Saturday, May 28, 2016

Lost & Found and/or Adoptable Pets


It started with Racine Uncovered.  They started featuring lost and found pets, and adoptable pets.  It became a very popular feature.  The Journal Times, never too shy to steal from local bloggers, started featuring adoptable pets.  Then it was Racine County Eye's turn.  They, too, started featuring adoptable pets.  Not wanting the JTI to miss out on a trend, I wonder if we should start featuring animals in some sort of way?  Like the pet bison above.  You'd be surprised at how many people have pet bison.  I was surprised that even one person had one.

Any ideas?         

"Welsh sheep go on rampage after eating cannabis plants"


"SWANSEA, Wales, May 25 (UPI) — Officials from a city in South Wales are warning that a group of sheep could have ingested cannabis causing them to stir up trouble in nearby towns.

"Swansea County Councillor Ioan Richard feared that sheep in the area could ingest cannabis plants that were dumped from an illegal cannabis factory.

"'I dread to think what will happen if they eat what could well be cannabis plants — we could have an outbreak out of psychotic sheep rampaging through the village,' he said.

"Richard added that one flock of sheep had already been seen roaming about a Welsh village and intruding on people’s homes.

"'There is already a flock of sheep roaming the village causing a nuisance,' he said. 'They are getting in people’s gardens and one even entered a bungalow and left a mess in the bedroom.'

"A spokesman for the Swansea council reported that the cannabis had been removed from the area and condemned the process of illegally dumping the waste, known as fly-tipping.

"'The fly-tipped waste has now been removed, but we’d urge anyone with information about who may be responsible to contact either ourselves or South Wales Police,' they said. 'Fly-tipping has a negative impact on local communities, so we’re doing all we can to both prevent it and clean up as quickly as possible at known hot spots.'"

Read more:  http://www.breitbart.com/news/welsh-sheep-go-on-rampage-after-eating-cannabis-plants/


Those damn high sheep hoodlums ruin it for all the good sheep.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Four for Fridays! - OrbsCorbs Late Edition

Tender Heart Bear was swamped with things to do before she and Drew headed up north for the weekend.  I've appointed myself as a temporary replacement.

1)  When was the last time you took aspirin?  Not other painkillers, but just plain aspirin.  Men with heart problems are exempt from this question.

2)  When you were a child, were most stores closed or open on Sunday?

3)  True or False: regular tacos contain tomato.

4)  Who let the dogs out?

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. 

"Rally musters community support to treat mental illness"

From The Journal Times.com:

AARON KNAPP aaron.knapp@journaltimes.com 3

"RACINE — When describing her long struggle with mental health, 55-year-old Luann Simpson boiled her experience down to two major dramatic course changes in her life.

"The first occurred at age 24 when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, experiencing extreme mood fluctuations 'ranging from the deep darkness of depression to the heightened energy of full-blown mania' and plunging her into a phase of occasionally being locked up in a psychiatric unit, given dozens of medications, even various phases of electroconvulsive therapy.

"The second happened when she first walked into the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County office — where she is now a peer support consultant.

"'I was told that I had a mental illness and it is treatable and, with medications, I would be able to manage and be OK,' Simpson said of her original diagnosis. 'Well, I am here to tell you that manageable and OK does not have to be future for anyone diagnosed with a mental illness. Mental health recovery is real.'

"Simpson shared her story to about 120 people at 'Bridging the Gaps: Mental Health Recovery is Real — Take the First Step,' a community rally observing Mental Health Awareness Month at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital on Thursday evening.

"Organized by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, United Way of Racine County, NAMI Racine County and Infinite Potential Central, the rally gathered organizations, businesses and government bodies to share how they are trying to make an impact in better treating mental illness.

"Speakers addressing the crowd included Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, United Way of Racine County President Rodney Prunty, NAMI of Racine County Executive Director Mike Boticki and others. In addition, the rally featured some speakers who shared their personal struggles with mental illness, such as Simpson and Miss Racine Haley Schonter.

New mental health clinic


"Among the initiatives highlighted at the rally, Prunty announced that United Way will be partnering with the Racine Unified School District to start a school-based mental health clinic in Knapp Elementary School, 2701 17th St., being rebuilt to open as a 'community school' next year.

"That would be the third New Beginnings school clinic at Unified schools — which stations a Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin clinic in a school — since the program first launched in October in partnership with the Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health. There are clinics at SC Johnson Elementary, 2420 Kentucky Street and Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St.

"In addition, Prunty highlighted the need to combat the negative association many have of mental illness, a key theme of the rally to help those suffering with mental illness to take their own first step toward recovery.

"He noted that the rally — which organizers plan to be an annual event — and other events like it will be important steps in the effort to rid society of that stigma.

"'This is the first of many,' Prunty said. 'We’re going to continue to grow, and I can tell you we’re not going to rest until we have significantly reduced or even eliminated the stigma associated with mental illness in our community so folks can get the help they need to live productive lives.'

"Organizers said anyone looking for information about mental illness, as well as the support and resources available for county residents go to NAMI of Racine County’s website: http://www.namiracinecounty.org/."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/rally-musters-community-support-to-treat-mental-illness/article_89208c4d-487e-55c4-8ba0-5d62ca00ac87.html

Related: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2016/05/resource-fair-rally-at-wheaton-will.html

"Reel In A Good Fishing Story For Our Off The Hook Contest"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Community · May 26, 2016 · No comments



http://www.salmon-a-rama.com/"Who doesn’t love a good story about catching 'the big one' like our friend Cassandra did?

"Even people who aren’t anglers enjoy hearing a great yarn. And a lot of the time, they can be really funny stories about the fish they caught, a poignant moment with a family member, or maybe even about the 'big one' that got away.

"To build some excitement around Salmon-A-Rama we are partnering with the organizers on a contest called Off the Hook, which will give our readers the opportunity to tell those tall tales. We’ll kick off the contest starting June 15. We’re hoping to reel you in… so start spawning some ideas and hatch a plan to share your story.

"Salmon-A-Rama is a nine-day fishing tournament that offers up plenty of prizes, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for those fishing stories.

"Off the Hook winners — one from the under 18 crowd and one from the 18 and up categories — will win a fine catch of prizes. The person who catches the most votes in our story poll wins the prize.

"In the meantime we’re looking to snag a few advertisers.

"What you’ll get is an editable banner ad that will promote your business on the contest page. It’ll run from June 15-July 19. The cost is only $150 for exposure to a vast range of potential customers for your business.

"Interested? Contact Sherria Wine at salesatrce@gmail.com"

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/reel-in-a-good-fishing-story-for-our-off-the-hook-contest/ 

"Resource fair, rally at Wheaton will focus on mental health"

From The Journal Times.com:

Journal Times staff 0

Metro services

"RACINE — In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, several organizations will host 'Bridging the Gaps: Mental Health Recovery is Real — Take the First Step' rally and resource fair at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints hospital St. Luke’s Health Pavilion auditorium, 3821 Spring St. 

"The event will feature mental health advocates sharing stories and offering support about mental illness and recovery, followed by a community resource fair.

"The host organizations are United Way Racine County, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Racine County, Infinite Potential Central (IPC) and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints hospital.

"Guest speakers include:
  • Dr. Soheila Brouk, founder of Infinite Potential Central;
  • Lisa Adams-Qualls, social worker in the Racine Unified School District;
  • Mary Huck, cofounder of Survivors of a Loved One’s Suicide;
  • Rodney Prunty, United Way of Racine County president;
  • Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave;
  • Julie Hueller, vice president of operations of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare;
  • Erika Arzate, a member of the Latino community;
  • Jackie Hartley, Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health manager;
  • Miss Racine Haley Anya;
  • Mike Boticki, NAMI Racine County executive director;
  • Luann Simpson, NAMI Racine County peer support consultant.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

"Yorkville's escaped emu returns home safe," after terrorizing the countryside

From The Journal Times.com:

CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com 0


"YORKVILLE — It took a team of community members, a portable fence and a lucky catch, but a fearful emu that went missing from a hobby farm in Yorkville on Monday is now back home safe and sound.

"Caretaker Dawn Dahms first learned the emu was on the loose after its owner spotted the animal — a flightless, but fast bird related to the ostrich — in the front yard of Dahms' farm.

"Some people who spotted the emu soon after its escape tried to recapture the bird, but that only further exasperated the situation, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office later reported, and the emu fled.

"The bird was eventually captured on Thursday afternoon, after Dahms got a call from someone at Harry Hansen Meat Service, 10407 Highway K, in Raymond, who said he had just spotted the emu in a nearby cornfield.

"'We sent some people out there and they corralled her with some fencing, and then apparently as they were getting her from the fencing to the horse trailer she tried to jump and some man from out of nowhere started walking up and he caught her in midair and got it back into the horse trailer,' Dahms explained Thursday evening."  

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/yorkville-s-escaped-emu-returns-home-safe/article_e3bc1cfa-250c-5f35-a7be-4406b6508d78.html

Related:  http://www.orbscorbs.com/2016/05/emu-escapes-in-yorkville-not-considered.html


So, I guess that emu is off the menu at Harry Hansen's.

"Mount Pleasant Police keep an eye on Case High"

From The Journal Times.com:

0

Credit - Mount Pleasant Police Department


"MOUNT PLEASANT — A day after Case High School went into lockdown after dispatchers received a threatening phone call targeted at the school, police continued to watch the building closely while investigating the source the call.

"'We are continuing to provide extra attention and high visibility to the school,' Mount Pleasant Police Chief Tim Zarzecki said Wednesday.

"While Zarzecki couldn't reveal any details about the call, citing the possibility that it could jeopardize the ongoing investigation, he did say that schools in Pleasant Prairie and Franklin have received similar threats in recent days. He added that nothing found during a search at Case substantiated the phone threat.

"'We checked the safety and security of the school and were unable to find anything that would harm anyone,' he said.

"Case returned to 'business as usual' Wednesday, according to Zarzecki, although he said school staff was 'taking necessary precautions' just in case something serious occurred.

"The call could be part of a national scam of threats phoned into schools across the country. According to an Associated Press story published Monday, evacuations based on electronic phone calls have taken place in Colorado, Utah, Delaware, Minnesota and New Hampshire in recent days.

"Zarzecki said his department is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to get to the bottom of the threat.

"'Our investigators are working on it diligently trying to determine what happened,' he said."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mount-pleasant-police-keep-an-eye-on-case-high/article_b786b519-9cc7-5d10-84ed-3c628fceaf8b.html

What wonderful memories, part 1

Oh the memories...
This was going to be about one amazing kid, but this picture has so many other memories attached.
This picture was taken at a joint graduation party for my youngest and a couple other kids (not all pictured). 
In the middle, is our youngest. She still got along with us well back then. Today, not at all... I do miss her and the laughing fits we would get into and couldn't get out of. Hopefully, one day, she'll come around. 
The guy on the right, with the sash, we have known since he was born, now all grown up. His mom and I traded off having kids for a couple years, then I bowed out and she kept going twice more :) 
This was really about my memories of David, the boy on the left with the hat. 5 years ago, yesterday, he went missing, after swimming in a swollen river he knew well. The days of that week are the same as the days of the week this year. I remember reading the family's journey trying to find him. His next up brother (David was the baby of the bunch of 6 kids), Josh, was in the service, got out for special circumstances to go help in the search effort. They found David 4 days later. He was no longer with us :(
As a mom, that crushes my heart. Knowing his family and parents especially, the hurt only intensified. 
David was a true one of a kind person. He could relate to ANYBODY! For is age, he was as interested and engaging with everybody the same, his friends, us older folks, young kids, he just made an instant connection. His smile was infectious. He was always entertaining and lived to make people happy and to help everybody. I have never met anyone like David. It was truly an honor to consider him a friend, and to have shared just a glimpse of his life. Til we see each other again, love you, kiddo!
God did awesome when He made you!!!

Dear Madame Zoltar



Madame Zoltar is on hiatus, but she sends everyone her love and intends to be back here next week for the JT Irregulars' 8th Birthday.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

"Emu escapes in Yorkville, not considered dangerous"

From The Journal Times.com:

0


"YORKVILLE — The Racine County Sheriff’s Office isn’t very worried about a loose emu that escaped in Yorkville.

"'We deal with this every day, people’s animals getting out,' Sgt. David Coughlin said. 'It’s an emu. It’s a small ostrich. It’s not going to hurt anybody.'

"According to Coughlin, the Sheriff’s Office received a call at about 1 p.m. Monday about an emu that had escaped from a hobby farm in Yorkville. Some good Samaritans tried to recapture the emu, but that only further exasperated the situation, as the emu fled.

"'It’s not a people emu,' Coughlin said.

"The emu escaped while its owners were moving other animals, according to Coughlin. Some neighbors have seen the animal in the area, and the owners have worked to recapture it.

"The emu’s owners declined to provide additional details about their lost animal, since having a bunch of people trying to track the emu could make the situation worse. The Sheriff’s Office isn’t devoting any personnel to the emu for the same reason.

"'People come out with goodhearted intentions and might totally screw it up worse than it already is,' Coughlin said.

"The emu remained at large as of late Tuesday afternoon, said the owners, who did not want to be identified."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/emu-escapes-in-yorkville-not-considered-dangerous/article_12ff17d2-4600-5677-8913-cce2a82c1254.html


Right.  Absolutely harmless . . .

"Unclaimed Safe Deposit Box Auction Starts Tuesday"

From Racine County Eye:

 By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · May 24, 2016 · No comments

"Take note treasure hunters: the state Department of Revenue is hosting an online auction of unclaimed safe deposit boxes. The auction runs from Tuesday through 10 a.m. June 7.

"Up for grabs are a variety of coins, jewelry, stamp collections and various other items, an announcement from the DOR reads.

"The department is responsible for the unclaimed property program, and staffers work to connect residents with unclaimed property that might belong to them. According to state statute, when no one steps forward, the state has three years to sell the items through auction.

"While the auction will take place primarily online at www.wisurplus.com #16286, anyone interested in participating in person can do so from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Wisconsin Surplus, 202 West Front Street, in Mount Horeb.

"Residents who want to check if they have any property with the state can use the DOR’s online database."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/unclaimed-safe-deposit-box-auction-starts-tuesday/


GO to the DOR’s online database and check if there's any money, property, whatever out there for you or someone you love.  JUST DO IT.  Someone very close to me just received $3,200 after submitting a claim in late January.  He had to submit some additional documents.  It's a very slow process.  He said one of the people he talked to at the DOR said they're swamped.  His claim didn't even get looked at until March, even though he submitted it in late January.  However, it did eventually pay off.

It's worth your time to search for property that may be due you.  It's absurd that the DOR says they make every effort to find people who are owed money.  Right.  My buddy's money came from his father's life insurance company, 40 (!) years ago.  He hadn't been hiding in the past 40 yers.  Indeed, he had to file income taxes with the state each year.  But they couldn't find him.  Or his mother or sister when they were alive.

Good luck!

Birds

This past week has been really crazy for me because Drew was on vacation all week long. So that means bird migration all week long and yes Drew was out birding. I am going to share some pictures that Drew took while he was out birding.

This is a picture of a White Winged Tern the picture was taken in Manitowoc Wi. The Tern is in the middle of the picture black with the white wings. This bird is very rare around here it is ABA Code 4 rarity on the list. The last one that was in Wisconsin was in 1873 yes 143 years ago.

                              This is a picture of a Pelican the picture was taken in Manitowoc Wi.

            This is a picture of a Peregrine Falcon the picture was taken at Shoop Park in Racine Wi.

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

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 Blue Grey Gnatcatcher the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures just as much as we enjoy going out there taken the pictures.

Cute kitten


Here, kitty, kitty; here, kitty. kitty.  What a cutie pie.  He reminds me a little of my previous cat, Gordy.

Monday, May 23, 2016

"Buckle Up: Click It or Ticket Campaign Could Cost You"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · May 22, 2016 · No comments 

"Drivers traveling through Racine County should be aware: wearing a seat belt and/or making sure everyone else in the car is buckled up is not an option, it’s the law. If motorists don’t click it, drivers and/or their passengers could be ticketed or worse if you’re in accident and not wearing your seat belt.

"Area law enforcement – police departments in Caledonia, Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant – will be on the look-out for seat belt use during Click It or Ticket between May 23 and June 5. Officers who observe drivers and/or passengers not wearing their seat belts could face a ticket, but Mount Pleasant police Captain Brian Smith said the campaign is really about saving lives.

"'During the Click It or Ticket mobilization and throughout the year, our goal is not to write more tickets,' he said in a written release from the department. 'Through enforcement and education, we’re determined to get people to buckle up every time they drive or ride in a vehicle.'

"According to the statement, 86 percent of Wisconsin drivers buckle up, which is good news. The bad news, however, is that half of those killed in automobile accidents on state roadways were not wearing their seat belt. In 2015 alone, 55,000 convictions for failure to use a seat belt, the release continues.

"Important note: even passengers in back seats must also buckle up.

"'Buckling up is the best possible protection against being ejected from a vehicle during a crash or thrown around violently inside it and possibly hitting another person in the vehicle with massive force,' Smith continued. 'That’s why Click It or Ticket is more than a slogan to our officers. It really is a life-saving effort.'"

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/buckle-click-ticket-campaign-cost/

"Racine man allegedly stalks girl"

From The Journal Times.com:



"RACINE — A Racine man was behind bars on Monday, accused of stalking a girl who worked at a Mexican restaurant.

"David Vega, 56, of the 1800 block of St. Clair Street, is accused of following a girl — who is younger than 18 — three times in a week as she walked to and from work, according to his criminal complaint.

"The complaint doesn't list the girl's age or date of birth.


"The girl told Racine police that she was walking at about 7:50 a.m. on May 14 from home to work at Mi Jacalito, 1318 Douglas Ave., when she noticed a white van pass her, do a U-turn, and then follow her, the complaint states. The driver, later identified as Vega, asked if the girl wanted a ride, she told police. She declined, but the van reportedly continued to follow her to the restaurant.

"On May 15, the girl saw the van at about 7:55 a.m. parked across from her home as she left to walk to work, the complaint states. Vega again asked if the girl wanted a ride, she again declined, but the van continued to follow her to work, she told police.

"The girl said she feared for her safety, so she told her stepfather about the incidents"

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/racine-man-allegedly-stalks-girl/article_98e46fda-af3c-52e0-8a8f-8f0ad8eb8125.html


Look how smug this cockroach is.  Harassing girls.  Piece of shit.

"Man charged with setting dog loose on man in racially charged incident"

From The Journal Times.com:



RACINE — A Racine man pleaded not guilty Monday in court to a misdemeanor charge for allegedly setting his dog loose on a man last year and ordering the animal 'to get' the man, whom the accused described with a racial epithet.

"Gerald T. Johnson, 57, of the 1900 block of Blaine Avenue, is charged with disorderly conduct as a repeat offender in the May 9, 2015, incident.

"The targeted man told Racine police that he was walking in the 1900 block of Blaine Avenue that day when he heard a white man and woman loudly arguing at Johnson's house, according to Johnson's criminal complaint. As he continued walking, the man heard Johnson say 'get that (racial slur),' saw him unclasp his dog from its leash, and then saw the dog begin to give chase, the complaint states.

"The dog, described as a pit bull, chased the man to the 3300 block of 20th Street, where the pursued said he jumped onto a truck, the complaint states. The dog stayed there barking at the pursued man until Johnson called to it. The animal then moved to a yard, according to the complaint.

"The woman who had been taking part in the argument with Johnson, drove in a Jeep to pick up the dog and the pursued man reportedly said he told the woman 'you gotta control that dog.' The woman, whose name was not listed in the complaint, allegedly hurled racial slurs and threats at the man."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-charged-with-setting-dog-loose-on-man-in-racially/article_7f3e7d98-33ca-5e41-895b-6f4e83cb7984.html


Why no hate crime charges?

"America’s Deadliest Home Video, Shot In Racine, Re-Released"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Breaking · May 23, 2016 · No comments



"Before there was The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity, there was America’s Deadliest Home Video… well almost.

"But no really, it LIVES!

"America’s Deadliest Home Video was written and directed by Jack Perez, produced by Racine native Mick Wynhoff, and filmed in Racine 25 years ago. Initially released in 1993, the movie was just re-released by Camp Motion Pictures and that means the flick is now available on DVD to buy on Amazon or GeekyBrew.com.

"Starring Wynhoff, it also featured Danny Bonaduce just after he faced jail time for punching a transvestite in Phoenix Arizona."

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/americas-deadliest-home-video-shot-in-racine-re-released/


Danny Bonaduce and shot in Racine.  What more could you ask for?

"#MyDepressionLooksLike: Twitter Users Share Their Emotional Stories With Hashtag"

Getty Images - Depression is one of the most common forms of mental disorder, yet many people mask their symptoms or isolate themselves rather than confront their depression to seek treatment.

Open Blog - Monday


Which may also be the best Monday since last Monday.

"New and expanded medical definitions create more patients — and a lucrative market for drug firms"

From JSOnline:

"From binge-eating disorder to overactive bladder, new definitions or lowered thresholds mean millions more people — overnight — fit the criteria of having treatable disorders"



"Know someone who shouts and pounds on the steering wheel when cut off in traffic?

"They might be one of 16 million Americans said to suffer from 'intermittent explosive disorder.'

"Can you polish off a box of cookies while watching your favorite TV show?

"Could be a sign of 'binge-eating disorder,; said to afflict 7 million Americans.

"Another 14 million men are said to have clinically low testosterone, 9 million women are said to suffer from low sexual desire, and tens of millions more are said to have bladders that are too active or blood sugar that is a little too high. That blood sugar level used to be considered normal. Now it makes you a candidate for treatment with expensive medication.

"None of these conditions was considered part of mainstream medicine just 20 years ago. But thanks to new definitions or lowered thresholds, millions more people — overnight — fit the criteria of having treatable disorders.

"Many independent doctors and researchers are skeptical, saying the new conditions are the product of medical groups that get pharmaceutical industry funding, researchers looking to advance their careers and drug companies aiming to broaden the market for expensive new products.

"On top of that, the drugs sold to treat these newly defined — and not life-threatening — conditions often carry serious health risks, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MedPage Today investigation has found.

"An examination of eight common new conditions found the changes all went in the same direction — toward expanding the number of people who could be treated with expensive drugs."

Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/new-and-expanded-medical-definitions-create-more-patients--and-a-lucrative-market-for-drug-firms--379981751.html


"Intermittent explosive disorder: Mental condition or bad behavior?" That's me!