Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The damage done


Fender is bent.  Hood is sprung.  Shit.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my Kings and Queens!  How are you?  We received some much needed rain.  But we still could use some more.  So get out there and do your rain dance.  If anyone asks what you're doing, ask 'em to join you.  Before long, you might get a few hundred to do their rain dance.  That's no guarantee it'll rain, but it sure would be fun!  Maybe make it an annual event in every late August or early September.  Unfortunately, neither Real Racine nor the Downtown Racine Corporation have given my idea their blessing, so it'll go nowhere.  Maybe if we slip a few dollars to lying John . . .

I read below where Mr. OrbsCorbs talked about being in an accident today.  I called him immediately and asked what had happened.  He said he was at the corner of Graceland Blvd. and Hwy. 31, facing the west, attempting to get across the roadway to head south.  He looked to the left and there was some traffic way off and he looked to the right and there was nothing.  He pulled out to make his turn and he hit the right rear of a car speeding north on Hwy. 31.  He was amazed there was a car there.  There wasn't a second ago.  Mr. OrbsCorbs sounded a little depressed.  Now he has a $100 ticket and the right front headlight assembly of his truck is destroyed.  (That poor man.  Nothing but bad seems to happen to him.)  I asked again if he was OK, and he said yes.  I told him to call me with any problems he might have.

I'm proud that the JT Irregulars have received permission to reproduce Mr. Art Kumbalek's column, Art For Art's Sake, from the Shepherd Express.  Mr. Kumbalek has been writing the column for over 30 years.  I hope he has another 30.  He's definitely a blue collar, south side Milwaukee man.  (I think.)  Welcome, Mr. Kumbalek, to the JT Irregulars.  We look forward to a long relationship.        

The battle of teaching Junior how to drive continues with Señor Zanza at the helm, mostly.  They're using my car.  I can't even think of the times Junior has driven my car.  I don't want to even hear about it unless I need to call my insurance agent.  When and if Junior gets his license, he's not driving my car around.  He'll have to get his own, which means work to generate money.  Ha-ha, that'll be the day.   He's growing up.  The responsibilities increase.  Oh yes, and he'll have to pay for his own auto insurance, which will be high just because he's a young, male driver.  I have Safeco. but I don't know what will be the best for him.

Hey, how about that arena idea?  I wonder how many will receive how much as this farce moves along?  The Chicago Tribune thinks we've got it made: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-07-08/news/8702190931_1_marina-project-boat-slips-lakefront-redevelopment  So what the heck, with so much money coming in, we might as well build the arena/hotel.  Maybe there will be a few extra bucks to replace some streetlights.  Ha-ha!  We can dream, can't we?

Thank you all for coming here to read my blog.  I so love the attention.  Blog readers are some of my best friends.

How much will the repairs to Mr. OrbsCorbs' truck be?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

It's supposed to be cool for the next few days, but then it will warm up again.  Enjoy the waning days of summer.  

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

"Caveat Selector"

From Shepherd Express:

By Art Kumbalek 3 hours ago


I’m Art Kumbalek and man oh manischewitz what a world, ain’a? So listen, as America’s essayist it now and again occurs to me the possibility exists that there could be unwary or non-focking-informed first-time readers who may not know what they’re getting themselves into when they peruse this page; so here, smack-dab in the middle of my gala 30th year whipping out essays for this Shepherd newspaper, I figure it’s time again to play ball and bean you my “product warning,” “consumer caution,” “Hit the Dirt!” citation.

Space prevents me from sounding the alarm every week; so I would behoove you to either memorize the following or keep this page handy so that you can refer to it week upon week before digesting my latest dispatch, what the fock.

Warning: The views, news and opinions expressed in any one of my essays are strictly mine and they ought to be yours, too. And because they might not be yours, too, is the reason I churn out these goddamn essays in the first focking place ’cause I tell you, if everybody and his brother thought and felt about things the same way I did, I’d find regular life to be a much more many-splendored thing than I currently do; and so there’d be no need for me to write an essay anymore and no need for you to read them and get bent all out of shape. It’s all so simple.

And don’t forget you can sometimes come away with some good old-fashioned useful information as a reward for slogging through the rest of what you might feel is bald-faced blather. For example, how ’bout right now I give you a diet tip I found in a little story about a dangerous food to avoid, OK?

So this dietitian was gasbagging a large audience the other day to the tune of “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous to some. And none of us realize the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all, and we all have eaten or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

Some old guy in the back row stood up and said, “Yeah, wedding cake.”

Warning: This essay will contain plenty of crude as well as a smattering of purportedly foul language that some would swear doesn’t have a place in so-called “good writing,” which leads directly to the next warning. (Sorry about the two “fockings,” one “fock” and one “goddamn” that already got focking slipped in above before you got to this warning.)

Warning: This essay has abso-focking-lutely nothing to do with “good” writing. Hey, this is a newspaper, not Oprah’s Book Club, for christ sakes. Now about this supposed need to segregate your foul language from your good writing: This was not hardly always some kind of standard of choice on the part of writers who today are known as “good” who wrote books yesterday that today are known as “good.” Hell, no.

Nay, a segregated and separated state of fair and foul was for two reasons: one, ’cause of the heavy-duty censorship going around like chicken pox in the olden days; and two, because people got the short-stick on freedom of expression, they were long on reading ’tweenst the lines.

In fact, I’ve delved into some hardcore investigation and boned up on this very topic whatever-it-is, and wouldn’t you gast your flabber to know that Hermie Melville’s original title to the whale book was Moby Focking Dick until some pisspot wrote a prissy letter to his publisher? Same damn thing happened to the Russian guy Dostoyevsky (The Brothers Kara Focking Mazov), and it happened more recently to Papa “Watch Where You’re Aiming That Thing” Hemingway (For Whom the Focking Bell Tolls). Jeez louise, they even made one guy change his own name, from Fockner to Faulkner.

The last instance of this practice occurring that I know of came in 1960 with Harper Lee’s To Kill a Fockingbird just so it could win one of those Pulitzer Prizes. She was so upset with the forced title change to “Mockingbird” that she never wanted to publish another book the rest of her life, I kid you not.

Warning: Do not, I repeat, do not even think of operating any kind of machine while reading this essay, with the exception of a cigarette lighter or cocktail blender.

Supplement Fact: It’s my job to speak the unspeakable, think the unthinkable, make up the unmakeable and ledge the illegible, not yours, ’cause I’m Art Kumbalek and I told you so.

Read more: http://shepherdexpress.com/article-28353-caveat-selector.html

Monday, August 29, 2016

Sunday, August 28, 2016

"DNA sequencing saves young Racine girl"

From JSOnline:

, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 9:56 p.m. CDT August 27, 2016

"Alan Mayer stared at a wall in the intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, worrying as his patient, 15-month-old Addyson Valley, grew dangerously ill.

"The pediatric gastroenterologist had placed her on the highest doses of calcium and phosphate a patient can receive, yet her levels remained desperately low. The heart depends on calcium to beat properly, and the infant’s deficiency threatened to send her into cardiac arrest.

"Also, Addyson’s gut was leaking protein, impairing the function of her intestines and raising fears that a buildup of fluid outside the vessels could turn her body into a boggy swamp. She could, in essence, drown in her own body fluid.

"She was bloated. She was lethargic. She was dying."

"Addyson had been sick all of her short life, projectile vomiting most food, lagging severely on the growth charts, going through one infant formula after another, and one medical test after another. No one knew what was making the Racine girl sick. And since arriving in intensive care, she had grown steadily worse.

"'We’re doing something to make her sicker,' the doctor told himself, noting that all they’d done was to feed her formula.

"'Let’s stop feeding her,' Mayer told the medical staff. As he said it, he realized he’d been in this situation before.

"'It’s the Nic story again.'"

Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/health/2016/08/27/dna-sequencing-saves-young-racine-girl/89412240/

Friday, August 26, 2016

Four for Fridays!

Sorry this is being posted late today I had a lot of errands to do this morning. I hope everyone is enjoying the nice cool weather that we have been getting. Here are your questions for today.

1) Do you like to get your picture taken?

2) When you have going camping did you have a tent or a camper?

3) Have you ever rented movies or cd's from the library?

4) Have you ever done something last minute or do you like to have a plan?

Have a great weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


That shouldn't prove too difficult.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my sweethearts and sourpusses!  How are you?  I think we actually had a  cool day or two since last we spoke.  There will be plenty more of those to come in the days ahead.  Ms. Tender Heart Bear told me that she's seen some trees starting to turn color.  I'm not as aware of my environment as she is.  I'm always focusing on someone else's problems or behavior.  It comes with my job.  When I do have time to myself, I'm too pooped to pop.  All I want to do is lay down and rest.

Sometimes Señor Zanza can't seem to understand my fatigue.  He, of course, is tireless.  I just want him to know that I love him, but I need more sleep and rest than he does.  And certainly more than Junior.  He's the only one I know who can tire/stress Señor Zanza.  All kids are that way, from the moment they learn to crawl.  They'll go at a breakneck speed, and then suddenly fall asleep.  Sometimes for near a whole day.  And then back up, doing a million things at once.  And eating.  Always eating.  I and/or Señor Zanza seem to spend a lot of time at the supermarket, shopping for food for Junior.

Those two have a vegetable garden out back and I'm currently swamped with tomatoes.  But if Junior had to live off of what he grew, he'd starve.  Really, it's a matter of inattention.  If Señor Zanza didn't do the bulk of the work, that garden would've shriveled up long ago.  Is Junior ADD or ADHD or whatever the damn they're calling it now, or is he just a normal teenager?  I'd take him to a psychiatrist, but they grab onto clients.  If you're visiting a psychiatrist, you are, by definition, mentally ill.  I don't know what I'll do.  Maybe I'll ask one of my psychic friends to do a reading of Junior for us.  I'd be interested in what they'd have to say about him.

The hot item this week is no lying or swearing.  I have no idea if who or how this got started. The least successful and most onerous method, is what Opie was hoping for: Milwaukee beer.  Good luck.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog today.  I love attention from readers who think they have everything worked out.  Read on.

What size and color are OrbsCorbs' underwear?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

"My underwear size is X-large and it's white.  How about a dozen eggs for that?"  

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Open Blog - Tuesday


I hope you have a lovey, lovely day.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Open Blog - Monday


A little less caffeine may be called for.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

"Do City of Racine Real Estate Sale Prices Accurately Track Assessed Value?"

From News the JT Can't Use:



"Is it your home and private property, or is it the private ATM of the taxing authorities in The City of Racine? The taxing authorities include The City of Racine, Racine Unified School District, Gateway, County of Racine, and State of Wisconsin.

"According to City of Racine Assessor Bill Bowers:

"Property assessment administration is a complex and technical profession vital to the financial health of local government. Assessors are responsible for administering the ad valorem tax system, and their chief task is to identify and appraise all general property in their jurisdictions.

Bill Bowers
"An ad valorem tax is based on the principle that the amount of tax paid should depend on the value of property owned. The Assessor’s Department is entrusted with the responsibility to see that assessed values used for tax purposes are accurate so that the tax burden will be distributed fairly. Only if assessed values are correct will tax limits, and the distribution of state aid to localities be as the legislature intended.

"This trust involves the annual evaluation of approximately 27,000 parcels of land, over 25,000 buildings, and over 2,000 plus personal property accounts, the preparation of the assessment rolls, and processing of every real estate transaction. Maintaining for each parcel as regards legal descriptions, ownership, mapping, property data, and sales data, and the assimilation of new parcels into the assessing process, are all major functions vital to performance and service.

"The basic motivation for revaluation is equity. When a property is over-appraised, its owners will be paying more than their fair share of taxes. Under-appraisals contribute to a lower tax base, causing the community to set higher tax rates. Our goal is to improve appraisal accuracy by providing a reappraisal, an updating of values for all properties in our city annually."

Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/08/21/do-city-of-racine-real-estate-sale-prices-accurately-track-assessed-value/

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Open Blog - Weekend


Hey, why don't you stick around for a couple of months?

Friday, August 19, 2016

"The Origins of Hip Hop: Annual event celebrates Racine's cultural diversity"

From The Journal Times.com:

LEE B. ROBERTS lee.roberts@journaltimes.com

Graphic Illustration by Dan Talsky, daniel.talsky@journalttimes.com, using artwork by Dee Hutch.

"The Origins of Hip Hop event will return to Racine’s lakefront on Saturday, Aug. 20, and everyone is welcome to come share this exploration of the culture of hip-hop, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Smoke’d on the Water, 3 Fifth St.

"In its fifth year, Origins of Hip Hop aims to highlight the five primary elements of hip-hop culture: DJ-ing, emceeing, graffiti art, breakdancing/all-styles hip-hop dancing and knowledge, according to Nick Ramsey, one of the event organizers. It will do so through a series of performances, workshops and competitions, or 'battles,' which together will not only celebrate the rich culture of this music genre, but raise awareness about it.

"By learning more about hip-hop culture, people will be better able to understand it, said Ramsey, a local emcee, poet and self-described 'addict of hip-hop culture.'

"Presenters will include local performers and artists, as well as those from as far away as Milwaukee and Louisville, Kentucky. And representatives of each element will present mini workshops designed to showcase that aspect, Ramsey said. His own presentation about the art of emceeing, for example, will include information about its historical roots in ancient storytelling, as well as practical tips about everything from meter and line to mic-holding skills, he said.

"Attendees will also have opportunities to get involved in the action. Anyone interested in trying their hand at graffiti art can do so on special panels provided at the event. And area hip-hop DJs, emcees, dancers and more are invited to enter competitions in their categories, with a chance to win cash prizes. Registration for competitions is available at the event, but must be done prior to the start of each competition (See event schedule below for details).

Cultural diversity


"'This event is really about everybody — young, old, all races — getting together and celebrating cultural diversity,” said Ramsey. “The thing I am most proud of is the way the Origins of Hip Hop really represents this city.'
"Since its inception, Origins of Hip Hop has expanded its reach throughout the community to include a variety of partnerships with businesses, organizations and individuals including Black Hand Tattoo, Christi Beerntsen, the College of Art & Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Downtown Racine Corp., Family Power Music, the Racine Public Library, Sweatshop Movement, Willy’s Sole Kitchen and Smoke’d on the Water. In years past the event has drawn as many as 300 people, and Ramsey said organizers are expecting between 400 and 500 this time around.

"Caleb Robinson — owner of Smoke’d on the Water, who has been involved with the event since its start — said he, too, appreciates the diversity of Origins of Hip Hop.

"'What I love most about this event, is that it has such a positive feel,' Robinson said. 'It’s really about bringing people together and I wish everyone would stop down and see what it is about. Everyone is welcome.'

"Admission to the Origins of Hip Hop event is free (donations will be accepted), including all performances, presentations and competitions. Food and beverages will be available for sale at Smoke’d on the Water during the event.

"Robinson said the venue’s usual menu will be available, featuring specialities including pulled pork sandwiches and chicken wings. Origins of Hip Hop 5 T-shirts will also be available for sale, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Origins of Hip Hop 5 events

"(Schedule is subject to change)
  • 4-5 p.m. — DJ spinning old-school Hip-Hop and graffiti artists beginning their pieces
  • 5-5:15 p.m. — DJ workshop
  • 5:15-5:45 p.m. — DJ battle (DJs must register by 4:30)
  • 5:45-6 p.m. — Performance by ESCH, of Racine
  • 6-6:15 p.m. — Graffiti workshop: Pre-made backdrops will be available for people to create their own graffiti art
  • 6:15-6:30 p.m. — Performance by Sypher Lady X of Milwaukee
  • 6:30-6:45 p.m. — Breakdance workshop
  • 6:45-7 p.m. — Dancer warm-up and opportunity for attendees to try out their new knowledge
  • 7-8 p.m. — Breakdance and All-Styles dance battles (dancers must register by 6 p.m.)
  • 8-8:15 p.m. — Performance (performer TBA)
  • 8:15 — 8:45 p.m. — Freestyle Emcee Competition (emcees must register by 7 p.m.)
  • 8:45-10 p.m. — Performance by RMLLW2LLZ , of Louisville, Kentucky

"Dick Van Dyke sings 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' at Denny's"

From The Journal Times.com:

"SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Dick Van Dyke has treated diners at a Denny's restaurant in California to a rendition of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.'

"A post accompanying a YouTube video of the performance says the 90-year-old Van Dyke and the other three members of his quartet, The Vantastix, had just finished an appearance on a local television show before going out for breakfast. The video shows the quartet seated with pancakes at the table and singing the theme song to the 1968 British musical, which starred Van Dyke.

"Van Dyke said on Twitter that it was the grits that convinced him to break into song.

Four for Fridays!

Good Morning everyone I hope all of you had a good week. I just can't believe how fast the week has gone by again. Here are your questions.

1) Are you ready for the Fall?

2) Have you been watching the Pre-Season Football?

3) Have you noticed the trees changing colors?

4) Have you been keeping up with the Olympics?

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


If Friday suddenly had a face, I'd freak out.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

"Wisconsin AG Brad Schimel Asks For Halted John Doe Probe Into Alleged Antecedent Illegal Activity by Wisconsin Republicans be Estopped Because Republican Lawmakers Have Since Changed the Law to Retroactively Render the Former Legal Activity Illegal"

From News The JT Can't Use:




"How low can Wisconsin Republicans go? The graft, corruption and lawlessness which started in earnest under the leadership of former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson was surprassed by former Democrat Governor Diamond Jim Doyle.  When the voters had enough of the graft, corruption and lawlessness of the Democrat variety, they swung back to the Republicans, who promised to clean up Wisconsin. It’s become abundantely clear that not only did the Republicans lie, but the graft, corruption and lawlessness under Republican Scott Walker has exceeded that of Diamond Jim Doyle. While the Wisconsin State Journal headline read as follows:

"Wisconsin attorney general asks US Supreme Court not to hear John Doe appeal"

"The headline should have read:
Wisconsin AG Brad Schimel Asks For Halted John Doe Probe Into Alleged Antecedent Illegal Activity by Wisconsin Republicans be Estopped  Because Republican Lawmakers Have Since Changed the Law to Retroactively Render the Former Legal Activity Illegal

"From Wisconsin State Journal:

"Attorney General Brad Schimel asked the U.S. Supreme Court Monday to reject a review of a halted criminal investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s recall campaign, marking the first time his office has argued the merits of the case after his predecessor declined to lead the investigation more than three years ago.

"Schimel’s filing argues the court should reject the appeal because Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature have since changed the law making the alleged activity legal and prohibiting the use of secret 'John Doe' proceedings in investigating campaign finance violations.

"In June, the lawyers representing the various respondents in the case waived their right to file a response to the request for review filed earlier this year by three Democratic district attorneys. But on July 14, the U.S. Supreme Court directed its clerk to request that responses be filed, according to a letter provided by Schimel’s office.

"Schimel filed the brief because of that request, Schimel spokeswoman Rebecca Ballweg said.

"Lisa Graves, executive director of the liberal Center for Media and Democracy, which has filed a brief supporting the prosecutors, said the court 'has ample grounds for taking the case and reversing the state court’s judgment.'

"'The Wisconsin Supreme Court based its self-serving decision on an erroneous misreading of the First Amendment, and its ruling flies in the face of several U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding corruption,' Graves said.

"Scot Ross, executive director of liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, noted the political arm of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, one of the conservative groups linked to the investigation, spent $1.5 million in 2014 to help Schimel win election.

"Before he was Attorney General, Brad Schimel said elected officials should be able to help their campaign donors, and this latest action shows he wasn’t kidding,” Ross said.

"Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm began the John Doe II investigation based on evidence collected in a prior John Doe investigation into Walker’s Milwaukee County office that resulted in six convictions of Walker aides and associates.

"It’s beyond disgusting.

"It’s criminal.

"It needs to be investigated and lead to more criminal prosecutions.

"And AG Brad Schimel is just  carrying on the tradition of former AG JB Van Hollen; acting as Scott Walker’s personal defense attorney, while continuing to ignore the all too numerous crimes being commited by Wisconsin’s Elected Officials and Public Employees."

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

"MACHINERY ROW IS OFFICIALLY DEAD!"

From Racine Community Media:

"MACHINERY ROW IS OFFICIALLY DEAD! MORE THAN $20 MILLION DOLLARS IN TAXPAYER LOANS AND GRANTS GO MISSING AS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FAILS BEFORE EVER STARTING, ALL AT RACINE TAXPAYERS EXPENSE."

"RACINE- As the failure of Machinery Row will soon be officially announced, a few select aldermen and city officials are already aware and discussing the next move in the failed development, while most elected officials have no idea what’s going on or how much has been spent to date. It’s being reported that the mayor is discussing utilizing a federal DNR grant to pay for the back taxes on the buildings purchased by the City Of Racine for the troubled millionaire developer Rodney Blackwell. Blackwell has failed to repay on his original loan of $4.5 million dollars given to him by The City Of Racine, while Racine taxpayers continue to repay his principal loan payments and interest payments for the second straight year!

"It now appears the Mayor and city officials will put the residents at continued risk by approving even more loan extensions and freebies to the millionaire developer, and It also means the scope of the $65 million dollar taxpayer funded project will now be changing to a possible indoor fishery and trout farm. 


"Stay tuned for more updates as soon as elected officials feel the community should be privileged enough to know where and how their taxpayer dollars are being spent."


http://journaltimes.com/business/local/no-action-on-machinery-row/article_bfaacc4e-3fe7-5dbc-8bfc-bb987ff9130a.html

https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/search/MACHINERY+ROW+IS+OFFICIALLY+DEAD

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my overheated men and women!  How have you survived the last couple of weeks of warmth?  I've just gone from air conditioned home to air conditioned car to air conditioned office, and back.  Usually, when walking from or to car, I'd notice the oppressive heat!  Sometimes, though, it was cooler outside than in the car.  I try to deal with the weather one day at a time, without getting too invovled in the loop-the-loop that our weather has become.  Ride 'em, cowboy!

Junior continues to show the same proficiency in driving that his father had: none.  Señor Zanza should be condidered for sainthood for sticking with it this long.  Junior has had two extensions on his probationary license,  One more screw-up and back he goes to taking the written exam all over again.  I wonder if Señor Zanza has some sort of angle on this.  There haven't been any accidents involving other vehicles, but my car is getting pretty banged up.  I don't want to mention the cost of this to Junior until he gets his license and can get a job to pay me off.  I don't look forward to the day he can drive.  I'll bet my insurance premiums will triple within a year.  Again, Junior better reimburse me.  I'm not helping him get a car, but if he does, all expenses are his.  The cost of a vehicle plus insurance costs and gasoline costs and repair/maintenance items are all his.  If he somehow miraculously gets his license and a car, I won't be able to sleep until he gets home.  Mothers are forever.  So don't forget to let them in on whatever you're doing.

So far, I have zero mosquito bites this season, but I don't go outside too much.  I've asked eveeryone I know if they are aware of any bites.  There are a few, but not any sort of epidemic.  The wethermen and the M.D.'s conspired to work us up again, this time over the Zika virus and the mosquito that carries it.  I'm sorry, but "ef" them.  Always trying to work the public up over something or the other.  I think the Centers for Disease Control  is always looking for attention.  Maybe they have to battle for money.  Whatever, please give us your best guess for the next 48 hours.  Actually, you're not even good enough for 2 days.  National Weather Service is only reliable for 24 hours, and even then they screw up.

"Blue Cut Fire in Cajon Pass Explodes to 18,000 Acres, 0 Percent Contained; State of Emergency Declared" - http://ktla.com/2016/08/16/evacuations-issued-in-fast-moving-wild-fire-burning-in-devore/  You know, some people consider and consider, and they still end up picking out the wrong spot for a home.  Fires are natural in forests.  They help to renew the lanscape with new growth.  If you live in a fire threatened area, don't be surprised if everything burns up.  I know it's a terrible thing to lose everything.  Pick your new house location more carefully.  If you build on a fault line, don't be surprised if it's ripped in two by an earthquake.

Earthquakes are powerful, but none is more powerful than my love for you, my readers.  Thank you so much for reading my blog.  Thank you for taking the time.  Thank you for being you.

Want the real skinny on any event, anywherre in the world?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the weather.  We're already halfway through August.  Another summer almost over.  We still have plenty of time with fall, but we all know what is ultimately coming: the s-word!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Monday, August 15, 2016

Sunday, August 14, 2016

"EDITORIAL: Ascension Needs To Inform Community Of Mental Health Changes"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Breaking · August 14, 2016 · No comments

"Ascension–All Saints, formerly Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints, has cut staff, restricted admission for its mental health unit, closed the Psychiatric Intensive Care unit and kids partial hospital, and slashed its inpatient bed counts in an effort to 'reset' the unit.

"But they failed to communicate those changes to the community at a time when those services are desperately needed.

"Last week I wrote two stories about Ascension-All Saints Behavioral Health Unit: one about the cutbacks Ascension has made and one about the violations they received before Ascension took over Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. It took me six weeks to write that story, mostly because I was waiting for Ascension to confirm what I had learned from the state, an internal document, and numerous internal sources. I wanted to give them a chance to respond with more than a two or three sentence response, but that never happened. I also requested an interview with Paul Mason, but was told the company would not elaborate on the cuts any further."

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/editorial-ascension-needs-to-inform-community-of-mental-health-changes/

"The Curious Case of Former State Sen. George Petak, R-Racine"

From News the JT Can't Use:




"Everybody in Racine is familiar with former state Sen. George Petak , R-Racine, from Ballotpedia:

"George Petak, a Republican member of the Wisconsin State Senate, was recalled from office in 1996. He had served since January 1991.

"Petak’s recall resulted in the Wisconsin State Senate switching from a chamber with a majority of Republicans to a chamber with a majority of Democrats.

"Those who sought Petak’s recall were angry because he switched his vote from 'no' to 'yes' on a tax plan to build a new stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers that levied a 1/10th of one cent sales tax. In June 1996, nine months after the vote, he was recalled from office.

"Elizabeth Erven led the effort to collect the 11,577 signatures necessary to schedule the election. She stated, 'He probably could have gone on to be a lieutenant governor, but the mistake was egregious. And you know, we may not be rich down here, we may not have a lot of great opportunities to excel at a lot of things, but the people who live here believe there are certain lines you just don’t cross. And that was one of them.'

"Petak opened a consulting firm in the Madison, Wisconsin area in 2009."

Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/tag/george-petak/

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Friday, August 12, 2016

"Racine WI – Once Again, Face Down In The Gutter"

From News The JT Can't Use:








"And why should the Residents be expected to behave any differently? The Criminals who operate Racine County and The City of Racine lead by example. The only difference is the magnitude of their crimes and their ability to escape responsibility and punishment, which is dependent upon the color of their skin and political connections. Just ask 'Little Buddy' Jimmy Ladwig."

Read more:  https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/08/12/racine-wi-once-again-face-down-in-the-gutter/

Four for Fridays!

Good morning everyone I hope you are staying inside and staying nice and cool with the nasty humidity. Here are your questions for this week.

1) When you are going on vacation do you have to make a list of things to take so you do not forget to pack something?

2) Do you use the right or left side of your brain?

3) Do you enjoy spending time with your family?

4) What is your favorite kind of chips?

I hope you enjoy your weekend. Also two of the questions Drew helped me with.

Open Blog - Thursday


No, thanks. I already have enough "thrills" in my life.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Dear Readers, I'm sorry that I forgot what day it is until just now.  I thought tomorrow was "blog day."

Please excuse my mental mistakes.

I love you all.

Open Blog - Monday


If I do what I love, I'll be arrested.

Orbs' travels :)

Hi Guys and Gals :)
Sorry I've been absent for a while, life is a bit crazy busy and
hubby just moved back home (laid off), and work has me in circles...
I saw this story and was a bit jealous when I saw the heading to a story
about somebody finding Orbs in Australia, how fun!
Next time, I want to go with you, please? :)
 

Open Blog - Weekend


I agree. It should be two days work and five days for the weekend.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Four for Fridays!

Hello everyone I am sorry about not posting Four for Fridays last week I was busy packing to go up north. We had my son's Coed Bridal Shower to attend since I am mother of the groom I had to be there. So here are some questions for everyone.

1) Have you ever put a puzzle together?

2) Do you ever forget about any appointments you have?

3) Are you going to watch the Olympics?

4) Are you ready for football season?

I hope everyone has a great day!

Open Blog - Friday


If nothing else, have a good time.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Birds!

Hello everyone sorry I haven't been on here for a long time I have been busy helping my son with the Coed Bridal Shower that was this past weekend. Drew did do some birding while we were up north and I am going to share some of the pictures with everyone.

                  This is a Connecticut Warbler this picture was taken at Bog Brook in Pickerel Wi. 

            This is a picture of a Lincoln's Sparrow this picture was taken at Bog Brook in Pickerel Wi.

     This is a picture of a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker this picture was taken at Bog Brook in Pickerel Wi.

There are more pictures that we have I will share more another day. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

"An Ode To Racine Now Ranked #34 Worst Place To Live"

From News the JT Can't Use:






"Note that the  signage from the photo above doesn’t reflect the actual population – now listed as 78,336 in the 2016 City of Racine Budget, and dropping even further as  bright, talented and creative People flee from the criminals who have taken the reigns of Racine County government at all levels and replaced the Written Rule of Law with the Will to Power.

"From 24/7 Wall St:

"50 Worst Cities to Live In"

Read more:  https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/an-ode-to-racine-now-ranked-34-worst-place-to-live/

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my sons and daughters!  How are you?  What I know is it's hot and going to get hotter.  Too hot to spend on writing a blog, day or night.  So take care of yourselevs and I'll do the same.

Why did the chicken cross the road?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Thank you for one and all for being such a great audiesnce.

Open Blog - Wednesday


Gee, I hope it's not today. I have a dental appointment today.