Open Blog - Weekend

Enjoy yourselves

"Extreme Demolition: Watch 200ft wind turbine tower toppled in Torrington CT, Hexacopter aerial video"

http://notadrone.com/

At first I thought the tower fell wrong and just missed the tractor by luck.

Change of the seasons

West African bush tribe

An elderly couple was watching a Discovery Channel special about a West African bush tribe whose men all had penises 24 inches long.

 

When the black male reaches a certain age, a string is tied around his penis and on the other end is a weight. After a while, the weight stretches the penis to 24 inches.

 

Later that evening as the husband was getting out of the shower, his wife looked at him and said, "How about we try the African string-and-weight procedure?"

 

The husband agreed and they tied a string and a weight to his penis.

 

A few days later, the wife asked the husband, "How is our little tribal experiment coming along?"

 

"Well, it looks like we're about half way there," he replied.

 

"Wow, you mean it's grown to 12 inches?"

 

"No, it's turned black."

Little Richard - "Tutti Frutti" - from Don't Knock The Rock - HQ 1956

Some people say that Little Richard invented rock 'n' roll, but I don't think that any one person can lay claim to that.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! All I can say it has been a crazy week.... Weird things have been going on. Anyways, some questions for you...

1) How old were you when you got your first computer?

2) What part of pop culture do wish would just go away?

3) How long do you think you can last in solitary confinement?

4) What MOVIE comes to mind when you think of the '50's?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Ah, Friday.

"Poets Laureate for Racine and Kenosha to be announced at Oct. 25 event"

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE — The Kenosha/Racine Poets Laureate Program will induct the 2014-15 Poets Laureate for Kenosha and Racine from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Spectrum School of the Arts & Gallery, 610 21st St., on the DeKoven Center grounds. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Outgoing Poets Laureate Angie Aker (Kenosha), and Stephen Kalmar II and Darin Zimpel (Racine) will read from their work as well as introduce a few of the many Kenosha and Racine residents who participated in public programs they hosted over the past two years and who will present some of the work they created during that time. Racine poet Nick Demske will serve as master of ceremonies and introduce the Poets Laureate of Kenosha and Racine for 2014-15.

"Guitarist Jamey Buencamino will provide music during the evening. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. There is no admission fee."

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/poets-laureate-for-racine-and-kenosha-to-be-announced-at/article_c6be8bec-3ce5-11e3-96c3-001a4bcf887a.html

"Miniatur Wunderland *** official video 2012 *** largest model railway / railroad of the world"

Thanks to Toad for sending me a link to this.

Humor from legal stranger

Thanks for the videos.

The Last of Fall Pictures!

Yesterday when I was sitting on the couch I looked out our patio doors I was looking at the trees and there was no leaves left. It was funny because the day before it was full of leaves and this happened over night. I just could not believe what happened with the leave over night. So that made me think I better get the last of my Fall pictures from up north posted for everyone. We didn't have much time or real good sun light to get a lot of pictures to share. Here are the pictures-

                              This is on Cty Hwy DD in Pickeral Wi looking out towards the lake!

                                  This is on Cty Hwy DD in Pickeral Wi looking down the road!

         This is on Hwy 55 in Lily Wi looking at the tops of the trees and some have no leaves anymore!

         This is on Hwy 55 in Lily Wi looking at the tops of the trees and some have no leaves anymore!

                         This is on Hwy 55 in the Menominee Reservation looking down the road!

                         This is on Hwy 55 in the Menominee Reservation looking down the road!

I hope you enjoy the last of the Fall pictures that we have taken. I know there has not been to many pictures that I have taken this year. 

"Wal-Mart to open up to 110 new China stores by 2016"

By Matthew Miller

BEIJING | Thu Oct 24, 2013 4:26am EDT

"(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N), the world's biggest retailer, is expanding its China business as it seeks to raise profitability in a slowing retail sector.

"Wal-Mart will open up to 110 facilities in China between 2014 and 2016, in addition to the 30 it has already opened this year, it said at a press event in Beijing on Thursday."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/24/us-walmart-china-idUSBRE99N04S20131024


They deserve each other.

"Judge rejects stay on Racine hotel eviction order"

By The Associated Press

CREATED Oct. 22, 2013

"RACINE, Wis. (AP) -- The attorney for a woman who ran up a $29,000 bill at a hotel in southeastern Wisconsin says a judge has denied his request to stay an eviction and his client can be kicked out any time after Thursday morning.

   

"Jana Ganjian has said she checked into the Racine Marriott in 2004 after her house went into foreclosure. Ganjian has a lupus-like disorder and receives monthly disability benefits, which she says she used to make some $89-per-day payments.

   

"A judge granted the hotel's request for eviction earlier this month.

   

"Attorney Joseph Seifert said Tuesday that he asked the judge to stay the order because Ganjian has nowhere to go. Seifert says that motion was denied, and Ganjian must leave the hotel before Thursday or risk the sheriff removing her."

Read more:  http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/Judge-rejects-stay-on-Racine-hotel-eviction-order-228861341.html

Time's up.  This is all over the net.  Time.com has a story on this as well as news sites and blogs worldwide. Are they going to evict her today or wait awhile in the hope that the publicity will die down?

Open Blog - Thursday

Enjoy your day.

"I killed a man."

http://becauseisaidiwould.com/

“Matthew Cordle has been sentenced to 6.5 years in prison with no chance of early release and a lifetime driver’s license suspension. As Matthew promised, he plead guilty and took responsibility for the horrible crime that ended Vincent Canzani’s life. Because I said I would recorded and released Matthew’s confession video with the hope that it would convince others to put down the keys… Don’t make the excuses Matthew made. Make the promise to never drink and drive and post it to social media with #SaveYourVictim.

“Since the day Matthew messaged our Facebook page for the first time on August 9th, I have grown to know him. He calls me on a regular basis from jail. I can tell you that he is remorseful for what he has done. That remorse will never bring back Vincent Canzani, but it has driven him towards a lifelong mission to prevent drinking and driving. While I am digusted by Matthew’s actions on June 22nd, I am proud of his promise to take responsibility and his conviction to see that promise through.”

Read more: http://becauseisaidiwould.com/mattssentence/


Wow.  I don't think I'd have the cojones to do that.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my sisters and brothers!  How are you?  I was outside yesterday morning around 8 AM.  It was cold, the wind from the north cutting through everything in its path.  I don’t think it’s going to get any better in the foreseeable future.  According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “2013–2014 U.S. Weather Highlights Frigid Winter With Bitter Cold and Heavy Snow,” http://www.almanac.com/content/almanacs-long-range-weather-forecast-us-and-canada   Just what we need.  Oh dear.

Joy and elation spread throughout Packer land this Sunday past as Green Bay defeated the Cleveland Browns.  Next up this Sunday are the Packers’ perennial foes, the Minnesota Vikings.  That’s the team that Mr. Brett Favre defected to.  May they never be forgiven!  Ravage and decimate the Vikings, o wondrous Packers!

In the Irregular Football League, Mr. OrbsCorbs’ Orbliterators have been knocked down to second place by Mr. Hale-Bopp’s Half-Astrophysicists.  My Screaming Psychics have slipped to third place.  Congratulations Mr. Hale-Bopp!  May the best woman or man win.

The image at right was submitted to me by a Mr. I. P. Nightly.  Thank you, Mr. Nightly, for keeping the oldest psychic joke in the universe alive and unwell.

I have a confidential message for Mr. GregR that I channeled last night.  The message is, “Thank you so much!  You’ll never know what a help you’ve been.  I’ll pay it forward when I have the opportunity.”  The source didn’t identify him/her/itself, but did relay that the recipient would know who it came from.  You know, I make only $2 on these confidential messages that do not involve my input.  Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it.     

I’ve been following the story out of Greece about the young, fair haired, blue-eyed girl found with a Roma family.  She was taken into protective custody and her parents were jailed.  http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/world/europe/greece-mystery-girl/ Unfortunately, this plays right into the stereotype of Gypsies kidnapping children.  We don’t need anymore bad press.  We’ve been getting it for thousands of years.  Set my people free, Lord!

Ahem. Locally: “More staff cuts for city,” http://journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/more-staff-cuts-for-city/article_adcea1ea-3b0e-11e3-ab8b-001a4bcf887a.html Mr. Mayor Dickert’s proposed budget cuts much needed staff from different departments while spending more money on himself and his friends.  Oh my!  You should be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Mayor. Where are your morals?

In the spirit of the season, here is “The Real Story of Halloween:”

Thank you so much for reading my blog today.  I love visitors from all over the internet and from all over the universe.  Love is the solution to all of our problems.

Halloween queries? Contact: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

I still see people wearing shorts.  R U NUTS?  Soon it will be cold enough to freeze up my personal plumbing.  Be careful as the days grow shorter.  Watch out for school buses and kids.  Pantophobia!   

Open Blog - Wednesday

How dramatic.

A Spotty Sunset

I don't post all my sunset pics here...if you want to see them you can follow me on twitter or Google+. I will post some of the more interesting ones here and tonight falls into that category.

There are some pretty good sunspots today. By underexposing the Sun quite a bit, you can bring out the sunspots. I got them just as the Sun was setting behind a mountain.

I waited around for the green flash of course.

Tonight I also took a quick shot toward Kitt Peak. Late next week, the Sun will set behind Kitt Peak and I will be trying to get that shot!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

"Million American Jobs Project"

http://www.millionjobsproject.us/

Thank you to Toad for sending me this link.

"Political Panic: We owe 70 Trillion Dollars"

Hot damn!

"Watertown aims to become first dementia-friendly community"

October 20, 2013 7:30 am  •  DOUG ERICKSON | Wisconsin State Journal | derickson@madison.com | 608-252-6149

"At 88, Shirley Strysick shows no signs of physical decline, but her memory isn’t as crisp as it once was, and she’s very aware of the change. That’s why she no longer cooks.

“'I could burn this joint down,' she said last week as she gave a tour of her apartment at an assisted living complex in Watertown. 'I forget things.'

"Strysick, a retired nurse, began noticing memory problems about five years ago and has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. On a hook above her kitchen counter hangs a notebook where visitors log in, a step family members took a few months ago because Strysick sometimes couldn’t recall who had dropped by.

"Strysick may be among the more fortunate of those with memory loss because of where she lives. Watertown, a city of about 24,000 people 45 minutes east of Madison, has embarked on an effort to become a dementia-friendly community, perhaps the first in the country."

 

Read more: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/health_med_fit/watertown-aims-to-become-first-dementia-friendly-community/article_7f2e53c9-5305-5ae8-bc7c-9c604223cd60.html

That's good to know.  Maybe I should move there before I forget. 

Open Blog - Tuesday

Have a good day.

"The Haunted Doll"

If I really dream about that doll tonight, I'm gonna be upset.

"Bertrand Russell's Message to the Future"

From the BBC's "Face-to-Face," 1959.

He thought the world was getting interconnected back then.  The internet has put that process into hyper-drive.

Open Blog - Monday

Rise and shine.

"Topless Female Trampolining World Championships"

http://www.toplessfemaletrampoliningworldchampionships.com/

Why can't I get a job like that? 

This actually is part of a campaign for male breast cancer awareness.

Useless Information

Did you Know:

Pryor to the model “T” Ford, people (most) never traveled more than 25 miles from their home in their entire life time.

The model “T” came in 3 colors, Black, Black and Black

"'Big Ass Spider' Trailer"

This is a real movie. I can hardly wait to see it.

Open Blog - Weekend

Please do.

"Bed Bugs found in local movie theater"

by John Cuoco

Story Created: Oct 17, 2013

Story Updated: Oct 18, 2013

"WAUWATOSA -- AMC Theatres confirmed to CBS 58 that bed bugs were found at their Mayfair Mall location.

"According to the company, the bed bugs were found earlier this month and isolated to three rows of seats in a single theater.

"The investigation stemmed from a single bite.

"AMC assured CBS 58 and the public that the bed bugs have been taken care of.

"'At AMC, we take aggressive steps, including inspections, if a bed bug is suspected. If any inspection comes back positive for bed bugs, the affected area is treated by a third-party pest control company. A single auditorium at this location was treated early this month and we’ve had no reports since treatment.'

"The Wauwatosa Health Department said they have not received a complaint about the bed bugs, but ask people anytime they see bed bugs to report them.

"CBS 58 was alerted to the bed bugs problem at AMC by a viewer."

Read more:  http://www.cbs58.com/news/local-news/Bed-Bugs-is-local-movie-theater-228278211.html


Were they watching The Exterminator?

JT Irregulars Illuminati

The inaugural meeting of the JT Irregulars Illuminati was held this afternoon.  An agenda was prioritized and is in the process of implementation.  Oaths were sworn and a line was drawn in the sand.  The JTI Illuminati will continue to meet secretly until  their goals are achieved. Semper Vigilavi!

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Somehow I survived.... It was a LONG week of overtime and being busy. I have the day off. YAY! Time to some rest. Anyways some questions for you...

1) What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

2) Are you a rule keeper or a rule breaker?

3) In conversations, you talk more or listen more?

4)  What event do you think signifies (or you identify with) the 2000's

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Is that Mr. Bubble?

The 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

Just in.... The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the the nominees for 2014 induction Wednesday morning. Surprisingly, some great artists this upcoming year!

The nominees are.... 

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band: Popular late '60's band known for combining electric Chicago blues with a rock urgency as well as their pioneering jazz fusion into their shows and recordings. Paul Butterfield was regarded as one of the finest harmonica players ever on stage.

Chic: Popular disco band from the '70's. Known for their hits, "La Freak", "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah), "Good Times", "Everybody Dance" and "My Forbidden Lover".

Deep Purple: Even though they went though a series of line up changes, Deep Purple has been cited as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Known for combining classical music and hard rock with very respectable results. Their best known song is the power riffing of "Smoke on the Water'. Other great tunes are "Highway Star", "Woman from Tokayo" and "Hush"

Peter Gabriel: Ever since Gabriel left the prog rock band Genesis in 1975, he has been difficult to label,  world beat, pop, alternative, prog rock and indie all fused together in it's own uniqueness. Tunes like "Solsbury Hill", "Shock the Monkey" and "Sledgehammer" topped the charts. Gabriel is also the driving force behind World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) and a humanitarian for many causes including Amnesty International.

Hall and Oates: This American music duo achieved their greatest fame in the mid '70's and early '80's with chart toppers like "Maneater", "Kiss is on My List", "Private Eyes" and "Rich Girl". Their fusion of rock and roll with rhythm and blues (with some incorporation of new wave) are served up with strong hooks and melodies.

KISS: Best known for their outlandish make-up and costumes, as well as their theatrical stage shows, KISS  became a household name in the '70's.  Fueled by their hard rocking smash hits of "Beth", Rock and Roll all Nite" and "Detroit Rock City", KISS pioneered a larger than life personality that many bands today set to follow as well as legions of fans loyal to their cause.

LL Cool J: One of the leading pioneers for hip hop music in the late '80's and early '90's. Known for critically acclaimed tunes like "Mamma Said Knock You Out" and "I Can't Live Without My Radio". By the late '90's he crossed over to a successful career in acting. Now appears on the show, NCIS: Los Angeles.

The Meters: An American funk band from New Orleans. The band played an influential role as a backing band for artists such Robert Palmer, Lee Dorsey and Dr. John. Although they never achieved mainstream success, they are one of progenitors of funk music and they are highly influential amomg their contemporaries.

Nirvana: One of the premier grunge bands out of Seattle in the early '90's. This trio found unexpected success in the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as well as in "Lithium" and "Come as You Are". The band came to develop a sound that relied on dynamic contrasts, often between quiet verses and loud, heavy choruses. Front man/guitarist Kurt Cobain became referred by the media as the 'spokesman of a generation'. Unable to cope with success and drug addiction, Cobain committed suicide, forever cementing the band's legacy.

N.W.A.: An American rap group from California. Widely considered one of the seminal acts of gangsta rap and sometimes considered the most important group in the history of rap music. This rap act endured controversy over explicit lyrics glorifying gangster lifestyle, drugs and disrespect towards women. Because of this, they were banned from many radio stations. Songs include "Fuck tha Police" and "Gangsta Gangsta".

The Replacements: Hailed from Minneapolis in 1979,  the Replacements were one the pioneer acts for alternative rock. The Replacements played "heart on the sleeve" rock songs with self-deprecating lyrics. Best known for their "Let it Be" and "Tim" albums.

Linda Ronstadt: Perhaps the most successful female singer in the history of rock. Ronstadt's 30 plus album catalog that crossed over many genres has sold over a 100 million world wide. Tunes like "Blue Bayou" and "You're No Good" are regarded by many as her best work. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease that left her unable to sing anymore.

Cat Stevens: Folk singer best known for his "Tea for the Tillerman" and "Teaser and the Firecat" albums before converting to Islam. Now called Yusuf Islam, he left the music scene to promote world peace.

Link Wray; An American guitarist from the 1950's, Link Wray developed the over driven, distorted power chords that many punk and heavy metal bands use today.

Yes: Another band the endured many line up changes. Yes is an English prog rock band that is distinguished by its mystical and cosmic 20 minute epics, usually with many complex instrumental passages. Their early and mid '70's albums like "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge" are considered classics.

The Zombies: Part of the British Invasion pop scene, The Zombies are best known for their tunes, "She's Not There", "Time of the Season" and "Tell Her No".

I know it's a lot reel in, but only FIVE of these artists would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I know what my picks are, but I was wondering what FIVE would you pick and why.

Difference between http and https

GREAT information!
 
Once in a while, there is something that comes down the pike that is of real importance. What is the difference between http and https?
 
Don't know how many of you are aware of this difference, but it is worth sending to any who do not.

The main difference between http:// and https:// is it's all about keeping you secure. HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol.
 
The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure." If you visit a website or web page, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http:///.

This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular "unsecured" language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
 
This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! But if the web address begins with https://, that basically means your computer is talking to
the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.
 
If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://.

If it doesn't, you should NEVER enter sensitive information...such as a credit card number, SS #, etc.

Some Halloween Pictures!

While I was out taking fall and bird pictures I thought I would get some Halloween pictures to share with you also. I always like to take pictures of the different holidays and share them with my friends that are like family to me. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

                                        This picture was taken on Ohio St. Mount Pleasant Wi.

                                        This picture was taken on Ohio St. Mount Pleasant Wi.

This was taken on 4 Mile Rd Caledonia Wi.. It is Freddy in the tree with a spider crawling on him.

                                                 This was taken on 4 Mile Rd. Caledonia Wi.

                                                 This was taken on 4 Mile Rd. Caledonia Wi.

I do have more Halloween pictures to share. This weekend we are going up north for our Grandson's first birthday so I am going to see what kind of Halloween and Fall pictures I can take up there to share with you.

"Introducing Anki DRIVE™"

"Anki DRIVE™ uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver a racing game like no other. It's a video game in the physical world. The objective is deceptively simple: disable as many cars as possible to score the most points. You can play against friends or you can play against the AI. The more you race, the more points you earn to upgrade your cars.

"Learn more about Anki technology at www.anki.com and stay tuned for more Anki DRIVE™ updates by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Anki) and following us on Twitter (@anki). #letsdrive #anki"

Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXINC6xau64

Also see:  http://anki.com/


Speaking of Hot Wheels and slot cars, check out these beauties.  I want. 

Open Blog - Thursday

Have a good day.

"Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short"

"From the creative minds of Zack Snyder (Man of Steel) and Bruce Timm (Superman: The Animated Series) and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this short follows Superman through the years, from his first appearance on the cover of Action Comics #1 to Henry Cavill in this year's Man of Steel...all in two minutes!

"After watching the short, be sure to check out DC Comics' official list of annotations: http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2013/10/15/the-superman-anniversary-short-75-points-of-annotation"

Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebXB0lBoaQ0


You go, Superman!  I was hooked on action hero comics as a child, especially DC Comics.

Patty - "Krzyk"

Did someone forget to put her pants on? And how do you pronounce that title?

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my darling dudes and dudettes!  How are you?  We had to turn on the furnace to take the chill out of the air the past few nights.  Oh dear.  The slide towards winter continues.  There are many beautiful color variations amongst our trees and shrubs.  I have Junior out there raking up the leaves once a week.  He hates it.  Too bad.  Chores around the home build character. 

Our deliriously devastating Green Bay Packers clipped the wings of last week’s opponent, the Baltimore Ravens.  Raise a cheer!  Huzzah, huzzah!  This coming Sunday’s victims are the Cleveland Browns.  (What kind of team name is that?  “Browns?”  How about the Black and Blues?)  May our awesome and elegant Packers beat the snot out of them. 

As for the Irregular Football League, Mr. OrbsCorbs’ Orbliterators remain in first place, but he took some licks this past week.  Look at the graphic to the right.  Oh my.  No more Mr. Undefeated.  No more cock of the walk.  No more telephone calls yelling “Booyah!” at me.

Mound madness continues in Racine, with Mr. Mayor Dickert garnering more and more publicity for his plan to sell a possible Native American burial mound to a local family.  As this ruckus unfolds, national newspapers and television networks have become interested.  Mr. Mayor, who prides himself on himself, usually craves the spotlight, but I don’t think he likes the tone of the attention that he’s currently receiving.  Ho-hum, another black eye for Racine.  So it goes.

Don’t forget, “The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department and the Downtown Racine Corporation will present Monument Mash from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Monument Square, Main and Sixth streets.”  Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/monument-mash-free-halloween-event-is-oct/article_fd08ac5c-35b3-11e3-a032-001a4bcf887a.html I haven’t asked Señor Zanza if he wants to attend, but we may stop by.  Junior would love it.

Finally, here’s a heartwarming video for those who believe in paying it forward:

How nice, but I think that 5 twenty dollar bills would be better than one hundred dollar bill for these people.  Where can a street person cash a hundred?  A liquor store is the first thing that came to my mind.

Thank you, my sweets, for stopping by to read my blog.  I adore visitors and I welcome you all.  I hope you find something of value here.

The old government is shut down.  Let’s start a new one: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Enjoy our autumn weather, my dears.  Put on a jacket or sweater and get out to see the colors.  I wonder what Petrifying Springs Park is like?  At its peak, the scenery there is awe-inspiring.  Watch out for school buses and children.  I love you all.     Gaberlunzie!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Enjoy your day.

"College study finds Oreo cookies are as addictive as drugs"

"If you’ve ever been unable to stop yourself from eating too many Oreo cookies it may not be your fault--a
new college study says one of America’s favorite desserts is just as addictive as drugs in lab rats.

"The study by students at Connecticut College found that when the rats ate Oreos they formed an equally strong association with the cookies as when other rats were injected with cocaine or morphine.

"Additionally, researchers found eating the cookies activated even more neurons in the rats’ brain 'pleasure centers' than the addictive drugs.

“'Our research supports the theory that high-fat/ high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do,' Neuroscience Professor Joseph Schroeder said in a school press release. 'It may explain why some people can’t resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them.' 

"The student behind the study says she wanted to explore how foods with high fat and sugar content contribute to obesity in low-income communities, and that the results are troubling.

“'Even though we associate significant health hazards in taking drugs like cocaine and morphine, high-fat/ high-sugar foods may present even more of a danger because of their accessibility and affordability,' Jamie Honohun said.

"On a lighter note, Honohun says they also got a surprise when watching the rats eat the Oreos.

“'They would break it open and eat the middle first,' she said."

Read more:  http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/10/15/college-study-finds-oreo-cookies-are-as-addictive-as-drugs/


The Oreos made me do it, your honor.

My First Comet ISON Pic!

I finally managed to drag myself out of bed early this morning and try to photograph Comet ISON. I tried Sunday morning from my place in Tucson, but the light pollution was too much. This morning I drove out east to get away from the city lights.

My usual place is at the the end of Speedway and technically part of Saguaro National Park. When I got there, the parking lot was blocked off with barricades due to the government shutdown. Fortunately, there was plenty of room at the side of the road to set up...I figured I shouldn't get arrested as long as I don't cross the barricades. 

Comet ISON is conveniently situated near Mars and the bright star Regulus in the constellation of Leo. I knew that if I got Regulus and Mars in my frame, I should have ISON as well. It's nice to have bright, easy to find guide stars. I set up my Canon 60D on my iOptron SkyTracker and tried a variety of exposures and settings. Here is the one I have done the most work with so far.

Bright blue Regulus is on the right, orange Mars in the middle, and the faint Comet ISON to the upper left. I know others have gotten better pics, but they have all used telescopes...now I have just shown ISON is in the reach of a digital SLR!

ISON is still fairly faint, but is coming closer to the Sun and will continue to brighten. How bright is a good question, but naked eye visibility seems a safe bet within the next month. ISON passes closest to the Sun on November 28th...less than a million miles from its surface! If ISON survives this close pass, it could be very bright in early December as the gases sublimate and it forms a very long tail. Of course that is a big if. 

There has been speculation it could be "as bright as the Moon" and visible during the day. Let's put the kabash on this...IF it gets that bright, ISON will be VERY close to the Sun in the sky and hence very difficult, even dangerous to try and spot. I wouldn't even recommend trying unless you really know what you are doing.

The Zodiacal light was easily visible as well, but I didn't get a good pic of it. Before leaving, I turned my camera to the Orion Nebula, set the shutter for 30 seconds and let it rip. I think the resulting picture was well worth the extra minute.

Again I am pleasantly surprised at how much you can do with an off the shelf camera and setup and fairly modest skills (I am working on the skills...need to learn more Lightroom and Photoshop!)

The next few days are a good time to try for ISON as it is still close to Mars. I may try again this week before the Moon starts moving into the morning sky. Keep an eye on ISON...I can't wait to see how it looks at its best!

Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.

"Proof Your Senses Are Lying To You"

I never believe anything that I see, hear, or touch.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Bricka bracka firecracka sis boom bah! JTI! JTI! RAH RAH RAH!

Highway 49

"Sweetheart, I'm gonna check the other side of the road for the Red-Necked Phalaropes" as I kissed Tender Heart, "Wish me luck!" I checked both ways before crossing the road that was blackened with fresh asphalt. The coast is clear.... I get to the other side and see some Baird's Sandpipers on the mudflats worthy to take pics of. VRROOOOOM!!!!!! My body starts to sway with a powerful gust of wind. My teeth get rattled. No doubt that my pic just got ruined. A tank truck carrying milk had just blasted trough! I look to the left to see another birder a hundred feet away from me shaking her head in disgust. She throws her arms up in acknowledgement to what has happened. We exchanged looks as if to say,"This is nuts!" I look down on the gravel on the shoulder-a dead Yellow Headed Blackbird. Obliviously roadkill. This is a typical scene on Highway 49.

Highway 49 is a 128 mile state highway that starts by the Quad Tech Co. off of U.S. 41 and runs east/west to Waupun before it takes a 90° turn north towards Wittenberg in Marathon Co. A portion of it goes through the northern tip of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, one of Wisconsin's best birding spots. Here is where millions of migrating birds make their pit stop on their respective journeys.

The above picture of Hwy 49 (by the historical marker at Horicon) was taken (by someone else)  before road construction took place over the last summer. It may look quiet in the photo, but looks can be deceiving.  Tender Heart and I would take this bumpy route from U.S. 41 by Lomira, through the quiet town of Brownsville, to Horicon. Stopping along this 3 1/2 mile stretch of road before the Auto Tour and Trails is mandatory. Here is where the most of the waterfowl, shorebirds and many rarities can be seen. It would take us an hour or more just to drive slowly along the gravel shoulders to get a good view of everything. A birder's paradise!

Over the summer, the bone jarring, bumpy road underwent a facelift. Some brand spanking new asphalt was laid out from Lomira past Horicon Marsh and beyond... Coverts were replaced and added. A smooth ride. Sweet, or so I thought. A highway turned into a speedway! Miles of unstoppable roadway without snapping off the axles. To make matters worse, the road was widened and the gravel shoulders steeper. Now you are sitting there on a 45° angle while a semi buzzes inches close to the side mirrors. Sounds like fun, huh?

These developments caused a quite a stir among the birding community. Birders across the state complained loudly in Wisconsin Birding on Facebook. Not only we fear for our safety, but for the safety of the wildlife as well. There is a sign upon entering the marsh area that says "Give wildlife a brake!", but who reads signs these days? Some birders have petitioned against the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to have the speed limit lowered through the marsh. The WDOT, the only authority on speed limits on the major highways, would NOT budge! To me this is ridiculous! I fully understand that Highway 49 is a commercial route and birding is a low impact recreation. Going the town of Brownsville is 25 mph. Understandable it is a residential neighborhood and it's for safety's sake, why not give the birders and the wildlife the same opportunity? Would it kill the surrounding local businesses if a few minutes were added on to the driving time? Then again, time is money and who's going to make money of bunch of people with binoculars?

Honestly, I'd like to see the speed limit lowered to 35. Personally I don't that happening anytime soon, even with a community of wildlife lovers hovering down the necks of WDOT. I'm at a loss for a solution, but I'll guarantee that we will not stop birding there. It's in our blood.....

Below are some pics taken from that same stretch of road....

 

    

 

 From top to bottom.... American White Pelicans, Great Egret, Lesser Yellowlegs, Gadwall

"Krokodil crosses over to U.S. from Russia"

My God. I didn't use intravenous drugs, but I knew people who did. Their world just got a little more hellish.

As for ". . . the hope is that these images are horrific enough to prevent people from using the drug," good luck with that. Normal people would never use it, but addicts don't give a damn about consequences.

"Wisconsin State Legislature : When Law Enforcement Takes a Life, Should they Judge Themselves?"

"WHEN LIVES ARE LOST DUE TO POLICE ACTION, SHOULD POLICE JUDGE THEMSELVES?"

"Please support Wisconsin Representatives Garey Bies (R) and Chris Taylor (D) in their efforts to protect civilians and law officers from unfair investigations. Their co-sponsored legislation is titled the 'Citizens and Law Enforcement Safety Act.'  Bill #AB 409 .
 
"This is the first bill in the nation to ask for statewide, independent, and professional review of police-involved deaths.
 
"Both legislators have extensive backgrounds in law or law enforcement and together they have drafted a bill that requires an independent professional review of police-related fatalities. 
 
"Whether a citizen perishes in a corrections facility, a police-related automobile accident or by use of deadly force, all aspects of police-related deaths would be reviewed by a panel of experienced law 'professionals' (not just police officers associated with the department involved).  The panel would be appointed by a high-ranking elected official and possess the same level of objectivity as a grand jury.

"Nothing harms an officer's psyche more than a shooting death followed by a cloud of suspicion surrounding that officer's judgment or the integrity of the investigation.  This Bill would help ensure that once cleared by an impartial investigation, an officer could move quickly beyond the incident."

Read more and/or sign the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/wisconsin-state-legislature-when-law-enforcement-takes-a-life-should-they-judge-themselves?

Open Blog - Monday

Good advice.

More Fall Colors!

I know I haven't kept up with my Fall pictures. I am sorry about that but I do have some really nice pictures here for you. I do enjoy going out to take the pictures so I can share them with you. I also heard on the news yesterday that this is just the start of the Fall colors. So here are some more pictures!

                     This picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

                    This picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

                                           This picture was taken at Shoop Park in Racine Wi.

                                          This picture was taken at Prichard Park in Racine Wi.

                                          This picture was taken at Prichard Park in Racine Wi.

                                         This picture was taken at the Root River in Racine Wi.

I know some of the pictures do not have any Fall colors yet that is why I am putting them on here to show you how they will be changing soon. Some of it depends on the weather and the way the sun shines on the trees. I hope you enjoy the pictures!