I hope everyone is going to enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy going out to take the pictures to share.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Wildflowers!
I know I haven't posted wildflowers lately I was busy with Drew's surprise party and I was getting ready for the Grandkids coming down here. Here are some pictures I hope everyone likes them.
This is a picture of a Brown Eyed Susan the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Multi-Flora Rose the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Evening Primerose the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Crested Dwarf Iris the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Carolina Fanwort Water Lily the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of Orange Hawkweed the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
I hope everyone is going to enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy going out to take the pictures to share.
I hope everyone is going to enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy going out to take the pictures to share.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
"IT’S OFFICIAL!! EVERYTHING RACINE MAYOR JOHN DICKERT TOUCHES, TURNS TO SHIT!"
From Racine Community Media:
"RACINE RESIDENTS TO SEE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WAUKESHA SHIT WATER FLOWING INTO RACINE’S ROOT RIVER.
"Thanks to Racine Mayor John Dickert, Waukesha will divert an average of 8.2 million gallons of Lake Michigan water per day and return treated wastewater to the lake via the Root River.
"Under the plan, Waukesha would buy Lake Michigan water from Oak Creek, and build new infrastructure to pipe it west. Waukesha would treat and clean the water after it is used, and deposit it in the Root River, where it will flow back into Lake Michigan through the city of Racine.
"Mayor John Dickert said, 'it’s my job to protect the citizens of Racine.' he also asked if Waukesha residents would be willing to swim outside its treatment plant where wastewater will be discharged.
"Cathy Stepp, the Wisconsin DNR secretary and former state senator from Racine County who cast the state’s vote in favor."
http://journaltimes.com/news/waukesha-water-diversion-approved/article_49f02af0-aaa2-573d-a750-dc493df00104.html
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/146310073463/its-official-everything-racine-mayor-john
"RACINE RESIDENTS TO SEE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WAUKESHA SHIT WATER FLOWING INTO RACINE’S ROOT RIVER.
"Thanks to Racine Mayor John Dickert, Waukesha will divert an average of 8.2 million gallons of Lake Michigan water per day and return treated wastewater to the lake via the Root River.
"Under the plan, Waukesha would buy Lake Michigan water from Oak Creek, and build new infrastructure to pipe it west. Waukesha would treat and clean the water after it is used, and deposit it in the Root River, where it will flow back into Lake Michigan through the city of Racine.
"Mayor John Dickert said, 'it’s my job to protect the citizens of Racine.' he also asked if Waukesha residents would be willing to swim outside its treatment plant where wastewater will be discharged.
"Cathy Stepp, the Wisconsin DNR secretary and former state senator from Racine County who cast the state’s vote in favor."
http://journaltimes.com/news/waukesha-water-diversion-approved/article_49f02af0-aaa2-573d-a750-dc493df00104.html
Read more: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/146310073463/its-official-everything-racine-mayor-john
"BREAKING: 14-Year-Old Girl Missing Since Sunday"
From Racine County Eye:
By Denise Lockwood in Breaking, Police and fire · June 22, 2016 · No comments
"Tataynia Ellis, a 14-year-old Racine girl, has been missing since Sunday.
"She was last seen by Lockwood Park, 4500 Graceland Boulevard. She is described as being five-foot six-inches tall, 120 pounds and is known to hangout on the north side, according to SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc.
"She goes by the name Tati. A missing persons report was filed with the Racine Police Department.
"If seen, please call 911 to report it to the Racine Police Department."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/14-year-old-girl-missing-since-sunday/
By Denise Lockwood in Breaking, Police and fire · June 22, 2016 · No comments
"She was last seen by Lockwood Park, 4500 Graceland Boulevard. She is described as being five-foot six-inches tall, 120 pounds and is known to hangout on the north side, according to SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc.
"She goes by the name Tati. A missing persons report was filed with the Racine Police Department.
"If seen, please call 911 to report it to the Racine Police Department."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/14-year-old-girl-missing-since-sunday/
"City of Racine Mayor 'Lying John' Dickert and Carpetbagging State Rep Cory Mason Can Go and Pound Sand"
From News the JT Can't Use:
June 21, 2016. from The JT:
"LOL.
"Let those two Sore Losers (butt-hurt much?) go and POUND SAND at North Beach! While they continue to whine and hopefully comfort each other. (UGH!)
"Sore Losers 'Lying John' Dickert and Carpetbagging Cory Mason were all FOR IT, until Dickert’s bid was too high to supply it. Too bad. So sad. Shouldn’t have been so greedy.
"But the Fat Lady still hasn’t sung in Racine – NO – not just yet……"
Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/city-of-racine-mayor-lying-john-dickert-and-carpetbagging-state-rep-cory-mason-can-go-and-pound-sand/
June 21, 2016. from The JT:
Waukesha water diversion approved
"CHICAGO — In a major defeat for Racine leaders who battled against the plan, a Great Lakes governing body on Tuesday unanimously approved Waukesha’s proposal to obtain Lake Michigan water."LOL.
"Let those two Sore Losers (butt-hurt much?) go and POUND SAND at North Beach! While they continue to whine and hopefully comfort each other. (UGH!)
"Sore Losers 'Lying John' Dickert and Carpetbagging Cory Mason were all FOR IT, until Dickert’s bid was too high to supply it. Too bad. So sad. Shouldn’t have been so greedy.
"But the Fat Lady still hasn’t sung in Racine – NO – not just yet……"
Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/city-of-racine-mayor-lying-john-dickert-and-carpetbagging-state-rep-cory-mason-can-go-and-pound-sand/
Dear Madame Zoltar
A long time ago, I lived on Main St., just south of downtown and the power went out on our block only. When I spoke to one of the workmen outdoors, he said a "fuse" blew on College Ave., and that's why we didn't have power. OK. That made absolutely no sense to me, but I wasn't going to pursue the matter. I just wanted the power back on.
I was going to spin that off somehow into a "discussion" of the upcoming Presidential election. Ha! I'm not nuts! There is no "discussion," only war, total war. Either you're one of us or you're one of them. Even I don't know who is who. Shoot first, ask questions later. And that's why there will be no discussion of that subject here. Please keep your politics to yourself. Either side, either way, it only gets ugly.
How did we get here? Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton? Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I hear they're hatching a plot to oust Trump at the convention. Yeah, right. Sorry for sounding so cynical, but it comes with the times. People are flat out nasty to strangers. No one believes in the rule of law anymore, let alone the integrity of elections. Stick your Golden Rule up your golden asshole. As Rod Serling used to say on The Twilight Zone, "We are entering a new dimension." Frankly, it somewhat scares me. I think more and more decent people will shop online, thus leaving the majority of the jerks on the streets. I don't want to interact with the jerks, but sometimes I have to. In my line of work, a personal reading, or other services, may demand that I interact with a jerk. Hopefully, a rich jerk. I refuse to discuss politics during my readings or visitations. It only leads to rancor.
For what it's worth, at this point I endorse neither Donald Trump nor Hilary Clinton. Again, everything could change in a day. Oh Lord, I wish there was a viable third party choice. I wish there was an alternative to the current crop of liars and thieves. I think Libertarian comes the closest to who I am, but I just hate "throwing away" my vote on someone who has no chance. We'll see how things develop as the election nears. I must say that so far, this has been an entertaining, if unnerving, Presidential campaign.
When I astral project, the word on the streets is that Machinery Row is DOA. Not that it's a failure; many people have made a lot of money off of it. Just that it's kaput.
Astral projections are tricky and not 100% reliable on information revealed. It's kind of weird floating up there in like a bubble and traveling to places known or unknown. One can time travel while astral projecting, but it gets a little tricky. I prefer to stay on one plane when I astral project.
Well, thank you all for reading my blog today. It "tickles me pink" to have visitors. You don't have to turn colors, just read my blogs. Thank you. I love you. You are family to me.
Family problems? Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
Enjoy the waning days of June. Junior already has the house decorated for the 4th of July. The 4th of July is his favorite holiday because it has both girls and music. Watch out for rain today and tomorrow. We're already 4 " below normal for this time of year. It's more like we need a flood.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
From Google+
It absolutely freaks me out that over a million and a half people have looked at this. Vote OrbsCorbs, Of Course, for President, my minions, and we'll change the world.
"1st Strawberry Moon in 70 Years for Summer Solstice"
From Racine County Eye:
By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · June 20, 2016 · No comments
"Today is the annual summer solstice, and for the first time in 70 years, it will be marked with a Strawberry Moon.
"Named for the height of strawberry picking season, the moon will be full and shaded a dusky red shade.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year featuring more hours of sunshine than any other day of the year and is also typically the official start of summer. This year is especially noteworthy because of the first Strawberry Moon since 1948.
"A story from FOX 6 Now notes that the moon tonight will be the star of the show in the sky all evening.
"Racine County Eye residents will be able to see the moon directly overhead around 5:34 p.m., the story continues.
"Summer solstice occurs when the sun’s zenith is the furthest away from the equater, and the North Pole tilts toward the sun, according to the timeanddate.com website. In the southern hemisphere, the June solstice is the shortest day of the year.
"In the Antarctic Circle, the June solstice is marked by the complete absence of sunlight, the website continues."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/1st-strawberry-moon-70-years-summer-solstice/
Happy Summer Solstice!
By Heather Asiyanbi in Community · June 20, 2016 · No comments
"Today is the annual summer solstice, and for the first time in 70 years, it will be marked with a Strawberry Moon.
"Named for the height of strawberry picking season, the moon will be full and shaded a dusky red shade.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year featuring more hours of sunshine than any other day of the year and is also typically the official start of summer. This year is especially noteworthy because of the first Strawberry Moon since 1948.
"A story from FOX 6 Now notes that the moon tonight will be the star of the show in the sky all evening.
"Racine County Eye residents will be able to see the moon directly overhead around 5:34 p.m., the story continues.
"Summer solstice occurs when the sun’s zenith is the furthest away from the equater, and the North Pole tilts toward the sun, according to the timeanddate.com website. In the southern hemisphere, the June solstice is the shortest day of the year.
"In the Antarctic Circle, the June solstice is marked by the complete absence of sunlight, the website continues."
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/1st-strawberry-moon-70-years-summer-solstice/
Happy Summer Solstice!
"Police investigating possible bank robbery"
From The Journal Times.com:
http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-investigating-possible-bank-robbery/article_1a42d83c-87da-5bf7-806a-2955bdc4d934.html
"Possible bank robbery"
It happened at 4 PM yesterday and The Journal Times still doesn't know?
http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-investigating-possible-bank-robbery/article_1a42d83c-87da-5bf7-806a-2955bdc4d934.html
"Possible bank robbery"
It happened at 4 PM yesterday and The Journal Times still doesn't know?
"Curt Johnson lawsuit dismissed — suit claimed molestation, sought monetary damages"
From The Journal Times.com:
CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com
"According to a document obtained by The Journal Times last week, the lawsuit was dismissed on March 16 before going to trial.
"Online court records describe the action as 'settlement/stipulation to dismiss — before trial.'
"The Journal Times was unable to get comments about the dismissal from attorneys for the plaintiff or defendant Curt Johnson, and court records did not indicate what the settlement was or if any money was involved.
"Johnson, 61, is the former chairman of Diversey Inc. and a son of the late SC Johnson chairman Sam
Johnson. When the lawsuit was filed it stated Johnson lived in Wind Point. Online court records for a joint divorce petition filed in April indicate that Johnson, an heir to the Johnson family household products fortune, now lives in Caledonia.
"The incidents allegedly occurred while the plaintiff — then about 12 to 13 years old — was on vacation with the Johnson family in Mexico and in the Bahamas, as well as in Johnson’s Wind Point home.
"The lawsuit alleged the teen had suffered severe psychological and emotional distress as a result of the abuse, and sought an unspecified amount in monetary damages.
"'(Johnson) would come in and fondle them while they were sleeping. Her and (Johnson’s stepdaughter),' according to a comment the plaintiff’s attorney, Stephen Estey of the San Diego-based Estey & Bomberger, made to The Journal Times in September 2014.
"Estey said the then-teen — who would be about 20 or 21 years old now — was 'very close' friends with Johnson’s stepdaughter, whom the billionaire was convicted of molesting on June 6, 2014, following a plea agreement.
"Speaking to The Journal Times for the same September 2014 story, Johnson’s criminal defense attorney, Mark Richards, denied the accusations, noting that such types of 'spurious allegations' were 'not uncommon in cases involving high-net-worth individuals.'
"'(The teen) is a troubled person with an admitted history of stealing from Mr. Johnson and his family,' he claimed of the stepdaughter's friend. 'We have been aware of (the girl’s) claims since March 2011 when they were made, reviewed by the Racine County District Attorney’s Office and rejected,' Richards said. 'These claims are unequivocally and demonstratively false. We intend to vigorously defend him.'
"Racine County prosecutors charged Johnson in March 2011 with repeated sexual assault of a child — a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison — after allegations surfaced that Johnson molested his stepdaughter.
"The case experienced a number of delays as it was appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Johnson eventually pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges — fourth-degree sexual assault of a child and disorderly conduct — in connection with the case. He was sentenced to four months in jail and was also ordered to pay a $6,000 fine."
Reas more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/curt-johnson-lawsuit-dismissed-suit-claimed-molestation-sought-monetary-damages/article_1cae7c4e-061b-5861-9c32-d6b789b6e6b2.html
CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com
"RACINE — A lawsuit
filed against Curt Johnson two years ago by a former Racine County
teen — and then-friend of the family — alleging he molested her has
apparently been dismissed following a settlement.
"According to a document obtained by The Journal Times last week, the lawsuit was dismissed on March 16 before going to trial.
"Online court records describe the action as 'settlement/stipulation to dismiss — before trial.'
"The Journal Times was unable to get comments about the dismissal from attorneys for the plaintiff or defendant Curt Johnson, and court records did not indicate what the settlement was or if any money was involved.
"Johnson, 61, is the former chairman of Diversey Inc. and a son of the late SC Johnson chairman Sam
Johnson. When the lawsuit was filed it stated Johnson lived in Wind Point. Online court records for a joint divorce petition filed in April indicate that Johnson, an heir to the Johnson family household products fortune, now lives in Caledonia.
The lawsuit
"Filed
on July 15, 2014, the lawsuit accused Johnson of molesting the
plaintiff — his stepdaughter’s childhood friend — on multiple occasions
between March 2007 and July 2009.
"The incidents allegedly occurred while the plaintiff — then about 12 to 13 years old — was on vacation with the Johnson family in Mexico and in the Bahamas, as well as in Johnson’s Wind Point home.
"The lawsuit alleged the teen had suffered severe psychological and emotional distress as a result of the abuse, and sought an unspecified amount in monetary damages.
"'(Johnson) would come in and fondle them while they were sleeping. Her and (Johnson’s stepdaughter),' according to a comment the plaintiff’s attorney, Stephen Estey of the San Diego-based Estey & Bomberger, made to The Journal Times in September 2014.
"Estey said the then-teen — who would be about 20 or 21 years old now — was 'very close' friends with Johnson’s stepdaughter, whom the billionaire was convicted of molesting on June 6, 2014, following a plea agreement.
Reaction
"Speaking to The Journal Times for the same September 2014 story, Johnson’s criminal defense attorney, Mark Richards, denied the accusations, noting that such types of 'spurious allegations' were 'not uncommon in cases involving high-net-worth individuals.'
"'(The teen) is a troubled person with an admitted history of stealing from Mr. Johnson and his family,' he claimed of the stepdaughter's friend. 'We have been aware of (the girl’s) claims since March 2011 when they were made, reviewed by the Racine County District Attorney’s Office and rejected,' Richards said. 'These claims are unequivocally and demonstratively false. We intend to vigorously defend him.'
"Racine County prosecutors charged Johnson in March 2011 with repeated sexual assault of a child — a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison — after allegations surfaced that Johnson molested his stepdaughter.
"The case experienced a number of delays as it was appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Johnson eventually pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges — fourth-degree sexual assault of a child and disorderly conduct — in connection with the case. He was sentenced to four months in jail and was also ordered to pay a $6,000 fine."
Reas more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/curt-johnson-lawsuit-dismissed-suit-claimed-molestation-sought-monetary-damages/article_1cae7c4e-061b-5861-9c32-d6b789b6e6b2.html
"The long arm of the blog vs. the long arm of the law"
From Racine County Corruption:
Contact me at racinecountycorruption@gmail.com
Read more: http://racinecountycorruption.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-long-armof-blog-vs.html
Can the power of a single blog 300 miles away sway a general election?
We think so!
Consider this, we have been blogging
about the corrupt Michael Nieskes for almost five years and he has yet
to challenge our writings.
We subpoenaed him
into court numerous times to impeach his testimony, only to have this
coward never utter a word in court about his abuse of power or discuss
the filing of his false affidavit into court records.
So why do we write about Nieskes again?
It has been brought to the
attention of RCC by fine people in St. Croix County that the infamous former Racine County District Attorney Michael Nieskes is
again running for public office, but this time 300 hundred miles away in you guessed it, St.
Croix County.
Yes, this is the same
Michael Nieskes that was run out of town by the voters of Racine County for his
errors, acts, omissions, abuse of power and the filing of a false affidavit
into court records.
Yes this is the same corrupt
Michael Nieskes that under the watchful eye of Judge Ptacek committed many of
his offenses and then BEAT IT to Hudson
Wi.
You may read more about Michael
Nieskes BEATING IT here:
So acting out of the
graces of Pro bono politico and Pro bono publico spirit, we will enlighten the
St. Croix residents of the past award bestowed upon Michael Nieskes.
Michael Nieskes was the
first recipient of “Today’s D.A.”
“Dirty Rat Award” You may read about it here: http://nationaldistrictattorneywallofshame.blogspot.com/
Despite the filing of a
100 plus page criminal complaint to the Wis. Attorney General’s office, Nieskes
was named Judge in 2011 by Governor Scott Walker. The voting public kicked him
out of office 4 months later in the general elections. Over 1,700 plus Republicans
agreed to remove Nieskes and voted to remove the corrupt ass out of office.
In the matters of his record
in office in Racine County, the abuses of power, court records tampering, court
date tampering and the filing of a false affidavit into court records, that is
all part of Racine County Circuit Court records.
In court testimony, Mike Nieskes's ADA
acknowledged the tampering of court records, but did not provide the identity of
the government perpetrator of the crimes.
You can guess who it was!
It is all a matter of court
record, you may review the online court record here:
As you read the online entries,
you will notice the case was dismissed with prejudice, as the succeeding
District Attorney requested the court to do so.
YOU READ IT RIGHT, THE
SUCCEEDING D.A. REQUESTED THE COURT TO DISMISS THE CASE WITH PREJUDICE !
Nieskes is such a low life and was so obsessed by this case, he put
at risk the law license of one of his subordinate ADA’s.
The above case illuminated
Michael Nieskes as a corrupt, dirty, manipulative prosecutor who abused his
power.
St. Croix residents, hear what your friends are telling you from 300 miles away, tell Michael Nieskes to:
BEAT IT
Read more: http://racinecountycorruption.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-long-armof-blog-vs.html
Sunday, June 19, 2016
I went to the auto parts store...
Right away I thought, "Who told him? Word must be getting around." I went to a gas-station-minute-mart and got my oil there. The clerk there thanked me for my purchase and didn't call me an asshole. She just hasn't caught on yet.
Charlie's New Clubhouse
The flap on right is for entry/exit. This is the box Chalie's 7 ft. cat tree came in. It's 24" x 28", and 15" tall. And, no, the vacuum cleaner hasn't made it this far yet. I swear the carpet is 1/2 cat hair.
"Charter says changes coming for Time Warner Cable customers"
From JSOnline:
By of the Journal Sentinel
"Now that it dominates Wisconsin's cable television market, Charter Communications faces its next challenge: winning customer satisfaction where, often, it's been lacking.
"Charter, with the recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable, now has about 90% of the traditional cable business in Wisconsin — a figure that's disturbing to consumer advocates who say the lack of competition in the cable industry fuels poor customer service and high rates.
"'People are kind of stuck with what they have, and I mean really stuck,' said Linda Sherry, director of national priorities at Consumer Action, a San Francisco-based advocacy group.
"Stamford, Conn.-based Charter, now that it owns Time Warner Cable, is moving into Milwaukee and other markets under the brand name Spectrum.
"The changes aren't noticeable yet, but they're starting this year and will take place over the next 18 months.
"'In the coming months, you will hear more from us as it relates to network, product and service improvements,' Charter CEO Tom Rutledge said in a recent letter to Time Warner Cable customers.
"The changes will include an all-digital network with faster internet speeds, no modem lease fee and a plethora of television channels under various bundle plans, according to Charter.
"Yet critics of the Time Warner Cable acquisition say consumers will likely remain skeptical as they've never seen much competition in the paid television marketplace, and this won't help on that front.
"'We are not big on mergers, and we especially think that mergers in the cable industry can be a real problem for consumers because it just shrinks the available vendors down to usually one in an area,' Sherry said.
"In the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Charter and Time Warner Cable had comparable scores — of 57 and 58, respectively — of a possible 100 points for internet service. Charter scored 63 for subscription television, while Time Warner Cable's score was 51.
"Charter says it's attracting more customers and keeping customers longer, yet it acknowledges the industry's critics.
"'Cable companies talk about improving service a lot because there's a lot of improving to do,' said Charter spokesman Justin Venech.
"The company says it's bringing more than 10,000 outsourced customer service jobs back to the United States.
"Combined, Charter and Time Warner Cable have about 90,000 employees nationwide and 3,900 in Wisconsin, including customer service centers and offices in Milwaukee, Appleton and Fond du Lac.
"Charter says it plans to add about 20,000 jobs nationally as it expands into new markets and adds subscribers.
"'I don't know how many of those would be in Milwaukee, but I can tell you that we are looking at adding jobs across the company,' Venech said.
"Over time, the Time Warner Cable name will be replaced by Spectrum.
"Some industry experts say the Time Warner and Charter duo won't need as many employees as the separate companies had in areas such as customer service, billing and marketing.
"Watch for what happens to the customer service centers in Wisconsin a year from now, said Barry Orton, a recently retired telecommunications professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"It's unlikely that Charter will keep all of those jobs, Orton said.
"Charter says it will use fewer outside contractors for home service calls. It says customer bills will be easier to decipher, and there will be fewer fees.
"For now, Time Warner Cable customers can keep their television and internet services and pricing.
"'If a customer likes what they are receiving today, and how they are receiving it, we aren't going to force them into a new package,' Venech said.
"Charter television customers will still be required to lease the "set-top" box from the company.
"Consumer advocates say the lease fees amount to a huge profit center for cable companies, at the expense of customers who have no choice in the matter.
"'You will be renting that same old box for years. I remember once, when I moved to Washington, D.C., I was given a box that had cockroaches in it,' Sherry said.
"Time Warner Cable customers could get better television reception and more channels under the Charter digital network that's coming their way.
The company's reputation in Wisconsin isn't terrible compared with some other cable providers over the years, according to Orton.
"'Charter has been reasonably good in Madison in the last year or two. There have been very few outages, and the company has been reasonably responsive to them,' he said.
"As it settles into Milwaukee and other new markets, Charter says it will launch community service initiatives such as a program that helps people with home repairs, weather stripping and smoke detectors.
"The company has pledged to improve 25,000 homes nationwide by 2020.
"Charter says it will offer a $14.99-per-month internet plan for low-income families and seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income.
"Also, the company says it will extend broadband service to some areas that currently are not served or have slower broadband speeds.
"Skeptics say there's not much recourse for consumers or regulators if Charter doesn't fulfill its obligations under the Time Warner Cable acquisition.
"'If you are counting on the FCC and the federal government, I wish you a lot of luck,' Orton said.
"AT&T's U-verse television service is an alternative to cable in Milwaukee and other cities, but not in every neighborhood. Increasingly, AT&T is placing more emphasis on its DirecTV satellite service.
"'We are leading our video marketing approach with DirecTV,' said AT&T spokeswoman Samara Sodos.
"One competitive threat to cable providers is the trend of 'cord cutting,' where customers drops their cable subscription in favor of video streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu.
"That's the new normal for adults ages 18 to 34, according to a report from Horowitz Research. Millennials spend 54% of their TV viewing time streaming programs over the internet, according to Horowitz.
"The trend is 'absolutely growing and growing,' Sherry said, partly from more on-demand video that is tailored to individual interests and schedules.
"She added, 'We have all joked about the 300 channels on cable, and you only watch five. I think most people could find video streaming choices that give them what they want to watch.'"
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/business/charter-says-changes-coming-for-time-warner-cable-customers-b99746159z1-383533321.html
We'll see, we'll see...
 |
| Workers respond to customer calls at the Time Warner Cable call center in Milwaukee. Charter Communications, which bought Time Warner, now has about 90% of the traditional cable business in the state. Credit: Sam Caravana |
By of the Journal Sentinel
"Now that it dominates Wisconsin's cable television market, Charter Communications faces its next challenge: winning customer satisfaction where, often, it's been lacking.
"Charter, with the recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable, now has about 90% of the traditional cable business in Wisconsin — a figure that's disturbing to consumer advocates who say the lack of competition in the cable industry fuels poor customer service and high rates.
"'People are kind of stuck with what they have, and I mean really stuck,' said Linda Sherry, director of national priorities at Consumer Action, a San Francisco-based advocacy group.
"Stamford, Conn.-based Charter, now that it owns Time Warner Cable, is moving into Milwaukee and other markets under the brand name Spectrum.
"The changes aren't noticeable yet, but they're starting this year and will take place over the next 18 months.
"'In the coming months, you will hear more from us as it relates to network, product and service improvements,' Charter CEO Tom Rutledge said in a recent letter to Time Warner Cable customers.
"The changes will include an all-digital network with faster internet speeds, no modem lease fee and a plethora of television channels under various bundle plans, according to Charter.
"Yet critics of the Time Warner Cable acquisition say consumers will likely remain skeptical as they've never seen much competition in the paid television marketplace, and this won't help on that front.
"'We are not big on mergers, and we especially think that mergers in the cable industry can be a real problem for consumers because it just shrinks the available vendors down to usually one in an area,' Sherry said.
"In the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Charter and Time Warner Cable had comparable scores — of 57 and 58, respectively — of a possible 100 points for internet service. Charter scored 63 for subscription television, while Time Warner Cable's score was 51.
"Charter says it's attracting more customers and keeping customers longer, yet it acknowledges the industry's critics.
"'Cable companies talk about improving service a lot because there's a lot of improving to do,' said Charter spokesman Justin Venech.
"The company says it's bringing more than 10,000 outsourced customer service jobs back to the United States.
"Combined, Charter and Time Warner Cable have about 90,000 employees nationwide and 3,900 in Wisconsin, including customer service centers and offices in Milwaukee, Appleton and Fond du Lac.
"Charter says it plans to add about 20,000 jobs nationally as it expands into new markets and adds subscribers.
"'I don't know how many of those would be in Milwaukee, but I can tell you that we are looking at adding jobs across the company,' Venech said.
"Over time, the Time Warner Cable name will be replaced by Spectrum.
"Some industry experts say the Time Warner and Charter duo won't need as many employees as the separate companies had in areas such as customer service, billing and marketing.
"Watch for what happens to the customer service centers in Wisconsin a year from now, said Barry Orton, a recently retired telecommunications professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"It's unlikely that Charter will keep all of those jobs, Orton said.
"Charter says it will use fewer outside contractors for home service calls. It says customer bills will be easier to decipher, and there will be fewer fees.
"For now, Time Warner Cable customers can keep their television and internet services and pricing.
"'If a customer likes what they are receiving today, and how they are receiving it, we aren't going to force them into a new package,' Venech said.
"Charter television customers will still be required to lease the "set-top" box from the company.
"Consumer advocates say the lease fees amount to a huge profit center for cable companies, at the expense of customers who have no choice in the matter.
"'You will be renting that same old box for years. I remember once, when I moved to Washington, D.C., I was given a box that had cockroaches in it,' Sherry said.
"Time Warner Cable customers could get better television reception and more channels under the Charter digital network that's coming their way.
The company's reputation in Wisconsin isn't terrible compared with some other cable providers over the years, according to Orton.
"'Charter has been reasonably good in Madison in the last year or two. There have been very few outages, and the company has been reasonably responsive to them,' he said.
"As it settles into Milwaukee and other new markets, Charter says it will launch community service initiatives such as a program that helps people with home repairs, weather stripping and smoke detectors.
"The company has pledged to improve 25,000 homes nationwide by 2020.
"Charter says it will offer a $14.99-per-month internet plan for low-income families and seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income.
"Also, the company says it will extend broadband service to some areas that currently are not served or have slower broadband speeds.
"Skeptics say there's not much recourse for consumers or regulators if Charter doesn't fulfill its obligations under the Time Warner Cable acquisition.
"'If you are counting on the FCC and the federal government, I wish you a lot of luck,' Orton said.
"AT&T's U-verse television service is an alternative to cable in Milwaukee and other cities, but not in every neighborhood. Increasingly, AT&T is placing more emphasis on its DirecTV satellite service.
"'We are leading our video marketing approach with DirecTV,' said AT&T spokeswoman Samara Sodos.
"One competitive threat to cable providers is the trend of 'cord cutting,' where customers drops their cable subscription in favor of video streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu.
"That's the new normal for adults ages 18 to 34, according to a report from Horowitz Research. Millennials spend 54% of their TV viewing time streaming programs over the internet, according to Horowitz.
"The trend is 'absolutely growing and growing,' Sherry said, partly from more on-demand video that is tailored to individual interests and schedules.
"She added, 'We have all joked about the 300 channels on cable, and you only watch five. I think most people could find video streaming choices that give them what they want to watch.'"
Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/business/charter-says-changes-coming-for-time-warner-cable-customers-b99746159z1-383533321.html
We'll see, we'll see...
"Police: Man Used Stick to Hit Child Because Their Shoes Came Untied"
From Racine County Eye:
By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · June 17, 2016 · No comments
"Racine police say a 31-year-old man is facing a felony child abuse charge because he beat a 5-year-old child with a stick when the child’s shoes kept coming untied.
"Kevin
Mayfield, of Racine, was charged Thursday in Racine County Circuit
Court with one felony count of physical abuse of a child. If convicted,
he faces up to 40 years in prison and/or up to $100,000 in fines.
"According the criminal complaint, officers were called Wednesday to a local child care center for a report of possible child abuse. When police arrived, they spoke to a 5-year-old child who said Mayfield 'whooped' them with a stick because their shoes kept coming untied.
"Officers say the child had visible welts measuring up to 5-inches long and some as an inch wide on their hands, arms, back, and buttocks. The abuse is suspected to have occurred on or about June 14 at the child’s home.
"Mayfield remains in the Racine County Jail on a $2,000 cash bond as well as a $3,000 signature bond and is ordered to not have any contact with the child or with any minor children. He was also ordered to surrender a sample of his DNA. Mayfield will next be in court June 23 for his preliminary hearing."
What a tough guy.
By Heather Asiyanbi in Police and fire · June 17, 2016 · No comments
"Racine police say a 31-year-old man is facing a felony child abuse charge because he beat a 5-year-old child with a stick when the child’s shoes kept coming untied.
"Kevin
Mayfield, of Racine, was charged Thursday in Racine County Circuit
Court with one felony count of physical abuse of a child. If convicted,
he faces up to 40 years in prison and/or up to $100,000 in fines."According the criminal complaint, officers were called Wednesday to a local child care center for a report of possible child abuse. When police arrived, they spoke to a 5-year-old child who said Mayfield 'whooped' them with a stick because their shoes kept coming untied.
"Officers say the child had visible welts measuring up to 5-inches long and some as an inch wide on their hands, arms, back, and buttocks. The abuse is suspected to have occurred on or about June 14 at the child’s home.
"Mayfield remains in the Racine County Jail on a $2,000 cash bond as well as a $3,000 signature bond and is ordered to not have any contact with the child or with any minor children. He was also ordered to surrender a sample of his DNA. Mayfield will next be in court June 23 for his preliminary hearing."
What a tough guy.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
Racine County District Attorney Rich Chiapete SHOULD seek re-election
Fuck 'em, Rich. Who the hell is going to take your place and do as good of a job?
Run, Rich, run!
Four for Fridays! Anyways
1) What's your favorite soda pop?
2) Toilet paper roll - over the front or hanging from the back?
3) Who's your favorite president?
4) Will the Packers take the Super Bowl this season?
Bonus question:
5) Are you voting OrbsCorbs, Of Course for president?
Have a great day.
2) Toilet paper roll - over the front or hanging from the back?
3) Who's your favorite president?
4) Will the Packers take the Super Bowl this season?
Bonus question:
5) Are you voting OrbsCorbs, Of Course for president?
Have a great day.
Four for Fridays!
I am so sorry I will not be able to post any questions today. I am on my way to pick up the Grandkids in Oshkosh. I have to do this early so I can be back in time to pick up Drew from work and get through all the stupid construction in Milwaukee. If I get back early I will post questions but I am not promising it.
"City of Racine Residents Are Stunned To Discover That 2016 Property Tax Rates Under Mayor John Dickert Exceed Those of City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel by Almost Double!"
From News The JT Can't Use:
While the news media has been quick to report on the massive property
tax increases enacted by City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, they have
failed to point out that those large increases bring the total property
tax rate to only about HALF of what many Cities in South East Wisconsin
charge. Is it any wonder that the productive People of Illinois aren’t
flocking to residential properties in Racine and SE Wisconsin? An entire
region of Wisconsin’s Rust Belt which is quickly morphing into Detroit
West with corrupt and criminal politicians who are looting the tax
base, levying outrageously high property taxes, suffering from high
rates of crime (which is often under-reported), curtailed services and
large sections of failing infrastructure populated by illegal
immigrants, the unemployed, those who depend upon public assistance, and
recent Third World EB-5 Immigrants."
Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/city-of-racine-residents-are-stunned-to-discover-that-2016-property-tax-rates-under-mayor-john-dickert-exceed-those-of-city-of-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-by-almost-double/
While the news media has been quick to report on the massive property
tax increases enacted by City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, they have
failed to point out that those large increases bring the total property
tax rate to only about HALF of what many Cities in South East Wisconsin
charge. Is it any wonder that the productive People of Illinois aren’t
flocking to residential properties in Racine and SE Wisconsin? An entire
region of Wisconsin’s Rust Belt which is quickly morphing into Detroit
West with corrupt and criminal politicians who are looting the tax
base, levying outrageously high property taxes, suffering from high
rates of crime (which is often under-reported), curtailed services and
large sections of failing infrastructure populated by illegal
immigrants, the unemployed, those who depend upon public assistance, and
recent Third World EB-5 Immigrants."Read more: https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/city-of-racine-residents-are-stunned-to-discover-that-2016-property-tax-rates-under-mayor-john-dickert-exceed-those-of-city-of-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-by-almost-double/
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Charlie's Latest Gift
I paid back the money to an old internet friend that she had lent me over the years. Her delightful response?
In the last shot, on the far right, is the cat tree I bought Chalie recently. As I was doing so, my friend was doing the same. So Charlie ended up with two new cat trees. Yay. The one on the right is on a table and is only four feet tall. It came assembled with everything except the top perch had to be attached.
The one from my friend took almost four hours to assemble (1 hour work, 3 hours swearing). It's seven feet tall and Charlie can easily reach the ceiling from the top perch. He and I are very happy with this gift. Thank you, Ms. N.
In the last shot, on the far right, is the cat tree I bought Chalie recently. As I was doing so, my friend was doing the same. So Charlie ended up with two new cat trees. Yay. The one on the right is on a table and is only four feet tall. It came assembled with everything except the top perch had to be attached.
The one from my friend took almost four hours to assemble (1 hour work, 3 hours swearing). It's seven feet tall and Charlie can easily reach the ceiling from the top perch. He and I are very happy with this gift. Thank you, Ms. N.
Not a fan..
Content warning -
Rambling therapeutic rant of sorts ahead....
I enjoy a good holiday. Recently, I've sought out fun holidays that you don't hear about until it's too late. Some are fun, some are for a cause, some are just weird. Some I can really get into - for instance, next week, the 22nd is national Chocolate Eclair Day. Definitely celebrating that one!
Then there are the established ones, and the one coming up always feels like a punch in the gut to me.
Fathers Day..... Not a fan.
I'm happy for those that had good fathers or at least tolerable ones, ones that were there in some fashion. Kids that had happy childhoods and fathers they could count on.
I realize that I'm not the only 'fatherless' kid out there. Some don't even know who their fathers are. Some come not only from broken but completely shattered homes. Some of us, grew up exposed to abuse, others, neglect, or even abandonment. For those of us, Father's day sucks.
I enjoy celebrating my husband, who is a great dad to our girls. That part, yes, I enjoy and he is worth celebrating. His dad, who wholeheartedly stepped up and was a stand in dad to me, has been gone a decade already. That still breaks my heart. He was an amazing guy who I'm glad to have had there for me. My own 'father', I've been estranged from for over 35 years and have only seen him maybe 3 times in all those years. Fathers day is a reminder of the feeling of not being lovable, not being good enough, not being enough for him not to be a monster. Yes, he was evil, and it felt like I wasn't good enough for him not to be horrible to. All these years later and that feeling still plagues me. I hate when it gets to me, then I get very angry and unpleasant. Great legacy you left, dear ol' 'dad'...
To the fatherless out there who either don't know, didn't know or unfortunately did know your fathers, it's not your fault. Some dads are just bad, and some are beyond horrible. It's not our fault. Try to let go of the guilt of not feeling like you're good enough or unlovable. It takes a LOT of work and is a life long process. Shoot, I'm 50 and I still suck at it. Know you're good enough and worth loving, even if you never felt it growing up or at whatever stage of life you are in. Dads can be terribly damaging. I may be bumped, bruised and dented but I'm still standing. Find a way to shine. Don't let their horrible example take away who you are. I don't want to only shine, I want to sparkle, gosh darn it!
Rambling therapeutic rant of sorts ahead....
I enjoy a good holiday. Recently, I've sought out fun holidays that you don't hear about until it's too late. Some are fun, some are for a cause, some are just weird. Some I can really get into - for instance, next week, the 22nd is national Chocolate Eclair Day. Definitely celebrating that one!
Then there are the established ones, and the one coming up always feels like a punch in the gut to me.
Fathers Day..... Not a fan.
I'm happy for those that had good fathers or at least tolerable ones, ones that were there in some fashion. Kids that had happy childhoods and fathers they could count on.
I realize that I'm not the only 'fatherless' kid out there. Some don't even know who their fathers are. Some come not only from broken but completely shattered homes. Some of us, grew up exposed to abuse, others, neglect, or even abandonment. For those of us, Father's day sucks.
I enjoy celebrating my husband, who is a great dad to our girls. That part, yes, I enjoy and he is worth celebrating. His dad, who wholeheartedly stepped up and was a stand in dad to me, has been gone a decade already. That still breaks my heart. He was an amazing guy who I'm glad to have had there for me. My own 'father', I've been estranged from for over 35 years and have only seen him maybe 3 times in all those years. Fathers day is a reminder of the feeling of not being lovable, not being good enough, not being enough for him not to be a monster. Yes, he was evil, and it felt like I wasn't good enough for him not to be horrible to. All these years later and that feeling still plagues me. I hate when it gets to me, then I get very angry and unpleasant. Great legacy you left, dear ol' 'dad'...
To the fatherless out there who either don't know, didn't know or unfortunately did know your fathers, it's not your fault. Some dads are just bad, and some are beyond horrible. It's not our fault. Try to let go of the guilt of not feeling like you're good enough or unlovable. It takes a LOT of work and is a life long process. Shoot, I'm 50 and I still suck at it. Know you're good enough and worth loving, even if you never felt it growing up or at whatever stage of life you are in. Dads can be terribly damaging. I may be bumped, bruised and dented but I'm still standing. Find a way to shine. Don't let their horrible example take away who you are. I don't want to only shine, I want to sparkle, gosh darn it!
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
"Billy Joel - 'You May Be Right [About Voting For OrbsCorbs, Of Course!]'"
Vote OrbsCorbs, of course!
Birds!
I know that some postings are not going to be on the JTI's but I thought I would post some birds to share with everyone still. So here are some pictures.
This is a picture of a Eastern Towhee the picture was taken at Cliffside Park in Crestview Wi.
This is a picture of a Savannah Sparrow the picture was taken at Cliffside Park in Crestview Wi.
This is a picture of a Eastern Meadowlark the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Great Egret the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
This is a picture of a Song Sparrow the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.
I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.
I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
OrbsCorbs for President!
Vote for me and I'll set you free!
I've decided to use JTIrregulars.com as the platform from which I'll launch my campaign for the Presidency of the United States of America.
The only good government is less government!
I believe that all of our troops and equipment overseas and in other nations should be brought home immediately. Foreign aid to everybody should end immediately. Secure our borders immediately.
I like Ike!
If you want to do business overseas, you are free to do so. However, under no circumstances will any of the US military be used to protect your interests abroad. Hire mercenaries. Or, if you can find them, the A-Team.
I'll gladly debate any other candidate on anything other than the issues. I have issues. You have issues. We all have issues. We all also have assholes, but you don't want to debate about that, do you?
Submit questions below, and in response, I'll lie like the best of them.
P.S. Send me money. Lots and lots of money. It's tax deductible, I think. I'm running against Trump and Hilary. I can't run on empty, you know.
"Former Employee Accuses Wahlen of Intimidation, Wrongful Termination"
From Racine County Eye:
By Heather Asiyanbi in Government · June 13, 2016 · No comments
"Former Mount Pleasant Payroll Coordinator Jillian Schumacher Monday in public comments before the village board accused Village Administrator Kurt Wahlen of firing her for being a whistleblower.
"Schumacher said she was fired unfairly and without any prior warning because she questioned financial processes that didn’t align with the personnel handbook or standard practices.
"'In short, I believe I was terminated for being a whistleblower and not blindly following policies I felt were unprofessional,' she continued.
"Specifically, Schumacher claims Wahlen fired her just four months after she had a positive review during which she was awarded another week of vacation and told she was on track to receive a raise. Schumacher worked for Mount Pleasant for 13 months.
"'In January of 2016 my vacation was increased to 3 weeks and I was on schedule for a raise. I had received no verbal or written warnings and no suspensions as outlined in the discipline section of the personnel manual. I had every reason to believe I was a competent and valued employee,' her comments to trustees read.
"But, last month, Schumacher told the board that Wahlen called her into his office and asked if she wanted to quit or be terminated. She elected termination and said she believes Wahlen fired her because:
"Board members were clearly surprised by Schumacher’s comments. After the meeting, Village President Jerry Garski said he takes the allegations seriously.
"'This was surprising … it’s the first we’ve heard of these issues, and we will look into them,' he said after the board meeting.
"He did not offer any additional comment.
"Wahlen was not at the meeting because he is on vacation this week. Racine County Eye did send him an email to his village email address and will update this story if we reach him for comment. His contract with the village expired on May 13, and negotiations for a new one have not begun, according to sources close to the village.
"To listen to Schumacher’s comments, click the link below:"
Jillian Schumacher Payroll Coordinator from Rees Roberts on Vimeo.
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/former-employee-accuses-wahlen-intimidation-wrongful-termination/
Related: https://kurtwahlenexposed.wordpress.com/2016/06/14/mtp-village-administrator-kurt-wahlen-is-accused-of-intimidation-wrongful-termination/
By Heather Asiyanbi in Government · June 13, 2016 · No comments
"Former Mount Pleasant Payroll Coordinator Jillian Schumacher Monday in public comments before the village board accused Village Administrator Kurt Wahlen of firing her for being a whistleblower.
"Schumacher said she was fired unfairly and without any prior warning because she questioned financial processes that didn’t align with the personnel handbook or standard practices.
"'In short, I believe I was terminated for being a whistleblower and not blindly following policies I felt were unprofessional,' she continued.
"Specifically, Schumacher claims Wahlen fired her just four months after she had a positive review during which she was awarded another week of vacation and told she was on track to receive a raise. Schumacher worked for Mount Pleasant for 13 months.
"'In January of 2016 my vacation was increased to 3 weeks and I was on schedule for a raise. I had received no verbal or written warnings and no suspensions as outlined in the discipline section of the personnel manual. I had every reason to believe I was a competent and valued employee,' her comments to trustees read.
"But, last month, Schumacher told the board that Wahlen called her into his office and asked if she wanted to quit or be terminated. She elected termination and said she believes Wahlen fired her because:
- Pay for staff is arbitrary negotiated by the Village Administrator on a personal basis rather than as a uniform employee policy. Pay for similar positions vary without regard to experience or job description.
- Raises are arbitrarily awarded or withheld and do not follow village personnel handbook guidelines.
- Some salaried staff are allotted comp. time while others are not. The result is that some staff are paid when absent and others have to use vacation time.
- Village fees were waived by staff for certain residents but charged to others – without oversight or board approval.
- Fees and bills were not routinely deposited and at times were allowed to collect in a box if staff was absent. In early 2016, during property tax season, as much as $2 million dollars or more sat in the village office without deposit – vulnerable to fraud or neglect.
- Two village employees – Jo Gleason and Dianne Flannery – were paid well over the $8.57/hour wage for poll workers on election day; Gleason was allotted her regular rate of nearly $18/hour.
"Board members were clearly surprised by Schumacher’s comments. After the meeting, Village President Jerry Garski said he takes the allegations seriously.
"'This was surprising … it’s the first we’ve heard of these issues, and we will look into them,' he said after the board meeting.
"He did not offer any additional comment.
"Wahlen was not at the meeting because he is on vacation this week. Racine County Eye did send him an email to his village email address and will update this story if we reach him for comment. His contract with the village expired on May 13, and negotiations for a new one have not begun, according to sources close to the village.
"To listen to Schumacher’s comments, click the link below:"
Jillian Schumacher Payroll Coordinator from Rees Roberts on Vimeo.
Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/former-employee-accuses-wahlen-intimidation-wrongful-termination/
Related: https://kurtwahlenexposed.wordpress.com/2016/06/14/mtp-village-administrator-kurt-wahlen-is-accused-of-intimidation-wrongful-termination/
Sunday, June 12, 2016
JT Irregulars
I put in eight years of blood, sweat,and tears. And some laughs. I'd gladly put in another eight, but it's not to be. I feel like I've lost a family member or put down a beloved pet.
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