Saturday, August 10, 2013

"Perseid meteor shower to light up night sky this weekend"

"Put out the lawn chair, set the alarm and maybe bring something to wet your whistle while you gaze into the nighttime sky — the year's best shooting star show has started.

"August's annual Perseids meteor shower peaks Sunday and Monday, promising perhaps 70 meteors an hour those evenings.

"'The Perseids are the good ones,' says meteorite expert Bill Cooke of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

     .     .     .     .     .

"You will have to stay up late to see the Perseids at their peak; the best viewing comes from midnight to dawn, particularly after the half-full moon sets at 1 a.m. on Monday, says Astronomy magazine's Michael Bakich. But they should appear at night during the week before and after the peak as well.

"'Get out of the city and the lights to give yourself a chance to see them,' Bakich says. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to see all the stars of the Big Dipper — seven stars if you are counting — to give yourself enough darkness to catch the shooting stars. And give your eyes an hour to adjust."

Read more:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2013/08/08/perseids-2013-meteor/2628521/


hale-bopp must be asleep at the wheel.  We may have some difficulty seeing the Perrseids because of cloud cover: http://www.jsonline.com/business/clouds-may-not-cooperate-with-meteor-shower-b9973006z1-219124021.html

Peep Show! The Plovers

It has been awhile since I've done a wildlife blog....

Now is the time of year that many shorebirds or "peeps" (as us birders call them) make their migration southward. Wisconsin is the host to seven species of plovers, two species of stilts, 33 species of sandpipers as well as seven species of rails, eleven species of herons and egrets, plus ibis and cranes that line our shores. That is a lot to reel in.... Remember many of them either migratory (just passing through) or accidental (lost). We'll start with the plovers.

Below is a picture (taken at Bong SRA in Kenosha Co 5/24/2013) of one of Wisconsin's most common birds, a Killdeer. No they don't kill any deer. Their name comes from the obnoxious calls they make. It does get rather annoying after awhile. (ask Tender Heart) They can be found in just about any open field (usually nearby a pond), mudflats, sod farms and marshy areas across the state.


Similar to the Killdeer, is the Semipalmated Plover. What's different is instead of the two ring bands the Killdeer has, the Semi Plover has one. Take notice of the beak as well. While the Killdeer has a long black beak, the Semi Plover has a pushed in yellow one. Not quite as common as their cousin, the Semipalmated Plovers are more confined to mudflats, sod farms and shore lines during migratory season. The picture below of this cutie was taken at Myers Park in Racine 0n 5/23/2013.


Even more of a unique find than a Semipalmated Plover is a Black Bellied Plover. Wisconsin is just a mere stopover this long distance migrant. It breeds in the tundras of Canada and winters far south as Argentina. That is a lot of miles on the wings! If you noticed, the picture taken below (on 10/28/2012 by the lighthouse in Racine) the Black Bellied Plover does.not have a black belly. That is because it is in its winter plumage. When they make their back, they'll be showing off their distinctive breeding plumage.(I've yet to see one in this plumage)


One of my most amazing finds for this year is the rare and elusive Piping Plover. Just how rare they are? Well, they are listed as a federally endangered species with a Great Lakes population of about 32 breeding pairs. (There are more in the plains states and the Atlantic Coast). Yeah...whoa! Just how did I come across this rare sighting? It was a bit of a surprise actually! I was birding at Myers Park, searching for an accidental Northern Mockingbird when I ran into another birder there, taking pictures of a small flock of Willet (another good find). He told me of three Piping Plovers present at North Beach. Now, I was facing a dilemma. Keep searching for the mockingbird or find the Piping Plover? Well, mockingbirds are common in the southern states while the Piping Plovers are endangered. No brainer! Off I went to North Beach! There they were! Three CUTE little sparrow sized peeps scurrying around by the yacht club. AWESOME! This picture blow was taken at North Beach on 4/29/2013.


Apparently, these Piping Plovers were just passing through towards their breeding grounds in the Apostle Islands. They stayed on the North Beach, making their way towards English Street, for about a week. What surprised me the most was the lack of leg bands on this particular bird.

Coming soon... Sandpipers, stilts and other shorebirds. Happy birding!

Open Blog - Weekend


And if you can't stay out of trouble, try to stay out of jail.

Friday, August 9, 2013

"HouseWorks" by Steve Batie

"HouseWorks" is one of my favorite columns.  Its author, Steve Batie, is one of my favorite columnists.  Ostensibly a home and garden maintenance and repair column,  "HouseWorks" often contains Steve Batie's musings on a wide variety of subjects.  There still are the how-to questions from readers, and step-by-step instructions for projects.  Steve Batie's style makes them all seem pertinent to me, even though I don't own a home or garden.  I've followed the column for a long time.  It's always a nice way to end the work week.  

"HouseWorks" appears in both the online and print versions of the Journal Times.  In the print edition, it appears in the Friday Food section.  Online, it's available here: http://journaltimes.com/homes/

Steve Batie works for the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper out of Lincoln, Nebraska.   You can read his latest column here: http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/houseworks-get-em-while-they-re-young/article_a1143da0-ad9f-5386-9e5d-87c0abe9eb3f.html

Why Is My Ex Consorting With A Wanted Man?


Oh my.  I've been reading about the missing California teen whose mother and brother were apparently killed by her kidnapper.  Imagine my surprise when I read this story, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/friend-kidnapping-suspect-crush-missing-teen-article-1.1421224, and came across this photo:

 

That is the suspected kidnapper-murderer with you-know-who.  I knew my ex was rotten to the core, but I didn't expect this.  If he gave a reading or any advice to the fugitive, he may be guilty of accessory to murder.  I hate to say this, but, "Good."  If he's put in a prison cell, I won't shed a tear.  Prison is the only thing you can do with his kind.  It's a shame that Junior has to see this. 

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It has been a roller coaster of a week. Some days were better than others. Glad that the weekend has finally arrived. Sleep. Anyways, some questions for you....

1) Have you ever tried archery?

2) Can you solve sudoku puzzles?

3) How many remotes do you have in your home?

4) Do you know any magic tricks?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


Let's monkey around.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

"Chocolate may help keep brain healthy, sharp in old age, study says"



"Older chocoholics may have a new excuse to indulge their cravings: The dark stuff not only soothes the soul, but might also sharpen the mind. 

"In a study published Wednesday in the journal Neurology, researchers reported that chocolate may help improve brain health and thinking skills in the elderly. The Boston-based team found that older people who initially performed poorly on a memory and reasoning test and also had reduced blood flow to their brains showed improvement after drinking two cups of cocoa every day for a month."

Read more:  http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-hot-chocolate-healthy-brain-old-age-dementia-20130807,0,4561091.story


Great, even more reasons to eat chocolate.

"Why I changed my mind on weed"



By Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent

"Watch Dr. Sanjay Gupta's groundbreaking documentary 'WEED' at 8 p.m. ET August 11 on CNN."

"(CNN) -- Over the last year, I have been working on a new documentary called 'Weed' The title 'Weed' may sound cavalier, but the content is not.

"I traveled around the world to interview medical leaders, experts, growers and patients. I spoke candidly to them, asking tough questions. What I found was stunning.

"Long before I began this project, I had steadily reviewed the scientific literature on medical marijuana from the United States and thought it was fairly unimpressive. Reading these papers five years ago, it was hard to make a case for medicinal marijuana. I even wrote about this in a TIME magazine article, back in 2009, titled 'Why I would Vote No on Pot.'

"Well, I am here to apologize.

"I apologize because I didn't look hard enough, until now. I didn't look far enough. I didn't review papers from smaller labs in other countries doing some remarkable research, and I was too dismissive of the loud chorus of legitimate patients whose symptoms improved on cannabis.

"Instead, I lumped them with the high-visibility malingerers, just looking to get high. I mistakenly believed the Drug Enforcement Agency listed marijuana as a schedule 1 substance because of sound scientific proof. Surely, they must have quality reasoning as to why marijuana is in the category of the most dangerous drugs that have 'no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.'"



Another person gets hip to government lies. 

Woman Sues Hospital for Husband's Lack of Sex

A recent article in the Kentucky Post reported that a woman, Anne Maynard, has sued St Luke’s Hospital, saying that after her husband was treated there recently, he had lost all interest in sex.

A hospital spokesman replied, Mr. Maynard was actually admitted in Ophthalmology - "All we did was to correct his eyesight

Open Blog - Thursday


One more day till Friday.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Fawns From Hell Descend Upon Wisconsin

From Caledonia Patch:

"Man Injured After Fawn Crashes Into His Motorcycle "

http://caledonia.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/man-injured-after-fawn-crashes-into-his-motorcycle


Thank God that the DNR is hunting down and exterminating these dangerous creatures.

"Shark Week. #SharkCat cleaning Kitchen!"



I consider this hilarious, but I'm mentally ill.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my precious ducks! How are you?  We’re still lingering in cool summer mode.  Maybe that’s it.  Maybe it’s as warm as it’s going to get this summer.  I can live with this.  I hope that the lower temperatures are not indicative of a colder winter.  Arctic blasts can be deadly.  A nice, “normal” climate is all that I ask for.  Is that so difficult?  Apparently, yes.

I never made it to the County Fair and I doubt that I’ll make it to the State Fair.  (Is that still going on?)  It seems like each day fills with tasks that I can’t complete.   I am behind before I even begin.  It can be discouraging.

I read in the Journal Times that the petitions for the recall of Mr. Alderman Kaplan were short by four signatures.  Was there ever any doubt?  You don’t have to be a fortune teller to know which way the wind blows in Racine.  Now, Mr. Alderman will consider those who signed the petitions to be his enemies.  More division, more strife, more adversarial politics.  That’s been the hallmark of the Becker-Dickert years.

I also read in the paper that Dino’s Restaurant may rise again.  That would be nice.  I’ve put my blessing on Dino’s.  Let’s hope that does the trick.  Dino’s has hosted numerous fundraisers for various causes.  It’s time that someone helps them out.

Have you purchased your Powerball ticket yet?  I don’t play, of course, because of my psychic powers.  It wouldn’t be right to use my gifts for monetary gain.  Good luck to all you players.  May the money be with you.

Junior has a solution for our low lake levels.  He says to take all of our water hoses and connect them down to the lake.  Then everybody turns on their water and fills the lake back up.  Thank you, dear, for your contribution.  Please stay in school and study real hard.  Maybe you can be an alderman someday.

Finally, my friends, on a very serious note, I must ask, “How are people supposed to see the Packer preseason game this Friday?”  Two monstrous corporations dicker over peanuts, so the faithful fans are deprived of a Packer game.  Greed kills.

Thank you, everyone, for stopping by to log my blog.  I enjoy visits and love visitors.  I appreciate your time and input.  Please come again.

Special hats for the downtown clique?  madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Please continue to enjoy the days and nights.  Have fun.  Keep your eyes open for kids or bicyclists that dart out in front of you.  Keep your heart open for love.   Panjandrum!  

Open Blog - Wednesday


I thought I was the only one who did that.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Wacoal® Mood Boost-up Bra



Imagine how disappointed I was by this boob video.

"Angel Investor Could Give Dino's Its Wings"

From Mount Pleasant Patch:

"Dave Ferderer, grandson of founder Dino Dominici, told Patch Monday that an old friend of Dino's is willing to step forward to help keep the doors of the iconic restaurant open.

"'Dino has helped a number of people through the years immigrate from Italy and set up their own businesses,' he said. 'One of those individuals is potentially willing to step forward to make a deal with the bank to keep the restaurant open.'

"Ferderer said a meeting this morning laid the groundwork for how a deal might be reached, effectively postponing the auction Tuesday of the restaurant's equipment. Only the items with the Dino's name and/or logo on it would stay with the family.

"'We sat down this morning to hammer out the details,' he stated.

"Patch has left a message with a representative from Tri City National Bank, and we will update this story when we hear from them."


Read more: http://mountpleasant.patch.com/groups/racine/p/angel-investor-could-give-dinos-its-wings


Previous blog: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2013/07/dinos-closing-after-60-years-in-racine.html

Open Blog - Tuesday


Enjoy your day.

Monday, August 5, 2013

From HELLth to Health

HELLth to HEALth
(copyrighted)

by Barbamedic


Did you ever contemplate the importance of how better nutrition can affect your mood in positive ways?

It is not always about what you put in your mouth.

It is more about what you do not put in your mouth for the purpose of nourishment.
I would speculate that most individuals do not give too much thought on the fact that some items added to your diet may brighten your outlook in many surprising ways.

As we age, anxiety, depression, gloom, brain fog, sadness, and many other mood disorders can be both directly and indirectly related to what is missing nutritionally.
I have a few suggestions to send you along the way to feeling better through nutrition.


1.)   FISH OIL 
       These are the Omega 3 fatty acids,  eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and      
       docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  This is my personal favorite supplement.
       I believe, through much research, that fish oil is the most popular supplement
       that is now out there. It is highly recommended by medical personnel in many
       disciplines of medicine, including many branches of clinical practice
       as well as holistic health and alternative medicine. The many benefits of fish oil is
       widely documented for mood disorders, memory disorders,  bipolar disorder,
       manic depression,  major depressive disorders, dysthymia, ADD,and ADHD.
       The Omega 3 fatty acids are now recommended for children.          

       This is, indeed, a wonder drug, as it also promotes weight loss, muscle tone,
       joint health. It also has cardiovascular benefits that are many fold. It lessens
       the severity of many symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial and    
       vascular diseases, and cognitive decline. There are so many benefits to these
       Omega 3 fatty acids that have been researched and proven . The list goes on
        and on!  It is strongly  advised to add this to your daily routine.


2.)   MULTIVITAMIN
       Take one with medical clearance, as many vitamins do have  
       contraindications for many conditions. Check with your primary physician.
       In other words, any significant medical conditions can be complicated by use of
       certain vitamins. As for mood, vitamins contained in the groups of B Complex,
       C, D, and E are recommended.  High quality, good, nutritional foods are the first
       choice, while vitamins are meant to fill in gaps of undernourishment in areas
       where your body is lacking specific nutrients.


3.)   HERBAL TEA
There are a number of teas that help with anxiety. They rehydrate the body as well as relax and calm nerves.  They contain theanine, an amino acid, that is proven by scientists to relax the brain. They used EEG studies to prove this, as showing the brain waves become less sharp. Theanine counteracts the effects of stress hormones, such as cortisol  and others. These hormones are activated by stress and cause biochemical imbalances in the chemicals of the brain.

The ones that are most  recommended are Chamomile,  Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort, Green Tea,  and Valerian Root. Teas contain  vitamins and flavonoids, which aid in the support of physiological processes related to detoxification and restoration of metal balance and focus.


4.)   SUPER FOODS
 As defined by the Oxford Dictionary:
a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well being."  I am including some examples that are specifically related to anxiety,depression and mental focus.  These types of foods are a great way to move you toward a healthy state of mind and body, thus  moving you away from the hot coals of HELLth.

Tryptophan rich foods  Tryptophan is an amino acid (building blocks of protein) that converts to niacin in the liver while other tryptophan raises serotonin levels in the brain. This is a reason why you get sleepy after that big turkey dinner. Tryptophan is found in many types of cheese, chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, soybeans and soy products, tuna, and shellfish.


Whole Grain Foods   These are the complex carbohydrates which increase serotonin in the brain. These are rich in the  B and E family of vitamins in which work to calm nerves. Minerals are also found in these grains, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium . They also influence the production of serotonin and have a calming effect. The minerals and trace elements found in these are necessary to well being.

Fruits , Vegetables   Many of these food types have "phytonutrients" that
aid  in combating anxiety. Phytonutrients are responsible for the flavor, scent, and color of  these botanical foods.  Consuming these in the full spectrum of pigments and hues would be the most powerful action toward better health. Besides being powerful anti-oxidants, they provide protection for many ailments, including aging, anxiety, and depression. The benefits are bountiful.

Oranges, blueberries. acai berries, asparagus, bell peppers, squash, carrots, pomegranate,  are only a few of the many examples of foods that contribute to calming anxiety. There are such  a great variety out there to choose from. The more bright and colorful these are, the more phytonutrients that are contained within. Try to include the skins of these fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Remember not to over cook. Research suggests to mildly cook or steam so the outer skins can be more easily digested.

Legumes, Nuts
Legumes include peas, lentils and beans. Many legumes are considered some of the most nutritious foods that you can eat because they are great sources of folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, and fiber.

Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts are considered the best for helping combat
anxiety. Many contain Omega 3 fatty acids and selenium.

Water
Water......Water, cool, clear,  water......water .......
Water is of paramount  importance, without proper hydration, all other efforts are fruitless.
Drink plenty of water, and when exercising,  a dose of Gatorade or similar drink will help keep the electrolytes in balance. Also, water will circulate the vitamins and minerals to where they are supposed to go.
Dehydration, in itself, causes many ill effects.

Chocolate  
Last, but not least, Chocolate. The darker the better. It is known to release serotonin into the bloodstream and also relaxes blood vessels.  There is an ingredient in dark chocolate.... feed this to men!  It is called
phenylethylamine (PEA). The brain creates this when you are falling in love. Now that would really relieve
anxiety. Those are really great feelings that do not happen very often. In fact I eat too much chocolate.
Maybe I'd better stop! I do not want to be swept off my feet EVER.

In conclusion, we all must take steps at minimal to make small improvements in diet.
A healthy and properly nourished body feels better. It is a good start to a journey of HEALth.  The proper diet, good living practices, faith, and positive mental attitude all will aid in the battle against anxiety and depression.

Best wishes in your journey!



"Radio Flyer Car Original Story By Mike Nederbrock for KTUU-TV"



I didn't have a wagon as a child. I was deprived. Now, I'm just depraved.

A cute limerick I wrote

 photo image_zps3efa7456.jpg

Open Blog - Monday


It may be one day, but sometimes it feels like more.