Thoughts For Thursday...

My first thought today is it's pretty damn COLD out there this morning...
And when you stick your nose out the door, I'm sure you'll concur.
We're fast closing in on the weekend, and it never seems like it comes soon enough, even after an abbreviated week like we just had.
Another 360 or so days and we can do this all over again.
Our Hoosierland weather for this frigid morning will consist mainly of cloudy skies, some light snow showers (just enough for a dusting south and less than an inch up north - your amounts may vary), and a high of only EIGHTEEN DEGREES (that's 18, folks). Tonight we drop down to single digits (oh...joy).
With any light snow, be mindful that it will cover the standing water which has taken to freezing.
Practice safety when both walking AND especially driving, because you won't know where the ice will be. Do plan ahead.

Some people get SO ecstatic...

Now, let's get that coffee perking, that tea poured and the hot chocolate nicely "marshmallowed" as we see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First off of the ice rink is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time."

This was spoken by James Evershed Agate (9 September 1877 – 6 June 1947) who was a British diarist and critic.
And right here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Agate
I find it interesting that such good words are written or spoken by people I have never even heard of.
The WIKI is a pretty good read, although it's not sensational. It just tells about someone who became a theater critic in London and includes references to his published diaries (yes, men keep them too).
Just a man who chose to chronicle his daily activities was considered entertaining by those who read the "ego" diaries. makes me want to read some and check them out.
I mean, the man does make some good sense.
*** Next up, we bring you our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 5 -
---Today is National Screenwriter's Day

(makes you want to pay more attention to those credits)
---It's National Bird Day

(too cold to sit outside with binoculars...pick a warmer day)
---And, it's National Whipped Cream Day

(damn near anything tastes better with it...except broccoli)
*** Next up, we've a good amount of STUPID out there today, and here's the proof...

---The first story proves to us that not all republicans are conservatives (like we didn't already know that). Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Gas-tax-hike--new-fees-for-roads-17115573

Sure, waste money on programs that aid the lazy while our roads fall the hell apart.
And then, to "solve" the problem, hike the GAS TAX about TEN CENTS.
(at the same time OPEC reduces production, spiking prices nationwide)
But wait, we're not done yet...
Let's also tack on a  $15 annual "statewide infrastructure improvement fee" on all vehicles registered in Indiana.
Oh, and let's add a $150 fee on all electric vehicles (which the feds are so keen on having us drive).
The story talks about OTHER "plans" to raise the close to several hundred MILLION bucks per year to repair state roads and highways.

Far from the best solution...just the "only" one they can come up with...for the time being. Pretty damn stupid.
---The next two stories have to deal with crime (and not just in our statehouse) in the minority community. Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/Drugs--gun-found-in-car-after-crash-17119044
Our first dumbass is Charles McCreary, 25, of the 3900 block of Fleming Avenue (definitely SE side), who was involved in a hit-and-run traffic accident.

You be BUSTED.

Let's just say McCreary lied to police for starters, and faced charges of possession of a handgun without a license, with a prior felony conviction in April 2014, and possession of cocaine.
By the neck tattoos, he's probably a "banger", too.
---As you scroll down, the next story has a black male charged with threatening a person with a handgun.
Our second dumbass is Aristotle OJ Soil, 18, of the 4400 block of South Park Drive (again, on the SE side).

Another loser.

Officers tried to chase him down after the assault at the victim's house (location not specified), but lost him.
Court documents did not mention when he was arrested, but his bail is $12.5K.
---And I won't even get into the four blacks who beat on the disabled white boy and then posted it LIVE on FB.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4089510/Four-people-arrested-footage-young-man-beaten-tortured-streamed-live-Facebook.html

The four blacks (2 of them female) look like they will charged with a HATE CRIME...yes, racism is a BLACK thing as well, and it's about damn time people saw through the leftist subterfuge and brought such things to light. Can't sweep THIS one under any rug.
*** Next up, and leaving the stupid behind us, Wifey heads back to school today.

Over the last couple days, I've started taking down decorations, few as they were.
I may tackle the tree today (figuratively, and NOT literally) so as to really confuse our cats...lol.
*** Next, and that brings us back around to "Kitten Corner"...

"We're not doin' anything...right NOW."

The furry twosome were in fine form yesterday, and by that I mean as they mature, they are becoming bolder with the way they act when it comes time to we humans to eat. They both park next to the table and sit there watching us.

"Nope, still not getting into trouble."

They still enjoy chasing one another from room to room, too. Every picture I've attempted is a gray and white blur.
Fortunately, they DO settle down and take the time to rest, and THAT is when the cuteness comes to it's zenith.

Happiness is a full belly...AND, a nearby pistol.

I will say that between the birds, squirrels, laser pointers and assorted toys, they are NEVER at a loss for any sort of stimuli. oh, to have that level of energy back again...lol.
*** Last back to the locker room...have you made any resolutions for the new year?

I always try to make one, and that is I resolve to NOT make any resolutions.
I never like to make promises I don't intend to keep, and the promises I do keep are usually year-round ones, so why make a big deal out of them.
You are who you have chosen to become...it's that simple.
The culmination of all those years of knowledge and (hopefully) wisdom you've acquired is what you put into play on a daily basis. Plus, you never stop the learning process, or the pursuit of wisdom.

Problem is...some people NEVER learn a frigging thing in life, as they're too damn busy being predators against their fellow man.
To me, any resolution taken to heart is something that is a 24/7/365 gig...and not something to be trivialized.
But in today's world, that which requires diligence is often made trivial, and that which should remain trivial becomes sensational without reason.
If we are to make any progress as a people, we need to remember such things. lest we get caught up along with the rest of the lemmings, looking for the next cliff.
Just a little something to think about in this new year.

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