Burma Shave

For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs,

Here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's, '40's and '50's.

Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet.... and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.

Here are more of the actual signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR

BURMA SHAVE


TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP'
CUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP

Burma Shave


SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE

Burma Shave


DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT

Burma Shave


DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave


BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE

Burma Shave


CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER

Burma Shave


SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT

Burma Shave


THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE

Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT?
Burma Shave


NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU

Burma Shave


A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN

Burma Shave


AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY

Burma Shave


BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE

Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES

WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING

DEPENDS ON YOU

TO DO HIS THINKING

Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH

DRIVER IN TREE

THE MOON WAS FULL

AND SO WAS HE.

Burma Shave

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE

TAKE IT SLOW

LET OUR LITTLE

SHAVERS GROW

Burma Shave

Independence Day Quiz

"The 4th of July is the time when we celebrate our nation-- a time to reflect on the freedoms which we believe are not granted by our government, but are self-evident rights for all humankind.  Time for the Independence Day Quiz which asks,  'How much do you really know?'  Every day thousands leave their homelands to settle here in the land of the free.  Before they become citizens they are required to take a citizenship test and score 80%.  Could you pass this test if you took it today?

  

"Our quiz is made up of 20 questions which were once used on the actual citizenship test.  We've added a few curveballs-- The last ten questions may be a bit harder, but a score of around 24 out of 30 is considered a passing grade."

http://games.toast.net/independence/

My results: "Your Score is 23. Congratz, you Pass!  You should be proud."

It said I passed, but my score is below 80%.  In fact, it's a little below 77%.  Do I get extra credit for pointing that out?

Open Blog - Tuesday

How mysterious.

Open Blog - Monday

There's always milk in the fridge.

"Rapid rise in boomer addicts reported"

From the SunSentinel:

"They came of age in the drug-fueled psychedelic '60s, and faced adulthood's pressures as medications became a common way to deal with anxiety, pain and stress.

"Now baby boomers are in danger of becoming the Hooked Generation as they stumble into seniorhood.

"State and federal statistics show the number of people in their 50s and early 60s reporting illicit drug use and seeking help with addictions skyrocketed in the past decade.

"'We can't ignore that older adults are using harder substances, that we are seeing increases in emergency room visits where people present with drug abuse,' said Dr. Gayathri Dowling, acting chief of the science policy branch at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 'But when we think about these addictions, we tend to think about younger people.

"'Nobody thinks to ask older people about substance abuse, and that includes their physicians.'"

Read more:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-baby-boomer-drug-abuse-20120615,0,1969623.story

I can imagine getting hooked on tranquilizers or painkillers at my age, but crack cocaine? I would think that anyone hardcore enough to do crack would have reformed/burned out/died a long time ago.

Brook Benton - "Rainy Night in Georgia"

I was thinking about how dry it has been, and that made me think of rain, and that made me think of this song.

Useless Information

Did you know:

One of the worst floods in US History occurred in 1937 when the Ohio River overflowed.

"The Scientific Hangover Cure"

This is for all you party animals out there who are going to celebrate the 4th of July by over-imbibing.

Open Blog - Weekend

Goodbye June, hello July.

"Racine Uncovered Is A 'Hit'"

From RacineUncovered.org:

 

"Asked my computer guru to send me the stats to see how we are doing. I freaked again! Guess Racine Uncovered it a 'hit' and oh yes pun intended. Not to bad for a tenacious, outgoing Racine girl who loves this town and a computer guru who has her back!"

http://racineuncovered.org/2012/06/racine-uncovered-is-a-hit/

You deserve all of the attention, RU.  You are a primary news source.  I'm also proud to be 'Patch'ed in.  

Four for Fridays

Hello everybody! Welcome back to another amazing episode of Four for Fridays! Sorry for such a late start, I'm on vacation and slept in... Anyways, here are some questions....

1) When was the last time you have ridden a bicycle?

2) If were given a super power (like a superhero) what power would you choose?

3) What traditions do you have for the Forth of July?

4) Do you use a PC or a lap top?

Enjoy your weekend!

National Lampoon - "Deteriorata" (National Lampoon Radio Dinner (1972))

One of my all-time favorite songs.

Open Blog - Friday

Sniff, sniff.  You're right.

Open Blog - Thursday

I would enjoy some rain.

"Ultimate WTF Viral Videos - 15 seconds or less"

ADULT LANGUAGE ADVISORY



An utter waste of time, but I can't help myself anymore. You might still have a chance. Don't look at the video. Run, run!

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my hotsy-totsy hostas!  How are you?  It looks like we’re going to get a taste of the heat wave that recently visited Ms. Mary and Mr. hale-bopp.  Temperatures in the triple digits may be possible.  Be careful in that kind of heat, my friends.  Stay out of it as much as possible.  Stay hydrated.  Stay in touch with the elderly and infirm to make sure that they are OK.  If you don’t have air conditioning, find someplace or someone who does, and go there. This is not a drill.  Warning, Will Robinson! Danger, warning!  Oh my, I think you get the drift.  Be careful in the heat. 

And, no, Mr. OrbsCorbs, they don’t allow fat, old men to romp in the Dr. Clark fountain.  Don’t even ask, don’t even think about it. 

One week from today is the 4^th of July.  Where does the time go?  I assume that Junior will want to see the parade and the fireworks.  For me, it’s almost too much sensory input.  For Junior, it’s not enough. Seeing the spectacles spurs childhood memories of Fourths.  The thunder of drums and horns still resonates in my breast.  The beauty of some floats is still astonishing.  The reverence for our Armed Forces is still awe inspiring.  This year may be particularly difficult because of roadwork all over the city.  Moving the huge crowds might be more of a problem than usual.  If you go to either event, please allow yourself enough time for getting there, and especially for leaving.  Parking will be at a premium.  Let us give thanks for the law enforcement officers who will be working that day.  Thank you all.

I read the article in The Journal Times.com entitled, “Downtown study aims for ‘safe, vibrant’ nightlife,” http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/downtown-study-aims-for-safe-vibrant-nightlife/article_2095ad9c-beb8-11e1-9d04-001a4bcf887a.html Bravo to the Downtown Racine Corporation for playing to their strong suit.  Perhaps now they will consider a fortuneteller suitable for their district.  Nothing goes better with a night out on the town than a personal reading from a professional psychic.  Very reasonably priced, too.

Uh, did someone “up there” forget to turn on a faucet or something?  We need rain.  The farmers are beginning to worry.  Our cherry crop was decimated by the early warmth of March.  Everything else will be hurt soon, too, if we don’t get precipitation.  Keep an eye on your gardens during this heat wave, my dears.  It’s not just the sun and heat that take moisture from your plants; wind also evaporates it.

Thank you for reading my blog this week.  The pleasure is all mine.  I’m so happy to have each and every one of you.  I spell “family”: J-T-I-R-R-E-G-U-L-A-R-S.

The meaning of meaning?  Find out here: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

I don’t want to be a nagging mother hen, but be careful in the heat.  Use sun block SPF 10,000 or higher.  Better yet, stay out of the sun.  Come out at night instead.  If you don’t have anything to do, check out the nightlife in Downtown Racine.  Stereobate!     

Open Blog - Wednesday

Enjoy the new and improved Wednesday. 

Hell Ya.....

Just a Question

One For the Ladies

Barbara Walters, of 20/20, did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan , several years before the Afghan conflict.

She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands.

She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now seem happy to maintain the old custom.

Ms Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, 'Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?'

The woman looked Ms Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, “Land mines.”

Moral of the story is:

(no matter what language you speak or where you go):- BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A SMART WOMAN!

Open Blog - Tuesday

Tuesday must be the day for romance.

Useless Information

Did you know:

One pound of body fat is 18% by volume larger then one pound of muscle.

Open Blog - Monday

It's the last week of June already?

A Nation's Strength

What makes a nation's pillars high
And it's foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism and a prescient critic of the countervailing pressures of society, and he disseminated his thoughts through dozens of published essays and more than 1,500 public lectures across the United States.

"Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries, formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. Following this ground-breaking work, he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. considered to be America's 'intellectual Declaration of Independence'.<sup>[1]"

 Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Waldo_Emerson</sup>

Blue Cheer - "Summertime Blues"

The ultimate summer song. I love the hair.

Some Pics From An Evening on Kitt Peak

I was up on Kitt Peak for a private event last night. It was held at the picnic area and I had never had the opportunity to take night pics from there so I snuck away a couple of times to get some shots.  The picnic area is located by the Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA) dish. The VLBA is a network of 10 identical radio telescopes stretching from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Hawaii. The observations from all the scopes are combined to give the resolution of one big scope about 5,000 miles across. The VLBA dish is right behind the picnic area (if you visit Kitt Peak, go to the picnic area to get the best view of the dish!)

Sunset was a little hazy, but I noticed a temperature boundary as the Sun was setting. Note the small mock mirage (the little piece of the Sun breaking off at the top) that formed. I saw a couple of others in the process of forming, but they were small and the small ones are difficult to time your pics to get them (unlike the big ones I got a few weeks ago!)

You might notice it looks a little hazy out there. Lots of haze scatters shorter wavelength light making a green flash less prominent, but didn't totally obscure it tonight.

Shortly after sunset, there was a nice gathering in the west. The crescent Moon was joined by (from left to right) Mercury, Pollux and Castor.

After it got dark, I walked by over to the VLBA dish and got a shot of a nice starry sky behind it. Look closely and you can see the 4 meter telescope dome in the background. The lights you see behind the mountain come from Tucson, over 50 miles away.

Finally, as it got darker, the summer Milky Way rose above the eastern horizon. I had to look southeast to see it and couldn't find a trial to get the VLBA dish in the foreground that didn't lead off the side of the mountain. I still got the four meter and a couple of others in this one. The tree in the foreground was illuminated by light coming from the bathroom window. I went inside to try and turn out the lights and there was no light switch! I assume the mountain staff know how to turn it off, but seems like a design oversight to not give people the option to turn it off themselves! Fortunately, it wasn't too bright at this distance to hamper the photography and in the end, I kind of like the way the tree came out.

 

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

Open Blog - Weekend

Enjoy yourselves.

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Less than a month after Dylan recorded the song, President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The next night, Dylan opened a concert with "The Times They Are a-Changin'"; he told biographer Anthony Scaduto: "I thought, 'Wow, how can I open with that song? I'll get rocks thrown at me.' But I had to sing it, my whole concert takes off from there. I know I had no understanding of anything. Something had just gone haywire in the country and they were applauding the song. And I couldn't understand why they were clapping, or why I wrote the song. I couldn't understand anything. For me, it was just insane."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Times_They_Are_a-Changin%27_(song)

I grew up in the 60’s it was a great time and will never happen again. Bob Dylan sure was right when he wrote this song. I can think of many many changes that have happened here in the United States alone; All the wars and we’re still at them, Watergate, my buddy Billy Clinton, a black president and the list goes on and on.

Please enjoy the song....SER

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Four for Fridays! It's been a long and hot week and I'm so ready for the weekend.... How about you? Anyways here are some questions for you...

1) Do you consider yourself a pack rat or readily throw away stuff?

2) Do you get sunburned easily?

3) When the last time you have seen the sunrise or the sunset?

4) Where you get your news sources?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Have a very good day. 

Open Blog - Thursday

Thank you, Mr. Gable. 

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my sweltering sweeties!  How are you?  Hot, hot, hot, is my guess, although most of us have access to air conditioning.  I feel sorry for Mr. drewzepmeister because of the conditions he has to work in.  Well, “they” are saying that today will be the last day in the 90’s, and then we’re back in the 80’s again.  Low to mid-80’s I can tolerate, although I prefer it cooler.  This 90 and over stuff really drains me.  And, of course, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  Mr. hale-bopp has higher heat than us, but lower humidity.  I was in Arizona once and it’s true that the drier heat doesn’t feel as oppressive as the humid heat.  In any case, I prefer neither.

I like it warm, not hot; cool, not cold,

I might move before I get too old.

Now that the great recall election is over (mostly), it would be nice if we could “all get along,” in the words of the late Rodney King.  My prediction, however, is that the presidential campaign and election will keep the fires of hatred fueled.  Even after that, the bickering will go on.  "A house divided against itself cannot stand."  Well, we shall see.

I noticed that our Mr. Mayor Dickert was in the news again concerning a lawsuit over the settlement of his previous lawsuit. I predict that before all is said and done that at least one more lawsuit will result from this.  I try so hard to make Junior see the advantages of becoming an attorney, but all he wants to be is a roadie for Die Kill Dead, his favorite band.  Oh dear.  I tell him that no matter the outcome of any case, the lawyers always win.  It’s the perfect career choice for Junior.  I want to see him in a handsome suit, in court, wowing the judge and jury with his oratory skills.  I don’t want to see him deaf at 25, addicted to God knows what.  Of course, if Junior doesn’t have what it takes to become a lawyer, there’s always politics.  Anybody (or thing) can do that. 

Señor Zanza, Junior, and I went to North Beach last week.  Oh my, how nice it is!  I haven’t been there in a long, long time.  There were many people enjoying themselves.  I remember North Beach as deserted.  Now it’s beautiful and welcoming.  I know that the work of Dr. Julie Kinzelman, from Racine’s Health Department, was crucial in reclaiming the beach.  Also, Mr. Paul Curtin cleaned up and reopened the North Beach Oasis.  Thank you so much to both of these people for their work in turning North Beach into one of our city’s jewels again.

Beware, my dears, the dangers of the water.  Racine just lost a 16 year old boy to drowning at Quarry Lake Park.  Last year, an even younger boy drowned near North Pier by North Beach.  Personally, I can swim to save my life, but not much else.  I stay out of the deeper water.  A large bathtub is the perfect place for me to swim.

Thank you for reading my blog this week.  If you were here, I’d smooch you on the lips, each and every one of you.  I love my audience.  They are part of my extended family.

Want to know what other people think of you?  Oh yes you do: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

Don’t get too hot, my friends.  Enjoy the weather, but don’t overdue it.  Now we learn that too much sun is bad for the skin and eyes.  Moderation in all things, my dears.  Ebriose!

Hanging With Friends

Open Blog - Wednesday

Enjoy your hump.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Ooo-la-la!

Electric Guest - "This Head I Hold"

When I first heard this song, I thought the lead vocalist was a woman.

"How Not To Kick A Pole"

I know it's impolite to laugh at the misfortune of others, but this one breaks me up. I hope the poor fellow is OK.

Open Blog - Monday

I hope that your day is smooth sailing.

"In a corner - City sues regarding release of mayor slander settlement"

Originally posted Saturday, June 16, 2012, at 9:07 PM:

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE — In the latest development stemming from Mayor John Dickert’s settled slander suit, he and the city find themselves painted into a corner, and it’s taking another lawsuit to get out of it.

"The city taxpayers who paid $100,000 for the mayor’s slander suit, brought against him by a former employee, do not know how it was settled. The Journal Times filed an open records request with the city and mayor contending: 'Taxpayers of a community have the right to know how and why their money is spent,' as per a 1994 Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision.

"And now Dickert, and possibly the city, is caught between the state open records law and the confidentiality clause he agreed to with former city employee William Bielefeldt, who has reportedly refused to release the settlement. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the city and the mayor thus asks a judge 'to issue a judgment declaring the responsibilities and duties of the parties regarding the release.'"

Read more:  http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/in-a-corner---city-sues-regarding-release-of/article_529a6074-b73f-11e1-9519-001a4bcf887a.html

Was Dickert acting as mayor or not when he entered into the confidentiality agreement?  No matter, the lawyers always win.  This is Racine's version of "Dallas.

__________________________________

Update:  From RacineUncovered.org:

"Mayor Dickert/City of Racine serve summons on Father’s Day"

"1:24 p.m. – Sources have confirmed that William Bielefeldt‘s wife was served with a summons today from Mayor John Dickert/City of Racine- plaintiff  vs. William Bielfeldt- defendent . The summons was served out of jurisdiction in Mount Pleasant and was served by a uniformed Racine Police Officer at 8:30 a.m. Mount Pleasant Police were not on scene.  Bill’s wife stated how pleasant the officer was while serving the summons. This is a summons and complaint concerning Bill Bielefeldt’s refusal to sign a release concerning the settlement, which included a confidentiality clause."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2012/06/mayor-dickertcity-of-city-serve-summons-on-fathers-day/

What an incredibly cheap shot from a cheap shot artist.  When they fired Mr. Bielefeldt, the police delivered a letter to his home just before midnight.  As one of the commenters on RacineUncovered said, this is to be expected from Dickert.   

Useless Information

Did you know:

On January 30, 1945 511 POWs were rescued.

The raid on the POW camp Cabanatuan in the Philippines was the most successful rescue mission in U.S. military history.

Source: “The Great Raid” & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabanatuan_Raid

Happy Father's Day

Hooray for all of the fathers out there!

Open Blog - Weekend

I bet that hale-bopp would enjoy a sky like that. 

Communism: You're Doing It Wrong!

Today on Planet Money's Blog they report a German Bank is issuing a Karl Marx Mastercard. Yes, my irony meter went off scale to say the leaset!

Of course the wags over there had to start a meme to come up with the tagline for the card. You can check the comments on their blog or search twitter for the hashtag #marxcard

Two of my suggestions on twitter: "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his credit limit" and "Try the opiate of the Mastercard".

One of my favorites from other people: "The communist party takes your family in the middle of the night but they don't take American Express".

WTF?

That is what I get every time I log onto the site now.  I assume that means everybody with Norton protection gets it.  I'll try contacting them, but Symantec is notoriously difficult to work with.

Mungo Jerry - "In the Summertime"

A summer song for a summer day. Look at those lamb chop sideburns.

"Underwater Nightclub NYC"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIBfLJMpSGo

http://technomarine.com/

What a great way to cool off after a hard day's work.

Open Blog - Friday

 

Thank goodness it's Friday.

Four for Fridays

Welcome back to another Four for Fridays. I am posting this early because Tender Heart and I are going away for the weekend to a wedding up north. I hope you enjoy the questions this week!

1) What is the most hectic day of the week for you?

2) What is the best zoo you have visited?

3) Have you ever been involved in a wedding party?

4) What is your best memory of your father?

Happy Father's Day and enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Thursday

Enjoy your day.

"Aurora: Clinic doctors will stop admitting patients at All Saints"

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE — Seven Aurora Health Care primary care physicians at Racine area clinics will soon no longer voluntarily admit patients to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital.

"Instead, in the future those doctors, who have more than 11,000 patients combined, will send them to either of two Aurora hospitals — one in southwestern Kenosha and one in Cudahy.

"Aurora spokesman Adam Beeson said Wednesday the change in policy will likely take effect in about 90 days."

Read more:  http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/aurora-clinic-doctors-will-stop-admitting-patients-at-all-saints/article_38165478-b5b0-11e1-8b10-0019bb2963f4.html

My mother and I share one of those Aurora doctors.  We received letters today informing us of the change in policy. They've been pushing patients toward the Kenosha Aurora facilities for some time now.  What a shame it is that we have just one hospital in Racine.  The only time that mom gets admitted to the hospital anymore is through the Emergency Room.  I have some surgery coming up, and I was wondering if they would do it at Wheaton.  Now I know.

When our doctor left All Saints years ago, he was part of small band of doctors who left because they were unhappy with All Saints.  None of them could practice in Racine for a year.  Mom and I followed our doctor to Aurora in Oak Creek, and that's how we became affiliated with Aurora.  I remember our doctor shaking my hand the first time I saw him in Oak Creek.  He thanked me for my loyalty. He was back in Racine after a year and we stayed with him.  Fifteen years later and now this.  I know that mom will never make it to Kenosha, but now I'm wondering if I should stick with my doctor or switch to a Wheaton one.  Kenosha is not that far, but it's far enough.

They once wanted me to do a urine flow test in Kenosha.  They want you to arrive with your bladder bursting, but don't pee until they tell you to.  How was I supposed to drive to Kenosha like that?  I knew then that something like this was up.  I just saw my doctor last week for a regular check-up.  Some tests are scheduled in three weeks.  I may see him after that.  I'll play it by ear for now.

Wednesday Grin

Meanwhile, the wife was sitting in the bed saying to herself, "Now how do I tell my husband that I've got really bad breath? I've been very lucky to keep it from him while we were courting, but as soon as he's lived with me for a week, he's bound to find out. Now how do I tell him gently?"

The husband finally plucks up enough courage to tell his wife and so he walks into the bedroom. He walks over to the bed, climbs over to his wife, puts his arm around her neck, moves his face very close to hers and says, "Darling, I've a confession to make."

And she says, "So have I, love."

To which he replies, "Don't tell me, you've eaten my socks."

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my bodacious bon-bons!  How are you?  Our weather continues in warm and sunny mode.  Too much of a good thing?  Many lawns around town have turned yellow and brown.  Our grass usually doesn’t go dormant until late July or August.  As I’ve said before, we’re about a month ahead of schedule.  The ground is hard as a rock.  A little rain would go a long way.

I don’t even try to list all of the events occurring in and around Racine at this time of year.  It’s like asking how many stars are in the sky.  I suggest checking The Journal Times.com events calendar: http://www.journaltimes.com/calendar/  Events come and go daily.  That’s where I found out about this, “Racine Astronomical Society Open House, Fri, Jun 15 2012, 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm CDT:” http://www.journaltimes.com/calendar/outdoors/racine-astronomical-society-open-house/event_2eacb48a-b043-11e1-97a7-c32e561920e8.html  The Racine Astronomical Society is a wonderful group, http://www.rasastro.org/ Their website has a virtual tour of the grounds, which include the  Modine-Benstead Observatory:

 

(Don’t forget, if you visit The Journal Times.com too much, you’ll have to start paying them.  Oh my.)

“Summertime and the living is easy…”  Or is it?  Road construction all over Racine has made it anything but easy to get around.  I still do most of my traveling by automobile.  (Astral projecting is not quite as accurate as driving is, and a/p is an enormous drain on my psychic powers.  I’d rather pay $4 a gallon for gas than try to astral project around town.)  There is so much construction, and so many detours, that it has become trying just to go from place to place.  Where are the flying cars that they promised us in the 1950’s?  Personal helicopters would allow us to hop from shop to shop.  Why aren’t Racine citizens given free Segways® and Hoverounds®? Why isn’t our Mr. Mayor Dickert looking into these issues?

There is a stink afoot concerning a local police chief.  Why do our area public officials get into so much trouble?  This is another black eye for Racine, justified or not. Lawsuit, charges against an alderman, another alderman making a ninny of himself on TV, oh my, oh my.  Really?  This is the best that we can do?  How utterly sad.

I will not end my blog on a negative note, my dears.  You are my Positive Pollies; you are the ones that lift my spirits when they flag.  Thank you for reading my blog today.  Thank you for every day.

How to get from here to there: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

Party, party, party, my Irregulars!  The days are hot, the nights are cool, have yourself fun, don’t be a fool.  School’s out, so watch out for the kids.  I’ll watch out for you.  Palamate!  

"Marijuana legislation gains momentum across the country"

http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc-tv/47782665/

So, what do you think? Personally, I favor legalization, and regulating it and taxing it, similar to what we do with alcohol.

You may select up to two answers in the poll below.

Pete Seeger - "Little Boxes"

A blast from the past. Remember folk music?

Open Blog - Wednesday

Thanks, dude.

"Nuns on the Bus Tour Coming to Racine Next Week"

From Caledonia Patch:

"A group of nuns touring the country will stop in Racine County next week.

"The tour, known as Nuns on the Bus, is making the drive to raise awareness of the work done by nuns throughout the country, after the Vatican leveled criticism at a group of sisters.

"As reported in the New York Times, the Vatican said the Leadership Conference of Women Religious had 'challenged church teaching on homosexuality and the male-only priesthood, and promoted "radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith."'

"The New York Times also reported the sisters were 'reprimanded for making public statements that "disagree with your challenge the bishops."' For example, the Times reported, during the 2010 health care overhaul, American bishops opposed the plan, but many on the Leadership Conference supported it."

Read more: http://caledonia.patch.com/articles/nuns-on-the-bus-tour-coming-to-racine-next-week


Go, nuns!  "Radical feminist themes" probably includes the notion that women are equal to men. 

Open Blog - Tuesday

Far out!

Kitten vs. Bunny

Here is a video too cute resist....

Open Blog - Monday

Have a mysterious Monday.

Useless Information

Did you know:

Woolworths was established in 1879 as the first five and dime store

Source Trivia Notes