"NEAL UNGER - 60 YEAR OLD SKATEBOARDER"

Sk8er Boi

"Viewers share joy of college-bound teen with Down syndrome"

From JSOnline:

By Erin Richards of the Journal Sentinel

Little Chute — "Noah Van Vooren waited by the mailbox every afternoon. They said the letter would come in April. So he waited. Even in the rain. Even when his sisters yelled at him to come inside.

"Noah, 19, had applied to college like many of his friends at Little Chute High School. Edgewood College in Madison hosts a special track for people like him, with Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"He wanted to be the first to know whether they'd take him.

"The news he got on April 5 has now been enjoyed by the half-million people who have watched the family video posted to YouTube. Noah opens the envelope and bursts into unadulterated joy, which ends with him yanking off his Badgers sweat shirt and flexing muscles under his high school 'Mustang Pride' T-shirt.

"'I got accepted!' he roars."

Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/viewers-share-joy-of-college-bound-teen-with-downs-syndrome-b99251149z1-255828171.html#ixzz2zJDHb5u1

I saw this video the other day and meant to post it, but forgot.  Now the Journal Sentinel has a story on it.

Open Blog - Weekend

May your eggs be merry and bright.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It's great to have this Good Friday off and chill out. Who knows what could happen on my vacation.... Anyways, your questions...

1) What do you prefer narrow ruled or wide ruled paper?

2) What was your neighborhood like when you were growing up?

3) What is the best invention in your lifetime?

4) KISS, Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstant, and Hall & Oates all recently have inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Who do you think should be in there by now or in the future? Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Enjoy your weekend!

"Good Friday Holiday Closings"

From The Journal Times.com:

GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Most government offices are closed on Friday. 

MAIL SERVICE: Mail will be delivered, and post offices are open Friday.

BUS: Belle Urban System runs as scheduled on Friday.

BANKS: Some banks have restricted hours on Friday.

THE JOURNAL TIMES: The office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday. For a missed paper, call 262-634-3322 between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m.

GARBAGE PICKUP: There will be garbage/recycling pickup on Friday as normally scheduled in Burlington, Caledonia and Mount Pleasant.

Racine — Solid waste/recycling collection will not be collected on Friday. The solid waste/recycling collection schedule will resume on its normal schedule on April 25.

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/good-friday-holiday-closings/article_9b79a52c-c62c-11e3-a748-0019bb2963f4.html

Open Blog - Friday

Don't get too worked up.

"Father Sends Epic Warning To Boys Interested In His Daughter"

http://buttonpoetry.com/

About Us

Mission

Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for performance poetry.

Vision

We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community. By encouraging and broadcasting the best and brightest performance poets of today, we hope to broaden poetry’s audience, to expand its reach and develop a greater level of cultural appreciation for the art form.

What we actually do

Button produces and distributes poetry media, including: video from local and national events, chapbooks, collaborative audio recordings, scholarship and criticism, and many other products.

Read more: http://buttonpoetry.com/about-us/


Performance poetry and/or poetry slams are great entertainment when done well.  I don't have the cojones to do it.

"Russian Ghost Car Appears Out of Nowhere..."

Wtf?

Russian auto insurance companies and body shops must be swamped.

There must be 64 ways to leave your mayor

From Racine Community Media:

"The truth behind the State of the City Address & what Mayor John Dickert really should of said in his speech to the residents and taxpayers of Racine."

Read more:  http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/82973946041/the-truth-behind-the-state-of-the-city-address

Open Blog - Thursday

I'm thinking about it.

The Root River!

Yesterday I was on my way to go and see Drew for lunch and I go over the bridge for the Root River on 4 Mile Rd in Caledonia. I looked at the river and I could not believe how high it was. My thought was dang it I don't have the camera with me to get some pictures. Then I went to see how the river looked by 5 Mile Rd and I was really bad there too. I was almost late to go and see him for lunch by the time I got there some of the guys were coming out for lunch. I told Drew about it then I said I am bringing the camera with me when I pick up and I am getting some pictures.

I did bring the camera with me to get some pictures to share with everyone. The only place I do have to go and check out is by Spring Street. The weather men are saying that the rivers are going down but this morning they looked the same to me.

Here are the pictures:

                                      This is on 4 Mile Rd in Caledonia Wi this is looking North.

                                      This is on 4 Mile Rd in Caledonia Wi this is looking South.

                                      This is on 5 Mile Rd in Caledonia Wi this is looking North.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my winter-weary friends!  How are you?  Yes, that was snow the other day.  It’s difficult not to get discouraged with this weather.  Next up, floods.  The winter that wouldn’t die is clearly still alive.  Enough is enough.  We have to drive a stake through its heart.  Part those clouds and let the sun shine in.  We, the people, demand warmth!  Give me higher temperatures, or give me Florida.

The local news seems to be filled with nothing but fires and robberies.  One bar has been robbed three times in a month.  Sooner or later, one of these robbers is going to be shot by a bartender, business owner, or customer.  I predict that when it happens, Racine will prosecute the bartender, business owner, or customer.  Oh my.

It’s best to remember that you are responsible for your own safety.  I heartily salute and thank all Law Enforcement Officers who daily do their best to combat crime.  But the police simply can’t be everywhere at all times.  At least, not in a free country.  For self-protection, Señor Zanza uses what he calls “projective hypnotism,” which is instantly hypnotizing people from a distance.  The last mugger who tried to rob him ended up confessing to the police while dancing like a chicken.

I, of course, can astral project myself out of dicey situations.  Junior is left with his cell phone for protection.  I mean, he’s in school, which used to mean relative safety, so he can’t arm himself.  The school, of course, has teachers, officials, and even police officers on hand to deal with situations that may arise.  It’s crazy to think this way, to worry about my son being killed or harmed by some maniac, or another student, while he’s in school, but our world has changed so much.  It’s difficult raising children in these times.

Indeed, sometimes it can be difficult just existing.  Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.  Don’t be the next victim.

In regard to the political trickery that takes place in our beautiful city, I quote the Holy Bible, Matthew, 7:15-16: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”

Oh dear, once again I find my blog turning negative.  Here’s a video completely off the subject to cheer you up:

Seals are so cute.  Apparently, they just want a belly rub.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. America, for visiting my blog today.  I always appreciate an audience, and I always appreciate you.

How to deal with false prophets?  Ask: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the hopefully warmer weather to come this week.  As it warms, more pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles are on the road.  Watch out for others.  And watch out for yourselves.  Decalfate!     

Open Blog - Wednesday

Don't tell me. I don't want to know.

Eclipse Photos

Very hectic day and week...so I am just going to post some eclipse photos from last night. Enjoy!

"Fruit Ninja in Real Life to Dubstep!"

Unfortunately for you guys, I like dubstep.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Have a fruity Tuesday.

"Total Lunar Eclipse Special"

Scheduled for Apr 15, 2014

"On the night of April 14th, two significant and spectacular events will take place simultaneously, as Mars reaches its closest point to Earth while the Moon will be totally eclipsed. Slooh will present these events in real time, starting with coverage of Mars at 7 PM PDT / 10 PM EDT / 02 UTC (4/15) (International Times) from Slooh's telescopes off the west coast of Africa in the Canary Islands and transitioning to coverage of the Total Lunar Eclipse starting at 11 PM PDT / 2 AM EDT (4/15) / 06 UTC (4/15) (International Times) with live feeds from throughout North America. Viewers can watch free on Slooh.com or by downloading the Slooh iPad app. The live image stream will be hosted by Slooh Observatory Director Paul Cox and Slooh astronomer Bob Berman, who will be reporting live from Prescott Observatory in Prescott, Arizona. Viewers can ask questions during the show by using hashtag #Slooh."

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7aXzE5ZNH8


A little over an hour and a half to go as of this posting. 

Fired on First Day!

How do you manage to get fired on the first day in a Winnie the Pooh costume?

By putting on your costume pants the wrong way around!

Post gets Pulitzer, Snowden gets Putin

Local Loyalty - Dessert Heaven

Welcome back !

Today's edition will quite likely make you hungry!

(I'm actually writing this on an empty stomach, yikes!)

Dessert Heaven 

 Located at 327 Main Street, is the best hidden treasure!

Don't let the name fool you, it's more than just desserts -

 Breakfast, and lunch are served daily, 

as well as dinner Friday (Fish Fry) and Saturday (Soul Food).

 Walking in, you're greeted so warmly by V, the owner. 

She made me feel instantly at home. 

While Dessert Heaven has been here since September of 2013, 

I know I had to have walked by and not noticed.  :(

WOW, how I wish I was more observant sooner, this place is awesome!

Open Tues, Wed, and Thur 9-4, 

Friday and Saturday's 8-8   

(still winter hours, May 1st should go to M-Th 9-6, same Fri and Sat 8-8)

She has been in business of making cake pops and small desserts, and catering for a number of years, only recently opening a store front. 

Cake pops, candy buffets, cupcakes, anything dipped in chocolate (what's not to love???)

So much deliciousness in one place, are you drooling yet? 

Friday nights are fish fry nights, with catfish, cod, or tilapia and hushpuppies. 

Saturday nights are soul food 

Here is a link to their MENU

V would love to branch out, and open kiosks in malls 

as well as getting a dessert truck(s).

Her personality is so warm and her smile is just infectious, 

I know she is going to do great things!

Her 3 words are - 

1. Unique

2. Welcoming (most definitely!)

3. Blessed

Please check her out! 

I can't wait to go back and try out lunch one of these days soon

(and of course, pick out something awesome for dessert!)

Don't forget to let her know you saw it here!     

 

 

Open Blog - Monday

Monday always feels upside down.

Venus and Neptune

I love taking pretty astro photos as much as the next person. However, I also enjoy taking shots that may not be as visually appealing but that show an interesting phenomena.

One such opportunity arose as the planets Venus and Neptune had a close conjunction on April 12th. At closest approach, they were only 40 arc minutes (2/3 of a degree) apart. They would have been a little farther apart by the time they rose in Tucson that morning, but still pretty close. Unfortunately, the morning of the 12th was cloud so I had to wait for the clouds to break. This morning (the 13th) was nice and clear when my alarm went off. According to Stellarium, they would be about 1 degree, 32 arc minutes apart when I went out this morning. 

Again, I fired up the trusty Canon 60D with the 75-300mm zoom lens at 300mm. I didn't bother with the Skytracker as I figured I should be able to get the pair with a fairly short exposure. I took quite a few shots, but my favorite ended up being a 2 second exposure at ISO5000 (which showed the mountains faintly in the foreground). I put an arrow to help you find Neptune.

The star immediately above Neptune is HIP111398 and the two brighter stars to the right are sigma Aquarius (top) and 58 Aquarius (bottom) for those trying to get oriented in the sky.

Although they appear close together in the sky, they are far apart. Venus is a mere 78 million miles away and Neptune is 2.85 billion miles away! Light takes about 7 minutes to reach us from Venus but about 4 hours and 12 minutes to arrive from Neptune! Neptune's diameter is about twice that of Venus, but is appears dim since it is so far away and receives much less sunlight than Venus. 

If you have similar equipment to mine, you can go out and try to get your own photograph of a nearby planet and a distant planet in the same shot for the next few days. 

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

"Republican Racine County DA Rich Chiapete’s Excellent Adventure In Screen Shots"

From Racine Exposed:  

http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/republican-racine-county-da-rich-chiapetes-excellent-adventure-in-screen-shots/

More Musical Madness