Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
"Subject: 1423 State St ( Former Cruise Inn)"
From Racine Communicator:
I remember reading about Becker going to the Cruise Inn regularly and threatening the owner with non-renewal of his license. The city wanted the property badly because this was when they thought KRM was going to save our butts by stopping at the old station.
Subject: 1423 State St ( Former
Cruise Inn)
"The City is making 2 lots out of the former Cruise Inn. Which one of Dickert's buddys is going to get the Bar, Fully stocked I might add."
Subject:
"The City is making 2 lots out of the former Cruise Inn. Which one of Dickert's buddys is going to get the Bar, Fully stocked I might add."
Subject:
"(Direct Referral) Review of a Certified Survey Map for
1423 State Street.
"Assistant Director Sadowski presented the request
for the certified survey map, indicating that this request was previously in
front of the Plan Commission as part of a vacation of an alley for the State Street Train
Station/Transit Center. An overview of the proposal was provided, including the general
location, proposed boundaries, surrounding land uses, and the three parcels
involved in the creation of the two-parcel certified survey map.
"Lot one of the proposal will encompass a building,
formerly the Cruise Inn; and lot two takes into account the west platform area of
the railroad station. There is also a cross-access easement proposed to provide access to
parking. There are several small discrepancies that need to be addressed and
will be prior to recording.
"A motion was made by Commissioner Sutton Ekes,
seconded by Alderman Wiser, to recommend approval of the certified
survey map for 1423 State Street, subject to Staff conditions. The motion PASSED by a
Voice Vote."
Useless Information

Did you Know:
Working as a copywriter for Esquire, he left in January 1952 after being denied a $5 raise. In 1953, he mortgaged his furniture, generating a bank loan of $600, and raised $8,000 from 45 investors, including $1,000 from his mother.
Hugh Marston Hefner is an American magazine publisher, as well as the founder and chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
"N.S.A. Gathers Data on Social Connections of U.S. Citizens"
From The New York Times:
By JAMES RISEN and LAURA POITRAS - Published: September 28, 2013
"WASHINGTON — Since 2010, the National Security Agency has been exploiting its huge collections of data to create sophisticated graphs of some Americans’ social connections that can identify their associates, their locations at certain times, their traveling companions and other personal information, according to newly disclosed documents and interviews with officials.
"The spy agency began allowing the analysis of phone call and e-mail logs in November 2010 to examine Americans’ networks of associations for foreign intelligence purposes after N.S.A. officials lifted restrictions on the practice, according to documents provided by Edward J. Snowden, the former N.S.A. contractor."
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/us/nsa-examines-social-networks-of-us-citizens.html?pagewanted=all
We can trust them, right? They're a security agency. They must be good guys.
By JAMES RISEN and LAURA POITRAS - Published: September 28, 2013

"The spy agency began allowing the analysis of phone call and e-mail logs in November 2010 to examine Americans’ networks of associations for foreign intelligence purposes after N.S.A. officials lifted restrictions on the practice, according to documents provided by Edward J. Snowden, the former N.S.A. contractor."
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/us/nsa-examines-social-networks-of-us-citizens.html?pagewanted=all
We can trust them, right? They're a security agency. They must be good guys.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Why Wasn't I Informed Of This?
I didn't know that this film existed until today. OMG. I gotta see it.
When Television Shows End
I just posted this on facebook and it started a lively discussion so I thought I would share it here.
__________________
__________________
When is the last time the finale of a television series
generated as much buzz as Breaking Bad? The biggest ones I can remember are
M*A*S*H, Cheers and Seinfeld. I guess Friends is close to making that list.
Newhart had one of the great finales of all time, but I don't remember a lot of
hype beforehand, just afterward when the brilliant ending was revealed. I a
probably missing some shows that were popular and had big finales that I just
didn't watch. Other big ones I am missing?
__________________
So far some of the other suggestions have been The Sopranos, Star Trek: The Next Generation and ER. Someone suggested the Wonder Years, but I don't remember much hype at the time (it was obviously a show that meant a lot to her at the time). ER and The Sopranos are two of those shows that I never got watched but would qualify as big finales. Lost also fits that category.
So, what big finales do you remember...did they live up to the hype?
"'We Are Brothers' By Baddy Paris and Rufus Starlight. A Best Man Song."
Published on Sep 23, 2013
"At his wedding we pleaded for our
brother not to leave us, in the only way we knew how to say it; through
the the medium of 80s music and video. We thought we'd done ok, but he
left us anyway. "Robin & Helen: we wish you many many years of love and happiness! Xxxxxx
"Do not forget. You are our brother!
"Our heartfelt thanks to everyone on the team who sweated blood to make this work, Hal, Elisabeth, Djaave K and Zoe and especially Ferris & Gavin; without their genius Baddy wouldn't look half as cool.
"If you want to indulge in, or just spread the love..."
www.rufusstarlight.com
contact: info@rufusstarlight.com
Follow us: @rufusstarlight, www.facebook.com/rufusstarlight
Lyrics and more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxpLiQgdTI0
What a great tribute. What a great song. What a great video.
"Will Racine’s Bond Rating Be Downgraded Again?"
From Racine Exposed:
The 2012 Audited Financial Report for the City of Racine is out. It's too depressing to quote. You can check out the story here: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/will-racines-bond-rating-be-downgraded-again-2/
I'm going to eat some chocolate.
The 2012 Audited Financial Report for the City of Racine is out. It's too depressing to quote. You can check out the story here: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/will-racines-bond-rating-be-downgraded-again-2/
I'm going to eat some chocolate.
"BREAKING NEWS: RACINE- Project New Life Community Development to file a complaint with the Wisconsin Attorney Generals Office and the U.S. Department of Justice against the City of Racine’s Department of City Development."
From Racine Community Media:
"Project New Life will file a complaint alleging the Department of City Development has exhibited official misconduct , public integrity and violated civil rights, Department of City Development manages grant resources throughout the City of Racine. A class-action lawsuit is also being considered as an option to eliminate the on-going disparity and poor administration by the Department of City Development in grant resource opportunities between majority and minority owned agencies.
"A news conference to announce the filing of the complaint is scheduled for next month and will be provided to all media outlets shortly."
Readmore: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/62421561943/breaking-news-racine-project-new-life-community
Party on, lying John!
"Project New Life will file a complaint alleging the Department of City Development has exhibited official misconduct , public integrity and violated civil rights, Department of City Development manages grant resources throughout the City of Racine. A class-action lawsuit is also being considered as an option to eliminate the on-going disparity and poor administration by the Department of City Development in grant resource opportunities between majority and minority owned agencies.
"Included
in the complaint is the unreasonable, biased and targeted effort of the
Racine Department of City Development to 'Blacklist' certain agencies
receiving funding to re-direct City funding to non-minority
agencies. This process of collusion ultimately eliminates these
agencies for consideration of future funding opportunities and creates a
disparity in the funding market. Inequalities in grant management and
scrutiny of agencies compared with non-minority agencies is also a
factor that is part of the complaint to be investigated.
"Project New
Life’s request to the Department of City Development for a qualified
low-income veteran to occupy the property located at 1017 Marquette
Street on a lease-purchase agreement was rejected by the Department of
City Development. There is no substantiated or material grounds for the
rejection of this proposed plan that would have allowed the property to
be occupied by a qualified, low-income potential homebuyer while
providing them the best opportunity to secure a loan for purchase in the
primary lending market.
"A news conference to announce the filing of the complaint is scheduled for next month and will be provided to all media outlets shortly."
Readmore: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/62421561943/breaking-news-racine-project-new-life-community
Party on, lying John!
Four for Fridays
Hello everyone! Another week filled with overtime.... Legs and arms are tired. The days are starting to blur.... Today's Friday, right? I hope so. Anyways more questions for you.
1) What room in your home you are the most often in?
2) What internet icon/logo you are the most familiar with?
3) What do you think is the most difficult sport?
4) What event do you think signifies (or you identify with) the '70's?
Enjoy your weekend!
1) What room in your home you are the most often in?
2) What internet icon/logo you are the most familiar with?
3) What do you think is the most difficult sport?
4) What event do you think signifies (or you identify with) the '70's?
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Help! I've fallen and I don't want to get up.
One of the nurses asked me who I talk to about my
problems. I said, nobody. She indicated that’s not healthy. What I was experiencing, in a small way, is
the same concern that medical people expressed for my mother living alone after
she broke her hip. Of course, I was
there for mom, three times a day (meals) and I did whatever needed doing.
I felt insecure, almost threatened, by the staff’s concern for
my living arrangements. I realize that
this will only get worse as I age. If I
live long enough, the concern will be warranted by my deteriorating
condition. A nursing home or rehab
hospital would be the next step.
I really enjoy living alone.
Really really. After I sobered up
and got a place of my own, I realized that I had never lived alone prior to
that. It felt good. Still does.
I can’t stand the thought of being placed somewhere to be taken care of. If I am, I want the option to take a cyanide
pill when it gets too bleak.
Unfortunately, my plan to live fast and die young
failed. Now it’s live slow and die old. Given my past and my medical history, however, I don’t
expect to live to a ripe old age. Alkies
don’t get away with anything. It all
catches up to us eventually. My
independence is important to me. If I
have to give that up at some point in order to survive, I’d rather be dead.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
"How The 1% Twerk"
Jerking your butt to classical music puts class in your ass.
"So if the vote was actually 8-6 for a 'NO' vote, why are we voting again?"
From Racine Community Media:
"Why was voting on the sale of the Indian Burial Mounds to the Maresh-Meredith Family such a big confusion, and why was voting done more than once? Why all of the confusion and problems? They just can’t seem to get the desired result. Judge for yourself and decide if something seems a bit out of order here. The vote was actually 8-6 AGAINST the sale of the indian burial ground!! But had to be changed to allow the Mayor to cast his deciding vote. (PART 5)"
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/62226015828/why-was-voting-on-the-sale-of-the-indian-burial
RacineUncovered has also linked to this story: http://racineuncovered.org/2013/09/racine-community-media-following-the-sale-of-the-indian-burial-mounds/
Also see: Racine Exposed's take on this: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/point-of-order-mayor-dickert/
Also see Racine in Ruins' take on this: http://racineinruins.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/boycott-maresh-meredith-acklam-funeral-home-editorial/
Also see Mayor John Duckert's take on this: http://mayorjohndickert.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/mayor-dickert-rides-again/
Racine Community Media has been covering the sordid affair of Dickert's dealings with the Racine Cemetery Commission and the Meredith family. As the above video illustrates, lying John is bold as brass. He doesn't care about the rules at all anymore and he doesn't care who knows it. He didn't like the vote, so he just changed it to make it a tie, enabling him to vote the tie-breaker. As I understand it, minutes from that Common Council meeting have been "revised." Welcome to George Orwell's warning come true.
"Why was voting on the sale of the Indian Burial Mounds to the Maresh-Meredith Family such a big confusion, and why was voting done more than once? Why all of the confusion and problems? They just can’t seem to get the desired result. Judge for yourself and decide if something seems a bit out of order here. The vote was actually 8-6 AGAINST the sale of the indian burial ground!! But had to be changed to allow the Mayor to cast his deciding vote. (PART 5)"
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/62226015828/why-was-voting-on-the-sale-of-the-indian-burial
RacineUncovered has also linked to this story: http://racineuncovered.org/2013/09/racine-community-media-following-the-sale-of-the-indian-burial-mounds/
Also see: Racine Exposed's take on this: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/point-of-order-mayor-dickert/
Also see Racine in Ruins' take on this: http://racineinruins.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/boycott-maresh-meredith-acklam-funeral-home-editorial/
Also see Mayor John Duckert's take on this: http://mayorjohndickert.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/mayor-dickert-rides-again/
Racine Community Media has been covering the sordid affair of Dickert's dealings with the Racine Cemetery Commission and the Meredith family. As the above video illustrates, lying John is bold as brass. He doesn't care about the rules at all anymore and he doesn't care who knows it. He didn't like the vote, so he just changed it to make it a tie, enabling him to vote the tie-breaker. As I understand it, minutes from that Common Council meeting have been "revised." Welcome to George Orwell's warning come true.
Labels:
censorship,
Commentary,
Common Council,
corruption,
Local News,
lying John,
Mayor John Dickert,
politics,
Racine,
Racine Community Media,
Racine Exposed,
Racine in Ruins,
Racine Uncovered,
video
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, my fellow Racinians and expatriates! How are you?
Fall is definitely in the air.
Some trees and shrubs are already turning colors. The nights are cool and the days
shorten. Some of nature’s displays can
be extraordinarily beautiful. Still, it means
winter is coming with the dreaded s-word.
Oh my. Don’t go there. Not until we have to.
Anguish and rending of garments took place all over Wisconsin
last Sunday following the loss of our illustrious Green Bay Packers to the
Cincinnati Bengals. Woe and despair
tortured the land. How could this be,
especially with the world’s best paid quarterback on the team? Injuries have ravaged the Packers. It makes me sad. This is a bye week for Green
Bay. Their next
opponents are the Detroit Lions on October 6.
I hope that our warriors can rest and heal up during the off time. Take care of yourselves, oh mighty Pack!
I received an email from the wonderful and witty Mr.
SER. He wrote:
Dear Madame,
With all the terrible flooding
going on in the United States is there any way you can do some kind of hoochy
coochy thing and direct all the flooding waters into Lake Michigan thus saving
the loss of life and millions and millions of dollars damage, and help fill the
lake back up?
Oh, Mr. SER, that’s a brilliant idea. The problem, of course, is Mother
Nature. Whenever I venture onto her
turf, the psychotic crack whore (oh my) goes ballistic. If I tried to reroute the water, she’d have a
fit. I think the best policy with her is
to stay away.
I do various types of “hoochy coochy things,” but that’s
usually for Señor Zanza’s private enjoyment.
Oh dear, I’m blushing.
Thank you one and all for stopping by to peruse my scribbling. It’s a joy to see you. When I write my blogs, I think of each one of
you.
Hoochy coochy how-to: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
Enjoy the days to come.
We should have some time before the s-word arrives. It’s still September (and all the Halloween
decorations are up in the stores). Watch
out for school buses and children. I
love you all. Lucriferous!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
"George Orwell - A Final Warning"
Uploaded on Jun 3, 2011
"From the 2003 Television docudrama: George Orwell - A Life in Pictures."
That's a bit of a downer. I don't know if there are enough people of character to prevent future disaster. And if there are, are they willing?
Mercury and Spica
I went for a tougher shot tonight: Mercury and Spica. These two objects had a fairly close encounter tonight. The first problem is that they were both very close to the horizon. The second problem is that I went to photograph sunset and forgot to take my binoculars making them very hard to find. I never did find them naked eye.
But right before Spica was about to disappear behind the mountain, I got them! Mercury is the brighter one on top and Spica is the dimmer one below and slightly to the left of Mercury (click to view the larger version of the pic if needed)
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Andromeda Galaxy
I know there are lots of great astrophotographers out there with large telescopes in their own observatories and fancy dedicated astro-oriented CCD cameras. At this point in my life, I don't have the funds to have a setup like that or the time to dedicate to that type of astrophotography.
However, I do have some equipment and I like seeing how far I can push it. Tonight I went for the Andromeda Galaxy. The equipment included a Canon 60D, I used the EF-S 55-250mm zoom lens, a wireless intervalometer, and an iOptron SkyTracker. It was a little tough to find the galaxy at first when I was shooting at 250mm so I backed off to 55mm to get a wider field of view. The wider field of view made it much easier to get my first pic.
I think with practice I can do better, but I am generally pleased with the first attempts at capturing the Andromeda Galaxy. Even if you have relatively modest equipment, it's worth going out and seeing what you can capture.
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Useless Information
Did you Know:
Reginald
Kenneth Dwight is an English singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional
actor.
In his
five-decade career he has sold more than 250 million albums, making him one of
the best-selling music artists in the world.
Most of you
know him as Sir Elton Hercules John
The Grandkids Are Growing!
I know this is a couple of weeks late. I was just trying to figure out how to write this and my younger daughter is going to Gateway College and working. So I have been busy picking her up from work.
Two weeks ago Drew and I took a trip up north for our granddaughters second birthday. I talked Drew into taking that Friday off of work so we could get an early start on the road. We stayed by Drew's parents house for the weekend it was great to see them and spend time with them. Also we made a stop on the way to do some birding, I am sure that is not a surprise with us. We also made another stop on the way up there that would be by my son's house to drop off a couple salads I made for the party. Our grandson was taking his nap but our granddaughter was sitting on the steps outside eating her lunch. It was funny because she tapped my pocket that had my wallet in it and asked me what is this. So I took it out and showed her and she knew how to open it up and she seen my money and said me. So the nice grandma I am I gave her a dollar and then she told me daddy.
We did make one more stop that was by my mom at her house. I just can't believe with what Drew and I did to help them that they do not have everything out of there still. The ceiling is falling more and the window is about to bust out of the wall. To top that off my sister stays there with her cat. I just hope with all that installation still coming down that her cat does not get sick from that.
We did make it to Drew's parents house finally and I was just so happy to get out of the car. It was a very long day on the road in the car. But I can tell you one thing it is all worth it to see both families that we miss. We had dinner with his parents and we just talked all night.
When I got Saturday morning Drew was gone but the car was there. He went out early in the morning birding down the road. I was joking around with his mom and dad saying if he gets lost in the woods that was fine because I had the debit card and my car keys. He could find his own way home. The sad thing is Drew knows I would never leave him behind.
The party was at 1pm. and we left early to see if my son needed any help with anything also I had to stop at the store for a couple of things that they needed for the party. When we got to the park were the party was at our granddaughter was wearing a princess skirt she looked so cute. Here is a picture of her when we seen her.
The theme of the party was Minnie Mouse so that meant everything was pink, black and white. She was playing little miss shy with us when she seen us. Grandpa was having fun taking pictures and looking for different birds at the park.
Then our grandson seen us and wanted out of his highchair to come and play with us. So I went and took him by us at the table and mom brought his toys for him to play with. But I think grandpa was having more fun with the toys. Then come to find out a little while later our grandson is walking holding onto his dads hand and I am talking about only holding one hand. Here is a picture of him walking.
He is getting so big and a very happy little boy. He wanted to go walking when he came back by us so I took him walking and he went straight for the swings. I put him in the swing and he just loved it then when I went to take him out he started to cry until I put him down to walk back. We just enjoyed ourselves at the party.
Then Sunday on our way home we stopped in Appleton to see my older daughter. She could not make it to the party because she had to work. It was great to see her because it is hard to see her when we go up there because of the hours that she works. We spent about two hours talking to her and just getting caught up.
Then when we finally made it home I could not believe it my daughter had the whole house cleaned and we were so happy. My younger daughter could not go up north because she had to work. We really enjoyed our weekend with the family. We are going to be going back up north next month for our grandsons first birthday.
Two weeks ago Drew and I took a trip up north for our granddaughters second birthday. I talked Drew into taking that Friday off of work so we could get an early start on the road. We stayed by Drew's parents house for the weekend it was great to see them and spend time with them. Also we made a stop on the way to do some birding, I am sure that is not a surprise with us. We also made another stop on the way up there that would be by my son's house to drop off a couple salads I made for the party. Our grandson was taking his nap but our granddaughter was sitting on the steps outside eating her lunch. It was funny because she tapped my pocket that had my wallet in it and asked me what is this. So I took it out and showed her and she knew how to open it up and she seen my money and said me. So the nice grandma I am I gave her a dollar and then she told me daddy.
We did make one more stop that was by my mom at her house. I just can't believe with what Drew and I did to help them that they do not have everything out of there still. The ceiling is falling more and the window is about to bust out of the wall. To top that off my sister stays there with her cat. I just hope with all that installation still coming down that her cat does not get sick from that.
We did make it to Drew's parents house finally and I was just so happy to get out of the car. It was a very long day on the road in the car. But I can tell you one thing it is all worth it to see both families that we miss. We had dinner with his parents and we just talked all night.
When I got Saturday morning Drew was gone but the car was there. He went out early in the morning birding down the road. I was joking around with his mom and dad saying if he gets lost in the woods that was fine because I had the debit card and my car keys. He could find his own way home. The sad thing is Drew knows I would never leave him behind.
The party was at 1pm. and we left early to see if my son needed any help with anything also I had to stop at the store for a couple of things that they needed for the party. When we got to the park were the party was at our granddaughter was wearing a princess skirt she looked so cute. Here is a picture of her when we seen her.
The theme of the party was Minnie Mouse so that meant everything was pink, black and white. She was playing little miss shy with us when she seen us. Grandpa was having fun taking pictures and looking for different birds at the park.
Then our grandson seen us and wanted out of his highchair to come and play with us. So I went and took him by us at the table and mom brought his toys for him to play with. But I think grandpa was having more fun with the toys. Then come to find out a little while later our grandson is walking holding onto his dads hand and I am talking about only holding one hand. Here is a picture of him walking.
He is getting so big and a very happy little boy. He wanted to go walking when he came back by us so I took him walking and he went straight for the swings. I put him in the swing and he just loved it then when I went to take him out he started to cry until I put him down to walk back. We just enjoyed ourselves at the party.
Then Sunday on our way home we stopped in Appleton to see my older daughter. She could not make it to the party because she had to work. It was great to see her because it is hard to see her when we go up there because of the hours that she works. We spent about two hours talking to her and just getting caught up.
Then when we finally made it home I could not believe it my daughter had the whole house cleaned and we were so happy. My younger daughter could not go up north because she had to work. We really enjoyed our weekend with the family. We are going to be going back up north next month for our grandsons first birthday.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
"Police: Man Devours Fish Dish, Ditches Bill"
From Mount Pleasant Patch:
Posted by
Heather Asiyanbi
(Editor) ,
"Mount Pleasant police say a man with a history of eat-and-run at local restaurants was at it again at Wells Brothers Pizza.
"Terrance Kitt, 33, of Mount Pleasant, was charged Friday in Racine County Circuit Court with one misdemeanor count of theft. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
"According to the criminal complaint, Mount Pleasant police were called Thursday to Wells Brothers Pizza, 2148 Mead Street, for a report of theft involving a diner who said he didn't have any money to pay his bill. When officers arrived, they asked the defendant why he ordered food when he didn't have any money to pay for it.
"'I don't know, to get out of the house,' he answered, the complaint reads.
"Waitstaff told officers that Kitt ordered a $2 root beer and a $9.95 fried pollock meal. When he was done eating, he asked to use the Wells Brothers phone and went into the bathroom. Police say after he emerged from the restroom, Kitt exited the restaurant.
"Witnesses stopped him and reminded Kitt that he didn't pay so he told them he had friends coming to help him out. A few minutes later, Kitt admitted he didn't have friends coming with money and that waitstaff should "call someone to give him a ticket," the complaint reads.
"Police say Kitt has a slew of municipal citations for ditching his bill after ordering and eating a meal at local restaurants. When one of the restaurant owners arrived, they told officers that Kitt has pulled this before, but was allowed to owe Wells Brothers on occasion. Kitt was told he was no longer welcome at the restaurant and owners told police they wanted to press charges.
"Kitt remains in the Racine County Jail as of Friday night on a signature bond of $250. He has a pre-trial conference on Oct. 17."
Read more: http://mountpleasant.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-man-devours-fish-dish-ditches-bill
If he stays in jail, he can eat for "free." Unfortunately, no Wells Brothers food in the big house.
"Mount Pleasant police say a man with a history of eat-and-run at local restaurants was at it again at Wells Brothers Pizza.
"Terrance Kitt, 33, of Mount Pleasant, was charged Friday in Racine County Circuit Court with one misdemeanor count of theft. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
"According to the criminal complaint, Mount Pleasant police were called Thursday to Wells Brothers Pizza, 2148 Mead Street, for a report of theft involving a diner who said he didn't have any money to pay his bill. When officers arrived, they asked the defendant why he ordered food when he didn't have any money to pay for it.
"'I don't know, to get out of the house,' he answered, the complaint reads.
"Waitstaff told officers that Kitt ordered a $2 root beer and a $9.95 fried pollock meal. When he was done eating, he asked to use the Wells Brothers phone and went into the bathroom. Police say after he emerged from the restroom, Kitt exited the restaurant.
"Witnesses stopped him and reminded Kitt that he didn't pay so he told them he had friends coming to help him out. A few minutes later, Kitt admitted he didn't have friends coming with money and that waitstaff should "call someone to give him a ticket," the complaint reads.
"Police say Kitt has a slew of municipal citations for ditching his bill after ordering and eating a meal at local restaurants. When one of the restaurant owners arrived, they told officers that Kitt has pulled this before, but was allowed to owe Wells Brothers on occasion. Kitt was told he was no longer welcome at the restaurant and owners told police they wanted to press charges.
"Kitt remains in the Racine County Jail as of Friday night on a signature bond of $250. He has a pre-trial conference on Oct. 17."
Read more: http://mountpleasant.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-man-devours-fish-dish-ditches-bill
If he stays in jail, he can eat for "free." Unfortunately, no Wells Brothers food in the big house.
"How US bomber nearly nuked North Carolina in 1961"
Some things you might be better off not knowing. They say you don't want to see how sausage or legislation is made. You don't want to see the kitchen of your favorite restaurant. And I could have lived quite well without the knowledge of the thousands of near misses with nukes. If one goes off and I'm in range, I'll never know.
"Bras in Space: The Incredible True Story Behind Upcoming Film Spacesuit"
"When we think of the Apollo 11 moon landing, what do we think of? President Kennedy’s bold vision. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s heroism (unfortunately we rarely think about Command Module Pilot Michael Collins). Perhaps we even think of the incredible engineers, rocket scientists, astrophysicists and all the other geniuses at NASA who made it possible. Now we want you to think about your grandma’s bra.
"Why? Because without the technology behind that brassiere (or girdle), the moon landing would have been impossible. It turns out that the 21-layers of gossamer-thin fabric in the Apollo spacesuits that kept Armstrong and Aldrin from 'the lethal desolation of a lunar vacuum,' as Nicholas de Monchaux puts it in his remarkable book 'Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo,' was created by the same people who made your grandma’s bra. Playtex. And now, Warner Bros. has hired Richard Cordiner to adapt De Monchaux’s book, which is a story so good you almost believe it was scripted by a Hollywood scribe, not part of historical fact."
Read more: http://www.thecredits.org/2013/09/bras-in-space-the-incredible-true-story-behind-upcoming-film-spacesuit/
Thanks to Timt for submitting this story.
I thought Playtex was only good for cross-your-heart bras. Do the astronauts wear special space underwear under the spacesuits?
Friday, September 20, 2013
"Journal Broadcast, Time Warner finally reach agreement; Channel 4 moves to Channel 2"
From JSOnline:
By Duane Dudek of the Journal Sentinel
"The good news is that the blackout of WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) on Time
Warner Cable was resolved Friday afternoon. The dispute lasted one day
shy of two full months.
"'All I can say at the end of the day is that we’re being fairly compensated for our programming, which is what we asked for all along,' said Steve Wexler, executive vice president of radio and TV for Journal Broadcast Group.
"'We asked for fair market value, which is what we ended up getting.' The blackout was 'unfortunate and avoidable, but I’m glad we can put it behind us.'
"The bad news is that, on Time Warner, the station lost the Channel 4 dial location it has held since 1953.
"On the cable service, WTMJ is now seen on Channel 2 in standard definition but retains its Channel 1004 dial location in high definition. In Racine, Kenosha and Plymouth, 'they couldn’t put us on Channel 2' so the station will be on Channel 83 'until they free up a more favorable position in those communities,' Wexler said.
"Time Warner sold the standard-definition Channel 4 dial location to the Game Show Network during negotiations.
"'We could have kept debating and arguing about this, but we accommodated that request so we could expedite the agreement,' Wexler said. 'Channel 1004 is where the viewing is.'
"WTMJ remains at Channel 4 on the dial over the air and on DirectTV, DISH and AT&T U-verse."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/224578771.html
Let there be festivity and celebration throughout the land! The blackout has ended. Channel 4 is now Channel 2 or 83 or 1004, maybe.
"'All I can say at the end of the day is that we’re being fairly compensated for our programming, which is what we asked for all along,' said Steve Wexler, executive vice president of radio and TV for Journal Broadcast Group.
"'We asked for fair market value, which is what we ended up getting.' The blackout was 'unfortunate and avoidable, but I’m glad we can put it behind us.'
"The bad news is that, on Time Warner, the station lost the Channel 4 dial location it has held since 1953.
"On the cable service, WTMJ is now seen on Channel 2 in standard definition but retains its Channel 1004 dial location in high definition. In Racine, Kenosha and Plymouth, 'they couldn’t put us on Channel 2' so the station will be on Channel 83 'until they free up a more favorable position in those communities,' Wexler said.
"Time Warner sold the standard-definition Channel 4 dial location to the Game Show Network during negotiations.
"'We could have kept debating and arguing about this, but we accommodated that request so we could expedite the agreement,' Wexler said. 'Channel 1004 is where the viewing is.'
"WTMJ remains at Channel 4 on the dial over the air and on DirectTV, DISH and AT&T U-verse."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/224578771.html
Let there be festivity and celebration throughout the land! The blackout has ended. Channel 4 is now Channel 2 or 83 or 1004, maybe.
Insuring Victory
The JT Irregulars Fantasy Football season is underway and we are all scrambling to find the best players and put the strongest teams we can out there each week. But what happens if that star player goes down with a season ending injury?
Good news! You can buy insurance for that! Fantasy Sports Insurance has been covering your top players since 2008 making sure you don't lose out on that big payoff at the end of the season. Last year they claim to have paid out over $15,000 due to injuries of star players.
Insuring fantasies...I can only imagine where this is going!
Good news! You can buy insurance for that! Fantasy Sports Insurance has been covering your top players since 2008 making sure you don't lose out on that big payoff at the end of the season. Last year they claim to have paid out over $15,000 due to injuries of star players.
Insuring fantasies...I can only imagine where this is going!
Four for Fridays
Hello everyone and welcome back! Work, work, work is all I did during the week. I've been pulling some serious overtime and still have more to go... Anyways, some questions from my tired bones.
1) What was your first paying job?
2) What was the first thing you learned how to cook?
3) What do you do for exercise?
4) I'm starting a series here... What event do you think signifies (or you identify with) the '60's?
Enjoy your weekend?
1) What was your first paying job?
2) What was the first thing you learned how to cook?
3) What do you do for exercise?
4) I'm starting a series here... What event do you think signifies (or you identify with) the '60's?
Enjoy your weekend?
Thursday, September 19, 2013
"Millennials: We Suck and We're Sorry"
It's about time that they apologized for the mess that they're leaving themselves.
"Wealth Inequality in America"
"Published on Nov 20, 2012
Infographics on the distribution of wealth in America, highlighting both the inequality and the difference between our perception of inequality and the actual numbers. The reality is often not what we think it is.
"References:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2...
http://danariely.com/2010/09/30/wealt...
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011...
http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/19/news/..."
Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKKQnijnsM
Is there any way to allow free enterprise without almost all of the wealth and power ending up concentrated amongst a few? Is that an inevitable result of the system, or have some conspired to make the rich richer and the poor poorer?
Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closes to the vernal equinox. Depending on how you count for you time zones, its either the 18th or the 19th. In my time zone, the time of the full Moon is slightly closer to the evening of the 18th so I am counting tonight. With that, here are a few pics of the Harvest Moon rising in Tucson.
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
International Talk Like A Pirate Day
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html
Ahoy, landlubbers, today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Speak like a buccaneer or I'll keelhaul ye!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Poll: "Milwaukee Public Schools makes shift away from letter grades for K-8"
From JSOnline:
By Coral Garnick and Erin Richards of the Journal Sentinel
I agree with the Kenosha parent who said administrators want to blur the lines between passing and failing, but I know little to nothing about education today. In "the good old days," kids who received an F worked harder and/or were tutored. If they really couldn't hack it, they were held back a grade. It just seems odd to me that people who were raised in that system can't figure out how to educate children today.
By Coral Garnick and Erin Richards of the Journal Sentinel
"MPS joins growing number of districts emphasizing performance"
"The dreaded F.
"Most parents are alarmed by that letter on a child's report card. But they won't see it this year in Milwaukee's K-8 and elementary schools, as the district does away with traditional letter grades in favor of a new scoring system that separates academic progress from social skills.
"In doing so, Milwaukee Public Schools joins a growing number of districts that are eliminating traditional letter grades or untethering student behaviors from academic marks.
"The changes — which can include no longer docking points from
academic grades for late assignments and offering students multiple
chances to submit their work — are a big shift for some teachers, and a
head-scratcher for many parents.
"'I think (district administrators) want letter grades to go away because they want to blur the line of failing students,' said Sara Andrea-Neill, a parent in the Kenosha Unified School District.
"Administrators say the changes capture a more nuanced picture of a student's academic progress. They also align with the push schools are making to implement the Common Core, a set of nationwide academic standards voluntarily adopted by most states that raise the bar on what students should know and be able to do in core academic subjects.
"According to MPS, the updated report card identifies the skills students need to master in each grade level, and replaces overall letter grades with an AD for advanced, PR for proficient, BA for basic and MI for minimal. Proficient is the level expected for a student's grade level.
"The report card offers separate feedback about a student's work habits, behavior and effort — such as following rules or arriving to class prepared — on a scale of 1 to 4.
"Known as 'standards-based' grading, the new system has been implemented more widely in recent years, and is reaching more MPS K-8 and elementary schools this year.
"'Students are still graded; it's just not a traditional letter grade,' said Tony Tagliavia, MPS spokesman. 'This is a better way to assess how well students are learning, so they stay on track to be successful in college and careers.'
"It's harder for high schools to abolish the traditional A-F system because those grades are commonly tied to grade-point averages necessary for many college applications. The letter grades students earn in elementary and middle school do not factor into the cumulative GPA students build in high school."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/news/grades-b9996297z1-223933981.html#
"Most parents are alarmed by that letter on a child's report card. But they won't see it this year in Milwaukee's K-8 and elementary schools, as the district does away with traditional letter grades in favor of a new scoring system that separates academic progress from social skills.
"In doing so, Milwaukee Public Schools joins a growing number of districts that are eliminating traditional letter grades or untethering student behaviors from academic marks.
"'I think (district administrators) want letter grades to go away because they want to blur the line of failing students,' said Sara Andrea-Neill, a parent in the Kenosha Unified School District.
"Administrators say the changes capture a more nuanced picture of a student's academic progress. They also align with the push schools are making to implement the Common Core, a set of nationwide academic standards voluntarily adopted by most states that raise the bar on what students should know and be able to do in core academic subjects.
"According to MPS, the updated report card identifies the skills students need to master in each grade level, and replaces overall letter grades with an AD for advanced, PR for proficient, BA for basic and MI for minimal. Proficient is the level expected for a student's grade level.
"The report card offers separate feedback about a student's work habits, behavior and effort — such as following rules or arriving to class prepared — on a scale of 1 to 4.
"Known as 'standards-based' grading, the new system has been implemented more widely in recent years, and is reaching more MPS K-8 and elementary schools this year.
"'Students are still graded; it's just not a traditional letter grade,' said Tony Tagliavia, MPS spokesman. 'This is a better way to assess how well students are learning, so they stay on track to be successful in college and careers.'
"It's harder for high schools to abolish the traditional A-F system because those grades are commonly tied to grade-point averages necessary for many college applications. The letter grades students earn in elementary and middle school do not factor into the cumulative GPA students build in high school."
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/news/grades-b9996297z1-223933981.html#
I agree with the Kenosha parent who said administrators want to blur the lines between passing and failing, but I know little to nothing about education today. In "the good old days," kids who received an F worked harder and/or were tutored. If they really couldn't hack it, they were held back a grade. It just seems odd to me that people who were raised in that system can't figure out how to educate children today.
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