Thoughts For Thursday...

According to reliable sources, winter is making a return.
Well now, if that isn't a revelation.
We even have a wind-chill out there this morning.
Now, before you dig out the flexible flyer and wax down the runners, any snow we get will not last long enough for any related activities.
Our Hoosierland weather for today will be cloudy (oh, whatta big surprise), with snow showers throughout the day and a high of around 38 degrees (that's only a few degrees warmer than it is now). Got some gusty winds, too (hang onto your hat).
Still, it might warrant us having to get ourselves a nice hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, as we greet the day and see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First out of the litter-pan is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Other countries have been founded by 'accidents of force.' America is a creation of thought."

This was spoken by Dinesh D'Souza (born April 25, 1961) who is an Indian American political commentator, author, and filmmaker. He was formerly associated with the American Enterprise Institute and the Hoover Institution. From 2010 to 2012, he was president of The King's College, a Christian school in New York City.
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinesh_D'Souza

His life so far has been one of those that would make a good film.
Over the years, I've come to have an admiration of his views on American politics.
He has been a naturalized citizen since 1991, and he's obviously paid attention to the way the political circus is run here.
A graduate of Dartmouth (1983) with a Bachelor of Arts in English as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, he found himself editor of a monthly called The Prospect, a publication financed by a group of Princeton University alumni. He caught some flak from Princeton by criticizing the university's affirmative action policies.
Jumping ahead, in 2010, he became president of The King's College (a christian liberal arts college once housed in the Empire State Bldg). The college moved to a building next to the NYSE in 2012.
But, he's not been without controversy, as you will read.
Sure, no one's perfect, but what we's accused of pales when compared to what liberals (and some republicans) manage to et away with these days.

It's a really good read, and the books and films he's done demonstrate his love for this country, while taking to task all of those who would seek to subvert it.
The WIKI has some good quotes in it, as well as his various works.
I think you may find it a decent read.
*** Next up, time for out "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 26 -
---Today is National Green Juice Day

(no thanks...looks like spinach sludge - YUCK!)
---It's National Peanut Brittle Day

(be careful when opening that "can" someone bought you...lol)
---And, it's National Spouses Day

(Love 'em if 'ya got 'em)
*** Next, more grant money and more trails in and around Ft. Wayne. Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/State-OKs--1-8-million-grant-for-city-trails-17473618

Now, this is all well and good in the NICER parts of the city, where people CAN walk, run, or bike along them, but once again, our part of the city cannot enjoy such venues...thanks to criminal activity.
If you do choose to venture out on a trail down here, you'll either be assaulted, or your car will be broken into (and maybe even stolen) should you park to hike along a trail). How's that benefiting anyone BUT the criminals, hmm?

Kinda makes one sour on the whole deal. And, do BLOOD trails count?
*** Next up, looks like local gas prices are going to jump...in the UP direction. Here's the story:
http://wane.com/2017/01/23/gasbuddy-prices-at-the-pump-could-jump-this-week/

We're looking at a substantial jump to boot...expect prices to rise to around $2.29(current average price per gallon across our state) perhaps even higher.
Figures...we tank up THIS week.
And to think that while president Trump wants to get the Keystone Pipeline project moving, there are those who OPPOSE something that could well lower fuel prices in America by decreasing our dependence upon foreign oil....amazing.
*** Next, and just in time for a daily dose of STUPID...what do you think happens when you're fixin' to haul a huge load of cocaine and take time to have a "meet" at a local truck stop to pick it up?

You get BUSTED, as this story relates:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Bust-at-local-truck-stop-ends-multistate-cocaine-trip-17475266
A multi-state haul of about 37 pounds of cocaine from Texas has ended up in a property room (as evidence) after the driver was arrested when he took possession of it.
 Current prices are about $30K per pound according to DEA sources, so, you can do the math here.
Uryan J. Frymire, 37, was being held without bail in the Allen County Jail, charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of cocaine.
This all started in Brownsville, Texas, when 154 pounds of cocaine was found in the ceiling of a semi that was stopped for a traffic violation. The rest of the story is something you might find in a Hollywood movie...pretty good set-up and collar.
BTW,  Frymire has pleaded NOT guilty...LMAO!
*** Next, the entertainment world has lost a real jewel...

Mary Tyler Moore has passed away at the age of 80.
Here is her WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Tyler_Moore
I used to watch the Dick Van Dyke Show regularly, so I kinda grew up with her.

I probably saw many of her guest appearances on shows that aired before her breakout role as Laura Petrie.
I did watch her own show later on, and it sure had it's share of funny moments.

Probably one of the BEST ensemble casts of that era.
Her production company (MTM) also had it's share of successes.

Her cat Mimsie is seen in the logo.
She will be missed by so many.
*** Next, let's stop on over to "Kitten Corner"...

You can tell that our feline twosome are slowly growing out of "kittenhood", and by the way they act sometimes, you'd think they were teenagers...LOL.
Wifey called that one, and I have to agree.

"We can haz BUNK BEDZ?"

They always like to get into things they're not supposed ti, especially Gallifrey.
He never misses a chance to get onto the counter top, to which I have to put him back down on the floor. The table is another place to jump on (and as my folks used to say: "Tables were made for GLASSES...not for ASSES!").

"Let's climb up here for NO reason".

Violet just acts as lookout...can an accomplice be SO damn adorable?
*** Last back to the water-dish...I often wonder who will be the next celeb to leave us?

We've already lost SO many good ones over the years, and you know it's an inevitability.
Life is like that...inevitable.
When I watch a classic film, in the back of my mind, I wonder who is still alive that starred in the flick.
Well, at least I'm not reading the obits daily...heh.
I'd really hate to see MY name in there. That might put me off my day.
Still, it's amazing how people die ALPHABETICALLY, but I digress...
I miss a lot of the stars I grew up with, and I admit that many of the newcomers just don't seem to have the staying power that actors and actresses of the golden and silver age of movies and television once had.

The list keeps getting longer...

And we certainly had a lot fewer liberals in the acting business in the past. I REALLY miss that.
But, you have to realize that almost anything and pretty much everything IS politicized today, and that's sad.
It keeps us from enjoying that which we USED to enjoy.
Lord knows we could use an honest-to-God break from all the daily crap we encounter.

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