Tuesday, March 31, 2015

"Tiny songbird tracked across 1,700 miles of open ocean"

March 31 at 7:16 PM
 
"MONTPELIER, Vt. — A tiny songbird that summers in the forests of northern North America has been tracked on a 1,700-mile, over-the-ocean journey from the northeastern United States and eastern Canada to the Caribbean as part of their winter migration to South America, according to a new study.

"Scientists had long suspected that the blackpoll warbler had made its journey to the Caribbean over the ocean, but the study that began in the summer of 2013 when scientists attached tracking devices to the birds was the first time that the flight has been proven, according to results published Wednesday in the United Kingdom in the journal Biology Letters.

"'It is such a spectacular, astounding feat that this half-an-ounce bird can make what is obviously a perilous, highly risky journey over the open ocean,' said Chris Rimmer of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, one of the authors."

Read more:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/tiny-songbird-tracked-across-1700-miles-of-open-ocean/2015/03/31/5f27b03c-d7fb-11e4-bf0b-f648b95a6488_story.html


1,700 miles nonstop.  How do they do it?

Wisconsin Schools and the Latest Freedom Propaganda Pledge

"Access to a college education at a reasonable cost is something that every Wisconsin high school graduate with appropriate qualifications should be entitled to receive."

I agree. I believe we are being very short-sighted not to use OUR tax money to benefit the future of Wisconsin. I'm tired of hearing that we are broke. Let's not make us more broken down the road. 

Wisconsin's UW System has played a major role in the Genome project. This level of research and higher level learning is becoming out of reach for our own children. The knowledge and research you need in the future could be at risk today. 

For the first time ever, the number of Wisconsin children enrolled at Madison is lower than those from out of state, who pay higher tuition costs. 

I'd rather have a few less round-a-bouts, a few less discounts handed out to companies who want to relocate just over our borders for tax breaks, and instead, continue to invest in a more educated population base.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/cuts-to-university-of-wisconsin-system-will-hurt-the-entire-state-b99469777z1-297884241.html

Are we being forced to become too elite for our own good?

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/01/28/wisconsin-looks-cut-higher-ed-300m-tries-give-something-return


"Racine woman charged after going to the bathroom in public at Kmart"

From RacineUncovered:

"Melissa A Jacobson, 50 of Racine has been charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct and two counts of Resisting or Obstructing an Officer after she allegedly she urinated and defecated by a register at a local Kmart Store, after making her initial appearance in Racine Circuit Courts this afternoon. She was given a $500 signature bond"

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2015/03/racine-woman-charged-after-going-to-the-bathroom-in-public-in-a-kmart/


I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Dave Van Ronk - "Hang me, Oh Hang Me"



My then-wife and I saw this man (above, on the right) perform many moons ago.  We did go to a Dylan concert, too,  in the Chicago Auditorium, even more moons ago.  We were in the nosebleed section.  I had good eyes then and I could barely make out what was happening onstage.

"Michigan State Fan Will Show Her Boobs For Final Four Tickets"

Craigslist

"WGRD in Grand Rapids, Mich. shares how a Michigan State fan posted on the Indianapolis section of Craigslist an ad for Final Four tickets. She is 'more than willing to offer a kiss and boob flash' in exchange for tickets to see her Spartans take on Duke this Saturday.

"She's also nice enough to let you know that she is 'an attractive Michigan State graduate in my 20's.'

"There are many things that can happen here, but we won't get into all of that. Hopefully she doesn't end up as a news story on Dateline.

"March Madness, indeed."

Read more:  http://www.detroitsports1051.com/the-locker-room/2015/03/30/michigan-state-fan-will-show-her-boobs-for-final-four-tickets


I'll do a belly flash for a dime. $10 if you don't want me to do it

"April 4th-Fundraiser to benefit Mound Cemetery"

From RacineUncovered:

"On April 4th 2015 Ogichidaa Mawansomag Board Members will hold a “Breakfast for Dinner” fundraiser at the Racine Moose Family Center; located at 5530 Middle Road. The event will begin at 4:00pm on April 4th and end at 12:00am.

"The dinner will consist of 'all you can eat' pancakes and french toast, along with other various breakfast themed offerings. Beverages are available for purchase at the Moose Family Center by means of 'cash bar.'

"In exchange for a donation of $10.00 guests will receive not only the breakfast themed dinner, but will also be free to enjoy various entertainment throughout the night. Due to entertainment times, it is recommended to utilize the online ticketing option to guarantee seating during specific times.

"Tickets can be purchased at Fundraiser for Mound Cemetery, Racine WI Native American Burial Sites"


Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2015/03/april-4th-fundraiser-to-benefit-mound-cemetery/

Open Blog - Monday


I'll probably scream through the whole damn thing.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Dark Money Matters

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/03/27/media-ignores-scott-walkers-dark-money-controve/203070


Tried to embed the video, but I couldn't get it to work. Pretty interesting stuff that isn't making main stream news yet.

My first blog. More to come, I hope.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Another One Bites the Dust

Racine has lost another landmark store. JCPenny is closing.

Not sure of the date.  I can remember when they where downtown before moving to the Mall.

What was it a couple years back they dropped a lot of the clothing in the Racine store. You can't make money if you don't have stuff in your store to sell. I think a lot of people are using the internet to order from them.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It has been a rather quick week even though I had plenty of overtime. Maybe, I'm just getting used to it.... Anyways your questions...

1) What do you prefer to read, fiction or non fiction?

2) What national park would you like to visit?

3) What is your favorite candle scent?

4) Do you write yourself reminder notes?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


Keep up the good work , Mary Fucking Sunshine.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

"Whoopi: If You Hit a Man Don’t Be Surprised if He Hits Back"



I still don't think that men should hit women. I mean, if she's attacking you with a knife, OK, slug her. But as a general rule, no, never hit a woman.

The 'Duh'ming Down of America


Thank God for the sign. I was going to take a nap in there. Now I know to apply sunblock first.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my March madlings!  How are you?  Up or down?  Just like our temperatures.  This is typical of March.  The snow of a few days ago has already melted.    There have been a few days when I opened some windows and the fresh air smelled great and sunlight looked good in the house.  Unfortunately, that also highlighted the need for a thorough spring cleaning of our home.  Either I get a transfusion from Ms. Lizardmom, or Junior and Señor Zanza have a lot of work to do.  Maybe we could all get transfusions from her.  She’ll be anemic, but we’ll clean up a storm.  Sniff, sniff, I smell a moneymaking proposition.  Ms. Lizardmom, sell your blood to the highest bidders.  Once every two weeks or so, sell a pint of Ms. Lizardmom’s Special Reserve Spring Rejuvenating and Cleaning Blood.  Only $100 or best offer.  Go for it!

Here’s a large image of yours truly: https://warmowski.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/fig2-1fortuneteller.jpg Oh my.

The sins of Mr. Mayor Dickert and his cohorts will be visited upon us all.  That’s just the way the criminal cookie crumbles.  I must constantly fight the temptation to cast a “reality spell” upon the city’s voters.  I may not interfere.  I just wish more of Racine’s voters would wake up.  I predict a win for Mr. Mayor Dickert unless challenger Mr. Pastor Hargrove steps up his game, quickly and surely.  Even then, I doubt his chances.

Mr. Mayor Dickert and cohorts have brought another lawsuit upon the city.  This time, over the sale of the Women’s Club building.  Another black eye for Racine.  I can’t wait for the Machinery Row quagmire to drag us down further.  Still, I don’t think that the JT Irregulars is a place for personal attacks like this one: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=514457884876261588&postID=7338408911607225673  Fuck that shit.  Once I and the rest of the JTIs have finished putting our mojo on you, expect a slow, agonizing death.

The political campaigns will soon start ramping up their bullshit machines for the coming, April7, election.  Campaign phone calls.  Campaign workers at the door.  Campaign ads in the newspaper.  Campaign material in the mailbox.  Some of those mailings are on expensive, heavy stock.  I try to recycle those, after Junior is done using them for target practice with his pellet gun.

OK, I know that Racine is a “broke” city.  Things are so bad that we’ve had to cut back on city services and take down some streetlights.  Mr. Mayor Dickert begged the nonprofits for money.  Blah, blah, blah, we’ve all heard these things before.  We’ve also heard about roundabouts, Machinery Row, the Uptown Project, the City Hall upgrade and other project after project.  Where does the money for these niceties and toys come from?  Why is State Street lit up at night like a landing strip for a 747, while inner city streets go dark?  How come there is never enough money for residents’ needs, but plenty of dough for Mr. Mayor Dickert’s cronies and their developments?

I think not till we return to the streets like we did in the 60’s will our government take us seriously.  “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”  Tumult and turmoil because the corrupt have been our “leaders” for too long.  Break out your old gas masks and man the barricades.

When I’m not saving the world, I’m here visiting with friends.  You all have a special place in my heart.  Thank you for coming here.

Who let the dogs out?  Ask MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

The weather will warm eventually.  In the meantime, enjoy what we get.  The light lasts longer into the evening.  Do what makes you happy.  And watch for children and motorcycles on the road.

Open Blog - Tuesday


Aw, c'mon, Tuesdays aren't that bad.

This is Nostalgia?

Yesterday while watching the NCAA tournament, I saw a Coke commercial featuring the song 99 Red Balloons with the tag line "Contains Memories". The threat of imminent nuclear annihilation is now considered nostalgia.


Just in case you forgot the lyrics of the song, it obviously was written as an anti-nuclear war pop anthem for the '80s. Here is the video I remember watching in high school.


Yes, when I open a Coke, I want to think of the horror of thousands of nuclear weapons raining down on cities around the world. I wonder if advertising people understand what the music they are using represents.


Saturday, March 21, 2015

"Another Civil Rights Violation Lawsuit Is Filed Against The City of Racine"

From Racine Exposed:

"The City Of Racine is again being sued in Federal Court for alleged civil rights violations, this time it is Northwest Funeral Home out of Milwaukee who is suing Racine City Officials, claiming unfair treatment in their attempt to purchase the old Women’s Club at 740 Lake Ave. across the street from Marsh Meredith Funeral Home.

"The Federal Lawsuit alleges that Northwest Funeral Chapel had gained approval by the proper city commissions and had an accepted offer to purchase the building from the seller for $275K, only to be denied by the Racine Common Council.



"Less than 2 months later, The Marsh Meredith Funeral Home was granted permission by the Racine Common Council to purchase the property at 740 Lake Ave. for $225K and allowed to operate it’s funeral home without the same restrictions applied to Northwest Funeral Home just 2 months prior.

"The Federal Lawsuit alleges The City Of Racine had an ongoing policy and practice of showing favoritism and or bias in administering city government."

Read more:  https://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/another-civil-rights-violation-lawsuit-filed-against-the-city-of-racine/

Also see: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/114175172458/breaking-news-racine-mayor-john-dickert-and

Crash Landing


What kind of bird lands like that, drew?

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Another busy week has come and gone.... A perpetual cycle of work, rest and some play. Anyways, your questions....

1) Which relative do you talk to the most?

2) How old were you when you got your first set of glasses?

3) Have you ever worn braces?

4) Do you play computer/video games?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


Even though it's now officially spring, winter weather can still hang on. Spring cleaning, of course, takes place only when lizardmom says so.

"Md. woman uses sister's art to break stigma of mental illness"


Commentary: "Why Did Mt. Pleasant Giveaway $1M+ In Secret Sewer Amendment?"

From RacineUncovered:


"Commentary from Jerry Garski a Candidate for Mt. Pleasant President. 

"In August of 2014, the Village of Mt. Pleasant Board voted to amend the Caledonia Sewer contract in closed session. The amendment includes forgiving interest owed to Mt. Pleasant by the Village of Caledonia on $5 million in exchange for a lump sum of $150,000 and lowers the interest rate for future payments.

"We know this because of a open records request filed by residents currently living on Highway V in the Village of Mt. Pleasant.

"Buried deep within nearly 250 documents is a copy of the amendment signed by Village President Mark Gleason. Nowhere in Village minutes is this action reported a potential violation of Wisconsin State Statutes.

"When the Board of Trustees goes into a closed session, they are required by law to report back out what they did. This 'secret' vote came as good news to the Village of Caledonia Board of Trustees who commended Village Administrator Janiuk for his 'effective negotiating' a few days later."

Read more:  http://racineuncovered.org/2015/03/why-did-mt-pleasant-giveaway-1m-in-secret-sewer-amendment/

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my fellow travelers on the weather rollercoaster!  How are you?  When it’s been nice outdoors recently, it seems like everyone gets out.  Cabin fever takes some time to cure.  Everybody wants to smell some fresh air and feel warm breezes.  It will take a little time for the cabin fever aftereffects to die down.  Before you know it, we’ll be complaining about the heat.  It’s like there are rituals for every part of the year, except this one.  Unless you consider drinking massive quantities of green beer and then puking it up to be a ritual.  We need to make a bigger deal of the spring and fall equinoxes.  I don’t know that any saint wants to be associated with green gluttony.

However, the green sprouting to life all over the place is good and natural.  The daffodils and tulips near the foundation of our home are already several inches high.  With our climate, we have a way to go before we start planting annuals. It was in the 60’s on Monday and in the 40’s yesterday and today.  I think some vegetables tolerate, or even like, cooler temps.

. . .

And that’s as far as I got on today’s blog when Junior wanted to talk about colleges and Señor Zanza wanted to talk about more adult themes.

Life is just too busy at times.

Look out for the motorcycles making their reappearance on our roads. 

I love you all, each and every one.     

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

"AeroMobil 3.0 - official video"


 
"Published on Oct 29, 2014
The current flying car prototype AeroMobil 3.0 incorporates significant improvements and upgrades. It is now being tested in real flight conditions since October 2014. Initially certified by the Slovak Federation of Ultra-Light Flying, it now entered a regular flight-testing program.

"The AeroMobil 3.0 prototype is very close to the final product. It is predominantly built from the same materials as the final product, such as advanced composite materials for the body shell, wings, and wheels. It also contains all the main features that will be incorporated into the final product, such as avionics equipment, autopilot and an advanced parachute deployment system."


Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzYb68qXpD0


Once again we are promised a flying car.  I'll believe it when the skies overhead are a big flying traffic jam. 

Aurora Alert!

Big geomagnetic storm in progress today. I am watching aurora photos coming in from Europe right now and they are spectacular!

I just checked the Weather Underground and it is showing clear skies for Racine tonight so I figured I better post this quick!

There were aurora sightings from Wisconsin this morning before sunrise and the storm has intensified since then.

Oh, and it's a big one...no direct danger to people on the ground but strong enough that it could impact radio transmissions and GPS accuracy. Small chance some electrical grids could be tripped but probably not strong enough to cause permanent damage that would require extended downtime to fix.

Let me know if you see anything!

WTF?


What the hell are those for?

Open Blog - Tuesday


I love corned beef, but I don't like cabbage.

Monday, March 16, 2015

"8 Years of History 'Stay Tuned'"

From RacineUncovered:

"Almost 8 years ago I was involved with a little site called Racine News. Well keeping tabs on the local news sources such as Racine Post and The Journal Times I happen to cross paths with Beth David. She was just starting a new site devoted to crime and local politics called Racine Uncovered. Several months went by and I kept tabs on her budding site, she was using wordpress.com and was without a domain to call her own. I watched as her site grew, I was rather amazed at how many people visited her little blog. At times the site was so busy you would get error messages telling you the site was too busy and to try back latter. This is when I reached out and offered to take Beth and Racine Uncovered under my wing.

. . .

"Corey Becker
Site Administrator "


Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2015/03/8-years-of-history-stay-tuned/


Hear! Hear!  Beth has done more to improve Racine than anyone else I can think of.  I'm grateful that she's active in our community.  Thank you for your service.

Open Blog - Monday


"Wishing you a great week" one great day at a time.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Friday, March 13, 2015

"DRIVERS LICENSE VS RIGHT TO TRAVEL"

Submitted by legal stranger:



"Despite actions of police and local courts, higher courts have ruled that American citizens have a right to travel without state permits"

Read more:  http://www.apfn.org/apfn/travel.htm


Hell, in my old neighborhood, everyone knew that.  I'd be surprised if more than 10% of the drivers were licensed.

Here, they're licensed, but none of them can see or hear, including me.

Frozen Lock


Why didn't I think of that?

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Well, my crazy hours are back.... 12 hour shift today. At least, I get the weekend off. Here are your questions....

1) What would be the temperature outside before you wear shorts?

2) When do you prefer to listen to music?

3) How often do you get your car washed?

4) When was the last time you went to the museum?

Enjoy your weekend! 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

"Utah lawmakers vote to allow firing squad for carrying out death penalty"

This June 18, 2010, file photo shows the firing squad execution chamber at the Utah State Prison in Draper, Utah. Lawmakers passed a bill that would make it the only state to allow firing squads for carrying out a death penalty if there is a shortage of execution drugs. (AP Photo/Trent Nelson, File)



By Associated Press
on March 10, 2015 at 9:42 PM, updated March 10, 2015 at 9:44 PM


"SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah has passed a bill that would make it the only state to allow firing squads for carrying out a death penalty if there is a shortage of execution drugs.

"The bill's passage in the state Senate on Tuesday comes as states struggle to obtain lethal injection drugs amid a nationwide shortage.

"The legislation's sponsor, Republican Rep. Paul Ray of Clearfield, touted the measure as being a more humane form of execution. A team of trained marksmen is faster and more humane than the drawn-out deaths that have occurred in botched lethal injections, Ray said.

"The bill gives Utah options, he said. 'We would love to get lethal injection worked out so we can continue with that but if not, now we have a backup plan,' Ray told The Associated Press."

Read more:  http://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2015/03/utah_lawmakers_vote_to_allow_f.html
 http://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2015/03/utah_lawmakers_vote_to_allow_f.html


I don't understand this "shortage of execution drugs."  What special drugs have to be used and why?  Junkies are killing themselves all over the country with heroin and God-knows-what else.  What about Propofol, the anesthetic that killed Michael Jackson?  Give 'em a heavy dose and they drift off to dead land.  I agree with Utah's decision. That's the first thing I told a friend of mine - "Just shoot them."

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my thawing, winter warriors!  How are you?  Isn’t this weather gorgeous?  Next September, we’ll be whining about how the same temperatures are freezing us.  The only thing I see routinely during the spring thaw is all the dirt and garbage in the snow banks along the road that are finally poking their heads out.  The road sprouts filth while gardens sprout hopes of food and flowers.  Look for anything growing near the foundation of a building.  That’s where the heat is now and where plants want to grow; usually, on the sunny side of the street.

My picture for this week’s blog features a clover in honor of St. Patrick’s Day which will take place on next Tuesday, March 17, 2015, a day before my next blog.  This weekend, downtown Racine has a St. Patrick’s Day parade starting at noon on Saturday.  I’m sure there will be plenty of other activities and green beer. http://www.racinedowntown.com/stpats.html I’m assuming that Señor Zanza and Junior will be there, for one reason or the other. Sorry, but green beer doesn’t do it for me.  I need green herbs to really get off.  Then I get rather silly.  Then I fall asleep.

Next Friday, March 20, is the Spring Solstice.  Yahoo!  I mean, it doesn’t have the force of law behind it, but it’d be nice to say it’s springtime.  It would be nice to believe that it’s springtime.  It gives one hope.

I have to make up for some lost sleep time, my dears, so I’m cutting this short.  Thank you to everyone who read this blog.  I love my audience deeply. 

Find out what really happened to Jimmy Hoffa.  Just ask MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the warming weather, my friends.  I think it’s curing a lot of cases of cabin fever, including mine.    

Open Blog - Wednesday


Oh, does Why Not not know what day of the week it is? Must've been a good party.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Iron while you poop


Why would you want or need a table at the toilet?