Humpday Happenings...
Yesterday, I promised another "milestone" here, and since my word is my bond, I will not disappoint.
It doesn't pertain to ME, but rather this here blog...as well as every one of you that take time from YOUR day to swing on by and spend a few minutes reading what this old (former) city boy has to say, be it good, bad, or indifferent.
But first, a few items of note, here in the Summit City.
*** Our very own City Council passed a BAN on the sale and use of K2 (also known as "spice") last evening.
All that's required is "Hizzoner's" signature, and it becomes LAW.
Then, we'll see how the actual ENFORCEMENT issues are handled.
The story link is here:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100825/LOCAL/308259907
*** The novelty store that was robbed this past Friday has implemented a NO CASH (credit card or check only) policy.
Here's the story link for the update:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100825/LOCAL0201/308259983
Frank Gray writes a good article about Dick Stoner (former magician and owner of the two stores in the city)
I feel Mr. Stoner sums it up perfectly when he says:
"I thought this was a friendly city."
It USED to be....I can attest to that, and I've only lived here 14 years.
It HAS changed, and not for the better.
The REALLY sad part about this, is that a customer came into the store after it was robbed, and the clerk had been tied up, and upon seeing the clerk, LEFT the store, "not wishing to get involved"...
That ONE action speaks VOLUMES (to me).
And the word that comes to mind is...APATHY.
*** It has come to my attention that there are some classes in certain schools in the FWCS system that are operating with FIFTY students in a class.
Now, this is a HIGH SCHOOL, and not some university lecture hall venue.
Kids are sitting on the FLOOR, attempting to learn American History.
That simply is not right...and was totally unthinkable in MY day.
Then again, we had more neighborhood schools with smaller student populations, ergo, smaller class sizes.
But, I thought we had mandates for class SIZES already in place? It would appear we have not, at least not in THIS particular case.
You can BAN a Christian study and prayer group from meeting in a trailer, BUT you CAN allow AMERICAN History students to be accommodated on the FLOOR of a classroom. Helluva way to become educated about OUR country, isn't it?
Yep...your "tax dollars" at work here...no doubt.
Wonder if FWCS Superintendent Wendy Robinson KNOWS about this...and if not, WHY not?
And if she DOES know...what is being done to alleviate this OBVIOUS overcrowding situation?
Why, that's almost as bad as having the TEACHERS bring their OWN toilet paper for their washrooms, because the recently hired (new) maintenance staff is lax regarding such things...so much for "effective" budget cuts, hmm?
(Oh..did I say that OUT LOUD? Sorry.)
We shall see...and be on this like flies on...well, you get the idea.
*** Lastly today...as promised. Let the pigeons loose!
TODAY marks the FOURTH ANNIVERSARY of the PA-IN ERUDITION.
And so far, it's been a fantastic ride...
It was Tim Zank and Andy Kaduk that "nudged" me into action that spawned this gnarly beast called my blog.
And it's to them I owe much.
Or can I just "blame" them for this and be done with it? LMAO!
But I also have to pass along all my thanks to every one of YOU...the readers, who have made this journey through the blogosphere worth travelling.
We've covered the gamut of topics, Lord knows that.
Everything from politics (which I still have a marvelous disdain for), history, world events, technologies, famous people, along with the infamous at times...we've taken them all in stride.
We've discussed the human condition to no small end.
We've learned more about each other, as well as ourselves in the process.
We've thought deeply about things we're concerned about; we've laughed, and we even got misty-eyed on occasion.
We've talked about his NATION...what it means to be a PATRIOT, and often about those who serve willingly to protect ALL of us, be they overseas or riding along our very streets.
We've shared pictures of our lives, our gardens, our travels, and our amazing ability to capture for posterity the nuances we often overlook in our hectic world. We've talked about the heights that mankind is able to achieve, if it is willing to do so, as well as the depravities in our own neighborhoods.
We've shown that people from various parts of this great nation STILL hold true to common sense.
The values WE were taught STILL reign in our lives.
It has become a daily DISCOVERY for me...a way of having my eyes opened just a wee bit wider than they were in days past.
I look forward to bringing you my thoughts, news, commentary, and observations JUST AS MUCH as I look forward to reading about YOURS.
In that, there is TRUE parity.
And I have found a kinship with many of you.
In many ways, it's like moving into that "perfect" neighborhood...that one (like the show Cheers) where everybody knows your name.
You feel "at home", and not wary, nor evasive.
With a seemingly ever-changing world, that is willing to chew you up and spit you out at the drop of a hat, it's refreshing to KNOW that there IS still a place of solace...a place where you CAN kick back and take it easy for a spell.
THIS is, and always has been just such a bastion. I've believed that from the get-go.
This is my refuge....but it as JUST AS MUCH yours as well.
(now, we're not going to cue up the song "Wind beneath My Wings", but thanks for asking...LOL)
I feel we ALL need places such as this, be they in the real world, or right here in the blogosphere.
We need that place that allows us to be...US, and views everyone by the quality of their character.
It's been my honor to bring you this blog for the last four years...
And, with God's help, I hope to follow suit for at least ANOTHER four years, if not longer.
We're ALL in the same boat here...just at different oars.
(We have to hope is that the emperor doesn't like to go water-skiing regularly...lol.)
It's THAT similarity that brings us all together, and it's our differences that KEEP us all together.
So, thank you all so very much for the time you have shared, as well as every word you have spoken here.
And we've barely scratched the surface.
DO have yourselves a great rest of the week.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and as always...
Stay safe out there, America.
...For the human advanture continues...