Open Blog - Friday

Sounds about right.

"Yup."

 From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

 http://knuckledraggin.com/2015/07/yup-7/

"Depression And Mental Illness Behind Rising Number Of Teen Suicides"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Community, Schools · July 30, 2015 

Credit Racine County Eye

"With more youth dying from suicide in some southeastern Wisconsin Counties, some are calling out this public health crisis as the numbers have increased, according to a story by Fox 6.

"From 2009 through 2014, 71 children have committed suicide in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Waukesha counties. Some of those kids were as young as 11 years-old. A dozen of those youth were from Racine County. This year, seven southeastern Wisconsin youth have already killed themselves and among them is Cameron Langrell, a Caledonia teen who killed himself this year.

"Of those who died, many had been sexually assaulted, had problems with their boyfriend or girlfriend, had trouble at school or struggled with their sexuality. According to the story, for every one person that is successful in committing suicide, there are 11 people who have attempted.

"Read more on Fox 6.

"Looking for mental health resources, check out the Racine County Human Services Department mental health page."

http://racinecountyeye.com/depression-and-mental-illness-behind-rising-number-of-teen-suicides/

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

Glad to see that you're wearing your helmets.

"City, Bars, and Barber Shops To Hand Out Free Condoms"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Business, Government · July 28, 2015

"In an effort to reduce the number of people who get sexually transmitted diseases, the Racine Health Department is kicking off an awareness campaign called 'Take Control: Your Body, Your Health,' which includes handing out free condoms in bars and barber shops.

"Racine County ranks fifth in the state for the number of people that have chlamydia, and it ranks fourth highest in the state for gonorrhea.  In the city, one out of 100 residents contracted an STD in 2014. Young adults ages 21 to 29 years-old consistently ranked high in having STDs.

“'Stopping the spread of STDs is our number one priority,' said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, public health administrator for the City of Racine Health Department. 'Getting people tested and treated before passing a disease on to a partner is a proven approach to reducing the burden of STDs and keeping our community healthy.'

"The goal of the campaign is to increase the use of the Racine Health Department STD clinic by 10 percent, and to prevent and stop the spread of STDs, according to a press release by the Racine Health Department."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/city-bars-and-barber-shops-to-hand-out-free-condoms/


I don't go to bars or barbershops.  Where's my free condoms?

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my butterflies!  How are you?  Keeping cool? I was talking with a friend the other day and we both agreed that this has, so far, been a normal summer for us.  We do need rain, but we’re not at drought levels, yet.   It’s been pretty hot a few times, but nothing abnormal.  Let’s hope that next winter is the same.  Cold, but not arctic cold.  Of course, ever since Mother Nature went insane, nothing is for sure.  She’s off her meds and on the prowl.  I also think that she likes to make meteorologists look bad by not following their predictions.  She’s such a screwball.

And speaking of screwballs, what a bunch are running this country?  Too bad that we can’t just hit a reset or reboot button to start all over. When did American politicians go bad?  I’ve lived a few decades, and I don’t remember it like this.  Why does a difference of opinion now lead to hate?  Maybe it’s time to add some tranquilizers to the water.  And lace the booze with truth serum.  Heck, I do that for breakfast.

My hero, Señor Zanza, may have saved a life the other day.  We went to Wal-Mart.  (I know, but the prices are so low.)  In the parking lot, Señor Zanza spotted a young child in a locked car parked in the sun.  Windows rolled up.  He immediately got the store to announce the type of vehicle and where it was parked.  A sheepish-looking woman finally showed up.  He gave her a tongue-lashing.  He told her we were moments from calling the police and throwing a brick through the car glass to let in air.  She agreed it was the wrong thing to do, but she was “just going to run in and quickly get a few things.”  Huh!  There’s no such word as “quickly” in Walmart.

Now, Señor Baby Saver acts a little snooty.  There’s talk of giving him some sort of civic award.  That scares the poopy out of the little snooty.  “He doesn’t want to appear on TV or video of any kind.  He refuses to allow his face and/or portrait photographs of any kind to be shown.  He is adamant!  And probably guilty of 40 major crimes,” said the TV producer.

“Do you have any proof of that?” I asked the producer.

He said, “This is TV.  You don’t need proof on TV.”

I can’t think of Señor Zanza, my partner for years, guilty of any crime, I think.  Yes, no, I don’t know.

You know, a scandal about him might easily spill over into my business.  “Don’t worry,”

the Señor says.  “Everything will be alright.”

And speaking of things spilling over, I have a client to attend to later today, so I won’t be able to make it to the get-together. I apologize.  My client ha$ i$$ue$ he need$ to re$olve.  I still love you all, every last one.

Here’s a heartwarming story for us dog-lovers:

Aww, good dog.  I tried practicing what Mr. OrbsCorbs said about rubbing noses with online pets.  I didn’t get bit or anything, but now my screen is greasy.

I hope that you enjoyed my blog this week.  You know I love the company.  You’re my pals!

Who’s snooty and who’s poopy? Ask: MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Thanks again for stopping by.  Get out and have some summer fun, but don’t get hurt.  (“Yes, mother.”)  Whatever else you do, don’t forget the sunscreen.  Mr. Sun has caused a lot of Big C in baby boomers.  I told you Mother Nature is insane.  I love you all.

Open Blog - Wednesday

So which letter is the hump?  E?

Wildflowers Pt 3!

I am sorry I have not posted anymore wildflowers. I have been busy with having the grandkids here for a week and doctor appointments also I went to a concert with my two older kids that was my Mother's Day present from my kids. This has been one crazy summer for me this year. I hope everyone is enjoying there summer and not going out when it is to hot outside.

The good thing is Drew and I have been able to get out and get some pictures to share with everyone and we have also gotten pictures of some new flowers for us. I am going to post some of the new ones this time. Here are the pictures-

      This is a picture of a Tiger Lily this picture was taken at Navarino Wildlife Refuge in Navarino Wi.

This is a picture of a Blue Vervain this picture was taken at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Lomira Wi.

This is a picture of a Compass Flower this picture was taken at Navarino Wildlife Refuge in Navarino Wi.

This is a picture of Orange Milkweed this picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

     This is a picture of a Yellow Water Lily just starting to bloom this picture was taken in Pickeral Wi.

                 This is a picture of Canada Thistle this picture was taken at Pritcher Park in Racine Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures as much as I enjoy going out and taking the pictures to she with all of you. I hope you have a great day.

Weekday Funny

Open Blog - Tuesday

Right?

A True Rube Goldberg

I needed a food dehydrator so I invented one.

List of equipment use...

1 - panel fan used for cooling electrical panel in machinery
2 - bamboo skewers
1 - 1 gallon ice cream pail
1 - thingie you use to put hot pans on
     so not to burn your counter top

Cut a hole in the bottom of the pail for the fan
Poke 4 holes for the skewers to support the thingie
Cut some holes in the top lid of the pail for vents

"Bonfire Fail"

You'd think they'd run out of idiots. Btw, gasoline is VERY EXPLOSIVE, ESPECIALLY THE FUMES! I think because people pump their own gas now, they think it's no big deal.

Open Blog - Monday

Do we get our money back if we can't stand the show?

I meant to post this a couple of days ago . . .

But my memory is a sieve.

Check out: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2015/07/looking-for-place-for-your-loved-one.html

Then, from The Journal Times.com: Strempler: Oak Ridge Care Center, a wonderful place for loved ones

Finally, from The Journal Times.com Mailbag: "Schaefer & Phelps: Another kudos for Oak Ridge Care Center" - http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/mailbag/schaefer-phelps-another-kudos-for-oak-ridge-care-center/article_438bdf55-8df2-53f8-aee7-46bc1d05dda5.html

Thank you, Carol Lynn.

"BBQ outlaws"

Imagine being told that you can grill outside, but the smoke mustn't pass your property lines.

"Duet for Saw and Coyotes"

A Modest Proposal

All candidates for office in the U.S. must take an IQ test.  If they're below 100 (average), they can't run.

"Dachshunds compete in Scooter's Annual Wiener Dog Race; proceeds go to animal-rescue groups"

From The Journal Times.com:

KRISTEN ZAMBO kristen.zambo@journaltimes.com

"CALEDONIA — A real wiener won the race.

"But to race organizers, the actual winners are two animal rescue groups who will receive the proceeds from Scooter’s Annual Wiener Dog Race on Saturday.

"Marsha Connet, events coordinator for Katie’s Canine Klubhouse, said the race began as a way to bring attention to rescue organizations, then turned into a fundraiser. Now, 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to HOPE Safehouse and Tailwaggers 911."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/dachshunds-compete-in-scooter-s-annual-wiener-dog-race-proceeds/article_4c650b2e-47d0-5fcd-bb4c-28c5b3e9443e.html


Beejay, is Sable a racing dog or is she above that?

Please Bookmark and Read "Racine Community Media"

In my opmiom, Racine Community Media has been an asset to the community from the start. It's a great source website for local news.

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/124976379043/racine-city-officials-fail-to-elect-2nd-district

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/124891557173/racine-now-ranked-top-ten-worst-cities-to-live

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/124815265778/racine-mayor-john-dickert-votes-no-to-jobs-and 

Thank you, Racine Community Media, for reporting the lies and uncovering the truths.

"Every dog has a little derp in him"

From The Lonely Libertarian :

http://hopelesslysane.blogspot.com/2015/07/every-dog-has-little-derp-in-him.html

Brian May

Hale-bopp, know any good guitar riffs?

"Frazz" by Jef Mallett

Click comic to embiggen.

http://www.gocomics.com/frazz

Open Blog - Weekend

Zzzzzzzzz...

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Despite some complications, it has been a pretty good week. Just need a little optimism. Anyways, your questions....

1) How many TV shows do you record in a week?

2) Have you ever babysat a neighbor's pet?

3) Do prefer to drink from a bottle or from a can?

4) Do you prefer coffee or tea?

Enjoy your weekend!

"DoYou Know How To Kiss A Girl?"

I had no idea where this was going until the end.  Today, no one would take the time to read all that stuff (says the guy who takes the time to read all that stuff).   

Open Blog - Friday

You heard him.

The Metamorphosis

"One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections. The bedding was hardly able to cover it and seemed ready to slide off any moment. His many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, waved about helplessly as he looked."

--Franz Kafka

"The Metamorphosis (German: Die Verwandlung, also sometimes translated as The Transformation) is novella, by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It has been cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is studied in colleges and universities across the Western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed (metamorphosed) into a large, monstrous insect-like creature. The cause of Gregor's transformation is never revealed, and Kafka himself never gave an explanation. The rest of Kafka's novella deals with Gregor's attempts to adjust to his new condition as he deals with being burdensome to his parents and sister, who are repulsed by the horrible, verminous creature Gregor has become."

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka in 1906

"Franz Kafka^[a] (Jewish name: אנשיל, Anschel; 3 July 1883 – 3 June 1924) was a German-language writer of novels and short stories, regarded by critics as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Most of his works, such as "Die Verwandlung" ("The Metamorphosis"), Der Process (The Trial), and Das Schloss (The Castle), are filled with the themes and archetypes of alienation, physical and psychological brutality, parent–child conflict, characters on a terrifying quest, labyrinths of bureaucracy, and mystical transformations."

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Kafka

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

You too, friend, you too . . .

"Report of lion has officials on the prowl, but no evidence yet"

From JSOnline:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

A cougar was spotted in 2009 near Spooner in northwestern Wisconsin and eventually tracked to a tree by a team of hounds. A report to Milwaukee police of a lion sighting in the city Monday has sparked questions about whether a cougar could have wandered as far south as Milwaukee.

By Lee Bergquist of the Journal Sentinel

 

"Since the first report on Monday afternoon of a large animal, described as a lion, on the north side of Milwaukee, police and state wildlife officials have received a flood of calls on other possible sightings but turned up nothing.

"Dianne Robinson, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources, said on Wednesday that police and her agency were fielding calls.

"But so far there has been no credible evidence a big cat is roaming Milwaukee streets, she said.
In a statement, Milwaukee police Lt. Mark Stanmeyer said:

"'For the past three days, MPD has received calls from concerned citizens who reportedly have seen a lion. Each time a call is received, officers are sent to investigate and have found nothing. There isn't anything else to share at this point.'

"But the story has attracted national media attention and lighted up the world of social media.

"The Milwaukee County Zoo says all its lions are accounted for. In Wisconsin, cougars — also known as mountain lions — are the biggest cats.

"DNR officials have said that cougars are sometimes confused with other animals, including house cats, fishers, bobcats, dogs, red fox, coyote and wolves.

"People have mistaken other animals for cougars when lighting is poor, or the subject is moving quickly or seen from a distance, according to the agency.

"When it investigates potential sightings, the DNR has also turned up hoaxes — usually doctored photos — and has reported numerous examples on its website.

"But the big cats — capable of roaming more than 1,000 miles — have once again become part of the Wisconsin landscape.

"Last year, the DNR said it confirmed two reports of cougars in Lincoln and Marinette counties."

Read more:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/report-of-lion-has-officials-on-the-prowl-but-no-evidence-yet-b99543045z1-318188321.html


I'm not worried.   Charlie will protect me.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my hot cakes!  How are you?  Summer is in its full glory and I haven’t been bitten by a mosquito yet.  They’re breeding wherever water has collected from our rains.  Soon, West Nile Watch.  “To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay or raven for virus testing, call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.” - http://journaltimes.com/news/local/west-nile-virus-found-in-racine-county/article_51b6e727-e334-52f3-9c08-1237d0133500.html  I had no idea there was such a thing as a “Dead Bird Reporting Hotline.”  How about a Deadbeat reporting hotline?  My ex could go to the top of the list for never giving me one red cent to support Junior. 

How can people who are so in love that they marry, but can’t stand each other in a few years?  I heard that a marriage starting today has only a 50% chance of it making it to the end (death).  How can supposedly normal people go from love to hate?  They say that love is blind.  It doesn’t seem to have too much going in the IQ department, either.  Believe me, I know.  I’m a divorcee myself.

There are a whole lot of things taking place in and around Racine this week.  I’m sorry, but I don’t have the time to put together a list.  Try http://realracine.com/ for a peek at some upcoming events.  And, also, the Calendar at the Journal Times: http://journaltimes.com/calendar/#utm_source=journaltimes&utm_campaign=main-nav&utm_medium=direct&utm_content=6&utm_term=calendar  Racine is party central and there’s always something happening. Of course, more so in summer than winter.  Racine Uncovered and Racine County Eye both give out more stories on upcoming events.

Junior got his tickets for Racine’s Ride the City Slide transferred to the Milwaukee event.  In fact, in a bigger city, he figures he’ll have a better chance of making contact with a “hot girl.”  “Or a hot pedophile,” I said.  Now he maintains that I ruined the event for him because he’ll be constantly on the outlook for fat pedos.  “And what about the skinny ones?” I asked.  He stormed out of the room.

Here’s one of my favorite summer songs:

Thank you for being hazy and crazy enough to read my blog.  I love my Irregulars, I love my regulars, and I love my occasionals.  It’s summer and my love for you is hot.

Old dogs, new tricks: MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Keep cool and hydrated, my dears.  Watch out for children playing.  Somehow, one of them always ends up in the street.  Enjoy the weather.  We end up paying for this in winter weather.     

Open Blog - Wednesday

The third may be finding the TV remote.

I hope so

Putting the New Lens Through Its Paces...

Just got a new Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens for my trip next month...heading to Hawaii and will have a couple of nights on Haleakala on Maui. The Canon 14mm lens is WAY out of my price range, but this manual focus lens should do the trick. Anyway, took it out last night...wanted to hit a night before the Moon interfered too much and the clouds finally broke here. Just my usual spot about 10 minutes from my house. Enjoy!

"When Bikers Get Old"

From Break:

Born to be Wild!

http://www.break.com/pictures/when-bikers-get-old-2873841

I told my psychiatrist...

Open Blog -Tuesday

Looks like someone needs a timeout.

"So you can make your travel plans accordingly"

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

  

http://knuckledraggin.com/2015/07/so-you-can-make-your-travel-plans-accordingly/

Open Blog - Monday

Is that enough Monday for you?

Heading to Wendy's for a Refill

Don't forget the chili.

House Thieves

"Tomorrow's LoFo voters"

From The Lonely Libertarian :

http://hopelesslysane.blogspot.com/2015/07/tomorrows-lofo-voters.html

That's the Union Jack, flag of the United Kingdom (Great Britain). Idiots.

Looking For A Place For Your Loved One: Pets & Hot Weather

Looking For A Place For Your Loved One: Pets & Hot Weather: I see this every year.   Some people think if they shut the car off the car is still Cool from the air conditioning .   So Wrong.   Dog...

Open Blog - Weekend

Smooch!

"A new dating profile pic showing her housekeeping skills?"

From Knuckledraggin My Life Away:

That would be good for dusting the walls and knocking things over.

http://knuckledraggin.com/2015/07/a-new-dating-profile-pic-showing-her-housekeeping-skills/


From The Lonely Libertarian:

Yikes!

http://hopelesslysane.blogspot.com/2015/07/just-when-you-thought-i-couldnt-sink.html

"City Of Racine Welcomes A New Business To Town"

From Racine Community Media:

"The New Bong, Bowl and Paraphernalia Shop, 'Rapids Tobacco & Vapor' Has All The Paraphernalia You Need."

"Located just 2 blocks east of Horlick High School on Rapids Drive & Carlisle."

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/124306371418/city-of-racine-welcomes-a-new-business-to


Who do we have to thank for this, Walker or Dickert?

Open Blog - Friday

Time to party!

"Journal Times editorial: Racine, let the tire planter stay"

See: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2015/07/city-of-racine-says-northwesternstate.html

From The Journal Times.com:

"There are some properties with tires in heaps. There are some tires thrown into abandoned fields and alleyways.

"Then, on State Street in Racine, there is one large tire painted pink and purple, lined with flowers inside of it and a tall planter in the middle.

"That one painted tire is now at the center of a debate about what area residents are allowed to do with abandoned tires. The city is telling the property owner to get rid of the tire planter.

"She appealed to the City Plan Commission but was denied."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/print_specific/column/journal-times-editorial-racine-let-the-tire-planter-stay/article_a03ef486-1cd0-5006-95ef-bf378a7108df.html


The pettiness of the City of Racine can't be overestimated.

We're stalking Pluto now

Animal Instincts Pet Condoms

http://petcondoms.org/