Humpday Happenings...
Is everyone ready for whatever mid-week crisis awaits us?
Let's hope so, because you know it's lurking in the wings, waiting to pounce,  like the predator it is.
(never hurts to be prepared anyway)
Looks to be much of a repeat of yesterday, as far as our forecast goes, too.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us partly cloudy skies, becoming more overcast as the day progresses, with some showers and storms this afternoon with a high of around 83 degrees.
So there you go.
Now, let's get that morning cup or glass of caffeinated bliss poured and parked lose by, as we see what has been going on elsewhere...
*** First off of the breakfast table is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"I know there is a Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men and whose goodness and mercy have always followed the American people, and I know He will not turn from us now if we humbly and reverently seek His powerful aid."

In this time of internal strife within our government, and societal upheaval at almost every turn upon our streets, perhaps it's time we think about the direction we're headed and whether or not it's the RIGHT direction. This quote speaks to that.
So, who said that? The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at Westland Mansion in Princeton, New Jersey...
*** Next up, time for the "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
AUGUST 2 -
---It's National Coloring Book Day

(cripes, I'm surprised they still make these and kids have fun with them)
---It's National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

(no condiments required, thank you)
*** Next up, yes, we had ANOTHER shooting on the city's (...all together, people...) SOUTHEAST SIDE! (thank you for your participation).

Here's the story link (with very little known as usual):
http://wane.com/2017/08/01/man-critically-hurt-in-shooting-at-apartment/
This took place at the Hickory Mills Apartments located in the 5800 block of  Turtle Creek Drive around 2000 hrs.

A man was sitting in his car and was shot. Two suspects left the area afterwards.
The victim is in critical condition at hospital. No one has been arrested.
*** Next, looks like we have one more piece added to the "end times" mosaic. Here's the story:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/technology/microchips-wisconsin-company-employees.html

I think we all had a gut feeling that RFID chips would soon be placed in people.
But (for now) the insertion of the chips (in a person's hand) are voluntary.
(and they can be "programmed")
I just wonder how long it will be until there is a "requirement" to have the procedure, and all the fun things that will follow along as a result? I only have one word for all this - REVELATION (as in read it).
*** Next up, our classical music station (WBNI) has inexplicably been off the air since yesterday afternoon. Of course, there is nothing known as to why. Might have to send along an email query.

There goes my one reason for maintaining my calm for however long it takes for the station to get back on the air. I got spoiled by not hearing commercials...heh.
*** Next,  I stumbled into a very intriguing show on PBS last night. Frontline had a program entitled: The Vaccine War.

Here's a link to the trailer and audiocast:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/vaccines/
I will say that the vaccination "process" has markedly changed since my days as a fully-immunized youth.

Back then, we had polio (which IS curable, and something FDR did not suffer from - try Guillain–Barré syndrome), as well as Tuberculosis, diphtheria, and many other "childhood" diseases (of which I got the bumper crop).
And vaccines were few and not given in mass quantities, unlike today. When you take an infant in for vaccinations, the docs line up a litany of injections, which, to me, says that's too much to expose an infant to at any ONE time. Stagger them out...allow the child's immune system to mature and adjust to the point where they won't have adverse reactions (or even fatalities) to the conglomeration of chemicals being pumped into the child.
The "herd" immunization benefits everyone (when all children are immunized), but today, we "permit" parents to NOT get their kids vaccinated, because of "personal choice", so screw the masses.
That doesn't seem right for all involved.
We enjoy a marvelous LACK of disease in our country (unlike other nations) BECAUSE of vaccines, but, like everything else in life, too much can be detrimental, rather than beneficial.

The show mentions the rise of autism in children, and many point to vaccines (and reactions to them) as a possible cause. Yet, data from studies published in both JAMA and The Lancet all but debunk these claims.
Maybe it's not any ONE vaccine, but perhaps the combinations, along with genetic disposition that causes it.
The show leaves the door open for serious debate, but still advocates getting what is necessary to not only protect the individual from disease, but everyone else who might also become exposed.
*** Next up, time to visit "Kitten Corner"

The kids were a bit antsy a day after the outage, as if they were "making up for lost time".

Still, they were just being young cats, and we can't fault them for that, can we?
I guess being that cute does have it's unique perks.
*** Next, let's stop by and visit with "Midnight and Company"...

Our black cat buddy was right there (almost) yesterday, having to come from across the street to get fed.

Returning from "patrol"

After that, he left for his "recon" around the area, but did return for early evening food.
Whiskers is ALWAYS nearby...and has become much of a fixture at the "Fortress", in fact.

As soon as you crack the patio door, there she is. It's kinda cute, but denies us the chance to get some birds at the feeder (unless she's off napping in the garden).
The only squirrels I hear are ones in the tree,  making that PO'ed  sound (if you hear it, you know what I mean).

And there is another thing I've been reluctant to mention, but here goes... It was back on 21 July 2016 when I first met Hobo, (on our garage roof of all places), and he fast became a friend who would also stick around the house daily.
I can't help but think of him every time I see the two outdoor cats and how they come by for food (and a head scratch).
So, here's a photo taken one year ago in remembrance of the brief but wonderful time we shared.
*** Last back to the dining hall...life is something to be treasured for as long as we draw breath.

And whatever we do in that life will have effects that continue long after we've passed on.
What's funny about that, is that we're not always aware of what effects those will be.
Sure, there's things you do, as well as things that are done to you, or for you.
Many times, it's not the large things that make the most difference; it's the little things. Stuff that we do without thinking, like holding a door for an aged person, or returning a greeting from a total stranger are what makes life worthwhile.
And, I fear that society is losing the ability to perform such simplistic acts upon itself.
People are too concerned with themselves, which take the "me" generation to new (and dangerous) heights.

Making the right choice should be like riding a bike - once to learn HOW to do it, it becomes something you never forget.

Such basic concepts would appear to be to complex for today's generations, save for those few who can still remember that anachronism. Count me in that number, please, and not the unwashed, uninformed, and unrepentent sheeple.
Sooner or later, I believe that people will have to return to higher level of morality, when they find that the manner in which they act today just isn't working out all that well.
But, it won't happen today. Maybe tomorrow. There's always tomorrow, right?

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