R.I.P. Phil Everly

Obituary: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/phil-everly-everly-brothers-vocal-legend-dead-at-74-20140103

Related: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2009/09/everly-brothers-cathys-clown.html

Open Blog - Weekend

Stay snug.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and greetings from the land of snow and ice! I say we invade Florida.... Here is a brand new set of questions for the brand new year....

1) What do you order from a restaurant that you have never been too?

2) If you were going to join a circus, what would you perform?

3) If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4) What is your blood type?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Last one out is a dirty dog!

Windows 7

Four years ago, I bought an upgrade to Windows 7 on sale from Microsoft.  The plan was to install 7 on my then-computer, after I beefed up its hardware.  It soon became apparent that it would be a waste of money to spend any on an obsolete machine.  The Windows 7 upgrade went into the closet and wasn’t heard from again.

I recently moved and the upgrade resurfaced.  Coincidentally, I bought a used computer after my old one crashed just before my move. It was offered with either Vista or XP installed.  I chose XP.  The new used machine can handle 7.

Microsoft support for XP ends this April.  I’m going to have to reformat this hard drive again, because I interrupted the installation of a program.  After I reinstall XP, I’ve been thinking about upgrading to 7. 

I have zero knowledge about 7.  So I was wondering if those of you have used it would give me your opinion of it.  I really like XP and have no problems with it.  How does 7 compare to XP?

Your comments below will be appreciated, even those from Anonymous.         

Open Blog - Thursday

Have a bright day.

"'Like a Napa Valley wine tour': Pot tourism ready to light up in Colorado"

 
Harriet Baskas NBC News contributor
 
"As Colorado becomes the first state in the nation to allow recreational marijuana sales beginning Jan. 1, a budding pool of 'potrepreneurs' have high hopes for an influx of out-of-town pot tourists.

"Colorado Highlife Tours, which promises 'fun, affordable and discreet' cannabis-centered excursions, is expanding its private and public limo and bus tours.

"“You’ll be able to buy a little pot here and there, see a commercial grow, visit iconic Colorado landmarks and take lots of pictures,' said company owner Timothy Vee. 'It will be like a Napa Valley wine tour.'

"Cannabis-friendly guides, activities and tours in Colorado are already available. As of Dec. 31, 18 retail marijuana stores in Denver had received licenses to open on the first of the year and two dozen other marijuana-related businesses that had met the city's licensing requirements were awaiting approval. Beyond the Mile High City, more than 25 other towns and cities will allow medical marijuana businesses to start adding or transitioning to retail marijuana sales on Jan. 1."

Read more:  http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/napa-valley-wine-tour-pot-tourism-ready-light-colorado-2D11820142


Maybe I should retire in Colorado . . .

The Difference Between Downtown Racine Corp. and BID #1

From Racine Exposed:

"Recently,  The Journal Times ran an article; Downtown Racine Corp. drives toward fundraising goal, that seemed to cause a considerable amount of confusion concerning the difference between the DRC (Downtown Racine Corporation) and  BID #1.  The DRC is not BID#1 – The DRC is a 501(c)(3) Corporate Business where membership is voluntary. BID #1 is organized and ruled according to Wisconsin Statute 66.1109."

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/the-downtown-racine-corporation/


I'm still confused, and that's the way lying John wants it.

By the way, I had a sudden inspiration for the Porter's project (if we can get to it before it's burned down): turn it into a casino.  Win-win-win!

"Lights Out for 60 and 40-watt Bulbs"

I hate the light from CFL bulbs. I bought one for 12 bucks or so and it burned out after 6 months. Great cost savings, right? Was I supposed to bring it back, with no receipt, and tell them it burned out early? I replaced it with a regular 60 watt bulb and it's worked for years.

I know this is do-gooder legislation. All that ever does is foul up our lives. If everybody suddenly switched to these bulbs, do you think the power companies would let their profits dwindle? No, they'll just raise the rates or find some other way to extort the money from us. Every time that the government gets involved in private enterprise, it results in a mess. And who pays for the messes that the government makes? Do the people who make the messes have to clean them up? No, we do. Over and over and over.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my frostbit brothers and sisters!  How are you?  I know, the same as last week and the week before: cold.  We’ve been getting arctic blasts regularly.  I hope the new year scares off the chilly weather.

Happy New Year!  My, how the time flies when you’re not having fun.  2013 appears to have been a stinker for a lot of folks who won’t miss it when it’s gone.  Here’s to the hope for a better year in 2014!  I raise a toast to my fellow Irregulars and the future!  May health and happiness be yours!  Bottoms up!

Our stentorian Green Bay Packers have given us even more reason to celebrate.  They defeated the ignominious Chicago Bears this Sunday past to win the NFC Northern Division Championship.  They did so with the aid of the ever-manly Mr. Aaron Rodgers, who is not gay, but it wouldn’t matter if he was.  This coming Sunday, our Green and Gold Gladiators take on the effeminate San Francisco 49ers in a wild-card playoff game.  Talk about gay: a team of muscular, sweaty men from San Francisco.  Need I say more?  Clobber them, Packers, and their mincing ways!  Show then what real he-men can do!

I don’t have any formal New Year’s resolutions.  My general hope is to increase my wealth while taking care of my health.  Of course, as a service industry, psychics are dependent upon their customers, who in turn are dependent upon their jobs or other sources of income.  When those jobs go away and those sources of income dry up, psychics are liable to “go away,” too. 

When economic times are bad, many people turn to their psychics first in hopes of receiving personal predictions of prosperity.  This causes a slight surge in our business, but if things don’t improve quickly, people stop seeking psychic help and turn to booze and drugs instead.  I wish whatever secret society runs the world would give us a break economically.  Leave a few crumbs for a working gal.

My predictions for 2014:

ice

snow

green

sun

heat

cooling

gray

cold

My predictions for the Irregulars:

love

love

love

For everybody:

Thank you for starting off your New Year with me.  I’m feeling the love.  I hope you feel it, too.

Is he or isn’t he?  Only Madame Zoltar knows for sure: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Be careful in the subzero temperatures we’re experiencing.  Dress appropriately and wear a hat.  Dress in layers, my dears, like a Danish layer cake.  Mmm, now I’m craving pastries.  Pancosmism! 

Open Blog - New Year's Day

Enjoy the holiday!

"Aaron Rodgers Gay: Packers Quarterback Reportedly In Relationship, Considered Coming Out"

"Aaron Rodgers is gay and has considered coming out, a rumor floating around the internet is now claiming. 

"The Green Bay Packers quarterback just returned from injury to lead his team to an unlikely playoff berth, defeating the Chicago Bears on Sunday to claim the NFC North. But while his play on the field gained headlines, rumors that originated on the internet saying the Super Bowl MVP is secretly gay were gaining steam and stealing headlines."

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1078745/aaron-rodgers-gay-packers-quarterback-reportedly-in-relationship-considered-coming-out/#MK32qPkmKISQM7DO.99


If he is, will the fans turn on him?

New Years Resolutions

 It's the start of a new year and a great opportunity to make some changes in your life to make you a better person. What's that? You're perfect already? Maybe you should resolve to be less arrogant. (or less ignorant)
People usually fail to keep their resolutions because they make them too big or general. Keep them small and manageable. Don't say "I'm going to try to be a better person". That's too general. Choose a few specific things that would make you a better person.

Write them down.
Keep them small and manageable.
Set specific goals.
Set different start times. You don't have to start them all on Jan. 1st.

Here are mine:
1: I need to lower my cholesterol. I don't have a number goal yet. And I'm still working on my low fat menu.  I need to find out what's a realistic expectation.
It's around 200 right now. Is it possible to get it down 50 points by the middle of April?
I don't want to take drugs.
Several different types of fat, numbers and reading labels has me more confused that ever.
I've been searching for an "example" of a low cholesterol diet. One that says specifically what to eat, not one that says "eat lower fat meat". Lower that what?  If you have one, please pass it along.

2: I resolve to clean and organize half of my basement by the first of April.  Starting Jan 15th, three hours a week.
 I have WAY too much stuff. I'm not a hoarder but I do hang on to stuff  just because I "might" need it or could use it some day.

3: To continue #2, I resolve to clean and organize the upstairs of my garage by the end of June.
Starting April 1st, at least three hours a week.

4: Say NO! Unless it's an emergency. It's seems that people are always asking me for help. When I help them, I don't get MY stuff done. "I'm sorry, I'm really busy and just don't have the time." That should do it.

That's enough for now. If I accomplish my goals early I can always add more.

What are yours?

Open Blog - New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve!

All better

Don't worry, I'm still here. 
I hit a wicked funk that I got stuck in. 
It was hard, and horrible. I had to take a step back from many things and work out whatever was going on (even I didn't know what it was).
Bottom line, if you're a parent, and think the things you do won't affect your kids years and decades later, think again and be very careful how you behave. 
I thought I buried the monster, that was my past, only to have stupid incidents over the summer plant a seed that grew into a mess months later. Hopefully my mind will put it to rest, once and for all, and it won't come back to bite me again next year. I missed me, and didn't like who was left. I think I'm back and better than ever. The past can bite me, I'm so done with it!
Ok, that's my little rant, all better now! :)

Local Loyalty - Humble Home

Welcome back!
This week's edition is Humble Home,

407 Main St, Racine.

Check them out - 

Humble Home on Facebook 

This is a wonderful resale and consignment shop. 

My birthday present actually came from this store!

(I forget now, we found it back in the summer 

and I have 2 more weeks before I get to see it again!)

Stop in often, as the items are rotating all the time, lots of new stuff coming in. 

Some things are quite a walk down memory lane. Everything is so nice, and clean and pretty! 

They've been in business for 2 years, as of November 1st. 

Their winter hours are - 

Mon-Fri 10-6

Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 10:30-3

The 3 words Margie chose to describe her store - 

Fun

Unique

Cozy.

It DOES feel like home, when you walk in. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. So many charming items, and the variety is great. 

One common thing I found in talking to the downtown businesses, is that not only do they want to see their own businesses thrive, they want that of each and every one of the business neighbors. Wouldn't it be wonderful for our downtown to be THE place to go? There is no reason it can't be. They just need our support and word of mouth. Please come check out these wonderful treasures!

"BEST NEWS BLOOPERS 2013"

I haven't watched this for the full 15 minutes yet, but the first few minutes are hilarious.

Open Blog - Monday

Oh dear.