Humpday Happenings...
I'll tell you faithful readers one thing...if I'm not having SOME type of computer "problem", I'm just not living right!
Yesterday, the "newest" member of our computer "collection" decided to do the "mode-loop" two-step, not allowing it to properly boot in ANY mode. It had been doing a CHK DSK (D drive) for about a week, so I predicted this would happen...seen it all before, ALL too often.
And what usually comes of it, is either a trip to the computer "fix-it" shop, or a replacement unit (been there, done that too many times to count). I have never exercised my THIRD option (yet)...namely SHOOTING the damn thing.
In any case, this system has joined my parents in taking that long DIRT NAP, so I'm running our (primary) backup unit, the second being our netbook, currently being recharged (hint: ALWAYS have a "Plan-B").
In my case, I try to have a "Plan-C through H"...LOL.
Now, it might interest you all to know that the average life span of a computer (these days) is anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on usage, environment, and of course, my personal favorite...abuse. (who said you can't boot up a system with a TACTICAL BOOT, anyway?)
That's not a long period of time....I had those little green pet turtles that lived LONGER...and ran better, if you can call what they do "running".
Fortunately, misery DOES love company, so I find it comforting to hear the FWPD and their on board computer woes from the various officers - everything from air cards to d-base issues. Lucky for me, I'm not trying to "protect and serve" anyone other than those within my immediate sphere of influence (my home - my castle).
Now, it's interesting to note that the store we usually take our ailing systems to is none other than STONE COMPUTER (up north, where ALL the shopping seems to be in this city, but at least THEY know us by our FIRST names there now), and it was this store that had a robbery on Saturday afternoon. Two people walked in, milled about and then took off with TWO flat-screen monitors.
Store personnel gave chase, with one employee rolling off the hood of the getaway vehicle. One of the monitors WAS recovered, and the employee is none the worse for wear. The car appeared to be a dark colored Saturn, from what I could make out from the store video cam.
Having worked for the (now defunct) Circuit City in security and store refit/ buildups, I can say we had damn near anything and everything that COULD be lifted "away" wired or otherwise nailed the hell down. At the camcorder "island", everything was wired with alarms, should anyone wish to make a "five-finger discount".
I would suggest at STONE COMPUTER, that if they have to stock peripherals on the sales floor, punch a hole in the box corner, run a security cable through them all, lacing them together, and call it done. Easy to get one for a customer if need be, and a much better way to control "shrink".
(and yes, I am available for consultation on security issues...for a very affordable fee)
It just makes good sense to keep shoplifters in their place, which (to me) would be either OUT of the store altogether, or in the slammer.
It costs us ALL in the end, make no mistake about that. We ALL pay for THEIR thefts.
And speaking of the FWPD...
Early this morning, around 0315 hrs, several perps tried a home invasion at the house located at 4730 Reed St.
One of the perps got more than he bargained for. He got SHOT.
(huzzah for the good guys)
Suspect shot during home invasion - Male is in critical condition
Updated: Wednesday, 27 Jan 2010, 6:05 AM EST -Published : Wednesday, 27 Jan 2010, 6:05 AM EST
Annie Ilnicki - WANE
One person is in critical condition after police say he was shot because he tried to break into a home.
It happened Wednesday around 3:15 a.m. at 4730 Reed St.
According to police, multiple suspects tried to break into a home.
Two people were inside at the time, and one grabbed a gun and shot one of the suspects.
"The victim who we believe to be a suspect was struck, and he was later located outside the home," said Officer Raquel Foster, F.W.P.D. "His face was concealed with a mask and a weapon was found nearby."
Medics took that person to the hospital in critical condition.
The other suspects ran from the scene, and may have gotten into a dark colored car.
Police haven't made any arrests, but the incident is still under investigation.
Here's a link to the News-Sentinel story:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100127/NEWS/1270353
((Update - 1330 hrs - the suspect that was in critical condition has died at a local hospital - nice shooting. That makes homicide #2 this year. More to follow as it becomes available))
Hey, FWPD...come over MY neighborhood...bet'cha find what you're looking for. We have LOADS of dark-colored vehicles (and people for that matter) that might fit whatever description you have to go on.
Again, kudos to the shooter.
I will say this...when it comes to POLICE CALLS on the SOUTH end of town (my "happy" hunting grounds), you will invariably find that there are a LOT of runs that occur between the hours of 2300 hrs - 0400 hrs.
We see robberies, break-ins, lots of domestics (guess dem boyz likesta beatda olelady beefoe goinout ansmoking some weed), fights, and of course some traffic stops...like we DON'T have a shortage of people on our streets when normal people are at home...in bed...asleep.
Usual pattern is up by 1100 hrs, but some seem to be up ALL THE TIME (must be that METH), and many don't seem to "hit the sheets" until the dreaded 4AM hour. Well, that DOES give you a good SEVEN hours to enjoy whatever life you can eek out of this cesspool of human trash. There are nightly parties, and then the parties AFTER the parties.
Amazing for people who DO NOT WORK to be SO involved with being able to "party all the time" (thanks, Eddie Murphy).
Guess there IS something to be said for being on the government "dole", isn't there?
And like I will tell anyone...these people DO watch your house. They WILL look for patterns of behavior (by you), and will exhibit no fear when it comes to "testing the waters" by encroaching on your property, tossing things at the house, and so on.
Gee, sounds like a PREDATOR to me.
That's why I'm out the door like a shot WHENEVER I see or hear anything I should NOT...and let these mooks know, in no certain terms that it's in their best interest (and continued health) to remain OFF of my property.
It is difficult to explain this to an animal, though...the comprehension factor just isn't there.
I can (and will) pack ANY kind of heat while ON MY PROPERTY (don't need no steenkin' CCP there), and these jerks will find that out, should they push the right button. Now THAT is easy to "explain" to them.
It does make me wonder WHY we have SO many problems down here, and then I just think about the PEOPLE we have down here.
Aside from the (very) few remaining citizens that are in situations like ours, we have all the human flotsam, the castoffs of society, the dregs of humanity, and WAY too many criminally-minded minorities.
In essence, this part of Fort Wayne is the "corral" in which to keep ALL these animals penned up and away from everyone else.
And no one can convince me that this was NOT done BY DESIGN. It was, and every mayor in this city for the last 3 decades is part OF the problems we "enjoy" down here today.
Any time this city wants to "enlist" my help...well, they know where to find me (but they're too damn scared to come down here).
Ah, well...it's all relative anyway, right?
This city must like having it's own ghetto, otherwise it would have done something about it a long time ago.
It's a novelty of a sort, I suppose.
Still, it's nothing that some "tough love" and some hard knocks couldn't cure.
Lastly, tonight is the Obama SOU address.
(and I'll be taking notes, Barry...)
The down side is that Criminal Minds will be pre-empted (damn).
At least I get to watch O'Reilly...
Make a difference today, watch out for the other guy ('cause he's probably NOT watching out for you), and...
Stay safe out there, America.