Tuesday's Tales From The Southside...

Been a while since we visited this, so why not dig it up, dust it off and see what shakes out.
Yesterday seemed like a scorcher to me. Very uncomfortable out there, and I for one, do not miss those days of having to drive in it and go from A/C to hot back into A/C again.
That's sure to mess the hell outta your sinuses.
Our Hoosierland weather for this day sees us with a bit of a cool-down, which, with lower humidity, will actually feel nice until we hit the high of around 78 degrees.
Then it will begin to bother some of us.
So, let's take this time to get ourselves that nice (and hopefully refreshing) morning drink poured as we see what all has been going on elsewhere.
*** First out of the garage is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
June 28 -

---Today is NATIONAL PAUL BUNYAN DAY
(whatever happened to all those wonderful tall tales of American myth?)

---And, it's NATIONAL INSURANCE AWARENESS DAY
(always nice to pay for something you hope you'll NEVER have to use, isn't it?)
*** Next up, and since it's TUESDAY, it's time to bring to you ALL the shots fired and armed robbery calls that the media won't tell us about, because we're supposed to believe crime is something we"perceive", rather than what we actually experience.

==============================
SHOTS FIRED / ARMED ROBBERY CALLS - 6/20 - 6/26
JUNE 20 -
16F082816 18:57:17 113 SHOTS FIRED 800 DREXEL AVE  
16F082954 23:48:13 113 SHOTS FIRED 2800 JOHN ST  
16F082535 08:21:37 53 ARMED ROB  3100 NEW HAVEN AVE  
16F082754 17:02:13 58 SHOOTING  3500 WEISSER PARK AVE  
16F082755 17:09:31 58 SHOOTING  4700 HOLTON AVE  
JUNE 21 -
((NO shots fired))
16F082970 01:06:00 53 ARMED ROB  3300 EASTWAY DR  
16F083353 21:43:50 53 ARMED ROB  3400 HANNA ST S & OXFORD ST  
16F082995 04:20:01 58 SHOOTING  5200 LILLIE ST  
JUNE 22 -
16F083411 00:14:40 113 SHOTS FIRED 1800 BAYVIEW DR  
16F083432 01:37:50 113 SHOTS FIRED 300 KINSMOOR AVE  
16F083862 22:34:15 113 SHOTS FIRED 2100 HOBSON RD  
16F083863 22:35:29 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 SENATE AVE & OLIVER ST  
16F083878 23:10:22 113 SHOTS FIRED 2200 DUNKELBERG RD  
((NO armed robberies))
JUNE 23 -
16F083897 00:25:17 113 SHOTS FIRED 3300 WEBSTER ST  
16F083918 02:03:29 113 SHOTS FIRED 4400 CALHOUN ST S  
16F084123 15:03:55 113 SHOTS FIRED 4200 WELLS ST  
16F084247 19:26:41 113 SHOTS FIRED 3900 AVONDALE DR  
((NO armed robbereies))
JUNE 24-
16F084375 00:09:45 113 SHOTS FIRED 1400 GREENE ST  
16F084412 04:04:40 113 SHOTS FIRED 3800 HARRISON ST S & RUDISILL BLVD 
16F084512 11:19:23 113 SHOTS FIRED 800 MADISON ST  
16F084654 16:26:10 113 SHOTS FIRED 600 WAYNE ST E & HANNA ST S  
16F084669 16:55:09 113 SHOTS FIRED 1000 LEWIS ST E & DIVISION ST  
16F084713 18:15:18 113 SHOTS FIRED 300 KINNAIRD AVE & WEBSTER ST  
16F084821 21:38:18 113 SHOTS FIRED 2600 DREXEL AVE  
16F084857 22:28:46 113 SHOTS FIRED 2000 DREXEL AVE  
((No armed robbberies))
JUNE 25 -
16F084925 00:31:38 113 SHOTS FIRED 1300 WABASH AVE  
16F084971 03:12:07 113 SHOTS FIRED 3700 WENTWORTH DR  
16F085129 12:44:16 113 SHOTS FIRED 6800 LEMAR DR & CASTLE DR  
16F085342 21:11:48 113 SHOTS FIRED 3900 CLINTON ST N  
16F085350 21:32:32 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 CAPITOL AVE & OLIVER ST  
16F085364 21:50:56 113 SHOTS FIRED 1100 CAPITOL AVE & OLIVER ST  
16F085389 22:21:53 113 SHOTS FIRED 1200 OXFORD ST  
16F085418 23:05:02 113 SHOTS FIRED 4800 ANTHONY BLVD S  
16F085001 05:33:50 53 ARMED ROB  5100 WEBSTER ST  
16F085003 05:45:58 53 ARMED ROB  1200 SCOTT AVE  
JUNE 26 - 
16F085480 00:41:20 113 SHOTS FIRED 2100 MAUMEE AVE & WABASH AVE  
16F085497 01:15:34 113 SHOTS FIRED 3100 PENNSYLVANIA ST  
16F085506 01:53:04 113 SHOTS FIRED 2600 SMITH ST & PONTIAC ST E  
16F085509 01:55:54 113 SHOTS FIRED 2300 WARSAW ST & TABER ST E  
16F085511 02:00:37 113 SHOTS FIRED 2400 WEBSTER ST  
16F085813 18:24:07 113 SHOTS FIRED 600 MISSION HILL DR  
16F085892 22:30:54 113 SHOTS FIRED 600 PAULDING RD E & HANNA ST S  
16F085861 20:52:26 53 ARMED ROB  2700 COLISEUM BLVD W  
================================
*** And, we also can't forget all the numb-nuts out there who "think" (I use that word loosely) that they're pyrotechnic experts and never break the law with illegal fireworks:

===============================
FIREWORKS CALLS 6/20 - 6/26
============================
JUNE 20 -
16F082815 18:53:23 44FW  8500 BREMEN WAY  
16F082865 19:13:11 44FW  2900 WEISSER PARK AVE  
16F082886 20:50:45 44FW  2200 ARDMORE AVE  
16F082927 22:08:12 44FW  2000 EDSALL AVE & SCHELE AVE  
JUNE 21 -
16F083312 20:01:02 44FW  1700 ANTHONY BLVD N  
16F083313 20:09:09 44FW  1500 KENSINGTON BLVD  
16F083341 21:12:01 44FW  700 ARCHER AVE  
16F083360 21:45:22 44FW  2400 CALIFORNIA AVE  
16F083379 22:27:56 44FW  2900 BROADWAY  
16F083381 22:31:44 44FW  3900 OLD MILL RD & FOSTER PKWY W  
16F083389 22:47:54 44FW  2700 PRAIRIE GROVE DR 
JUNE 22 -
16F083846 21:21:35 44FW  2800 BROADWAY & HOME AVE  
JUNE 23 -
16F083900 00:29:39 44FW  3800 CALHOUN ST S & RUDISILL BLVD  
16F084230 18:43:32 44FW  3300 CALHOUN ST S  
JUNE 24 - 
16F084409 03:08:39 44FW  1300 WASHINGTON BLVD W  
16F084702 18:00:36 44FW  1000 DEARBORN ST & LAKE AVE  
16F084708 18:08:27 44FW  1700 FLORIDA DR  
16F084738 18:09:10 44FW  1600 VANCE AVE  
16F084753 19:19:44 44FW  3400 CHELMSFORD PL  
16F084767 20:09:54 44FW  3400 WALDEN RUN & CHANTILLY DR  
16F084808 21:16:42 44FW  700 COLISEUM BLVD W  
16F084817 21:30:40 44FW  4100 GLENVIEW CT  
16F084826 21:44:51 44FW  6100 STELLHORN RD  
16F084837 21:45:37 44FW  5200 RENFREW DR  
16F084841 21:48:54 44FW  3100 ANTHONY BLVD S  
16F084834 21:52:00 44FW  1000 RUDISILL BLVD W  
16F084843 21:52:30 44FW  4200 CALHOUN ST S & MCKINNIE AVE  
16F084855 22:24:35 44FW  2500 WILDCAT CV  
16F084894 23:11:13 44FW  9600 BALLYMORE DR & MYSTIC XING  
16F084912 23:58:04 44FW  600 GREENLAWN AVE  
JUNE 25 - 
16F085106 11:39:21 44FW  10600 WILD FLOWER PL  
16F085134 12:47:37 44FW  4700 MANISTEE DR  
16F085329 20:43:03 44FW  4400 WERLING DR  
16F085330 20:44:28 44FW  3800 WILDROSE DR  
16F085358 21:11:14 44FW  1400 COLUMBIA AVE  
16F085349 21:18:33 44FW  3900 OLD MILL RD  
16F085370 21:20:37 44FW  2100 MONTFORD DR  
16F085354 21:25:15 44FW  4700 ARLINGTON AVE  
16F085384 21:47:31 44FW  00 COUNTRY FOREST DR  
16F085368 21:56:51 44FW  6300 NEIGHBOR DR & CASTELL DR  
16F085379 22:05:42 44FW  11100 WHEELOCK RD & ST JOE RD  
16F085381 22:09:56 44FW  3300 LAKE AVE  
16F085399 22:25:32 44FW  12300 WESTWIND POINTE  
16F085400 22:31:28 44FW  1700 WALLEN RD W & VILLAGE DR  
16F085416 22:55:50 44FW  4700 MANISTEE DR  
16F085413 23:02:30 44FW  7600 MAEVE DR  
16F085421 23:08:34 44FW  00 COUNTRY FOREST DR  
16F085441 23:21:01 44FW  2100 THOMPSON AVE  
JUNE 26 - 
16F085455 00:04:00 44FW  7100 HAZELETT RD  
16F085634 10:45:11 44FW  3400 WALDEN RUN  
16F085769 16:34:41 44FW  3000 WOODROW AVE & VANCE AVE  
16F085794 17:44:51 44FW  3200 CRESCENT AVE  
16F085856 20:40:04 44FW  1300 PACKARD AVE W  
16F085864 21:04:37 44FW  4700 MANISTEE DR  
16F085873 21:27:02 44FW  4400 HARRISON ST S  
16F085875 21:37:04 44FW  1300 CHARLOTTE AVE  
16F085881 21:42:21 44FW  1800 WELLS ST  
16F085907 22:27:16 44FW  10900 ROSEWOOD CIR W  
16F085904 22:27:50 44FW  500 WATKINS ST  
16F085931 23:54:54 44FW  3000 ALEXANDER ST & ECKART ST  
=========================
Wow, never thought we HAD so many law-breakers, but it IS good to see that 4700 blk of Manistee Dr. back on the "chronic asshole" list. Someone needs to get these folks some CALENDARS. it's NOT the 4th yet, dipshits!
*** Next up, looks like we notched HOMICIDE NUMBER 17 for our fair city yesterday afternoon.

Here's one link to the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Unidentified-man-found-dead--details-few-13841216

This took place around 1645 hrs at an apartment located at 3353 Diplomat Drive (Diplomat Apts near Wayne Trace and Oxford), and yes, this is another "hot spot" in the beautiful SE side of the city.

A man was found dead in the apartment (he was apparently an 18-year old) and was the nephew of Roderick Parker, a man who has been fighting the good fight to take the streets and youth back from criminal activity.
The victim's brother was said to have been killed a couple years ago.
Now, you know I've met Roderick and spoke with him "on-air" for Kevin Leininger's Fort Report show on cable access, and said he was good people.
I still firmly believe that. He is doing the right thing. As to whether people are listening to him is another thing. I also know what it's like to TRY to do good and have it fall on deaf ears.
Here's another link to the WANE version of the story:
http://wane.com/2016/06/27/police-responding-to-shooting/
Looks like the family has more details than the police (who are conducting the investigation)...that's bothersome.

I still maintain, and because I'm looking at all this from an OBJECTIVE viewpoint, that the CULTURE is the systemic problem that relates to ALL the crime that takes place down here, and the sooner that is addressed, the sooner things will turn away from that which is taking the lives of a generation.
And that's all I'm saying about this for the time being. The rest is up to those who HONESTLY wish to change the direction in which they're headed, and that means ALL of those involved either directly or indirectly.
Moving on...
*** Next up, is something that tends to both make me feel elated as well as somewhat depressed.

I said that Wifey wanted to get herself a new(er) car, and we drove up to The "Happy Car Store" (next to Red Lobster) to see what they had to offer us.
Well, we had a very nice salesman, one Deandre Garcia, and he showed us several models. Each one had it's pluses and minuses.
Now, I haven't done this in about 33 years, so I go into this a bit on the wary side.
I want Wifey to get something SHE wants and likes, because she's gonna be driving it a lot more than me.
I also know that it's no longer 1983...or even 1996, so what could be had back in those times cannot be had today.
Well, we took a test drive in one car and I was surprisingly impressed with the way the car handled, accelerated, and felt good under me. I drove it for a spell, as did Wifey, and it wasn't a bad ride.
Suffice it to say that after some number crunching, and decision-making, she is the proud owner (to be, when the loan is done) of a 2015 Chevy Impala LT. Hell, I even like the color (metallic silver).
She drove it home, and I have to say, I'm not as good a "passenger" as I used to be...LOL.
Now, to list some basics about this ton and a half rolling computer...
---FIRST - the high points:
1) It DOES have analog gauges...as well as digital displays.
2) It's only a 2.5L 4 cylinder (the Firebird is a 2.8L V6), BUT the Impala has 195 BHP.
3) It DOES come with a (collapsible) spare tire. The Asian models did not)
4) It has a touch-screen display for loads of crap I've yet to discover, plus a backup camera (in case I get too lazy to turn my neck around and LOOK).
5) I didn't encounter any "torque-steer", which often occurs with FWD vehicles.
6) It gets about 31 MPG on the highway - much better than the old car (with that marvelous 4.3L V8 that I already miss), and even better mileage than the V6 in the "Batmobile".
7) Vision is good all around, in spite of the higher rear deck.
8) It's got more trunk capacity than our new FRIDGE (18.8 Cu. Ft.), and you can fold the rear seat fronts down to add to the cargo space.
9) It doesn't look bad for a newer car. The styling is marginally better, but I'm from the era of people like Harley Earl and John DeLorean. It's not AS "cookie-cutter" as many other cars in it's size range.
10) It's got more bells and whistles than Mardi Gras AND the New Years Parade combined.
---NEXT - some down sides:
(and this is purely from my standpoint, mind you):
1) It has keyless-entry and we only have ONE fob, so we're gonna have to blow some $$$ for a second one.
It's not a traditional "key", but more a transmitter to the ignition system. There is a START button you can use without placing a key into the ignition. Sounds easy, but the parameters required still have me flustered. Oh, it WILL work as a "regular" key (thank GOD!!!)
2) It has theft-deterrent and auto-start as well, again based on that key fob-transmitter.

THAT'S the ignition key.

I said to the salesman "So, what happens when the battery in the transmitter dies and you can't get into the car to drive home or call for help"?
He said "That's something I really need to talk to some people about. I never thought of that."
Yeah, leave it to ME to come up with something outta left-field to befuddle everyone else. That's our BOB.
Can't help it. I just ask things I believe I should know about.
Luckily, it takes the same battery as our garage openers - CR 2032 disc battery, and I have spares!
3) the car also has this "eco-tech" garbage. In other words, under certain conditions, when stopped at a long light (for example), the engine will shut off.

I KNOW what I said yesterday about this, and the Asian cars don't have this "feature", and I still hate it, but we're stuck with it. I don't think it will be THAT much of an issue (crosses fingers).
4) I consider myself a person of above average intelligence, but God Almighty, this is one COMPLEX car to figure the hell out. I've been beating my brain trying to get through the damn MANUAL for this beast, and the more I read, the "behinder" I seem to feel. And I'm usually a quick study with manuals. Had to use them when I was with the Treasury Dept as well as appliance servicing. This is a completely different "animal", and I cannot fathom how people (such as the locals) could figure this out (with all the new vehicles they seem to acquire) when someone like MYSELF is having difficulty. It's NOT just about "muscle-memory" either. Wifey and I talked about that aspect. I'm just a DRIVER'S DRIVER...plain and simple.

And this car is just that -plain and simple.

Get me behind the wheel of ANY "basic" (from a bygone era) vehicle and I can tool on until sunset - no problems. Just getting in and starting this car is no longer JUST a "simple turn of the key".
So, all things considered...do I "like" this car?
Well, I'll fess up and say it's NOT about what I feel or think.
It's what The Lovely Mrs Bobby G. feels and thinks...it's "HER" car, not mine.

The Wifeymobile 2.0

As long as she feels good about it, and is comfortable behind the wheel, that's good enough for me.
I'm just a designated backup driver, and not the primary one. While it's not the venerable Caprice Classic, it's still an okay ride.
*** Last back to the barn...if anything can be said about much of today's tech, it would have to be "intimidating" (to some degree).

I'm just "resistant" to change for change sake.

We should LIKE to be "in control" of the things we operate, be they appliances, or even the vehicles we drive on land, sea, or air.
But, such control comes with a price...it always has, and always will.
We have to PAY ATTENTION to what we're doing, and that requires WORK on our part.

While things may seem to run themselves, they're not THAT autonomous...not yet (but it's coming like a jail-on-wheels).
Back in the day, an ATTENTIVE driver kept the fenders on, the family (or cargo) safe, and got you to wherever you were headed in as expeditious a manner as could be had. If you wanted to know where you were, you pulled over, read the map, and then got going again...easy. Now, it's all at your fingertips...and MORE.
That can be a daunting task.
And I will have to acclimate myself to the "Wifeymobile 2.0" sooner or later.

A whole NEW learning curve to master.

My father used to always tell me that "You should treat driving a car as your SECOND job". and with the work ethics Dad had, I knew he was committed to being the best driver he could. He passed such things along to me.
And that's where I have my particular problem.
I tend to grow comfortable with the familiar. It's like our old "boat" aka the Wifeymobile.  I first drove it to my Mom's funeral back in Philly in 1998. You tend to get to know a vehicle when you drive over a thousand miles in it.
When it was given to Wifey, it was like renewing a friendship, and was like that up until yesterday.
I can't help but feel a bit down as we left the old car behind...like deserting that "old friend" to whatever fate has in store for it. Sure seemed awful lonely just sitting there.

Thanks for many good years...it WAS a great ride.

It's just a car, though...it has no personality to speak of.
Well, maybe SOME believe that, but to a few of us, there will always be more to a car than the sum of it's parts.
(no matter how many of them we have to repair or replace over the years...or decades).

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