshine and the love that you deserve.
I love you and I thank you, sir,
OrbsCorbs
Membership Drive
JT Irregulars is looking for a few good men and women to post blogs on the site and comment on others blogs. Everyone here is in charge of their own blogs, so you can express yourself however you desire. You moderate the comments on your blogs. You also can disallow comments on your blogs.
You'll receive a JT Irregulars email account, if you wish.
We consider ourselves a "local" blog, but you don't have to be from Racine to join. You can blog about whatever you want, not just Racine-related topics. If you've found something interesting, post it on the JT Irregulars.
You'll need a Google account to join. Then send an email to jtirregulars@jtirregulars.com requesting an account. You'll receive a reply email with your "invitation" to join. Hit the buttons and you're in. Thank you for joining.
You'll receive a JT Irregulars email account, if you wish.
We consider ourselves a "local" blog, but you don't have to be from Racine to join. You can blog about whatever you want, not just Racine-related topics. If you've found something interesting, post it on the JT Irregulars.
You'll need a Google account to join. Then send an email to jtirregulars@jtirregulars.com requesting an account. You'll receive a reply email with your "invitation" to join. Hit the buttons and you're in. Thank you for joining.
"NAACP-organized panel debates state of education for blacks in Racine"
From The Journal Times.com:
AARON KNAPP aaron.knapp@journaltimes.com
"In a discussion Saturday afternoon organized by the Racine Branch of the NAACP, leaders of the district and local government defended recent initiatives, such as the Academies of Racine, that they say are helping to cut into these achievement gaps.
"However, community and union leaders said some of those initiatives are either off target, too hasty or not enough.
"'This sounds good, but it doesn’t complete the picture — it’s a whitewash,' said The Rev. Ernest Ni’A, pastor of Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church. 'If you can tell me that our children will have an equal opportunity of completing the program, then receiving the employment they deserve, then I’m ready to talk, but right now that does not exist.'
"The panel marked the end of the Racine NAACP’s two-day 'State of Education: Impact on African-Americans' at Gateway Technical College’s Racine campus, 1001 S. Main St.
"The event began Friday with speakers and a panel addressing local black youths, while Saturday morning focused the various education options for parents in Racine.
"Speaking before a crowd of about 50 people, the event’s final panel Saturday afternoon included Ni’A, Racine Police Chief Art Howell, Racine Unified Deputy Superintendent Eric Gallien, Racine Unified School Board President Mike Frontier, Racine Education Association President Aaron Eick, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave and Mattie Booker, a former Unified teacher and former NAACP Education Committee chairwoman.
"Over the course of a discussion which lasted more than 90 minutes, the panel addressed a number of topics ranging from:
"Howell acknowledged that many in the black community are suspicious about officers in schools, but he noted that the officers will be trained to deal with youth, will build relationships with students and take a more 'surgical' approach to discipline.
"Eick expressed concern that officers in school would make it difficult for students to make mistakes without severe consequences.
"Ni’A, however, lauded the idea of having officers in schools who are trained to work with youth, understand the culture of the students and get to know individual students."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/naacp-organized-panel-debates-state-of-education-for-blacks-in/article_1a4b4902-5c5a-5f08-ba4e-25cde9c41f8f.html
I wonder if they discussed the disintegration of the black nuclear family? You can jump up and down and announce all sorts of "initiatives," but it doesn't mean squat if a kid has to return to hell whenever he/she goes home. With little or no support from their families, these children are doomed.
AARON KNAPP aaron.knapp@journaltimes.com
"RACINE — With local
black students continuing to fall behind their white peers at Racine
Unified in terms of graduation rates and test scores, a panel of seven
community leaders found little consensus on the cause of the gaps or how
to close them.
"In a discussion Saturday afternoon organized by the Racine Branch of the NAACP, leaders of the district and local government defended recent initiatives, such as the Academies of Racine, that they say are helping to cut into these achievement gaps.
"However, community and union leaders said some of those initiatives are either off target, too hasty or not enough.
"'This sounds good, but it doesn’t complete the picture — it’s a whitewash,' said The Rev. Ernest Ni’A, pastor of Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church. 'If you can tell me that our children will have an equal opportunity of completing the program, then receiving the employment they deserve, then I’m ready to talk, but right now that does not exist.'
"The panel marked the end of the Racine NAACP’s two-day 'State of Education: Impact on African-Americans' at Gateway Technical College’s Racine campus, 1001 S. Main St.
"The event began Friday with speakers and a panel addressing local black youths, while Saturday morning focused the various education options for parents in Racine.
"Speaking before a crowd of about 50 people, the event’s final panel Saturday afternoon included Ni’A, Racine Police Chief Art Howell, Racine Unified Deputy Superintendent Eric Gallien, Racine Unified School Board President Mike Frontier, Racine Education Association President Aaron Eick, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave and Mattie Booker, a former Unified teacher and former NAACP Education Committee chairwoman.
"Over the course of a discussion which lasted more than 90 minutes, the panel addressed a number of topics ranging from:
- Efforts by the district and county to expand full-day 4-year-old kindergarten programs as a way to close the achievement gap before it begins.
- Deprioritizing testing — which Eick described as “what institutional racism looks like in urban education” — and instead focusing on making the district more nurturing.
- Hiring more minority teachers that minority students can look up to address the achievement gap.
- Helping more black students access advanced placement courses.
"Police in schools"
"In
a discussion about the high rate that blacks are suspended in Unified
school — 21 percent of blacks compared to 4 percent of whites in 2015,
according to state data — Howell addressed a plan between the district
and the Racine Police Department to bring the community-oriented
policing model into schools through school resource officers.
"Howell acknowledged that many in the black community are suspicious about officers in schools, but he noted that the officers will be trained to deal with youth, will build relationships with students and take a more 'surgical' approach to discipline.
"Eick expressed concern that officers in school would make it difficult for students to make mistakes without severe consequences.
"Ni’A, however, lauded the idea of having officers in schools who are trained to work with youth, understand the culture of the students and get to know individual students."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/naacp-organized-panel-debates-state-of-education-for-blacks-in/article_1a4b4902-5c5a-5f08-ba4e-25cde9c41f8f.html
I wonder if they discussed the disintegration of the black nuclear family? You can jump up and down and announce all sorts of "initiatives," but it doesn't mean squat if a kid has to return to hell whenever he/she goes home. With little or no support from their families, these children are doomed.
"Family Service of Racine to host Family Game Night May 20"
From The Journal Times.com:
0
"RACINE — Keep those
stuffy suits and über-fancy gowns in the closets, folks — this
fundraising event will feature office Olympics, adult beverages and
family game time.
"Instead of hosting a swanky gala or posh luncheon, staff at Family Service of Racine have organized the first Family Game Night. The nonprofit organization provides therapy for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, beginning at age 3.
"Executive Director Chip Wood said staff hosted a gala annually from 2012 through 2015, and for 12 years before that, it was an annual luncheon at Roma Lodge. This year, Family Game Night will be begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Memorial Hall, 72 Seventh St.
"Galas, wine tastings and golf outings aren’t family-friendly, she said.
"Organizers said game night will include a dunk tank, bounce house, Bozo buckets, a giant Jenga, a balloon artist and carnival-style foods. A separate 'adult oasis' — complete with adult beverages and a chill-out lounge, will be on tap when adults need a little break.
"The cost is $5 for children and $10 for adults. Concessions cost extra, organizers said.
“Put the phones down and let’s go play in the balls for a while,” Wood said.
"From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is unlimited, free-for-all game time, Ballard said. All game costs are included in the ticket prices. But at 7:30 p.m. begins a game that is a closely guarded secret: Office Olympics
"Sometime after 8 p.m., the band Saturday Night Preachers will perform. The band has bluegrass roots with a modern twist, Ballard and Wood said. Doors close at 9:30 p.m.
"Ballard said no registration is required and tickets may be purchased at the door.
0
"RACINE — Keep those
stuffy suits and über-fancy gowns in the closets, folks — this
fundraising event will feature office Olympics, adult beverages and
family game time."Instead of hosting a swanky gala or posh luncheon, staff at Family Service of Racine have organized the first Family Game Night. The nonprofit organization provides therapy for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, beginning at age 3.
"Executive Director Chip Wood said staff hosted a gala annually from 2012 through 2015, and for 12 years before that, it was an annual luncheon at Roma Lodge. This year, Family Game Night will be begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Memorial Hall, 72 Seventh St.
"'We are very big on family. It’s about who we are,' said Kaileigh Ballard, the organization’s outgoing executive assistant.
"Galas, wine tastings and golf outings aren’t family-friendly, she said.
"'We just want to be ourselves,' said Ballard, who devised the concept.
"Organizers said game night will include a dunk tank, bounce house, Bozo buckets, a giant Jenga, a balloon artist and carnival-style foods. A separate 'adult oasis' — complete with adult beverages and a chill-out lounge, will be on tap when adults need a little break.
"The cost is $5 for children and $10 for adults. Concessions cost extra, organizers said.
“Put the phones down and let’s go play in the balls for a while,” Wood said.
"Free-for-all"
"From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is unlimited, free-for-all game time, Ballard said. All game costs are included in the ticket prices. But at 7:30 p.m. begins a game that is a closely guarded secret: Office Olympics
"It is 'a five-element,
office-themed course. That’s all I can really say,' Wood said
cryptically. 'And everything you’re thinking is gonna be accurate, I
bet.'
"Sometime after 8 p.m., the band Saturday Night Preachers will perform. The band has bluegrass roots with a modern twist, Ballard and Wood said. Doors close at 9:30 p.m.
"Ballard said no registration is required and tickets may be purchased at the door.
"Key to this year’s event is family fun that won’t break the bank, she added."
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/family-service-of-racine-to-host-family-game-night-may/article_5a80cf46-d873-5992-982e-bf4455e6318d.html
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/family-service-of-racine-to-host-family-game-night-may/article_5a80cf46-d873-5992-982e-bf4455e6318d.html
"Lord Love a Duck: Cat Cafés"
This entry was posted in Lord Love a Duck on by Hognose. 23 Replies
"'It’s totally a thing.'"'Is not. Lord love a duck!'
"But your humble blogger was wrong. It is totally a thing.
"The Cat Café. No, it’s not where they serve overpriced espresso to cats (an experiment that probably produced the image to the right), but where they serve overpriced espresso to cat ladies, in the company of cats.
"If you fill out an adoption application, and the crazy cat lady running the café takes a shine to you, you can get a take-out order adopt-a-kitty.
"For some reason this is all over the news these days. Maybe it’s a lead-up to Friday the 13th when our cat overlords were supposed to unmask and take over the world, but got distracted chasing a laser pointer instead."
This entry was posted in Lord Love a Duck on .
Read more: http://weaponsman.com/?p=31834
Too cute:
