Thoughts For Thursday...

Okay, so we didn't appear to get the TOTAL amount of snow predicted (which was supposed to be between 3-6 inches where we live), but places north and west of us DID.
Now, that doesn't mean the roads are worth taking one's time upon, because we did get some snow, and we had rain before that, so the streets are a bit on the "slicker than snot on a doorknob" side. Luckily the salt I had down during the last event stuck around enough to keep any of this new stuff from sticking.
Conditions will vary depending on where you live.
Our Hoosierland weather for today will see light snow continuing with maybe another inch or so, highs around 35 degrees (melting extravaganza?), and mostly cloudy skies, with none of those gusty winds that were predicted.
So, go get your cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa as we take a look at what else hase been going on...
*** First off of the runway is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them."

This was spoken by none other than Frederick Douglass (February 1818 - February 20 1895)
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass

His EXACT birthdate remain unknown as he was born into slavery and owners did niot keep accurate records (if any) of such things).
He was an African-American social reformer, orator, writer, abolitionist, and statesman.
Let's just say he was a real AMERICAN.
He was the first black man to be invited to the White House to speak to Abraham Lincoln.
The Wiki is rather long, and I will leave that to all of you to read, and you should because this part of American history needs to be remembered.
Douglass was also involved in women's rights as well as those of his race.
His story of how he escaped slavery to become the voice of his people (and America) when it came to freedom is nothing less than remarkable.

And his home (which he PURCHASED, and wasn't given to him for free) in Anacostia Maryland was designated (in 1962) as the Frederick Douglass National Historical Site, and is part of the National Park System.
Interestingly, he was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, NY.
Truly, a man of courage and of vision.
*** Next, we bring you our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
February 25 -
---Today is PISTOL PATENT DAY

(God made man and woman, and Samuel Colt made them all EQUAL)
---It's also NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY

(sometimes you feel like a nut...sometimes you don't)
---And, it's NATIONAL CHILI DAY

(good in weather like this)
---It's also NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY

(I like both the red Manhattan and the white New England varieties)
*** Next up, it looks like we have a "Trifecta" (as Wifey called it) regarding a "death" (read HOMICIDE)investigation.

Three black males were found dead in a house located at 808 E. Lewis St around 1735 hrs.
Here's the story (don't expect any real details, you know how it goes these days):
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/Fort-Wayne-Police-find-3-dead-in-home

I chose the N-S story, because there was some "history" with that particular area.
Other sources lacked this, and every nit of information HELPS (note to FWPD)

This could well be homicide numbers 2,3, and 4 (that's more like it)
Love the lack of information.
*** And speaking of police stuff, I found out what that police call was early Tuesday morning that brought SEVEN FWPD vehicles in and around our area.
Here's the police blotter incident listing:
((16F023242 05:34:54 53 ARMED ROB 4800 MONROE ST S))
It was cited as an ARMED ROBBERY and that begs a question: Who was trying to rob a neighbor with a weapon (unknown) that early in the morning as he usually is getting ready for work?
It looked to be in the back of the house, near the garage, so maybe there was a break-in attempt.
I didn't see anyone running through the area.
Guess we'll never know what really went down.
*** Next, when it comes to your car, what's the most important thing you expect?

If you said "dependability", then give yourself a gold star and a pat on the back.
Let's face it, a good solid motor and transmission are the MAIN reason you can get from "A" to "B", right?
Well, not so fast there...many people value something else.
And here's the proof:
http://www.journalgazette.net/business/Tech-issues-driving-dependability-11668653

Jeezus, that's a crapload of parts!

People are more concerned with the TECHNOLOGIES that go into a car, rather than the "nuts and bolts".

I can see their point, because we've gone and taken every function of our cars and made them totally dependent upon some electronic device in order for it to work.
The most complained about issues are the entertainment systems, navigation and phone connectability.
Hell, when a radio didn't work, we carried a portable on the front seat, or we went out, bought a new radio and installed it OURSELVES.
And when we needed to navigate, we used a damn ROAD MAP and read STREET SIGNS.
And when it came to using a phone, we pulled over and used a PUBLIC ONE (which we have in abundance).
We never seemed to have ANY problems with THOSE, did we?
But, along the way, people got "spoiled", and it shows.
They can't name historical figures, or know who's running for president, or even find a country on a damn globe, but they sure miss not having access to things inside their car.
Whatever happened to DRIVING as being the NUMBER ONE JOB when behind the wheel?
Nah, can't do that...not when you're (my phrase) "Infotainment--Dependent".
What a world, right?
*** Next up, got an unexpected "gift" yesterday from my nephew out in VA. He's a captain in the Alexandria FD.
He sent me an "official" ball cap and t-shirt from his own department...how cool is that?

I sent him an email thanking him and told him "All I need to do NOW, is be able to haul a three-inch line up several flights of stairs without giving myself a heart attack." LOL.
He's a good soul with a good heart. And he's a good husband father and firefighter.
Can't ask for more than that, can you?
*** Last back to the hangar...it never ceases to amaze me as to what people will not only settle for, but what they all but demand in our society.

Like I mentioned above, we've at least one generation of "spoiled brats", that live to satisfy their own desires, and don't feel any need to do what might be required in order to attain whatever it might be.
And many times, technology is helping them along that path.
Now, I've never considered such thing as a "lifestyle choice", and I was brought up to realize (early on) that in order to get something, you have to give something.
It's like that "money for work" deal we ALL have to endure, right?
We have to GIVE...in order to GET. Sounds simple enough.
But, there are those (today) who believe that they "deserve" everything while doing nothing (or as little as possible). It starts as early as the first years of school. Kids are taught that all you HAVE to do is "show up or participate" in order to get the trophy (or the passing grade).
Sorry, that's not the way it works.
You have to APPLY ONESELF...and that means becoming knowledgeable (which means learnin stuff) - that which you need to make it in the REAL world.
This whole "something for nothing" socialistic bullshit has no logic or purpose.
Everything costs something...to someone...at some time for some reason, right?
There is no escaping the entire "cause and effect" of life.
Or, if we were to invoke a more "Biblical" principle, we could always cite the "sowing and reaping" parable.
You can't sit back and not sow anything and still expect to reap whatever benefit is expected as if you DID sow.
(ask any farmer for the truth behind that one)
We used to call it American Exceptionalism for a reason.
Time to get more people to dust that mindset off and start applying it.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.