Naughty Kids

Now these are some naughty naughty kids...funny

What Is It?

This is a game I made up for before bedtime when my kids were little. I'd chase them out of the room, find something very small and draw it at very close range. They had to find the image in the room. I had totally forgotten about this until my daughter reminded me last weekend.

Here is a sample. Figure out what it is, take your guess, and then..... GO TO BED!

I think I've given everyone the chance to choose their answer, so I'll post the long view....

Some very good ideas produced by this think tank of a group!  

SER had the answer, then was swayed by Orbs. Orbs can be a very persuasive kind of guy.... 

Last I checked, no boiler tubes or nuclear spent rods (that I care to talk about) laying around my house.

The winner is..... MinnesotaChick!  There is no visible star or design on the sink strainer. It is much like the Virgin Mary or alien ships that appear only in photos and, well, maybe on toast. I'm thinking of maybe selling tickets if my job thingy falls though.  ;>

Watermelon update and other news

The blight to my tomatoes is gone. The bottoms were getting leathery patches and was the end result of a calcium deficiency. If you have this problem, you can add romato fertilizer and hope for the best, buy tomato flower end rot stop for 6-8 dollars, or go to the medicine cabinet, grab three Tums(R), grind them up and add to a gallon jug of water. Honest, it really works. You might not do anything at all too. The experts say that the blight will go away on it's own and only the first fruit are affected. I'm impatient and got 'Rot Stop." After I bought it, I found the Tums(R) fix. Today I ate my first BLT from the garden. I had no idea just how bland store bought tomatoes are until now.

Watermelon, WATERMELON(S) I now have a new baby melon. It's the size of a large marble at present. The original has grown HUGE! It's up to 2-1/8" diameter.... At least I got one when the experts say impossible for our climate. When mom and I share them I think one bite each.

No idea on what the carrots are doing. The greens show they are still alive, but no idea how big they have grown. My sweet red bell peppers finally have flower buds. The Basils are kicking butt and growing well. Some sort of bug has eaten four of the African Basil flower stalks. No more damage seen, I think the birds got em. The oregano is growing, but not at the gangbusters speed everything else is.

Interestingly, I've seen bumblebees for weeks now, but yesterday I saw three HONEY BEES. Seeing the Honey Bees made me almost as happy as seeing the watermelon.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Four for Fridays! This week seemed to go rather quick... Here are some random questions...

1) What kind of games did you play when you were a kid?

2) What the last book you have read or are currently reading?

3) What card games do you know how to play?

4) What is your favorite quote?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Uh-oh, it's another one of those again.
 

Poop Trucks

A foul mouthed Tirade

If extreme language bothers you, don't enter.

Original post has been moved inside the body. The words I used might be offensive to some. If you're easily offended, please for everyone's sake, pass this post by.

You must be over 18 to enter.

"Mayor, JT working together to release 10-year plan"

On August 18, 2010, the Racine Post reported:

"There's been a 10-year plan sighting.

"One year and three months after he took office, Mayor John Dickert is preparing to release the 10-year plan for the City of Racine that he based his winning campaign on. He'll have the help of our local newspaper.

"Dickert is working with The Journal Times to coordinate release of his plan. The arrangement came after JT Publisher Mark Lewis met with the mayor and ordered him to produce a 10-year plan. Dickert agreed.

"Racine's daily newspaper was scheduled to release the plan this weekend, but publication was pushed back to allow the paper to follow the mayor around and document him implementing his 10-year plan. JT City Reporter Paul Sloth is on the story."

Read more: http://news.racinepost.com/2010/08/mayor-jt-working-together-to-release-10_18.html

That's an old story, but it's still relevant today. I was banned again from the Journal Times, apparently for referencing the above arrangement. Our mayor and the publisher of our only newspaper work hand in hand to lie to us regulalry. And then the big bad "leaders" stomp the little blogger who squeaks the truth. LOL. Party on, liars.
 

Football is Back On

Are you happy football is back on?

the green thing

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But we didn't have the green thing back then.

My Book Report

What do Ogden Nash and Drew Carey have in common?   I'm not sure, but those were my two book selections at the library last week: poetry, dirty jokes and beer. What a way to spend a week. It has been fun. 

I really like some of Ogden Nash's writing. The way his words rhyme and the flow are so unique. Spoken aloud is the only way to actually hear some of it.

I'm not sure what made me pick up the Drew Carey book, literally titled, "Dirty Jokes and Beer."  I like beer, I love a good joke, why not?  His book is more than just jokes, but it sure delivers on the dirty end. Very funny. 

I decided to leave the dirty alone and found a poem from Ogden Nash to share. It is, I think, one of his goodies, and very timely with what is currently happening outside my window.

A Watched Example Never Boils

The weather is so very mild
That some would call it warm.
Good gracious, aren't we lucky, child?
Here comes a thunderstorm.

The sky is now indelible ink,
The branches reft asunder;
But you and I we do not shrink;
We love the lovely thunder.

The garden is a raging sea,
The hurricane is snarling;
Oh, happy you and happy me!
Isn't the lightning darling?

Fear not the thunder, little one.
It's weather, simply weather;
It's friendly giants full of fun
Clapping their hands together.

I hope of lightning our supply
Will never be exhausted;
You know its lanterns in the sky
For angels who are losted.

We love the kindly wind and hail,
The jolly thunderbolt,
We watch in glee the fairy trail
Of ampere, watt, and volt.

Oh, than to enjoy a storm like this
There's nothing I would rather,
Don't dive between the blankets, Miss!
Or else leave room for Father.

I'm learning and storing some more treasures as I go along. One of my all time favorite rhymes of his is a short little ditty, "Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker."

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my precious poets and pundits! How are you? I am so sorry that Senor Zanza and I missed most of you at the JTI gathering this past Sunday. I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry. As Ms. kk has stated, we were working the Bristol Renaissance Faire (http://www.renfair.com/bristol/index.asp) and the time got away from us. Patrons of the Faire are very interested in the psychic arts, and they pay well for the knowledge. The economy has hurt psychics and fortune tellers, too. I was glad for the opportunity to do some side jobs. I believe that Senor Zanza also was grateful for the extra cash flow. Ms. kk was very gracious and understanding (as always, my dear) when we arrived so late. I hope that all of the rest of my beloved Irregulars will be as forgiving. I guarantee that I will make a timely appearance at the next gathering, no matter where or when. I will climb any mountain, swim any sea, astral project to any planet, to prove my love and loyalty to my Irregulars. Name the date, time, and location, and I will be there, or my name isn’t Madame Zoltar!

As you can see from the screenshot at right, Racine is overflowing with things to do this week, beginning with the Racine County Fair (http://www.racinecountyfair.com/) today. All of this lovely information comes to you courtesy of the Journal Times story, “Your guide to summer fun in Racine County,” http://www.journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/article_ff8c2baa-7672-11e0-88b9-001cc4c03286.html
Thank you, Journal Times.

Are you going to any of the events? I’ll probably be at the Italian Festival, socially, not working. (http://www.romalodge.com/Festival.html) I really enjoy Italian food. I haven’t yet asked the Senor to escort me. I don’t know that he would like the Racine County Fair. He is very cosmopolitan, and not particularly rural.

I just have to comment on this story, about that poor woman who has been overcharged on her property taxes by the city for 24 years: http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_dbaecc20-b77b-11e0-88f4-001cc4c03286.html
Here is what I have to say to our city’s leaders:



I love you all my dear, dear friends. Thank you so much for stopping by to read my blog. I may have missed a good time at the get together, but I still have a good time every week with all of you. You are my special pals.

Special Delivery for a soothsayer? Send it here: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

It looks like fun, fun, fun in the sun in the days ahead. Enjoy the weather and the activities. You can’t say there is nothing to do around Racine this weekend. Surculose!

Open Blog - Wednesday

I have no idea what that means. Click the picture to see him wiggle.
 

Wheaton Franciscan Billing Lies

I received a small bill from Wheaton Franciscan. I didn't understand it. My secondary insurer should have covered it. I ended up talking to Wheaton Franciscan's billing department four times this morning. All four times I was told that my secondary insurer had refused payment and it was my responsibility. I called my insurer. They had no idea of what I was talking about. They had never talked to WF about anything.

I set up my digital voice recorder and called back WF billing. Again I was told that my secondary insurer had refused to pay my bill. When I told them that I was recording the call and that I had just spoken to my secondary insurer, they admitted the truth: they didn't even know who my secondary insurer was. What the hell? I provided that information when I registered with them.  Previous bills have gone straight to the secondary insurance with no problem.  This is the billing department of our only hospital? They just lie and lie until they are caught? When I asked for the name of the representative I was speaking with, she would only give me her first name.This is how WF does billing? They hire anonymous people to dun patients with made up information?.

I am just flabbergasted. FOUR fucking times they lied to me, until I forced them to speak truthfully. This took four hours out of my day. For a crap $22 bill. Think of the millions they have screwed insurers out of.

Party on, lying John, with all those campaign contributions from WF CEO Ken Busar to keep this a one hospital town!

George Carlin - Nobody cares about you

The unvarnished, 100% TRUTH. Thanks to Journal Times commenter MAKO for the link to this video. It should be broadcast 24 hours a day into every home in America.

Yet Another Dark and Stormy Night...

Yep, it's that time of year again. The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction contest has announced its winners for 2011. This contest, as you might recall, invites people to submit the worst possible opening line for a novel they can possibly construct. The winner this year is Sun Fodrie from Oshkosh with an unusually short entry, resulting in the highest badness/word ration in contest history.

'Cheryl’s mind turned like the vanes of a wind-powered turbine, chopping her sparrow-like thoughts into bloody pieces that fell onto a growing pile of forgotten memories."

Be sure to peruse the rest of the entries!

Lisa Gerrard & Pieter Bourke - "Shadow Magnet "

I like to play this one loud.

Another top notch female vocalist, Lisa Gerrard was a member of the now defunct band, Dead Can Dance.
 

Sarah Brightman - "Anytime, Anywhere"

That turns my crank. I've had a thing for female vocalists for years now. I loved the Lilith Fairs. To me, men's voices sound dull by comparison.
 

Open Blog - Monday

The JTIs know how to party!
 

JTI Summer Bash

I think we all survived another JTI get together without too much incident. I forgot to bring my camera, so we asked Liz to take a group shot. Froglover was helping her steady the camera.

The picture isn’t blurry, you just need a couple beverages before viewing and it all makes perfect sense.

 

Quick thinking, SER, for slipping that cop a few bucks to avoid the disorderly conduct ticket after that waiter incident. Forgetting to place your order was bad enough, deliberately squeezing that mustard all over your shirt when you complained was way over the top. I think the cop felt your pain.

Fungi and the Mrs. made the party, but came incognito. Initially,  we needed a reintroduction and thought perhaps the Frito Bandito had crashed the party.

We had the fun opportunity to meet the newest irregular, Jedwis. What a trooper! After breezing through the tub of initiation gel (hale is shameless) and freeing himself from the upside down tent prank.... we jokingly suggested he conquer the required timed swim before issuing his official blogger card. Before we could tell him we were joking, he flipped off his shoes and shirt and dove into the river. He made it under the bridge and back in record time. Quite impressive performance in the feats of strength! The Walgreen’s pharmacist was fairly sure the Corticosteroid cream would clear up those raised scaly patches in a few days. Truly irregular!

TenderHeartBear sat there, trying to stay under the radar. Seeing the initiation of Jed, she was just hoping to escape. We’ll catch you the next time. It takes concerted effort to properly induct new members. Hint: think about taking a yoga class to stretch your muscles to prepare for the next get together. We threw around a few ideas after you left!

Drew, orbs and hale solved all the political, environmental and financial problems that have been in the news. Amazing job, guys, you rock! The senate and the president will be thrilled with the report you put together. Looks like we won't be defaulting on our loans after all! Hale did his best to bring us up to date on all things theatrical, NPR related and the physics behind everything scientific. Most of us smiled and nodded….  He also can clean and jerk a Galileo telescope as well as any soldier can clean and reassemble his gun. (that sounds a little dirty!)

Why Not? Graced us with her presence. Her daughters are beautiful!  Those little gals can pound the chow! It was lovely to get a chance to speak to her and her family in person, but none of us know a word of Swedish… more smiling, more nodding.

The sad news is that everyone left before Madame Zoltar and Senor Zanza arrived. Madame was sporting a beautiful caftan and the Senor was wearing, well, I guess you’d call it a mancaftan. They were a bit tardy as they came directly from the Bristol Renaissance Fair. They explained it is difficult in their field to find such an easy and lucrative summer side job, especially one that allows them to experience the out of doors.

A great time was had by all. We stayed beyond the formal end time. Well, we got kicked out, to tell you the truth. If you missed this party, there is always another one brewing. Let’s start the planning! Suggestions?

JTI Party Day

Don't forget the Get Together today.... 1-3  pm

It's ON, like Donkey Kong!  See you there!

Saturday Night Videos

Experimentation is a part of rock and roll. The need to experiment, to create and the stretch the boundaries is essential. The overgrowing technology has certainly helped to the cause, without it rock and roll wouldn't be the same as it is today....

Inspired by the Beatles' 1965 release, Rubber Soul, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wanted to create the "greatest record ever". The result was Pet Sounds (1966), where Wilson's growing mastery of studio recording and his increasingly sophisticated songs and complex arrangements would reach a creative peak. Influenced by psychedelic drugs, Brian Wilson turned his attention inward and probe his deep-seated self-doubts and emotional longings. The album's meticulously layered harmonies and inventive instrumentation set a new standard for pop and rock music. Wilson was a pioneer of the 'studio as instrument' concept, exploiting novel combinations of sounds that sprang from the use of multiple electric instruments and voices in an ensemble and combining them with echo and reverberation. He often doubled bass, guitar and keyboard parts, blending them with reverberation and adding other unusual instruments. It remains one of the most evocative releases of the decade.



Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the most important rock and roll album ever made, an unsurpassed adventure in concept, sound, songwriting, cover art and studio technology by the one of greatest rock & roll groups of all time. This album is also rock's ultimate declaration of change. For the Beatles, it was a decisive goodbye to matching suits, world tours and assembly-line record-making. Producer George Martin's innovative and lavish production included the orchestra usage and hired musicians ordered by the band. Genres such as music hall, jazz, rock and roll, western classical, and traditional Indian music are covered. Several then-new production effects feature extensively on the recordings. The use of multi-tracking , a new idea back then, is prevalent throughout the album...



Beginning with the sound of a heartbeat, Pink Floyd "Breathes" air into their 1973 release of the legendary The Dark Side of the Moon. Recorded in the famous Abbey Roads Studios between May 1972 and January 1973, the band were assigned staff engineer Alan Parsons (you know who he is) to oversee the recording of the Dark Side of the Moon. The recording sessions made use of some of the most advanced studio techniques of the time; the studio was capable of 16 track mixes, which offered a greater degree of flexibility than the eight- or four-track mixes they had previously used, although the band often used so many tracks that to make more space available second-generation copies were made. The sound effects on "Money" were created by splicing together Waters' recordings of clinking coins, tearing paper, a ringing cash register, and a clicking adding machine, which were used to create a 7-beats effects loop. And that's the tip of the iceberg...

Looks like I'm going to miss another one

I really wanted to meet up with HB too. Today i found out I'm one of those folks they warn to stay in. Hit too stores and a lock shop today, and found the heat near laid me out. tomorrow is to be worse. Already told my sis if I show at the family picnic, it will probably be to say, "hello, goodbye." Have fun, drink fluids, lots of fluids, an be safe.