The First Wildflower!

Last week Tuesday Drew and I went up to Milwaukee and I found the very first wildflower coming up. Believe it or not but it did make it through all the cold and nasty weather last week. Here is the first wildflower picture.

             This is a Azure Bluet and the picture was taken at Grant Park in South Milwaukee Wi.

I also wanted to let everyone know that some birds are starting to come back up here from down south. On Tuesday I was out looking for more wildflowers and I seen the Great Blue Herons in their nests by Nicholson Rd and 4Mile Rd. in Caledonia so I decided to take a picture of them. Here is the picture to share with everyone.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

What if I dream about dreaming?

"Nick Blackwell Injury: Is It Time To Ban Head Blows in Boxing?"

By Paul Flynn On 3/30/16 at 7:28 AM

British middleweight fighter Nick Blackwell, left, at the SSE Arena, Wembley, March 26, 2016. Blackwell was placed into an induced coma after the fight with Chris Eubank Jr, the son of Chris Eubank, right. Adam Holt/Action Images

"The ugly picture of boxer Nick Blackwell’s swollen eye jarred the conscience of a nation.

"In the name of sport a young man has suffered a serious brain bleed and been placed in an induced coma. With good fortune he will make a full recovery. But visible injuries and ring deaths are a small manifestation of boxing’s avoidable damage to the lives of its participants.

"Boxing is unique, even above mixed martial arts, in encouraging blows to the head. Football is another sport that allows damage to brain cells through heading balls. A football player heads the ball multiple times each game. A boxer can receive hundreds of blows to the head in a single bout. It is similar to using a person's head as a football.

"The brain is suspended in the skull like a jelly in a box, held by strings. A blow causes the brain to strike the walls of the skull. One neurosurgeon has claimed that 80 per cent of all boxers have brain scarring as a result of the cumulative effects of blows. The British Medical Association has said that boxing should be completely banned.

"If that happened the sport would go subterranean and the health precautions of the legal activity would disappear. Boxing would revert to its barbaric 19th century past.  The Queensberry rules prohibited blows below the waist.  Armed with our present knowledge that boxers are as vulnerable to blows above the neck as they are to blows below the waist, I proposed a parliamentary bill to ban blows to the head as a sensible first-step reform. It was intended to probe the mood of the U.K. parliament and the country towards this issue. A favourable response would have persuaded the government of the day to support the bill or introduce a similar one of its own."

Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/nick-blackwell-boxing-head-punches-442027?rx=us 


Body shots cause damage, too.  If you ban head shots, body injuries will increase.  Maybe they should just thumb wrestle.

"The Supremes, 'Love Child' 1968"

Has it really been almost 50 years since having a child out of wedlock was a shameful thing?

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my winter weary pilgrims!  How are you?  Winter won't let go this spring.  Please, Old Man Winter, please leave the building before we have to forcibly eject you.  Why do you always make it so difficult?  Do you take some sadistic joy out of it?  Does our misery somehow make you happy?  There are those who relish the suffering of others.  Medication and therapy can help them immensely.

The latest forecast:

     
Oh my! Snow, rain, chilly temperatures; it just won't stop.  This winter hasn't been so bad temperature-wise or storm-wise. but it doesn't know when to leave.  Shoo, winter, shoo, shoo away!  Tale a bow and leave the stage. 

I am absolutely incensed by this story: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2016/03/racine-6th-district-alderwoman-sandy.html  For the Journal Times to ignore a letter from an Alderman stating that she's been attacked through hate mail is unconscionable.  This is one of the more obvious attempts  by the Journal Times to influence our elections and government.  "Freedom of the press," indeed.  It's only "free" for those who can afford it.

And that's just on the local level.  Imagine the corruption at state and national levels.  As far as I'm concerned, all of the current candidates for president talk out of the wrong orifice.  They'll say, they'll do, anything for a vote.  A den of thieves overseeing another den of thieves overseeing another den of thievs.  It's too bad, but it's true. Mt. President Harry Truman once said, "My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference. I, for one, believe the piano player job to be much more honorable than current politicians." It's only gotten worse since then.  Our country is the whorehouse and the politicians are screwing us all. 

Well, maybe the revolution will begin next week.  Meantime, thank you for taking the time to read my humble words.  I love visitors and I love you. 

The red pill or the blue pill?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Bundle up for the predicted cold.  I don't know if some plants will need protection.  It depends on how the weather develops.  Let's hope that this is winter's last gasp.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Stay strong. We're halfway to the weekend.

"Shots Fired Suspect in Custody After Traffic Stop"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · March 29, 2016 · No comments

Credit - Racine County Eye

"Racine police say an 18-year-old man is in custody on misdemeanor resistance charges but officers think he might be connected to a series of shots fired reports in various Racine neighborhoods.

"Floyd Cooper, of Racine, was charged Tuesday in Racine County Circuit Court with one misdemeanor count of resisting an officer. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines. Because he is considered a repeat offender, Cooper could have extra time tacked on to any sentence he might receive.

"According to the criminal complaint, police at 1:52 p.m. Monday received an officer safety alert for a rental vehicle driven by Cooper seen in the vicinity of 20th and Mead Streets. Cooper does not have a valid driver’s license, so he should not have been driving a rental car, and because he was on probation – even with a valid license – he is not allowed to rent cars.

"Officers on patrol say they saw Cooper near 16th and Grove and followed him north across Washington Avenue. In their report, police state Cooper has been known to be armed and is believed to be connected to several shots fired calls in the city.

"After Cooper crossed Washington Avenue, police initiated a traffic stop. After he pulled over, officers ordered him to turn the car off and place his hands outside the vehicle, the complaint reads. Police approached with guns drawn as a precaution but holstered their weapons after they secured Cooper’s left hand. He was ordered to release his seat belt and to exit the car.

"Police say there was a juvenile passenger in the car and that Cooper resisted and had to be assisted out of the car. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Racine County Jail where he remains on a $300 cash bond.

"Cooper will next be in court April 28 for his pre-trial conference."

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/shots-fired-suspect-custody-traffic-stop/


How else he supposed to get around?

"Racine Police and fire respond to accident at Starbucks on Green Bay Road"

From RacineUncovered:

03/29/2016 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

 

Credit - Racine Uncovered

Credit - Racine Uncovered

"Racine Police and Racine Fire Department were called to Starbucks located at 2805 S. Green Bay Road earlier earlier this afternoon for an accident. According to radio reports when first responders were dispatched, a vehicle had struck another vehicle, hit a pedestrian and hit the building. Mount Pleasant Police also arrived on scene. Radio reports that no one suffered serious injuries, there is damage to the building and witnesses report that the store is closed at this time"

Credit - Racine Uncovered

 Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/police-and-fire-respond-to-accident-at-starbucks-on-green-bay-road/


"But, officer, it says 'Drive-Thru'"

Open Blog - Tuesday

I'll try.

"Man loses leg by shooting lawn mower full of explosives"

Yup, I definitely don't want to be around when the next generation takes over.

Edit: don't let the "graphic images" warning scare you away.  Look at the lower right corner of the above still.  USA Today is not going to broadcasr bloodbaths.  Although there is some red, which I assume to be blood, it's like 3 split-seconds.  You can't really tell what is happening other than the victim's yell about his leg.

"Racine 6Th District Alderwoman Sandy Weidner Fights Back Against Bogus, Annonymous, Attacking Letter Sent Out To Residents, Asks Public For Any Info On Who May Have Sent Out."

From Racine Community Media:

 

"INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON WHO SENT OUT THE FRAUDULENT LETTERS AHEAD OF THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

"IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON WHO SENT THE BOGUS LETTERS TO RACINE RESIDENTS PLEASE CONTACT CITYOF RACINE ALDERWOMAN SANDY WEIDNER OR RACINE COMMUNITY MEDIA WITH ANY INFORMATION

"Alderwoman Weidner’s letter was originally sent to the Journal Times for publishing and was never published by the Journal Times."

Read more:  http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/141843117268/racine-6th-district-alderwoman-sandy-weidner


The fact that the Journal Times would not print a letter from an Alderman just fries my shit.  Thank God Mark Lewis and lying John don't have a relationship. 

"Mount Pleasant to discuss roundabout"

From The Journal Times.com: 

MARK SCHAAF mark.schaaf@journaltimes.com   6 hrs ago  4

"MOUNT PLEASANT — The Mount Pleasant Village Board may vote on a resolution tonight opposing a roundabout at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Durand Avenue.

"The state Department of Transportation is evaluating whether to put a roundabout or new traffic signals at the intersection as part of a reconstruction of Durand Avenue (Highway 11), from Kearney Avenue to Highway 32. 

"A resolution in front of the board supports 'maintaining a traditional-style intersection with automatic signal lights,' according to a meeting agenda. Other resolutions related to the project call for maintaining vehicular access to Durand Avenue from Capital Drive and a reduced median on Durand allowing large trucks to drive over it if necessary. 

"The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 8811 Campus Drive. 

"The DOT's preliminary plans for Durand Avenue also include new pavement, storm sewer repair, bicycle accommodations, improved pedestrian accommodations, new sidewalk on the south side of the road and new street lighting.

"Construction is tentatively set for 2020, at the earliest."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/mount-pleasant-to-discuss-roundabout/article_f86fe0b4-b11d-5b14-b2ce-b365b81ad95c.html


Interesting comment on the Journal Times story:

MarkH Mar 28, 2016 5:54pm

"Why is this community so provincial and anti- roundabout? Why not trust the traffic and highway professionals? These reduce accidents. Does the village board know more than DOT professionals?"
Mark Hertzberg

Mr. Hertzberg, of course, is a retired photographer from the Journal Times.  In fact, I think he may have headed the photography department when he retired.  I've always admired Mr. Hertzberg's photographic talents, if not his opinions.  I believe that he cares deeply for Racine.

"FREE ADVERTISING for local area businesses! Our way of supporting the community!"

From RacineUncovered:

3/28/2016 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

Credit - Racine Uncovered

"It’s that time again! Free advertising for local area businesses. Small business? Home based business? Nonprofit? Local business? the sky is the limit. Send an email to crime@racineuncovered by March 31st letting us know about your business!

"NO STRINGS, NO SALES GIMMICKS, WE ARE JUST SHARING YOUR BUSINESS FREE OF CHARGE! We are going to be giving 3 months of free promotions (full color 300×250 pixel or sitewide ads)

"What do you need to do? EMAIL US at crime@racineuncovered.org and let us know about your business and how your business could use a boost! (deadline to email us is March 31st) If you dont have media ads available, we will help you design one!

"Our stats -February 2016 were
Unique readers: 92,000 local area readers
Number of visits: over 400,000 visits
Pages read: over 1.2 million pages
Hits: over 9.4 million hits

"Over 27,500 LIKES on Racine Uncovered News FACEBOOK page"

Read more:  http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/free-advertising-support-local-area-businesses-our-way-of-supporting-the-community/


The price is right.

"GoFundMe campaign supports slain delivery driver's family"

From The Journal Times.com:

PATRICK LEARY patrick.leary@journaltimes.com  9 hrs ago

"RACINE — In the wake of delivery driver James Norris’ death in a Friday night shooting, a Racine woman with ties to his family has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.

"Corey Durik, 28, leads a Girl Scout troop that includes one of Norris’ daughters, Samantha. Norris, 37, was shot and killed Friday night in the 3900 block of Green Street while making a food delivery.

"Durik’s sister Jamie spoke with Samantha’s mother on Saturday, and that inspired Corey to create the GoFundMe.

"'I don’t believe they have insurance, so they’re going to need help with the funeral,' Corey Durik said.

"Corey Durik pledged to give all of the money the campaign raises to Norris’ family to use in whatever way they see fit.

"Corey said that while she didn’t know Norris extremely well, she knew him to be a giving person: He once fixed Jamie Durik’s car for free.

"'He offered to fix it for free to help get her by,' Corey said. 'He’s helped other people out like that, too.'

"Jamie, whose daughter is also in Corey’s troop and is close friends with Norris’ daughter, agreed with Corey’s assessment of Norris and emphasized his love for his children.

"'Those kids were his world,' Jamie said. 'He would give the shirt off his back just so they would have something to put on.'

"And it’s because of Norris’ children that Jamie thinks people should donate as much as they can.

"'Whether it’s to help with the family or the funeral arrangements, at least you donate to the kids,' she said. 

"'A mother (has) to raise four kids by herself, at least give her a little extra help.'"

How to Donate

To donate to James Norris' family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/w8w29kk4.

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/gofundme-campaign-supports-slain-delivery-driver-s-family/article_2936ffe3-c782-5ef6-8d99-0f65f9c9826e.html

Open Blog - Monday

I'm pretending it's Christmas.

"Unified board OKs $20 million in potential borrowing"

From The Journal Times.com:

AARON KNAPP aaron.knapp@journaltimes.com  17 hrs ago  9

Credit - Racine County Eye

"RACINE — With potential future building purchases and renovations in mind, the Racine Unified School Board recently approved the district borrowing up to $20 million in general obligation bonds.

"The resolution, approved by the board in a 6-3 vote on March 22, doesn’t approve any spending per se, nor does it allow the district to take out any money without further board action, but it will allow the district to move more quickly in buying property in the future, such as the Sturtevant Sportsplex, explained Unified Chief Operations Officer Dave Hazen.

"Despite skepticism from several board members, Hazen repeatedly and indignantly insisted to doubters that the board would have to approve every project paid for with this borrowing authority.

"'This is not borrowing money,' Hazen said emphatically in an interview after the meeting, speaking of the board’s action Monday night. 'This is only getting the ability, the legal ability … it’s getting the authority, so if future projects have merit and the board chooses that they have merit, then there’s a method to pay for them.'

"He likened the resolution to getting pre-approval to take out a loan from the bank.

 

Potential uses

"Hazen said the district has no set plan for the bonds, but said the money could be used for a number of tentative projects, including the purchase of the Sturtevant Sportsplex, 10116 Stellar Ave., which the district has a tentative agreement to buy for $5.2 million, pending board approval.

"Other potential uses for the borrowing authority could be an upcoming $7 million overhaul of the Jerstad-Agerholm schools’ heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, a new pool at Case High School and renovations to the Sturtevant Sportsplex if the board approves buying it.

"Funds used to repay the debt will depend on the type of project, but Hazen said property purchases or 2014 referendum-related projects would not increase taxes. He reiterated that referendum funds would not be used to pay off debt on the potential purchase of the Sportsplex.

"However, the board has ability to raise the tax levy to pay for projects done as energy savings performance contracts, such as the Jerstad-Agerholm project, Hazen said.

"The borrowing authority would expire after five years, Hazen said.

 

Board Reservations

"Several board members voiced misgivings about approving the debt without a concrete plan of what the money would be used for, especially with the knowledge that this funding might be used to purchase the Sportsplex.

"'I’m kind of disappointed that that we’re going to be asking the public for the ability to borrow $20 million and not be able to supply any specifics as to how, where and when this money is going to be used,” said board member Dennis Wiser, later adding that he’d like a plan for how the money would be used if specific projects, like the Sportsplex, don’t come together.

"Board members Don Nielsen and Mike Frontier expressed similar concerns and joined Wiser in voting against the resolution on March 22.

"Hazen repeatedly noted that the district would bring more specific plans of how to use the money before each proposed use of the borrowing authority — and the board would have to approve both the project and financing the project through the bonds.

"Without the bonding authority, Hazen said, the district likely wouldn’t be able to quickly collect the money necessary for property purchases.

"The board will hold a public hearing on the resolution at 5:30 p.m. April 4 at the district’s administrative campus, 3109 Mount Pleasant St."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/unified-board-oks-million-in-potential-borrowing/article_201fa205-2c81-5e02-ac60-d6226e62cc4b.html


Uh-oh!  Here we go again.

"Will cellphone use while walking be banned in N.J.?"

Updated: March 25, 2016 — 9:55 PM EDT

iStock

A report released in 2015 by the Governors Highway Safety Association found an increase in pedestrian fatalities, and cited texting while walking as partly to blame.

by Melanie Burney, Staff Writer

 

"Here is another reason to take a break from texting or talking on your smartphone while walking in New Jersey: a possible $50 fine.

"A bill proposed this week by Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D., Camden) would impose a fine of up to $50 and possibly 15 days in jail for pedestrians caught using their cellphones without hands-free devices while walking on public sidewalks and along roadways.

"If the bill becomes law, 'petextrians' - people who text while walking - would face the same penalties as jaywalkers in New Jersey.

"'I see it every single day,' Lampitt said Friday. 'Maybe they will think twice about it.'

"A report released in 2015 by the Governors Highway Safety Association found an increase in pedestrian fatalities, and cited texting while walking as partly to blame.

"Since 2009, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 15 percent to 4,735 in 2013, the report said. Nearly two million pedestrian injuries were related to cellphone use, the report said.

"Another study, from Safe Kids Worldwide, a Washington-based nonprofit, found that 40 percent of teens said they had been hit or nearly hit by a car, bike, or motorcycle while walking.

"The survey of more than 1,000 children between ages 13 and 18 found that 47 percent of those who said they were hit or almost hit were listening to music, 20 percent were talking on the phone, and 18 percent were texting, researchers said.

"Researchers say distracted walkers are more likely to ignore traffic lights or fail to look both ways before crossing the street."

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20160326_Will_cellphone_use_while_walking_be_banned_in_N_J__.html

 

 

You can't fix stupid.

"The Real Reason You're Circumcised - Adam Ruins Everything"

My parents came from "the old country." No circumcision. My dad told me that during the Nazi occupation of his homeland, if you were circumcised and the Nazis spotted it, you were assumed to be a Jew and sent off to a concentration camp. Now that's a damn good reason not to get circumcised. Or, if you are, don't use public restrooms where prying eyes lurk.

"The Rolling Stones rock Cuba with historic concert"

My, oh my, how things change. What goes around, comes around.

"Guns at GOP convention petition nears 35K, Trump wants to study 'fine print'"

David M Jackson, USA TODAY 1:42 p.m. EDT March 27, 2016

Then-Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul and his wife Kelley Ashby walk outside the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland before an August debate. (Photo: Andrew Harnik, AP)

"Donald Trump says he wants to study a petition that calls for allowing the open carry of guns at the Republican convention this July in Cleveland.

"While proclaiming himself "' very, very strong person for Second Amendment,' the Republican front-runner told ABC's This Week that 'I have not seen the petition. I want to see what it says. I want to read the fine print.'

"Posted on the website change.org, the petition of unknown origin notes that 'though Ohio is an open carry state, which allows for the open carry of guns, the hosting venue -- the Quicken Loans Arena -- strictly forbids the carry of firearms on their premises.'

"That 'is a direct affront to the Second Amendment and puts all attendees at risk,' said the petition that has more than 34,000 signers.

"The other Republican presidential candidates -- Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich -- have not commented on the open carry petition.

"The name of the group purportedly behind the effort — Americans for Responsible Open Carry — does not appear anywhere else online and accepts online message only from networked supporters, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

"The Ohio Republican Party said it was not aware of the petition, the Journal reported, nor was the host committee overseeing the convention, although it noted that the Secret Service, in conjunction with Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and state and federal authorities, is handling security for the event.

"'They are coordinating and will be continuously refining security plans leading up to the national convention,' said Alee Lockman, a spokesperson for the Republican National Convention, the Journal says.

"In 2012, firearms were banned by the Secret Service at the Republican convention in Tampa.

"Contributing: Doug Stanglin"

Read more:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/03/27/donald-trump-ted-cruz-john-kasich-guns-open-carry-cleveland-convention-republicans/82321374/


Oh, please, please, PLEASE, let them carry guns.  Lots of guns. 

"After Temps Rise, Get Ready to Shiver"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · March 26, 2016 · No comments 

"Temperatures this coming week will definitely feel like spring with highs predicted to reach into the low 60s for at least a couple of days, but then watch out. A blast of frigid is headed our way that could plunge daytime highs into the 20s.

"Meteorologists with CBS 58 News on their weather blog say two different computer models show a trough of cold air sinking down over Southeast Wisconsin.

"'(Cold air comes) directly from the Arctic, and it’s forecast to head straight for Wisconsin. This type of air will modify some as it arrives, but it will send highs 20 degrees below average!' the blog reads.

"The cold is expected to arrive next weekend, most likely Saturday into Sunday, which could make the Milwaukee Brewers April 4 opening day pretty chilly.

"'Right now it appears the coldest days will be next Saturday into Sunday!' the post continues. 'Some flurries or light snow will arrive with the arctic front on Saturday. Highs could only be in the 20s if this plays out.'"

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/temps-rise-get-ready-shiver/


Stop it!  Just stop.  It's spring.

"The GREAT of the people of Racine! A caring Racine man was an Easter Bunny to many children"

From RacineUncovered:

03/26/2016 | Filed under: Commentary/Opinion,Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

 

"On March 17th we had gotten word that a caring Racine man was at Kmart on 21st and Green Bay Road buying Easter baskets for children who may otherwise not get one. We were contacted by a person who was so moved by what David Ozier was doing we put them in touch with each other. David went back again the next day and purchased 3 cart fulls of baskets (with the help of 'Tom').

"Today we were able to see the smiles, laughter and joy this afternoon when David passed the baskets out to children at the Salvation Army on Washington Ave. Please enjoy these pictures from today! When we talked with David and asked him why he did this, he stated when he walked into Kmart that day he saw those baskets and knew that many children would go without and wanted to give back to the community. This shows the GREAT of the people and the positive.

"We also had the opportunity to visit with his nephew Koreem Ozier. He is a student at Case High School who is a medal and trophy winning basketball player. We spoke about the good in the community, the positive, being a great role model and giving back. On a personal note. Koreem you are a great example of our youth, I was very impressed with you and your uncle. Koreem you and your uncle show what the community CAN DO and GETS DONE! Much respect to all of you involved and a special thank you to everyone at the Salvation Army on Washington that opened their doors up today to allow this to happen!"

Read more and see photos:  http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/the-great-of-the-people-of-racine-a-caring-racine-man-was-an-easter-bunny-to-many-children/

"For Decorah eagles fans, two nest cameras are twice as nice"

"With live streams from two nests, viewers will get more chances to see eggs hatch."

Orlan Love  The Gazette  Mar 25, 2016 at 1:47 pm     "With online access to two Winneshiek County nests, fans of the Decorah eagles will have twice the opportunity this year to observe the heartwarming family ties of their favorite birds. "It remains to be seen if the second nest, known as Decorah North, will attain the popularity of the original, which became an Internet phenomenon and the most viewed live-stream of all time with 250 million views in 2011. "'We will certainly get a feeling for that as the season goes on,' said John Howe, director of the Raptor Resource Project, which established the first nest cam, near the Decorah hatchery, and operates the second in partnership with Explore.org. "How that plays out is of no concern to Charlie Annenberg Weingarten, founder and director of Explore, which operates more than 100 live wildlife cams. "'I have no tricks up my sleeve. I don’t go by any metrics. It’s not a popularity contest,' he said. "Howe said the Decorah North eagles are about three weeks behind the hatchery eagles in their reproductive cycle. Mom, the Decorah hatchery female, laid the last of her three eggs on Feb. 25. Mom North laid her third egg of this season on March 18. "Given that incubation takes about 35 days, the original Decorah eagles can expect the hatching of their first chick sometime late next week, while the Decorah North pair’s first arrival likely will not occur until April 22 or later.  "'Hatching is one of the viewership peaks, so fans will get to see that play out over an extended period this year,' Howe said." Read more:  http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/for-decorah-eagles-fans-two-nest-cameras-are-twice-as-nice-20160325 I clicked on the original Decorah eagle cam this morning on the sidebar and one eagle was sitting on the eggs in the nest. As I watched, a second eagle appeared.  The first eagle took off and the second eagle took its place on the eggs.  I assume they take turns so they each can go out for food. The original nest: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles Decorah north nest:  http://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-north-nest/ Both of these urls are in the sidebar.

"Corruption @ 717 Wisconsin Avenue"

"This is a documentary based on the corruption inside of the Justice system of Racine Wisconsin. This documentary shines the light on the Corruption of Attorney Mark Nielsen, Judge Jude, DA Patricia Hanson, Judge Gaskiorkiewicz, The Racine Sheriff Department and more.... BEFORE YOU VOTE! YOU MUST SEE!!!"

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxGRCeKRa1s

Happy Easter

There's that wascally wabbit.

Horsepower

Yeah, but cars don't poop all over the place.

Cat Man!

"Hartland dog honored for heroism"

From JSOnline:

The Siekerts — twins Bella and Grace , mom Nicole and dad Brian — pose for a photo with their Australian border collie Abby who has been honored for heroism in alerting Nicole to the warning sound from the family’s carbon monoxide detector. Credit: Michael McLoone

By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel

"Hartland — Nicole Siekert felt tired and so did her 5 1/2-year-old twin daughters, but she figured it was the flu or a cold.

"Her Australian border collie Abby knew differently.

"The Siekert house was cold the morning of Feb. 11 and after Brian Siekert left for work, Nicole plugged in a space heater because they had been having trouble with their furnace. When Bella and Grace got up, they weren't bouncing around like normal. She checked for fevers but they were normal.

"'They both said they were tired but they wanted to go to school,' recalled Nicole Siekert, who walked them out to the school bus at 8:30 a.m. 'I almost kept them home. I'm so glad I didn't.'

"She didn't know the furnace intake was blocked. She didn't know dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were building up inside her home. She couldn't see or smell the gas. But one member of the household knew something was very wrong.

"Feeling lethargic and foggy, Siekert decided to lie down after her daughters left for school. Abby couldn't tell her owner the carbon monoxide detector was sounding in the basement, but the smart canine knew what to do. The 9-year-old dog continually stuck her black-going-gray muzzle underneath Nicole's chin as she closed her eyes and tried to drift off.

"Finally, Siekert got up and, thinking Abby wanted to go outside for a potty break, walked to the door. Instead, Abby padded downstairs to the basement and sat right next to the carbon monoxide detector.

"'It was a loud noise but because I was so out of it, it didn't sound loud to me,' Siekert said in an interview at her kitchen table. 'That's when I got it. I was like, "Oh, thank you, Abby. I love you."'

"She called her husband at his job at J.M. Brennan in Milwaukee. She opened windows and doors, shut off the furnace and then went outside to sit in her vehicle for warmth and call her daughters' school and doctor.

"The family was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where blood tests showed Nicole had very high levels and the girls had lower levels. Abby's veterinarian told Nicole to check the dog for pale gums, labored breathing and fatigue, but Abby showed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"The Siekerts adopted Abby when she was 8 months old from an animal rescue shelter in Illinois.

"'We rescued her, but she rescued me,' Nicole Siekert said."

Read more:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/hartland-dog-honored-for-heroism-b99693996z1-373517101.html


Good dog!

"Delivery driver murdered on Racine’s northside"

From RacineUncovered:

03/26/2016 | Filed under: Crime News | Posted by: racineuncovered

"On March 25, 2016 at approximately 11:30pm, officers responded to the 3900 block of Green Street regarding multiple calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers conducted a neighborhood search, at which time a male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound was located. The victim was transported to Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

"The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was a restaurant delivery driver who was in the area making a delivery.

"The Racine Police Department Major Crimes Unit has been activated and this investigation remains active, with no arrests being made as of this time.

"Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information anyone may have regarding this crime. Witnesses or other citizens with information are urged to contact the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7756.

"Callers who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Racine County, Inc. at (262) 636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637).

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/delivery-driver-murdered-on-racine-northside/


Oh no.  For what?  A few dollars and a pizza?  With all these shootings in Racine, lying John still claims crime is low.  Maybe he should be a delivery driver for awhile to find out what real life is like.   He's disgusting and so is this murder.

"Does Racine Mayor John Dickert Read The Journal Times?"

From News The JT Can't Use:

"The Publisher of The Journal Times, Mark Lewis, has bent over backwards been more than gracious in allowing Racine Mayor John Dickert to publish his editorials in the newspaper. In addition, The Journal Times is a valuable source of information and the cities newspaper of record. It is unfathomable to think that Racine Mayor John Dickert does NOT read the newspaper, but then again John Dickert is no paragon of virtue. Oddly enough, despite showing such contempt for The Journal Times, along with setting a bad example for Racine Residents, John Dickert shares the distinction, along with Mark Lewis, of being a sitting member on many local boards of importance, to include RCEDC and RAMAC."

Read more:  https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/03/21/does-racine-mayor-john-dickert-read-the-journal-times/

Open Blog - Weekend

I agree!

"Racine Police investigating shooting on Chatham & High"

From RacineUncovered:

03/25/2016 | Filed under: Crime News | Posted by: racineuncovered

"Racine Police are on scene investigating a shooting in the area of Chatham and High Streets. Officers responded after Racine County Dispatch Center received calls for shots fired in the area. Upon arrival police have found evidence of a scene, Radio reports that a car that has been shot at and a person injured (unknown if the party was shot) , rescue is responding to check the party out. This is an active investigation.. No further information is available at this time"

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/racine-police-investigating-shooting-on-chatham-high/ 


That's the neighborhood I grew up in.  It used to be a nice, working class neighborhood.  Now it's a toilet.  When mom still lived there, her and her neighbors often found shell casings.

And I still don't understand why Chatham St. is that way when it's one block from North Beach.  My mom had a friend in the neighborhood who was a shrewd investor.  He told me that if he was younger, he would be buying up all the property on Michigan Blvd. and Chatham St. that he could.

Dick Pugh is buying properties on the lower end of Chatham St. and fixing them up because he believes the neighborhood can be restored.  He lives there.

The brick house is where I grew up:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/no-injuries-in-shooting-in-block-of-chatham/article_e2f30983-2e83-538c-8d07-a59f2c104928.html

A more direct view of the house:  http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/141667691538/shooting-at-high-street-and-chatham-streets-in

"What believing in God does to your brain"

"Researchers found humans suppress the analytical areas of their brain in order to believe in god"

Samuel Osborne  20 hours  ago  627 comments

The study also found those with spiritual beliefs were more empathetic than those without

"Humans suppress areas of the brain used for analytical thinking and engage the parts responsible for empathy in order to believe in god, research suggests.

"They do the opposite when thinking about the physical world, according to the study.

"'When there's a question of faith, from the analytic point of view, it may seem absurd,' said Professor Tony Jack, who led the research.

"'But, from what we understand about the brain, the leap of faith to belief in the supernatural amounts to pushing aside the critical/analytical way of thinking to help us achieve greater social and emotional insight.'"

Read more:  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/what-believing-in-god-does-to-your-brain-a6950956.html


If believing in God makes people more empathetic, then what's the harm?  The world could use a whole lot more empathy and/or God.

"Microsoft's Twitter Chat Robot Quickly Devolves Into Racist, Homophobic, Nazi, Obama-Bashing Psychopath"

 Submitted by Tyler Durden on 03/24/2016 23:58 -0400

"Two months ago, Stephen Hawking warned humanity that its days may be numbered: the physicist was among over 1,000 artificial intelligence experts who signed an open letter about the weaponization of robots and the ongoing 'military artificial intelligence arms race.'
 
"Overnight we got a vivid example of just how quickly 'artificial intelligence' can spiral out of control when Microsoft's AI-powered Twitter chat robot, Tay, became a racist, misogynist, Obama-hating, antisemitic, incest and genocide-promoting psychopath when released into the wild.
 
"For those unfamiliar, Tay is, or rather was, an A.I. project built by the Microsoft Technology and Research and Bing teams, in an effort to conduct research on conversational understanding. It was meant to be a bot anyone can talk to online. The company described the bot as 'Microsoft’s A.I. fam the internet that’s got zero chill!.'
 
"Microsoft initially created 'Tay' in an effort to improve the customer service on its voice recognition software. According to MarketWatch, 'she' was intended to tweet 'like a teen girl' and was designed to 'engage and entertain people where they connect with each other online through casual and playful conversation.'
 
"The chat algo is able to perform a number of tasks, like telling users jokes, or offering up a comment on a picture you send her, for example. But she’s also designed to personalize her interactions with users, while answering questions or even mirroring users’ statements back to them.
 
"This is where things quickly turned south.
 
"As Twitter users quickly came to understand, Tay would often repeat back racist tweets with her own commentary. Where things got even more uncomfortable is that, as TechCrunch reports, Tay’s responses were developed by a staff that included improvisational comedians. That means even as she was tweeting out offensive racial slurs, she seemed to do so with abandon and nonchalance.

"Some examples:"

  

 

Read and see more:  http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-03-24/microsofts-twitter-chat-robot-devolves-racist-homophobic-antisemitic-obama-bashing-p

I think this is utterly hilarious.  Read the rest of the article and see more of Tay's comments.  They should have put a white robe and hood on Tay.  Big embarrassment for Microsoft.  How would you like a bunch of armed robots roaming around with Tay's personality?  Terminator, here we come.