"Time to make Racine beautiful"

From The Journal Times.com:

MARK FELDMANN mark.feldmann@journaltimes.com  2 hrs ago  1

"RACINE — Collect the trash, pull the weeds, shut the garage doors, and tidy the yard.

"The beautification judges are coming to town.

"A pair of international judges will arrive in Racine July 10 and spend three days evaluating the city for the international Communities in Bloom competition.

"Racine is one of only four American communities being evaluated this year, said Melissa Kaprelian-Becker, a Racine County Board supervisor who is in charge of the Discover Racine group. The international category covers locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

"The judges, Bob Ivison from England and Ed Hooker III from Camp Springs, Maryland, will evaluate Racine for its community involvement, tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays.

"'I am always putting together projects and ways for residents to get involved in their community, all with the hopes to not only improve places and spaces, but to build civic pride,' Kaprelian-Becker said. 'Our residents, businesses, municipalities, schools, organizations, parks, and waterways really make Racine something special.'

"Communities in Bloom is a Canadian nonprofit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and to improving quality of life through community participation and a national challenge.

"The city has a long and successful history with the organization. Racine won a national criteria award in 2012. In both 2012 and 2013, judges implored Racine to try the international competition, Kaprelian-Becker said.

"'These judges have traveled to hundreds of communities and really saw something special here in Racine,' she said. 'We made 2016 the year to go international.'

"City residents can meet the judges at the welcome ceremony 8:15 a.m. July 11 at Monument Square. The event will include food, entertainment, and gifts for those attending."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/time-to-make-racine-beautiful/article_ea97491e-72a4-528f-b608-42f99473c10d.html 

"Time to Tell Us Your Tallest Fishing Tale"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · June 29, 2016 · No comments 

"Do you have a whale of a tale to tell us that’s off the hook? We want you to tell us about your tallest fishing tale for a chance to win a fabulous prize pack!

"We’ll announce two winners; one in the 18 and under group and one in the 18 and older.

"Entries will be accepted through July 6 … and Racine County Eye readers vote through July 8 … we can’t wait for you to reel us in."

"Tell Your Off The Hook Fishing Tale"

Submit my story

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/time-tell-us-tallest-fishing-tale/

"Greenfield Couple Calls 911 Saying They Are Being Held Hostage by Cat"

From CBS 58:

Posted: Jun 22, 2016 5:17 PM CST Updated: Jun 22, 2016 8:33 PM CST By Christie GreenConnect


"A Greenfield couple called police to tell them they are being held hostage by their cat.

"It happened last Friday after the cat had a bit of a meltdown take a listen.

"'This is gonna sound like a strange question but we have a cat and it's going crazy and it attacked my husband and we're kind of hostage in our house and we're just wondering who we should call to do something, get rid of the cat or help us,' said 911 caller.

"The cat was captured and turned over to MADACC. No one was seriously hurt."

Read more:  http://www.cbs58.com/story/32285826/greenfield-couple-calls-911-saying-their-being-held-hostage-by-ca

Oh my.

Top 10 Media Thursdays

"How to park your Porsche In Vancouver"

WTF?

Open Blog - Thursday

I'd at least expect a "Woo!"

"Shots fired at English and Geneva streets"

From The Journal Times.com:

ANDREW DAWSON andrew.dawson@journaltimes.com  5 hrs ago  0

"RACINE — Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at about 1 p.m. Wednesday in the vicinity of English and Geneva streets.

"Nobody was injured in the incident, but a van parked on Geneva Street did sustain minor damage from a bullet or bullets ricocheting off the vehicle.

"Unconfirmed reports indicated that the shots were fired from a red truck carrying approximately five occupants and driven by a female. They may have been firing at two people on a bicycle, according to unconfirmed reports."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/shots-fired-at-english-and-geneva-streets/article_4558577e-3ec3-52d9-96db-e61cd01726bd.html


And the beat goes on . . . 

"In photos: Racine's Fourth Fest parade through the years"

From The Journal Times.com:

Image Property of Racine Heritage Museum - All Rights Reserved

 
"Historic photos of Racine’s Fourth of July parade, from the turn of the twentieth century to the present."

See them here: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/in-photos-racine-s-fourth-fest-parade-through-the-years/collection_f71c224a-ce09-11e2-990b-001a4bcf887a.html

"Girls threaten to light lifeguard's hair on fire"

From The Journal Times.com:

ANDREW DAWSON andrew.dawson@journaltimes.com  1 hr ago  1
 

"RACINE – Three juvenile girls were cited for disorderly conduct after they allegedly threatened to light a lifeguard’s hair on fire at North Beach Wednesday afternoon.

"Police said nobody was injured in the incident, which was reported at about 1:40 p.m. Police also confirmed that no hair was ever lit.

"Police said that the girls were each being issued a citation that carries a fine of $334.50. The suspects declined to comment."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/girls-threaten-to-light-lifeguard-s-hair-on-fire/article_2638e1ce-9e46-51c0-8eb3-31ba13ced818.html


Stupid asses. 

Awwww!

This guy knows how to beat the heat.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, boys and girls!  How are you?  Cool as a cucumber?  The weatherman says it'll warm up a little, but then drop down again.  I prefer temperature in the 70's.  But if we can't have that, I'll take 60 degree temperatures over 80's and 90's any day.  The long range forecast looks great for the 4th of July, but who knows?  The weather can change rapidly, and does.  I do hope we have a good day to celebrate Independence Day.

Junior can hardly wait for the holiday to get here.  It has everything he loves: girls, a parade, girls, explosives, girls, fireworks, girls, and (I think) a sip or two of beer.  I don't know if Señor Zanza will be joining Junior at the parade, but I won't.  Junior must get his love of loud noises from his father.  I have difficulty tolerating them.  I'll stay home and set up the grill in the yard.  When my "boys" get home, they'll want brats.  This is Wisconsin, right?

I know it's Racine because I believe that only in Racine could the Loan Board "lose" $800,000: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/city-writes-off-loan-from-s/article_87978eef-8ec8-5bbf-95e9-6dd0551c55d0.html  I want to apply for a loan from those people pronto.  I'll want only $500,000, payable never, I mean, we'll call it 20 years.  Much more money is lost each year in failed developments, so who cares about half a million dollars here or there?  Certainly not Mr. Mayor Dickert.  A $500,000 withdrawal, off the books.

If only, if only, if only I'd get a large sum of money.  Such a deposit is tax deductible.  My once-uber rich clients have started to tighten their belts, too.  Large tips to the psychic shrink, as do the number of professional visits.  I believe that this puts them in psychic jeopardy, but they only talk $.  These are people who make hundreds of millions of dollars a year, or more, but the first place they cut back is in their belief system.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

This is also our first full season with the Zika virus.  Mosquitoes are active during the day and I'm active during the night.  But sometimes you have to go outdoors.  When I do, I take a bath in OFF!® beforehand.  The only mosquitoes that get past me are wearing gas masks.  My skin feels a little hot for awhile until the chemical fumes overtake me.  I have woken up in some of the strangest places . . .

That's why I go outdoes as least as possible during the day and at most as possible at night.  Also, at night traffic is lighter and stores less active.  Someone once suggested to me that I go to Walmart at 4 AM just to see what it's like.  I didn't go, but I know what it was like: it was nearly empty.  I just can't seem to adjust my schedule to 4 AM shopping.

Thank you all for visiting my blog today.  I love you all.  My blog is one of neutrality. My blog is one of love.  and I love you for reading it today.  Thank you, thank you.

What to do if you're infected with the Zika virus?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the weather as much as you can.  This is why we put up with winter: so we can see spring's show.  I love you all and wish you a great 4th of July.  Be careful.  There are a lot of drunks on the loose on Independence Day.

Open Blog - Wednesday

I hope your day isn't too bzzy.

"Police: Man Punched Neighbor Who Asked for Quiet"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · June 28, 2016 · No comments 

"Racine police say a 29-year-old man is facing battery charges after he punched his neighbor in the face after she asked him to turn down his music.

"Reginald Sparkman, of Racine, was charged Monday in Racine County Circuit Court with one felony count of substantial battery and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. If he’s convicted of all charges, Sparkman faces up to three years, nine months in prison and/or up to $11,000 in fines. Because he is considered a repeat offender, he could get extra time tacked onto any sentence he might receive.

"According to the criminal complaint, police were called June 21 to a home in the 1000 block of Washington Avenue for a report of an assault. When officers arrived, a woman told them she went upstairs to ask the residents there to turn down their music. Sparkman 'lost it' and punched her in the face.

"Police say a another man told them he did not witness the attack, but he heard the woman crying and screaming for help so he went upstairs. The woman was on the floor crying and bleeding from her mouth, and Sparkman admitted to hitting her.

"The woman received 20 stitches inside and outside her mouth and suffered a broken jaw, the complaint reads.

"Sparkman remains in the Racine County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond. He will next be in court July 7 for his preliminary hearing."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/police-man-punched-neighbor-asked-quiet/


That whimper you hear comes from dying civility. 

Birds!

I know I haven't posted any bird pictures in awhile I am really sorry. Here are some new bird pictures to share with everyone.

This is a picture of a Dickcissel the picture was taken on 55th Drive in Union Grove Wi. He is singing in the picture.

This is a picture of a Eastern Kingbird the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Grasshopper Sparrow the was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Killdeer the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Great Egret the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

        The is a picture of a Red Breasted Grosbeak the picture was taken at Johnson Park in Racine Wi.

I hope everyone is enjoying the pictures as much as we enjoy going out and taking the pictures. Have a great week everyone.

The Good Old Days

LOL

Open Blog - Tuesday

It's supposed to be a lot cooler today.

"Who's a good dog?"

"Who stole the people’s money? City of Racine is missing over $800 thousand dollars and no one knows anything??"

From Racine Community Media:

Tax Dollars

"City Of Racine officials claim they don’t know who they loaned $800K of taxpayer money to, thus making it nearly impossible to recover. So who stole over $800K dollars in The City Of Racine?

"The City of Racine will not collect on an $800,000 loan, because the group the city loaned the money to has dissolved.

"According to a release sent Wednesday afternoon, Elaine Ekes, the city’s consulting attorney, determined that the city will be unable to recoup the loan since Main-Lake, LLC. has dissolved.

"Contradictory language in various agreement documents make it difficult for the city to determine when the loan was due for collection. One document suggested 18 years, another suggested 16 years and a third said 2009, which would be roughly 14 years. Ownership of the property has also changed multiple times since the loan was issued.

"Racine residents have expressed a similar concern for the missing $17 million taxpayer dollars expended as part of the failed Machinery Row project which is over two years expired and left the city paying for it’s own loan repayments thus far.

"A city release stated that city staff acknowledges that writing off a loan for such a substantial amount of money is 'concerning.'

"The Loan Board is scheduled to meet next on July 14 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 730 Washington Ave., Room 307."

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/city-writes-off-loan-from-s/article_87978eef-8ec8-5bbf-95e9-6dd0551c55d0.html

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/k-loan-llc-parent-company-not-involved-since-late/article_a0c340f6-396e-5b74-8eee-5d0ebae42230.html

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/146537616613/who-stole-the-peoples-money-city-of-racine-is

"Peak turtle-crossing time brings caution from advocates"

From JSOnline:

A snapping turtle is seen along a Wisconsin roadway (left) while a sign warns motorists of the potential for turtle crossings near Pell Lake (right). Credit: Heather Kaarakka, Jennifer Tschida

By Shelby Lyon of the Journal Sentinel

"Why have turtles been crossing the road in Wisconsin?

"Because it's mating season and female turtles are headed to their dry, upland nesting sites.

"The roads that crisscross many of Wisconsin's wetland areas often divide turtle territories and sometimes even provide an attractive nesting site in the roadside sand and gravel. Each year, this leads to thousands of turtle deaths. Most are killed when they are hit by vehicles while crossing roads during mating season, which in Wisconsin occurs from late May to early July.

"'You talk to anyone about turtles and it's amazing how passionate they get about protecting them,' said Andrew Badje, conservation biologist with the Wisconsin Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation. 'On the highways along the Mississippi River, over a hundred turtles are hit each year.'

"The Wisconsin Turtle Road Crossing Initiative is a campaign by the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program to help protect turtles by establishing turtle crossing signs and underpasses."

Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/slow-down-for-turtles-on-wisconsin-roadways-this-summer-b99748745z1-384396271.html

"'Women flying through the air:' Driver in custody after 2 struck by truck near Strawberry Festival"

From Fox6Now:

Posted 6:07 pm, June 26, 2016, by Bret Lemoine and Katie DeLong, Updated at 10:49am, June 27, 2016

"CEDARBURG -- Cedarburg police tell FOX6 News a 37-year-old man has been taken into custody after striking two people with their vehicle near where the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival was taking place on Sunday, June 26th.

"The Strawberry Festival closed at 5:00 p.m.

"No one was killed in this incident, which happened as the Strawberry Festival was wrapping up and people were walking to their vehicles."

Read more: http://fox6now.com/2016/06/26/developing-heavy-police-presence-near-site-of-strawberry-festival-in-cedarburg/

"City settles lawsuit against officers for $100,000"

From The Journal Times.com:

PATRICK LEARY patrick.leary@journaltimes.com 

"RACINE — The City of Racine has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit filed against Racine Police officers and the city for $100,000.

"The case, Veguilla v. City of Racine et al, involves Racine resident Miguel Veguilla, who claimed he was unfairly treated and had his civil rights violated by four Racine police officers on July 3, 2014. The City Council approved the settlement Tuesday, but not without first emphasizing its support for the Police Department"

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/city-settles-lawsuit-against-officers-for/article_b7d15adc-594a-5b18-90fa-c68f3205dec7.html

The only "real" JT Irregulars Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/jtirregulars/

"Man dies after choking on piece of meat at Greek Fest"

From The Journal Times.com:

CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com  8 hrs ago

"RACINE — A 73-year-old Caledonia man died Saturday night after choking on a large piece of meat at Greek Fest, Racine County Medical County Examiner Michael Payne said Sunday.

"First responders were called to the festival grounds at Kimissis Tis Theotokou Church, 1335 S Green Bay Road, at about 6:15 p.m., Payne said.

"When they arrived, however, they found that initial attempts to dislodge the meat from the victim’s throat, including the Heimlich maneuver, had failed and that the man, Wayne Staufenbeil, was already unconscious.

"The responders were eventually able to remove the blockage from Staufenbiel’s throat at the scene, but the victim died at about 7:45 p.m., about an hour after arriving at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital, 3801 Spring St., Payne said.

"Payne said the kind of blockage that killed Staufenbeil is something doctors often refer to as food bolus.

"'It was a significant piece of meat that was lodged in that poor man’s throat,' he said."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/man-dies-after-choking-on-piece-of-meat-at-greek/article_a317bc17-f17f-5340-97a3-d63233134b20.html


Should You Really Chew Your Food 32 Times? -  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/12/12/chewing-food-thoroughly.aspx

Open Blog - Monday

Have a great day.

"Scott Walker Appointed Drunk Republican Racine County DA – Rich Chiapete – Once Again MIA"

From News The JT Can't Use:

1 Hour Ago by Paul Revere

"'It’s a search for the truth.' – Racine County District Attorney Rich Chiapete"

Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/26/scott-walker-appointed-drunk-republican-racine-county-da-rich-chiapete-once-again-mia/

Open Blog - Weekend

Enjoy yourselves.

"Free Smoke Detectors Available for City Residents"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · June 23, 2016 · No comments 

"The City of Racine Fire Department is making available to city residents free smoke detectors to help families stay safe.

"Through a $54,848 grant from the Department of Homeland Security and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), RFD will go door-to-door talking with residents in lower income neighborhoods about fire safety and offering to install a free smoke alarm.

"The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation (PFFWCF) is partnering with the Wisconsin Smoke Alarm Fire Education Committee and fire departments across Wisconsin to install 3,600 smoke alarms in homes in low-income areas.

"'One of the greatest risk factors for fire related death is poverty. For this reason, priority was given to fire departments protecting the highest number of people living below the poverty level,' a press release from Racine fire Lt. Scott Sorce reads.

"RFD has 180 smoke alarms ready to go. Residents who live in the City of Racine and do not have working smoke alarms should call the Racine Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau at (262) 635- 7915."

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/free-smoke-detectors-available-city-residents/

Four for Fridays!

Good morning everyone. I hope your week did not go to fast for you and I hope you have a great weekend.
here are your questions.

1) Do you wish when an old friend that has moved away came to town that you had time to visit with them?

2) Do you hate waiting for a package to come in the mail that is suppose to come on a certain day and is late?

3) How many weekends in a row have you been real busy?

4) Do you see more idiot drivers in the city or on the highways or both?

"Two-legged kitten ditches tiny wheelchair for something much better"

Edit: more Cassidy:

Happy St. John's Day!

While growing up, every June 24th my mother would wish me a "Happy Namesday."  She told me this holiday was a big deal in Latvia (and most of northern Europe, as it turns out).

From Wikipedia:

"Midsummer"

 "From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Midsummer, also known as St John's Day, is the period of time centred upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the Northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day between June 19 and June 25 and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures. The Christian Church designated June 24 as the feast day of the early Christian martyr St John the Baptist, and the observance of St John's Day begins the evening before, known as St John's Eve.
 
"These are commemorated by many Christian denominations.^[1] In Sweden the Midsummer is such an important festivity that there have been serious discussions to make the Midsummer's Eve into the National Day of Sweden, instead of June 6. It may also be referred to as St. Hans Day.<sup>[2]

. . . . .</sup> 

"Latvia"

"Main article: Jāņi

 
"In Latvia, Midsummer is called Jāņi (plural of Latvian name Jānis, which is equivalent to John) or Līgo svētki (svētki = festival). It is a national holiday celebrated from the night of June 23 through June 24 on a large scale by almost everyone in Latvia and by people of Latvian origin abroad. Celebrations consist of a lot of traditional and mostly pagan elements – eating, Jāņi cheese, drinking beer, baking pīrāgi, singing Latvian folk songs dedicated to Jāņi, burning bonfires to keep light all through the night and jumping over it, wearing wreaths of flowers (for women) and oak leaves (for men) together with modern commercial products and ideas. There are tens and hundreds of different beliefs and traditions all over Latvia on what should be done on that day for good harvest, for predicting the future, for attracting your future spouse etc. People decorate their houses and lands with birch or sometimes oak branches and flowers as well as leaves, especially fern. In rural areas livestock is also decorated. In modern days small oak branches with leaves are attached to the cars in Latvia during the festivity. Jāņi has been a strong aspect of Latvian culture throughout history, originating in pre-Christian Latvia as an ancient fertility cult.
 
"In the western town of Kuldīga, revellers mark the holiday by running naked through the town at three in the morning. The event has taken place since 2000. Runners are rewarded with beer, and police are on hand in case any 'puritans' attempt to interfere with the naked run.^[22]"

^{Read more:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer}
 

Open Blog - Friday

It's been a long time since my pom-poms were shaken.

"Gaslighting"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"Gaslighting or gas-lighting is a form of mental abuse in which a victim is manipulated into doubting their own memory, perception, and sanity.^[1][2] Instances may range from the denial by an abuser that previous abusive incidents ever occurred, up to the staging of bizarre events by the abuser with the intention of disorienting the victim.

"The term owes its origin to the 1938 play Gas Light and its film adaptations. The term has been used in clinical and research literature.^[3][4]"
 

Ingrid Bergman in the 1944 film Gaslight

 

 

  
^{Read more:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting}

"Introducing SpotMini"

I want one to be Charlie's pal.

Wildflowers!

I know I haven't posted wildflowers lately I was busy with Drew's surprise party and I was getting ready for the Grandkids coming down here. Here are some pictures I hope everyone likes them.

This is a picture of a Brown Eyed Susan the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Multi-Flora Rose the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Evening Primerose the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Crested Dwarf Iris the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of a Carolina Fanwort Water Lily the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a picture of Orange Hawkweed the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

I hope everyone is going to enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy going out to take the pictures to share.

Ooo, Good Time for a Selfie

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

Have an upside down one, too.

"IT’S OFFICIAL!! EVERYTHING RACINE MAYOR JOHN DICKERT TOUCHES, TURNS TO SHIT!"

From Racine Community Media:

  

"RACINE RESIDENTS TO SEE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WAUKESHA SHIT WATER FLOWING INTO RACINE’S ROOT RIVER.

"Thanks to Racine Mayor John Dickert, Waukesha will divert an average of 8.2 million gallons of Lake Michigan water per day and return treated wastewater to the lake via the Root River.

"Under the plan, Waukesha would buy Lake Michigan water from Oak Creek, and build new infrastructure to pipe it west. Waukesha would treat and clean the water after it is used, and deposit it in the Root River, where it will flow back into Lake Michigan through the city of Racine.

"Mayor John Dickert said, 'it’s my job to protect the citizens of Racine.' he also asked if Waukesha residents would be willing to swim outside its treatment plant where wastewater will be discharged.

"Cathy Stepp, the Wisconsin DNR secretary and former state senator from Racine County who cast the state’s vote in favor."

http://journaltimes.com/news/waukesha-water-diversion-approved/article_49f02af0-aaa2-573d-a750-dc493df00104.html

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/146310073463/its-official-everything-racine-mayor-john

"BREAKING: 14-Year-Old Girl Missing Since Sunday"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Breaking, Police and fire · June 22, 2016 · No comments

"Tataynia Ellis, a 14-year-old Racine girl, has been missing since Sunday.

"She was last seen by Lockwood Park, 4500 Graceland Boulevard. She is described as being five-foot six-inches tall, 120 pounds and is known to hangout on the north side, according to SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc.
 
"She goes by the name Tati. A missing persons report was filed with the Racine Police Department.

"If seen, please call 911 to report it to the Racine Police Department."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/14-year-old-girl-missing-since-sunday/

"City of Racine Mayor 'Lying John' Dickert and Carpetbagging State Rep Cory Mason Can Go and Pound Sand"

From News the JT Can't Use:

2 Hours Ago by Paul Revere

June 21, 2016. from The JT:

Waukesha water diversion approved

"CHICAGO — In a major defeat for Racine leaders who battled against the plan, a Great Lakes governing body on Tuesday unanimously approved Waukesha’s proposal to obtain Lake Michigan water.

"LOL.

"Let those two Sore Losers (butt-hurt much?) go and POUND SAND at North Beach! While they continue to whine and hopefully comfort each other. (UGH!)



"Sore Losers 'Lying John' Dickert and Carpetbagging Cory Mason were all FOR IT, until Dickert’s bid was too high to supply it. Too bad. So sad. Shouldn’t have been so greedy.

---

"But the Fat Lady still hasn’t sung in Racine  – NO – not just yet……"

Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/city-of-racine-mayor-lying-john-dickert-and-carpetbagging-state-rep-cory-mason-can-go-and-pound-sand/

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, dear friends and enemies and maybes and do bees and don't bees!  How are you?  We've been feeling the heat lately, but it's supposed to drop into the 70's, and even the 60's,  the next few days.  And all heck is supposed to break loose today with thunderstorms and rain into tomorrow.  We need the rain.  We need a good, day-long, soaking rain.  Those cloudbursts that form in the heat just dump a load of water at once, and it almost all washes away.  But I could do without the thunder and lightning.  When it lightnings, I always fear a power failure.  I hate those because you never know how long it'll be until they restore power.  Even I have difficulty predicting when.  So you don't want to open the fridge or the deep freeze for fear of losing "cold."  Yet, I want to know if it's time to start storing my perishables in friends' refrigerators. 

A long time ago, I lived on Main St., just south of downtown and the power went out on our block only.  When I spoke to one of the workmen outdoors, he said a "fuse" blew on College Ave., and that's why we didn't have power.  OK.  That made absolutely no sense to me, but I wasn't going to pursue the matter. I just wanted the power back on.

I was going to spin that off somehow into a "discussion" of the upcoming Presidential election. Ha!  I'm not nuts!  There is no "discussion," only war, total war.  Either you're one of us or you're one of them.  Even I don't know who is who.  Shoot first, ask questions later.  And that's why there will be no discussion of that subject here.  Please keep your politics to yourself.  Either side, either way, it only gets ugly.

How did we get here?  Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton?  Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.  I hear they're hatching a plot to oust Trump at the convention.  Yeah, right.  Sorry for sounding so cynical, but it comes with the times.  People are flat out nasty to strangers.  No one believes in the rule of law anymore, let alone the integrity of elections.  Stick your Golden Rule up your golden asshole.  As Rod Serling used to say on The Twilight Zone, "We are entering a new dimension."  Frankly, it somewhat scares me.  I think more and more decent people will shop online, thus leaving the majority of the jerks on the streets.  I don't want to interact with the jerks, but sometimes I have to.  In my line of work, a personal reading, or other services, may demand that I interact with a jerk.  Hopefully, a rich jerk.  I refuse to discuss politics during my readings or visitations.  It only leads to rancor.

For what it's worth, at this point I endorse neither Donald Trump nor Hilary Clinton.  Again, everything could change in a day.  Oh Lord, I wish there was a viable third party choice.  I wish there was an alternative to the current crop of liars and thieves.  I think Libertarian comes the closest to who I am, but I just hate "throwing away" my vote on someone who has no chance.  We'll see how things develop as the election nears.  I must say that so far, this has been an entertaining, if unnerving, Presidential campaign.

When I astral project, the word on the streets is that Machinery Row is DOA.  Not that it's a failure; many people have made a lot of money off of it.  Just that it's kaput.

Astral projections are tricky and not 100% reliable on information revealed.  It's kind of weird floating up there in like a bubble and traveling to places known or unknown.  One can time travel while astral projecting, but it gets a little tricky.  I prefer to stay on one plane when I astral project.

Well, thank you all for reading my blog today.  It "tickles me pink" to have visitors.  You don't have to turn colors, just read my blogs.  Thank you.  I love you.  You are family to me.

Family problems?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the waning days of June.  Junior already has the house decorated for the 4th of July.  The 4th of July is his favorite holiday because it has both girls and music.  Watch out for rain today and tomorrow.  We're already 4 " below normal for this time of year.  It's more like we need a flood. 

Open Blog - Wednesday

Wassup?

New Spectrum Technicians Check the Lines

Open Blog - Tuesday

Don't float out too far, Snoopy.

From Google+

It absolutely freaks me out that over a million and a half people have looked at this.  Vote OrbsCorbs, Of Course, for President, my minions, and we'll change the world.

A lightning strike, I assume

Lizardmom, your new pet has arrived.

"1st Strawberry Moon in 70 Years for Summer Solstice"

From Racine County Eye:

 By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · June 20, 2016 · No comments

"Today is the annual summer solstice, and for the first time in 70 years, it will be marked with a Strawberry Moon.

"Named for the height of strawberry picking season, the moon will be full and shaded a dusky red shade.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year featuring more hours of sunshine than any other day of the year and is also typically the official start of summer. This year is especially noteworthy because of the first Strawberry Moon since 1948.

"A story from FOX 6 Now notes that the moon tonight will be the star of the show in the sky all evening.

"Racine County Eye residents will be able to see the moon directly overhead around 5:34 p.m., the story continues.

"Summer solstice occurs when the sun’s zenith is the furthest away from the equater, and the North Pole tilts toward the sun, according to the timeanddate.com website. In the southern hemisphere, the June solstice is the shortest day of the year.

"In the Antarctic Circle, the June solstice is marked by the complete absence of sunlight, the website continues."

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/1st-strawberry-moon-70-years-summer-solstice/


Happy Summer Solstice!

"Police investigating possible bank robbery"

From The Journal Times.com:

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-investigating-possible-bank-robbery/article_1a42d83c-87da-5bf7-806a-2955bdc4d934.html

"Possible bank robbery"

It happened at 4 PM yesterday and The Journal Times still doesn't know?

"Curt Johnson lawsuit dismissed — suit claimed molestation, sought monetary damages"

From The Journal Times.com:

CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com  18 hrs ago

"RACINE — A lawsuit filed against Curt Johnson two years ago by a former Racine County teen — and then-friend of the family — alleging he molested her has apparently been dismissed following a settlement.

"According to a document obtained by The Journal Times last week, the lawsuit was dismissed on March 16 before going to trial.

"Online court records describe the action as 'settlement/stipulation to dismiss — before trial.'

"The Journal Times was unable to get comments about the dismissal from attorneys for the plaintiff or defendant Curt Johnson, and court records did not indicate what the settlement was or if any money was involved. 

"Johnson, 61, is the former chairman of Diversey Inc. and a son of the late SC Johnson chairman Sam 
 Johnson. When the lawsuit was filed it stated Johnson lived in Wind Point. Online court records for a joint divorce petition filed in April indicate that Johnson, an heir to the Johnson family household products fortune, now lives in Caledonia.

The lawsuit

 

"Filed on July 15, 2014, the lawsuit accused Johnson of molesting the plaintiff — his stepdaughter’s childhood friend — on multiple occasions between March 2007 and July 2009.

"The incidents allegedly occurred while the plaintiff — then about 12 to 13 years old — was on vacation with the Johnson family in Mexico and in the Bahamas, as well as in Johnson’s Wind Point home.

"The lawsuit alleged the teen had suffered severe psychological and emotional distress as a result of the abuse, and sought an unspecified amount in monetary damages.

"'(Johnson) would come in and fondle them while they were sleeping. Her and (Johnson’s stepdaughter),' according to a comment the plaintiff’s attorney, Stephen Estey of the San Diego-based Estey & Bomberger, made to The Journal Times in September 2014. 

"Estey said the then-teen — who would be about 20 or 21 years old now — was 'very close' friends with Johnson’s stepdaughter, whom the billionaire was convicted of molesting on June 6, 2014, following a plea agreement. 

Reaction

"Speaking to The Journal Times for the same September 2014 story, Johnson’s criminal defense attorney, Mark Richards, denied the accusations, noting that such types of 'spurious allegations' were 'not uncommon in cases involving high-net-worth individuals.'

"'(The teen) is a troubled person with an admitted history of stealing from Mr. Johnson and his family,' he claimed of the stepdaughter's friend. 'We have been aware of (the girl’s) claims since March 2011 when they were made, reviewed by the Racine County District Attorney’s Office and rejected,' Richards said. 'These claims are unequivocally and demonstratively false. We intend to vigorously defend him.'

"Racine County prosecutors charged Johnson in March 2011 with repeated sexual assault of a child — a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison — after allegations surfaced that Johnson molested his stepdaughter.

"The case experienced a number of delays as it was appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Johnson eventually pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges — fourth-degree sexual assault of a child and disorderly conduct — in connection with the case. He was sentenced to four months in jail and was also ordered to pay a $6,000 fine."

Reas more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/curt-johnson-lawsuit-dismissed-suit-claimed-molestation-sought-monetary-damages/article_1cae7c4e-061b-5861-9c32-d6b789b6e6b2.html