I REALLY MEAN THIS.............MY APOLOGY to you ALL

Annual apology

Over the past few months I have forwarded some inappropriate pictures and jokes to friends who I thought shared the same sense of humor.. Unfortunately this wasn't the case and I seem to have upset quite a few people who have accused me of being sexist and shallow..

If you were one of these people, please accept my sincerest apologies.

Looking to 2013 onward, I will only post or send e-mail with a cultural or educational content such as old monuments, nature and other interesting topics. Below is a picture of the Pont Neuf Bridge in Paris . It is the oldest bridge in Paris and took 26 years to build. It was completed in 1604

OH CRAP, WHERE DID SHE COME FROM????

sign in front of a restaurant

Bubba is driving down a back road in Alabama .............

He sees a sign in front of a restaurant that reads:

HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL

Lobster Tail and Beer

"Lord have mercy!" he says to himself, "Them's my three favorites!"

Open Blog - Weekend

Have a great weekend.

City Signs Contract with Zoo - $600,000 Tax Dollars per Year for Zoo

http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/how-much-is-that-doggie-in-the-window/

What the hell is going on?  Lying John keeps telling us how broke the city is, but he doesn't have any problem with giving the zoo over $600,000 tax dollars per year for the next four years.  We get our streetlights turned off while lying John funnels millions of tax dollars to his cronies. There is money for everything that lying John wants, millions and millions of tax dollars.  But for the taxpayers, they get their lights turned off and a boot in the ass.

Why didn't we hear about this when it happened, lying Journal Times?  Your swine support the swine in City Hall.  Racist pigs in suits.

Journal Times had the story about Team Porters on their site for a brief time.  Journal Times knows we resent giving a million tax dollars to a millionaire for his private project.  Pigs everywhere.        

A Rose

It's Friday and here's a rose for all you lovely JTI ladies out there!

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone! Welcome back! Don't you hate it when you have get up extra early because of the snow? Seems like every Friday it's like this.... Go figure.... Anyways, some questions for you...

1) What would you do if you were invisible for a day?

2) Who do you talk to on the phone most often?

3) What is the prettiest city or town you have been too?

4) What celebrity irritates you the most?

Enjoy your weekend!

Breaking Story: Meteorite Hits Russia?

I am not going to write a lot right now, but it sure looks like a reasonable size meteor hit Chelyabinsk, Russia. Lots of videos are online that look like the same object. I would be skeptical of this type of story at first, but there are lots of videos and they all look like the same object so it appears real or a hell of a sick, coordinated viral marketing campaign.

Here is one of the best videos.



As I said, there are a lot. Here is a link to many others.

This seems to be the page with the most info (although I am not sure how accurate it all is) including a pic of a factory allegedly damaged by the fall.

I am sure more will be forthcoming on this in the coming hours.

Open Blog - Friday

Thank you, Tweety.

"City Appeals Court Decision on Union Contract"

Two hot stories from Racine Communicator News:

1) City Appeals Court Decision on Union Contract: http://www.racinecommunicator.com/73-city-appeals-court-decision-on-union-contract

The city signed a contract with union workers, then Dickert tried to renege on the contract.  A judge ruled that the contract is valid.  It's a clear cut case.  Now Dickert is appealing that decision.  All of this idiocy funded by taxpayer money.  The lawyers are making a killing off of Dickert's Racine.

2) Racine's CAR 25 - In Their own Words: http://www.racinecommunicator.com/72-racine-s-car-25-in-their-own-words

The slimy story of Dickert's power grab for CAR 25 is being read and told by more and more people.  The arrogance of lying John is infinite. 

 

a very ingenious advertising campaign to promote their dental floss. But ...... before I explain to you the main detail of these images,  I shall let you appreciate them quietly.

 

 

 

 

Alright ......... now that you've had time to quietly observe the images ....... * in the first photograph, you might have noticed that the lady has one finger too many on her left hand, * in the second photograph, a phantom arm is floating behind, * and in the third photograph, the man has only one ear. The campaign attained its purpose. It proved that food debris on your teeth draws more attention than any physical defect does. How well did you do ??

'Ultimate Dog Tease'

Rant

I am fed up with ignorant and/or stupid and/or rude people! 

That is all.

Lying John, the Early Years

Party on, lying John!

"Condom Delivery on Campus"

This guy probably is a natural entrepreneur. He'll be rich before he is out of his twenties, maybe even before he graduates from college.

Open Blog - Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

I Seem To Have Misplaced My Penis...

Well, not me personally. But it turns out there is a species of sea slug that has a detachable penis. Chromodoris reticulata is a simultaneous hermaphrodite meaning it has male and female sex organs and can use them both at the same time (I imagine that makes it really hard to figure out who is on top).  So when these sea slugs mate, they both give and receive sperm at the same time. After mating, they just leave their penises, possibly because barbs on the penis make them difficult to pull out. But that's okay, because it's got a lot more penis inside of it and it just pops out another one within a day.

In case you are wondering, I have already nominated this for an IgNobel Prize.

Useless Information

Did you Know:

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born and raised in Thal, Austria and the home he grew up in is now the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum? They have on the average over 30,000 visitors per year.

Westminster Dog Show

 

Affenpinscher Best in Show

 

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my pretty valentines!  How are you? That snowstorm last week gave us a taste of what winter is supposed to feel like around here.  It’s hard for me to believe that as a child I loved to play in the snow.  Today, I despise it.  I enjoy scenic winter views as much as anyone.  My problems arise, however, when I have to deal with the snow and ice personally.  Scenic views won’t slip you up and put you in the hospital.  Black ice will do that in a heartbeat.

Tomorrow is when we celebrate VD.  Valentine’s Day, that is.  Be sure to show that special someone in your life that you love and appreciate him or her.  A gift, a meal, flowers, candy, just some words, whatever, take some time to share your feelings with your loved one.  Big, expensive, fancy gifts are wonderful, but giving of yourself is the best. I ask all of the Irregulars and regulars to be my valentine.

Why don’t friends of Mr. Mayor Dickert have to pay property taxes?  Why are the rest of us forced to financially support Mr. Mayor’s friends?  Failure after failure after failure is piled upon residents’ backs while Mr. Mayor’s friends don’t pay their “fair share.”  Mr. Mayor begs churches for money while his friends don’t pay property taxes.  What is wrong with City Hall?  Why do our “representatives” (aldermen) allow these conditions to continue?

I read about the Pope retiring and my response was, “Good.”  I’m not a Catholic, but I realize that Catholicism is a large and influential religion.  One reason I don’t like Pope Benedict may seem superficial, but he is the leader and face of the Roman Catholic Church.  I don’t like the way he looks.  Mostly, it’s those dark circles under his eyes.  He looks like an emissary from hell.  The other reason I don’t like him is because, as Cardinal Ratzinger, he actively hid and protected pedophile priests. Lots of them.  Maybe he is an emissary from hell.  When the latest round of pedophile priests broke out in Europe, the Pope cried and said that the accusers and critics were hurting the church.  That’s right: it’s the victims’ fault. Someone like that doesn’t deserve to be Pope.  Oh my.

Sorry for so much soapbox this week.  Here’s something a little more lighthearted:

Thank you, my dears, for reading my blog this week.  I always appreciate your comments. You are my raison d’etre.

Don’t have a valentine? madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

Don’t eat too much candy tomorrow.  Send it to me, instead.  Tee-hee.  Be careful when you’re walking or driving out there.  I love you all. Valetudinarian!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Scandalous, simply scandalous!

HAPPY FAT TUESDAY

Don't forget you party clothes today!

 

 

 

Open Blog - Tuesday

Have a good one.

"Will You Be My Valentine?"

She's made a number of videos with those psychopathic eyes:  
http://www.youtube.com/user/wzr0713?feature=watch

"'Paperman' - Full Animated Short Film"

"Introducing a groundbreaking technique that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques, first-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with the Oscar®-nominated short, 'Paperman.' Using a minimalist black-and-white style, the short follows the story of a lonely young man in mid-century New York City, whose destiny takes an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with a beautiful woman on his morning commute. Convinced the girl of his dreams is gone forever, he gets a second chance when he spots her in a skyscraper window across the avenue from his office. With only his heart, imagination and a stack of papers to get her attention, his efforts are no match for what the fates have in store for him. Created by a small, innovative team working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, 'Paperman' pushes the animation medium in an exciting new direction."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTLySbGoMX0


Disney or not, I still prefer the classic cartoons:

Common Redpoll

Despite the fact that Common Redpolls are fairly common, I never seen any till last weekend.... Believe me, I've tried.

The red cap is what draws my attention.... The Common Redpoll is a small streaked breast finch, with a tiny pointed yellow bill and a deeply notched black tail. They are brown overall with two white wing bars. The best field marks are the black chin and the distinctive “red cap.” They do look similar to several other species of birds, please check with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for more details.

These birds from the Arctic often travel in large flocks, many as a couple of hundred have been reported.... There are also often seen foraging for seeds in conifer forests, weedy fields and backyard feeders along with Pine Siskins, They do have a rather irregular migration, coming down from the Great White North when the food supply is scarce. Sightings in Racine County are also sporadic, a few small flocks have been seen here and there, especially around Shoop Park and Olympia Brown School.

These pictures were taken over the weekend at my folk's place up in Pickerel, WI. Imagine the surprise on my face when I saw a huge flock of these birds in their feeder! Especially after missing out opportunities here in Racine! A lifer for me....

   

"Patti Smith to be Awarded Bryn Mawr’s Katharine Hepburn Medal on Feb. 7"

Posted September 27, 2012

"The Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College will present the 2013 Katharine Hepburn Medal to acclaimed musician, writer, performer, and visual artist Patti Smith, announced Hepburn Center Director Katherine Rowe. The College will award the medal to Smith at a gala event in Goodhart Hall on Feb. 7, 2013.

"The Katharine Hepburn Medal recognizes women who change their worlds: those whose lives, work, and contributions embody the intelligence, drive, and independence of the four-time Oscar winner. Award recipients are chosen on the basis of their commitment and contributions to the Hepburn women’s greatest passions—the arts, civic engagement, and women’s health.

“'Bryn Mawr College is proud to honor Patti Smith with our 2013 Hepburn Medal. She was a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of rock and roll, and conveys enormous passion and continues to transform herself throughout her artistic journey, which resonates deeply with the Bryn Mawr College community,' said Bryn Mawr President Jane McAuliffe. 'At Bryn Mawr we encourage our students to strive to be their authentic selves, find passion in their lives and use that to transform their futures, and Patti Smith embodies this through and through.'

"Smith has produced a body of work whose influence branches out through generations, across disciplines, and around the world. She is a poet, writer, singer, songwriter, photographer, and fine artist."

Read more:  http://news.brynmawr.edu/2012/09/27/patti-smith-to-be-awarded-bryn-mawrs-katharine-hepburn-medal-on-feb-7/


Thank you, Patti, for everything that you've done.

Open Blog - Monday

Watch out for Mondays.

The Moon Joins the Mercury-Mars Party

Although closest approach between Mercury and Mars was Friday night, the show is still going on and the Moon is joining the party. But before I get to that, sunset was particularly nice tonight. There were several nice flashes starting with green and even including blue and purple. Interestingly enough, last year on almost exactly this same date, I got wonderful pics of multicolored flashes as well. Wondering if there is something about this mountain that makes it particularly conducive to producing this phenomena. Click to see larger versions and look close for the colors.

After sunset, I was actually more interested in seeing the crescent Moon tonight. I knew it could be a challenge since new Moon occurred earlier today (12:22am MST) so the Moon would be less than 19 hours pas new. I finally spotted the Moon at about 6:43pm putting the Moon 18 hours and 21 minutes past new. At this time less than 1% of the Moon was illuminated.I probably could have found it a few minutes earlier, but I was looking a little too far south for it...I found it a little farther north than I was expecting (that will teach me to look up its azimuth before I go observing!) Here is a close up of the very young crescent Moon with a plane flying by.

As I said, Mercury and Mars are still fairly close together so I turned my attention to them. My real goal was to see if I could get Mercury, Mars and the crescent Moon. The Moon was rapidly setting at that time and I barely got it. Mercury is the brighter one toward the top and Mars is slightly beneath it. I got a plane in this one as well. The Moon is lower in the sky and its light is passing through more atmosphere so it doesn't show up as well. Look to the lower right of the bright plane, just above the horizon. You have to look very close. 

Tomorrow night the Moon will be much higher in the sky and easier to see. The Moon will be above and to the right of Mercury and about 3.8% illuminated, much easier to see. Mars will be the toughest of the three to pick out against the twilight sky, so have patience but don't wait too long or they will set behind the western horizon before you see them!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

"The Number Of Steps Is Too Damn High"

That is a lot of steps. I don't know if I could do it sober.

Grandpa's Drink

ONE FOR ALL THE OLD CODGERS!!!!

 

There was a family gathering, with all generations around the table.

 

Mischievous teenagers put a Viagra tablet into Grandpa's drink, and after a while, Grandpa excused himself because he had to go to the bathroom.

 

When he returned, however, his trousers are wet all over.

 

'What happened, Grandpa?' asked by his concerned children.

 

'Well,' he answered, 'I don't really know.  I had to go to the bathroom. So I took it out and started to pee, but then I saw that it wasn't mine, so I put it back!'

RACINE RAIDERS ANNOUNCE 2012 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

"Seven different Racine Raiders players, head coach Gino Perfetto and one volunteer were recognized for their efforts during the team's historic 2012 national championship season at the annual team banquet held on Saturday, February 9, 2012, at Infusino's Banquet Hall in Racine.

"The player awards were voted on by the players as part of an anonymous vote held near the end of the season. The following awards were given out Saturday night:

• Most Valuable Player: Quarterback Craig McClelland
• Offensive Player of the Year: Quarterback Craig McClelland
• Defensive Player of the Year: Linebacker Nate Harris
• Special Teams Player of the Year: Kicker/Punter Joel DaPra
• Offensive Lineman of the Year: Ronald Lollis
• Defensive Lineman of the Year: Larry Williams
• Rookie of the Year: Quarterback Craig McClelland

"The board of directors also named Raiders radio broadcaster and webmaster, Don Wadewitz, as the volunteer of the year. It's the second time Wadewitz was named volunteer of the year in his decade with the team.

"In addition to the team-specific awards, two awards were also presented to individual players for their efforts in the Semi-Pro BCS national championship game. Running back J.R. Taylor was named the offensive most valuable player and defensive lineman Ardray Jarrett received defensive most valuable player. The Semi-Pro BCS Committee named Gino Perfetto as the National Coach of the Year.

"Board of directors president Matthew Snyder also unveiled two additional team trophies. The  Mid-States Football League (MSFL) presented the Raiders with trophies for winning the team's division and conference.

"The banquet was attended by over 40 players, dozens of volunteers, board members and coaches as well as their spouses and significant others. Snyder served as emcee for the evening and City of Racine Mayor John Dickert attended and spoke at the event.

"The evening also included a short recap of the 60-year history of the team as well as the 2012 national championship season. Barry Tait of Tait Media showed a 15 minute highlight video of the Semi-Pro BCS National Championship game. Players, staff and volunteers were also given an embroidered fleece blanket.

Download full-size color photo of award winners

Download web-optimized color photo of award winners

"PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Christensen, Racine Raiders

PICTURED IN PHOTO (L-R): Don Wadewitz, J.R. Taylor, Nate Harris, Craig McClelland, Ardray Jarrett, Ronald Lollis, Gino Perfetto, Joel DaPra (Not Pictured: Larry Williams)

  

"For more information on the Racine Raiders, please visit http://www.racineraiders.com."