"Meet the Washington Mudslide Rescue Dogs"

Washington National Guard, Spc. Matthew Sissel/Associated Press

• By Taylor Umlauf

"As the search for missing persons in the aftermath of a massive mudslide in Washington enters its second week, some searchers will be taking a much-needed break.

"Rescue dogs, who have been essential in the search for victims of the mudslide that hit Oso, Wash., on March 22, will be getting some rest after working long hours in the cold and rain, rescue crews said Sunday. The dogs can lose their sensing ability if overworked, officials said, according to the Associated Press."

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2014/03/31/meet-the-washington-mudslide-rescue-dogs/


You can see all the weariness and sorrow in that dog's face/demeanor.

text

"The famed Bald Eagles from Decorah, Iowa are back on their nest and ready to start a new family! World famous and live streamed via the internet by the Raptor Resource Center, anyone can view the parents raise their eaglets from egg to fledglings from the comfort of their homes. Using inferred cameras and microphones, the eagles can be seen around the clock during the nesting season, which starts in January or February and runs till June."


Read more: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2014/03/decorah-eagles.html

See the eagles: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Local Loyalty - Razor Sharp

Welcome back!
This week, we visit

Razor Sharp

I visited the one at 7300 Washington Ave. 

They also have one at 3 Mile Road and Erie Street,

in the Shorecrest Shopping Center

The one in Shorecrest is a 24 hour facility.

Our Washington Ave. location's hours are - 

Mon. - Thurs. 5am-10pm

Fri. 5am-9pm

Sat. 7am-7pm

Sun. 7am-5pm

The Washington Ave location has been there since Feb. 2003. 

That seems like just yesterday, and I live right over here!

The Shorecrest location has been there 2 years. 

My mom is enrolled in a Silver Sneaker program for seniors, and I found out they host those right there in Razor Sharp. There was a class going but I didn't see dear ol' mom, have to give her a hard time about that one!

They started out, because they saw a need for a good fitness center here in town. Their goals are to help people live healthier lives, no matter what their needs are, they can be met. They offer everything for any need or goal and have all certified trainers to help you in whatever area you may need. They have all kinds of equipment, tons of classes, a gym, an indoor walking track, and salt water pools - no chlorine! Check out their website (above), for even more details.

Everyone there is very warm and friendly, I felt very welcomed, just walking in the door, and they didn't know me from Adam, or anyone else!

The 3 words chosen for Razor Sharp - 

1. Community

2. Clean

3. Friendly.

Lots of windows keep it bright and cheery. 

Lots of nature to look out and see. 

A very special thanks to Terri for sharing of your time with me :)
If you stop in, please let them know you saw it here!!

Last snow fall

Let's hope our last is behind us!

Open Blog - Monday

Being honest and open is healthy.

Posting for Toad!!

"Test your empathy!"

I yawned twice during the video.

Buddy Holly - "Well...All Right"

Another musical genius who died way too young.

Btw, the bugs in that picture with the Buddy Holly glasses are crickets. The name of Holly's band was The Crickets.

"Lululemon Pledge -- Spray on Pants"

Watch till the end of the "commercial." How long before SC Johnson sues and/or this video comes down?

"Man shot and killed outside downtown bar"

Photo credit: James Stroh/Racine Uncovered

From RacineUncovered:

"Subject: Homicide Investigation 300Blk Main St.
Victim: 21 year old Male
 
"On Saturday March 29, 2014 at 1:16 a.m. Racine Police responded to a call for a shot fired in the 300 blk of Main St. Responding officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Wheaton Franciscan Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

"Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.
 
"You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

"Witnesses on scene report that the victim had left Envi Bar located in the 300 block of Main St., and was in the process of moving his vehicle, had pulled up in front, exited his car and was allegedly returning to the bar when the shooting happened."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/03/man-shot-and-killed-outside-downtown-bar/

Open Blog - Weekend

Have a wonderful weekend.

'ILHC 2013 - Invitational Strictly Lindy Hop Finals"

These guys are incredible to me. I can't dance a lick.

"Bird vs side-view mirror"

 

Published on Mar 28, 2014

"My side-view mirror has been smudged every morning all week long. I've found out why."

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_Z36PYZaFI

Sooner or later, that mirror is going to give up.

"South Park Monty Python Special Edition"

This is one mash-up I like.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! A much easier week than last.... Not as much overtime. Looking forward to a nice and warm, relaxing weekend. Anyways, here are your questions...

1) How often you wash your car?

2) What TV show do you wish was still on the air?

3) What is the most overplayed tune you hear on the radio?

4) What holiday seems to have lost its true meaning?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Hurray, Friday's here!

"Do It For Denmark!"

http://do-it-for-denmark.dk/

It's their patriotic duty to do it.

Open Blog - Thursday

Hang on! Don't dirty your diaper.

Watch Out, Drew and THB

You could be next.

"Curt Johnson case: July trial date set"

From The Journal Times.com:

By Kristen Zambo

"MADISON — A Racine County judge set a trial date of July 14 for Curt Johnson following an opinion issued by the state's highest court Wednesday."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/curt-johnson-case-july-trial-date-set/article_5206a66a-b4f2-11e3-a169-0019bb2963f4.html

"Is Monte Osterman’s Lobbying Organization, (The) Root River Council Fraudently Claiming To Be Non-Profit?"

From Racine Exposed:

"While the Root River Council peddles itself as a Non-Profit organization, new evidence suggests it is anything but a legitimate Non-Profit organization, and that it is in fact a front for a privately owned Corporation of Monte Osterman that is being used as part of an ongoing potential criminal enterprise, involving others who are already involved in a Federal RICO lawsuit. Is there an ongoing deliberate deception on the part of (the) Root River Council to fool the public as to the true nature of it’s intent, which is Lobbying for the private gain of Root River Council Chair Monte Osterman and other Board Members?

"Can the Root River Council Inc. legitimately claim itself to be Non-Profit?"

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/is-monte-ostermans-lobbying-organization-the-root-river-council-fraudently-claiming-to-be-non-profitmonte-ostermans-root-river-council-is-for-profit/

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my spring mates!  How are you?  We’ve had a few tastes of warming weather and a few smatterings of sunlight, but the cold and gray days predominate.  Someone told me that with so many ice packs on Lake Michigan, it will keep us cool through the summer.  Oh my.  “The worst winter in 100 years” may turn out to be the longest, too.

Saturday afternoon, I heard birds twittering and calling.  It’s such a beautiful sound, especially after not hearing it all winter.  I thought of Mr. drewzepmeister and Ms. Tender Heart Bear.  What a joy to pursue the birds and their calls all year round.  I’m grateful for such creatures and how well some have adapted to urban landscapes.

Señor Zanza and Junior have been out in the yard, cleaning up.  It’s still pretty muddy, so they’re just doing the basics.  Soon enough will be the roar of the lawnmower, the whistle of the string trimmer, and the whine of the leaf blower.  Soon enough the heat and sweat.  Soon enough, soon enough.

Soon enough, too, with the plants poking up from the soil.  Don’t forget to have some extra mulch or branches on hand to protect your plants from early spring frost damage.  The plants don’t know that it was the worst winter in 100 years.  At the appointed hour, they’ll sprout.  And leaf in.  And grow.  They’ll need all the help that they can get to recover from this winter past.  Be kind to your landscape, and it will  you.

It’s nice to hope that the worst of the winter weather is behind us, but we all know that it can snow here in March, April, and even May.  Given the death’s grip that this winter has on our weather,  I expect more cold and snow.

My dears, listen to the birds at the beginning of this video.  They sound just like the ones I heard last week:

Ah, that was beauitful.  Almost as beautiful as my love for my readers and followers, especially my fellow JT Irregulars.  Thank you for visitng my blog today.  Thank you for your comments.  Thank you for your love.

Need to know when the first dandelion will appear on your lawn?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy our slow creep towards warmth, my sweets.  The potholes are terrible.  Some of the temporary repairs are even worse.  Drive carefully.  School is still in session and the streets still ice up occasionally.  Pray for peace.  Wapentake!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Have a great day.

Racine.TV

"Racine.TV" is supposedly run by a member of the Cable Commission. It features videos like this one:



Racine.TV is now in the sidebar list of Local Sites.

What was Monte Osterman, Dickert's buddy, doing at Mound Cemetery hours after the damage was discovered? Monte is often a recipient of lying John's largesse. He and his wife, Mary, are neck deep in the corruption in Racine. Who gets all the contracts for marble in city hall's bathrooms? What marble firm do you think will get the contract to repair these headstones? Will it be Osterman Granite & Marble, again? Do ducks fly?

In the video, Monte marvels at how the vandals accomplished what they did. He talks about how diffcult it would be for amateurs to do this. Hmm, makes one wonder if professionals were involved. I wonder what firm would stand to profit from the desecration of Mounds' monuments?

Over and over, this is where the money goes: from taxpayers' pockets to the pockets of lying John's pals. They don't even try to hide it anymore. They just do it and arm themselves when we complain.

Open Blog - Tuesday

I hope so.

Guaranteed Bed Bug Killer

This was BL Basketcase's gift to me at the last JTI gathering. At first, I was afraid to open it. I thought it might contain some sort of super anti-bug bug. All you have to do is whisper "bed bug" to me and I jump.

Join the JTI and you, too, may receive gifts (or not).

"ROSE by Carte Noire"

http://vimeo.com/69161600

Now I'm hungry

Local Loyalty - Wilson's Coffee and Tea

Welcome back again!
Today's edition takes us to 

Wilson's Coffee and Tea

  3306 Washington Ave, Racine

Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-6:30pm

Sat. 7am-6pm

Sun. 10am-4pm

closed Sunday Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Wilson's has been in West Racine since October of '91. 

Walking in to their shop, feels like coming home. 

Tables were filled with friends visiting, laughing, sipping coffees and teas, 

and just enjoying the warm atmosphere. 

The aroma of freshly roasting coffee was intoxicating!

(ok, really funny coming from me, 

who doesn't like coffee 

and have never been intoxicated in my life

 - ahaha)

I DO love the smell of most coffees brewing but smelling the fresh roasting coffee, oh my gosh, smelled heavenly, I could have stayed there just taking it in for hours!

They are our only local coffee roasters. If you love coffee and have never been there, go check it out. Your sense of smell will love you!

They have specialty coffees, teas, hot and cold drinks, so many goodies. 

It's like a step back in time, to a warm, small town happy place. 

Check them out, and don't forget to tell them you saw it here!

Oh - almost forgot - 

The 3 words (had some help from a regular of theirs)

1. Classy

2. a Haven

3. FUN!

And there you have it, folks, go check them out!

 

Open Blog - Monday

Have that all done by noon, please.

Decorah Eagles

 I'm hoping that the Sheriff would post the live link on the sidebar...

 The famed Bald Eagles from Decorah, Iowa are back on their nest and ready to start a new family! World famous and live streamed via the internet by the Raptor Resource Center, anyone can view the parents raise their eaglets from egg to fledglings from the comfort of their homes. Using inferred cameras and microphones, the eagles can be seen around the clock during the nesting season, which starts in January or February and runs till June.

Questions arise during this season. Will all the eggs hatch? Will the eaglets survive to leave the nest? How does the parents protect the nest? Who sits on the eggs and when? The questions we all could ask... It can be answered here.... Watch it and find out!

 http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

"RootWorks – Cui Bono?"

From Racine Exposed:

"Racine Exposed asks, Is there yet another sweetheart deal in the works for friends of the mayor? A sweetheart deal to maximize profits and payouts made between RootWorks Board members, property owners and renters on the Mound Avenue Bluff, and City of Racine officials? A deal that is rife with corruption and was hatched between Racine City Hall officials and Insiders at a Racine Development Authority meeting on April Fools Day of 2013?"

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/rootworks-cui-bono/

Also see:  http://rootriverrevitalization.wordpress.com/

Also see: http://rootrivercouncil.org/

"Speedo" and "Duke of Earl"

These songs popped into my head today. Now they're in your head, too.

irregular

Use Irregular in a sentence

ir·reg·u·lar

[ih-reg-yuh-ler] Show IPA

 

 

 

Adjective 

 

1.

without symmetry, even shape, formal arrangement, etc.: an irregular pattern.

2.

not characterized by any fixed principle, method, continuity, or rate: irregular intervals.

3.

not conforming to established rules, customs, etiquette, morality, etc.: highly irregular behavior.

4.

not according to rule, or to the accepted principle, method, course, order, etc.

5.

Grammar . not conforming to the prevalent pattern or patterns of formation, inflection, construction, etc., of a language; having a rule descriptive of a very small number of items: The English verbs “keep” and “see” are irregular in their inflections.

6.

Military . (formerly, of troops) not belonging to an organized group of the established forces.

7.

flawed, damaged, or failing to meet a specific standard of manufacture: a sale of irregular shirts.

8.

Botany .

a.

not uniform.

b.

(of a flower) having the members of some or all of its floral circles or whorls differing from one another in size or shape, or extent of union.

9.

deviating or experiencing deviations from a normally regular or cyclic body function, as bowel habits or menstruation.

10.

(of a stock or commodity market) of mixed market activity; showing no clear up or down trend.

Noun

 

11.

a person or thing that is irregular.

12.

Commerce . a product or material that does not meet specifications or standards of the manufacturer, as one having imperfections in its pattern.

13.

Military . a soldier or combatant not of a regular military force, as a guerrilla or partisan.

 

 

Origin:
1350–1400;  < Late Latin irrēgulāris  (see ir-² , regular); replacing Middle English irreguler  < Middle French

Related forms

ir·reg·u·lar·ly, adverb

qua·si-ir·reg·u·lar, adjective

qua·si-ir·reg·u·lar·ly, adverb

 

Read more:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/irregular?s=t

Open Blog - Weekend

That goes for everybody.

Poser

"Cleveland Cavaliers PreGame Court Projection HD"

Published on Mar 18, 2014 
"Quince Imaging, in partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers' Q-TV team and Think Media Studios, projected full court video in anticipation of the halftime ceremony honoring Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
For more information visit:
QuinceImaging.com
cavs.com"

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6iOlYfE4ro 

At first I thought they were going to play a game on the court as the video played.  I don't think you could.  It'd be too distracting.

Btw, with a name like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, I had to check if he 's from the Baltic States.  Yup.  Lithuanian.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP

LAST BUMP UP/Reminder!
I called in the 'reservation', we're listed under "JTI"
just let them know when you arrive and they'll get us all together :)
Looks like about 12-15, but we can fit more, come on out! 

Hi all!
Hale Bopp will be in town next weekend. 

Details are being emailed hopefully today

(I lost so many when I swapped op systems :(  )

Save Saturday, the 22nd, watch your email, 

or you can reach me at

lizardmom@jtirregulars.com

with any questions. 

I can also reply with my cell number in case of question that day.

I would like to have a head count by Thursday, so I can 

call and give a heads up to where we are converging, thanks!
If you didn't get an official email, we may be missing your email address,

(I promise, nobody will be left out) 

please contact me and I'll fix that  :)
Hope to see you all soon!

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! The word for the week is overtime.... and LOTS of it! The days are starting to blend together. Anyways, here are your weekly questions...

1) Would you ever buy a hybrid car?

2) Ever had to pay a library fine?

3) What is your favorite flavor of gum?

4) What celebrity do you think should retire?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Do the TGIF dance!

"Former Alderman’s accuser jailed"

From The Journal Times.com:

By Kristen Zambo

"RACINE — A southern Illinois woman who accused former Racine Alderman Keith Fair of choking her one night during an argument is back in Racine County — this time behind bars.
"The Carrier Mills, Ill., woman failed to appear in court on Jan. 15 to testify against Fair during his trial. The trial then was called off and Racine County Circuit Judge Allan 'Pat' Torhorst issued a material witness warrant for the woman.

"During a hearing on Thursday, her bond was set at $5,000 cash, court records show. Fair’s case goes back to court March 28.

"The woman was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon after the material witness warrant finally was served on her. But the case was called earlier, and the courtroom was locked and dark at the scheduled time.

"Messages were left for District Attorney Rich Chiapete on Thursday, but he couldn’t be reached for comment.

"Neither Fair nor defense attorney Vincent Bobot attended the hearing.

“'We found out late yesterday,' Bobot said Thursday afternoon, adding he was tending to other cases at that scheduled time. But he said he planned to contact Fair to discuss possible trial dates for his case.

“'My client still maintains his innocence,' Bobot said.

"The woman remains in the Racine County Jail, which she was booked into on Monday, jail logs show. Racine County prosecutors charged her that day with cocaine possession and disorderly conduct in connection with a domestic incident with another man on Sunday in Racine."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-alderman-s-accuser-jailed/article_eccd21ca-b087-11e3-bcae-0019bb2963f4.html

"No Jail for Crime Stoppers Head Who Ate Evidence"

I don't think that lawyers give a damn if they hurt our country, a person, or a million people, just as long as they get $$$. Our adversarial "justice" system encourages animosity between parties, making more money for the lawyers the longer and the more the parties fight.

I also thought that tips to Crime Stoppers were completely anonymous so that even the police don't know who the tipster is. Perhaps they run it differently in Florida.

Weekday Funny

Open Blog - Spring

Finally!

IPad present for Grandpa

That'll keep the hard drive clean.

Paraprosdokians

Paraprosdokians – Winston Churchill loved them. They’re figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.

1. Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. War does not determine who is right – only who is left.

7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

9. I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

10. In filling out an application, where it says, ‘In case of emergency, Notify:’ I put ‘DOCTOR’.

11. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

12. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

13. I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure..

14. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

15. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

16. You’re never too old to learn something stupid.

17. I’m supposed to respect my elders, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Madame Zoltar is not feeling well and hopes to return next week.

Open Blog - Wednesday

There it is again, I think.

Open Blog - Tuesday

What is that?

Local Loyalty - Seebecks

Welcome back!

Have I mentioned how much fun I've had interviewing and meeting new people? This adventure is my favorite so far, in the way that I was able to be part of something exciting and very special.

 It was an accidental honor, for which I'm ever grateful.

Let me explain. 

Monday, the 10th (last week), was so gorgeous out, I decided to hit the streets and find some new places to check out. 

I visited some friends back on Main Street and asked their input. 

2 of my friends referred me to 

Seebecks

402 Main Street, Racine

Mon. - Fri. 10-6

Sat. 10-4

Sun. closed, tho may open in the summertime.

What made this so special to me, was that it was the very 1st day they opened, and I got to share in that! The light flowing in from the sun made it so bright and cheery. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the variety of artists and their work, was so much to take in. 

The floor plan is very open, so just standing in one place, you see so much, it took my breath away! The flowers you can see in this picture were my absolute favorites. I need to go back and get one for my desk, simply gorgeous!!

Seebecks is new to Racine. However, Pleasant Prairie was the original home to Seebecks Gallery, the parent of our own Seebecks. 

They have been in Pleasant Prairie for 23 years. 

The wonderful store here is a vast array of artisan gifts, jewellery, paintings, custom framing, and so much more. 

 

While I got to be part of that momentous day, this week is actually their Grand Opening Week! 

Here are the special days that are being featured - 

All week long, take 20% off all your purchaces (except Pandora)

I'll be there Friday to pick out my flowers!

Monday, 17th

Pick a nugget from our pot of gold and receive an instant additional dollar amount off your purchase.  

 

Tuesday, 18th 

Take 30% off your framing orders all day.

Wednesday, 19th

Dawn Sprong, creator of the Blessing Bracelet, will be in store with new merchandise 4-7pm, Buy 2 bracelets, receive a FREE pair of earrings.   

Thursday, 20th

Nora Fleming will be in store signing her unique platters from 5-7pm. Buy any serving piece and receive a FREE mini. 

Friday, 21st

Join us for our Ribbon Cutting Event from 5-7pm. 

Saturday, 22nd

Raffle drawings at 4pm.

Don't forget, 20% off all purchases this week!

Who does love a sale??

Of course, no interview is complete without the 3 words they choose

to describe their business - 

1. Colorful 

- very! Especially the flowers that will soon be on my desk!

(can you tell I can't wait to go back and get them??)

2. Artisan-made

I love that everything was handmade, not factory made.

3. Comfortable and inviting. 

(ok, that's a 2 some, but I agree whole heartedly, and said it's ok!)

I hope you get a chance to stop in and check them out. 

Please let them know you saw it here!!!

As I was finishing looking around, someone from the Journal was right behind me, so you may have already seen a write up. I don't get the paper, so I don't know if or when it ran. 

So PLEASE, let them know you did see it HERE!!

A very special thank you to you, Vicki, for sharing of your time with me on such a special day!!! I'll see you soon!

          

   

 

Open Blog - St. Patrick's Day

Betty O'Boop.