Wednesday, September 30, 2015

"Northside burglary Monday night, victim asks for help from the community"

From RacineUncovered:

Filed under: Crime News |

"The victim of this burglary is asking for help from the public. On Monday night (September 28th) between the hours of  6-9, the suspects broke into the home through an unlocked window and stole a PS3 (NEON GREEN) . The victim is located between Mount Pleasant and Douglas Ave. If you may have seen something or have any information please contact Racine Police reference 15-48470.

"There have been over 28 burglary reports taken in the recent weeks for the areas of the railroad tracks  to the west, State Street to the south, Lake Michigan to the east and 3 Mile Road to the north. Residents were alerted by an automate phone message last week. Racine Police are also asking that if you have home security system to review your video and if you see anything suspicious to please contact the detective bureau at 262-635-7756."

Read nore:  http://racineuncovered.org/2015/09/northside-burglary-monday-night-victim-asks-for-help-from-the-community/

"Forever young"

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

"Posted on by Wirecutter


"Posted in Cool Pics | 1 Comment"

Read more: http://knuckledraggin.com/2015/09/forever-young-2/


Beautiful.

Weekday Funny

"Biggest Heart: Beth David"

From The Journal Times.com:

The Journal Times has released their "Best of Racine County 2015."

The winner with the "biggest heart" is Beth David:

September 27, 2015 5:00 am

"As a child, Beth David can recall being counselled by her mother, Cynthia Wanek, with advice that would shape her life. During Cynthia’s time in Cleveland from 1943-51, she became acquainted with a tailor who had spent time in a German concentration camp during World War II and still had a number from those horrible days tattooed to his arm. He would tell Cynthia, 'Sometimes you have to speak up for those who can’t,' and she passed that wisdom onto her daughter.

"'It was always a life lesson,' David said.

"As David deals with what she said is a worsening case of multiple sclerosis approaching her 46th birthday Oct. 17, David continues to devote her life to making a difference in Racine, where she moved from her native West Allis in 1979. From finding living quarters for a homeless man and his dog in the dead of winter to initiating summer lunch programs for needy children to heightening community understanding with 'Peacefest,' which held its fourth annual event Aug. 23 at Quarry Lake Park, David lives for the betterment of others.

"Her award comes occasionally, such as when she recently greeted a boy she calls 'M' at her lunch program.

"'He was bouncing off the walls,' David said, 'and I looked at him and said, "Hey, 'M,' do you need to hug it out?" He looked at me and he came over and gave me the biggest hug ever. Everybody was dumbfounded. And then he came back two more times to get a hug."
— Peter Jackel

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/things_to_do/biggest-heart-beth-david/article_f48f7ca6-0b7a-5a64-9fb5-7b2da4690e9a.html


Congratulations, Beth David!  No one deserves it more than you.

Dear Madame Zoltar

 







Hello, my chilled children! How are you?  Guess which way our temperatures are headed? Today I noticed some dead leaves blowing around.  A harbinger of things to come.  At least I don't have to rake up the leaves.  I leave that to Junior and Señor Zanza.  Men are good for more than just one thing.  (Not a whole lot, but more than one.)  The fellow who owns the home across the street from ours has a Norway Maple in his front yard.  A mature one.  When his tree drops its leaves, they're like roofing shingles, thousands of them.  If he didn't rake them up, his small house would be buried. He can't afford to play the waiting game in the hope that the wind will take care of most of the job.  He's out there regularly during the fall, raking, always raking.  

Our valiant and audacious Green Bay Packers took care of the Kansas City Chiefs handily on Monday night.  Next up:  the San Francisco 49ers, at Frisco, this Sunday, October 4, at 3:25 PM  The Packers will mash the 49ers into a ball of Rice-A-Roni, "the San Francisco treat."

As far as the Irregulars Fantasy Football League, I have no idea as I forgot to check on them last week.  I'll get to them as soon as I finish this blog.  Hopefully, I can give you weekly updates from then on.

Someone forwarded a piece of email my way today.  It's a small part of Mr. Mayor Dickert's deposition in the big lawsuit against the city:


The highlighted part reads. "Q  Did you read the newspaper?
                                         A  No. I don't read the newspaper.
                                         Q  You don't read the newspaper?
                                         A  No."

I'm kind of surprised that Mr. Mayor doesn't read the Journal Times.  He's written commentary pieces for the paper in the past.  Is it a good idea, as mayor, to not read the local newspaper?  Does the Journal Times know about this?  Does anyone believe that Mr. Mayor "Lying John" is telling the truth?  How could such a vain man not read about himself in the local press?  As soon as the Journal Times got a new publisher, he teamed with Mr. Mayor to create a facsimile of some sort of "Ten Year Plan."  But Mr. Mayor "Lying John" didn't read it? He always said the plan was in his head and perhaps Mr. Mayor was afraid to see what they found in there.

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of sad that the summer is over.  I feel like I didn't participate in enough events.  There's so much going on in the Racine area in the summer, that it's hard to choose sometimes which activity to attend or participate in.

Did anybody go to Party on the Pavement?  How was it?  It's usual y a good time.

And it's time for me to wrap this up.  Thank you so much for reading my blog today.  I welcome everybody and anybody to jump on the Zoltar bandwagon.  I make a lot of noise.  That's to wake the dead.  Many of them still go to work and their homes in Racine.

Is Mr. Mayor illiterate? Ask: MadameZarolt@jtirregulars.com 

Enjoy the cool, crisp weather.  Say good-bye to summer and hello to autumn.  The days grow shorter.  Grab what you can.  Watch out for school buses and kids.  And don't forget to watch out for yourself.

Open Blog - Wednesday


Lasagne boy!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

"Racial discrimination allegations: Racine leaders want federal lawsuit tossed as NAACP calls on DOJ"

From Fox6now:

Posted 5:07 pm, September 29, 2015, by , Updated at 07:17pm, September 29, 2015



"RACINE -- A federal lawsuit claims white city officials in Racine discriminated against minority business owners. Recently released court documents show the city wants the lawsuit thrown out. This, as the president of Milwaukee's NAACP chapter is calling on the Department of Justice to investigate this case.

"'To me, that garners the NAACP's attention and it should garner the Department of Justice's attention,' Fred Royal with the Milwaukee NAACP said.

"The federal lawsuit was filed earlier this year against the city of Racine, alleging it unlawfully targeted minority business owners because of their race.

"Those with the group 'Racine Equality Project' believe the claim has merit.

"'I would be shocked if he didn't allow it to be used in the trial process,' Ken Yorgan with the Racine Equality Project said.

"However, attorneys for the city are asking that the case be thrown out -- saying in filed court documents: 'Plaintiffs' evidence of alleged racially discriminatory intent does not create a genuine issue of material fact.'"

Read more:  http://fox6now.com/2015/09/29/racine-leaders-want-federal-lawsuit-alleging-racial-discrimination-thrown-out-as-naacp-calls-on-doj/


And the beat goes on . . .

Markdown


I wonder if that's a Case tractor.

Open Blog - Tuesday


I'm seeing colors, man.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Moon Dogs

After last night's lunar eclipse, I got a pic of some rare Moon dogs here in Tucson. Sun dogs can be seen on either side of the Sun when there are ice crystals in the atmosphere. Moon dogs are more rare since the Moon isn't nearly as bright...you only get Moon dogs near full Moon and you usually don't see the rainbow colors in Moon dogs due to the lower light levels. With a second of exposure on the camera, the rainbow colors are faintly visible.

So here are some rare Moon dogs for you (and a lens flare about half-way between the Moon and the left Moon dog).


Texting in Class


Is it OK to look at other students' crotches?

Lunar Eclipse From Tucson

I went out of course...should have chosen a less busy location. Amazing how many more people come out when the eclipse is not in the middle of the night.

Here are some of my shots.















Supermoon Lunar Eclipse!

Last night Drew could not sit still at all. He kept going in and out of the house looking for the Supermoon Lunar Eclipse and also getting a bunch of pictures. So I decided to share the different stages of pictures with everyone this morning. I hope everyone enjoys them.






"O&H Thanks Community for Supporting Bakeries"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Business · September 25, 2015



"The success of O&H Bakery rests on the shoulders of the community and its dedicated employees, some of whom have worked there since high school.

"Opening day for the new O&H Bakery at 5910 Washington Avenue doesn’t arrive until 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, but the official ribbon cutting was held Thursday. Company President Eric Olesen during his remarks thanked the greater Racine community – and the city in particular – for supporting his family’s business.

"'We would not be here without the support of the city and the people who choose to shop here,' he said during a speech that turned emotional at times. 'Your support has allowed us to grow and stay in the community. Our customers are who it’s all about.'

"The new store opens at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, and store hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday,and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday"

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/oh-thanks-community-for-supporting-bakeries/


Thank God I don't have a lot of money.  The new store is just around the corner from where I live.  If I had the dough (get it?), I'd be in there every day, all of the time.  Lord, why must You torture me this way? 

Open Blog - Monday


Monday is wash day.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

"Crow Encounter"

From LiveLeak:

"From OP:Please excuse my cursing... I did NOT approach this bird... it approached me. It wasn't harmed in anyway, I was....



"I just had to take out my camera and record this insane encounter with this bird. Never experienced anything like this so i'm just sharing it on here, and to the news, before i take this video down. (changed my mind) . This was so in the moment i didn't even know what to say or do.

"[credit: Steven Huynh / licensing@viralhog.com]"

Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=dad_1443297704#iQ14G2xqbj84HFLF.99



That must be the Donald Trump of the crow world.

Greetings To Our Korean Friends!


Thank you.  We're flattered by your interest in us.  We don't know if you're thinking of joining our site, or perhaps starting a JTI branch in Korea.  Whatever, we welcome you with arms wide open.

The New Hunters


Those look like trophy kills.  Congratulations! 

Saturday, September 26, 2015

"Madison Police Officer Signs Off In Unique Way"

From LiveLeak:


"No cops shooting people. No cops chasing some idiot till he crashes. Just one of those invisible good cops retiring in a memorable way

"Officer Derrick Jones served the Madison Police Department with honor for 15 years. He spent some of his days as a traffic enforcement decoy, crossing streets in marked crosswalks to educate drivers on yielding to walkers. That task earned him the nickname 'Duck,' which he referenced in his musical farewell.

"Officer Jones was struck by a vehicle one day in 2009 as he was leaving work and crossing a downtown street in the crosswalk. His injuries forced him to go on light duty for a period of time, a fact that also made its way into Jones’ rendition of the 'Boyz II Men' classic."

Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=815_1443229280#E1oFTidO78MurUCi.99

Open Blog - Weekend


Smooch!

Friday, September 25, 2015

"the littlest roar"



Keep practicing. You'll get there.

"Man sues wife over make-up"


Oh my!

Four for Fridays!

I am posting the Four for Fridays again because Drew has been working overtime again. Yes he is very busy with working overtime and taking me to my doctor and physical therapy appointments. I am just so thankful I have a very caring man in my life.

I am sorry if these questions have been asked before. Here are the questions.

1) Where do you rent movies from?

2) Do you have a favorite Disney Character and who is it?

3) When you went on vacation with your parents did you ever say are we there yet?

4) What childhood t.v. show would you like to see come back on t.v.?

Have a great day!

"For my commenters"

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

" Posted in funny pics | Leave a comment"

Open Blog - Friday


Oh yeah!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

"Years Of Unpaid Lunches and Breaks at Heart of Wheaton Franciscan Complaints"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Breaking, Community · September 24, 2015

"Employees at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints have filed complaints with the state and received back pay from Wheaton over discrepancies with their paychecks that had occurred — in some cases — for two years.

"Four employees from Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints have filed complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for not being paid for lunches that they worked. The company also took pay out for breaks, but the workers did not take them. A payroll person from Wheaton Franciscan allegedly told the employees that their time cards were 'manipulated' by managers, according to records obtained through an open records request from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

"The employees — Tina Tyler, Laurel Ostergaard, Tria Braun, and Melissa Jozefowski — worked at the St. Luke’s campus on Wisconsin Avenue. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints paid Tyler, Ostergaard, and Braun for back pay, according to the complaint file.

"Jozefowski filed her complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce earlier this month, and Wheaton responded to her complaint Tuesday, said Anne Ballentine, vice president of communications and public relations.

"'Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare has diligently investigated and worked to resolve the claims,' Ballentine said.

"Racine County Eye also learned that a fifth person, who wished not to be named, also received back pay for working through lunches and breaks. That employee’s check was marked, 'settlement.'

"Ballentine would not comment any further on the matter. Calls made to Tyler, Ostergaard, Braun and Jozefowski were not returned."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/years-of-unpaid-lunches-and-breaks-at-heart-of-wheaton-complaints/

"Fort Worth Dog Train"

Top 10 Media Thursdays

" How to make your daughter turn off the cell phone. [*VOLUME*]"

From LiveLeak:



I don't know what kind of critter that was, but it's funny.

Open Blog - Thursday


Happy Hoppy.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

This is Elmo.

He showed up one day and now he is here to stay. He is an interesting cat, like the rest of them.

Last night he had nerves of steel and came into our room where the dog sleeps. That was a first. Usually he waits until the morning to come near our room and that's to let us know he's hungry.

Hopefully there won't be any more strays because I don't want our house to turn into Old MacDonalds Farm.


Orbs, I may be seeking advice.

Life is fragile, handle with care

At first, I wasn't going to post anything about a horrible situation that has hit our family.  After thinking it through, I decided if it could prevent one death, it is necessary.

Last Sunday, while vacationing with her sister in Door County, my sister-in-law was stung by a bee. She immediately felt ill, told her sister she was dizzy, and collapsed in front of a restaurant.  CPR was started immediately, a first responder was walking down the sidewalk and jumped in and assisted. She never regained consciousness.  My poor brother has to do the most heart wrenching thing any spouse has to do.  Signing a form giving permission for life support to be removed is something I hope no one in this group ever has to do!  I've done it, I know the second guessing that you live with afterwards.  

To our knowledge, she hadn't had much of a reaction to bee venom.  Or, perhaps, had never been stung.  She was in perfect health.  

Please, if you've ever had even a minor reaction to an insect bite, discuss this with your doctor.  I had a bad reaction to fire ants.  I dismissed it as a one time thing.  I called my doctor.  He prescribed an epi-pen.  Turns out, I've been extremely lucky.  

Our family is devastated by this loss.  


"'Walk Like A Man' Four Seasons Frankie Valli {Stereo}"



Check out the dancers.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my autumnal weather friends!  How are you?  Yes, the temperature continues its slide downward, but so slowly at times as to be imperceptible.  I love temperatures in the 70’s during the day, and 50’s for sleeping at night.  I think we’ve had a near perfect summer.  We just got the rain we could’ve used a little earlier, but I know that farmers are happy.  Autumn, already.  As Charlie Brown would say, “Good grief!”

As predicted here, our stoic and marvelous Green Bay Packers slipped by the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday.  Next will be the Kansas City Chiefs (how un-PC) on Monday, September 28, at home at 7:20 PM.  Once again, my prediction is that the Packers will make mincemeat of their opponents.  Once again, the Green and Gold will be triumphant!

This Saturday, September 26, is “Party on the Pavement” in downtown Racine: http://www.racinedowntown.com/downtown-racine-events/party-on-the-pavement/ . I haven’t gone to the “party” much since the beginning, when the Downtown Racine Corporation wouldn’t begrudge me a booth.  But I always mention and promote the “party.”  And, of course, Junior and Señor Zanza always attend.  Plenty of girls and plenty of beer – they’re in heaven. 

The next day, Sunday the 27th, is when the real party starts for the JTIs.  Hint, hint, wink, wink. Try not to destroy any toilet fixtures, Mr. OrbsCorbs.

Well, our governor Walker dropped out of the presidential race.  Too bad.  I was hoping that he’d be so busy campaigning that he wouldn’t have time to damage Wisconsin any more.  I think those big words and hard questions of the debates made him look foolish, so he returned to the land where he is “king,” even though he’s an idiot.  (Political remarks made here are mine and mine alone.)  If only everyone in the U.S. could experience the Walker experience, then we might have a revolution.

The Pope is here!  No, not right next to me, but in Washington, D.C.  I think he’s going on a U.S. tour.  Just like the Rolling Stones.  He should use Robert Tilton for his opening act.  In all seriousness, he seems to be the most accessible Pope since anyone can remember.  He is devoid of pretense and truly loves the poor.  He’s like a Super Mother Teresa.  I hope he lives a long and productive life as the Pope.  Welcome to the USA, Pope Francis!

Finally, I want to make a comment on driverless cars, which are predicted to be on our roads within 10 years.  Google says 5 years for their car.  Here’s my comment: ARE YOU F*CKING NUTS?  The last thing I want next to me on the highway is a machine totally dependent upon computers and cutting edge technology.  What happens when the blue screen of death appears on the car’s console?  Does it explode?  Who’s to blame if there’s a pileup of driverless cars?  If you flip off a driverless car, does it get road rage?  I think driving is dangerous enough as it is, and the more we depend upon technology, the less self-reliant we become.

Thank you for reading my blog today.  I’d like to smooch each and every one of my readers.  I smooched my monitor.  You smooch yours and it’s like we’re trading kisses.  (Please, don’t smooch the monitor if you have any communicable diseases.)

Does the Pope smoke dope?  Ask: MadameZarolt@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the weather while we have it.  I haven’t seen any tree color changes yet, but they’re sure to come.  Remember, wet leaves can be slipperier than ice.  Watch out for kids around school buses, and everywhere else.  Let fall begin! 

Dogs

Did you push my button?

At 6 PM yesterday, Tuesday, Sept. 22, someone hit my apartment's buzzer.  It buzzed and buzzed and buzzed.  I kept hitting the enter button, but the buzzing persisted.  In our building, the intercom to the lobby is permanently broken, so I don't usually let enter the occasional buzzer.  Sometimes people hit the wrong buzzer.  Sometimes it's kids hitting all of the buttons in the hopes that one will let them in.

Today, they kept at it, so I finally walked down to the lobby.  There was a kid there waiting for his pizza delivery.  He was looking at some sort of small screen toy like a smart phone or a tablet.  I asked him if someone had just been there and he said, "Yes."  I asked, "A guy or a girl?" "Guy," he said.

So, if that was you, next time push my buzzer thrice and head to the front door, putting your hand on the handle.  You should be able to feel the click to let you in. (It's subtle.)  I'll come down to meet you.

I wish the old telephone intercoms worked, but I know how susceptible to breakdown entry systems can be.  They should go wireless 

Open Blog - Wednesday


I love autumn, but I hate winter.

Monday, September 21, 2015

"Local author comes home to stay"

From The Journal Times.com:



"RACINE — David Kherdian has come home to stay.

"Last May, the award-winning author and poet visited his hometown of Racine in celebration of his recent gift of collected works to the Racine Heritage Museum.

"While they were here, he and his wife Nonny Hogrogian (an award-winning illustrator/artist) met with people throughout the community, as Kherdian gave readings and presentations throughout the week. The connections the couple made during that time convinced them to pull up their New York state roots and move to the city where Kherdian grew up in the 1930s and 40s.

"'We discovered an arts community here that is active, alive and progressive,' said Kherdian, whose work has been published in more than a dozen languages around the world.

"'And we feel like we have something to give back to the community, so that maybe someone else can grow from it.'"

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/local-author-comes-home-to-stay/article_4960093e-290d-5fd2-aef7-72c01dd9a54a.html


Too bad he wasn't here when Why Not visited.  I believe she's a big fan of David Kherdian.

Charlie's back in his window seat.


He used it daily for 7 years at the old apartment.  Unfortunately, this type of window seat requires an old fashioned window sill to secure it.  The windows in my current apartment are too modern, and operated horizontally.

If I owned the place, I'm sure I could come up with some way to attach the window seat permanently to a window.  I didn't want to incur the wrath of management, so I just left the seat leaning against some other junk for nearly two years.

Then it hit me.  Maybe it would fit between the wrung of a ladder.  The ladder is actually a poor replacement for the cat tree he had at the old place.  When we moved, we had to leave it behind because of bed bugs.

So I tried out the seat on a wrung and it was an almost perfect fit.  More importantly, it fit between the forelegs of the ladder as well.  Supporting it there was gonna be a little wood work project.  Then I looked at two long, athletic shoe laces and a light went off in my head  (or maybe it was just another stroke).  I tied the shoe laces together and fashioned a "sling" out of them to support the loose end of the seat.

The first day, Charlie sniffed it and touched it with his paw. By the second day, he was back in the seat.  Unfortunately, this seat does not give him the view he had at the old place.

I'm very happy for Charlie.

Poll: Do You Want To Know About Political Corruption?

Some say we must root out evil wherever we find it, while others say it's always been this way and always will, so why get worked up over something you can't change?

Open Blog - Monday


Today doesn't exist.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

"Boy takes down hate preacher in the most Scottish way possible"

" Big ass brown bear up close and personal"

From LiveLeak:



You have to be nuts to mess with an animal like that. Notice how fast his claws and jaws were. He's a "big ass bear" all right, and I'd never fuck with him.

The parting gift of poop is just bad manners on the bear's part.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

"You Asked: CVS Rejected to Avoid ‘Dangerous Precedent’"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Business, Government · September 18, 2015

"After Mayor John Dickert cast the tie-breaking vote rejecting the proposed CVS Pharmacy at Ohio Street and Washington Avenue, several readers contacted Racine County Eye asking why the store was turned away.

"The new store was planned at more than 13,000 square feet. A new CVS would have replaced its current store a half-mile east at West and Washington, and that store would close.

"CVS had an option to purchase the buildings housing Racine Cyclery, American Coin, the vacant building in between and the empty cash store next door to Racine Cyclery. The store also was going to buy at least three homes and level it all to make way for the new pharmacy and parking lot.

"In order to move forward with the project, the Common Council would have had to approve rezoning the parcels to a commercial designation. Several alderpersons opposed the change because the area is supposed to be a buffer zone between the commercial corridor on the west side of the intersection and the residential neighborhoods of Manree Park and West Racine to the east.

"After an August 3 vote denying the necessary rezone request, Alderman Henry Perez introduced a reconsideration measure, but it was defeated Sept. 1 with the 8-7 vote in which Dickert cast the tie-breaker.

"When Racine County Eye reached out to the mayor to ask why he voted against CVS at Ohio and Washington, he said it wasn’t to turn away a business with which the city wants to partner. Instead, it was about preserving the area as the buffer zone it was designed to be.

"'Look, I know people are disappointed, and I hope this isn’t the end of our discussions with CVS,' he said. 'But I voted "no" because I think we could have set ourselves up with a dangerous precedent that would have worked against us in the future.'

"Dickert pointed to the gradual transition along Washington Avenue from commercial to residential and how changing the rules for CVS could open up the 4300 and 4400 hundred blocks to more commercial development which would irreparably alter the neighborhood.

"Both of those blocks on the south side of the street each include one business and a handful of homes. The north side of the street is strictly residential.

"'What happens if we say "yes" to CVS and then other businesses want to come in and point to what we did there to support their requests to do the same on those other blocks?' Dickert added. 'The change to the neighborhood would be irreversible, and then we’d face similar situations in other areas of the city, and I don’t think, in the end, that our residents want that.'

"Perez – who represents the district that includes the proposed CVS site – disagrees with the mayor. He said he doesn’t see a dangerous precedent and said that was actually discussed early in the process with CVS, but didn’t see a problem because West Racine transitions into a solid commercial district betwesn Blaine and West Blvds."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/you-asked-cvs-rejected-to-avoid-dangerous-precedent/


Party on, lying John! 

If's official now, he's stuck with us for life :)

 Our little Ms Froggy got hitched, he's officially stuck with us!