JT IRREGULARS: 04/01/2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

"The AVERT Project"

http://new.avertproject.eu/

Now any car can be stolen, er, moved, by remote control.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

"Substitute Teacher Squares Off With Belligerent Student"

"School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days..."

"Baltimore mom who smacked son during riots: 'I don't want him to be a Freddie Gray' | FULL VIDEO"

If that kid grows up straight, he can thank his mom.

Hello, my sugars and spices! How are you? It got pretty warm yesterday, but it’s supposed to be cooler today. Don’t worry. More 60+ degree days are in the forecast. Admittedly, Ms. OKIE and Ms. Beejay are well into their springs. The rest of us must be tortured by winter in order to appreciate spring. What the hell is the matter with us? Why do we take the punishment? We should become snowbirds. Next winter, Ms. Beejay and Ms. OKIE, expect guests. Lots of them. For the whole winter. Maybe longer. See you then.

At least the daffodils and some tulips have bloomed. There are many more tulips to come. And many more other flowers to bloom. And many more trees to leave in. And many more shrubs to do the same. People are mowing their lawns. That’s a sure sign of spring. Once again I consider ripping out all the grass around the house and replacing it with green concrete. I know that Junior, who usually cuts the lawn, is all in favor of my idea. Señor Zanza, not so.

Oh, come on, I’d never take out whatever turf we have. The more organic green, from chlorophyll produced during photosynthesis, is my green. You can’t run barefoot on hot, green concrete. And if you fall, ouch! You can’t even grow dandelions on concrete. As Joni Mitchell, who either is or is not in a coma, once sang in “Big Yellow Taxi:”

“They took all the trees

Put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'em”

I like the feeling of earth under my feet. Too bad I’m getting too old, too heavy, and too self-conscious to walk around barefoot anymore. At least, outside of my yard. I think I broke a toe once on the grass. It snagged on something, and the fourth toe on the left foot dragged lower than the other toes, turning purple. I had to watch how I walked for awhile when I had on only sox or slippers. I still snagged the toe a few more times before it finally healed. I screamed in agony each time. Such a small toe, but such a big pain. Reminds me of young Junior. No, just teasing. Actually, I’m quite proud of him. When you’ve gone through the things that he has, it usually leaves a negative attitude. But Junior bounces right back up from adversity. Maybe some of that “baby fat” is flubber.

Rev. Melvin Hargrove has been elected the head of the Racine Unified School District: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/hargrove-elected-school-board-president/article_8d168807-2072-57bc-abbb-2cf0e4b9748a.html That’s the same Rev. Hargrove who recently lost against Mr. Mayor Dickert in Racine’s mayoral election. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, eh, Rev. Hargrove? I wouldn’t want either job.

It bothers me that people post blogs and comments like this one by Ms. Polly Pundit: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2015/04/the-bad-news-keeps-coming.html There’s a vague uneasiness, a malaise, which has affected our country. Nothing seems to make sense anymore. Nothing seems worth fighting for. We are a land of people staring down into our gadgets while the world goes passing by. I feel like a runaway train is headed our way, but it’s too far away to make out much now.

That’s it for this week, my dears. I humbly thank you for visiting my place on the internet. I love getting visitors. The more the merrier. Tell all your friends, Madame Zoltar® loves them.

Turn your blender into a lawn mower: MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy whatever good weather we get. It just feels better with all the snow melted. I love the Irregulars and regulars. I think we can love evil to death.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Too much information.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

"Is This What They Mean By Belly Dancing?"

From Break:

This makes me seasick.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Have a good one!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Attention!

God, I feel sorry for the old-timers who live here. We get notes like this posted all over the place. Simple stuff, like telling people not to throw trash in the hallways. When they dropped the 55 age limit, the animals started moving in.

Someone on a bike is doing donuts in the basement parking area. People are propping doors open that are supposed to remain shut. I hear stereos blasting. And on and on. These are our "golden years."

Open Blog - Monday

Don't let the boss see you doing that.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Expectations vs. Reality

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

Those gosh-darned Baby Boomers.

"Margarita's Epiitaph"

Read more: http://neveryetmelted.com/2015/04/21/margaritas-epitaph/

That's quite a grave marker for a dog. She must've been something.

The Bad News Keeps Coming

Where are our tax dollars really going? Are we funding the state as we should be, or are we funding a campaign to elect a president from Wisconsin? Where is Scotty? Shaking hands in Iowa again, you say?

Let's have the real truth on how that budget you are so proud of is working for the residents of your state. Now even the wealthier cities are beginning to cry that they can't fund their school districts on the upcoming cuts to education. Our state pride of UW-Madison is buying out seasoned professors.

Where are those 250,000 jobs you promised? You are looking to outsource and sell off our clean water to private investors, our farm fields to mining and drilling, our state parks. Your representatives have pushed through legislation to allow anyone to buy a gun without a waiting period, when shootings are occurring at a record pace.

Your own party is saying enough is enough.

Our state is crashing and burning!

photo courtesy of Megan McCormick

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/local/2015/04/25/wisconsin-roads-third-worst-nation-study-finds/26377551/

Saturday, April 25, 2015

"City of Racine named as defendant in another lawsuit alleging discrimination"

From Racine Community Media:

"Fox6 News in Milwaukee reports on the second federal lawsuit to be filed against City of Racine officials & Racine Mayor John Dickert within the last year!

"More allegations of unfair treatment and discriminatory practices plague the City of Racine.

"Both cases are currently in federal court"

Read nore: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/117152302283/fox6-news-in-milwaukee-reports-on-the-second

Also: http://fox6now.com/2015/03/24/city-of-racine-named-as-defendant-in-another-lawsuit-alleging-discrimination/

And: FOX 6 News Reports On Another Discrimination Lawsuit Filed Against The City of Racine - https://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/fox-6-news-reports-on-another-discrimination-lawsuit-filed-against-the-city-of-racine/

"Bruce Jenner: ‘For All Intents And Purposes, I Am A Woman’"

"LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Former Olympian and reality star Bruce Jenner expressed Friday that’s he’s always been confused about his gender identity in a sit-down television interview amid reports that he’s transitioning into a woman.

“'I’ve been thinking about this day forever and what I should do with my life. How do I tell my story? How do I tell people what I’ve been through? And that day is today,' he said.

"The emotional interview with Diane Sawyer marked the first time the 65-year-old former U.S. track and field star addressed the rumors.

“'Bruce [is] always telling a lie. He’s lived a lie his whole life about who he is and I can’t do that anymore,' Jenner said. 'For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.'"

Read more: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/04/24/bruce-jenner-for-all-intents-and-purposes-i-am-a-woman/

Thank you, Bruce, for your performance in the Olympics. Hello, "Brucette," for your transgenderism.

I hope you're sure, because I don't think they can turn your willy rightside out again. And Lord knows what happened to your balls.

Open Blog - Weekend

Drive safely.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! The week has gone pretty quick.... Thank God! After today, I start my vacation! Anyways, here are your questions....

1) When was the last you took a bike ride?

2) Do you make deadlines for yourself?

3) Do you associate with your neighbors?

4) What is your favorite casserole?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Ridiculous I can pull off, but I'm not so sure about amazing.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

"But to live outside the law, you must be honest" - [Absolutely Sweet Marie]

"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." - Bob Dylan

Alltime10s Thursdays

Ibuprofen - Killer of Kidneys

Stay away from ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Medipren, Nuprin and others). I used to take four 200 mg. tablets twice a day. I did that for over a decade.

So I get a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and ignore it for awhile. It backs up from my bladder into my kidneys, which caused the renal failure. But the damage had already been done by the ibuprofen. That's my kidney doctor's (Nephrologist) guess. And that's why I'm slow to get back full function of the kidneys and may never have.

In the hospitl, they said my UTI was a common bug known to them. They put me on antibiotics and it cleared up.

However, I had already damaged my kidneys. I now have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Moderate. I'm not on dialysis, yet.

If you take ibuprofen, be wary of the dosage. My doctor said 1 tablet is the most that should be taken for a day.

Again, if you "binge" on ibuprofen, consider the risks. I'm not trying to preach down to you; I just don't want any of my pals to end up in my situation. In the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous, I speak from my "experience, strength, and hope ."

Open Blog - Thursday

Good attitude = good day.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

"Volcano Calbuco Eruption Forces 1,500 People to Evacuate"

From Live Leak:

"Volcano Calbuco in southern Chile erupted for the first time in at least four decades on Wednesday, sending a thick plume of ash and smoke several kilometres into the sky.

"Chile's Onemi emergency office declared a red alert following the eruption, which occurred about 1,000 km south of the capital Santiago near the tourist town of Puerto Varas.

"About 1,500 people were being evacuated from the region, which is sparsely populated with just a few small communities, authorities said.

"'There are a lot of people out in the streets, many heading to the gas stations to fill up on gas,' Derek Way, a resident of Puerto Varas said."

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5d1_1429744430

"Brewers Community Achievers: Beth David"

"The Brewers Community Achievers Program recognizes residents throughout the state of Wisconsin each month during the season for displaying extraordinary efforts in their community.

"The first honoree of 2015, Beth David, was recognized on the field prior to tonight’s Brewers vs. Reds game at Miller Park and also threw out a first pitch:

Brewers Sr. Director of Community Relations Katina Shaw (left) presents our April Community Achiever Beth David with a jersey.

Beth David shakes hands with Coach Joe Crawford after tossing a first pitch at tonight’s game.

"As the founder of Racine Uncovered and We Are Racine (WAR) Advocacy Center, Beth is changing lives one person at a time. The WAR Center provides assistance and resources for individuals and families in improving the quality of life in Racine. Beth helps underprivileged kids by providing lunch and activities during the summer and help with homework during the school year. This year, she coordinated PeaceFest for the residents of Racine, to help bridge the gap with Police Officers and Firefighters so everyone can work together for positive change and get our community back. Beth has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to make lives better for the residents in Racine.

"Thank you, Beth, for serving families in need and making the community a better place"

Read more:http://brewers.mlblogs.com/2015/04/21/brewers-community-achievers-beth-david/?adbid=10152857762240003&adbpl=fb&adbpr=45083850002&partnerId=as_mil_20150422_44399236&short_code=2uiaa

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my dear hens and roosters! How are you? We’re slowly getting there, weather-wise. There was one day that hit the high 60’s or 70. Now we’re stuck in that 40’s rut again. We should remember, though, that it’s still only April. As I understand it, we go into spring with low water levels and tables, again. Even with all this rain, we’re still low. See for yourself:

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?WI

Our fabulous Green Bay Packers play their season opener on Thanksgiving evening against the Chicago Bears at Soldiers Field. Brett Favre’s number will be retired during the game, unless it changes its mind.

Today is Earth Day. Take time out of your day to stoop down and kiss some dirt. Tee-hee, no, but it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time studying your habits to see where you could recycle or otherwise “Go Green.” Even though some people supposedly own pieces of the Earth, the fact is that we’re all here temporarily and should strive to make the Earth a better place for our having been here. Recycling products makes them cheaper in the long run. Dialing down the amount of fertilizer that our farmers spread would be a big help with runoff issues. Growing your own garden is fun and you get rewarded with the vegetables or fruits that you planted. There are myriad ways to “Go Green.”

Racine recently voted to allow backyard chickens. No roosters and no more than 4 hems. Back home, we had Romanian Red Terror chickens. They stand about 5 feet tall and weigh 160 pounds. They’re as good as any watchdog. Burglars see them and decide to go elsewhere. We had a couple in the house that were like pets. They even ate at the table with us. Heaven forbid that mom serve chicken. All hell would break loose!

The big thing with Romanian Red Terror hens is obtaining their eggs. They’re not like regular chickens where you can reach down and grab an egg or two. Romanian Red Terror hens will fight you for their eggs. Be sure to wear body armor and a thick helmet when you go for their eggs. Some sort of facial covering would be good, too. I’m thinking NFL® helmets. Their eggs are the size of soccer balls. No one knows what they taste like because all attempts at egg retrieval have ended in the deaths of those trying to get the eggs.

And on that note, my dears, I’m finishing off this week’s blog. I love you all. May you be blessed with health and love. I have the best damn readers on the internet.

A load shared, is a load halved: MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Watch out for all the people taking in the beginning of spring. The release of their cabin fever may make them do crazy things, like ride their bicycles to and from work. And if you hear and see a “boom car,” smash into him for me.