Friday Follies...

Weekend, here we come...!
(and about damn time, too)
Welcome to the final Friday and weekend for the first month of this still rather "new" year.
Next week, we get to begin anew with February and all the fun that comes with it.
Our Hoosierland weather will see us with mostly cloudy skies once again, and highs today around the freezing mark, We might well see some snow showers today with minor accumulation, so you might want to keep that brush for the car handy. Such conditions could make travel a but on the slick side, especially on the side streets and overpasses, so take the appropriate caution.
Now, with that behind us, let's get our cup of Friday Fortitude poured as we look to this day and see that's going on.
*** First off of the salt truck is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 29 -
---Today is NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY

(Life is puzzle enough for me these days...and the pieces are so small...LOL)
---It's also NATIONAL CORN CHIP DAY

( I "like" them, but I'd much rather have plain old potato chips.)
*** Since it's the end of the week, let's see what trouble we can get into over the next 72 hours:
January 30 -
---Saturday is NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

(nothing like a BK egg and sausage one...or several...lol)
January 31 -
---Sunday is NATIONAL BACKWARD DAY

(thought that was most days at City Hall and Washington D.C.?)
---It's also NATIONAL INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY

(or, you could just look at yesterday's post and see Michaelangelo's stuff)
And there you have it...a few things to keep yourself occupied.
*** Next up...no, I did not watch the GOP debate last night. I think I've started LENT early and given up politics for the time being. I really don't give a flying you-know-what about all the "Trump" garbage and whatever fallout comes with it.
I will say that while he says things a LOT of people want to hear, he's still a bit of a bully.

And he doesn't take well to oppositional circumstances (sound familiar?) like that guy already in the White House, who has overstayed his welcome in the past 8 years.
Let's just say the more YOU "do your own homework", the better off and the more knowledgeable you will be.
---What I DID watch was the second half of the CW pilot of DC's Legends of Tomorrow, and I have to say, it did not disappoint.

While I'm already a Doctor Who fan of several decades (you couldn't tell by now?) THIS new show takes a different path along the whole "time travel" genre of science fiction and fantasy.
To PURPOSELY go to a SPECIFIC time and place just to meet yourself without causing a paradox, is a good take on the H.G. Wells original story.

Arthur Darvill proves that he can be a ":doctor": in his own right and is every bit as capable an actor, as was demonstrated in BBC's Doctor Who and Broadchurch.
Toss in loads of action sequences as well as some really good writing, and this show should be here for a while.
*** Next up, ANOTHER robbery at Southgate Plaza.
Getting to be a "popular" place (for crime) of late. Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Police-seek-suspect-in-morning-robbery-11195209

This took place at the Chase bank  located in the 300 block of E Pettit in Southgate Plaza yesterday around 1049 hrs. And, they did mention that the perp was either Hispanic of light-skinned black. (I'd run w/ the latter)

I'm surprised the FWPD was so forthcoming with information (for a welcome change).
Maybe some of them bother to read this blog?
It IS kinda hard to hide bank robberies, because it becomes a FEDERAL affair.
BTW, those "shoulder straps" are called EPAULETS.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epaulet

Try using a dictionary once in a while.
It amazes me that people don't even need a damn GUN to get away with cash around here...or prescrip-meds...or whatever else these crims desire. ALL that's required is a damn NOTE (like the ones that used to excuse you from gym class)
Let's try that one...
"Dear store clerk or cashier: 
Please allow my son to take cash from you, because he is worthless and cannot hold a job. If he wants something else like malt liquor or cigars, let him take them as well. He's really a good boy who is going through a rough time. Thank you. Sincerely, His Mom (I think)."
Then, when that fails, stick your hand in a pocket and grab that non-existent "finger gun"...that works too.
I guess one might say that guns are a last resort for some robbers.

And REAL guns are more so, for you KNOW that replica guns ARE used..
What's needed are more clerks with real pistols who pull THEIRS FIRST to "dissuade" these robbers when they want some of OUR "free shit", for we all know that such theft steals from EVERYONE...right?
*** Next, It's THAT time of year once again in Fort Wayne.
Time to play "Count the Homeless"

Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/Yearly-count-of-homeless-a-way-to-help-11188402

Now, while I feel for those who, through whatever circumstance find themselves without a place to call "home", I do find it a bit disturbing that this city all but turns it into an annual "event"...like the 3 Rivers Festival, or the Monarch Festival out at Eagle Marsh.
All that's missing are free t-shirts (which in cold weather, would actually be a godsend to many homeless).
Last year we had 553 homeless and that's too many. Hell, ONE is too many (imho), for in today's world, with all that we have at our disposal, we can't get the homeless off our streets (or out from under bridges) in Fort Wayne.
Think about this, though...we have MORE homeless on our streets than we have CITY POLICE OFFICERS.

NO homeless people wanted HERE.

What is wrong with that picture?
(recruit the homeless as LEOs? Not my FIRST choice.)
While our fair city looks to spruce up the DOWNTOWN...and the RIVERFRONT...these homeless become a "blight" on the city.
I suppose it could be worse, like in NYC, where that proposal to decriminalize public urination is being "floated" (no pun  intended).
Or what about what they did in San Francisco...that new concrete PUBLIC URINAL right smack dab in Dolores Park?
Here's THAT story:
http://fox40.com/2016/01/28/san-francisco-park-reopens-with-new-outdoor-urinal/

A PUBLIC urinal...how "novel" (and filthy)

Yep, for some odd reason, the leftards are all for pissing in PUBLIC.
When the hell did THAT become an issue?
They SAY this is to: "combat the scourge of public urination".
Okay, this qualifies as a "WTF???" moment.

Where's the PUBLIC litter pan?

You "cure" public pissing by creating a MEANS for people to DO EXACTLY THAT?
What the hell kind of freaking LOGIC are you morons operating on, anyway?
This is Bizarro World, folks...no doubt about that.
*** Next up, Belinda Lewis, department head of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is retiring.

I for one, will be sad to see her leave, as she ran one of a few departments in the city that actually DID something to make things better.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/Animal-control-pioneer-to-retire-after-long-career-8463143

She's been a true asset to the city, and it looks like Amy Jo Sites will take over as department head. Amy Jo is good people too, so Belinda is leaving Animal Care and Control in good hands.
I say, if you have the opportunity to retire early...go for it.
Life is too short to work yourself into an early grave.
*** Last back to the garage...It certainly takes ALL kinds of people to make up the world.

And, sadly we all too often hear about the BAD people, because they are newsworthy.
But, we also hear about them (I think) as a way to remind us of what NOT to become.
Same can be said for the GOOD people.
We hear or read stories about them and hopefully try to emulate them at some level, because of who they are...think role models here.

If there is one thing we can never have enough of, it's positive role models.
Lord knows we have an abundance of the BAD ones in every venue you can name.
So, our job becomes one of discernment...separating the "wheat from the chaff", as it were.
We need to get future generations acquainted with the GOOD role models, and decry the bad ones. And, it's never too early to start the process.
I would prefer that we had the days back from my youth, when good role models far outnumbered the bad ones, but such dreams are hard to recapture.

The best we can do is to keep seeking out the good people, or better yet, try every day to BECOME one of those good people...grow closer to that which we value.
And never settle for who we were the day before, but always find ways to become better than we were yesterday.
Sounds like a plan to me.
Do have yourselves a great weekend.

Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.
See 'ya next month.

Thoughts For Thursday...

The weekend is so close, you can feel it.
And, I'm sure many of you have been awaiting it with quiet anticipation.
Not to worry - it's on it's way.
Our Hoosierland weather will see us with partly sunny skies to begin with, turning to mostly cloudy skiesas the day progresses, with our temps rising to around 35 degrees.
We do have the chance for snow showers this afternoon and into the overnight hours.
So, let's all get that morning drink parked nearby as we see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First off of the rock pile is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."

This was spoken by none other than MICHELANGELO (di Lodovico Buonarroli Simon), noted Italian sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer of the High Renaissance (March 1475 - 18 February 1564).
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo

Considered to be the greatest living artist of his time, he is since been considered one of the greatest artists of ALL time. He obviously had a profound influence upon the development of Western art.
His versatility in the disciplines he took up was of such a high order that he is often considered a contender for the title of the archetypal "Renaissance Man" alongside fellow Italian Leonardo Da Vinci.

His two most famous works, the PIETA and DAVID were sculpted before the age of thirty.
He also created two of the most famous frescoes in the history of Western art  - the scenes of Genesis on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and The Last Judgment on it's altar wall.

The WIKI, as could be expected is a rather long read, but gives you a nice look into the life, times, and works of art of Michelangelo.
Few people throughout history have provided such a beautiful legacy for the world to marvel at.
*** Next up is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 28 -
---Today is NATIONAL HAVE FUN AT WORK DAY

(I'm sure there are many for whom such things are on the impossible side)
---It's also NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

(guess that could be having fun at work - strike up the band)
---And, it's NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY

(funny, didn't hear anything about this at Ihop or Bob Evans)
---Also, it was on THIS date in 1986 that the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51-L) disaster took place.

Here's the "4-1-1" on this tragedy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster

It would be later that evening when (then) President Reagan delivered his message to America NOT regarding the State of the Union (as he had planned), but spoke to the Challenger disaster, and he quoted from the poem "High Flight" by John Gillespie McGee, Jr:
"We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of Earth' to 'touch the face of God.'

Can't say that there were many dry eyes after hearing that.
*** Next up, did you know that the NYC city council is proposing to decriminalize PUBLIC URINATION ?

Here's the story:
http://www.thepoliticalinsider.com/40005-2/
Okay, so this is being proposed "so MINORITIES can achieve their FULL potential"?
Are you freaking shitting me? What leftard is behind THIS?
Here's another article:
http://nypost.com/2015/07/10/apparently-its-now-ok-to-pee-on-the-streets-of-new-york-city/

NO full potential realized here

We've got public urination where we live in SE Fort Wayne, and not only is it never caught by police, but it has certainly NOT helped ANY of the minorities down here achieve anything except bladder relief...period.
The Big Apple could soon become the Big Urinal.

None here either...

I had initially thought that NYPD "commish", Bill Bratton was okay with the decriminalization of these "low-level" crimes, but apparently, he is strongly AGAINST it, because he believes (and rightly so) that such crimes will lead to BIGGER crimes. Ah, it's good to see that the Broken Window Theory is still taken to heart.

The council woman behind this proposal

I expect this proposal by their city councilwoman (seen above) to fail, but then again, the city IS run by Komrade DiBlasio, so anything is possible, isn't it? That's what you get with a leftard democrat in charge,..every single time.
*** Next up, more details in that robbery - chase - car crash I mentioned yesterday.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/2-arrested-after-store-robbery--car-chase-11176218

Police released the names of the two perps and it's nice to know such "men" are trying to reach their FULL POTENTIAL  by robbing a gas station at 2 AM on the NE side of town, and then trying to evade police by driving in excess of 120 MPH to finally crash the car into a house on Vance Ave.
Nothing says minority "success" quite like that, does it?
Gregory T. Clark, II already has a rather lengthy rap sheet, but it looks like Chancellor Shaquille Thomas has chosen to join this "club" as well, because he was the driver of the car (never let a rookie take the wheel in such situations). Clark had his license suspended several times and had numerous drug charges against him.
Such up-standing examples of minority manhood.

Absolutely NO potential here.

Well, they were STANDING UP when those mugshots were taken...does that count?
Maybe, if they were permitted to buy alcohol on Sundays, and public urination was not a crime in Fort Wayne, both of them would have done much better in life than they' have so far?
ROFLMAO...yeah, right.
*** Next, the FWPD  has ONLY waited three weeks to divulge some video of two men who stole from the Meijers on Lima Rd. Better late than NEVER?
I don't think so. Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Information-sought-in-Meijer-theft-11176487
This took place back on 11 JANUARY - THREE WEEKS AGO.

No wonder the arrest rate isn't what it SHOULD be here...information is TOO DAMN SLOW in getting to the public; those who can perhaps actually HELP the police in nabbing scum like these two.
And since Loss Prevention doesn't have a 3rd shift at the store, there was no one to stop them.
This pair probably knew as much, and that's why they struck in the early morning hours (doesn't any male under the age of 40 SLEEP at night in Fort Wayne?)
*** And while we're on the topic of NOT presenting information to the public in a timely fashion when it comes to crime, how about THIS story:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/Police-need-help-identifying-suspect-in-alleged-Walgreen-s-robbery

I did manage to clean the photo up a bit.

This took place around 2135 hrs at the Walgreens located in Southgate Plaza (along Pettit Ave), but it happened back on 14 JANUARY...!!!
Again, it took THIS long to get a video capture to the public? Gimme a break.
At least the ONLY stuff the robber got was what he placed on the counter (like some Steel Reserve malt liquor), because the clerk just said NO to the robber when he handed a note saying it was a robbery.
And while he stuck his hand in his pocket,. he never brandished a firearm (doesn't mean he won't get charged for ARMED robbery anyway).
Personally, I think the people should be DEMANDING some accountability from the FWPD command for their "lack of vision" in allowing these two cases to grow cold over the last 3 weeks, when the populace COULD have been helping police look for these perps.
*** Last back to the exercise yard...this is not a perfect world, and none of us are anything close to attaining perfection (it's that "all fall short of the glory of God..." kinda stuff), but what's the harm in TRYING to be better, hmm?

I don't mind the attempt or the challenge, because THAT is worth SO much more than doing nothing, which is what many seem to content themselves with these days.
If you believe otherwise, then review what I said yesterday about mediocrity.
Why settle for average when you can shoot for excellence?
That sums it up nicely, right?
Still, we see the result of those who don't even bother to try to better themselves.
They only go about SERVING THEMSELVES, usually at the cost of something (or someone) else, for nothing is really "free". Would it be that some of these jerks would devote HALF as much time and energy to a WORTHWHILE pursuit instead of criminal activity...that would go far to change not only the perception but the reality of how we view certain elements in our society.
We can't legislate stupidity, but some can try to allow pissing in public...where's the "win" there?

If the NYC court system (or that in any other city) is overwhelmed, then perhaps more judges are needed, or a better and more expedient prosecutorial arm of law-enforcement is required.
What is REALLY needed is to send a very STRONG message to law-breakers...DON'T DO IT.
Regular citizens always have that Sword of Damocles over THEIR heads for a myriad of things..time to hang one over the heads of the criminals...the way things USED to be.
You "play"...you PAY.
 Simple as that.
Anything less is not advancing ANY society in any way, shape or form, regardless of race, creed, religion, or ethnicity.
Solutions can be forthcoming (and often easy to figure out), as long as the REAL problem is defined.
That's called common sense...and it still works.

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

Humpday Happenings...

It's the final Wednesday for this first month of the new year.
In some ways, this month seemed to fly by, while some days dragged on.
Curious how that seems.
Our Hoosierland weather for today will see us with partly cloudy (or partly cloudy, depending on your preference) skies, and temps hovering around the freezing (32 degrees F) mark, with some stiff breezes. Seems were in a bit of a rut when it comes to the forecast. Still, we move forward, if for no other reason than the fact that we're bound to time in a LINEAR fashion.
So let's get our warm and soothing morning drinks poured as we take a look at what's been going on elsewhere.
*** First off of the sofa is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."
I think in a world full of the dumbing down of our educational system to accommodate a few while hurting the others, and the rampant mediocrity at every level of government and occupations, this quote squarely hits the ten-ring. So WHO said that?
The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back in St. Peter's Basilica...
*** Next up, we have our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
January 27 -
---Today is NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY

(funny thing, Wifey and I JUST finished the one I baked over a week ago last night for dessert, so we've had this one covered for the last ten days)
And we've only got that one thing for today, kids.
*** Next up, let's see what some of the local morons have been up to in our fair city.
--The first story has to do with a "parking issue", and, as can be deduced, a picture IS worth a thousand words. At least we know the person involved was a black guy.

Helluva park job

But, here's the link with the caption:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/Driver-of-crashed-car-sought-11155395
--The second story deals with a robbery, then a pursuit, then a crash into a house on the city's NE side.
Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2016/01/27/high-speed-chase-ends-after-car-crashes-into-home/

Took parking lessons from the first guy.

As can be expected, the FWPD has released FEW details about the incident, like the suspect descriptions, or whether items stolen from a Lassus gas station located at 7405 Maplecrest Rd were found in the vehicle, or even the description OF the vehicle.
It's not said if even the men are being charged or why they fled from police.
The pursuit ended with a crash into a tree and then a house on the 6200 block of Vance Ave.
All this technology and less information provided...that doesn't seem right or fair to the tax-paying public, does it?
Remember, "An uninformed public is a malleable public".
You may quote me.
*** Next up, and speaking of EDUCATION, here are a couple stories about just that:
--The first story is about how the A-F grades for our schools (here) are improving).
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/schools/A-F-grades-improve-for-13-schools-in-area-11151445

South Side HS - Wifey's alma mater

Naturally, FWCS spokesperson (for life), Krista Stockman would not speak to that issue, just how South Side has improved over the last several years.
--The second story is about how there is a plan being put in place to do away with the problematic ISTEP+ tests in Indiana. Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Panel-OKs-2017-end-for-ISTEP--11152061

And long overdue, too.

They are looking for a new test, and hopefully, THAT one will not be laced with all the issues this last one had, AND be a better barometer as to ACTUAL achievement, and not lay the weight of such things heavily upon the teachers.
--The third story is about how a rally for school choice is being "touted"....(really?)
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/schools/Rally-touts-Indiana-s-school-choice-option-11155637

Vouchers are screwing up public schools

Anyone ever stop to realize that decades ago, many cities shot themselves in the foot when they CHOSE to do away with MANY of the "neighborhood schools" in lieu of this busing BS (many times across town).
The expenditures alone for such an endeavor far outweighed the "progress" many students were expected to achieve, and the educational system has been stick in "catch-up mode" ever since.
Now, they push school CHOICE rather than fix what's broken with the public schools, making them (once again) the bastions of learning that MY generation attended...and graduated from with much higher rates than any you see today.

The parameters of learning.

It would seem the best way to extricate ourselves from being mired down in this mud puddle of mediocrity, would be to back up a tad in order to go forward and get out of the rut...right? Works well enough for vehicles.
One aspect not really mentioned is how OUR area schools basically outperform most all OTHER areas in the entire STATE...didn't hear about that one, did we?
We're better than Indy, Gary , South Bend, Muncie...you name it.
With the exclusion of very small areas with smaller schools and private schools, we top the damn list.
And we beat every other area with larger minority student populations, so whatever programs the other area schools have as far as diversity and all the other BS they wasted money on, we're doing BETTER than they are, Not hearing a word about THAT, ar we?
*** Last back to the comfy chair...there are always those who remind us to "never look back", but be more forward-thinking.

That's all well and good, as long as people don't forget where they came from and what used to work for us in the past.
You'll often hear me say that "I miss that", referring to times from the past that demonstrated without a doubt that we HAD the wherewithal to accomplish so much, and how we seemed to have misplaced that ideal in our lives and our society.

When we condone mediocrity and all but hold THAT in higher esteem than true accomplishment, there is something dreadfully wrong.
When we cater to a handful while neglecting the masses, we hurt everyone.
When we look to education not as actual achievement, but rather dollars and cents, without regard  to what it all is actually COSTING our children in the long run, we harm our very future in ways we've yet to realize.

I say we NEED to look to the past...to history, and the things we have learned from it, whether they were positive or negative, because a failure to do so NOW, will indeed produce a greater failure in decades to come. The future is not to be toyed with, for all of us will be spending a LOT of time there, won't we?

And failure is something this nation should never become comfortable with, and definitely not something we need to embrace as anything approaching a "new normal".
We are better than that, and we need to start believing it and showing it.
Therein lies the lesson for today.

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