Cheap Trick and Aerosmith at Summerfest

What a difference a few days can bring....

The heat wave that paralyzed Southeast Wisconsin, baking it like a blazing, superheated oven had moved over to the east. The cool winds over Lake Michigan had brought the much needed relief over the dry and parched landscape. Still no rain, at least not yet....

The standing room only on the shuttle buses were a sign of things to come. With the temperatures down to a more comfortable level in the high 70's, flocks of people migrated towards the Summerfest grounds, packing it like anchovies in a sardine can. It grew even more crowded as the day drifted along... As Tender heart Bear and I, along with some close friends of ours, filtered through the hordes met of with some good friends ours like, Aaron from the band Full Flavor and Dan and his lovely wife Cindy. Conversations were great and the beer flowed freely.

With heat gone, good beer and good friends is was perfect night for some good old fashioned rock and roll....

As the clock struck 8:00 (Or should say 10? It's a joke...) Cheap Trick burst into action, led the quirky guitarist, Rick Nielsen launched the band into their raucous blend of rock and roll. Trademark checkerboard guitars flashed in the spotlights while vocalist Robin Zander, dressed in his customary Dream Police cop outfit, belted out the words to classics like "Clock Strikes Ten" and "ELO Kiddies". The show was on!

After being bombarded by some classic tunes, Cheap Trick, kept rolling along, laying down some more... 12 string bassist Tom Petersson held his ground, thundering the audience with his own tune,"I Know What I Want". Nielsen tossed a KISS record so far in the masses, that it somehow managed to reach the middle of the arena on "Surrender". Zander sang his heart out during the "The Flame". The crowd roared to their feet upon hearing the first notes of "I Want You to Want Me'. Rick's own pride and joy. Daxx Nielsen, filling in on the drums for Ben E. Carlos set the the backbone for the band seamlessly. The biggest highlight of the show was the five necked guitar that Nielsen brought out in the closing number, "Goodnight" . Never have seen one those before....

At this point, Tender Heart Bear and I looked at each other as if to say, this going to be one a hell of a great night....

The setlist

Clock Strikes Ten
ELO Kiddies
California Man
Ain't That a Shame
Sick Man of Europe
Baby Loves to Rock
Need Your Love
I Know What I Want
Surrender
The Flame
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Goodnight

Aerosmith was the headliners for tonight's show... This is band that just won't quit rockin'! Aerosmith earned their stripes early in their career with their massive success of their phenomenal 1975 release, Toys in the Attic. Wildfire success followed by endless tours, drug and alcohol abuse and the the departure of the original guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, led to the downfall of this great American band.

Under new management, Aerosmith cleaned up their act and checked into rehab. After signing under a new label, Aerosmth reunited with the original members with a new attitude. Renewed, revived and ready to rock, this Aero Force was set to take on the world. Thanks to the help of MTV for spawning an unbelievable set of hit singles and albums, Steven Tyler and the boys set a course of world domination. A success story that still stands today and unparalleled by any other act ever.

Undaunted by the recent fiascoes surrounding Steven Tyler's employment as an American Idol judge and near break up rumors, these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees come out to do what they do best....ROCK! Starting with the opening bars from their title track of their fifth album, Draw the Line, Aerosmith proved that they will never be forgotten. Joe Perry blazed his slide up and down his famed glass guitar. The Demon of Screamin' vocalist, Steven Tyler dressed in a black vest, a golden turncoat, jeans and a red bandana twirled his trademark scarf dressed mic stand to the sky as if the lead the band. The Toxic Twins were taking no prisoners!

As Aerosmith was barreling though their 19 song set list, they stuck basically to their golden classics from the '70's with a few great tunes from the 90's for good measure. Guitarist Brad Whitford led the band through a searing replica of "Last Child" from the Rocks album. Joe "F@#king" Perry seared the frets off his guitar on "Boogie Men" while he sang his ass off on "Combination". Tom Hamilton displayed his bass prowess, introducing the band to the legendary classic "Sweet Emotion"; even nudged Perry for a killer song ending guitar solo. Tyler rapped and danced has way through the fan favorite, "Walk this Way". Skin master Joey Kramer even banged his head (literary!) on the drums during his solo.



Their were many highlights in this show. For me, it was the between of the tossing of the colorful lights and the performances of "No More, No More" and "Lord of the Thighs" of the endless sea of cellphone lights of Tyler sat down on the piano to perform "Dream On". Only two songs, "Oh Yeah" and "Legendary Child" from their upcoming release, Music from Another Dimension were played. This is the classic Aerosmith show, the way it's meant to be played...The way I like it!

The setlist:

Draw the Line

Love in an Elevator

Oh Yeah

Livin' on the Edge

Jaded

S.O.S (Too Bad)

Last Child

Drum Solo

Lord of the Thighs

Boogie Men

Combination

What It Takes

Legendary Child

Sweet Emotion

Mother Popcorn

Walk This Way

Dream On

Train Kept a' Rollin'

As we were corralled out of the packed Summerfest grounds like herds of cattle through mazes of fences, I couldn't help my smile knowing I had witnessed a great show. Then again, I could tell you about the first time I saw Aerosmith. Seventh row at Alpine Valley... Then again, I could wait till another time....

Open Blog - Monday

Have a swinging day.

Denis Leary - "Kiss My A$$"

Adult Language Advisory



This is my new favorite song.

Voodoo Mama

Just to remind you not to mess around anything Voodoo...

"Man reports woman bit his genitals"

From The Journal Times.com:

"UNION GROVE — A woman was arrested after she allegedly attacked a man and bit his genitals, according to a police report.

"Eileen M. Townsend, 32, of the 1400 block of High Street, was arrested for disorderly conduct and battery domestic abuse after the alleged incident at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday.

"The man told Racine County sheriff’s deputies that Townsend reportedly 'whacked out on him' and their verbal argument turned physical when she began attacking him. Deputies observed the man had fresh scratches to his stomach, chest and arms.

"He told deputies that Townsend had also bit him twice in the genitals and 'grabbed his (genitals) twice to throw him to the floor,' according to the report."

Read more: http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-reports-woman-bit-his-genitals/article_014e4974-c7ca-11e1-b904-0019bb2963f4.html 

Ouch, ouch, ouch.

Virus Warning

Sounds real to me........

 Source:  Voice of America Virus Could Leave Thousands Unable to Use Internet Monday

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world could be in for an unwelcome surprise Monday, unless they check their computers now for malware that infected their machines a year ago.

The virus caused by Eastern European computer hackers will make it impossible to access the Internet
Facebook and Google, websites used by billions of people every day, are alerting users who they suspect may have infected computers. They also provide information on what people can do to fix the problem.

The hackers used an online advertising scam to take control of nearly 600,000 computers last year, harvesting information about users and directing them to fraudulent websites.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation smashed the computer ring and temporarily set up two Internet servers so that users can remain on line.

But that temporary fix will be closed down at 0401 UTC Monday.

Along with Facebook, Google and some global computer security firms, the FBI can provide information on how to find out if your computer is infected and how it can be fixed


Source CNN Money CNN - Virus Could Leave Thousands Unable to Use Internet Monday

Still, the FBI decided to give people even more time to check for the malware, extending the deadline until July. The agency now says the time has come to cut the cord, and the emergency servers will be shut down on Monday.

Though the FBI tried to send notifications to those infected, it could not identify all of them, a spokesman said.

To help the users still infected, the agency laid out a

Step by Step plan on how to check to see if your computer has the virus.

Open Blog - Weekend

Happy Saturday and Sunday.

"Hot Weather in Richmond this Weekend"

And we thought it was hot here.

Four for Fridays

Hello everybody! Welcome back to Four for Fridays! I'm still up, leading a nocturnal life for the moment. I'm not a vampire, just trying finish things before I go to bed here. Since I'm still up, I might as well throw some questions your way....

1) If the Beatles were to reunite for a concert, what tunes would you want to hear?

2) What kind of spices do you like in your food?

3) What habit would like to try to break?

4) Do you have a better time falling asleep on your back or on your side?

Enjoy your weekend!

Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden at Summerfest

HOT and HUMID....

The words I'd describe the night... The temperatures rose to a sweltering 102 degrees while the moisture in the air made the humidity almost unbearable. I was wondering if we were going to make it. Water...the panacea of the gods, was a necessity. Armed with 24 oz refillable bottles of H2O, Tender Heart Bear and I strolled through the gates of Milwaukee's largest music festival, Summerfest. Slapped with Extreme Heat Warning by the National Weather Service, Summerfest provided the means necessary to find relief from the inferno: misting stations, air conditioned buses parked on the grounds and over staffed medical teams ready for emergencies.

It didn't stop us from having a good time... After we met up with good, close friends of ours, we strolled across the scorching asphalt to the Marcus Amphitheater to see Iron Maiden with special guest Alice Cooper. Surprisingly, it was a little cooler inside than I expected it to be. Thank god, for the gentle breezes off of Lake Michigan for some relief. Every little bit counts...

As the clock struck 7:30, the curtain dropped for the opening act, Alice Cooper. Six musicians burst into action, crowding the stage that was already filled by Iron Maiden's super-sized stage. On stage left was Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henrikson, both on the guitars. Filling the other side was the 27 year old blond guitarist Orianthi from Micheal Jackson's band and bassist Chuck Garric. Filling in the skins for Glen Sobel was Jonathan Mover. Where was Alice Cooper, the Master of Macabre himself? Perched high on the right stage pedestal wearing a mechanical spider arms like contraption belting out the words to "Black Widow". A vision of Dr. Oct from Spiderman came into my mind upon seeing this. The theatrics had begun...

The 64 year old rocker roamed across the stage like a confident and seasoned veteran. His conviction and charisma captured my undivided attention. The band, especially Orianthi (I originally thought that was Alice Cooper's daughter, but it ain't) rocked hard, bringing on the retro feel and bringing me back to the '70's. Well, almost... That odd feeling almost left me when we began to notice two young kids more half our age head banging and singing away to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Thinking I knew a quite a bit about Alice Cooper, these kids knew more!


At this point, I was seriously getting into the show. Although crude at times, the macabre theatrics amazed me. Some of them I guessed would happen. After all, THIS is Alice Cooper, the shock rock king. The snakes, top hats, baton twirling, fake blood, the make up, the costumes, a guillotine and what? A 20 foot Frankenstein! And yes, in Alice Cooper's image... Each had its place among his set of classics- "No More Mr. Nice Guy", "Billion Dollar Babies", "I'm Eighteen", "Poison" and "Hey Stoopid". When the confetti fell on "School's Out" the show was over. I was begging for more....

The setlist:

The Black Widow
Brutal Planet
I'm Eighteen
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Hey Stoopid
Guitar Solo
Billion Dollar Babies
Feed My Frankenstein
Poison
Wicked Young Man
I Love the Dead
School's Out

Of course, the stars of the night fell upon the British heavy metal act, Iron Maiden. Maiden roared into the scene back in the '80's, mercilessly annihilating every other metal act out there at the time with their progressive rock like guitar structure and their dark storytelling imagery. With singer Bruce Dickinson soaring vocals and of course, their mummified mascot, "Eddie", the band was indestructible. During the mid '90's Dickinson left the fold and Maiden descended into obscurity with a forgettable singer. Twenty years later, Dickinson is back, along with the addition of a third guitarist, Maiden comes back to life again!

Wrapping the spotlight around tunes mostly culled from their 1988 release, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album, Iron Maiden mainly focused on their earlier work on this tour. Its a wonderful approach, yet it has its flaws. I'll try to explain as I go on....

Bouncing into action, Dickinson takes control of the stage and making it his domain. At the age of 53, his athletic skills are outstanding! He jumps and leaps over stage monitors. He runs around the back stage props like a demon unleashed, jacked up upon adrenaline like a Monster drink junkie. I seriously don't know were his gets his energy from. but it's unbelievable! And that was the beginning of the action...


From the opening bars of the show's first tune, "Moonchild", Steve Harris' rapid fire bass was relentless, thundering the arena into submission. The triple axe threat of the guitar trio, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and newcomer Janick Gers intertwined and weaved through the endless time progressions, laying down maps of emotions, leaving listeners in awe- especially on the show's haunting centerpiece "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son". Driving a pulsating beat, connecting and combining the elements together, drummer extraordinaire Nicko McBrain lays down a solid foundation for the band to stand on... This is a force to be reckoned with!

While of the six piece band was driving a good show, the stage show itself was worth the price of the tickets. A U-shaped stage was set up to the likeness of the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album cover along with a pyrotechnic galore and an elaborate set of props to go with it. Sparkling fireworks on the side and flames in the back, who needs the Forth of July fireworks at this point? It's all here! Along with a 20 foot "Eddie" dressed as a buccaneer dueling with the band and a larger than life "Eddie" similar to the Seventh Son album cover creeping up the back stage adorning flames on his head while holding an unborn "Eddie" still in the womb. Sounds strange, but awesome!



Was this my favorite show ever? No. The Rush show I saw two years ago was much better. The seats I were in wasn't the greatest. I couldn't even get a glimpse of Nicko's drum set. Although Maiden did play many classic tunes like "Run to the Hills" and "The Number of the Beast", I would have preferred to hear "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", "Flight of Icarus" and "Hallowed be thy Name" over "Fear of the Dark" or "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" any day. For the die hard Maiden fans this would work, but me....ehh....

The setlist:

Moonchild
Can I Play With Madness?
The Prisoner
2 Minutes to Midnight
Afraid to Shoot Strangers
The Trooper
The Number of the Beast
Phantom of the Opera
Run to the Hills
Wasted Years
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The Clairvoyant
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

Aces High
Evil That Men Do
Running Free

As for the heat, we endured....Grinned and bared it... Got relief on the shuttle bus on the way to our car. The temperature read 89 degrees.

This Saturday is Aerosmith with Cheap Trick....

Open Blog - Friday

"Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose."

Open Blog - Thursday

Me, neither. 

This Shit Ain't Right

Taken at 6:41pm down by the lake

First Atempt at Fireworks

Sturtevant fireworks

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my dry ice incendiary devices! How are you?  I will spare you, and myself, the heat jokes.  We all know that it’s extremely hot and dry.  Be careful when venturing outdoors.  Try to stay in air conditioned areas.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Keep your head covered outdoors.  Whatever you’re doing, take it easy and slow down.  The reason they move slower down south is because of the heat.  Up here, we Nordic warriors are still running around like it’s five below zero.  Take your time, take care of yourself.

Of course, today is that holiday of holidays, Independence Day, our nation’s birthday.  Hurrah, hurrah!  Sound the trumpets.  Start up the band.  But please don’t light any fireworks.  Besides being illegal to use in the city, firecrackers and the like are often annoying and dangerous.  With conditions so dry, we don’t want to take a chance on lighting anything we can’t control.  Let the professionals do it.  They put on a much better, and safer, show. 

Junior is going to the parade with friends of his, so I am undecided at this point as to whether or not I will go.  I told Junior that I would be watching him from the æther.  The parade itself is rather compelling, but as others have pointed out elsewhere, the crowd is not what it used to be.  That’s the element that disturbs, even scares, me.  Civility is all but obsolete. 

As if the 4^th of July was not enough, this Friday, July 6, is a First Friday in Downtown Racine.  Oh my, the excitement.  Of course, we are the party city and there are plenty more events occurring.  Check out http://www.journaltimes.com/calendar/ for more information, or ask around your neighborhood.  There is always something going on.

If you happen to drink a little too much alcohol today, you’re not alone. Please do the responsible thing and call a cab or a friend for a ride home.  Better yet, go easy on the booze and enjoy the parade and fireworks both, without a hangover on Thursday morning.

Thank you one and all for reading my blog today.  I love visitors, regular and/or Irregular.  I am blessed to have friends like you.  I appreciate your presence. 

Who do the movers and shakers listen to? madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com, who else?

Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing to ease the heat.  Drink a lot of water.  Water is the best for you.  No sugar, no alcohol, no additives, no carbonation, no calories.  Or drink Madame Zoltar’s® Miracle Tonic; in moderation, of course. My tonic will cure your chronic ailments, plus it keeps you hydrated to 212° F. I love you all. Logodaedaly!

Open Blog - Independence Day

Enjoy the holiday.

"Цекало и Puttin` отожгли на Воробьевых горах"

Мне это нравится.

Burma Shave

For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs,

Here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's, '40's and '50's.

Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet.... and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.

Here are more of the actual signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR

BURMA SHAVE


TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP'
CUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP

Burma Shave


SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE

Burma Shave


DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT

Burma Shave


DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave


BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE

Burma Shave


CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER

Burma Shave


SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT

Burma Shave


THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE

Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT?
Burma Shave


NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU

Burma Shave


A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN

Burma Shave


AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY

Burma Shave


BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE

Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES

WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING

DEPENDS ON YOU

TO DO HIS THINKING

Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH

DRIVER IN TREE

THE MOON WAS FULL

AND SO WAS HE.

Burma Shave

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE

TAKE IT SLOW

LET OUR LITTLE

SHAVERS GROW

Burma Shave

Independence Day Quiz

"The 4th of July is the time when we celebrate our nation-- a time to reflect on the freedoms which we believe are not granted by our government, but are self-evident rights for all humankind.  Time for the Independence Day Quiz which asks,  'How much do you really know?'  Every day thousands leave their homelands to settle here in the land of the free.  Before they become citizens they are required to take a citizenship test and score 80%.  Could you pass this test if you took it today?

  

"Our quiz is made up of 20 questions which were once used on the actual citizenship test.  We've added a few curveballs-- The last ten questions may be a bit harder, but a score of around 24 out of 30 is considered a passing grade."

http://games.toast.net/independence/

My results: "Your Score is 23. Congratz, you Pass!  You should be proud."

It said I passed, but my score is below 80%.  In fact, it's a little below 77%.  Do I get extra credit for pointing that out?

Open Blog - Tuesday

How mysterious.

Open Blog - Monday

There's always milk in the fridge.

"Rapid rise in boomer addicts reported"

From the SunSentinel:

"They came of age in the drug-fueled psychedelic '60s, and faced adulthood's pressures as medications became a common way to deal with anxiety, pain and stress.

"Now baby boomers are in danger of becoming the Hooked Generation as they stumble into seniorhood.

"State and federal statistics show the number of people in their 50s and early 60s reporting illicit drug use and seeking help with addictions skyrocketed in the past decade.

"'We can't ignore that older adults are using harder substances, that we are seeing increases in emergency room visits where people present with drug abuse,' said Dr. Gayathri Dowling, acting chief of the science policy branch at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 'But when we think about these addictions, we tend to think about younger people.

"'Nobody thinks to ask older people about substance abuse, and that includes their physicians.'"

Read more:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-baby-boomer-drug-abuse-20120615,0,1969623.story

I can imagine getting hooked on tranquilizers or painkillers at my age, but crack cocaine? I would think that anyone hardcore enough to do crack would have reformed/burned out/died a long time ago.

Brook Benton - "Rainy Night in Georgia"

I was thinking about how dry it has been, and that made me think of rain, and that made me think of this song.

Useless Information

Did you know:

One of the worst floods in US History occurred in 1937 when the Ohio River overflowed.

"The Scientific Hangover Cure"

This is for all you party animals out there who are going to celebrate the 4th of July by over-imbibing.

Open Blog - Weekend

Goodbye June, hello July.

"Racine Uncovered Is A 'Hit'"

From RacineUncovered.org:

 

"Asked my computer guru to send me the stats to see how we are doing. I freaked again! Guess Racine Uncovered it a 'hit' and oh yes pun intended. Not to bad for a tenacious, outgoing Racine girl who loves this town and a computer guru who has her back!"

http://racineuncovered.org/2012/06/racine-uncovered-is-a-hit/

You deserve all of the attention, RU.  You are a primary news source.  I'm also proud to be 'Patch'ed in.  

Four for Fridays

Hello everybody! Welcome back to another amazing episode of Four for Fridays! Sorry for such a late start, I'm on vacation and slept in... Anyways, here are some questions....

1) When was the last time you have ridden a bicycle?

2) If were given a super power (like a superhero) what power would you choose?

3) What traditions do you have for the Forth of July?

4) Do you use a PC or a lap top?

Enjoy your weekend!

National Lampoon - "Deteriorata" (National Lampoon Radio Dinner (1972))

One of my all-time favorite songs.

Open Blog - Friday

Sniff, sniff.  You're right.

Open Blog - Thursday

I would enjoy some rain.

"Ultimate WTF Viral Videos - 15 seconds or less"

ADULT LANGUAGE ADVISORY



An utter waste of time, but I can't help myself anymore. You might still have a chance. Don't look at the video. Run, run!

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my hotsy-totsy hostas!  How are you?  It looks like we’re going to get a taste of the heat wave that recently visited Ms. Mary and Mr. hale-bopp.  Temperatures in the triple digits may be possible.  Be careful in that kind of heat, my friends.  Stay out of it as much as possible.  Stay hydrated.  Stay in touch with the elderly and infirm to make sure that they are OK.  If you don’t have air conditioning, find someplace or someone who does, and go there. This is not a drill.  Warning, Will Robinson! Danger, warning!  Oh my, I think you get the drift.  Be careful in the heat. 

And, no, Mr. OrbsCorbs, they don’t allow fat, old men to romp in the Dr. Clark fountain.  Don’t even ask, don’t even think about it. 

One week from today is the 4^th of July.  Where does the time go?  I assume that Junior will want to see the parade and the fireworks.  For me, it’s almost too much sensory input.  For Junior, it’s not enough. Seeing the spectacles spurs childhood memories of Fourths.  The thunder of drums and horns still resonates in my breast.  The beauty of some floats is still astonishing.  The reverence for our Armed Forces is still awe inspiring.  This year may be particularly difficult because of roadwork all over the city.  Moving the huge crowds might be more of a problem than usual.  If you go to either event, please allow yourself enough time for getting there, and especially for leaving.  Parking will be at a premium.  Let us give thanks for the law enforcement officers who will be working that day.  Thank you all.

I read the article in The Journal Times.com entitled, “Downtown study aims for ‘safe, vibrant’ nightlife,” http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/downtown-study-aims-for-safe-vibrant-nightlife/article_2095ad9c-beb8-11e1-9d04-001a4bcf887a.html Bravo to the Downtown Racine Corporation for playing to their strong suit.  Perhaps now they will consider a fortuneteller suitable for their district.  Nothing goes better with a night out on the town than a personal reading from a professional psychic.  Very reasonably priced, too.

Uh, did someone “up there” forget to turn on a faucet or something?  We need rain.  The farmers are beginning to worry.  Our cherry crop was decimated by the early warmth of March.  Everything else will be hurt soon, too, if we don’t get precipitation.  Keep an eye on your gardens during this heat wave, my dears.  It’s not just the sun and heat that take moisture from your plants; wind also evaporates it.

Thank you for reading my blog this week.  The pleasure is all mine.  I’m so happy to have each and every one of you.  I spell “family”: J-T-I-R-R-E-G-U-L-A-R-S.

The meaning of meaning?  Find out here: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.

I don’t want to be a nagging mother hen, but be careful in the heat.  Use sun block SPF 10,000 or higher.  Better yet, stay out of the sun.  Come out at night instead.  If you don’t have anything to do, check out the nightlife in Downtown Racine.  Stereobate!     

Open Blog - Wednesday

Enjoy the new and improved Wednesday. 

Hell Ya.....

Just a Question

One For the Ladies

Barbara Walters, of 20/20, did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan , several years before the Afghan conflict.

She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands.

She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now seem happy to maintain the old custom.

Ms Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, 'Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?'

The woman looked Ms Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, “Land mines.”

Moral of the story is:

(no matter what language you speak or where you go):- BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A SMART WOMAN!

Open Blog - Tuesday

Tuesday must be the day for romance.

Useless Information

Did you know:

One pound of body fat is 18% by volume larger then one pound of muscle.

Open Blog - Monday

It's the last week of June already?

A Nation's Strength

What makes a nation's pillars high
And it's foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism and a prescient critic of the countervailing pressures of society, and he disseminated his thoughts through dozens of published essays and more than 1,500 public lectures across the United States.

"Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries, formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. Following this ground-breaking work, he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. considered to be America's 'intellectual Declaration of Independence'.<sup>[1]"

 Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Waldo_Emerson</sup>

Blue Cheer - "Summertime Blues"

The ultimate summer song. I love the hair.