Believe It...Or Else...
When it comes to oddities, the human race is never (unlike the national economy) running in a deficit. And we're ONLY talking about those pathetically poor choices people make, and not even any sort of physical impairment like conjoined twins, John Merrick, or the dog-faced boy from the pages of the National Inquirer.
-Mother buckles up and gets ticketed.
Of course this (stupid-ass) woman got a ticket. She buckled up the CASE OF BEER she was carrying and neglected to strap in her young daughter. When an officer saw her blow a stop sign, he pulled her over and found HER intioxicated, but found the beer securely fastened in, while the child remained unfettered by a seat belt. Only in St Augustine, Florida, I guess, eh?
((And a person like this is allowed to breed....WHY?))
- Woman takes the "nap" of her life.
Unfortunately, this Indianapolis woman also took the life of her child. Latasha McMorris (a white woman with a black name...how quaint) had passed out on top of her 2 year old son, who later died. The boyfriend found her at the Econolodge they were staying at on the city's NE side. Police stated she appeared to pass out under the influenece of drugs or alcohol, and the case IS being ruled a homicide.
McMorris was arrested previously for alcohol-related offenses. Child Protective Services did not know where McMorris was living at the time of her arrests. She is being held in Marion County lockup on $100,000 bond.
((see above comment ~ vis-a-vis DITTO!))
- Man catches break after robbery.
A Minnesota man, one Carlton Davis robbed a woman of her keys and cell phone, and then proceeded to lick the woman's toes. He was caught and sentenced to five years probation. According to the criminal complaint, after he robbed her, he told her "Now, I'm going to suck your feet". If he violates his probation, he faces up to 21 months in jail.
(('ll bet there's a lot of men in prison disappointed over THIS verdict.))
- Some people just never learn.
A Jonesboro Arkansas school shooter (Mitchell Johnson, aged 23) was remanded into federal marshal's custody in Fayetteville after a judge revoked his bond on a recent gun and drug conviction because he was ARRESTED AGAIN over the weekend. Johnson now has a marijuana and theft charge stemming from a debit card at a convienience store where he worked. Last week, a federal jury convicted him of possession of a gun while being a user of of a controlled substance which came from a New Year's Day 2007 arrest. He was 13 when he and another man shot at TEACHERS at Jonesboro Middle School in 1998 after his partner pulled a fire alarm.
((I wonder if HE sucks feet?))
- Who needs a gun?
The FWPD is looking for a man who robbed the Ft. Wayne Greyhound terminal located at 929 Lafayette St at 1833 hrs. 5 February. A woman told police a man walked into the lobby, told everyone to lie on the floor, hopped the counter and demanded she give him money. The man was described as 6 ft tall, medium build, BLACK (big surprise there), wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, jeans and tennis shoes (bet he doesn't play tennis either). He fled the building in an unknown direction (possibly he went UP?).
The woman said the man had jabbed her in the side with an object in his pocket. She said it did not feel like a gun and thought it could possibly be his finger.
((Mom always told me it wasn't polite to POINT.))
- Appeal dropped by Fort Wayne Board of Public Safety.
John Mosley (who obviously should pursue more productive activities than acting the fool) had alleged that FWPD officer (our very own blogger in uniform) Everett White used pepper spray in Mosley's car at Piere's back in November 2007. Mosley complained to an off-duty officer who was at the club. ((Hey, maybe it was a "demo"))
According to the off-duty officer's report, neither Mosley nor his companion were suffering any ill effects from the pepper spray.
The report ALSO said that people have been known to spray Piere's staff and other customers and that's why I'll never go there. You mace me (for no reason)...I shoot you (with a good reason). Simple, huh? It's not like the police walk up to people at random and ask: " Wanna see what pepper spray feels like? Here 'ya go...PSSSSHHHHHHH!!!".
((Maybe if Mr. Mosley hadn't acted in the manner he did, he would have never gotten maced...'ya think?))
City Attorney, Carol Taylor said she found nothing to support that White had violated the FWPD's rules or regulations.
((I could have told them that Everett was doing his job. It's called good policing. And if anyone cares to refute that, they can take a drive-along with an officer to see up close and personal all the crap that has to be dealt with daily BY our officers - 'Nuff said there))
And NOW you know...the news!
"TRUTH WILL ULTIMATELY PREVAIL WHERE THERE IS PAINS TO BRING IT TO LIGHT." ~ (George Washington) ~ Submitted for your contemplation is a compendium of commentary, news, opinions, contrasts, and similarities regarding the many facets of the human condition be they found in Indiana, or Pennsylvania, or wherever else the 4 winds blow ~ It's COMMON SENSE for the common man (or woman) ~ Your mileage may vary.
07 February 2008
06 February 2008
All THIS...For ONLY Ten Bucks...
Fort Wayne City Council "overwhelmingly" approved mayor Tom Henry's request to UNDO last year's $3.7 million property tax freeze. The intital freeze would have placed about $10 BACK into the pockets of every homeowner here (on a house assessed at $100,000). Council also voted 7-2 in favor of asking the state to INCREASE the amount of property taxes the CITY collects - called the TAX LEVY - (retain that nomenclature for future analogous references) by $3.7 million to $103.1 million for this year.
This vote overturns the previous (unanimous) decision made by Council LAST YEAR to freeze the levy at $99.4 million. Three of the current council members were not on THAT council. The tax increase will cost homeowners between $11 and $19, depending on exemptions (there goes that ten bucks we "almost" had).
Council spent most fo the discussion on the LEGALITIES of such an action as this. While Council attorney Jon Bonahoom stated the ordinance as written was illegal and inappropriate, city attorney Carol Taylor argued the action was legal (It really scares me when LAWYERS can't even agree on something worth a mere $10 per homeowner).
Mitch Harper (how did we get along without him all this time?) expressed concerns on approving a tax increase WITHOUT any public input. He said the state requires a public hearing when the city approves the budget and tax levy in the fall. If the city wants to increase the levy now, it should garner input from the public.
City Controller Pat Roller said the increase had to be approved QUICKLY so it fits into the state's schedule (all sounds a bit too shifty to me, Patty). And everyone points to HB 1001 (Governor Mitch's tax cut) as the culprit. This bill would cut homeowner's property tax rates by about a THIRD (Hallelujah!) and that doesn't play right with the city's (by comparison) "miniscule" cut for US (remember that $10?).
Now I said all THAT to say THIS:
Aside from Tom Smith and Mitch Harper, the rest of City Council needs an ENEMA!
I mean I could EXPECT all the DEMS to go along with mayor Henry (Democrat), but when some REPS go along for the ride, one has to question motives here. And you can always say: "Well, Bob, after all...it IS ONLY TEN DOLLARS". Yeah, and would you rather be DOLLARED TO DEATH; ten dollars here, another 15 there, and 5 over there just for the hell of it, or would you rather have that money IN your pocket to spend, save or apply to things needed.
Let's face facts, people...Houses will never be perfect until they can be made self-maintaining...for free. (yes, you may quote me now)
Now while MY particular house in MY particular part of the ghetto-esque SOUTH side of Fort Wayne is far-removed from the newer constructs that dot our city/county-scape, it's a nice house (just in a bad area surrounded by subhuman trash), and like any home with "character" (that would mean aging...like me), it needs repairs. How on God's green earth can I DO that when every city official wants in my wallet for another "ten dollars". I'm too busy fixing the REST of the city's problems to attend to MY house's problems in the manner I feel I should...WTF is wrong with that picture? And every one of you homeowners know where I'm coming from on this one.
((But it IS only TEN DOLLARS.))
Maybe you city "officials" should go ONE WHOLE YEAR without a paycheck...how's THAT for a "solution"? Maybe if YOU have to tighten the old belt a few notches, you won't be as prone to taxing the rest of us out the ass. And you should give up that paycheck WILLINGLY...with a huge SMILE on YOUR primate faces, knowing you've done right for the TAXPAYERS (for a change).
But you won't.
It galls me to no end when I see a city kissing the asses of the same people it should be encouraging to assist in making the city THRIVE.
Tax ABATEMENTS for any and all businesses that come to this city and tax INCREASES for all the citizens. Yeah, that's FAIR. When a city becomes more concerned with diversity (over inclusion), special "programs" and interests for a select few (instead of for everyone who should be ABLE to assimilate into the society), and having (by necsessity) to hire more public safety people JUST to MAINTAIN whatever status quo you enjoy, instead of actually IMPROVING public safety, I have to yank back on the reins, and whoa this buggy the hell up.
((Ease up, Bob...it's ONLY TEN DOLLARS))
I, along with so many other tax-paying, law-abiding citizens did not create the problems this city has fostered over the decades. We live our lives, conduct our business, spend out money, work at our jobs, and pay our taxes. We do what is expected of us as American citizens and enjoy the rights and privileges accorded us by the founding fathers. We did not create this burdgeoning financial debacle, nor do we wish to ADD TO IT by having our pockets rifled at every turn.
Cripes, if I wanted to be robbed in THIS manner, all I have to do is walk my neighborhood streets after dusk! (so much for that public safety crap I alluded to earlier, eh?)
This incessant dependance upon the dwindling numbers of homeowners for THEIR money alone has got to stop...and soon.
This "ten dollars" COULD have gone for the rising cost of heating my house...or maybe bought me a few more loads of laundry, Several gallons of gas to buy necessities, or maybe even a couple meals. We will never know, will we?
Hey, I've got a fantastic idea.
I should take a ten dollar bill, walk the hell into the FWPD H.Q., slap it down on the front desk, and tell the officer to "spend it wisely". THERE...I've made MY "added" $10 contribution to the city, now leave me AND my wallet alone for the rest of 2008, kapesh?
Oh hell, that would make just TOO damn much sense, wouldn't it?
Maybe we should ALL move back into the cave and stare at the reflections on the wall ,but you people would probably figure a way to TAX EVEN THAT. Being an "Indian-Giver" was an aspect of an immature childhood.
Christ, this city is becoming like a bawling kid who just lost his milk money....("waaaaaahhhh, we want our $10 back...waaaahhhhhh").
Time to grow the hell up, Fort Wayne.
You can do more with less.
Ask most ANY homeowner.
We HAVE to do more...with the "less" you provide us yearly. You might have to step on some toes along the journey, but it can be done. You just have to find the balls to do it, and be able to wipe the brown off your lips.
((We now return you to your regularly-scheduled lives))
05 February 2008
John Carpenter is STILL Alive...
And if I didn't KNOW better, I'd swear he was filming a damn SEQUEL in our city last evening.
Yes, Virginia, the fog was THAT thick. All we needed was Hal Holbrook fighting off those ghouls and Adrienne Barbeau on the radio! Come to think of it, the radio thing would be kinda nice...Adrienne always was "easy on the eyes".
Victorian London had NOTHING on this city last night, that's for sure. My wife said all we needed was Jack the Ripper stalking our streets, and I said for God's sake...DON'T give ANYONE around here ANY ideas!
When you can't see the end of your block, well, that's what we used to call back east a JERSEY fog. Not that not being able to see my neighbors is such a BAD thing anyway. It's nice to think you're the ONLY one around, even if it's temporary.
I recall an old Outer Limits episode from the 60s, where 6 city blocks were transported to another planet, and surrounding the neighborhood was this FOG. The episode was called "Feasability Study" and starred Sam Wanamaker. It was pretty sobering in it's depiction of what "could" happen.
But last night's "weather event" was right up there with Carpenter's movie: THE FOG.
And today doesn't look a whole helluva lot better, in spite of the spring-like temperatures. But never fear, the groundhog said we'd still be having SIX MORE WEEKS of winter...he just didn't say it would happen in the order we thought.
Anywho...the JSF planes that "might" be coming to FWIA are still a huge maybe.
As per WANE:
The Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing based at Fort Wayne International Airport has made a list of possible locations for the F-35, a state of the art plane that only recently went into production. Currently, the 122nd Fighter Wing deploys F-16 fighters.
The F-35 is a multi-purpose jet with stealth technology. It has 3 variants which are used for different military strategies. Eventually, the F-35 could replace the aging fleet of F-16's.
On Monday, Congressman Mark Souder and the vice commander of the 122nd Fighter wing explained that the 122 FW is fully capable of supporting the F-35. It is equipped with the runway space, full weapons storage, and is close to major international airports like Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.
The 122 FW also has a long-standing tradition of excellence with close to 60,000 hours of accident free F-16 flying operations.
Bringing the F-35 to the 122nd FW would also be a great asset to the local community. This addition would establish the longevity of a major employer, securing many jobs and continuing to put millions of federal funds directly into the local economy.
And to add to this story:
The F-35 doesn't NEED a runway the size of the one currently in use at FWIA. One of the assets of the JSF is that it can use ANY standard length runway (and with a VTOL version, all it needs is a chunk of real estate the size of the plane). FWIA (and the 122nd ANG) DOES have the ordinance storage capabilities, and it IS close to other major airports (and even more airbases in the midwest).
And since the flying record of the Blacksnakes is exemplary, I personally feel having some F-35s would be a "good fit" for the 122nd. As for bringing any "new" jobs to Ft. Wayne...well, it might bring a FEW HUNDRED, but Steel Dynamics ALREADY makes parts for the aircraft, as does ITT Industries, so that makes the logistics of the JSF repair, replacement parts, and upgrades (here) a certifiable no-brainer. it will secure the jobs already filled, and can only help our local economy.
Besides, I'd really like to get some pictures as they fly over my house. I'm getting bored with these old F-16s anyway.
But it looks like I've got me a nice 6-8 year wait.
As do we all.
And if I didn't KNOW better, I'd swear he was filming a damn SEQUEL in our city last evening.
Yes, Virginia, the fog was THAT thick. All we needed was Hal Holbrook fighting off those ghouls and Adrienne Barbeau on the radio! Come to think of it, the radio thing would be kinda nice...Adrienne always was "easy on the eyes".
Victorian London had NOTHING on this city last night, that's for sure. My wife said all we needed was Jack the Ripper stalking our streets, and I said for God's sake...DON'T give ANYONE around here ANY ideas!
When you can't see the end of your block, well, that's what we used to call back east a JERSEY fog. Not that not being able to see my neighbors is such a BAD thing anyway. It's nice to think you're the ONLY one around, even if it's temporary.
I recall an old Outer Limits episode from the 60s, where 6 city blocks were transported to another planet, and surrounding the neighborhood was this FOG. The episode was called "Feasability Study" and starred Sam Wanamaker. It was pretty sobering in it's depiction of what "could" happen.
But last night's "weather event" was right up there with Carpenter's movie: THE FOG.
And today doesn't look a whole helluva lot better, in spite of the spring-like temperatures. But never fear, the groundhog said we'd still be having SIX MORE WEEKS of winter...he just didn't say it would happen in the order we thought.
Anywho...the JSF planes that "might" be coming to FWIA are still a huge maybe.
As per WANE:
The Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing based at Fort Wayne International Airport has made a list of possible locations for the F-35, a state of the art plane that only recently went into production. Currently, the 122nd Fighter Wing deploys F-16 fighters.
The F-35 is a multi-purpose jet with stealth technology. It has 3 variants which are used for different military strategies. Eventually, the F-35 could replace the aging fleet of F-16's.
On Monday, Congressman Mark Souder and the vice commander of the 122nd Fighter wing explained that the 122 FW is fully capable of supporting the F-35. It is equipped with the runway space, full weapons storage, and is close to major international airports like Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.
The 122 FW also has a long-standing tradition of excellence with close to 60,000 hours of accident free F-16 flying operations.
Bringing the F-35 to the 122nd FW would also be a great asset to the local community. This addition would establish the longevity of a major employer, securing many jobs and continuing to put millions of federal funds directly into the local economy.
And to add to this story:
The F-35 doesn't NEED a runway the size of the one currently in use at FWIA. One of the assets of the JSF is that it can use ANY standard length runway (and with a VTOL version, all it needs is a chunk of real estate the size of the plane). FWIA (and the 122nd ANG) DOES have the ordinance storage capabilities, and it IS close to other major airports (and even more airbases in the midwest).
And since the flying record of the Blacksnakes is exemplary, I personally feel having some F-35s would be a "good fit" for the 122nd. As for bringing any "new" jobs to Ft. Wayne...well, it might bring a FEW HUNDRED, but Steel Dynamics ALREADY makes parts for the aircraft, as does ITT Industries, so that makes the logistics of the JSF repair, replacement parts, and upgrades (here) a certifiable no-brainer. it will secure the jobs already filled, and can only help our local economy.
Besides, I'd really like to get some pictures as they fly over my house. I'm getting bored with these old F-16s anyway.
But it looks like I've got me a nice 6-8 year wait.
As do we all.
04 February 2008
One Helluva Weekend...
Well, if it wasn't one busy 48 hours across our nation.
And the news wasn't ALL good.
--Three people were shot in an apartment on the NW side of Fort Wayne over the weekend. One man died and the other two are in the hospital. No one has been arrested yet. Well, at least it wasn't on the SOUTH side (for a change).
--Five women were killed by a lone gunman in a Lane Bryant store in a strip mall just south of Chicago. These women were only guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this gunman could have been doing something a LOT more productive than devastating five families by killing their women.
--Then there was this 15 year old in Cockeysville, MD who decided that having a disagreement with Dad should lead to shooting his entire family dead just so this "issue" could be resolved to the teen's satisfaction, when they all could have sat down and watched Superbowl XLII.
Madness? What madness?
I thought all the MADNESS was in ARIZONA this weekend.
I can hear the cries for more GUN control now, when I should be hearing the pleas for more PEOPLE control. Not one of those weapons actively sought out the persons that were killed. They just "went along for the ride" so to speak. It was the PEOPLE behind those triggers that did all the damage and took all those lives...just like a drunk driver in a head-on crash.
Seems like a fairly natural result of a society replete with people who figure that consequences don't matter; a society that values entertainment over responsibility. And "we" (as a nation) by and large created this "Frankenstein monster"...all "we" have to do is learn to live with it...OR do away with it. You have to expect things like this...and with increasing frequency when you allow hedonistic pursuits to trump common sense and basic morality. When the next "rush" overwhelms our ability to rationalize everyday life and make good choices, this sort of thing will happen.
Still, in our quest to be entertained, we have to acknowledge that it WAS Superbowl Sunday, so the news wasn't ALL bad (at least for those not wanting the Patriots to win the game).
The New York Giants came from behind in the final minutes to beat the 18-0 Pats in one of the better endings to a Superbowl game with a score of 17-14.
I predicted (at another blog) that the Giants would win by "however many points it takes to win". They also wanted it more, and that says it all. In some ways, it was slightly reminiscent of an era when we had better common sense, and were more content with doing a good job (at whatever we worked at) than worrying about our next adrenalin "fix" from whatever source we could get it from.
I suppose we'll be seeing scores of young males sporting "Giants-wear" (the wannabe crowd) soon enough, and marketing is always a good thing (if you're the one making money over it). Time was you could barely get a HAT to represent your team, let alone scads of clothing from undies to dog coats (and every other item known to mankind) emblazoned with team logos. And let's not forget all the street gangs that utilize sports logos to fit their OWN agenda.
Sportscasters everywhere are calling this: "The Best superbowl ending ever", and I'm sorry, but there were a few from a distant past that rival, if not surpass this particular game. But I will grant you it was a GOOD game (during the final 3 minutes).
It was not "the best ever".
It's all about hype, and the more current the hype, the better. Most of these sportscasters don't even REMEMBER the REAL (early) Superbowls, as they were too busy soiling their diapers, and spitting up pablum on Mommy's clothes.
Let's just say that it was a damn fine finish to a game where the underdogs did what they HAD to in order to win, and call it done, OK?
It wasn't a JOHNNY UNITAS win, nor a BART STARR win, nor even a JOE NAMATH win.
It was a fine win, which if you looked closely enough, reflected OUR times, OUR values, and OUR society.
But it was a damn good win, none the less.
And it was nothing, if not entertaining.
Well, if it wasn't one busy 48 hours across our nation.
And the news wasn't ALL good.
--Three people were shot in an apartment on the NW side of Fort Wayne over the weekend. One man died and the other two are in the hospital. No one has been arrested yet. Well, at least it wasn't on the SOUTH side (for a change).
--Five women were killed by a lone gunman in a Lane Bryant store in a strip mall just south of Chicago. These women were only guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this gunman could have been doing something a LOT more productive than devastating five families by killing their women.
--Then there was this 15 year old in Cockeysville, MD who decided that having a disagreement with Dad should lead to shooting his entire family dead just so this "issue" could be resolved to the teen's satisfaction, when they all could have sat down and watched Superbowl XLII.
Madness? What madness?
I thought all the MADNESS was in ARIZONA this weekend.
I can hear the cries for more GUN control now, when I should be hearing the pleas for more PEOPLE control. Not one of those weapons actively sought out the persons that were killed. They just "went along for the ride" so to speak. It was the PEOPLE behind those triggers that did all the damage and took all those lives...just like a drunk driver in a head-on crash.
Seems like a fairly natural result of a society replete with people who figure that consequences don't matter; a society that values entertainment over responsibility. And "we" (as a nation) by and large created this "Frankenstein monster"...all "we" have to do is learn to live with it...OR do away with it. You have to expect things like this...and with increasing frequency when you allow hedonistic pursuits to trump common sense and basic morality. When the next "rush" overwhelms our ability to rationalize everyday life and make good choices, this sort of thing will happen.
Still, in our quest to be entertained, we have to acknowledge that it WAS Superbowl Sunday, so the news wasn't ALL bad (at least for those not wanting the Patriots to win the game).
The New York Giants came from behind in the final minutes to beat the 18-0 Pats in one of the better endings to a Superbowl game with a score of 17-14.
I predicted (at another blog) that the Giants would win by "however many points it takes to win". They also wanted it more, and that says it all. In some ways, it was slightly reminiscent of an era when we had better common sense, and were more content with doing a good job (at whatever we worked at) than worrying about our next adrenalin "fix" from whatever source we could get it from.
I suppose we'll be seeing scores of young males sporting "Giants-wear" (the wannabe crowd) soon enough, and marketing is always a good thing (if you're the one making money over it). Time was you could barely get a HAT to represent your team, let alone scads of clothing from undies to dog coats (and every other item known to mankind) emblazoned with team logos. And let's not forget all the street gangs that utilize sports logos to fit their OWN agenda.
Sportscasters everywhere are calling this: "The Best superbowl ending ever", and I'm sorry, but there were a few from a distant past that rival, if not surpass this particular game. But I will grant you it was a GOOD game (during the final 3 minutes).
It was not "the best ever".
It's all about hype, and the more current the hype, the better. Most of these sportscasters don't even REMEMBER the REAL (early) Superbowls, as they were too busy soiling their diapers, and spitting up pablum on Mommy's clothes.
Let's just say that it was a damn fine finish to a game where the underdogs did what they HAD to in order to win, and call it done, OK?
It wasn't a JOHNNY UNITAS win, nor a BART STARR win, nor even a JOE NAMATH win.
It was a fine win, which if you looked closely enough, reflected OUR times, OUR values, and OUR society.
But it was a damn good win, none the less.
And it was nothing, if not entertaining.
03 February 2008
I Almost Forgot...
Today is SUPER SUNDAY...and that means:
TIME FOR PUPPY BOWL IV...!!!
At 3PM (today) on ANIMAL PLANET, those raucous pooches will once again grace our TV screens for a FULL THREE HOURS of mayhem, mischief, and all around fun for people (and pets) af ANY age!
Reruns will continue throughout the evening into tomorrow AM.
And this year...they're even in HIGH-DEF!
All the action...the waterdish cam...the "penalties" we've come to expect return for another go 'round!
You can see the "starting lineup" of pups at the animal planet website.There is quite a mix of cavorting canines this year.
And yes, friends...returning again for PuppyBowl IV is the BISSELL- KITTY- HALFTIME program!
(makes me wish they'd do a KITTY BOWL).
But the really great part about all of this is that none other than HARRY KALAS (the voice of NFL films) will be doing all the play-by-play action.
So get ready for one heckuva "tail" gate party!
Besides, we all know that football has been going to the DOGS for quite some time, right?
Enjoy!
(Gee, Tom...you look a bit "busy")
Go Giants!
PS: Read the Journal Gazette's Sunday article on page 2 of the Superbowl section...story about Johnny Unitas...a fantastic read!
(about a fantastic player)
Today is SUPER SUNDAY...and that means:
TIME FOR PUPPY BOWL IV...!!!
At 3PM (today) on ANIMAL PLANET, those raucous pooches will once again grace our TV screens for a FULL THREE HOURS of mayhem, mischief, and all around fun for people (and pets) af ANY age!
Reruns will continue throughout the evening into tomorrow AM.
And this year...they're even in HIGH-DEF!
All the action...the waterdish cam...the "penalties" we've come to expect return for another go 'round!
You can see the "starting lineup" of pups at the animal planet website.There is quite a mix of cavorting canines this year.
And yes, friends...returning again for PuppyBowl IV is the BISSELL- KITTY- HALFTIME program!
(makes me wish they'd do a KITTY BOWL).
But the really great part about all of this is that none other than HARRY KALAS (the voice of NFL films) will be doing all the play-by-play action.
So get ready for one heckuva "tail" gate party!
Besides, we all know that football has been going to the DOGS for quite some time, right?
Enjoy!
(Gee, Tom...you look a bit "busy")
Go Giants!
PS: Read the Journal Gazette's Sunday article on page 2 of the Superbowl section...story about Johnny Unitas...a fantastic read!
(about a fantastic player)
02 February 2008
The Lowdown on Groundhog Day...
Ok, so we already KNOW that Punxatawney Phill saw his shadow today, fortelling the "fact" that we're going to be having another SIX WEEKS of winter. They even quoted CHEKOV...and I thought: "cool...star trek". Sorry it was ANTON, not Pavel (damn)!
Well who the hell WOULDN'T see his shadow with enough LIGHTING to fully illuminate the Superbowl Stadium in Arizona?
Cripes almighty, I'm surprised the damn groundhog's retinas weren't burned the hell out! Wonder how we'd perfrom Groundhog's Day THEN?
Imagine a BLIND groundhog....do we do a "proxy" gig? Do we defer to another groundhog? Would we need the Senate and Congress to form some TASK FORCES to look into this?
I'll tell you one thing...these groundhogs are gearing up and they ARE going to be fighting back soon enough. Let 'em all sleep.
Anyway...that's the "official" story.
Now...for the REAL story.
There were MANY "shadow" sightings around the world today, and THEY went UNREPORTED...until NOW!
- President Bush saw his shadow this morning
...and we can expect 6 more weeks of economic stimulus!
- Hillary Clinton saw HER shadow today
...and then realized it was Barack Obama standing next to her.
- Osama Bin Laden saw his shadow today
...and had Al-Queda launch an attack against it.
- Mayor Henry saw his shadow today
...and predicted six more weeks of not meeting the public
- Councilman Tim Pape saw HIS shadow today
...and realized he was being carjacked by 2 southside thugs.
-Three illegal immigrants trying to cross the border saw THEIR shadows today
...Both they AND their shadows were deported back to Mexico.
- Vice President Cheney saw HIS shadow today
...And then shot it by accident.
- Matt Kelty saw his shadow today
...But it was only Kevin Knuth looking for something else that wasn't there.
- QB Tom Brady saw his shadow today
...But it turned out to be the defensive line for the Giants.
- Eli Manning saw his shadow today as well
...and it turned out to be Peyton, asking for some free tickets.
- Britney Spears saw HER shadow today
...And then ran over it...several times.
- Lindsey Lohan saw her shadow today
...And then offered it a drink.
- Paris Hilton saw her shadow today
...And found it IT had as little talent as SHE did.
- Hugh Hefner saw HIS shadow today .
..And then realized that his shadow didn't have 34DDs.
- Keith Richard saw his shadow today
...And was wondering what took death so damn long.
- Finally...I saw my shadow today
...And I named it LAMONT CRANSTON!
(oh, behave)
Ok, so we already KNOW that Punxatawney Phill saw his shadow today, fortelling the "fact" that we're going to be having another SIX WEEKS of winter. They even quoted CHEKOV...and I thought: "cool...star trek". Sorry it was ANTON, not Pavel (damn)!
Well who the hell WOULDN'T see his shadow with enough LIGHTING to fully illuminate the Superbowl Stadium in Arizona?
Cripes almighty, I'm surprised the damn groundhog's retinas weren't burned the hell out! Wonder how we'd perfrom Groundhog's Day THEN?
Imagine a BLIND groundhog....do we do a "proxy" gig? Do we defer to another groundhog? Would we need the Senate and Congress to form some TASK FORCES to look into this?
I'll tell you one thing...these groundhogs are gearing up and they ARE going to be fighting back soon enough. Let 'em all sleep.
Anyway...that's the "official" story.
Now...for the REAL story.
There were MANY "shadow" sightings around the world today, and THEY went UNREPORTED...until NOW!
- President Bush saw his shadow this morning
...and we can expect 6 more weeks of economic stimulus!
- Hillary Clinton saw HER shadow today
...and then realized it was Barack Obama standing next to her.
- Osama Bin Laden saw his shadow today
...and had Al-Queda launch an attack against it.
- Mayor Henry saw his shadow today
...and predicted six more weeks of not meeting the public
- Councilman Tim Pape saw HIS shadow today
...and realized he was being carjacked by 2 southside thugs.
-Three illegal immigrants trying to cross the border saw THEIR shadows today
...Both they AND their shadows were deported back to Mexico.
- Vice President Cheney saw HIS shadow today
...And then shot it by accident.
- Matt Kelty saw his shadow today
...But it was only Kevin Knuth looking for something else that wasn't there.
- QB Tom Brady saw his shadow today
...But it turned out to be the defensive line for the Giants.
- Eli Manning saw his shadow today as well
...and it turned out to be Peyton, asking for some free tickets.
- Britney Spears saw HER shadow today
...And then ran over it...several times.
- Lindsey Lohan saw her shadow today
...And then offered it a drink.
- Paris Hilton saw her shadow today
...And found it IT had as little talent as SHE did.
- Hugh Hefner saw HIS shadow today .
..And then realized that his shadow didn't have 34DDs.
- Keith Richard saw his shadow today
...And was wondering what took death so damn long.
- Finally...I saw my shadow today
...And I named it LAMONT CRANSTON!
(oh, behave)
01 February 2008
Friday Follies - (Snowfall Edition)
Costaplenty Square Has Gas...Maybe -
Covington Plaza Losing Customers -
Rent-A-Hack...
The kids are home for the day (and the parents have already begun to self-medicate), the city is moving as a snail's pace, and the people in my neighborhood who spend every waking day doing NOTHING (but leeching off the taxpayers) are doing...well...nothing (as usual).
I've already shoveled the driveway and the front and back sidewalks (the ONLY person to do so in a 3 block radius), so "if" NCE wants to cite some people for NOT clearing their sidewalks, I won't be ticketed...BWAHAHAHAHA...like that's going to REALLY happen, especially TODAY!
So, without further ado, on to the "real stuff":
So, without further ado, on to the "real stuff":
It's About Time -
Seems our very own ANG fighter wing, based here in Ft. Wayne is in the running to receive some spanking new JSFs, courtesy of the USAF (that's Joint Strike Fighter aka the F-35 to you "civvies"). This is a state-of-the-art aircraft, planned for deployment to the USAF, the USN, and the Marine Corps (in a VTOL version) in the next few years.
The F-35 is to replace the aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, and the compliment of AV-8 Harriers.
It will also support the F-18s currently in flight ops onboard carriers around the world.
The 122nd FW Mission Statement:
In a national emergency, the 122FW may be ordered to active duty by the President of the United States. The primary federal mission of the 122FW is to achieve and maintain the level of operational readiness that will provide trained and equipped combat-ready tactical units, capable of global deployment, ready for immediate integration into the active Air Force to assure air offense, air defense, or joint action with ground forces.
The 122FW is available on orders from the Governor of Indiana to assist local authorities in the event of a disaster, disturbance or other emergency. The units of the 122FW are capable of supporting rescue and relief operations, aiding in recovery from natural disaster, along with protecting the citizens of Indiana and their property. Be nice to get some pictures as they overlfy my house.
Costaplenty Square Has Gas...Maybe -
The white elephant known as Harrison Square might be getting some type of fuel facility. The owners who bought property along the outlying part of the project site have not divulged WHAT TYPE of service will be provided. It makes sense to have some sort of gas station near there, what with the people that are "supposed" to be coming there (in droves they say), someone will run low, and will need to tank up.
And what better venue to stick there than a frigging SPEEDWAY (or even a RICH station). Let's bring some of the down home "charm" connected with a cheap fuel and convienience store. I mean it's not like the one near MY house is a Sam's Club of drug dealing in the parking lot, or that there's usually some fight there EVERY weekend (blame the bar next door for that, eh?), or that there's always some loudass BOOMCAR sitting there waiting for 'da bruthas to ROB the place yet again. I say let THAT happen...get a taste of MY "lifestyle" down here.
Covington Plaza Losing Customers -
Actually, it's more like losing TENANTS. Storeshave been closing there for the past few years, with many small store owners devrying the fact that they just can't compete with all the big box stores nearby (thanks a s**tload, Jefferson Pointe). I mean I could see it happening as early as when Little Professor Book Store closed.
That was the ONLY place I could go for books on the ENTIRE SOUTH SIDE of this city (after we lost Southtown Mall). If there's ONE thing this part of town needs...it's a freakng BOOKSTORE. And if there's one thing I DO like about shopping, it's all the small niche stores.
It's refreshing to know that if you want a specific item or craft, you know EXACTLY where you can get it. Can't say the same with all these cookie-cutter big box stores. Maybe that's why I've been to the *new* Wal-Mart down here a grand total of TWICE.
I don't like the selections there, AND I don't much care for the local clientele that frequent that establishment.
Someone will "get it" sooner or later, and do it RIGHT.
Rent-A-Hack...
The government recently conducted a "cyber-storm" drill, aimed at testing the security of our war sim computers. And they got even more than they bargined for. Seemed the VERY COMPUTERS that were being "hacked" by players in the simulation were REALLY being hacked....by the SAME PEOPLE! These were the game CONTROL computers (the ones overseeing the scenarios and not the actual computers themselves).
Think Captain Kirk screwing with the Kobayashi Maru sim by changing the parameters for victory. Be careful what you ask for sometimes. It's called creativity in thinking.
These players took this sim as a chance to "show them what we can REALLY do". Among the mock disasters in the previous sim were:
-Washington D.C.'s Metro train being shut down.
-NYC seaport computers going dark.
-Philly & Chicago airport control tower disruption.
-Strange liquid in the London subway.
Other scenarios were rail switches failing, airspace encroachment near the White House, and water system contamination in Los Angeles (that's some serious s**t doing down). Suffice it to say, it provided some challenges for first-response agencies involved in these "games".
The little-known Cyber Response group, headed by the DOJ and Homeland Security represents the largest government departmentsm including law enforcement and intel agencies. The next "match" called CYBER-STORM 2 (I smell a gaming console tie-in ALL over this...don't you?) will be held in march with scenarios including electronic attacks on chemical plants and comms systems, and will include targets in CA, CO, DE, IL, MI, NC, PA, TX, and VA...what, INDIANA gets left off the list...AGAIN? Cripes, we're not worth attacking? Indiana's probably too fat and stupid anyway, according to other lists we DID make..
That figures. Well, there you have it then.
In the meantime... Drive carefully, don't bust a nut shoveling, keep warm, stay safe...
...and DO have a good weekend.
(Is the PUPPY BOWL on Animal Planet this weekend?)
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