05 October 2012

Friday Follies...
Welcome to a soggy start for the weekend.
And with dropping temperatures through the day, it will be seasonally COOLER this afternoon (and evening), than it is right now. Snn breaking through tomorrow with highs in the mid-upper 50s.
I'm going to make this post brief and to the point, so hang onto your beverages and enjoy the trip.
Now, I said yesterday that TODAY'S post had something to do with that quote I mentioned:
"World domination, the same old dream. Our asylums are full of people who think they're Napoleon. Or God.”
This quote was spoken by none other than Her Majesty's "favorite" secret agent...007 - otherwise known as... "Bond...James Bond".
*** It was FIFTY years ago TODAY that the premiere of the FIRST movie based on Ian Fleming's famous (and then quite popular) cold-war era spy, James Bond.
The movie was DR. NO and cast Sean Connery in the role of 007...it also starred Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman and a pre-Hawaii Five-0 Jack Lord.
The movie was set in one of Fleming's favorite locales...the Caribbean, and centered around a threat to the U.S. missile program (then in it's manned infancy).
Apparently, a test flight was thrown off track by "something", and it was up to Bond to figure it out, because Jamaica was still under British rule.
Here's the WIKI on this movie:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._No_(film)
The novel itself had only been out since 1958, and became a huge hit with lovers of intrigue, the cold war, and yes, nicely proportioned females.
Curiously, this was NOT Fleming's first 007 novel.
Casino Royale had that distinction.
(and, truth be told,  that movie parody with Woody Allen and Peter Sellers isn't even worth mentioneing in the lexicon of Bond)
With a budget of barely a million dollars (considered LOW budget even then), the film became a big success, far surpassing the cost to produce.
I wonder how successful the series would have been with CARY GRANT as James Bond (the first choice by the studio)?
Ian Fleming wanted Richard Todd in the starring role.
Cubby Broccoli (producer) wanted Roger Moore, (at the time starring in the UK show The Saint) but thought him too young (at the time).
Moore would go on to portray 007 in the next decade.
Julie Christie was originally supposed to play Honey Ryder in DR. NO, but was considered not voluptuous enough by producers...
It was a photo by John Derek (yes, THAT one) that led producers to consider and then hire Ursula Andress.
The WIKI goes into much more detail about locations, supporting actors, and the seminal "meeting" of the 00 agent on screen.
The one-liner "Bond...James Bond" went on to become the #1 movie quote in 2001, and has become the 22nd MOST POPULAR QUOTE in ALL of movie history thus far.
And if you're looking for James to be tooling around the islands in any of his trademark automobiles...not going to happen with this first film.
The only cars he drives in Dr. No are a '57 Ford convertible (borrowed) and a (rented) Sunbeam Alpine (similar to the one used by Maxwell Smart in the opening of his series GET SMART!)
But, we do get to see some decent driving for the time (given the types of cars).
The science of Dr. No is somewhat flawed (the nuclear reactor on the villain's island, used to power the beam that deflects missiles basically blows the hell up in the film's climax, and NO mention of radiation contamination or fallout...and we KNOW there had to be), but the action in the movie draws one away from this (at least it did back then at the box office).
Yes, it's been FIFTY YEARS, and we've gone through our share of Bonds, gadgets, villains, cohorts, and assorted femme fatales and proper ladies of "Bondian Lore" (and he's bedded damn near all of the women...purely in the name of Her Majesty, mind you).
After all, being a spy CAN be HARD WORK.
We even have subsequent authors that have done both Fleming AND Bond a considerable service in continuing the adventures with new novels.
Considering the franchise that the movie Dr. No launched back in 1962, no one had ANY idea it would mushroom like an A-Bomb (apropos for the time) into the celluloid behemoth it has become today.
And with 23 films now in the can (the latest Daniel Craig outing, called SKYFALL is due out within a month or so), there is no apparent end to the number of bad guys for Bond to chase after and kill, no lack of cars to drive around in and look cool with, and certainly NO shortage of women to entice.
Back in 1962, if you watch this movie closely, you can see how we've changed as a society, as far as how we treat others. The differences are SUBTLE, but you can pick them out.
Over the decades, Bond has grudgingly changed from the character in the Fleming novels, but with Daniel Craig's adaptation of Bond, we see a return to a more "focused" agent...one not as "PC" as his handlers would prefer.
Granted that in the original novel series, Bond wasn't that "PC" back then (thank God)...but he was given a much longer leash to accomplish his objectives. Basically, his superiors felt that "anything that gets the job done" would work.
If you stepped on some diplomatic toes, or PO'ed some government...oh, well...part of the job.
And there was nothing close to MIRANDA when it came ot getting whatever information you wanted from whoever you were questioning.
Again, with Craig's interpretation, there is always some level of "irritation" between Bond and his "boss"...known only as "M".
She even threatens to shoot him herself (yes, M is a woman now..times do change).
Bond has managed in infiltrate most every aspect of our society, whether it's a wristwatch (Omega), or the drinks we enjoy (vodka martini, shaken, not stirred), or even the weapons used (Walther primarily).
We've all used quotes from our favorite Bond movies, we have our favorite "Bond", and the soundtracks are replete with title songs we STILL enjoy.
Parodies of these films are still made (which speaks much for the success of the franchise, and the genre in general).
But there is (and will ever be) ONLY ONE Bond...James Bond.
And to think it all started when unknown to us in the USA, what would become an icon came to our shores and our theaters on THIS day...way back in 1962.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Mr. Bond....may you enjoy many, many more.
Do have yourselves a great weekend.
Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

04 October 2012

A Few Casual Observances...
Well folks, we're almost at the door to the weekend...so hang in there.
Today's weather will make you feel like it's September, or even August with temps reaching into the upper 70s!
And hopefully, we'll see a nice sunny day on top of that.
Since we don't have an "answer" to post for yesterday's military quote of the week, we'll let you ponder ANOTHER quote that will pertain to tomorrow's post instead...fair enough?
"World domination, the same old dream. Our asylums are full of people who think they're Napoleon. Or God.”
That should get the gray matter humming, hmm?
Meanwhile, back at the armory...
*** An update to the D/B that was found on Weisser Park Avenue.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121004/LOCAL07/310049969
The victim was one Deonta Tyrese Bonner, age 18 of Fort Wayne.
There's no court records available due to his age, so we have no idea what he might have been into when he was stabbed.
Obviously, we're going to have ONE baby-mama that will be distraught over this.
Some neighbors are already "up in arms" over the continuing violence.
One thing that is not clear is the TOD (time of death).
There was no attempt to conceal the body, either, so it could have been that Bonner was stabbed elsewhere and staggered behind the house at 2935 Weisser Park Avenue, where his body was found.
We may not know what really happened.
I was correct in my assumption that it would be Fort Wayne's 24th HOMICIDE (that ties last year's total, BTW), so all we need now is ONE more to make "my" magic number of 25...(or more).
Don't think that this number will drop appreciably in upcoming years either, unless a MAJOR change in policy is forthcoming from the city admins.
( I know I'm not holding MY breath)
*** How many of you know about the 2012 FARM BILL...and how that could affect your grocery shopping "experience"?
Well, get a load of THIS stuff.
Here is the "meat and potatoes" of the bill.
http://www.ag.senate.gov/issues/farm-bill
And HERE is how it will affect you, should it expire:
http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Milk-prices-could-double-if-Congress-fails-to/T2L6YdNDVEuB7mF8SwHrPA.cspx
Think GAS prices are bad?
How's about MILK PRICES that damn near EQUAL that at the fuel pumps per gallon?
And the last time I checked, OPEC didn't have any say in OUR DAIRY industry...!
I know that the price has steadily climbed over the last several years, and given the brief shelf life of dairy products, it's not something you can "store" long term.
Once it hits the shelves, it NEEDS to be sold, otherwise it goes bad (sour milk anyone?), right?
Makes you wonder HOW in God's name we got by BEFORE this bill was enacted.
If you ARE wondering, here's the WIKI on the FARM BILL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_farm_bill
Lots of history there, dating WAY back to 1916.
(wasn't that WOODROW WILSON'S administration? That alone should make you worried).
The one bill to be MOST concerned about is called the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, and there's a link there for all the lowdown.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr2419
THAT is the one held in question today.
POWDERED MILK is looking better and better these days...isn't it?
Time to maybe stock up on some of that.
Can powdered EGGS be that far behind, soldier?
*** Yes, it does seem as though King Henry (mayor of Fort Wayne) might be looking to cut the police staffing...now WHERE did we hear that mentioned?
(could it have been...HERE???)
WANE has a good story on it, found at THIS link:
http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/fort-wayne-police-department-is-once-again-a-target-of-proposed-budget-cuts
Hell, I've been saying this for a while (and I've known about for even longer)...we need MORE police...NOT FEWER, and it's a given that attrition within the department wears many faces, such as retirement, disability, and outright dismissal.
Public safety is the ONE place you really don't want to make drastic or severe CUTS, and here's why...
Think of a city as a microcosm of THE NATION, and one of the FIRST requirements in our Constitution is to have a STRONG military (to provide for the COMMON DEFENSE, as is stated in the preamble), so with that in mind, think of the POLICE in similar ways...they are there on your streets to provide for your "common defense" (against crime)...it's that simple.
Here's a refresher if you need it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preamble_to_the_United_States_Constitution
You no more cut police budgets than you would our military, because there is "someone" waiting for a chance to infiltrate and cause harm to innocents, be it radical Islamists or gangs from Chicago...they are all the same...they just wear different clothing.
Without our military being STRONG, we are in fact a weak nation, and that spells OPPORTUNITY for another faction to come on in (anyone remember the TURKS...or MONGOLS?).
Ditto for our cities...without a STRONG police force, we have chaos...period, because SOME people can't police THEMSELVES.
This is a path that "King" Henry doesn't really want to go down, but if he does, we'll see the result of such bad decision-making soon enough (like we're starting to already).
It''s all a matter of TIME...and that waits for no one.
*** Yes, I DID watch the DEBATE last night, and I also was drinking a GUINNESS...I figured I might NEED one to watch this.
Well, I certainly was NOT disappointed.
Mitt Romney was affable, and yet tenacious when pursuing the FACTS, and not being afraid to call out Obama for his failures over the last 4 years.
He was not the bully, nor the blood in his eye aggressor, either.
He was marvelously calm, cool, and collected...
The manner in which Romney stuck to his guns (and Bible in a few instances) was nothing short of BRILLIANT!
His command of the event was noticeable...more so than Obama's (who was given to stuttering...a sign there was NO teleprompter...sorry about that, "Chief"...lol)
I did enjoy the way the moderator, Jim Lehrer from PBS permitted a rather "fast and loose" atmosphere to the debate...not as strictly "structured" as a lot of the debates are...not as "predictable" with rote answering, and I found that highly enjoyable.
Thing is, the LAME-STREAM MEDIA must be pissed off beyond comprehension over an obvious Romney "win" ( if winners can be attributed to such debates).
They simply CANNOT SPIN any of this to THEIR advantage...and I am SO DAMN LOVING IT!
It's almost like being caught with their pants down around their ankles, and they can't run away from it...!
I cannot wait to hear how FOX news reports it (as they are the least biased of the bunch).
That alone should be worth getting out the popcorn and Junior Mints...gonna be a HELLUVA "feature", kids!
The next debate will be a VICE-Presidential one, and that oughta be a REAL GAS to watch. Paul Ryan vs Gaffing Joe.
Screw the UFC and WWE...we got THIS now, and it's MUCH better (and with fewer tattoos...lol).
*** Lastly today, the more I try to understand politics, the "behinder" I seem to get, but there is one thing I DO know, and that is what's known as COMMON SENSE.
I KNOW what seems right and correct and I know when something smells like 3-day old fish on the sidewalk.
I think most all of you feel the same....it's the way you were brought up, how you were taught, and what you yourselves have learned through life.
The things you KNOW to be right seem easier to spot as you get "more seasoned"... (that's called AGING, folks...lol)
I hate when the world turns upside down, because it reminds me of those carnival rides that make you sick.
But, sometimes, we need such things to remind us that WE don't have to play these games.
We have a choice...we have a say-so...and we have a strong conviction that this nation needs to always succeed in this "grand experiment", as it was called in it's infancy.
Failure is never an option...it might be a side track to success because we LEARN from whatever happens, but we must never allow failure to become part of our lexicon of life, or of this country.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

03 October 2012

Humpday Happenings...
Hey, there, hi there, ho there...and welcome to the midweek edition of my humble blog.
Well, we didn't get any sun (under 25,000 ft anyway) yesterday...just lots of clouds and some scattered light showers.
SO, if you LIKED yesterday, you'll probably like TODAY as well. It's more of the same, with temps reaching only into the mid-60s.
Later this week, we get some November-like temps, so get ready to bring some plants INSIDE overnight and cover up those perishibles in the garden.
*** As is the case every Wednesday, it's time once again for the military quote of the week, aka WHO SAID THAT?
Actually, on the eve of the first Presidential debate, I thought this American military saying was SO apropos:
"There are THREE types of leaders: Those who make things happen; those who WATCH things happen; and those who WONDER what happened."
And there is no attribution to this (although both Mary Kay Ash and Tommy LaSorda have used it in the past)...it's just one of those "freebies" that no one seems to know WHO really said it first.
Kinda makes you wonder where our current leader fits into that mix, hmm?
Meanwhile, back at the situation room...
*** What goes BOOM and wakes people from their sleep up NORTH?
You tell me, because the FWPD and the ATF have been busy figuring THAT one the hell out.
Here's the story:
http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/investigation-underway-after-loud-explosion
Many residents at the Coliseum Park Apartments thought it might be some kind of BOMB, and by the looks of the car, which I believe USED to be a BUICK, (that the explosion took place inside of), they can't be that far off.
Bet'cha CWM heard that one, right?
The explosion even took out windows in a nearby building.
Calls from WANE to the FWPD were not returned and the investigation is (naturally) ongoing.
*** They CAUGHT that drunken buggy-rammer...in WARSAW (my, he sure got back there from Ft. Wayne damn fast).
Here's the update:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121003/LOCAL07/310039931/1002/LOCAL
But, he posted a $2K bond and was released.
Nice to know that the Shamrock Mobile Home Park in Warsaw has such "stellar" citizens.
No doubt, the case will flow through the judicial system like crap through a goose, and he'll be back drinking and driving soon enough.
That seems to ALWAYS be the way, doesn't it?
*** Dead body found on Weisser Park Avenue.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121003/LOCAL07/310039962
Around 1115 hours yesterday, FWPD were called to 2935 Weisser Park Avenue on the city's...(...all together, gang...)...SOUTHEAST SIDE of town, where they found a dead man behind the boarded up house.
The body was described as having "significant" injuries, but was not significantly decomposed (still fairly fresh).
Neighbors on the street are shocked (and about damn time).
According to the coverage at WANE, one neighbor heard GUNSHOTS going off the last several days quite often.
Gloria Thomas, a woman who lives a few doors down from where the body was found stated: "They've been shooting over here the last two days, in the middle of the day and at night, so, I really don't think a whole lot about it, because it happens so often over here."
Are you f$cking KIDDING ME?
DON'T think a whole lot about it?
You apparently think GUNFIRE is OK and part of the urban CITYSCAPE?
WTH are YOU smoking?
THIS is exactly the type of APATHY you deal with daily (in the ghettohood)...things that NORMAL folks would find reprehensible and totally irresponsible, is taken with a grain of salt in the ghettohood...and then these people wonder HOW to stop the violence?
You're ALLOWING it (and accepting it), so you're part of the PROBLEM!
The house had been vacant for FIVE years (what's the city DOING all this time, beside sitting on it's THUMBS)?
We have OVER 400 houses that SHOULD be razed in this city...and no evidence of any of that being done.
The autopsy should yield more results today, and any developments will be posted here.
This could be homicide number 24...we shall see.
*** City Budget looked at by City Council.
Here's this story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121003/LOCAL/310039968
If this wasn't so damn bad, it would be amusing...to some degree.
Here we have a police department that is understaffed to the tune of TWENTY-ONE officers (from the AUTHORIZED number of 440), and we haven't figured in such parameters like RETIREMENTS, or INJURIES, or even DISMISSALS from the department, have we?
They don't even plan to begin a new RECRUIT CLASS at the Academy anytime soon.
So, what's going to happen with that falling number of street officers?
Well, I can't see it going anywhere but FURTHER DOWN...that's common sense.
Fewer cops to police more citizens. Hell, we were already UNDER the national level (ratio) of officers to citizens when we were at that 440 number.
Guess we, the people will be taking a lot more of the law into a lot more of our OWN hands...in order to "assist" the police here...right?
I mean, what other choice IS there at this point, especially with the GROWING level of (violent) crime?
In short...DEPUTIZE ME...(save a lot of paperwork later)...lol!
Then, there's the FWFD that needs six new engines, and ain't gonna get 'em.
That's in addition to FWPD cruisers that need replacing, too.
So, King (Mayor) Henry wants to float a property tax increase (4.8%) and then perhaps see about a WATER RATE INCREASE to help the FWFD.
FWPD Chief York states: "People will have to determine what they want from their police department. Do we still go out on larcenies? You're getting into quality-of-life issues".
Really, Rus?
THAT is the best answer?
Hell, I'd settle for having the police DO stuff (instead of chasing the damn radio)...like ticketing those several THOUSAND boomcars I hear every damn year driving past MY house (that you don't bother with)...or all the illegal fireworks and GUNFIRE we hear throughout the damn year.
Or how about MORE gang-related arrests?  Drug arrests?
What about such "larcenies" like STOLEN GUNS?
You really NEED to make a run out on THOSE, don'cha, because THEY are most likely related to OTHER crimes in town...like HOMICIDE.
You people amaze me with your manner of thinking, if you call it that.
And yes, I would LOVE to see this so-called "quality-of-life" I keep hearing about, because it's sure as hell NOT down where we live.
(case closed...for now)
*** What do you think happens when you mix a cell tower, metal and some migrant help?
Well, here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121003/LOCAL07/310039930/1043/LOCAL07
Again, we have three Hispanics (one from Chula Vista, CA, and two from Mexico...green cards, anyone?) who were subcontracted to service the tower in Noble County...and NOT avail themselves of "free stuff" (damn scrappers).
They were all booked into the Noble county jail, and all face a preliminary charge of theft.
They are still in custody with a bail of $25K each.
Nice job out there, people.
*** Lastly today, with the death of yet another Border Patrol agent (with one also wounded), isn't it TIME to get a SECURE BORDER?
We're seeing a vast increase in crimes by Hispanics now...as if the black and white criminals weren't enough.
Gangs are becoming so entrenched in our cities, it's scary.
Crimes are reclassified to reflect skewed stats, and public safety departments need money...nothing new, right?
Wrong....this is the result of a lack of interest by the PEOPLE being protected and living in the cities. Hell, even out in "the sticks", there's no immunity to crime...not with all the technologies we have to allow things like that occur.
Make no mistake, WE, the PEOPLE need to be more on our game NOW than ever before, and not lost in some social-media world or realm of the virtual.
We need to spend a lot more time in REALVILLE, folks.
Some of us have already made such a choice and we're discovering all the crap that surrounds us.
Others...not so much.
In any event, those of us that know need to reach out to those that do not...in whatever capacity we have at hand.
In that, I think we can reverse the trends that brought us to this point in time.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

02 October 2012

Tuesday Tidbits...
And we're starting off this morning in the Heartland with a bit of rain, and that's supposed to give way to sunny skies...sooner or later.
So, instead of standing here getting wet, let's get moving and see what the hell is going on in the REST of Bizarro World.
*** An update to the Amish-Buggy rammer from Warsaw, Indiana.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121002/LOCAL07/310029962
What I want to know is WHO the hell cut this guy (one Francisco Gonzalez - NO relation to "Speedy" ) loose from Parkview Hospital when he was taken there to be treated after he rammed the buggy?
Someone screwed the f$ck up...BIG time.
Now, this guy is in the wind in (or around) FORT WAYNE...and that's the last thing we need...another drunk (and felonious) Hispanic.
We got enough as it is...believe me!
I remember the LAST time that alcohol got into the blood of some other Hispanics...they tore their fence the hell down and then fought on OUR LAWN in the middle of the damn night.
Funny how police "officials" were not returning calls that were seeking explanations.
*** And speaking of the local constabulary, there's THIS from the blotter:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121002/LOCAL07/310029963
Seems FWPD off. Diane Rogers is at it again...
You remember her, right?
She's the officer that was arrested for misdemeanor OWI a while back (check my archives of 21 December, 2010), and is the product of the affirmative action brigade.
It's not that she's a bad person, she's just a bad officer.
(When you can't fill out reports on calls you're running, that's gotta say something.)
This time around, it's investigative negligence (guess illiteracy does count sometimes), and her FIVE-day suspension arose from previous allegations against her within the past 6-7 months.
Back on 6 March this year, Rogers received a 1 day suspension for reporting late for duty and being away without leave.
Officer Robert Ness got a 1 day suspension for being AWOL - he thought he was supposed to be off on a given day, and he was not scheduled to be...not a big deal...just a brain-fart.
Moving on...
*** More on the VFW post 8147 shooting on Winter St.
Here's the update:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121002/LOCAL07/310029929/0/SEARCH
The victim was one Adonis Robinson, 23, of Fort Wayne.
(nice mug shot)
And, oops, he's got a RAP SHEET...(must be a rap star) wouldn't 'ya know it?
=============
02D04-0509-IF-012824 Robinson, Adonis D 09/13/2005
Allen Superior Court 4 IF - Infraction
Decided FAILURE TO USE SIDEWALK
02D04-0703-CM-001495 Robinson, Adonis D 03/14/2007
Allen Superior Court 4 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided CARRYING HANDGUN W/O LICENSE
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-0711-IF-019006 Robinson, Adonis D 11/21/2007
Allen Superior Court 6 IF - Infraction
Decided IMPROPER DISPLAY LIC PLTE
02D04-0803-CM-001511 Robinson, Adonis D 03/13/2008
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided MINOR CONSUMING ALCOHOL
02D04-0804-MC-000951 Robinson, Adonis D 04/28/2008
Allen Superior Court 4 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal
Decided P.C. CARRY HDGUN W/O PRMT
MINOR CONSUMING ALCOHOL
02D04-0805-FC-000123 Robinson, Adonis D 05/01/2008
Allen Superior Court 5 FC - Class C Felony
Decided CARRYING A HANDGUN WITHOUT A LICENSE
POSS CONSUMPTION OR TRANSPORT OF ALCOHOL BY MINOR
02D04-0805-FB-000077 Robinson, Adonis D 05/09/2008
Allen Superior Court 6 FB - Class B Felony
Decided ROBBERY
02D04-1109-IF-014264 658176 ROBINSON, ADONIS D 09/12/2011
Allen Superior Court 4 IF - Infraction
Decided 9-25-8-2(a)(1)/IFA: Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility
==============
Addresses:
6303 CHATHAM DR
FORT WAYNE, IN 46816
==============
How about that?
Priors for carrying a handgun w/o a permit?
And then he gets SHOT?
Who'da thunk it?
What I said yesterday still amazes me - this was a "large brawl", and yet police have NO witnesses, and NO suspects.
This is an all-too common happening down here, and nothing is done to dissuade such behavior.
Now, if "someone" called *911*, you would THINK that at least THAT person would have seen something...nope, sorry.
Everyone gets "selective blindness"...simply A-F$cking-Mazing!
The police are not the bad guys...really.
But, if you break the law...well, that's asking for it, isn't it?
*** Wifey and I like going to RED LOBSTER (right, CWM?), and we go there for (what else?) the SEAFOOD, as in the bounty that the oceans provide.
And when I want a good steak, I find me (what else again?) a good STEAKHOUSE...ditto for pizza, hamburgers, breakfasts...well, you get the idea.
Now, we only go out once in a while...our life and sustenance does not hinge upon our ability to get in a car and drive to someplace else and pay a lot more for something I can whip up in the kitchen for a lot less scratch, kapeesh?
(unlike the government-sponsored flotsam that live entirely on the food that others make and you pay for)
So, WTF is up with Red Lobster increasing their NON-seafood menu selections from 8% to a whopping 25% anyway?
Here's the article:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57523570/red-lobster-revamps-menu-adds-non-seafood-options/
They want to "broaden their appeal"...are you f$cking sh*tting me???
The APPEAL is SEAFOOD...period...and at fairly reasonable prices...that's SEA...FOOD...!!!
How much more PLAIN can one make this?
If someone goes to a SEAFOOD place not wanting SEAFOOD, then what in the name of God are these people thinking anyway?
Who GROWS these people?
If I were running Red Lobster, I'd (if anything) add more SEAFOOD CHOICES (if that's possible), and say SCREW YOU who come here not wanting anything related to seafood.
Of course, you can ALWAYS go with the "surf and turf" combo...not bad, or perhaps a burger for the kids if they have allergies to seafood or want something else, but the STANDARD FARE of a SEAFOOD place should remain (say it with me, people...)...SEAFOOD!
When was the last time you heard that JOE'S CRAB SHACK was "noted for it's lamb chops", or was the "best place to get prime rib" in town?
This world is getting WAY, WAY outta whack...and too damn "PC" for a lot of us.
We cave to others for what reason?
And we acquiesce to some numbnut that just wants to change sh*t for change sake...(socialist libtard moron).
There are people out there who have but ONE mission in their pitiful existences...to make YOUR life a living hell.
They will sue, shout, protest, sue some more, JUST because "they" want life to be THEIR way...whatever the hell f$cked up manner that could be.
Sorry, but that is one thing NOT guaranteed in life...WHAT YOU WANT.
There are a million things you CAN have in life, and a million things you can NOT have..it's that simple (and a damn fine Start Trek: TOS quote).
When we decide to allow things to play out in THEIR OWN way for their OWN reason, we're rarely scarred for life, if even bothered at all.
When you let a steak place sell steaks (like STEAK AND SHAKE for example) run the business their way, we all make out fine.
And, if you EVER wanted anything OTHER than a cheesesteak at say GENO'S or PAT'S in Philly...they'd haul you out in the middle of Passyunk Ave., and beat you within an inch of your meaningless life...LOL.
Hey, maybe we should try the "Philly way" with Red Lobster?
Or maybe just hunt these asshats down.
Isn't it LOON SEASON anyway?
(I know it's NOT "wabbit" season...lol)
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

(( 1230 Hrs: FWPD is investigating a mysterious death of a man in the 2900 block of Weisser Park Ave. - on the SE side of town. Details are few, but this "might" be homicide number 24...more tomorrow. ))