Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my SweeTARTS® and Smarties®!  How are you?  The brisk mornings are becoming common.  We’ve already had a taste of snow.  Then there was that awful rain and windstorm the other day.  I feel bad for the people in the Midwest who lost their homes to high winds and tornadoes.  Some lost their lives.  Meteorologists are calling it “the worst storm in a century.”   Oh dear, what a dishonor.

Well, we in Wisconsin all know that the Packers lost again last Sunday.  Tut-tut.  This Sunday they face the team that what’s-his-name defected to when he betrayed Green Bay, the Minnesota Vikings. Boo!  Hiss!  Our majestic Packers are riddled with injuries. Mr. Rodgers is making more money than anyone has ever made sitting on a bench.  (I know, he rarely sits.)  I hope he took my advice (and tonic) for healing.  I’m transmitting psychic balm to him.

In the Irregular Football League, my Screaming Psychics soundly trounced Mr. OrbsCorbs’ Orbliterators, dropping him to fourth place while elevating me to second.  Mr. Hale-Bopp’s Half-Astrophysicists have been in first place since the get go and appear to be undefeatable.  That won’t stop me from trying.

Next week, of course, is Thanksgiving.  Gobble-gobble.  People are beginning to decorate their homes for the holidays.  I’m going to try to talk Señor Zanza into climbing onto our roof and putting up a gorgeous display.  Junior can help him.  I want our home to shine like a Las Vegas casino.  Gaudy isn’t gaudy if you gaudy it up enough.  When the FAA complains about our lights interfering with flights, then we have enough.  I want to make sure that Santa Claus can find our house.  I hope we don’t blind him.

If Black Friday starts earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving Day, shouldn’t it be Black Thanksgiving, too?  That’s just a silly joke to help counter the crass commercialism that has crept into our holidays.  Actually, the commercialism is choking our holidays to death.  “Party on!” as Mr. OrbsCorbs would say.

Here is an ad from Kmart that rings in the holiday season:

Wasn’t that something? 

Happy holidays to all of you.  Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope that it’s as much fun to read as it is to write.  We are friends forever.

What’s on your mind?  I already know: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Bundle up against the cold, my dears.  Remember that those you meet are fighting their own battles in life.  By treating each other with respect, we make it easier to get along in this world.  I love you all.  Bavardage!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Happy hump day.

Top Dog Hot Dogs is Back

From The Journal Times.com:

"Caleb Robinson at his new Top Dog Hot Dogs shop on Friday, November 15, 2013, in Regency Mall, adjacent to Chick-fil-A and inside the southwest entrance. Robinson previously had a Top Dog Hot Dogs at 520 Main St. on Monument Square but closed the store early this year. He has a six-month lease at the mall but may opt to extend it if business is good. Friday was the first day of business."

See Caleb's picture: http://journaltimes.com/top-dog-hot-dogs/image_9796fe0b-6f6b-5b97-ac8d-e465a1fab2b0.html


I read about this in the print edition of the Journal Times the other day.  I loved the Chicago dogs at Top Dog Hot Dogs when Caleb was downtown.  (See links to previous blogs below.)

I rarely go to Regency Mall, but maybe on the next trip to Walmart, I'll stop in and get a Chicago dog.

http://www.jtirregulars.com/2011/03/top-dog-hot-dogs-name-says-it-all.html

http://www.jtirregulars.com/2013/02/egad.html

Open Blog - Tuesday

More flashbacks.

Local Loyalty - Rely Local

Today, I did my 1st interview, of many to come, in this series.
I met with Nick and Donna, who are the heart and soul of Rely Local.
You've probably seen the logo in many businesses around town. If you're like me, you weren't sure what it was all about. I hope my rendition of it does justice to the huge effort and immense amount of work that has gone into making it what it is today.
My goal of this series (with almost infinite possibilities), is to highlight local businesses, privately owned (no chains, no big box, etc). I like to know about the places I go to, and about the people behind them.
Here is a link to the Rely Local site, which can probably explain much better than I, what they are all about. 

Rely Local

What you will find in the above link, is what can happen, when people are passionate about helping local businesses grow, and people help each other.
This is what 3 years has produced, and it's mind blowing, at least to me.
For $15, you can purchase a Rely Local Rewards Card. It's better than buying an entertainment book (WAY lighter!), and it's good at all participating businesses, of many varieties. Between Racine and Kenosha, over 500 businesses are members! Can you name that many businesses? I can't, and there are more joining all the time. The businesses that sell the cards, receive $10 from each card they sell, and most donate that money to local charities, how cool is that??
Rely Local offers cheap advertising, using local media, print media and other outlets, saving our local businesses lots of money, helping them grow and get their names out there.
There are deals of the day, regular deals just for using the card, many perks. I bought mine today and can't wait to see all that it offers.
Please check them out and help support our local businesses, they need us!
Tomorrow, I will hopefully get another post up about something Rely Local is doing to help support these businesses while giving free rides!
Stay tuned!

Open Blog - Monday

Enjoy your day.

Water in the carburetor

WIFE: "There is trouble with the car. It has water in the carburetor."

 

HUSBAND: "Water in the carburetor? That's ridiculous "

 

WIFE: "I tell you the car has water in the carburetor."

 

HUSBAND: "You don't even know what a carburetor is. I'll check it out. Where's the car?

 

WIFE: "In the pool"

"The JFK assassination: As it happened"

"It has been half a century, and so many lifetimes ago. Yet the images from November 1963 remain haunting, blurred into our national consciousness. Fifty years later, CBS News relives that drama -- in the moment -- as it unfolded before a world in shock." 

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57612686/the-jfk-assassination-as-it-happened/


I remember.

Exciting new feature, coming soon!

I've been trying to figure out a way to feature local places, and the idea hit me the other day to connect with Nick, of Rely Local, and see what they're all about. I know the general premise is to help boost local businesses. I want to weekly feature a newer local business, interview the owners and try to help them if I can. I am interviewing Nick, Monday afternoon, thought it fitting to start with him. He's going to give me business info for new places and on down to established places. It's so sad when businesses go out. Stay tuned, I haven't decided what day to do them yet, this could be an interesting journey!
I thought this may be even better than another Best of Racine feature, as I like to know about the places I go to. Let's see where this goes :)

Happy Birthday, Charlie!

8 years old!  Enjoy your cake!

Open Blog - Weekend

Why aren't male lady bugs called gentleman bugs?

Get a Job

Because I have a cat, I had to put down an extra two hundred dollar deposit on my new apartment today.  Ten dollars is also added to the monthly rent.  The deposit was already a hundred dollars more than I wanted to spend, as is the rent. Every vehicle I've ever owned, except for my current one, cost less than what I put down.

I think it's time that Charlie starts pulling his own weight.  He needs to get a job.  He'd do well as a window washer:



His preferred position is tuna taste tester, but there's not a lot of call for that.  Do you have any suggestions?

Crapper Mapper: The Toilets of the World Quiz....

This is hilarious, seeing these “toilets of the world,” trying to guess which of the 3 country choices it was from, and the audio of correct versus correct answers.

Interesting indeed.

Click Here to Play Toilet Game

Four for Fridays

It's that time of the week again... That barrage of questions that we affectionately call Four for Fridays. Ladies and gentleman and fellow Irregulars here are your questions....

1) What makes you feel old?

2) What was the first big thing you bought with your own money?

3) What is the one thing in your past you wish to change?

4) What MOVIE comes to mind when you think of the '80's?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

For sure.

Comet ISON Brightens Rapidly

It has been a few days since I got out to image Comet ISON but I finally made it out this morning...trying to beat the Moon which will shortly be returning to the morning sky. Much to my surprise, ISON has brightened up quite a bit since Sunday morning. It was easy in 8x42 binoculars and its nucleus is much brighter. Again I set up my Canon 60D with a EF-s 55-250mm zoom lens. The following pic is at 250mm, f/5.6, ISO 5000 and a 90 second exposure. 

Not hard to see the bright nucleus and the tail is developing. If you look to the left of the comet, you might notice a faint blue smudge. I believe that is galaxy NGC 4697. I have seen other people post pics from earlier today on the internet (most using telescopes) and I got my smudge in the same place they got a galaxy. I am happy I got it using my less extravagant equipment. Visually, it was pretty easy in 8x42 binoculars and looking good in 20x80s. 

I turned my attention to Comet Lovejoy, still riding high in Leo and a very nice site. Pretty much the same settings for this shot as the previous one.

I looked briefly for Comet Encke again but didn't find it this time...I didn't spend too much time on it as it is getting pretty low in they sky. However, the fourth I haven't nabbed yet, Comet LINEAR, was passing close to Arcturus so I went for it. It proved to be very difficult. I barely got it and was debating whether to post this photo at all, but what the hey, see if you can spot the VERY faint blue smudge toward the top of the image above Arcturus (clicking to look at a larger version might help). The comet is slightly left of directly above Arcturus (the brightest star) near the top of the photo. I might go back and add an arrow pointing to it later.

Like I said, not very impressive at all, but I went for it to add a notch to the proverbial comet belt.

The weather may get dicey in Tucson over the weekend and the Moon will soon return to the morning sky, but I will try to get out every couple of days to observe.

On another note, I was on Kitt Peak last night. Lots of photos that I have to put together into time lapses and star trail photos. Busy few days so it may take a while to get to it, but I am looking forward to trying some new things!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

Attention JTIs!

As some of you already know, my computer crashed and burned yesterday.  That was my backup computer.  My primary computer crashed and burned about two years ago.  I can't live without a computer and internet.  Maybe I'd make it a day or two, but after that the withdrawal symptoms would be too much.  I'd end up in the nut ward.

It's a hardware problem with the computer.  It keeps giving different POST codes.  That's happened a few times in the past, but I blamed it on my battery backup.        

I was desperate.  There's a lot of other things going on in my life right now.  I won't say it couldn't get worse, because then the cat would die, the truck would explode, and /or I'd have a stroke.  I went to Milwaukee PC and bought a used Dell; i.e., I put it on plastic.  As the salesman rang it up, I said, "There go my new tires."  He smiled.  I wasn't trying to be funny.

Afterwards, legal stranger called me and told me he has a friend in the computer business who would have given me a much better deal.  Bur that would mean I'd be without a computer for a day or two.  I couldn't take that pressure at this time in my life.  I need this like a junky needs a needle in his arm.

What's done is done.  I'm in the process of updating and installing.  That usually takes a day or two.  I'm hoping to be able to access my old hard drive and transfer a lot of files.

Which brings me, finally, to the point of this blog.  Please email me at my "real" email address.  I don't know that I'll be able to access the email addresses on my old hard drive.  You don't have to write a message or anything.  Send me a blank email.  I just want to capture your address.  Thank you very much. 

Open Blog - Thursday

I am. :)

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my frigid friends!  How are you?  We’ve had our first snowfall.  I could cry.  It wasn’t much, but it’s a harbinger of what’s to come.  And we’re hitting temperatures in the 20’s.  Brrr.  If you’re not dressed properly for the weather, you’ll feel it soon enough.  The wind the last few days has been horrid.  It almost knocked me over a couple of times.  Pretty soon we’ll have ice to contend with, too. Oh my.

Does anyone really know who the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers is?  One week you’re the quarterback.  The next week, you’re on the injured reserve list.  For the second week in a row, the Packers’ quarterback was taken out by an injury in the first series of the game, which they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.  Boo-hoo.  I’m crying over the snow and I’m crying over the Packers.  Perhaps there’s a ray of hope with third string quarterback Scott Tolzien.  And now we’ve rehired Matt Flynn to be the backup quarterback.  What goes around comes around?  We’ll see when Green Bay plays the New York Giants this Sunday.  May our beloved Packers become Giant killers.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen!  Ahem.  My Screaming Psychics are now in second place in the Irregular Football League.  Mr. OrbsCorbs’ Orbliterators have dropped to third.  The graphic at right says it all.

New York’s One World Trade Center has just been declared the tallest building in the United States (when it’s finished).  Chicago’s Willis (formerly Sears) Tower held that distinction and still should in my opinion.  One World Trade Center will be “taller” only because of a “spire” which is actually an antenna.  Boo, hiss!

I feel so bad for the people in the Philippines.  Typhoon Haiyan destroyed everything in its path and took many lives.  We should pray for relief.  If you contribute to a charity in the name of the Philippines, check to see how much of their contributions actually make it to the victims.  Some unscrupulous cads will seek to profit from the misery of others.  They set up phony charities and keep most or all of the donated money for themselves.  What a world we live in.  Oh my.

Finally, Wal-Mart has moved up the starting time for their Black Friday sales to 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day.  That’s right; Black Friday starts on Turkey Thursday.  Other major retailers are following suit and setting their openings for earlier times, too.  In a few years Black Friday will start on Halloween. 

Thank you for reading my blog today.  I love you all.  You make me feel loved.  That’s symbiotic.

What is the USA’s shortest building?  Find out: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

The leaves on streets become very slippery when wet.  Now we could see snow or ice on the road, too.  Be careful, my dears.  It’s always darkest before the Winter Solstice.  Vagitus!         

Open Blog - Wednesday

Hump on, Irregulars!

Open Blog - Tuesday

Farm out!

"Our Story In 2 Minutes"

Wow! Thanks to Toad for turning me on to this video.

"Boeing - QF-16 Unmanned Fighter Full Scale Aerial Target First Flight"

When you're sick of flying radio controlled model airplanes, try one of these.

Rechargeable batteries.

Little info about bringing a rechargeable battery back to life.

I have a cordless phone and it’s been in the drawer for a couple years. I had it on the charger for 4 days and the battery wouldn’t take a charge.

I took my car battery charger and set it on 50amp start; touched the battery for about 5 seconds, 7 times waiting about 10 seconds between and the battery is just like new now.

It charges up and works great.

Veterans Day

Thank you to all veterans and to those currently serving our country.

Open Blog - Monday

So there, Monday.

Open Blog - Weekend

It's time to relax.

JTI GET TOGETHER

 

Just a reminder

about tomorrow

Please plan to attend the next get-together with the JT Irregulars.

WHEN:       This Saturday November 9th 

We will have out of town guests (members) to blab with this time. As usual, Location and Time will be sent via email.  If you are not sure if your email is listed with the administrator(s) please send an email to: 
the Sheriff at thesheriff@jtirregulars.com requesting information.

More Censorship

Kenosha just approved the agreement to hear Racine's ethics complaints.

Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman is proposing that all failed ethics complaints result in the charging party having to pay costs and expenses.

This, of course, will dissuade people from filing legitimate ethics complaints for fear they will have to pay for them.

None of this appears in the Journal Times.

The City of Racine is at war with its residents.

 

Native American Wanting Coffee

A Native American walks into a cafe with a shotgun in one hand and pulling a male buffalo with the other. He says to the waiter: "Want coffee."

The waiter says, "Sure, Chief. Coming right up."

He gets the Native American a tall mug of coffee.....

The Native American drinks the coffee down in one gulp, turns and blasts the buffalo with the shotgun, causing parts of the animal to splatter everywhere and then just walks out.

The next morning the Native American returns.

He has his shotgun in one hand, pulling another male buffalo with the
other.

He walks up to the counter and says to the waiter: "Want coffee."

The waiter says, "Whoa, Tonto! We're still cleaning up your mess from yesterday. What was all that about, anyway?"

The Native American smiles and proudly says, "Training for a position in United States Congress. Come in, drink coffee, shoot the bull, leave mess for others to clean up, disappear for rest of day."

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone! It's that time again! you guessed it, Four for Fridays. What would a Friday be without questions in the morning? Anyways, your questions....

1) What do you prefer, butter or margarine?

2) What is something from your life that is most likely to end up in a museum?

3) Which one of your responsibilities do you wish you could get rid of?

4) What MOVIE comes to mind when you think of the '70's?

Enjoy your weekend!

The McGuire Sisters - "Sugartime" 1958

Stress does strange things to me.

Open Blog - Friday

Yo!

WHISKEY

In 1952, Armon M. Sweat, Jr., a member of the Texas House of Representatives, was asked about his position on whiskey. What follows is his exact answer (taken from the Political Archives of Texas):

"If you mean whiskey, the devil's brew, the poison scourge, the bloody monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the  mouths of little children; if you mean that evil drink that topples Christian men and women from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation, shame, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend, I am opposed to it with every fiber of my being.

However, if by whiskey you mean the lubricant of conversation, the philosophic juice, the elixir of life, the liquid that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean Christmas cheer, the stimulating sip that puts a little spring in the step of an elderly gentleman on a frosty morning; if you mean that drink that enables man to magnify his joy, and to forget life's great tragedies  and heartbreaks and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale of which pours into Texas treasuries untold millions of dollars each year, that provides tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitifully aged and infirm, to build the finest highways, hospitals, universities, and community colleges in this nation, then my friend, I am absolutely, unequivocally in favor of it.

This is my position, and as always, I refuse to compromise on matters of principle."

 

WHISKEY

In 1952, Armon M. Sweat, Jr., a member of the Texas House of Representatives,

was asked about his position on whiskey. What follows is his exact answer

(taken from the Political Archives of Texas):

"If you mean whiskey, the devil's brew, the poison scourge, the bloody
monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home,
creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the  mouths
of little children; if you mean that evil drink that topples Christian men and

women from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living into the bottomless

pit of degradation, shame, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend,

I am opposed to it with every fiber of my being.

However, if by whiskey you mean the lubricant of conversation, the
philosophic juice, the elixir of life, the liquid that is consumed
when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and the
warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean Christmas
cheer, the stimulating sip that puts a little spring in the step of an
elderly gentleman on a frosty morning; if you mean that drink that
enables man to magnify his joy, and to forget life's great tragedies  and
heartbreaks and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale of which
pours into Texas treasuries untold millions of dollars each year, that
provides tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our
deaf, our dumb, our pitifully aged and infirm, to build the finest
highways, hospitals, universities, and community colleges in this nation,
then my friend, I am absolutely, unequivocally in favor of it.

This is my position, and as always, I refuse to compromise on matters of
principle."

 

"FERRARI PICK UP PRANK"

Published on Nov 4, 2013

"We went out with a 2013 Red Ferrari Italia 458 to go on a social experiment and see if it can pick up ladies no matter how you look and this is how it went.:)"

Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWvH7jEpMdA


For shame, ladies.  Tsk, tsk.

Open Blog - Thursday

Have a great day.

"NEW:Complaint for injunction filed against the City of Racine regarding Mound Cemetery"

From RacineUncovered:

"William Brown with Ogichidaa Mawansomag has stated that a complaint/request for an injunction against the City of Racine regarding disturbing the Mound Cemetery grounds has been filed. It is to be heard on November 12, 2013

“After a long two days, and the efforts by many to again ensure the mound was not disturbed by the City or Family in question, a complaint and request for injunction was filed today in Racine County Court; being served to the Mayor’s Office, as well as the office of the City Attorney. A hearing on the matter will be held at the Racine Court House on 12NOV2013 at 0830.

"Actions by City Representatives led to the legal action, as the City planned and moved towards digging or drilling at the Site this week; without a current permit from the Wisconsin State Historical Society. This intent was conveyed through several channels including announcement by Aldermen whom visited the Site while it was surrounded by its protectors.

"As we prepare for the hearing on 12NOV2013, we specifically ask that you send a private message with your contact information should you have witnessed these or similar statements from anyone in the City Government. Additionally, we will establish event pages soon to ensure representation during the hearing; as well as at the mound site.

"UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE it remains imperative that we continue to check the Site for activities several times and often throughout the day – each day. Any activity should be reported out as quickly as possible in order to mobilize everyone and alert media contacts. We want to thank all of those that stood watch in the past, and during the intense last couple of days. With legal action underway, we hope the matter comes to a successful resolution quickly.

"Together, we have all adverted tragedy twice now with little to no notice….. Together we can do great and honorable things! Keep the resolve! Be IDLE NO MORE!”

"For more on this and to contact them visit them on their facebook page at Ogichidaa Mawansomag"

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2013/11/complaint-for-injunction-filed-against-the-city-of-racine-regarding-mound-cemetary/


From Racine Communicator News:

"CITY OF RACINE PREPARES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SACRED INDIAN BURIAL GROUND TESTING, DESPITE OUTCRY OF NATIVE AMERICANS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS!! Alderman Greg Helding refuses to shake hands with concerned community members and scoffs at the Native Americans that were on site to voice opposition to the illegal sale. Ald. Greg Helding also comments and says 'WE DONT NEED A PERMIT FROM ANYONE TO DIG' Various media sources are picking up this story once again, please view the WTMJ Channel 4 News story from today at the link provided below."

http://www.jrn.com/tmj4/news/Rally-at-controversial-Racine-burial-mound-230643951.html

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/66142433505/city-of-racine-prepares-to-move-forward-with


This is so sickening.  Alderman Helding declares they "don't need a permit from anyone to dig," but they're ashamed to do it on camera.  As soon as the cameras show, they run away.

Not one word of this makes it into the Journal Times.  It's being broadcast on Milwaukee TV, but the Journal Times won't print it.  How corrupt can they get?

More ISON: Lovejoy Meets the Beehive

I managed to get up early again and image a couple of comets. ISON is rapidly getting lower in the sky. It is still not too bad, but you can tell it is on the move, much lower than last time I got out (last Saturday). It is not visibly impressive, but still easy to photograph (although the Zodiacal Light interferes more due to the lower elevation). Here is a pic from this morning.

Turning my attention to Comet Lovejoy, it is much higher in the sky and much more impressive. Lovejoy does not have the tail but it is much brighter and very easy to see. As a bonus, it is in the same binocular field as the Beehive star cluster right now and probably will be for another couple of days. I highly recommend getting out and tracking this one down.

More updates will be posted as I manage to drag myself out of bed in the mornings!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog. 

Venus and the Moon

Venus just had its greatest separation from the Sun a few days ago. Hence it stays up a long time after sunset. However, since the ecliptic makes a very shallow angle with respect to the horizon, it is relatively low in the southwest after sunset.

Last night, it was joined by the crescent Moon.

Tonight the Moon will makes it closest approach to Venus for this month so it will definitely be worth checking out.

Another challenge is to see Venus during the day. I blogged about this before (and have posted pics of Venus and the Moon during the day). One of the important things when searching for Venus during the day is to avoid looking at the Sun. Remember I said Venus is about as far from the Sun as it gets? Well, that makes this a very good time to try. I still recommend standing where the Sun is behind a building but you can see the crescent Moon. Find the Moon and look nearby for Venus. The chart below shows for about 1:30pm today in Tucson.

And of course you can take pics! I have seen people capture Venus during the day with point and shoot cameras so you don't need fancy equipemnet!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

"Movember 2013: Nick Offerman's Great Moments in Moustache History"

http://us.movember.com/

I've had a moustache since I was 18.  I shaved it off once and immediately grew it back.  

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my post-Halloween ghouls and goblins!  How are you?  The time change on Sunday put a hitch in my giddyup.  It happens twice a year and it always takes me days to adjust.  I think it’s slightly better in the fall because we “gain” an hour.  I dislike the time change in the spring because it makes me feel like I’m running late.  Now, however, it’s dark by 5 PM.  Yuck.

Oh my, oh my, oh my!  Not only did the dirty Chicago Bears win over our vaunted Green Bay Packers on Monday, but they crippled Mr. Aaron Rodgers (early) in the process.  Oh my, oh my!  Grrr.  How dare they?  I shipped Mr. Rodgers a bottle of my ‘Get Well Or Else!™ Tonic’ by overnight express.  Whether or not he uses it is up to him.  One sip and he’ll be on the mend.  One chug and he’ll be healthier than a horse.  One bottle and he’ll be R.I.P.  You have to work your way up to the higher doses of my tonics.  The injury-riddled Packers face the Philadelphia Eagles on this Sunday at noon.  The coach says he has every confidence that backup quarterback, Seneca Washington, will get the job done.  Let’s hope so.  Go, Packers!  Eradicate the Eagles! 

In the Irregular Football League, my Screaming Psychics returned to third place.  The Half-Astrophysicists and Orbliterators still occupy the number one and two positions respectively.  The Mighty Bears are nipping at my heels.  Stay away, you quarterback killers!

A gunman went off in a mall recently.  These occurrences are becoming almost commonplace.  Two, three, or more times a week, we hear about another shooting.  We become desensitized to the horror for our own sakes.  How else can we deal with it?  Murder, sometimes mass murder, of innocents takes place frequently.  I think the whole world has gone crazy.  This is not the advanced civilization that we were promised in our youth.  This is some sort of dysfunctional, schizoid contraption limping along to oblivion, dragging down the good as well as the bad.  Oh my.

Unfortunately, things are not any better on the local scene.  We may not have gunmen going off every other day, but we have plenty of crime and corruption.  We have plenty of unemployment and poverty, too.  Racine is my home.  I weep to see her so abused.

Finally, “Downtown Racine will kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Parade, community Christmas tree lighting ceremony and open house on Saturday, Nov. 9.” http://journaltimes.com/news/local/downtown-racine-holiday-parade-is-nov/article_674123de-4247-11e3-9507-001a4bcf887a.html  Oh my, isn’t that supposed to be “holiday” tree?  I may attend this event with Junior and Señor Zanza, if he wants to go.  I don’t have to ask Junior.  If girls will be there, he will be there.

Thank you so much my dear sweethearts for perusing my blog today.  I so enjoy the company.  Remember, you can always contact me psychically for a spiritual hug.

Or, you can contact me through email: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Be careful to adjust to the earlier darkness when driving.  Kids and school buses and darkness, oh my!  Keep layering clothing.  You’ll know when it’s time to wrap yourself in a winter coat.  I love you all.  Parapraxis!

Open Blog - Wednesday

I hope you're not allergic.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Enjoy your day.

The Truth Will NOT Set You Free

For some reason, I have trouble learning that lesson.  I have a tendency to blurt out the truth at “inappropriate” moments, and then suffer the consequences.  The truth about the truth is that almost no one is interested in it.  After 12 years of an education that supposedly stressed honesty and truth, I graduated to the reality that honesty is rarely the best policy.  Lying is how you get ahead.  Demanding the truth is how you get broke. 

I was whining recently to my shrink about my problems.  Her response was to tell me that I should be proud that I live “a life of integrity.”  I said, “That and two bucks will get you a cup of coffee."  Seriously, what good is it to act ethically in an unethical world?  Lying John and his buddies are living proof of the success of dishonesty.  No matter what one may believe about a “judgment day” after death, the truth is that Dickert and his buddies will be prosperous and long gone when the bills for their crimes come due.     

It’s hardly just Dickert.  Dishonesty pervades politics like cancer.  We piss and moan about it, but we’re not going to do anything about it.  The politicians know that.  They rely on our apathy.  They are rarely disappointed.  You can complain all you want, but it means nothing if it’s not working towards unseating the unscrupulous scoundrels infesting our public life. 

Locally, Alderman Kaplan was a big mouthed, loose cannon packing heat.  The bag of wind was constantly spouting off about the people he supposedly represents, casting Racine residents as villains in their own city.  He even convinced the Common Council to arm themselves against the citizens.  Funny, isn’t it, how quiet he’s become since his seat on the Common Council was threatened?  That’s the only thing that corrupt politicians understand.  Take away their power and they’re just petty criminals.

Why do we indoctrinate our children with the notion of right and wrong if we’re not willing to defend it?  I don’t know and I don’t think I care anymore.  I’ve been a fool.  Today I stand to lose literally everything that I own because I blurted out the truth.  Building management took offense at my comments and my lease is not being renewed before the bedbugs have been eradicated from the building.  Thus, I can’t take anything with me for fear of infestation.

That’s it.  That’s the last shot to the nuts that I take for the truth.  From now on, I’m to be known as lying Orbs.  I was an extremely successful liar when I was drinking.  Imagine how much better I’ll be at it sober.  

Party on, lying Orbs!      

"NASA Pumpkin Carving Contest- 2013"

Spooky and scientific.

"RAIDERS HOST ALBANY METRO MALLERS IN USFA/USFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP"

"Raiders attempt to win ninth national championship Saturday night"
 

"November 3 (RACINE, WIS.) - The Racine Raiders (13-1) will host the Albany (NY) Metro Mallers (12-1) Saturday night, November 9, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Historic Horlick Athletic Field in Racine, Wis. The national title game is co-sanctioned by the United States Football Association (USFA) and the United States Football Federation (USFF). The USFA is one of the most established sanctioning organizations in minor league football.

"The Raiders will be attempting to win their second straight national title and the ninth in team history. It will be the last game with head coach Gino Perfetto at the helm as Perfetto already announced he will not return in 2014.

"The Metro Mallers have a strong history dating back to 1972. Albany won a national championship in 2008 and have won nine league championships including winning the SPF - The League league title this season, their first in the league after moving from the Empire Football League.

"The two teams have played once before. In 1991, the Racine Raiders played an independent schedule and Albany traveled to Racine. The Raiders won, 27-13.

"The game will be carried live on WRJN 1400 AM and streaming at http://www.wrjn.com beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m. with Don Wadewitz and Tom Christensen. Belle TV will also record the game with the audio from the radio broadcast for rebroadcast at a later date.

"ABOUT THE 2013 RACINE RAIDERS

"The Raiders feature a balanced offense and one of the best defenses in the country. Second-year quarterback Craig McClelland (UW-Oshkosh) leads the Raiders offense. McClelland has thrown for 1,750 yards and 25 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

"McClelland has spread the ball around equally to his top three targets. Sam D'Alie (Racine Horlick High School) has 23 catches fo 398 yards and 8 touchdowns. Rookie Dom Kegel (Greenville College), who earned most valuable player awards playing in Europe, has 22 receptions for 359 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dorian Palmer (Zion-Benton High School) is also in the mix with 21 grabs for 373 yards and 4 touchdowns. Adding to McClelland's weapons are tight end Traves Worthington (Lakeland College) who has 14 catches for 286 yards and 6 touchdowns and wide receiver Will Norwood (Miami University - Ohio) with 11 receptions for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns in just six games.

"The Raiders rushing attack features J.R. Taylor, who played with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo at Eastern Illinois University and was signed as a priority free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2003. Taylor was named co-offensive player of the year in the Mid-States Football League this season after rushing for 937 yards and 12 touchdowns.

"Taylor was joined in the backfield by Damonshay Pitt (Racine Park High School) who added 370 yards and 3 touchdowns and rookie Ivry Lashley (South Milwaukee High School) with 330 yards and 6 touchdowns.

"The Raiders defense is considered one of the best in the country. It all begins with the defensive line for Racine. Ardrey Jarrett (Waukegan High School) recorded 13 tackles for loss and 5 sacks on the season while Jaran Rutledge (Knox College) and Larry Williams (North Park University) helped hold down the interior of the line. Rutledge had six tackles for loss and three sacks while Williams contributed eight tackles for loss and four sacks.

"The pressure applied by the defensive line helps safety Torie Ruffin (Concordia University Wisconsin) roam downfield. Ruffin leads the team with 60 tackles, 7 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and 3 defensive touchdowns. Nate Heard (UW-Oshkosh) is a shutdown cornerback and leads the team with 14 pass breakups while also grabbing four interceptions.

"The linebackers are led by veteran Nate Harris. Harris had eight tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and nine quarterback hurries. Deveron Davis (Racine Lutheran High School) is the leading tackler of the bunch with 37 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and a sack. Brandon Hendrickson and Jordan Scott, both out of Kenosha Bradford High School, are big contributors. Hendrickson, playing in just six games this season due to injury, recorded 26 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. Scott is second on the team with 12 tackles for loss and has 5 sacks.

"ABOUT THE 2013 ALBANY METRO MALLERS

"Albany is anchored by veteran center Andres Morris who played collegiately at C.W. Post University. Morris was a first team all-star selection in the Empire Football League in 2011 and 2012 and has been a perennial minor league football All-American during his career.

"The Metro Mallers use a multi-headed rushing attack. C.J. Tarver, the team's all-purpose back, was named the most valuable player in the Metro Mallers 41-14 league championship win over the nationally ranked South Buffalo Celtics.

"Two of their biggest offensive weapons are wide receivers Culture Branch and Jason Quinn. Quinn, who is banged up a bit, is the possession receiver for Albany. Branch has won several all-league awards in his time with the team.

"On defense, three Murdock brothers start for Albany. Darnell, Dwayne and Donald start on the defensive line, outside linebacker and defensive back, respectively. Alex Brace is the featured linebacker for the Metro Mallers.

"'The guys have been around each other awhile,' says owner Sal Iavarone. 'The defensive starting unit has been together for around five years.'

"Two players on the Albany roster actually played in the last game between the two teams back in 1991. Iavarone started with the Metro Mallers in 1980 and played through the 2011 season. He's still on the roster but he suffered a broken hand in October 2011 and hasn't felt comfortable enough to take the field again.

"'I haven't officially retired,' says Iavarone.

"Jeff Lipscomb, currently a non-starter for the team at the age of 52, also played in the game in Racine in 1991. Lipscomb has been a member of the Metro Mallers off-and-on for 25 years.

"The Racine Raiders, a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, begin their 61st season of operations in 2013. The Raiders won their eighth national championship in 2012. Find out more about the Racine Raiders at http://www.racineraiders.com."

Wisconsin Daily Independent

The Wisconsin Daily Independent, http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/, has been added to our sidebar list of Local and Area Blogs and Sites.

Check out some of the articles from the local man who also does Racine in Ruins:   http://wisconsindailyindependent.com/author/artculture9999/

"25-Й Открытый Кубок Санкт-Петербурга - произв. программа Вадима Скорнякова"

He gets my vote.

Open Blog - Monday

Okie doke.

Sweet Swedish Winter

I was inspired by Orbs and his Snow is a Four Letter Word post.. I might have posted this before I can't remember but I thought I would post some Swedish culture as it has been a long time and since winter is nipping at our heals I found it appropriate.. enjoy.. This is Freewheel with Sweet Swedish Winter

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Turn your clocks back one hour or show up an hour early for everything.