"Exclusive: Fake website targets registration fees for The Color Run Racine"

Posted: May 14, 2015 9:53 PM CST
Updated: May 14, 2015 9:53 PM CST  
By Marshanna Hester Connect

 
CBS 58

"Racine - Scammers are trying to turn the "happiest 5K on the planet" into a nightmare.

"CBS 58 uncovered a fake registration website for The Color Run Racine. We showed it to organizers and they had no idea of the threat.

"'It frustrated me for the good, honest people who think they're signing up for these races and they're being duped,' said race director Kari Dawson.

"They're being duped by a bright, colorful website bearing the name Color 5 Mile. It lists Racine as one of dozens of locations to register.

"'They're trying to scam people all across, from one end of the country to the other,' said Thomas Friedel, Racine City Administrator

"Aside from the date, one red flag is the event's starting place. It lists 730 Washington Avenue, which is Racine City Hall. The location is not the most ideal place to start a race, considering it's near a busy roundabout. The Color Run Racine really starts at Pershing Park.

"Racine leaders can't take any legal action because the fake site didn't use the city's logo. They did advise organizers to initiate a cease and desist order. Dawson said the scheme reflects badly on the community.

"You have someone who see's this and says, 'wow, this sound like fun. I'm going to sign up. I'm going to spend money for my family to do this,' and they're being tricked," she said.

"The correct website is The Color Run, three key words to ensure your hard earned $55 puts you alongside thousands, who will cross the finish line splattered in pink, purple and yellow paint.

"'People just need to be careful,' Friedel said. 'People need to look out for what they're clicking onto and where they're going and make sure you're dealing with the people you think you're dealing with.'

"It's also important to do your research. The Color Run Racine is Saturday, May 23rd and there's still time to register individually or as a team."

http://www.cbs58.com/story/29070770/exclusive-fake-website-targets-registration-fees-for-the-color-run-racine

"Batman: The Ride 4D Free-Fly Coaster Promo POV B-Roll Six Flags Fiesta Texas Roller Coaster Spin"

Who wants a ride?

Redneck Plumbing

This is a must-have item for your outdoor entertaining needs.

R.I.P. - B.B. King

Thank you, B.B., for the decades of music.

Open Blog - Weekend

Thank you. You, too.

"Thank you for Smoking!"

Hula Hoop Butt

These are the type of skills necessary in our new economy.

Noah messed up

"Approved: Assembly passes bill that would limit what food stamp recipients can purchase"

Posted 3:12 pm, May 13, 2015, by AP Wire Service, Updated at 10:18pm, May 13, 2015

"MADISON (AP) — The state Assembly has passed bill to limit the types of food that food stamp users could buy, including how much of their allotment can be spent on junk food.
 
"The Assembly passed the Republican-sponsored measure on a 60-35 vote Wednesday.

"The bill would require food stamp recipients to use at least two-thirds of their monthly benefits to purchase nutritional foods such as beef, chicken and produce.

"Republican supporters say they want to prevent people on taxpayer-funded public assistance from spending their money on junk food.

"'A lot of people, an awful lot of people who are on FoodShare are also on BadgerCare, so there is a direct financial benefit not just to the individual, which of course is obvious to have better health, but also to state taxpayers and society as a whole,' Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said.

"Users would also be barred from buying crab, lobster, shrimp and other shellfish.

"The change would require a federal waiver, which no state has ever received.

"The Assembly passed a similar bill last session but it never got a vote in the Senate."

Read more: http://fox6now.com/2015/05/13/assembly-to-vote-on-bill-that-would-limit-what-food-stamp-recipients-can-purchase/


Why can't we just take all the poor people, line them up against a wall, and shoot them?  That would end so many social problems.

Open Blog - Friday

I'm so sad it's Friday. I wish it was Monday already! Never say never.

Orbs Driving Home After A Day At The JTI Offices

Eat Bacon

Or eat vegetarians.

Cute or Obscene?

Or both?

"Racine- 2nd District Alderman Krystyna Sarrazin RESIGNS her position as Alderman for the City Of Racine."

From Racine Community Media:

"Some are now saying close friend and campaign supporter of Mayor John Dickert, Kimberly Kane, has already been chosen by Dickert to replace Sarrazin. Is this how elections are supposed to work? Are not the people supposed to elect their elected officials, or at least have a say in who their Alderman will be? Not in Racine."

Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/118868145108/racine-2nd-district-alderman-krystyna-sarrazin


Not a whisper in the Journal Times.

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

Now I want ice cream.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my dear hearts!  How are you?  Wasn’t that a great summer we had?  Now it’s back to the fall temperatures.  Time to break out the winter clothing.  I hope it snows red, white, and blue on the 4^th of July.  Brrr.

I think that the watercolor done by Mr. OrbsCorbs’ friend, John Nowicki, is beautiful.  You can see Uffizi and Friends here: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2015/05/uffizi-and-friends.html  I spoke briefly with Mr. Nowicki and he said the two most important things to remember in watercolor are that the color will dry darker than it appears on the brush, and let work dry thoroughly before attempting to do more.  If the watercolor is not dry, it will just bleed in with the new color.

Did all you mothers have a great Mother’s Day?  Señor Zanza and Junior showered me with kindness and attention.  How nice for one day.  Then it’s back to the grind for 364 more days.  We should have a Mother’s Day every week, or, at least, every month.  Moms work like crazy raising kids, but society doesn’t recognize it, only the mothers that have lived it do.

The ongoing tension in our nation over police vs. citizens is hard to bear.  It shakes the foundation of trust placed in the police and encourages criminals to assassinate them.  How the heck did we ever get here?  We need to trust each other.  We need to act respectfully.  Mostly, we need to live honestly.  When I was a child, we had the Secret Police.  Believe me, we don’t want to go there.

I’m already sick of the 2016 presidential election.  The crap will only intensify as we approach election day.  And, most likely, it will further encourage the polarization of our country.  Really, it bothers me that every day is like a war out there.  People are no longer just inconsiderate, but now many are mean. 

I had a “gentleman” block me into my parking space at a gas station.  When he first pulled up, he stayed back.  I took that to mean I could back out.  But, as I did, he suddenly rolled his truck up to block my car. When I looked at him, he wiggled his fingers at me.  I just don’t get it.  Letting me out of my space and the lot would in no way harm him.  But he pulled up to a pump just to be an asshole to a complete stranger.  This is not my world.

The weather patterns around the world are not mine, either.  Earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, and more.  The planet does seem to have gone crazy.  Maybe it’s responding to the vibe that we’re giving off: “Kill, kill, kill!”  It’s seeped into our collective unconsciousness.  You never know where it’s going to pop up next, but it will probably involve guns and violence.  Mass shootings are almost a regular part of life these days.  No one ever talks about “going postal” anymore because it happens in all walks and stages of life.  That’s sad.

What’s also sad is that we’ve come to the end of another Zoltar® blog.  You have no idea how much I enjoy your company.  I love you all.  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Road Rage – Inevitable or not?   MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Watch out for everything and everybody.  Take time to smell the roses (when they bloom).  Never forget, uh, ahh, I’ve forgotten it.  I love you.      

Open Blog - Wednesday

Well, Why Not?

"Downtown Racine, Main Street Bridge."

From Racine Community Media:

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/118675510288/downtown-racine-main-street-bridge

Can Soimebody Lend Me Some Cash?

No joke here.  I have $40 to live on the next three weeks.  I'm looking into bankruptcy.  When I do that, my credit card debt is put on "hold" and I can start repaying those who have lent me money.

I'm very embarrassed by this.  Prices on everything keep going up, but my income is static.  I'm sorry that it's come to this.  I love you all, whether you contribute or not. 

Open Blog - Tuesday

Tuesday love to all the Irregulars.

"Drunken falls cause more deaths than drunken driving in Wisconsin"

From The Capital Times:

May 10, 2015 6:00 am  •  By Mike Ivey | The Capital Times

 
"In a state that traditionally leads the nation in heavy drinking, drunken driving has long been a public health concern.

"But alcohol-related falls now account for more deaths in Wisconsin than motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

"'I’m not suggesting the focus on drunken driving is misdirected but falls related to alcohol kill a lot more people each year,' said Julia Sherman, coordinator of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project.

"The most recent figures available show 349 deaths in Wisconsin from alcohol-related falls in 2012. That compares to 223 alcohol-related traffic deaths that year.

"Last month, for example, a 32-year-old woman died after falling from a third-floor fire escape on a downtown La Crosse building. Police said surveillance video captured her struggling to walk near the Who’s On Third tavern."

Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/mike_ivey/drunken-falls-cause-more-deaths-than-drunken-driving-in-wisconsin/article_34ff1704-f2a5-11e4-892f-f7b816846904.html#ixzz3Zt6U85Gq

"This $9 computer is taking Kickstarter by storm"

Read more: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/this-9-computer-is-taking-kickstarter-by-storm/

Open Blog - Monday

I miss Calvin and Hobbes.

Forgiveness

"Russia: Drone captures 1,000 young Muscovites saying 'thank you' to WWII veterans"

The word they are spelling out is "спасибо [SPA-see-bah]," Russian for "thank you."

Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=150_1431182605#M89K8DAqQDpeMybG.99

"Tornado from inside shelter! Norman, OK"

"Insane video from Chris Mance of a tornado hitting his neighborhood in Norman, OK! Video shot on Wed. May 6, 2015"

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=75a_1431064544

Be careful, OKIE!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!  I love you, mom.

Racine's Peacefest

http://racinepeacefest.org/

" Bray Center Funding Cut, Leaders Say Politics at Play"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Community, Government · May 8, 2015

"Nearly 75 percent of the funding for the nonprofit George Bray Center was cut Thursday from the state budget on a party line vote in the Joint Committee on Finance.

"With a 12-4 vote, lawmakers slashed $124,350 from the Center’s budget among other cuts to youth diversion grant funding, a story in The Journal Times reads. The cut represents every dollar of state funding the center had been receiving.

"Racine County Eye reached out to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos for comment, and we will update this story when we hear from him.

"Executive Director Jameel Ghuari told the newspaper he thinks politics are at the center of the cut, particularly the Bray Center’s voter registration efforts.

"'We believe people should have the right to participate in a democracy. This is an attempt to stop that,' he is quoted as saying.

"Despite the cut, Ghuari stressed that nothing would change at the George Bray Center – which operates as a separate entity from the City of Racine and always has since it was founded in 1961, the story continues."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/bray-center-funding-cut-leaders-say-politics-at-play/


Jameel, go for crowdfunding.  There are projects far less worthy than the Bray Center that have been given hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I found Fungi, and his family!

Uffizi and Friends

Uffizi and Friends,watercolor by John Nowicki © 2015 All rights reserved.

Uffizi and Friends,watercolor by John Nowicki © 2015 All rights reserved.

I went to high school and college with John Nowicki.  In high school, one of John's brothers was in my grade. John was a little younger.  Where we really cemented our friendship was at UW-Parkside a few tears later.  John introduced me to the woman who would become my wife.

John is the best artist in watercolor that I know.  Seeing the painting in real life is almost breathtaking.  The details are flawless.  You wouldn't believe the number of hours it takes to create something like that.  John pores over his paintings for hour after hour.

Open Blog - Weekend

Watch out for Elmer Fudd, bunny rabbit.

"Big Seller in Oklahoma"

http://knuckledraggin.com/2015/05/big-seller-in-oklahoma/

We'll soon need them in Racine as well.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! Just a few more hours and I'm back on vacation..... Yay! The week start off slow and then gained momentum.... Crazy finish! Anyways, your questions....

1) Do you have a bird feeder?

2) Have you ever experienced an earthquake?

3) What was the biggest fish you have ever caught?

4) What late night television do you watch?

Enjoy your weekend!

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an art that one could spend a lifetime mastering.  Some people have.  Monks reproducing The Bible by hand were calligraphists.  They would spend decades "Doing the Lord's work."

Both China and Japan have integrated calligraphy into their cultures and handwritten languages.  Again, Asian calligraphists could spend decades on their work, monks or not.

Once cursive writing is deleted from our society, calligraphists will be the only ones handwriting anymore.

Open Blog - Friday

Enjoy yourself.

Alltime10s Thursdays

"Bullying’s cost: Transgender Racine student commits suicide"

From The Journal Times.com:

SCOTT ANDERSON scott.anderson@journaltimes.com

"CALEDONIA — Cameron Langrell was a teenage boy who felt trapped in the wrong body.

"The 15-year-old freshman at Horlick High School recently announced on Facebook that he was transgender. He wrote that he was dating another boy and changed his profile gender to 'female.'

"A few days after his announcement, he was dead. Family members feel it was because of bullying."

Read nore: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/bullying-s-cost-transgender-racine-student-commits-suicide/article_da21839e-7fac-558a-9987-4102784fa259.html

How to help

"The Cameron Langrell Memorial Fund has been set up to help the Olender family manage funeral and arrangement costs. Go to: gofundme.com and search for the 'Cameron Langrell Memorial Fund'"


I was bullied at school in my freshman year.  Gym Class (Phys. Ed.) was the worst.  Both my parents worked and left for work before I left for school.  I often skipped school on the days that Gym Class was scheduled.  That left a large emotiohal wound unhealed to this day.  

Open Blog - Thursday

Did Dr. Seuss have a medical degree?

"What’s Inside That Big Egg"

- Watch More Funny Videos Chickens Make Russian Nesting Dolls?

I'd check that chicken for steroids.

"How to hypnotise a deadly shark"

[Credit: Shane / licensing@viralhog.com]

Read article: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9f4_1430801418


Look at all those sharks and people. I wonder what would happen if someone released blood into the water?

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my dear friends and foes!  How are you?  According to the weatherman, we’re supposed to be in the 70’s tomorrow and the day after.  I swear that spring comes later and later each year.  It’s that awkward wardrobe time when you have to keep out both your winter and summer clothes because you don’t know what the weather will be next.  Then, suddenly, one day, it will be hot and humid, and it will stay that way, as if someone threw a switch.  I wouldn’t mind a cool summer, but I think that would disappoint many people. The less we have to run the air conditioning, the more money in our pockets. 

Oh my, as I write this, it’s 44 degrees outside and I just heard the heat kick in. 

Everything is coming up roses for local events.  Racine County experienced a 7% increase in tourism last year.  I know that tourism creates jobs, but they tend to be on the lower end of the pay scale.  Maybe a dozen bartenders and wait staff get hired, whereas one factory alone could create hundreds of jobs.  So, of course we pursue the tourists and forget production.  I often think that those who support these bread and circuses have no idea of what it’s like to be poor.  Nor do they care.

Junior was at the carnival the other night where Mr. SER had taken his grandson.  Junior says he had nothing to do with all the fights, but it was a sight to behold.  I suggest that they hold regular fights inside Regency Mall.  That will attract a crowd and be as much of a mall anchor as Boston Store is.  When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  I don’t see much more of a future for the mall.  Too bad.  If they kept the riff-raff out, they might get more stores.

Stores come and go so quickly in the strip malls and downtown.  “Chicken one day, feathers the next.”  It’s difficult to keep track of the moves.  Just when I get used to some product, the company changes it.  As soon as I find a store I like, it moves.  Just when I’ve learned a store’s layout, they change it.

I must admit, I haven’t moved a stick of furniture in decades.  I clean it, but I feel the layout is perfect.  Why mess with success?  No one’s complained yet.  Junior spends 90% of his non-school time in his bedroom playing with electrical devices.  I don’t think that Señor Zanza even cares what things look like.  He always seems more interested in thinking whatever deep thoughts he has.  I should put a footstool in his path.  I bet he wouldn’t see it.  Kee-RASH!

I came across this video recently and thought I’d share it with you: “An Object At Rest”

An Object at Rest from Seth Boyden on Vimeo.

Thank you my dears for reading my blog.  I always feel better after I’ve written one.   I think that’s the expectation of love that I have when I’m with the JT Irregulars.  I love you all.

Who you gonna call AFTER the Ghost Busters? MadameZoltar@jtirregulars.com

Thanks again for sharing some time with me.  As the weather warms, it seems that so do our hearts.  Fully enjoy whatever good weather we get.  Fully enjoy you.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Everyone does.

United Church of Bacon

http://unitedchurchofbacon.org/

Yum!

Open Blog - Tuesday

Don't drink too much tequila.

"SC police stations act as havens for online buyers, sellers"

By MEG KINNARD - The Associated Press

"Some law enforcement agencies in South Carolina are offering up their parking lots as a well-lit, secure place to finalize deals made on Craigslist and other online marketplaces.

"Officers say they won't get involved in
the deals themselves, staying out of the individual transactions. But officials say they hope that, by doing the buying and selling at a police station or sheriff's department, people will be less likely to cut a shady deal — or get violent.

"At least two people have been killed in South Carolina in recent years when online transactions went wrong in real life. In 2013, two men were charged with murder and kidnapping after authorities said they shot to death a Charleston man they met because he was selling his pickup truck on Craigslist.

"Authorities said 25-year-old William Apps met the two men in downtown Charleston and drove them to Mount Pleasant, where Apps was taken out of the truck at gunpoint. He was later forced back into the truck and driven around before one of the men shot Apps in the neck and left his body in a wooded area, according to court documents."

Read more:  http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/crime/article20224806.html


I think this is a good idea.  I don;t rememer if we've had any murders in Raine because of Craigslist scams, but I've read of some crimes here where people lost cars, cash, etc.

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/crime/article20224806.html#storylink=cpy

"Texas Shooting Suspect Identified"

Is it ever proper to mock another person's religion?  Like most Americans, I believe, I was happy that they got the gunmen without anyone else being hurt.  I support free speech so screw your Muhammad.  But then I thought, "What's the benefit of mocking another person's religion?"  Islam simply does not allow for the representation of the Prophet  Muhammad in any form.  So what?  Jews celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday, but no one seems to mind. I don't have a burning desire to draw Muhammad.  The only reason to do it is to incite others.  Which is what happened.  However, nearly everyone in Texas carries a gun, so it was a pretty stupid idea  Stupidity on both sides.

"Santa Monica" by Everclear With Lyrics

I'm posting this because my answer on SER's blog reminded me of it. I said we're devolving. Everclear says, 

"We can live beside the ocean, 

Leave the fire behind, 

Swim out past the breakers, 

Watch the world die."

WIldflowers Pt 1!

Yes it is that time of the year again with all the wildflowers coming up so we all know it is Spring time. We have been going out driving around this past week since Drew has had a week of vacation. It will be the same time next week since it is migration time for the birds to all come back up this way and with the wildflowers starting to bloom.

We did find a new flower this year already and I hope everyone will likes them and some that we have found in the past. Here are the flowers we have found so far!

                This is a new one for me it is Siberian Squill this was at the Lighthouse in Caledonia Wi.

         This is a Piper's Anemone this was at Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lomira Wi.

                               This is a Marsh Marigold this was at Bender Park Oak Creek Wi.

                                     This is a Wood Violet this was at Shoop Park Caledonia Wi.

This is a Sweet Trillium this was at Colonial Park Racine Wi. This is the Trillium just starting to bloom.

                         This is the Yellow Daffodil this was at Grant Park South Milwaukee Wi. 

I just hope that everyone enjoys the pictures as much as I enjoy going out and getting the pictures to share with everyone. There will be more to come as I get more pictures.

Two Questions - One Post, I don't want to waste the ink

Question #1.

Why (in the movies) when someone is being chased, they run into the stairwell and go up.  WTF, why go up? Are you going to parachute off the roof, you're due to get caught whether you're the good guy or the bad guy.

Question #2.

I have to give you a little info first. Yesterday I took my grandson to the mall, I hate that frigg'in place. Right now they have the carnival going on. All of a sudden there had to be at least 100 to 125 if not more kids running to watch at fight. they were all late grade school or early high school kids. they had traffic all messed up bad because of the size of the group.

Q.- So why doesn't the city have uncover offices with 'stun guns' walking around and when there is a happening as such have them walk into the crowd and stun as many as they can?

Leave trails of bodies all over; they (the kids) shouldn't be there in the first place so they have no reason to bitch if they get hit with one.

Open Blog - Monday

Can I get that in writing?

"Farewell Racine"

From Racine Exposed:

"All good things must come to an end – and now it is time for RE to leave the lost Hometown of Racine, WI.

"Good- bye to all, and good luck to all who have made the brave decision to stay."

Read more:  https://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2015/05/02/farewell-racine/

"Author David Kherdian is coming home to Racine"

From The Journal Times.com:

LEE B. ROBERTS lee.roberts@journaltimes.com

"Internationally acclaimed author and poet David Kherdian is coming home for a visit this month.

"The Racine native — whose large volume of work often draws inspiration from his time growing up here in the late 1930s and 1940s — recently released his memoir titled 'Root River Return' (http://root-river-return.tumblr.com). And he’d like to celebrate its release — along with the donation of his collected works to the Racine Heritage Museum last year — with his hometown community.

"Kherdian — who currently lives in New York state with his wife, award-winning writer/illustrator Nonny Hogrogian — will do so through a series of free public events being held in Racine May 19 through 24. His appearances have been coordinated by the Racine Heritage Museum, working in conjunction with other local organizations and individuals including the Racine Literacy Council, Racine Public Library, Racine Interfaith Coalition, Racine Arts Council, City of Racine, Root River Council and Racine’s poet laureate, Nick Ramsey (see accompanying story for event details).

“'David’s got such a huge body of work and so much of it is so locally significant,' said Chris Paulson, executive director of the RHM. 'Each event will provide different glimpses into his life and his work.'

"In addition to being great opportunities for both people who are familiar with Kherdian’s work, and those who want to know more about it, the programs will also provide insight to anyone interested in local history, Paulson said.

“'We will be rediscovering the community through his work,' he said.

"Kherdian said he is looking forward to once again exploring the city’s river, lake and park areas, as well as Downtown. It will be his first time back in Racine since 2008.

"In preparation for his trip here, the award-winning writer answered the following questions for Journal Times readers. More about Kherdian is also available at www.facebook.com/davidkherdian.author and www.beechhillpublishingcompany.com/2015—featured-author.html."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/author-david-kherdian-is-coming-home-to-racine/article_7c5294b0-9412-57a0-8a07-4d147bda347a.html

"David Kherdian's Racine appearances:" http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/david-kherdian-s-racine-appearances/article_218058b3-07ca-5dd7-b2db-cb6d930f60b2.html


I've read some of his work.  He grew up around State Street, which used to be lined with small businesses of all kinds.

BC

Lucky worm!

Open Blog - Weekend

Please marry me.

"KATSU Drone Drawing 2015 on Kendall Jenner"

A graffiti drone.

For Lizardmom

Mercury and the Pleiades

Mercury is putting on its best show of the year in the evening sky for northern hemisphere observers. It is easy to spot well below the VERY bright Venus. Just passed the Pleiades cluster. Here are a few shots from Wednesday night.

Pimping it out with the iconic saguaros in the foreground. Mercury reaches its greatest height above the horizon around May 6th and will quickly get more difficult to spot after that.

No Comment From Me

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! So nice being on vacation..... I could get used to this. The rest and relaxation. Anyways, your questions...

1) What is the weirdest bit of news you heard lately?

2) Would you ever want to experience a paintball match?

3) Did you ever have a fish tank?

4) Whom do you "pick on" or tease the most?

Enjoy your weekend!  

Open Blog - Friday

Happy May!