Saturday, January 11, 2014

"DETROIT - 'Tracing Skylines' - POOR BOYZ PRODUCTIONS"

Submitted by Richard Head:



The rap music in the first third of this video almost made me stop watching it. I'm glad I didn't.

"A civil society: Poet-professor to stress MLK’s message of civility at Olympia Brown on Jan. 19"

From The Journal Times.com:


13 hours ago  • 
"Fifty years after Martin Luther King Jr. made history with his 'I have a Dream' speech, some say the civil rights movement’s leader would be deeply disappointed in our society today.

"Poet, author and associate professor Quraysh Ali Lansana is one of those men.

“'I think he would be deeply disappointed in our lack of concern for others and frustrated with our political apathy and poverty of ideas and action,' said Lansana, who grew up as Ron Myles in Enid, Okla., and now teaches English and creative writing at Chicago State University.

"Lansana will be the guest speaker on Jan. 19 at both services hosted at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church. The services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 625 College Ave., Racine, and Lansana’s address is titled 'Lost in the Dream: In Search of Civility.'

"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 20.

"Lansana quotes King: 'Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.'

"He explains that 'where there is no civility, there is no exchange of ideas. We only have to revisit the recent shutdown of the U.S. government to understand this concept, and that occurred on a very large, very public scale. Imagine how often we struggle with the lack of civility in our daily lives, and the manner in which our communities would benefit if we made civility as important as breathing.'

"Last year, Aug. 28 marked the 50th anniversary of King’s march on Washington, where he delivered his history-making 'I Have a Dream' speech.

"And 50 years later, Lansana says men and women are becoming less civil now, although we are more publicly civil than during the civil rights era.

“'I feel that there was actually a greater effort to be sincerely politically correct 10 years ago than today,' he stated. 'The U.S. is more polarized, along race and class lines, now than a decade ago.'

"However, during the civil rights era, 'there were also significantly more people, of all ethnicities, engaged in public activism and political protest. Many young people today are apathetic and suffer from a narcissistic xenophobia that is debilitating to the point of being dangerous,' Lansana stated"

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/a-civil-society-poet-professor-to-stress-mlk-s-message/article_ad697610-7a21-11e3-b5e1-0019bb2963f4.html


"Lansana quotes King: 'Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.'"

"'Many young people today are apathetic and suffer from a narcissistic xenophobia that is debilitating to the point of being dangerous,' Lansana stated."

I very much like those two quotes.  Racine suffers terribly from "sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

Open Blog - Weekend


Relax and take it easy.

Friday, January 10, 2014

"Robbery and attempt 20 minutes apart"

From The Journal Times.com:

January 09, 2014 9:56 pm  • 

"RACINE — Masked, armed subjects robbed one liquor store and tried to rob another convenience store in a span of about 20 minutes Thursday evening.

"The first store hit was Belle City Food Mart and Laundromat, 522 16th St., where the robbers found that the doors had been locked by employees. The second store, successfully robbed, was Colonial Liquors at 2813 Taylor Ave.

"Both incidents occurred around 7:30 p.m. and no one was injured at either store, according to Sgt. Tim Koetting of the Racine Police Department, but it is unclear if the same persons were responsible.

"Belle City Food Mart and Laundromat was also robbed by two armed, masked men Nov. 26 and Dec. 29. After the November robbery, owner Mazen Musa said the store had only been robbed once before in 23 years.

"Employee Osama Abdelkhaleq was working in the store during the December robbery and believed that the two men who attempted to rob the store Thursday were the same ones who robbed it last time.

“'They came up in the exact same way,' he said, showing surveillance video of the two men attempting to enter the locked doors, one clearly holding a gun. 'Since the last one, though, we’ve started getting smart and locking the doors.'

"After the last robbery, employees began keeping doors locked and manually letting customers in and out, according to Abdelkhaleq.

"Although he admitted that the policy can be tedious as a fellow employee rushed between the customers at the cash register and customers at the door, he said the security is worth the inconvenience.

“'I think it’s a lot better than leaving it open and letting someone come in with a gun,' Abdelkhaleq said."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/robbery-and-attempt-minutes-apart/article_412ff288-79ab-11e3-a5a0-001a4bcf887a.html


I find it stunning and frightful that a business is reduced to locking and unlocking the door for customers in an attempt to prevent robbery.  What have we become? 

"RACINE RAIDERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOLDS ANNUAL ELECTIONS"


"Matt Nelson elected new president"

"January 10 (RACINE, WIS.) - The Racine Raiders board of directors held their annual election of officers for the non-profit, 501c(3) organization, on Wednesday night. Six positions were voted upon. The positions and elected officers are:
  • President – Matt Nelson
  • Vice President of Operations – Mike Tingwald
  • Vice President of Operations – Clyde Freehling
  • Secretary – Greg Fictum
  • Treasurer – Connie Jorgensen
  • General Manager – Bob Marcado
"Matt Nelson is a lifelong Racine resident, former business owner and former All-American tight end for the team. Nelson was the team’s offensive coordinator for the least National Championship in 2012.

“'I am honored to be chosen for this position with the organization,' Nelson said after the elections. 'We are reaping the rewards of what others before us have done and all of the hard work that this board, past presidents, and a plethora of volunteers have accomplished.'

"Nelson further commented on the goals of the organization.

“'Our goal is to remain the premiere semi-pro football organization in the United States. We have something extraordinary here and we want to keep improving,' said Nelson. 'The Raiders objectives are consistent – to give the great community of Racine a quality team they can be proud of, promote football through the many youth and high school programs throughout our community, and give college players an opportunity to continue to display their talents on the field.'

"Additionally, the Racine Raiders partner with the community by supporting and helping many other community organizations, hosting the All-County Football Banquet, and annually awarding four college-bound students with scholarships.

"As a non-profit organization, the Racine Raiders do not have a single owner, but are run by a board of directors, which currently consists of 14 members.


"The Racine Raiders, a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, begin their 62nd season of operations in 2014. The Raiders won their eighth national championship in 2012. For more information on the Racine Raiders and their mission to advance football in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit http://www.racineraiders.com."

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Glad that deep freeze is over with.... No more waiting 20 minutes for car to warm up! Anyways, your questions...

1) What paper and pencil games do you like to play?

2) What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

3) What keys on your keyboard do you not use?

4) What or when was the last picture of you was taken?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday


Oh my.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note
Lately, I've become accustomed to the way
The ground opens up and envelopes me
Each time I go out to walk the dog.
Or the broad edged silly music the wind
Makes when I run for a bus...

Things have come to that.

And now, each night I count the stars.
And each night I get the same number.
And when they will not come to be counted,
I count the holes they leave.

Nobody sings anymore.

R.I.P. Amiri Baraka

A Cold Weather Survival Tip from North Dakota

 I got this from a friend in North Dakota. This does work!

A Little Poem, so true it hurts!

Submitted by legal stranger:


Another year has passed 
And we're all a little older. 
Last summer felt hotter 
And winter seems much colder. 

There was a time not long ago 
When life was quite a blast. 
Now I fully understand 
About 'Living in the Past' 

We used to go to weddings, 
Football games and lunches.. 
Now we go to funeral homes 
And after-funeral brunches. 

We used to have hangovers, 
From parties that were gay. 
Now we suffer body aches 
And while the night away. 

We used to go out dining, 
And couldn't get our fill. 
Now we ask for doggie bags, 
Come home and take a pill. 

We used to often travel 
To places near and far. 
Now we get sore asses 
From riding in the car. 

We used to go to nightclubs 
And drink a little booze. 
Now we stay home at night 
And watch the evening news. 

That, my friend is how life is, 
And now my tale is told. 
So, enjoy each day and live it up... 
Before you're too damned old! 

Happy New Year!

Open Blog - Thursday


Have a good day.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

"Operation American Spring: General & Colonel Call For a Massive March on Washington"

Submitted by legal stranger:


"Today started like any other day for me: take the 'terrorist princess' outside, get a cup of coffee, and sit down to peruse the news while checking email. After seeing a news post about the Obama administration using two executive orders that will determine who in this country will or will not be allowed to purchase guns, I became infuriated and decided to turn to my email. Yesterday, I had received a tag about an interesting event scheduled for May 16, 2014; however, I had a hard time trying to fathom it so I began my research. Little did I know that this event is now spreading like wildfire – being talked about all over less known alternative media sites and some social network sites.

"It is known as 'Operation American Spring.' Released on December 20, 2013, at Patriots of America, this movement is being covered on the Daily Paul, the Conservative Monster, American Prepper Nation, American Liberty Riders, the Nutrifarm and the Birther Report to name a few. Here is the concept to 'Operation American Spring' being put forth by Harry Riley:

"Phase 1 – Field millions, as many as ten million, patriots who will assemble in a non-violent, physically unarmed (Spiritually/Constitutionally armed), display of unswerving loyalty to the US Constitution and against the incumbent government leadership, in Washington, D.C., with the mission to bring down the existing leadership. Go full-bore, no looking back, steadfast in the mission.

"Phase 2 – One million or more of the assembled 10 million must be prepared to stay in D.C. as long as it takes to see Obama, Biden, Reid, McConnell, Boehner, Pelosi, and Attorney General Holder removed from office. The senior republican in the US House of Representatives will become Speaker of the House and the US House of Representatives will elect a temporary President and Vice President of the United States. The U.S. Senate will take action to elect a new majority and minority leader.
 

"As required, the U.S. Congress will execute appropriate legislation to convene new elections or U.S. States will appoint replacements for positions vacated consistent with established constitutional requirements.

"Phase 3 – Those with the principles of a West, Cruz, Dr. Ben Carson, Lee, DeMint, Paul, Gov Walker, Sessions, Gowdy, Jordan, Issa, will comprise a tribunal and assume positions of authority to convene investigations, recommend appropriate charges against politicians and government employees to the new U.S. Attorney General appointed by the new President.

"*All actions in Phase 2 & 3 will be consistent with the U.S. Constitution.

"May 16, 2014 is the date that the event is set to begin with the date of completion to be determined."

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my frozen giblets!  How are you?  How did you survive the deep freeze?  It’s still early winter, so we could be in for much more.  Oh my.  “They” say we’ll be into the upper 30’s by this weekend.  A heat wave.  Winter hardens you.  I think I could sleep outside in the 30’s now.

Oh, the weeping and gnashing of teeth over our Green Bay Packer’s playoff loss last Sunday!  The lamentations may go on for weeks.  The grieving process takes time.  Our once vivacious Packers are now emasculated.  Woe is us.  We must mourn our loss.  Oh gloom, oh gloom!

Señor Zanza and I took down our Christmas decorations.  That is, I took down the interior ones, while Señor Zanza fell off the roof and dragged down 90% of the outdoor decorations with him.  He’s sore, but OK.  Despite Junior’s offer to “blast down” the remaining 10% of decorations, they can stay up (or fall off) till next year.

Now begins the stretch of year that I dislike the most: January and February.  December can be very difficult, too, as we well know this year, but the holidays can compensate for that.  The next two months are bleak and cold.  Even though I’ve already seen the decorations up in stores, Valentine’s Day doesn’t cut it when it comes to subzero temperatures and major snowstorms.  Keep Valentine’s Day and give me heat!

“They” are blaming a “polar vortex” for our frigid weather.  I have no idea what that means, but it sounds impressive.  If there's anything we can do to “unpolarize” the vortex, or whatever has to be done, would someone please do it?  Something’s out of whack.  We get an ice age while Australia burns.  Or we get a mild winter while other countries are buried in ice and snow.  “They” are “experts,” so use your expertise to help us, please.

Finally, my dears, here’s a winter driving quiz to improve your skills:


I don’t drive my car in the winter.  I command it.

Thank you for reading my blog today.  I love having visitors.  I love having friends.  You and yours are always welcome here.  You are a delight.

Should you drive or stay home?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Stay warm, stay safe, stay beautiful, my dear friends.  This is the most challenging time of year.  Follow safety guidelines.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Watch out for the other guy.  Iatromisia!

Open Blog - Wednesday


I'm pretty sure it'll be cool.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Useless Information


 
Did You Know:
 
A glass of booze and a cigarette always in Dean Martin's hand was actually his trade mark.
 
The "booze" that he drank on stage during his performances was really apple juice.
 
He was known to be a fairly responsible drinker in real life!

The Reason Why We Are Having Nasty Weather


 
I have been informed today why we are having this nasty cold weather and it may/will be around for a while.
 
The person who informed me studies stars, planet alignment, moons and all that other stuff.
 
I was told (oh boy) currently, Venus is spinning backwards.  When this happens we get bad weather and it will continue until it reverses itself again.
 
AND, this person strongly believes this…!!!!!

 

"Richie Parker: Drive -- SC Featured"



You can do anything if you apply yourself completely.

I guess I'll stop complaining about my life for awhile.

Open Blog - Tuesday


Hale-bopp will be our guide.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Give'em to Bubba...

CNN) — The Idaho man who slapped a crying 19-month-old boy on a Delta flight in February was sentenced Monday to eight months in prison, the man’s lawyer said.

Joe Rickey Hundley pleaded guilty to assault in federal court in October. Hundley’s attorney, Marcia Shein, said Hundley will report to a yet-to-be determined prison but didn’t say what the date would be. She said she respects the judge’s ruling but called the sentence “disproportionate” to the crime and added that it was two months longer than what prosecutors had recommended.

In February, Hundley was seated next to Jessica Bennett and her 19-month-old son in row 28 when Delta flight 721 from Minneapolis, Minnestoa, began its descent into Atlanta . When the baby began to cry, Hundley allegedly told Bennett to “shut that (N-word) baby up,” according to an FBI affidavit.
“(He) then turned around and slapped (the child) in the face with an open hand, which caused (him) to scream even louder,” the affidavit continued. The boy suffered a scratch below his right eye.

Shein said in a February statement that her client was in distress and grieving during the flight after learning the day before that his son was in a coma, after overdosing on insulin.

Hundley was headed to Atlanta to decide whether or not to take his son — who died the day after the flight — off life support.

Shein said Hundley “had paid a terrible price for his hurtful words but asks only that people understand that he was not doing well that night and spoke hurtful words he would have not otherwise have said.”

http://fox6now.com/2014/01/06/idaho-man-who-slapped-baby-on-delta-flight-is-sentenced-monday/

A Wisconsin Poem

Submitted by legal stranger:

Closed up

Updated

Unified to close Tuesday
RACINE - Racine Unified will close school Tuesday, the district announced. 
After-school activities will also be canceled. The administrative services office will be open.


Racine Unified School District Closed Monday

UPDATE FOR MAINE

Just got off the phone with a friend who lives in Greenwood, ME

She said that since early this morning the snow has been nearly waist high and is still falling. The temperature is 32 below zero and the north wind is increasing to near gale force. Wind chill is -59. Her husband has done nothing but look through the kitchen window and just stares.

She says that if it gets much worse,  she may have to let him in

Local Loyalty - Dover Flag and Map

Happy New Year!
This week, I happily feature Dover Flag and Map
323 Main St, Racine
Check them out!

They have been in business for 25 years. 
The map selection they have is quite extensive, as well as their flags. 
I got hooked on the decorating ideas. My basement's theme is thanks to this store! My sister and I stopped in a few years back and I saw a wall sign I just had to have, and that set the tone for all else. 
If you've ever stopped in, you know they always have at least one cat roaming around. They are always fosters from Hope Safehouse. They have been able to help place into good homes, many cats over the years. What a neat outreach and way to make a difference. 
The store is run by two sisters, JoAnne and Jeanne, 
who are very helpful and welcoming. 
They can make custom flags for businesses, boats, special occasions, anything. They do that right in-house. 
The 3 things Joanne used to describe her store, 
Good for browsing,
Great for travel, 
and Great for decorating. 
The last one I know very well!!
Stop in, and enjoy browsing!!

"Free access to Monday, Tuesday e-editions"

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE - Due to the extreme cold and windy conditions Monday and Tuesday, delivery delays of The Journal Times are expected.

"Free access to the e-edition for those newspapers is available at http://jo-ee.journaltimes.com/eedition."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/free-access-to-monday-tuesday-e-editions/article_e0156f3a-765f-11e3-8cd0-0019bb2963f4.html


I feel sorry for anyone who has to work outdoors in this weather.

Open Blog - Monday


Be very careful out there.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sugjestions of things to carry in your car in the winter


1 or 2 heavy Blankets          Small shovel
Flashlight                               Hand warmers:
Matches:                               
Bottle of water and a few protein, snack bars.
Syphon Pump:
Flares / Light sticks:              Whistle:
Spare Phone Charger:         A first aid kit
Extra winter clothes              Jumper cables
A bag of sand                        ice scraper
Flashlights                             A small tool kit
 
 

One Advantage to the Extreme Cold Weather



I can think of one advantage to the extreme cold weather; that is, you can get a nice cold drink of water right out of your kitchen faucet.