05 December 2014

Friday Follies...
Welcome to week's end, and around our "Fortress", that means Christmas decorations (and the tree) go up within the next 72 hours.
(looking forward to see if the lighting "gremlins" have been busy the past year...lol)
Our Hoosierland weather goes something like this - mostly cloudy with temps in the upper 30s range (might even hit 40), and the slight possibility of a chance drizzle.
Later this afternoon, the RAIN comes in with amounts over 1/2 inch or more.
Could be worse...if that was SNOW, we'd be looking at several inches of that fluffy white stuff
(Thank God for small favors, hmm?)
In the meantime, we've got a post that's packed tighter than a dozen clowns in a Fiat 500, so you go grab a nice warm cup of your favorite morning beverage (I've got my coffee flying "co-pilot" for me) , and let's take a look at what's been going on...
*** First off of the runway is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
December 5 - 
Today is BATHTUB PARTY DAY (who makes this crap up?)
Are you serious?
Getting more than TWO average size people in ANY average tub is asking for a lot (like a visit from the plumber to help extricate the occupants). Now, a hot tub is a whole other story...
It's also FAUX FUR FRIDAY, and I'm sure PETA is smiling their asses off. It does make me ask the question 
"Who breeds all those FAUX MINKS...and FAUX CHINCHILLA anyway?"
Lastly, it's INTERNATIONAL NINJA DAY, so break out that katana, sharpen up those throwing stars, dust off your blackest clothing and go have some fun with the "neighbors".
And leave that clinging to buildings stuff to your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, kapeesh?
Let's toss in the next 2 days as well...because I feel like it.
December 6 - 
Saturday is NATIONAL PAWNBROKERS DAY, so hock it if 'ya got it.
And if you need to get something OUT of hock, what the hell are you waiting for?
It's also NATIONAL MICROWAVE OVEN DAY, and we have the invention of RADAR to thank for this one.
Sure makes Marie Callender frozen dishes a lot quicker to prep, that's for sure..(.right, Chris?)
The very FIRST microwave ovens were made by Tappan (licensed from Raytheon, owners of Amana kitchen products and called "Radar-Ranges"
Here's the WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven
Now, we take them for granted.
It's also MINER'S DAY, and to all those who brave mines of ALL sorts so we can enjoy a better life, thank yoi.
And, it's ST. NICHOLAS DAY, and that means another WIKI coming at'cha:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Nicholas_Day
Guess that jolly old elf wasn't AS jolly in other countries, nor was he an elf as we've come to know the term.
December 7 -
Sunday is NATIONAL COTTON CANDY DAY...yeah right.
The green giant's Q-TIPS?
Try to FIND some in a colder climate.
It's also INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY.
Leave it to the U.N. National Assembly to create this back in 1996 (when they should have been attending to global strife).
Here's the WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Civil_Aviation_Day
I will say that if it were not for civil aviation, the world would have remained a much "larger" place.
Last, and foremost, Sunday, December 7 is the 73rd Anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor (and a day which will live in infamy).
Here's a WIKI worth the read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pearl_Harbor_Remembrance_Day
Rather than detail the events of the day, this pertains to the OBSERVANCE or REMEMBRANCE of the event itself, as well as the legacy, replete with memorials to those who lost their lives on that date.
May we never forget, for those who remain with us from that day grow fewer each year..
Moving on...
*** We all heard about that thing called TARP, and the fund allocated to that over the uears (thanks Obummer), but did you know that more money is going out for another "program"?
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20141205/BIZ/312049951/1031/BIZ
Yep, a program that came out in 2009, called HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) under Obummer's watch, and this is the first time I heard about it.
It basically "gives" mortgage reduction relief (your tax money) to those whose homes might otherwise wind up in foreclosure.
And this is on top of money that has been ALREADY given for the same thing.
Cool stuff, huh?
So, if you went out, and got that over-priced home you could not possibly ever afford, and were having trouble making those nasty mortgage payments, take comfort that a redistribution of wealth is coming YOUR way, thanks to socialists in power (and taxpaying people).
*** Next, two stories of note because of recent events, so hang on to your seats:
Here's the link for both of them (in order):
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20141205/NEWS/312059992/0/SEARCH
1) Health care premiums are RISING?
I thought Obummer said they'd be going DOWN?
WTH is up with this?
What a bunch of LIES we've been told...but those suffering HIGHER rates can "shop around" to get LOWER rates (and crap healthcare too, I'll bet).The premium in 35 states are rising 5%, which, in the long run will translate to 25% in a few short years...you watch.
2 ) Here we have yet ANOTHER case of a white police officer killing a black (unarmed) man...this time, in Phoenex, AZ.
A suspect reached into his waistband and was shot and killed by a LEO...should not be a big deal.
And here's why:
The perp was dealing DRUGS, and in that waistband was some OXY. He also had in his vehicle a "jar" of pot (however much that could be), as well as a HANDGUN (which the perp could have gotten his hands onand shot the officer.
Now, "technically-speaking", the suspect WAS unarmed, but had access to a gun, and within arm's reach.
You just watch the race-baiters come out from under their rocks for this one and TRY to turn it into a "civil rights" issue...again, where none is warranted.
Add this to the Cleveland case, the Eric Garner (NYC) case, the Ferguson case, and yes, even the S. Carolina case (look them all up and see the similarities as well as any differences between them).
*** Last back to the hangar today...when one stops and thinks about the sacrifices made by those who served in wars past, and then sees the result OF that sacrifice on our streets today, you have to wonder what's been going wrong here?
We certainly don't wish to diminish those who gave all (and those that gave much), but freedom and liberty are to be cherished...at least in THIS nation (and in my personal opinion).
Instead, we see liberty and freedom stomped on almost daily by those who chase after the almighty dollar, and are not beyond revisiting the past to secure racial bias to form a wedge between our citizens where none is required or (more importantly) desired.
We have come a very long way since the days of slavery, but rather than keep moving forward with establishing better race relations with deeper roots, we're seeing a chasm of divide, where once a mere crack remained.
Those who would foster such beliefs are the ideologues who seek to keep THEIR OWN PEOPLE in bondage.
In fact, these race mongers have gone so far as to empower themselves as THE authority to be followed, rather than the laws we have that apply to EVERYONE equally.
These people seek to become MORE equal than everyone else, and THAT friends, is NOT equality.
Again, we need to separate the wheat from the chaff here, for to continue to allow such murmurings to prevail, race relations could be set back decades.
Those who follow these race-batied snake-oil peddlers need to remove the shackles of this new form of slavery - being a slave to those who speak lies and deceit...being a slave to the liberal agenda...being a slave to  government handouts and programs that don't do a damn thing to lift UP people from despair and poverty, but rather entrench it for generations to come.
THAT is what we need to see happen in this country, for, as usual, our future depends upon it.
Therein lies the lesson for today.
Do have yourselves a great weekend.
Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

04 December 2014

Thoughts For Thursday...
We're knocking on the weekend's door, folks, and that means getting in gear for Christmas. I know we'll  be doing the decorating and putting the tree up by Monday (I know, such a "last-minute" kinda guy...lol) Actually, some people in the ghettohood have spent some of their EBT funds and already HAVE their lights and trees up...talk about rushing things.
Our Hooiserland weather will be a bit cooperative today, and will mirror yesterday with highs again reaching the upper 30s, with a slight breeze and partly to mostly cloudy skies. Must be nice to offer such an ambiguous forecast and get paid obscene wages for it.
(*note to self - next life, be a weatherman)
Now, with that takne care of, let's get our morning cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and let's see what all's been going on.
*** First off of the sliding board is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst."
This is attributed to our buddy...ARISTOTLE (284 - 322 BCE) and here is his WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
This is one of those listings that is rather LENGTHY, and deservedly so, as his contributions to philosophy are great, but he was also known for his studies in Geology, Physics, Metaphysics, Biology, Medicine, and Psychology...
(whew)
When the hell did he have time for the simple things like SLEEPING, EATING, and "going to the can"??
(let alone a few hours for good sex)
Sounds like a man who lived SEVERAL lifetimes, because he seemed to cram them into ONE...(maybe he was a Time Lord?)
So, if you have the better part of an hour, give the WIKI a read and learn about how ONE man most certainly made such a difference to the world and it's future.
Moving on...
*** Next up is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
December 4 - 
--Today is NATIONAL COOKIE DAY...
Make mine chocolate chip...or oatmeal, or sugar cookies...or fig newtons, or Archways...what the hell, I'll take damn near any.
(let the monster loose)
Me love COO-KIEEEE!
Like we really need to...looks like he's got it covered well enough...lol.
--It's also  NATIONAL DICE DAY...now we can take this one of two ways.
Those that we use in Yahtzee...or D&D...
Or the one, the only DICE-Man....OH!
But, it could all be just a crap-shoot.
*** The CW channel had a 2-part, 2-night event featuring ARROW and THE FLASH...and it was DAMN good.
Grant Gustin makes a good Flash.
The way the characters are written and the reasons given why both are fighting crime is masterful.
And, it's not all about doing good, but dealing with consequences and unexpected turns in life.
I hope this becomes something we can look forward to every season.
*** I've been following this (next) case about the NYPD officer who was facing a grand jury indictment for the (wrongful?) death of a black man he was attempting to arrest.
The victim died of a heart attack.
All I can say at the jump is "Here we go again..."
It could have went down much better.
Here's the lowdown on the incident (and the potential fallout from it):
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/12/03/no-indictment-for-nypd-cop-in-chokehold-death-unarmed-man-source-says/
Once again, the DOJ is putting it's nose (as is Al Sharpton) where it doesn't belong with this "civil rights" issue...
Cripes, here he comes again to stir another pot.
Just like in Ferguson, this is NOT one of those...NOR is it some sort of RACIAL issue, so please don't lie to me and try to convince me otherwise.
It might be an officer(accidentally) using too much force, but that's for others to decide.
And again, we also hear the call for LEOs to start wearing body-cameras (as if the in car cameras are not enough already).
It's coming - get used to it.
Granted, the car cams ARE a useful tool and have exonerated officers brought up on charges by citizens, but the body-cam issue can be a very SHARP two-edged sword, which will cut BOTH ways if not wielded properly.
--A few weeks ago back on the (CBS) show BLUE BLOODS, there was an episode that addressed this issue, entitled "Power of the Press".
An officer takes down a resisting perp, and in doing so, the perp's head strikes the sidewalk, and he winds up in the hospital.
Now, the officer was wearing a camera, but it did not record the event, leading the media to believe that it was purposely turned off so the officer "could tune up" the perp.
Such was not the case (the camera turned out to be defective and shut off when the perp hit the officer in the chest), but trying to PROVE what actually went down was the focus of the show.
Turns out a citizen with a smartphone caught the altercation on video, but was reluctant to come forward in the wake of the media uproar with calls of "police brutality".
The woman does come forward, the officer is freed of any wrong-doing, and Tom Selleck gave a stellar performance (as usual).
This was one of the best written eps for this series, and the writers do a fantastic job of capturing the atmosphere of police work and the prosecutor's office.
But, you can see the dilemma here...such could also happen on our streets, and with all the yahoos out there wanting their 15 minutes of fame and/or their "pound of flesh", it would only be a matter of time before a similar incident crops up.
That brings us back to the NYPD and the Eric Garner case.
Another cry of "justice" when the perp (Garner) had been previously arrested 30+ times for various infractions.
This guy was no stranger to the NYPD.
But the police were busting him for selling "illegal" ciggies...not the WORST crime out there, people.
The incident in question with this potentially volatile situation was that Garner was selling "loosies" on the streets.
These are individual ciggies that were purchased in southern states (like N. Carolina, where they cost a LOT less) brought up the east coast and then sold "out of pocket", as it were.
Now, NONE of this would happen if NYC if it's last two (socialist) mayors would not have jacked up the price of smokes SO damn much (for tax money), but that's a whole other issue in and of itself.
Suffice it to say our society is getting a bit "grand jury-happy"...and why is this?.
This isn't anything close to the damn KNAPP commission, for God's sake.
THAT required a grand jury.
(look it up and read about it...very interesting stuff regarding police corruption in NYC back in the '70s.)
Why this sudden increase in bringing a grand jury to damn near everything?
Well, we can thank the PLEA DEAL for rendering SO many jury trials obsolete...that's a given.
When known MURDERERS get away with aggravated battery, or at worst, involuntary manslaughter (plea deal) and wind up with HALF a sentence (if that), it's little wonder so many of us have little faith in the judicial system...or even what the meaning of JUSTICE has become.
It sure shakes your belief as to what direction this nation is headed.
*** Last back to the barn...it tests my resolve in what I used to believe when it comes to this nation, whenever I see, read or hear about situations that don't require attention, while other scenarios go relatively unnoticed.
Definitely have it in the media!
The lame-stream media gloms onto ONE incident in a small Midwest town, and makes it the "poster-child" for things that have no relevance, while in other and much larger cities (like Chicago, or Philly, or Newark...whatever...take your pick), people are being gunned down by the dozen, and not a single peep about that...as if  that doesn't exist and is not an issue.
But the worst part about these killings is that those BEHIND the killings are not as "important" as that ONE (white) officer that killed a black man who was endangering that officer's life.
For some reason, the leftards can't admit that the people they claim to represent are the ones causing all the trouble in those major cities, and killing their OWN people in record numbers.
So, they yank out the RACE card (erroneously) in an attempt to divert attention from the REAL causes and reasons this sort of thing takes place...but some people are pushing back, and rightly so.
People are becoming less "enthused" with all the hype and all the lies, and are speaking out.
Thing is, the drive-by media isn't quite there yet, and that's got to change.
It's little wonder that ONE news source is stomping the crap out of ALL the others combined...they tell the TRUTH, and are not afraid to bring honest debate to the table...and they're not deep in some politician's pocket, choking on the lint.
Being up front should be one the the easiest things for anyone to pursue...Mark Twain knew that much.
Hell, the leftards can't even keep their lies STRAIGHT - a sure sign that they even suck at doing THAT.
And THAT is why they are constantly trying to divert our attention...to keep us off-balance.
I might not be one of the Flying Wallendas, but I would never be that off balance to be caught up in all the subterfuge and deception being tossed our way these days.
I think we should press on, seeking truth, speaking truth, and searching for those that need to hear the truth.
That would seem to be a good place to begin, and from there, we can do better and become better.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

03 December 2014

Humpday Happenings...
It's the middle of the week...and only three weeks left until Christmas Eve...where DOES the time seem to go?
This year seemed to fly by.
The Hooiserland weather today fins us with some slick road conditions out there, thanks to some overnight drizzle that took to frosting over, making bridges and overpasses a bit on the slippery side, so take some care.
Temps today will reach into the mid to upper 30s, with mostly cloudy skies (again?) and some breezy conditions, so that means anyone wearing SHORTS outside needs to be laughed at, or otherwise publicly humiliated, because they're a dumbass!
Now, with that over with, let's grab a soothing hot cup of mid-week fortitude and get this ball rolling...
*** First out of the maelstrom is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst."
In lieu of the media circus and violent behavior that's transpired in many cities around the nation both during and in the aftermath of the Ferguson fiasco, I feel this particular quote tracks true.
So, WHO said that? The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back in the philosophy department lounge...
*** It's time also for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
December 3 - 
Today is NATIONAL ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD DAY, and anyone with one should be a thankful person.
You never appreciate what you have until you DON'T have it any longer.
And, it's the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, so feel free to hold open a door for someone in a wheelchair, or assist a blind person across a street.
Moving on...
*** Found out yesterday evening that the K-Mart holiday plush bear has arrived at the Glenbrook Sears and awaits pickup by Wifey this Saturday.
She's "coming home"
Now that was rather expedient, for retail shipping.
Still, it would have been better to go to a local K-Mart and get one for a few bucks less.
I also have this "ritual" I (used to) go through with the stuffed bears - I would look at all the ones on the shelves until I spotted one that had a special look to it. You had to be with me to figure it out. I know they're just plastic eyes, but when you observe people most of your life, you pick up on the little things. Maybe, it's the way the "fur" covers the eyes, or the way it sits on a shelf, but, there was always "one" that jumped out and seemed to want to go home with us...it was fun to do while it lasted.
Now, we're at the mercy of a shipping department in another location, trusting they make a good call.
And, Wifey needs a picture ID and a copy of the confirmation email to pick the dang thing up...sure has changed from the OLD catalog days, and I should know, because one of my FIRST jobs was working at the old Sears warehouse in Philly along Roosevelt Blvd. (now torn down and gone).
What the place USED to look like
We shipped all over the USA from that location.
Wasn't a bad job right out of high school...you learned a lot.
*** Next, I was doing some "research":on cities that were similar in size to Fort Wayne, and I came across some interesting stuff.
One city no one (here) ever seems to mention when it comes to similarities is...NEWARK, NJ.
(wonder why that is?)
That city has 20K more people there, so it should be considered a comparable city.
Newark is not the capital of NJ (that's Trenton), but it IS the largest city, with a population of only 277,140 (approx), while Fort Wayne has around 256,496 (approx).
But there are some VAST differences between "us" and "them":
POLICE:
Newark: 1,006 officers
Fort Wayne: 460 officers (approx)
RACE DEMOGRAPHICS:
NEWARK:
White - 26%
black - 53%
Latino - 29%
other - 2%
FORT WAYNE:
White - 79%
black - 12%
Latino -7% 
other - 2%
So, if I understand this correctly, the MORE minorities you have in a city, the MORE police you require...sound about right?
And yet, Newark has SO much more crime, even with all those officers.
Just another homicide case in Newark.
They beat us every year in homicides...that's a given, even during our "record" year of 2013.
Kinda bears out the statement I made years ago regarding the NEED for more police in Fort Wayne...( another 200 would be nice), considering the rising number of minorities (and immigrants - legal; or ILLEGAL, because we know they're here)Amazing the things you find out when you bother to look.
*** Next up, Kevin Leininger had a good column back on 27 November and here's the link:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20141127/NEWS/141129746/1041/LEININGER
I think he's got it nailed down...you can't have a RATIONAL discussion (about anything, let alone race relations) with IRRATIONAL people, right?
Such can be said for atheists..or liberals...they detest FACTS and woe to those who bring them to the table, for they will have personal attacks lodged at them. And the reason for THAT, is that when people can be proven incorrect, and cannot face THAT single fact, they resort to the coward's way out - rather than counter the "message" aka TRUTH (which they cannot) they invariably attack the "messenger".
We see it so often, and the lies that are created to refute the truth pile higher than Mt. Everest.
When it comes to race relations in America, you have to understand that ALL of this is fostered by the LEFT.
To them, it's "big business'...it MAKES THEM MONEY.
And that's why we SHOULD be calling them (all) race HUSTLERS.
Everything can be turned around to "become" racist...from cartoons to comedy routines, to editorials to everyday conversation and English syntax. And to what end?
Is ANY of this "calling out" making race relations BETTER?
No, quite the opposite, but it is....good for the leftist economy.
What better way to keep a nation divided than to dredge up the word RACE where none should exist?
Keep people looking over their shoulder while the libtards do all sorts of (worse) stuff behind our backs...perfect deception...and distraction!
(divide and conquer)
Thing is, more people are getting WISE to these antics...on BOTH sides of the racial "fence", and it doesn't bode well for the leftists.
Listen to this man...
Blacks are getting damn sick and tired of all this divisive rhetoric, like Jonathan Gentry in that video I posted 2 days ago.
Another man who truly "gets it".
Another person is someone mentioned on Momma Fargo's blog - Milwaukee sheriff Dave Clarke.
Both of these men are black, yet are unafraid to speak to the REAL problems in their own community, and it ain't "whitey".
I am so glad to see real men of CONSCIENCE rise up and speak the truth...don't matter what the color of their skin is...truth IS truth...always has been and always will be.
*** Last back to the garage...America has some very unique challenges in it's immediate future.
And, as is often the case, they are not something we can look back upon history to find all the answers.
We can use history as merely a GUIDE for how we should proceed.
And proceed we must, in order to preserve that which is the basis for our country.
It's not an easy path to tread, but if it were, would we appreciate the journey and learn from it that which we need to?
Anything worth doing in life is not without some form of work involved by those doing whatever it is that needs doing.
War teaches us that much, as did the Civil Rights movement.
We learn to separate the wheat from the chaff...the truth from the lies.
And that alone makes us stronger as individuals...as a people, and most importantly...as a nation.
Let that be our guidepost today.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.