"I Spy TV Opening Theme Version 1"

"Hargrove officially enters mayor race"

From The Journal Times.com:

CARA SPOTO cara.spoto@journaltimes.com

"RACINE — A second mayoral hopeful has announced that he will indeed be running to unseat Racine Mayor John Dickert next spring.

"After publicly stating that he was contemplating a bid for the office, the Rev. Melvin Hargrove told The Journal Times on Friday evening that he has filed his declaration of candidacy papers and is officially a contender.

"Hargrove, the pastor of Zoe Outreach Ministries, 2310 Racine St., and a Racine Unified School Board member since 2008, said he decided to follow through on his desire to run after 'much conversation and counsel' with trusted advisers.

"If elected Hargrove said he would put most of his focus on partnering with nonprofits, the faith community, schools and local businesses to help serve and develop the people of Racine in order to make both them and their city more attractive to employers and others."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/hargrove-officially-enters-mayor-race/article_26dc7358-57ad-5070-8d57-11a857f42e3b.html

Open Blog - Weekend

See, even cavemen partied on the weekends.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! It certainly has been an unique week. While it has been busy, unusual things have been going on.... Anyways, here are your questions....

1) When was the last time you went bike riding?

2) What was the furthest you have traveled on a bike?

3) What was the last movie you have watched?

4) If you could win a "life time supply" of anything, what would you want it to be?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Yahoo!

Going back to Florida

Having spent a. couple of weeks in our SC home to regroup, I now going home.  I met a lot of wonderful, caring people.  You see, I have an accent! I've been asked if I was a Yankee.  I admitted to it.  No denial from this northern cookie!

Wisconsin!  Well, folks they love us in the south.  And they love the way I say WisCONsin. Lol.
All the stories I heard about how WI closes down during a Packer game...duh...like that's news!

Enjoy the game.

"Joan Rivers, a Comedic Stiletto, Is Dead at 81"

From The New York Times:



"Joan Rivers, the raspy loudmouth who pounced on America’s obsessions with flab, face-lifts, body hair and other blemishes of neurotic life, including her own, in five decades of caustic comedy that propelled her from nightclubs to television to international stardom, died on Thursday in Manhattan. She was 81."

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/arts/television/joan-rivers-dies.html

Our Granddaughter is Three Years Old Today!

I can't believe three years ago today Drew, my daughter and I went up to Shawano Wi for the birth of our Granddaughter. It just doesn't seem like it has been three years already. She has grown so much, she is talking so good and she likes to help out. When we had them here she would get the stool bring it the counter and watch me cooking in the kitchen.

I was just looking at the pictures the other day and I can't believe that little baby I was holding for the first time is three years old. Just looking at the pictures and seeing how much she has grown into a beautiful little girl. She is a Daddy's girl too.

Here are a couple of pictures of her-

                                               This is our Granddaughter after she was born.

                              This is our Granddaughter this past summer when we watched them.

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

I don't get it. Every day is bullshit.

Breaking News!

Church Service This Saturday
 

See Signs, Wonders and Miracles through the

power that is in the name of Jesus Christ

LOCATION 

Los Angeles Area
Courtyard by Marriott

6333 Bristol Pkwy
Culver City, CA 90230

Saturday, September 6 at 2:30 p.m.

                                        

             Faith, Hope, Help and Love

                             Pastors Robert, aka "Farting Preaher,"

                                                                                        and Maria Tilton

I needed Ice Cream

Guys, I caved...bought some ice cream.

Now, please, I'm begging you, tell me a joke!  We need some levity!

Is ISIS going to Destroy Obama? .

It seems like Obama cannot give a direct answer about what to do.

He is giving a "definite maybe" to the world!

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my mixed nuts!  How are you?  Personally, I’m sad because of the recent spate of hurt feelings on this site.

We’re finally getting summer heat as some trees start to turn colors.  It’s going to be a hell of a winter. 

The regular season starts for the Green Bay Packers tomorrow night, Sept. 4, 7:30 PM, at the Seattle Seahawks, broadcast by NBC.  Slaughter the Seahawks!  The Packers are going to the Super Bowl this year.  I can see it in my orb.  We’re going to do the happy dance on the graves of the Packers’ opponents!  Oh my.  Kill ‘em, boys.  Do us proud.   

Junior is back n school and I must say that I appreciate the time alone or with Señor Zanza.  The young have so much energy to burn.  They should put them in large squirrel wheels to cut city electrical costs.

Everywhere I look are references to fall.  Really, they make me ill.  Stop it with the rushing of the seasons.  Some stores already have Christmas goods up for sale.  The world just goes faster and faster.

I have to take timeouts to nap and refresh myself during the day.  The world is going faster, but I’m headed in the opposite direction.  And enjoying every minute of it.  Slow down.  Take time to smell the mums.  (Do they have an odor?)  Enjoy some peace of mind.

Thank you for reading my blog today.  I love my readers and my Irregulars.  I love your visits.

Packers or Seahawks?  Ask: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Kids are back to school, but school buses are back on the road.  It’s always something.  Always be alert around school and other buses.  Enjoy your week, my dears.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Enjoy your day.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Celebrate!

"SFFT Batman The Ride"

No way! Uh-uh! I would have to be drugged and chained in and I still wouldn't ride it. If I were forced to ride it, they better have some EMTs on hand with defibrillators. And some Panda.

Open Blog - Labor Day

Today is the last day that you're supposed to wear white. From here on, the white drops down on us out of the sky.

"Are City of Racine BUS Pensions and OPEB Headed Towards Bankruptcy?"

From Racine Exposed:

"On This Labor Day Weekend: While the City of Racine continues to play Real Estate Games and Failed Developer, there has been a quiet disaster building in the background – that of it’s seriously underfunded BUS Pensions and OPEB, which stands for Other Post Employment Benefits. These alarming financial facts come from the 2012 Audited Financial Statements, which can be found HERE."

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/08/31/are-city-of-racine-bus-pensions-and-opeb-headed-towards-bankruptcy/

"How Wolves Change Rivers"

Arooo!

Open Blog - Weekend

I'm ready.

"Gateway Issues Another $3M in GO Bonds!"

From Racine Exposed:

"Slowly but surely, and one GO (General Obligation) Bond at a time,  Bryan Albrecht and his unelected Board are making progress towards borrowing the $49M  requested by Gateway in a Referendum, and which the Taxpayers of the Gateway District rejected.

"Ever since April 2, 2013, when District voters turned down Gateway’s referendum to borrow $49M, Bryan Albrecht and his unelected Board have been making steady progress to turn their failed referendum into a reality through back-door borrowing that goes unreported in local media channels."

Read more:  http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/gateway-issues-another-3m-in-go-bonds/

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! There are some weeks that drag and others that go quickly by... The week was a little bit of both. Looking forward to the three day weekend. Anyways, your questions...

1) Would you want to be immortal?

2) What is the most depressing movie you have ever seen?

3) Would you rather work for a small business or a large corporation?

4) What magazine do you look for when you are stuck in the waiting room?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Damn straight!

"To Engineer is Human"

"Alderman Ed Diehl Running for Racine Mayor"

From Racine County Eye:



By Heather Asiyanbi in Government · August 27, 2014

"Racine Alderman Edward Diehl announced Wednesday that he is running for mayor against incumbent Mayor John Dickert.

“'I am not from Racine, not Wisconsin, not even the Midwest but my wife and I have adopted Racine as our home. Now I am asking the taxpayers of the city of Racine to adopt me as the next Mayor of Racine,' he told Racine County Eye.

"Diehl is originally from a Northeast Pennsylvania but has lived in Racine for 10 years. He was elected to the city council last year and says he was encouraged to run for the city’s highest office by residents.

“'I have received many, many phone calls and emails over the last four or five months and it has been humbling and empowering,' he added. 

"Diehl says he will be a servant-leader if elected, which means he plans on connecting with as many facets of the community as possible and leading 'through service and being an example.'”

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/08/27/ed-diehl-running-racine-mayor/

Related: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/alderman-diehl-announces-official-bid-for-mayor/article_78ef959d-3ac0-57be-a62e-1405176425a8.html

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

NO U!

Wildflowers Pt 10!

I just can't believe that the fall is coming already and all the wildflowers will be gone soon. I don't know if it is me or not it just seems that the Summer has gone by quick. I am still going out there and looking for some wildflowers that I may have missed or some new wildflowers that I have never seen before. I do have a couple of new ones for everyone this week. Here are some pictures I would like to share with everyone:

This is a Yellow Crown Imperial the picture was taken on the corner by Colonial Park in Racine Wi. I took this picture back in May and just found out what it was with the help of friends on Flickr'. They do come in different colors too. Below will be a Orange Crown Imperial.

                    I just thought they are so different and I too a picture of them to share with you.

This is a Hollow Joe-Pye Weed with a Monarch Butterfly this picture was taken at Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie Wi.

           This is a Cardinal Flower the picture was taken at Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie Wi.

              This is a March Violet the picture was taken at Grant Park in South Milwaukee Wi.

   This is a Wood Rose the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

This is a Yellow Columbine the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

                This is a Cornflower the picture was taken at Whitewater College in Whitewater Wi

              This is a Wood Poppy the picture was taken at Whitewater College in Whitewater Wi.

This is a Milk Thistle the picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures as much as I enjoy going out and taken the pictures. Like I said there are some new wildflowers this week. The first two pictures I could not believe it took me that long to figure out. Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my fabulous friends!  How are you?

I'm pretty crabby and don't want to start any fights.

Because of this, I'm not blogging today.

Well, accurately, I'm blogging about not blogging.

Have a beautiful day filled with My Little Ponies and Smurfs. 

I love you all!

Kakistocracy!

Open Blog - Wednesday

 

Have we done 'Big Wednesday' before?

"Women: Know Your Limits!"

Off with her head!

Referendum of RUSD

They talk about the money they need. They had money for building maintenance and repair that they spent on other things. So again they are asking for more. BUT, they don't give any guarantee that the money will be spent on what the say!

“After listening to the community, the Racine Unified School District Board of Education decided that holding the line on taxes and an investment in our community and our kids is the right way to go. Tonight, the Board voted unanimously to place a referendum on the November 4 ballot, asking voters to approve a set amount of money for a specific time period – $8.5 million each year for 15 years – with no tax increase. This will address significant education, technology and building needs facing our District and is a much-needed investment in our kids and our schools.

The money will be used to address ongoing school building maintenance problems like roofs and heating systems that have long been deferred because of a lack of funds.

  Source Racine Unified School District

Open Blog - Tuesday

Run for the hills!

My Ice Bucket Challenge

Enough said?

"FAMILY REUNION" (get-together)

BUMPING IT UP!!
Come on guys, we miss each other, time to catch up!
 
ok, it's "family reunion" time, 

yes, we're an eclectic group, with vast differences, 

just like any family. 

This irregular family is in big need of a reunion!

THE IMPORTANT INFO - 

Saturday, Sept. 6th

1:30pm, rain or shine

DESTINATION will be emailed to you. 

I can tell you that food will be available, 

drinks will be available

it is outdoors, but has a covered area so rain isn't an issue.

Nice area, nice scenery, one of my favorite places!

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT  -

 Please shoot me an email 

(this email link is to a different address than I've used before, I'm having trouble with getting them thru that on)

EMAIL ME!!! 

Feel free to bring out somebody and introduce them to the family!

We'll try to behave hehehe!  

Open Blog - Monday

Head for the hills!

"July Property Report"

"According to the Wisconsin IPAS system, 184 documents were recorded during June of 2014 for the City of Racine. There were 20 foreclosures, while most homes sold for tens of thousands less than the assessed value. So far in 2014 there have been 209 foreclosures in the City of Racine during the first  212 days of 2014."

Readmore:  http://racinesales.wordpress.com/2014/08/24/july-property-report/

"August 24th-Racine’s Peacefest to be held at Quarry Lake Park"

Originally published on 7/24/14 at 4:31 PM:

From RacineUncovered:

"Due to the overwhelming support from the community, we have moved Racine’s Peacefest to the Quarry Lake Park located at 3800 Northwestern Ave. It will still be on Sunday August 24th from noon-4 p.m. We feel this will be a great location allowing everyone to participate without an admission fee to the festival and will help bring the entire community together for a day of fun, friendship and also raise funds for the RAPD COP Unit."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2014/07/august-24th-racines-peacefest-to-be-held-at-quarry-lake-park/

Related: http://weareracine.org/2014/07/racines-peacefest-to-be-held-at-quarry-lake-park/

Related: http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/92711033088/racine-organizers-of-racines-peacefest-move

Open Bog - Weekend

There's not too many left before it starts to get frigid.

Too late. . .

I suddenly had an inspiration for the name of one of the cubs at the zoo: Lion John.

Mozilla FireFox vs IE

I normally use Firefox for my browser.  Today, I thought I would try the IE to see if I could get rid of an error message concerning Microsoft Essentials. 

Immediately, there is a flash on my screen, telling me to contact support at 844...blah, blah, blah.  forget you, buddy.  This is a sales gimmick and I know it.  I'm so sure of it.  I log off of IE, go in with Firefox...no problem. 

Now my real problem is I keep getting this stupid error message whenever I totally shut  my machine off and then start it up at a later time.  It concerns this MSI update for Miscrosoft Essentials.  I have to tell it six or seven times not to make any changes...(it can't find Miscrosoft Essentials...I have it, but it can't seem to find it).  I have tried searching for a solution as to how to get rid of this dumb update that obviously I don't need.  Nothing. 

If I go into Microsoft Essentials, it tells me to use IE...I feel like a hamster on a wheel!

Suggestions? 

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! This has been a crazy week... Busy, busy at work plus the humid weather. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Anyways, your questions...

1) Which TV shows do you watch reruns of?

2) What musician do you consider an icon?

3) Would you be willing to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

4) Are you ready for the football season?

Enjoy your weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Anonymous sure gets around.

"Racine tavern owners re-file discrimination suit"

From JSOnline:

By Bruce Vielmetti of the Journal Sentinel 

"Just weeks after their first effort was thrown out of court, several minority bar owners have filed a new lawsuit that accuses Racine city officials and the tavern league of violating their civil rights by corruptly conspiring to run them out of business.

"The new suit sharpens its accusations that white tavern owners bribed the Racine mayor to tilt the city's enforcement efforts in their favor.

 "A federal judge just last month dismissed the plaintiffs' first lawsuit, calling it so broad and vague as to be 'virtually functionless.' But U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller said their underlying claims may have merit, and should be investigated further through the discovery process. He allowed them to amend, narrow and clarify their complaint.

 "At 119 pages, the new complaint would not appear much narrower or more focused, though it has fewer plaintiffs and fewer defendants. The length comes from the extra detail that purports to show a conspiracy among some Racine officials and area business owners to make it harder for minority-owned bars to make it in the city, including claimed cash bribes and false campaign finance reports."

Read more:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/racine-tavern-owners-re-file-discrimination-suit-b99335580z1-272196241.html

Online link to the amended complaint: http://issuu.com/communicatornews/docs/amended_complaint_2/0

Related: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/meet-the-defendants-part-ii/

Wildflowers Pt 9!

Yes I have more wildflowers to share with all of you today. I am trying to get everyone caught up with all the pictures I have of the different wildflowers that are out there. I am also trying to go and get pictures of the Fall Wildflowers that are coming out. It is hard to do with everything else that is going on for us. I will try to get one post up a week of my pictures to share. Here are some I thought everyone would like to see:

This is a Butterweed flower this picture was taken at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Brighton Wi.

            This is a Common Mullein this picture was taken at Pikes Pathway in Mount Pleasant Wi

This is a Drummond's Skullcap this picture was taken at Chiwaukee Wildlife Refuge in Pleasant Prairie Wi.

             This is a Eastern Daisy Fleabane this picture was taken at Bender Park Oak Creek Wi.

               This is a Ground Ivy this picture was taken at Trout Ponds Conservesy Caledonia Wi.

                          This is Ironweed this picture was taken at Bender Park Oak Creek Wi.

               This is a Lardspur this picture was taken at Whitewater College in Whitewater Wi.

          This is a Moss Pink Phlox this picture was taken at Whitewater College in Whitewater Wi.

          This is a Spotted Jeweled Touch-Me-Not this picture was taken at Bender Park Oak Creek Wi.

                  This is a Yellow Monkey flower this picture was taken at Meyers Park in Racine Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys these pictures and be sure there a lot more to come. I will let you know a lot of the pictures I am sharing are some new ones for me to find this year and it is taking me some time to find out what kind they are with my couple of sites I use.

Have a great day!

Alltime10s Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

I hope you have a good one.

"Meet The Clowns of Racine’s Non-Stop Three Ring Circus – Mayor John Dickert and Alderman Greg Helding"

From Racine Exposed:

"First up is Racine Mayor John Dickert – who says he is secretly recording conversations and has Alderman Sandy Weidner on tape negotiating with a Mound Avenue Property Owner."

Read more: http://racineexposed.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/meet-the-clowns-of-racines-non-stop-three-ring-circus-mayor-john-dickert-and-alderman-greg-helding/

William Tell Overture

When was the first time you heard the William Tell Overture?

For me I'm sure it was the first time I watch the Lone Ranger. When that was I have no idea but I'm sure I was knee high to a grasshopper.



Orbs, with any luck you'll be humming this while you're blazing through town in your truck.