Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Four for Fridays
Hello everyone! Welcome back to Four for Fridays after a short, but yet long week. Does that make any sense? Anyways, here are some questions for you.
1) What celebrity death has affected you the most?
2) Do you prefer blogging or Facebook?
3) What chore do you dislike the most?
4) What toppings do like on your pizza?
Enjoy your weekend!
1) What celebrity death has affected you the most?
2) Do you prefer blogging or Facebook?
3) What chore do you dislike the most?
4) What toppings do like on your pizza?
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
"Ralph Williams Bay Shore Chrysler-Plymouth classic TV commercial"
From Harry Wait:
WARNING: Adult Language
Someone must have slipped truth serum into this guy's coffee.
WARNING: Adult Language
Someone must have slipped truth serum into this guy's coffee.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
"Forbes Magazine tells the world what Racine is really like"
From RacineUncovered.org:
I haven't read the story yet. I'll comment after I've done so.
"This story is featured in the latest FORBES 400 issue, newsstand date October 10, 2011.
"Drive into Racine, Wis. from the north and the first thing you notice
are the cheap strip malls and dilapidated houses. Between fast-food
joints, Cigarette City sells discounted Marlboros. Almost every
storefront on State Street is boarded up. Kids on push bikes hustle
passersby for coins outside a Walgreens.
"But get farther downtown and everything changes. The name Johnson
pops up everywhere—on signposts, street corners and the shiny Johnson
Building on Main Street, which houses the Johnson Financial Group,
Johnson Bank and sports retailer Johnson Outdoors.
"Curt has rarely made public appearances. Still, rumors of past drug
and alcohol abuse ricochet quietly around Racine, although Curt has
never been arrested or charged with any drug-related crime.
"For the complete story visit Forbes magazine at Profligate son a billionaire scions sex crime allegations rock a company town."
I haven't read the story yet. I'll comment after I've done so.
Rudeness Needs to End........
I am one of the original bloggers/posters on the JTI site along with a hand full of others.
Lately I have notice there have been a few bloggers/posters who have been rude to others.
One of the main reason which started the JTI site is the abuse from the administrators of the JT web site and bloggers which posted there, all they did and still do is complain about each other and bitch bitch bitch.
We all would love to hear what you have to say about things, but if you want to be rude, stay off this site and go to a bitch/complain site.
You know if you are one of these rude people. Today, I will not list your and their names; but keep it up and I will so everyone knows who you are! And you do know you can be blocked from blogging.
………SER
Lately I have notice there have been a few bloggers/posters who have been rude to others.
One of the main reason which started the JTI site is the abuse from the administrators of the JT web site and bloggers which posted there, all they did and still do is complain about each other and bitch bitch bitch.
We all would love to hear what you have to say about things, but if you want to be rude, stay off this site and go to a bitch/complain site.
You know if you are one of these rude people. Today, I will not list your and their names; but keep it up and I will so everyone knows who you are! And you do know you can be blocked from blogging.
………SER
"Making sure the disclaimer is complete"
http://www.jtirregulars.com/2008/06/making-sure-disclaimer-is-complete.html
The Disclaimer appears at the bottom of every JTI page:
Disclaimer
This website exists for entertainment purposes only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events or people. The content of posts on this site, including but not limited to links to other web sites, are the expressed opinion of the original poster and are in no way representative of or endorsed by the owners or administration of this website. The posts on this website are the opinion of the specific author and are not statements of advice, opinion, or factual information on behalf of the owner or administration of JT Irregulars. This site may contain adult content and if you feel you might be offended by such content, you should log off immediately.
Not all posts on this website are intended as truthful or factual assertion by their authors. Some users of this website are participating in internet role playing, with or without the use of an avatar. NO post on this website should be considered factual information on face value alone. Users are encouraged to USE DISCERNMENT and do their own follow up research while reading and posting on this website. JT Irregulars reserves the right to make changes to, corrections and/or remove entirely at any time posts made on this website without notice. In addition, JT Irregulars disclaims any and all liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of a post on this website.
This site is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. You should not assume that this site is error-free or that it will be suitable for the particular purpose which you have in mind when using it. In no event shall JT Irregulars be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether or not advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this site or other documents which are referenced by or linked to this site.
Some events depicted in certain posting and threads on this website may be fictitious and any similarity to any person living or dead is merely coincidental. Some other articles may be based on actual events but which in certain cases incidents, characters and timelines have been changed for dramatic purposes. Certain characters may be composites, or entirely fictitious. We do not discriminate against the mentally ill!
Administrators may close an account, remove any post or comment and cancel author accounts as they, alone, deem necessary. You may contact the administration at jtirregulars@jtirregulars.com to report inappropriate use or to ask for the removal of specific material. The administration retains the final decision of what content constitutes appropriate use and what content is displayed.
Fair Use Notice: This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Users may make such material available in an effort to advance awareness and understanding of issues relating to civil rights, economics, individual rights, international affairs, liberty, science & technology, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C.Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
For more information please visit:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml
Mail JT Irregulars with questions or comments about this site.
This Disclaimer is subject to change at anytime.
"Mother upset over teacher saying ‘redneck’ is racist"
From The Journal Times.com:
When I think of redneck, I think of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if . . . " routine. How is it "racist against black people"? If it is, then isn't black people referring to themselves as "niggers" racist against white people?
I usually disagree with the Politically Correct Police. This time is no exception.
What do you think?
"RACINE — A local mother is 'appalled' that a Racine Unified
elementary school teacher allegedly called her son 'racist' but she has
so far not talked with the teacher about the incident.
"Instead, Breann Hooser has spoken about it with district
officials, transferred her son to a different Unified school, contacted
local media and called for the teacher’s removal from the classroom.
Hooser has also asked legislators to revise state laws to make
educators’ personnel records public.
“'I’m very concerned we’re not allowed to know what
happens with the teachers. I’m appalled this teacher did not lose any
work,' said Hooser, 32, of Racine, a stay-at-home mom. 'I don’t know if
she was talked to, if she was reprimanded, if she was suspended.'
"The incident in question happened on March 23 at Knapp
Elementary School, 2701 17th St., when Hooser’s fourth-grade son, who is
white, completed a class assignment by writing, 'I like country music
because I’m a redneck hillbilly,' Hooser said.
"The teacher, who is black, then told the boy in front of the class that 'redneck' was racist against black people, Hooser said.
“'To us, it’s a family joke,' Hooser said, explaining they
use the term 'redneck' to make fun of themselves for being 'country.' 'It wasn’t meant to be offensive.'”
When I think of redneck, I think of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if . . . " routine. How is it "racist against black people"? If it is, then isn't black people referring to themselves as "niggers" racist against white people?
I usually disagree with the Politically Correct Police. This time is no exception.
What do you think?
Dear Madame Zoltar
A perusal of the news brought up this tidbit from the
JSOnline: “DNR cracks down on sex at nude beach,” http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/dnr-cracks-down-on-sex-at-nude-beach-g851ptp-147791535.html Oh my.
I didn’t know there is a nude beach near Madison. I will have to investigate this further, for
journalistic purposes. Perhaps Señor
Zanza will join me, for journalistic purposes.
Junior will have to stay home, for voyeuristic purposes.
Closer to home, I saw this in The Journal Times.com: “Hot
dog stand owner takes over boat launch concession,” http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/hot-dog-stand-owner-takes-over-boat-launch-concession/article_23cfbdf0-83ca-11e1-95a6-0019bb2963f4.html Mr. Caleb Robinson, the owner of Top Dog Hot Dogs in downtown
Racine, is going to run the city’s boat
launch concession stand. I predict success
and a fantastic future for Mr. Robinson.
He is an outstanding young man.
He also serves up some very tasty food.
I am forever grateful to Mr. OrbsCorbs for telling me about Top Dog and
their delicious Chicago-style hotdogs.
Oh dear, I get hungry just thinking about them.
Speaking of Mr. OrbsCorbs, he submitted an email this week:
Dear Madame Zoltar,
Did you know that there are “professional” cat and dog
whisperers out there? Some claim they
can communicate with any animal. They
charge up to $50, and more, for a “reading” done over the telephone. I can’t afford that. How the heck can they read your pet’s mind
over the telephone?
Anyway, I was wondering if you aren’t also an animal
whisperer, Madame Zoltar, in addition to your vast array of other powers. And if you are, would you be willing to tell
me what Charlie, my cat, thinks of me?
Thank you very much,
OrbsCorbs
Dear Mr. OrbsCorbs, thank you so much for submitting a
question.
Nobody can give a proper reading of anyone or anything over
the telephone. However, I am what you
call an “animal whisperer.” That is, I
can communicate with animals. Many pets
are more pleasant to talk to than their owners.
Unlike some of my other psychic powers, which I consider gifts from a
Higher Power, I believe that anyone can learn animal communication with enough
time and practice.
In any case, I’ve had the good fortune to have met Charlie
and I know what he thinks. As for you,
Mr. OrbsCorbs, he thinks you’re crazy. Do not be too discouraged by that. Most cats think humans are crazy. The important thing is that Charlie loves you
(he told me so) and you love him. The
rest are details.
That same love is the love I have for my readers. Thank you, dears, for reading my blog
today. I hope you enjoyed it. Stop by next week, please.
If you need to contact me before next week, I am always available
here: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy the mild weather. Get out and about. Or stay at home and nod in the sun. Be grateful for what we have. Every day is a gift. Every Irregular is a miracle. Decarchy!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project
From Harry Wait (http://www.racinecountycorruption.com/):
She had an ulterior
motive.
Irena smuggled Jewish infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried.
Irena smuggled Jewish infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried.
She also carried a
burlap sack in the back of her truck, for larger
kids.
Irena kept a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.
Irena kept a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.
The soldiers, of course,
wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants
noises.
During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.
Ultimately, she was caught, however, and the Nazi's broke both of her legs and arms and beat her severely.
Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she had smuggled out, in a glass jar that she buried under a tree in her back yard.
During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.
Ultimately, she was caught, however, and the Nazi's broke both of her legs and arms and beat her severely.
Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she had smuggled out, in a glass jar that she buried under a tree in her back yard.
After the war, she tried
to locate any parents that may have survived and tried to reunite the
family.
Most had been gassed.
Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or
adopted.
In 2007 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected.
In 2007 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected.
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Curse of My Grandma
My grandma passed away about this time of year in 2007. She loved the comic strip Family Circus. She would go on about how cute it was and family members would give her Family Circus books for birthdays/Christmas etc. I find the Family Circus to be incredibly lame and overly sweet and wholesome to the point of being infuriating.
Yet I read the damn thing every day because of her! I can't get my morning paper and not look at that comic strip and think of my grandmother for a minute.
A lifetime of reading the Family Circus: the Curse of My Grandma.
Useless Information

Did you know:
The first and orginal "wet bike" aka Jet Ski was built for a James Bond movie.
Since it has become and multi million dollar industry.
The Hot Air Balloon Show in Immokalee, Florida

Here are a couple of the photos we took yesterday of the Hot Air Balloon show we attended in Immokalee, FL Unfortunately, it was too windy for them to get air-bound...I found the different designs rather interesting. Loved the Pig and the Purple Monster! LOL. The rest of the photos posted on a separate Blog...
kk, if you can consolidate, go ahead and if you need to reformat the photos, be my guest!
"How It Feels To Sell Instagram For A Billion Dollars"
Fake or real? I say fake.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The JTI on Facebook
| Click to visit JTI Facebook |
The sheriff needs to get with the program and learn the new features. Technology is good.....
Updates? Not so much!
Do you Facebook?
If so, take a look, and as it says,
"Write something!"
Friday, April 13, 2012
Four for Fridays
Hello everybody! Welcome back to Four for Fridays after a short and productive week. Isn't that the way things should be? Anyways, here are some questions for you....
1) What is the crappiest car you have ever driven?
2) What pets you ever had?
3) Do you think our laws are tough enough?
4) If you were browsing around Wal-Mart, what area of the store where you most likely to be found?
Enjoy your weekend!
1) What is the crappiest car you have ever driven?
2) What pets you ever had?
3) Do you think our laws are tough enough?
4) If you were browsing around Wal-Mart, what area of the store where you most likely to be found?
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Hale-Bopp: 1996-2012

Hale-Bopp finally passed away on Monday night (with the help of the vet) at my place. Many of you at the gathering last summer knew she had cancer and the vet said most cats with this form of cancer pass within 30-60 days, so she definitely beat the odds for a while. But she finally quit eating, was losing weight and getting weak. It was the right time.
I got her in the fall of 1996. Found her at the end of a cross country practice. A student suggested the name Hale-Bopp since I had been using this new fangled thing called the "internet" and showing them pictures of this incoming comet since the beginning of the 95-96 school year.
A few days after taking her home, I got the chicken pox. This little (still unnamed at the time) furball wouldn't leave me alone, fearful that I would die on her and she would be homeless again. Staying home from work for a week was kind of fortunate in the long run, provided great bonding time.
Bopp was my first cat and different than pets we had growing up. We had dogs. We got one when I was about five and it died only a few weeks after we got it. I barely remember it. Second one we got shortly thereafter and it only lived about three years. I was the one who found it dead in the morning (heart defect the autopsy said). I remember that, but I was still young. Third dog lived until I graduated college and moved out before she passed.
But when you look at it a certain way, Bopp was my first pet. When you are a kid, your parents really dictate the pet situation. They choose the pets, care for them (even if they make some of the pet care your chores) take them to the vet and ultimately decide end of life issues. When you are finally on your own, then you get the full responsibility for the health and well being of an animal, including doing the right thing at the end.
The vet came over Monday night around 7pm (yes, my vet makes housecalls in the evening if needed). Bopp didn't even fight when they shaved her leg for the IV, a sure sign it was the right time. As sad as it was, I still laughed a little at how loopy she got from the first sedative. There can be humor even at that time. She passed sitting in my lap.
My vet is a good guy. Vets deal with grieving pet owners on a regular basis. He did start getting a little spiritual, but not in a pushy/evangelizing way. I gently told him that was not necessary, I was an atheist and would take comfort in this being a natural part of life (although maybe not right now). He did the right thing and let me grieve my own way.
Bopp is being cremated and I will take her ashes to Florida and scatter her ashes after a run where I found her.
Good bye, Bopp. You will always be lovingly remembered.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Flight of the Conchords - "Business Time"
Wednesday night is business time.
Dear Madame Zoltar
Speaking of Mr. OrbsCorbs, I want to thank him for posting
last week about our reading months previous.
The blog helped fill a void, I believe.
Mr. OrbsCorbs’ time approaches.
Fortune or failure? It’s up to
him.
I hope that you all had a Happy Easter. Easter is a wonderful holiday that represents
spring and rebirth and renewal and jelly beans and baked ham and Easter
eggs. Now, what do you do with all the
leftover eggs? Can I donate them to some
charity?
So far, so good, with our nightly temperatures flirting with
the freezing point again. So many plants
are now budding and flowering. A killing
frost would be disastrous. Keep your
buckets and leaf piles or mulch handy.
Just covering a plant protects it considerably.
I’d like to give a “howl out” to Racine’s
Wolf Man from Romania’s
Werewolf Man. He is a faithful reader. My blog is very popular in the homeland.
[Confidential to JayTeeDee: if you want to know what your
enemies are really saying behind your back, I’ll need an additional $250.]
Finally, if you don’t want to scare children, then don’t
wear purple:
Thank you one and all for stopping by to read my blog this
week. I’m overflowing with love for my
readers because I haven’t been able to express it properly for awhile. A big smooch for each of you, my dear, dear
friends.
What are your financial prospects after the impending apocalypse? Madame Zoltar knows. madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Spring ISS Pass
The International Space Station (ISS) is making evening passes over much of the United States this week. The best pass for Tucson was tonight (although we get more, tonight's was the brightest). I drove down to Saguaro National Park East and snapped a few shots.
Those are my favorite pics from tonight (for more, you can always check out my Flickr Stream).
As we approach summer, it is sometimes possible to see more than one ISS pass per night, especially as you go farther north. We had two passes last night in Tucson. I have seen up to four passes per night listed for Seattle. To find out when to see the ISS, be sure to check Heavens-Above or the Spaceweather Simple Satellite Tracker.Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Spring ISS Pass
The International Space Station (ISS) is making evening passes over much of the United States this week. The best pass for Tucson was tonight (although we get more, tonight's was the brightest). I drove down to Saguaro National Park East and snapped a few shots.
Those are my favorite pics from tonight (for more, you can always check out my Flickr Stream).
As we approach summer, it is sometimes possible to see more than one ISS pass per night, especially as you go farther north. We had two passes last night in Tucson. I have seen up to four passes per night listed for Seattle. To find out when to see the ISS, be sure to check Heavens-Above or the Spaceweather Simple Satellite Tracker.Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
The Blues Magoos - "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet"
Just some more of my early influences.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Just Ducky
Seemingly, little do many residents of Racine know about the wildlife here in town. Much of it not in woods but right in front of us! A trip down to the harbor can yield an abundance of birds, mostly waterfowl. Though gulls and Canadian Geese are quite common around here, it's the ducks you've got to watch out for.
Mallards are a dime a dozen around here. Many of them are year round residents, often finding open water to wade in. Pictured above are the drake (left) and the hen (right) .
Looking similar to the Mallards are the Red Breasted Mergansers. Upon closer look, one would notice they are smaller and sleeker than the Mallards. Check out the spiky crest and thin red bill. Unlike the Mallards, they will dive and swim completely underwater for small fish, aquatic incests, crustaceans and frogs. Honestly, I haven't noticed them around till this winter.
Often hanging around the mergansers, I believe are the American Coots. Check out the short white bills on these small birds. These birds can be seen swimming in the open water. They can dive for food and forage for food on land. Coots will pretty much eat anything-plant material, arthropods, fish and other aquatic animals.
Remember, Lake Michigan is a migratory route for many species of birds. I've seen Lesser and Greater Scaups, Buffleheads and Harlequin Ducks on the lake shores over the years. Now, I'm waiting for the terns to arrive. Maybe I'll get a chance to video them dive bomb into the water...
Remember, Lake Michigan is a migratory route for many species of birds. I've seen Lesser and Greater Scaups, Buffleheads and Harlequin Ducks on the lake shores over the years. Now, I'm waiting for the terns to arrive. Maybe I'll get a chance to video them dive bomb into the water...
always the noise in the head
always the noise in the head
always the still in the dead
just one moment
between the two
just one word
from you, from you
--OrbsCorbs, Copyright © 2012
One Punch Homicide
WORLD PREMIERE
of
ONE PUNCH HOMICIDE
Open to the public. $10.00.
At Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre,
2230 North Farwell Avenue,
one of Wisconsin's most beautiful theatres.
April 19, 2012 (Thursday), 7:15 PM.
One night only.
of
ONE PUNCH HOMICIDE
Open to the public. $10.00.
At Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre,
2230 North Farwell Avenue,
one of Wisconsin's most beautiful theatres.
April 19, 2012 (Thursday), 7:15 PM.
One night only.
"A documentary that will reduce violence, crime, and murders. It's about those who killed and were killed by one punch, and only one punch, and their loved ones. Most of One Punch Homicide is interviews with five inmates in five U.S. states who killed someone with a single punch. It also has interviews with the loved ones of seven who were killed with one punch, and more, including the death of a 16 year old boy from one punch."
It will also feature information about the Colin Byars murder:
It will also feature information about the Colin Byars murder:
Sunday, April 8, 2012
"Andrew Dickey- Black Bike vol. 1"
I remember when people used to ride those things on streets and around town.
Monday Morning Rally at RUSD
From my email:
"On April 9, 2012, at the Racine Unified Administrative
Service Center, 3109 Mt. Pleasant St,
Racine, WI. starting at approx.
9:00a.m., there will be a Rally by Citizens United For Personal
Responsibility and Government Accountability. The Rally is to raise awareness
that the School Board incumbents, Plache, Warner and Nielsen , were re-elected
solely due to the union public employee
political block of RUSD and WEAC and that concerned citizens and
responsible parents, including African American parents, recognize they are
incompetent at best and have failed to properly educate children. Responsible and concerned citizens, parents,
and African American families recognize that the RUSD School Board is derelict
in their duty and squanders taxpayer dollars to enrich union public employee
while children are left to fail. The inability for the public to elect
effective Leadership is a direct result of union public employees voting only
for their paychecks and bank accounts.

"Further, RUSD Superintendent Ann Laing’s outrageous
statement that 'African-American don’t know how to make good choices for their
children' is strongly denounced! Ms.
Laings demands that African-American families disavow voucher schools and do as
she commands them garners her a local 'Plantation Police' award!
"Racine Wolfman picketing Unifed’s offices with Video!"
"CITIZENS
UNITED FOR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY"
"Please join us and demand that the RUSD School Board and
RUSD Superintendent Ann Laing put children and education FIRST! NOT union
public employee’s paychecks and bank accounts. Union public employee’s are
reminded that in this time of recession 'SHARED SACRIFICE' is a mandate and that
looting the taxpayers is WRONG!"
I'd like to state that I support the troops in the trenches; i.e., the teachers and assistants and others who have daily contact with our students and try to educate them. I believe that teachers take the blame for many of the parenting problems in our society.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Edit: 4/9/2012, 10:00 PM. Here are a couple of pictures from the rally.
More, from RacineUncovered.org:
I'd like to state that I support the troops in the trenches; i.e., the teachers and assistants and others who have daily contact with our students and try to educate them. I believe that teachers take the blame for many of the parenting problems in our society.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Edit: 4/9/2012, 10:00 PM. Here are a couple of pictures from the rally.
More, from RacineUncovered.org:
"Racine Wolfman picketing Unifed’s offices with Video!"
http://racineuncovered.org/2012/04/racine-wolfman-enjoying-the-weather-and-picketing-unifeds-offices/
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Gearing Up For Solar Photography
Now I suspect a lot of you would love to try a little solar photography someday but are worried about the cost. You may even be looking at the upcoming annular eclipse on May 20th or the Transit of Venus on June 5/6 (depending on which side of the International Date Line you are on) and wish you could photograph it but think you need lots of expensive equipment.
Well, I am not the wealthiest person in the world so I always try and find ways to do things inexpensively. Regular readers know that my camera is a Canon Digital Rebel Xti which can be picked up inexpensively on eBay. I have several lenses I have bought over the years. The two zoom lenses are the Canon EF-S 55-250mm zoom lens and the EF 70-300 USM zoom lens (got used for $90). I use these two lenses for my sunset green flash pictures.
To take a pic of sunspots, a partial eclipse, or the transit of Venus, however, you are going to need a solar filter. You can always buy some solar film and make your own, but a company called Rainbow Symphony makes solar filters ready to go. I have bought a variety of stuff from them over the years and had good luck with them. I bought the 60mm solar filter and it fits over the end of both my lenses like a glove. It even snaps into place like it was built for these lenses.
So I took my camera outside, found the sun and snapped a shot.

Not a lot of action up there today,but you can see the smudge toward the right side which is sunspot 1450. I didn't do any adjustments to the photo except cropping and took it with all automatic camera settings (with the flash turned off...the camera sees all that dark area and wants to fire a flash!)
So a rather humble beginning, but I am sure I will get somewhat better results as I experiment with manual settings. I will be working with the camera in preparation for the May 20th annular solar eclipse and the June 4th transit of Venus. I am sure many people have comparable cameras and could get interesting photos. Oh, and don't forget, we are heading toward a probable solar maximum in 2013 so a $10 solar filter is not a bad accessory to buy now!
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Well, I am not the wealthiest person in the world so I always try and find ways to do things inexpensively. Regular readers know that my camera is a Canon Digital Rebel Xti which can be picked up inexpensively on eBay. I have several lenses I have bought over the years. The two zoom lenses are the Canon EF-S 55-250mm zoom lens and the EF 70-300 USM zoom lens (got used for $90). I use these two lenses for my sunset green flash pictures.
To take a pic of sunspots, a partial eclipse, or the transit of Venus, however, you are going to need a solar filter. You can always buy some solar film and make your own, but a company called Rainbow Symphony makes solar filters ready to go. I have bought a variety of stuff from them over the years and had good luck with them. I bought the 60mm solar filter and it fits over the end of both my lenses like a glove. It even snaps into place like it was built for these lenses.
So I took my camera outside, found the sun and snapped a shot.
Not a lot of action up there today,but you can see the smudge toward the right side which is sunspot 1450. I didn't do any adjustments to the photo except cropping and took it with all automatic camera settings (with the flash turned off...the camera sees all that dark area and wants to fire a flash!)
So a rather humble beginning, but I am sure I will get somewhat better results as I experiment with manual settings. I will be working with the camera in preparation for the May 20th annular solar eclipse and the June 4th transit of Venus. I am sure many people have comparable cameras and could get interesting photos. Oh, and don't forget, we are heading toward a probable solar maximum in 2013 so a $10 solar filter is not a bad accessory to buy now!
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Four for Fridays
Hello everyone! Welcome back to Four for Fridays, after a week of solid working and chasing. (How come this happens just before the holidays?) Anyways, here are some questions for you...
1) What are your Easter plans?
2) What are your memories of Easter?
3) What do you think of parenting these days?
4) What do you think the customer service these days?
Enjoy your weekend!
1) What are your Easter plans?
2) What are your memories of Easter?
3) What do you think of parenting these days?
4) What do you think the customer service these days?
Enjoy your weekend!
two songs for the paschal moon
sorry that i don't know how to post this all together... happy easter to everyone!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
"Project Glass: One day..."
https://plus.google.com/111626127367496192147/posts
At left is a prototype of the glasses. The big question online seems to be, "Would you wear them?" I doubt that I would. I have enough trouble dealing with visual input. All I need is some damn drop-down menu while I'm driving.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Personal Reading by Madame Zoltar
Well, this works out, I guess. I was going to post this yesterday, but I got involved with other things. With Mme. Z unable to do her blog this week, maybe this will help with a Zoltar fix now.
I received a personal, complimentary reading from Madame Zoltar this past January. Twice now I've started to blog about the experience. This is my third attempt. I wish I had saved the draft of my first blog on the subject, when my memories were still fresh.
I hesitated to post my previous blogs for fear that the Madame’s words would prove to be less than true. Shame, shame on me. Oh me of little faith.
Essentially, Madame Zoltar said that I was going to receive one more opportunity to make it. She was very explicit about my responsibility to act responsibly when this occurs. She said, “Seldom have I met anyone given more second chances than you, Mr. OrbsCorbs.” She also said, “Don’t blow it, wise ass.”
I’ve been atingle ever since. This is the song I thought of immediately afterwards:
I received a personal, complimentary reading from Madame Zoltar this past January. Twice now I've started to blog about the experience. This is my third attempt. I wish I had saved the draft of my first blog on the subject, when my memories were still fresh.
I hesitated to post my previous blogs for fear that the Madame’s words would prove to be less than true. Shame, shame on me. Oh me of little faith.
Essentially, Madame Zoltar said that I was going to receive one more opportunity to make it. She was very explicit about my responsibility to act responsibly when this occurs. She said, “Seldom have I met anyone given more second chances than you, Mr. OrbsCorbs.” She also said, “Don’t blow it, wise ass.”
I’ve been atingle ever since. This is the song I thought of immediately afterwards:
Dear Madame Zoltar
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
what the demon thinks is this
what the demon thinks is this
there’s no way out
there’s no stopping the process
the pieces fall into place with an almost audible click
it becomes inevitable
I understand our assassins now
they say you’re crazy when everything makes sense
when you calm and finally realize your destiny
the audible click, the ensuing terror
--OrbsCorbs, Copyright © 2012
there’s no way out
there’s no stopping the process
the pieces fall into place with an almost audible click
it becomes inevitable
I understand our assassins now
they say you’re crazy when everything makes sense
when you calm and finally realize your destiny
the audible click, the ensuing terror
--OrbsCorbs, Copyright © 2012
RACINE COUNTY CORRUPTION.COM Redux
Some of my favorite clowns have been added to Harry Wait's website:
Of course, I love the Three Stooges, too.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"Interplanetary Reporting Comes To Google Analytics"
From Google Analytics:
That's great. I've wondered for some time which planets are visiting the JTI.
By the way, I got that from "April Fools in the Tech World 2012 Round-up," http://www.slashgear.com/april-fools-in-the-tech-world-2012-round-up-01221002/ Check it out. There's funny stuff, like the Complete YouTube Collection on DVD, delivered to you by trucks.
"Sunday, April 01, 2012 | 6:08 AM
"Labels: Announcements
"At Google we like to create solutions for the future. And we imagine a future where web use won’t be restricted simply to Earth. Rather, people will want to visit their favorite sites while cruising around the rings of Saturn with friends or relaxing at the (inevitable) Mercury tanning facility.
"When the galaxy is our playground, marketers, analysts and webmasters will want to understand location use beyond Earth. For example, if you had a chain of taco stands and noticed many users visiting your website from the Mars outpost, well, that might help you make a business case to begin expanding your business to serve Mars colonists.
"That’s why today we’re announcing a sneak preview of our new Interplanetary Reports. While currently you only get a partial picture of website visitor location, we want to expand beyond Earth to help you understand visitor activities from neighboring stars and planets. You’ll also be able to drill down on each planet to see greater detail. For example, which colony or outpost your visitors came from similar to the city drill down available for Earth today."
That's great. I've wondered for some time which planets are visiting the JTI.
By the way, I got that from "April Fools in the Tech World 2012 Round-up," http://www.slashgear.com/april-fools-in-the-tech-world-2012-round-up-01221002/ Check it out. There's funny stuff, like the Complete YouTube Collection on DVD, delivered to you by trucks.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
"Davy Jones【デイビー・ジョーンズ】 (1996.1)"
From Timt49:
"I knew I would find it again. At the end he walks past the Ventures and sits next to Bob Bogle. Another YouTube video carries on from there with the Ventures."
Unfortunately, embedding has been disabled on this video, so you'll have to click the link to watch it on YouTube. As always, Japanese TV confuses me.
Related Davy Jones blog:
http://www.jtirregulars.com/2012/03/what-no-monkees-fans.html
"I knew I would find it again. At the end he walks past the Ventures and sits next to Bob Bogle. Another YouTube video carries on from there with the Ventures."
Unfortunately, embedding has been disabled on this video, so you'll have to click the link to watch it on YouTube. As always, Japanese TV confuses me.
Related Davy Jones blog:
http://www.jtirregulars.com/2012/03/what-no-monkees-fans.html
Friday, March 30, 2012
Crazy Impossible Pool Shots
I've never seen anyone put so much English on the ball.
Four for Fridays
Hello everyone! Welcome back to Four for Fridays after a long and a little bit of a crazy week. Just glad that Friday is here, so I can get some rest. Here are some questions for you.
1) What is your shoe size?
2) What kind of shoes do you prefer to wear?
3) Do you keep tabs on the British monarchy?
4) Do you respond to online or phone surveys?
Enjoy your weekend!
1) What is your shoe size?
2) What kind of shoes do you prefer to wear?
3) Do you keep tabs on the British monarchy?
4) Do you respond to online or phone surveys?
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
What Websites Do You Visit Every Day?
I check out the JTI, Racine Uncovered, Journal Times, Journal Sentinel, and Google News. Sometimes CNN, Reuters, and/or Yahoo News. I visit Break.com every few days. That's where most of the crazy videos come from. After I see one I like on Break, I find it on YouTube, because I prefer their embedding. For entertainment, I visit Retrovision.tv, Hulu, Google Video, YouTube and others for movies and/or old TV shows.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)





















