Open Blog - Thursday

Go on. You deserve it.

"The Ultimate Warrior Is Dead At Age 54"

"We've got some very bad news to report. Wrestling legend The Ultimate Warrior has died at the age of 54. After typing that, it feels like someone just kicked my childhood in the crotch.

"Warrior began his career with WWF (before it was renamed WWE) back in 1987, and quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers of his generation. He even kicked Hulk Hogan's ass at Wrestlemania VI, and people were happy about it. Considering Hogan's popularity at the time, that's pretty amazing.

"One bright note is that he lived to see his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, which took place just a few days ago. He also attended WrestleMania 30, and gave this short speech on last night's Monday Night Raw.



"Warrior was his legal name, by the way. His original name was James Brian Hellwig, but he had it changed in 1993. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

"At any rate, R.I.P. Warrior."

Read more: http://www.break.com/article/ultimate-warrior-dead-at-54-2596255


While I scanned the net for news and blogs about the Ultimate Warrior, I was struck by how many of the online tributes were written by young men who remember the Ultimate Warrior as one of their heroes growing up. The Ultimate Warrior made an impression on a generation.

A Night On Kitt Peak

Last night I was fortunate enough to accompany a U of Arizona student on a trip up Kitt Peak. He was trying to observe an exoplanet transit with the 0.9 meter telescope (he got data...has to analyze it to see if he saw the planet). We also took some pretty pictures (again, pending analysis) with the telescope. 

Fortunately, there were times I could sneak outside with my camera and take some pics. The Moon was waxing gibbous so it's light would dominate until it set. Fortunately, there are still interesting things you can photograph. Mars was at opposition last night so I took a couple of pictures of Mars and Spica as they rose over the domes.

As twilight ended, I setup  for a shot I have wanted to do for a long time. I walked down to the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope. This famous telescope looks like the number 7 on its side. It is polar aligned which means that the tunnel points straight toward the north star (less than half the tunnel is above ground...it's really a cool scope!) I set up my camera at the base of the telescope where the tunnel went underground and set my intervalometer to take a whole bunch of 30 second exposures which I then stacked to produce the star trails shown below. The one star at the tip of the telescope that stays still is the North Star.

I then went back to the 0.9 meter scope and setup  for a star trails shot pointing toward the 4 meter telescope. Some clouds started rolling in and I stopped after a while thinking my photo wouldn't come out. I processed it anyway and the moving clouds created an interesting image. Maybe I should have kept taking more images to make the trails longer!

Did some visual observing for a while and then after the Moon set, went for some images of the Milky Way rising.

Great night, but got very little sleep...say, that sounds like a good idea.

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

Poll: Should Rich Chiapete Resign As Racine County DA?

I'm bumping up this blog because the poll continues to be popular.

Originally published on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 3:56 PM:


Also, Racine Exposed has a story up on the Chiapete arrest: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/racine-county-da-rich-chiapete-arrested-for-hit-and-run-and-owi/

Also see: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/county-of-racine-da-republican-rich-chiapetes-big-nite-out/ 

"County of Racine DA, Republican Rich Chiapete’s Big Nite Out"

From Racine Exposed:

http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/county-of-racine-da-republican-rich-chiapetes-big-nite-out/

"LuckyTV | Uitsmijter" [Bouncer]

CAUTION: ADULT LANGUAGE, ETHNIC SLURS, AND RELIGIOUS HUMOR



I'm sure some people will find this disrespectful, but I like the new pope and wish him no dishonor.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my spring flora and fauna!  How are you?  The slow slog to warmer temperatures continues, but it still seems cold outside.  Until the ground and lakes thaw out, we’re going to be chilly.  Then it will suddenly be in the high 90 degrees and warmer for a few weeks, then back to the cold.  Summer’s over.  Oh my.

Oh my, indeed, for what has transpired in Racine since my last blog.  I do hope that federal agents or employees who are in the area and/or monitoring Racine don’t get the wrong impression.  Then again, I’m not so sure anymore what the “right” impression is.

The murder of a patron occurred outside the downtown bar of one of Mr. Mayor Dickert’s best friends.  The federal civil rights lawsuit related to Pattern or Practice that has been brought against the city alleges different treatment for different bars in Racine.  It’s horrid that someone died.  But, given that someone has, what action or inaction will be taken against the bar owner?  This seems to be right up the federal lawsuit’s alley, and it doesn’t bode well for Racine.

Then, of course, we have the OWI and hit-and-run alleged against our District Attorney.  Oh dear.  Another black eye for Racine.  How many eyes do we have?

Remember when Mr. Ex-Mayor Becker was targeted for OWI, but he made it home safely before the police arrived?  Then it turns out that he’s a pedophile.  We would have been better off keeping him drunk.

I’m sorry for the negative tone of this blog, but there are some very strange things happening in this town and we need the likes of a St. Patrick to drive our snakes out and into Lake Michigan.

The good news is that it looks like two cold cases of murder may finally be solved.  Thank you to all the people in and out of law enforcement who worked on these cases.  May this be balm for the victims’ families.  May justice finally be done.

Another issue has been the censorship at the Journal Times site.  They seemed to have taken it up a notch or two lately to protect Mr. Mayor and his friends.  That is precisely why this site exists.  We got fed up with the Journal Times’ censorship of our comments, so we started our own site.  Ta-da!  Please join us.

I can’t leave you on such a sour note.  Watch this video.  It has the answers to all of our problems:

http://thaigoodstories.com/

May we always help each other, Irregular or not.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I enjoy your company and consider all visitors my friends.  Love, love, love is in the air.

What’s the meaning of meaning’s meaning?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy the longer, warmer days, my friends.   May spring dig us out of the snow and ice.  Early blooming bulbs are poking through the soil.  Hello, my lovelies.  Facinorous!

Open Blog - Wednesday

From super to terrific to happy. These are P & P blogs.

"Richard Turner - One of the World's Greatest Card Magicians - Dealt Teaser Trailer"

http://dealtmovie.com/

"You don't know what you can do until you try." - one of my AA sponsors.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Terrific maybe, but I'm tacky for sure.

Local Loyalty - Nick James Studios

Welcome back!

Today, I want to introduce you to a man named Nick.

Nick is the man behind Nick James Studios.

Nick mainly works with videography but is also a very talented photographer. He records, edits and masters his own work. He does weddings, and other occasions and events, as well as recording little league games and even a funeral for a loved one who couldn't make it. 

Nick's goal is to keep things small and personal and ultimately affordable by doing everything himself from home.
He uses high def camcorders and masters everything 

with professional editing software. 

He got his start recording weddings 

as gifts for friends and family and found 

there was quite a need for affordable wedding videography.

Nick works by word of mouth, and could use our help!
Do you know someone getting married? 

Graduating? 

Babies?

Doing something awesome that needs to be shared? 

Give Nick a call, he's here to help!
 Nick's 3 words are -
1. Small
2. Personalized
3. Affordable

He also works with home IT stuff, like computer repair/virus removal, home networking set ups, and hands on education for software and hardware.

Nick's a pretty awesome go-to guy, with lots of talent and knowledge to share. 

Don't forget to let him know you saw it here!

Open Blog - Monday

Is that possible?

"Slow Life"

Slow Life from Daniel Stoupin on Vimeo.

Best viewed full screen.

These are real corals and real colors.

Read more: http://vimeo.com/88829079

"Racine County DA Cited for OWI, Hit & Run"

From Racine County Eye:

"Racine County District Attorney Rich Chiapete received municipal citations Friday night for both operating while intoxicated and hit and run.

"The accident reportedly happened at the intersection of Melvin and Main Streets in the City of Racine near Chiapete’s home.

"Chiapete released a statement apologizing for the incident Saturday morning.

“'I exercised extremely poor judgment on many levels. I did receive municipal citations for OWI and Hit & Run,' the statement reads, 'I take full responsibility for my actions. I am ashamed and embarrassed.'

"Racine Police Chief Art Howell confirmed the citations were issued.

“'We did issue citations to (Mr. Chiapete) following a property damage accident,' Howell wrote to Racine County Eye in an email.

"This is Chiapete’s first offense for both the OWI and the hit and run charges. Howell explained that when an accident does not involve other parties and does not result in any injuries, officers are given the discretion to issue citations instead of elevating the charges to a state level.

"Howell said a full press release – including his statement – is expected early Saturday afternoon.

"Here is Chiapete’s statement in full:

"I wanted to contact you with this information immediately. I did not want you to hear it from some other source. Last evening, I was involved in a single car accident near my house. I was coming home from a birthday party and had a few drinks. I did initially panic and leave the scene. I exercised extremely poor judgment on many levels. I did receive municipal citations for OWI and Hit & Run. I take full responsibility for my actions. I am ashamed and embarrassed. I apologize to my family, to the law enforcement community and to all of the citizens in our community. This should not have happened and I pledge to work hard to restore your faith in me."

"We will update this story as more information becomes available." 

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/04/05/racine-county-da-cited-owi-hit-run/

Press release: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/04/elected-official-cited-for-owi/

Open Blog - Weekend

Ar, arooooo! Arooooo!

"Cats seized from Caledonia neglect case now available for adoption"

"RACINE – Several cats who were removed from a home in Caledonia due to suspected animal mistreatment are now available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus, and the organization is asking for the public’s help in finding them good homes.

“'Six of the cats have been medically cleared to go into our adoption program, after treatment for conditions ranging from dental issues to respiratory infections,' said Alison Kleibor, director of the Racine Campus. 'They are so deserving of loving families and we hope to place them soon.'

"There is no fee to adopt an adult cat at the Wisconsin Humane Society, and they do same day adoptions M-F 12-8 and Sat 10-6. The cats who are healthy enough to be placed will remain in the adoption program until they find a new home. Animals in the WHS adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home – there are no time or space limits.

"Most of the cats are seniors ranging from 7 to 14 years old, which Kleibor states makes it more challenging to find them homes. 'Many people are looking for kittens or younger cats to adopt, but we know that some people love to provide seniors with happy retirement homes. It is so rewarding to share your home with a kitty in her golden years.'
 
"Available animals can be viewed on their website and filling out an adopter profile online will help expedite the adoption process. More information can be found at www.wihumane.org or by calling the WHS Racine Campus at 262-554-6699."

Read more: http://www.wihumane.org/news/cats-seized-from-caledonia-neglect-case-now-available-for-adoption-

"Downtown Racine Murder Victim Not Shot In Head"

From Racine Exposed:

"With no disrespect to the Families involved, he may not have been shot in the head, but the Downtown Racine murder victim is still dead."

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/downtown-racine-murder-victim-not-shot-in-head/

Envi is the name of the bar near where a young man was murdered

The man was a patron of Envi. He got his car to pick up his friends, who were in Envi.  He was returning to Envi when he was shot.

The Journal Times and the City of Racine are bending over backward to avoid naming the bar near where the shooting occurred.  That's because Doug Nicholson, the owner of Envi and the Ivanhoe, is a very good friend of the mayor's.  He even flies overseas with hizzoner on trips.

Racine police are told to ascribe problems at Envi to "the 300 block of Main St."

There was a shooting outside of Tequila Bar.  They were shut down.  There was a shooting 7 blocks away from Viper's Lounge.  They were shut down.  But the owners of Tequila Bar and Viper's aren't white, so they got shafted.

Again, the name of the bar near where the shooting took place is Envi.  It's owned by a pal of the mayor, so murder doesn't matter there.   

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It has been a long and dreary week... Not a whole lot of sunshine.Looking forward to the sunny weekend! Anyways, your questions!

1) Do you respond to phone surveys?

2) What is the one item do you cherish from your childhood?

3) What and when was the last state park you have been to?

4) What is your favorite off the grill?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

She must have the longest legs.

Poll - "Readers: Low Voter Turnout Caused by Lack of Coverage"

From Racine County Eye:

"By the time all of the ballots were counted and the county website was updated, total voter turnout in Racine County for the April 2014 election Tuesday was a dismal 12 percent.

"East of I-94 the turnout was even lower, at about 10 percent. This baffled us. Two years ago we had six elections including the recall elections, which resulted in 80 to 90 percent voter turnout. And Denise and I will never forget covering all of those rallies at Gorney Park and in downtown Racine. People were angry, but engaged. And although we never like seeing friends lose friends over politics we decided to dig a little deeper on this issue.

"So on the Racine County Eye Facebook page, we asked … what gives?

"A rather high percentage of you claimed to not have enough knowledge and blamed the lack of media coverage.

“'I do get the paper, but found little in it about the candidates and barely any contests to vote on. First time I didn’t vote in a number of years,' one reader said.

"Another Facebook follower agreed.

“'I do not think the election was publicized enough. I really had no clue about it until Monday,' they said.

"But you know what? We don’t accept that reasoning and here’s why: voting should be a treasured right, and claiming to not have the information you need because it wasn’t delivered to you isn’t good enough. Citizens of this community have a responsibility to get informed, get to the polls and vote.

"Another one of our Facebook friends pointed out that apathy at the polls often leads to greater problems down the road.

“'Apathy is running wild and has been for a long time the end result will not be pleasant,' they said.

"We agree, and we have to say that we also agree that if you don’t participate in the process, then you also don’t get to complain about the results. As another reader said, 'Don’t vote, don’t (expletive).'”

# # # # # 

"About the author: Heather Asiyanbi

"Heather Asiyanbi is a journalist with over 20 years of experience; 12 of them spent covering the Villages of Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/04/03/readers-low-voter-turnout-caused-lack-coverage/

# # # # #

This poll is not part of the Racine County Eye story above:

Manfred Mann - "Do Wah Diddy Diddy"

Bring back the 60's, man.

Marvin Gaye - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (A capella)

Thank you, Mr. Gaye.

Open Blog - Thursday

Will do, Yosemite Sam.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my Polka Partiers!  How are you?  We’ve seen a little more sun and even felt a little warm up, but spring still seems far away.  The twittering of birds and the lengthening of the daylight are all that give me hope.  The frost line runs deep during such a winter.  The spring melt off might be more than the frozen/saturated soil can tolerate.  Then come the floods.  Oh my.  Why such negative thinking, girl?  I think the winter ice in my heart needs to melt more.  Mr. OrbsCorbs said in yesterday’s Open Blog that the managers of his apartment building are moving to Florida.  That sounds very inviting after a winter like this one, very inviting.

Señor Zanza and Junior have kept up the spring cleanup of our yard and home.  Unfortunately, three gentlemen from ICE stopped by to see the Señor.  I say unfortunately because it usually takes four or more to make into enough fertilizer for the yard and garden. 

Ha-ha!  Belated April Fools’ Day!  The people from ICE haven’t bothered the Señor in years.  Given what happened last time, I don’t think they’re too eager for a return bout, I mean, visit, either.

I hope that you did your civic duty and voted yesterday.  I sent mine in telepathically. 

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

By now, I assume that you’ve heard of Hank, the stray dog that’s become a team mascot for the Milwaukee Brewers.  The JSOnline is reporting that Hank is doing well after his recent surgery: “Hank the Brewers dog OK after surgery; headed to disabled list” - http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/hank-the-brewers-dog-ok-after-surgery-headed-to-disabled-list-b99237734z1-253464571.html

Oh dear, I didn’t realize what type of surgery it was until I read the article.  Poor Hank.  It happens to the best of them.  This also ensures that there won’t be any young Hanks and/or young Henriettas to lay claim to his estate.   

It’s a dog-eat-dog world.

Too bad that some of our celebrities and public officials don’t follow Hank’s lead.

Can you feel the love?  I can.  I love you all, except for “some of our celebrities and public officials.”  Thank you so much for stopping by to visit my blog today.  I adore attention.

Who should and shouldn’t reproduce?  Find out: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy each glorious spring day, my dears.  Temperatures in the 40’s feel warm now, but they feel cold in the fall.  If you know of any prayers or rituals that will hurry the arrival of spring, please say or perform them now.  I don’t want to still be waiting for spring in June.  Sacerdotal!    

Open Blog - Wednesday

Yee-haw!

Iggy Pop - "Real Wild Child (Wild One)"

After drew's Four For Fridays questions last week, I've been listening to the radio some in the truck. Just as I was nearing home, WXRT (once an "underground" station) started playing this song. I haven't heard it in years, but I love Iggy.

Vote Today

Vote till it hurts.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Watch out for fools.

"Meet the Washington Mudslide Rescue Dogs"

Washington National Guard, Spc. Matthew Sissel/Associated Press

• By Taylor Umlauf

"As the search for missing persons in the aftermath of a massive mudslide in Washington enters its second week, some searchers will be taking a much-needed break.

"Rescue dogs, who have been essential in the search for victims of the mudslide that hit Oso, Wash., on March 22, will be getting some rest after working long hours in the cold and rain, rescue crews said Sunday. The dogs can lose their sensing ability if overworked, officials said, according to the Associated Press."

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2014/03/31/meet-the-washington-mudslide-rescue-dogs/


You can see all the weariness and sorrow in that dog's face/demeanor.

text

"The famed Bald Eagles from Decorah, Iowa are back on their nest and ready to start a new family! World famous and live streamed via the internet by the Raptor Resource Center, anyone can view the parents raise their eaglets from egg to fledglings from the comfort of their homes. Using inferred cameras and microphones, the eagles can be seen around the clock during the nesting season, which starts in January or February and runs till June."


Read more: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2014/03/decorah-eagles.html

See the eagles: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Local Loyalty - Razor Sharp

Welcome back!
This week, we visit

Razor Sharp

I visited the one at 7300 Washington Ave. 

They also have one at 3 Mile Road and Erie Street,

in the Shorecrest Shopping Center

The one in Shorecrest is a 24 hour facility.

Our Washington Ave. location's hours are - 

Mon. - Thurs. 5am-10pm

Fri. 5am-9pm

Sat. 7am-7pm

Sun. 7am-5pm

The Washington Ave location has been there since Feb. 2003. 

That seems like just yesterday, and I live right over here!

The Shorecrest location has been there 2 years. 

My mom is enrolled in a Silver Sneaker program for seniors, and I found out they host those right there in Razor Sharp. There was a class going but I didn't see dear ol' mom, have to give her a hard time about that one!

They started out, because they saw a need for a good fitness center here in town. Their goals are to help people live healthier lives, no matter what their needs are, they can be met. They offer everything for any need or goal and have all certified trainers to help you in whatever area you may need. They have all kinds of equipment, tons of classes, a gym, an indoor walking track, and salt water pools - no chlorine! Check out their website (above), for even more details.

Everyone there is very warm and friendly, I felt very welcomed, just walking in the door, and they didn't know me from Adam, or anyone else!

The 3 words chosen for Razor Sharp - 

1. Community

2. Clean

3. Friendly.

Lots of windows keep it bright and cheery. 

Lots of nature to look out and see. 

A very special thanks to Terri for sharing of your time with me :)
If you stop in, please let them know you saw it here!!

Last snow fall

Let's hope our last is behind us!

Open Blog - Monday

Being honest and open is healthy.

Posting for Toad!!

"Test your empathy!"

I yawned twice during the video.

Buddy Holly - "Well...All Right"

Another musical genius who died way too young.

Btw, the bugs in that picture with the Buddy Holly glasses are crickets. The name of Holly's band was The Crickets.

"Lululemon Pledge -- Spray on Pants"

Watch till the end of the "commercial." How long before SC Johnson sues and/or this video comes down?

"Man shot and killed outside downtown bar"

Photo credit: James Stroh/Racine Uncovered

From RacineUncovered:

"Subject: Homicide Investigation 300Blk Main St.
Victim: 21 year old Male
 
"On Saturday March 29, 2014 at 1:16 a.m. Racine Police responded to a call for a shot fired in the 300 blk of Main St. Responding officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Wheaton Franciscan Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

"Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.
 
"You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

"Witnesses on scene report that the victim had left Envi Bar located in the 300 block of Main St., and was in the process of moving his vehicle, had pulled up in front, exited his car and was allegedly returning to the bar when the shooting happened."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/03/man-shot-and-killed-outside-downtown-bar/

Open Blog - Weekend

Have a wonderful weekend.

'ILHC 2013 - Invitational Strictly Lindy Hop Finals"

These guys are incredible to me. I can't dance a lick.

"Bird vs side-view mirror"

 

Published on Mar 28, 2014

"My side-view mirror has been smudged every morning all week long. I've found out why."

Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_Z36PYZaFI

Sooner or later, that mirror is going to give up.

"South Park Monty Python Special Edition"

This is one mash-up I like.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! A much easier week than last.... Not as much overtime. Looking forward to a nice and warm, relaxing weekend. Anyways, here are your questions...

1) How often you wash your car?

2) What TV show do you wish was still on the air?

3) What is the most overplayed tune you hear on the radio?

4) What holiday seems to have lost its true meaning?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Hurray, Friday's here!

"Do It For Denmark!"

http://do-it-for-denmark.dk/

It's their patriotic duty to do it.

Open Blog - Thursday

Hang on! Don't dirty your diaper.

Watch Out, Drew and THB

You could be next.

"Curt Johnson case: July trial date set"

From The Journal Times.com:

By Kristen Zambo

"MADISON — A Racine County judge set a trial date of July 14 for Curt Johnson following an opinion issued by the state's highest court Wednesday."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/curt-johnson-case-july-trial-date-set/article_5206a66a-b4f2-11e3-a169-0019bb2963f4.html

"Is Monte Osterman’s Lobbying Organization, (The) Root River Council Fraudently Claiming To Be Non-Profit?"

From Racine Exposed:

"While the Root River Council peddles itself as a Non-Profit organization, new evidence suggests it is anything but a legitimate Non-Profit organization, and that it is in fact a front for a privately owned Corporation of Monte Osterman that is being used as part of an ongoing potential criminal enterprise, involving others who are already involved in a Federal RICO lawsuit. Is there an ongoing deliberate deception on the part of (the) Root River Council to fool the public as to the true nature of it’s intent, which is Lobbying for the private gain of Root River Council Chair Monte Osterman and other Board Members?

"Can the Root River Council Inc. legitimately claim itself to be Non-Profit?"

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/is-monte-ostermans-lobbying-organization-the-root-river-council-fraudently-claiming-to-be-non-profitmonte-ostermans-root-river-council-is-for-profit/

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my spring mates!  How are you?  We’ve had a few tastes of warming weather and a few smatterings of sunlight, but the cold and gray days predominate.  Someone told me that with so many ice packs on Lake Michigan, it will keep us cool through the summer.  Oh my.  “The worst winter in 100 years” may turn out to be the longest, too.

Saturday afternoon, I heard birds twittering and calling.  It’s such a beautiful sound, especially after not hearing it all winter.  I thought of Mr. drewzepmeister and Ms. Tender Heart Bear.  What a joy to pursue the birds and their calls all year round.  I’m grateful for such creatures and how well some have adapted to urban landscapes.

Señor Zanza and Junior have been out in the yard, cleaning up.  It’s still pretty muddy, so they’re just doing the basics.  Soon enough will be the roar of the lawnmower, the whistle of the string trimmer, and the whine of the leaf blower.  Soon enough the heat and sweat.  Soon enough, soon enough.

Soon enough, too, with the plants poking up from the soil.  Don’t forget to have some extra mulch or branches on hand to protect your plants from early spring frost damage.  The plants don’t know that it was the worst winter in 100 years.  At the appointed hour, they’ll sprout.  And leaf in.  And grow.  They’ll need all the help that they can get to recover from this winter past.  Be kind to your landscape, and it will  you.

It’s nice to hope that the worst of the winter weather is behind us, but we all know that it can snow here in March, April, and even May.  Given the death’s grip that this winter has on our weather,  I expect more cold and snow.

My dears, listen to the birds at the beginning of this video.  They sound just like the ones I heard last week:

Ah, that was beauitful.  Almost as beautiful as my love for my readers and followers, especially my fellow JT Irregulars.  Thank you for visitng my blog today.  Thank you for your comments.  Thank you for your love.

Need to know when the first dandelion will appear on your lawn?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy our slow creep towards warmth, my sweets.  The potholes are terrible.  Some of the temporary repairs are even worse.  Drive carefully.  School is still in session and the streets still ice up occasionally.  Pray for peace.  Wapentake!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Have a great day.

Racine.TV

"Racine.TV" is supposedly run by a member of the Cable Commission. It features videos like this one:



Racine.TV is now in the sidebar list of Local Sites.

What was Monte Osterman, Dickert's buddy, doing at Mound Cemetery hours after the damage was discovered? Monte is often a recipient of lying John's largesse. He and his wife, Mary, are neck deep in the corruption in Racine. Who gets all the contracts for marble in city hall's bathrooms? What marble firm do you think will get the contract to repair these headstones? Will it be Osterman Granite & Marble, again? Do ducks fly?

In the video, Monte marvels at how the vandals accomplished what they did. He talks about how diffcult it would be for amateurs to do this. Hmm, makes one wonder if professionals were involved. I wonder what firm would stand to profit from the desecration of Mounds' monuments?

Over and over, this is where the money goes: from taxpayers' pockets to the pockets of lying John's pals. They don't even try to hide it anymore. They just do it and arm themselves when we complain.

Open Blog - Tuesday

I hope so.

Guaranteed Bed Bug Killer

This was BL Basketcase's gift to me at the last JTI gathering. At first, I was afraid to open it. I thought it might contain some sort of super anti-bug bug. All you have to do is whisper "bed bug" to me and I jump.

Join the JTI and you, too, may receive gifts (or not).

"ROSE by Carte Noire"

http://vimeo.com/69161600

Now I'm hungry

Local Loyalty - Wilson's Coffee and Tea

Welcome back again!
Today's edition takes us to 

Wilson's Coffee and Tea

  3306 Washington Ave, Racine

Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-6:30pm

Sat. 7am-6pm

Sun. 10am-4pm

closed Sunday Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Wilson's has been in West Racine since October of '91. 

Walking in to their shop, feels like coming home. 

Tables were filled with friends visiting, laughing, sipping coffees and teas, 

and just enjoying the warm atmosphere. 

The aroma of freshly roasting coffee was intoxicating!

(ok, really funny coming from me, 

who doesn't like coffee 

and have never been intoxicated in my life

 - ahaha)

I DO love the smell of most coffees brewing but smelling the fresh roasting coffee, oh my gosh, smelled heavenly, I could have stayed there just taking it in for hours!

They are our only local coffee roasters. If you love coffee and have never been there, go check it out. Your sense of smell will love you!

They have specialty coffees, teas, hot and cold drinks, so many goodies. 

It's like a step back in time, to a warm, small town happy place. 

Check them out, and don't forget to tell them you saw it here!

Oh - almost forgot - 

The 3 words (had some help from a regular of theirs)

1. Classy

2. a Haven

3. FUN!

And there you have it, folks, go check them out!

 

Open Blog - Monday

Have that all done by noon, please.

Decorah Eagles

 I'm hoping that the Sheriff would post the live link on the sidebar...

 The famed Bald Eagles from Decorah, Iowa are back on their nest and ready to start a new family! World famous and live streamed via the internet by the Raptor Resource Center, anyone can view the parents raise their eaglets from egg to fledglings from the comfort of their homes. Using inferred cameras and microphones, the eagles can be seen around the clock during the nesting season, which starts in January or February and runs till June.

Questions arise during this season. Will all the eggs hatch? Will the eaglets survive to leave the nest? How does the parents protect the nest? Who sits on the eggs and when? The questions we all could ask... It can be answered here.... Watch it and find out!

 http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

"RootWorks – Cui Bono?"

From Racine Exposed:

"Racine Exposed asks, Is there yet another sweetheart deal in the works for friends of the mayor? A sweetheart deal to maximize profits and payouts made between RootWorks Board members, property owners and renters on the Mound Avenue Bluff, and City of Racine officials? A deal that is rife with corruption and was hatched between Racine City Hall officials and Insiders at a Racine Development Authority meeting on April Fools Day of 2013?"

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/rootworks-cui-bono/

Also see:  http://rootriverrevitalization.wordpress.com/

Also see: http://rootrivercouncil.org/