Friday Follies...

If the weather forecasts are correct, then we should have one of the best weekends thusfar this year.
Seeing will definitely be believing.
And, I don't see a lick of rain coming along either.
Our Hoosierland weather for today will find us with fair condition, sunny skies, and a high approaching 70 degrees (here comes the oversize satin shorts brigade for another year)
I would say this is the perfect weather for me - not too hot and not too cold.
So, why don't we all settle back, get that morning drink, and have ourselves a look at what is (and what will be) going on elsewhere, hmm?
*** First out of the flower beds is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
April 15 -
---Today is NATIONAL GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY

(my eyes are glazed over just thinking about that)
---It's NATIONAL RUBBER ERASER DAY

(how best to correct all those mistakes?)
---It's NATIONAL TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY

(good reason to keep that eraser nearby)
---And, it's NATIONAL TAX DAY

(as if life isn't "taxing" enough, right?)
---It's also NATIONAL TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY

(When the unthinkable happened to the unsinkable)
---And it's the NATIONAL DAY OF SILENCE.

(ROFLMAO - well THAT is not going to happen in OUR part of the ghettohood - nice try)
---And it's NATIONAL DONATE LIFE BLUE AND GREEN DAY

(organ donation, of course)
---Now, if you watched the Ken Burns film on Jackie Robinson on Monday and Tuesday nights, TODAY is the day when Robinson made his very FIRST appearance in the major leagues, playing  for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

And baseball became a whole new sport for a lot of great players. as well as all the myriad fans.
*** Since it's the end of the week, let's see how best to enjoy the nice weather over the following 48 hours:
April 16 -
---Saturday is NATIONAL ORCHID DAY

(not even gonna try and grow those)
---It's  also NATIONAL BEAN COUNTER DAY

(Time to reward those who DID your taxes)
---It's NATIONAL EGGS BENEDICT DAY

(okay, now I'm getting hungry)
---And, it's NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DECISIONS DAY

(how about we decide to DUMP Obamacare and start over?)
---It's NATIONAL WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS TO WORK DAY

(yeah, I can see that one NOT working for too many folks on their job)
---And, it's NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS DAY

(Barrett and Jackson much?)
April 17 -
---Sunday is NATIONAL BAT APPRECIATION DAY

(Bet'cha Bruce Wayne is loving this one)
---It's also NATIONAL CHEESEBALL DAY

(Eat it if 'ya got it)
---It's NATIONAL ELLIS ISLAND FAMILY HISTORY DAY

(when people entered this country LEGALLY - I miss those days)
---And, it's NATIONAL HAIKU POETRY DAY.

(Can't say I was really into this, but you go right ahead)
And there we are...PLENTY of things to keep you active, off the streets, and OUT of jail.
*** Next up, this (local) story BEGS to be spread around the Internet, and for the obvious reason.
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/Parks-turning-to-eminent-domain-12563791

I'm wondering if this really belongs in the "local" section, OR the "crime" section of the paper.
I kinda see a crime being committed, and I'm always leery when I hear the phrase "eminent domain:" being tossed about.

This is that wonderful OVERREACHING aspect to government when they tell YOU (the property owner) that you don't matter and they'll pay you "fair market value" for what you spent years investing in - sound about right?
Now, an offer had been made for the properties mentioned, but, I suppose it's not enough (and rightly so), considering the value WILL go up...AFTER the riverfront is completed.
But that begs a more important question: "Do we REALLY need this to make our city look like OTHER cities, or can we do more with less to keep our city more UNIQUE?"
---Perhaps we should see what one person thinks (in today's opinion column) about the downtown arena proposal, which is part of this whole "downtown redevelopment" gig:
(( Costly arena unnecessary
Now is the time to stop Mayor Tom Henry’s downtown arena. We do not need another arena downtown. The mayor’s hand-selected committee estimated the cost to be $43 million for an arena that will sit empty most of the year. The estimate now has reached $85 million. This estimate does not include the cost of buying property. The mayor again will force citizens and businesses to move or close their doors.
The downtown library is rated as one of the best in the United States. The library was not even contacted about the takeover of their parking lot. What will happen to the three or four fast food businesses that the local citizens rely on for their meals? Obviously, the arena committee does not care.  Fort Wayne citizens should care.
Realize that when or if the final estimate is released, the cost will be over $100 million for an arena that will sit empty for the most of the year. If the chief financial officer of Sweetwater had made an error of more than $60 million, the CFO would have been fired.
The Greater Fort Wayne committee said the community could take out a $350 million bond to pay for the arena and other projects. Citizens will be taxed to death. Obviously, a new arena downtown is more important for the mayor than his 235,000-plus citizens The sad part is: The arena will never make enough profit to recover the millions of dollars to build the arena.
The City Council must set aside personal opinions and speak up for the 235,000-plus citizens of Fort Wayne. Say no to the arena.  Don’t help bankrupt Fort Wayne. Millions are going to be asked for riverfront development. How do you expect citizens to pay? A home and food on the table are more important than another pretty building downtown.
RON RYAN
Fort Wayne ))
Ron "gets it", and he is NOT alone, either in this particular venue or the riverfront project.

How many does Fort Wayne NEED?

Hell, I was even against the Costaplenty Square project that gave us a new ball park (that the city still owes $60 MIL in bonds on, but what do I know?) The "old" ballpark (for the Wizards) was barely THIRTEEN YEARS OLD as it was.
If this city is going to try and "keep up" with other cities, then it has to accept the down sides to that, which means learn to deal with the crime that comes along with such rapid growth.
*** And speaking of crime (and how best to handle it), there's this little gem:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/us/Chicago-eyes-police-reforms-12568281
So, when I think Chicago, it's all about black-on-black crime (primarily), and how the police seem unable to stop this in their city. Yet, now, another monkey wrench in being tossed into law-enforcement there.

Lori Lightfoot - (with the HEAVY hand) for police.

Let's go and change the manner in which the police DO THEIR JOB even further, which means another "task force" designed to keep the cops more "at bay" in certain ethnic communities.
This lame-ass "panel" that was created to oversee CPD and procedures, reported that "Chicago officers have no regard for the sanctity of life when it comes to people of color."
Whatta load of bullshit!!!
No mention about how BLACKS value the same "sanctity" of life WITH THEIR OWN PEOPLE in their OWN community, does it? More like the LACK of value and sanctity in THOSE areas, tight?
Another direct slap in the face of law-enforcement.

NOT a police issue, but a CRIMINAL one.

You "cure" the problem (of rising homicide rates)  by diverting attention AWAY from it (change the way the police work) - typical liberal PC-BS, and it's WRONG for everyone.
*** Next up, and along those lines, Bill O'Reilly had a great article this week ( I get weekly emails). Here's the link (This is the 14 April column):
http://www.billoreilly.com/column/The-Unmentionable-Racial-Truth?pid=47362

That finger's loaded and pointing at ALL the pinheads.

Have to say, when he's right...he's RIGHT. The crime bill that Clinton back signed in 1994 was probably the BEST piece of legislation that came across his desk, and served to LOWER crime.
But, that was then...
The racial component at work against blacks in America is insidious, and costly to everyone else.
And, it's being perpetrated by blacks (and liberals).
Pretty sad state of affairs.
*** Last back to the patio...there seems to be this "disease" in our nation, and it's been festering for a long time.

People are not content to practice the whole "live and let live" concept. They can't seem to either keep to themselves, control themselves or stay the hell out of other peoples' lives.
Doesn't matter if you're driving, at your house, at the movies...whatever.

Now, I realize that life IS a "participation sport", but when people feel the need to "inflict" themselves upon others for no reason at all, something is wrong. And this doesn't just apply to the criminal element of society. Although, if a refresher course is desired, here's some of our "local mooks at work":
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/Fort-Wayne-Police--Man-cut-in-dispute-about-rent
We also have SOCIAL MEDIA, that has not only enticed, but actually encouraged people to force themselves into the lives of others, simply because they CAN.
And when the usual result happens, the first knee-jerk is to take way the means to enforce the laws we have out in place to keep such things from occurring.
Ignorance will beget more ignorance. It's that simple.
This is becoming a vicious cycle, and we really need to stop this crap. It's costing lives, and not only through the physical loss of them, either.
Think about cyber-bullies. Or ID theft. The list of "crimes" grows every year.
And all the while, the attention of the American people is diverted with a political "sideshow", or some other bit of tripe meant to keep us from seeing what's REALLY going on behind the scenes.
It's no wonder people are as PO'ed as they are, but that anger has to be properly channeled and not permitted to just be "let out". That is asking for even more trouble, and right now, that's the last thing we all need. We have too much to handle as it is.

Something you CAN bank on.

As the lack of moral and ethical behavior increases, so does the evil that is spawned from it.
I'm no saint, but I do have a pretty good idea of knowing right from wrong, as do many of us, and, many times,  we learned it the hard way.
But we DID learn from it, and not just ignore it, like many seem to do.
KNOWLEDGE is still the best weapon we can use against our problems.
And, it does require effort on OUR part.
But, what we get OUT of it is worth so much more than what we put into it, or, better yet, what we settle for when we do nothing.
Therein lies the lesson for the week.
Do have yourselves a good weekend.

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

Thoughts For Thursday...

It's looks as though we've manged to secure a few days of very nice weather here in the Heartland.
I don't see any rain in the forecast for at least the next 4-5 days.
And I also think we may be over all those freezing temps we get overnight. Could Spring finally be here?
Our Hoosierland weather for today will have us with sunny skies, a mild breeze, and highs approaching the 60-degree mark. Took long enough, didn't it?
Let's enjoy what we can while we can.
And, while we let that happen, it's time to get that morning drink poured as we see what's been going on elsewhere.
*** First out of the garden store is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Our principles are the springs of our actions. Our actions, the springs of our happiness or misery. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in forming our principles." 

This was spoken by none other than that icon of comedy, RED SKELTON (July 16, 1913 - September 17, 1997) who was an American  entertainer with "local" ties. He was from Vincennes, Indiana.
Here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Skelton
And here is the "official" page:
http://www.redskelton.com/

Some GREAT characters.

Now, I grew up watching him on TV, and he was one of the funniest people on during that era.
Skelton was not only a performer, even though he started out in a traveling medicine show and spent time on a showboat (The Cotton Blossom), as well as the burlesque circuit, before he made his debut in radio and them television.
He was also an artist, and his collection of clowns, (although mostly done as a hobby) were put on display at the Sands hotel in Vegas when he was performing there in 1964.
Sale of the originals was successful, and he eventually made about $2.5 million a year selling prints and lithographs of his work, which was reputed to be more than his television work.
The WIKI is a lengthy read, but it's well worth it, if you wish to bone up on one of the pioneers of television comedy.
From someone who had to go to work at the age of seven, and who rose to worldwide prominence, it's a  very good story of (basically) rags to riches.
And yes, he even made it to the silver screen with such films as Bathing Beauty (w/ Esther Williams), and the "Whistling" series (3 films total) where he plays a fictional radio detective who gets caught up in crime and intrigue OFF the air.

Not to mention, that the Red Skelton Museum (in Vincennes) was one place where Wifey visited when she was down there the other week. (and she didn't guess the quote...lol)
And you simply HAVE to hear, read, or watch his Pledge Of Allegiance.
Here's a link to the video:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/redskeltonpledgeofallegiance.htm
I will never forget his trademark sign off which was:
"Good night, and may God bless".
Wonder how well THAT would go over in times such as OURS, and on a national network channel as well? I'd wager the ACLU would something to say about that (sadly).
Different times we live in, that's for sure.
*** Next, we bring you our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
April 14 -
---Today is NATIONAL DOLPHIN DAY

(good luck finding one in Indiana)
---It's also NATIONAL EX-SPOUSE DAY

(There are times I remember her, even after she passed away)
---It's also NATIONAL PAN AMERICAN DAY

(Kinda sounds like another oxymoron of sorts)
---And, it's NATIONAL PECAN DAY

(Eat 'em if 'ya got 'em)
And lastly, it's NATIONAL REACH AS HIGH AS YOU CAN DAY

(S'cuse me while I kiss the sky)
*** Next up, there seems to be a rather high number of vehicle break-ins of late in the Summit City, Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2016/04/13/fwpd-investigate-196-reports-of-car-break-ins-over-the-last-month/

Much of the blame for this can be placed on the VICTIMS of these crimes, says the story..
People (in their distracted stupor) tend to leave things IN their vehicles, and in plain sight, and there's nothing the perps love more than an "invitation" to take what doesn't belong to them. That's the way they shake.
Naturally, the MAJORITY of such thefts have taken place on the SOUTH side of town (more convenient than driving up north for the criminals)
There's been 196 reports (so far this year), and we're only into April.
I notice a LOT of theft reports and vandalism on the blotter, too many, in fact.
People need to remember that they ARE being watched. Your car or house/apartment IS being "noticed" by someone looking for the opportunity to relieve you of what is yours, and you need to be on constant guard these days.

Nothing in there worth DYING for, asshole.

And while car (and house) alarms serve a purpose, the sheer boldness of these criminals trumps such devices.
A word to the wise, right?
*** Next up, it looks like our own 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana ANG is on a shorter list to get the F-35 as an eventual replacement for the tried and true A-10 Warthogs.
Here's that story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/122nd-on-list-as-potential-home-of-new-F-35-fighter-12535013

Now, if you recall, I mentioned that HERE a while back (6 Feb 2012,  25 Feb 2014), and I think it would be a good fit for the 122nd Blacksnakes. Let's just hope the funding FOR the JSFs doesn't crap out, and that any and all issues with this fighter are ironed out well enough to have a viable fleet based in Ft. Wayne.
*** Next, What is being done with the old FWPD building along Creighton, down in the ghettohood? Well, it's been sitting there, being vandalized, and relatively ignored (like the city tends to do with OUR part of town). But this story might shed a little light in this darkness:
http://wane.com/2016/04/13/activists-want-to-save-old-police-headquarters-city-on-track-to-demolish-building/

Either apartments or "green space".

Yep, some activists want to SAVE the building from the wrecking ball and turn it into housing.
(that beats new housing elsewhere in better areas where crime can get a foothold THERE).
The city (meanwhile) is on track to raze the place.
It would take about $7 MIL to turn the place into apartments (the EPA might want to oversee the removal of asbestos), so the cost will be higher than usual. Not to mention, it's RIGHT near Eden Green Apartments (excuse me, I mean the "Villages at Hanna"), and that's STILL a hotbed of criminal activity. Is this potentially tossing (more) good money after bad?
While those who want the building saved do make a GOOD case, much of what they say will most likely fall on DEAF ears when it comes to City Hall. Those downtown seem to EXCEL at that. They're too busy with THEIR projects.
*** Next up,  you just KNOW when it's Springtime in Fort Wayne, because you start to see more stories like THIS one:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/Pizza-Hut-driver-reports-robbery-to-Fort-Wayne-Police

Now, this didn't take place on the SE side (where you'd expect such things to happen, and they usually do).
This happened in the 5400 block of River Run Trail (that's more NE) around 2324 hrs this past Tuesday.
Amazing that  hardly ANY news sources reported this.
A deliveryman was confronted by first one man, and then another (holding a handgun).
He was robbed of cash from his wallet, as well as the 2 large pizzas and 2-liter bottle of soda (because robbery IS thirsty work and gives perps an appetite).
The deliveryman returned to his store unharmed (bet'cha he was shaken up psychologically).
That's a shame, because that's NOT a bad area, but with more of this crap going down, it WILL get a reputation (and probably fewer deliveries).
*** Last back to the flower shop...this area is a marvelous study in contrasts.

"Can't you see this is the land of confusion..."

For example, you have some people who want to renovate a building that should be torn down. Then you have others who want new housing in places it doesn't need to be placed (over-congestion).

You have prime retail areas that cost a LOT to place a business on, while other areas can't be made ripe for retail if the land is GIVEN away.
You have police high numbers of traffic stops in SOME part of the city, while they still cannot quiet the din of loud car stereos in another.
You have parts of town where litter is practically non-existent, while in other areas, gutters are clogged with every type of litter imaginable.
You have people in many areas who actually KNOW what a sidewalk is used for, while in other areas, walking up or down the middle of any traffic-laden street is the preferred place to walk, or push a stroller.

Outta the damn street, you idiots!

So, what makes these parts of the city SO different?
Well, the short answer (as usual) is: THE PEOPLE.
In the good areas, the people know how to act NORMAL, do do stupid stuff, and basically know how to hold THEMSELVES to a certain "standard".

In the other areas...NONE of that applies, and is given a "free pass".
Many will call this cultural diversity...I call it bullshit.
You can judge who is correct here, but I think you already know as much.
People always cry out for EQUALITY, and yet, act in a manner that is contrary to such tenets of society.
How can they ever get what they feel they want (or need) at that rate?
I think it's time to (once and for all) say to hell with all this PC conventionality, and start holding EVERYONE to the same standard, and that should not even approach anything close to the mediocrity we're currently hip-deep in.
We need to ALL be doing better and expect better of ourselves AND those around us.
Then, we can enjoy that equality so many out there are desperately wanting.
It will manifest itself as it should, and the level of contrasts will dissipate (also, as it should)

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