Friday Follies - Erin Go Bragh Edition...

Welcome to the one day o' the year when we can ALL be Irish.
Tis a day to be wearin' the green.
And hopefully, it will be the start of a decent weekend to boot.
Our Hoosierland weather today starts off with some potential crappy conditions.
A mixture of snow/sleet/freezing rain is supposed to hit us early on, but dissipate by midday.
After that, we can expect cloudy skies, rain showers, and temps reaching to around 40 degrees.
So be sure to practice a bit more caution, just in case.
It could get slick out there this morning.

Now, I think it's time we all got ourselves a nice hot cup of Friday Fortitude poured and parked close by, as we see what is going on elsewhere (got some Irish Cream in my coffee to jump-start the day)...
*** First out of the shamrock patch is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
MARCH 17 -
---Today IS St. Patrick's Day

(you know the routine - look it up to find out about the most successful missionary in history)
---It's National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

(gee, now I wonder WHY that is? LOL)
*** And since we have arrived at week's end, let's see what we can observe over the following 48 hours...
MARCH 18 -
---Saturday is National Awkward Moments Day

(I actively try to avoid those)
---It's National Biodiesel Day

(a place for all that french fries oil)
---It's National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

(I love oatmeal cookies)
---It's National Sloppy Joe Day

(ditto on this)
---It's National Supreme Sacrifice Day

(honoring those who gave all)
---It's National Quilting Day

(I know this is big in the Midwest)
---It's National Corndog Day

(sorry, I'm a traditionalist when it comes to hot dogs)
MARCH 19 -
---Sunday is National Certified Nurses Day
(UN-certified ones)

sure beats all those
---It's National Chocolate Caramel Day

(gotta love that)
---It's National Let's Laugh Day

(every time I turn on any lame-stream media sources)
---It's National Poultry Day

(don't chicken out on this one)
And there you have it...lots of things to take note of. DO observe responsibly.
*** Next up, a bit more proof of how screwed up things can get, especially in OUR part of Fort Wayne.

We got a pre-recorded message yesterday afternoon regarding Indiana Michigan Power having a planned "outage" this Monday morning around 0500 hrs. The message said it would last 15 minutes and that is had to do with planned maintenance.
Why the hell can't they do this when it's LIGHT outside, and the chance of burglary is lessened?

Yeah, the last thing I want to see in our part of the ghettohood is a damn BLACKOUT!
Not to mention having to reset the damn clocks AGAIN, right on the heels of last weekend's DST change.
And then, there's making sure Wifey gets up ON TIME for school/work. They can't do this shit on Saturday or Sunday?

Weird thing...it's only in OUR area and not any other part of the city (that I know of).
How f*cked up is THAT?
*** Next, an update on the Bowser buildings slated for demolition. Here's the link:
http://wane.com/2017/03/17/demolition-of-former-police-headquarters-on-hold/

Can you believe it?
The city has put demolition on HOLD?
(good interior pictures in the story)
So, is not lost (yet). The area was slated to be "greened" up and then turned over to the local YMCA branch for use. Oh good, another place to dump those used syringes.
From the J-G article:
((“This property will allow the Renaissance Pointe YMCA to expand outdoor activities and can be used for our summer day camp recreation as well as other YMCA programs,” said Marty Pastura, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.))
Marty must still be smarting from the $1 million dollar request that was TURNED DOWN for the new YMCA branch location up along St. Joe Center Rd. west of Maplecrest . Here's that link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/YMCA-s--1-million-request-turned-down-18291178
That's exactly what happens when you come to depend on "grants".

((Speaking during public comment at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, area resident Linda Brooks said the renovated building could be used to provide essential services to the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood.

Major FAIL here.

“We have no police substation, we have no medical care facility over there for our community … that building could be utilized for something of that nature,” Brooks told the council. “When you have an entire population of people living in homes with children, this is what we need.”))
And trust me, you NEED a FWPD substation in our part of the city...JUST like we USED to have over at Southgate Plaza (20 years ago). Rusty made sure that closed down, and crime rose as a result. Another reason to "thank the city".
((“The city and McMillen Foundation talked with several developers who toured the main building and found it too costly to renovate,” said Greg Leatherman, director of the city’s Community Development Division.))

Welcome to the SOUTHEAST side of Fort Wayne!

Still, rather than take a chance at making something POSITIVE, the people there may get another "park" (read sports field of some sort) AND a memorial plaque to denote the Bowser buildings (where they all used to stand)... Big f*cking deal.
*** Next , There are times when you cannot (nor should not) argue with logic...or reason...or truth.

I asked Wifey a couple weeks ago what SHE thought the top five problems were with FWCS.
Her answers were the following:
5) Societal priorities over educational priorities
4) Public Safety/health
3) Testing (as in too much from the state)
2) Extra duties not directly related to subject matter
1) Money/funding (not necessarily salaries)

Interestingly enough, I also dug around to see what the educational landscape was in America.
It's sure nothing to write home about.
All across the nation, the picture is bleak, but we're not hearing about that much, are we?
So, I ventured further and found out some sobering facts.
Almost HALF of all teachers leave the profession in the FIRST FIVE YEARS.
(that would mean we've got too few "veterans" and too many "neophytes", right?
I checked out the main reasons for this exodus, and it was pretty revealing...

This article spells things out:
http://drpfconsults.com/4-real-reasons-why-teachers-leave-the-profession/
---Low Salary (yet, this is not the MAIN reason)
---Student Behavior (what have I said about a DISCIPLINE problem in schools today?)
---Lack of Support (from their own school system and admins...that's downright pathetic)
---Too Much Testing (again, we see this takes away from actual TEACHING)
I plan to explore this further in future posts, so stay tuned...
*** Next up, a little side-trip to "Kitten Corner"...

The little furballs were pretty good yesterday, but they tend to get this "spurt" of craziness after Wifey gets home.
I guess it's better than going nuts EARLY on, and why they have to chase each other when they have a mountain of toys to play with escapes me.
And, at least the evenings are more conducive to good behavior. That's a bonus blessing.
*** Last back to the Leprechaun club...even though Im not Irish, I do enjoy St. Patrick's Day.

Love the music, and the food's not bad. Oh, and a ice cold Guinness never hurts one bit either.
I don't think it's proper to toss sobriety to the wind today, either.
I'm not a tea-totaller. That is as untrue as the day is long. I just admire St. Patrick and what he managed to do in his life.

Being a missionary (anywhere) is not for everyone, even though, as the Bible tell su that we are ALL missionaries (spreading the good news of the Gospel). I look at this as "to each his own" We all have our gifts (from God), and some have the gift of being a missionary. It's a true calling for such Christians, and they do it well.
I'm more of the "live by example" kinda guy, and that works well enough.
So, in the best spirit of Saint Patrick, let me leave you with a wonderful Irish prayer:

I think that says it all.
Do have a good weekend.

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

Thoughts For Thursday...

Looks like we managed to chase the bad weather away...at least for a bit.
And, I managed to pull a major  goof-up yesterday. Had ALL the national days for the 16th instead of the 15th, and nobody noticed? Well, shit happens, and we'll make up for it today. Just as long as I manage to get St. Patty's Day right tomorrow, hmm?
Our Hoosierland weather looks to be as correct as they're able to predict, so we won't be getting yesterday's weather today. We're looking at mostly sunny skies, temps reaching above freezing (for a change) to around 39 degrees, and no snow or rain stopping by today. Whoop-de-frigging-do, right?
Anyway, let's get that morning drink poured as I try to ensure I don't muck anything else up along the way...
*** First off of the TV tray is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"I don't believe in quotas. America was founded on a philosophy of individual rights, not group rights. "

This was spoken by one Clarence Thomas (born 23 June 1948) who is an American judge, a lawyer, and government official who currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Thomas succeeded Thurgood Marshall and is the second African American to serve on the court. And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Thomas

I suppose you can tell he's one of the good guys, because he went to YALE rather than Harvard...lol.
Since joining the "Supremes" (in 1991), Thomas has taken a textualist approach, seeking to uphold the original meaning of the United States Constitution and statutes. He is generally viewed as the most conservative member of the court.
Funny thing about him attending Yale - his law degree wasn't taken seriously, and Thomas felt he made a mistake going there. I think he did okay.
He also values Thomas Sowell as an influence regarding his personal philosophy (good choice of role model, too).
The WIKI is a rather long read, but I found it fascinating as to who Judge Thomas REALLY is (and how the lame-stream media doesn't seem to give a crap, except for Anita Hill and how well that flopped). It provides insight as to what is meant by a conservative and how the Constitution needs to be taken, rather than (loosely) "interpreted". We could use a few more like him on the Supreme Court, that's for sure.
*** Next up, time for our (day late) "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature
---It's National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day

(man, if THAT isn't appropriate...lol)
---It's National Pears Helene Day

(don't like pears, so NO...never tried it)
---It's National Shoe The World Day

(too busy shooing other people's kids off the property...heh)
---It's National Kick Butts Day

(I'd like that to happen, but some things don't go away that easily)
*** Next up, I see where FWCS is expanding this pre-K crap.

Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/schools/Spots-at-2-elementaries-18282253
((FWCS, which already offers pre-K to more than 800 students in 19 buildings, is excited to join Indiana’s program, Assistant Superintendent-Elementary Get Nichols said. She said it aligns with the district’s mission of educating all students to high standards.))
Btw, that IS her REAL name - Get Nichols - I know what you're thinking, too. I suppose she could have wound up with a WORSE last name.
Now, why the hell do we even NEED pre-K? Is it REALLY a way to raise education standards?
Do kids who attend actually achieve more and retain more knowledge?
Might wanna check this link out:
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2015/10/new_study_questions_the_value_of_universal_pre_k_tell_that_to_working_mothers.html
And this source PDF link kinda spells it out:
http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/research/pri/VPKthrough3rd_final_withcover.pdf

I know that Kindergarten wasn't all that much about "learning" per se, so I have to conclude that any Pre-K would follow in similar fashion. But, you never know, kids might actually pay attention for a few minutes AND learn something...I guess.
I just view the whole pre-K thing as an ad hoc babysitting service for parents who can't be bothered. More than likely, they're the same parents who beg the free food gig from the school system, rather than take time to MAKE the kids breakfast or pack them a lunch (both of which is really part of being a parent).

Now, who woulda thunk THAT?

And the "best" part of this...it's a GRANT that was awarded.
I say best (with reservation), because it's the best way to screw oneself over.
Grants are not unlimited amounts of MONEY...make no mistake about that.

So, what happens when the grant "goes away"?
Good question. I've got no freaking idea where the money will come to keep such programs going, and neither do those involved.
Here's the link that discloses the truth:
http://donturbanizeupland.com/2015/07/how-local-government-is-usurped-by-grant-money-and-federal-subsidies/

Dressed up nice...still a trap.

It's only about one small town, but such grants and subsidies ARE very widespread.
That's the lovely trap that's created whenever a grant is secured...same applies to those downtown and riverfront improvement grants, and the police department grants.
How DO you keep funding something, seemingly ad infinitum with a "one-shot" deal?
*** Next , looks like we got us ANOTHER new "neighbor" behind us in the bungalow which used to be owned by a military vet (before he passed away years ago), and that means we get to start a whole bunch of new crap, as we do with every lowlife that moves nearby (haven't see a decent person move here in many years).

And the first thing these "newbies" do is park WHEREVER THE HELL THEY WANT, namely between the garage and house ON THE DAMN LAWN!

How f*cking ghetto is THAT, hmm?
Or, they just pull in at an angle (sorry, this isn't some small town like Portland).

It's called ON STREET parking for a reason, you effin' idiots. Oh, and that's a GARAGE and driveway behind the house, moron.
Cripes, can these (government-sponsored) "people" get any MORE stupid? I hardly think so.
*** Next, I think I figured out why King Henry never got back to Glynn Hines about screwing over the SE side of town (razing the Bowser building this week).

He's too busy filling out his BRACKETS for the stupid-ass NCAA "bassabawl" tourney.
http://wane.com/2017/03/15/mayor-henrys-ncaa-tournament-bracket-crowns-north-carolina/
Seriously, is this REALLY a news-worthy story???
Wonder if he had to commission an outside "task force" or consulting firm to draw up the bracket, and how much did all this cost? Also, I wonder how this will benefit the city?
You'd think he'd have better things to do...guess not.
Must be nice.
*** Next, what say we drop by "Kitten Corner"...and see what's shaking.
The twosome seem to have this routine most days...

"What is he up to now?"

Violet and Gallifrey begin the day by eating, then rest a bit, then run like crazed felines through the house, then hang around me while I eat breakfast, then run about some more, rest, watch some birds, bat each other around, and then eat their second meal.

"Got my feathered toy now".

After that, we repeat most of the above, but they do take time to rub against me (or Wifey when she gets home). Then, it's last meal of the day, followed by assorted "time-sharing" between Wifey and myself (depending what we're watching on television in the living room and family room).

Getting a head-start for sleeping.

Finally, bedtime (for we mere humans), and the cats get to select who they want to hit the sack with and for how long. And that's a typical day...lol. At least THEY'RE not doing brackets.
*** Last back to the clothes hamper...Decisions and priorities. Can't avoid them, can you?

Well, some people DO try their best...and fail marvelously.
The rest of us do the best we can, and most times, we come out ahead, even if it's not that far ahead.
We try to make the best decision we can, even if the situation leaves us nothing but lousy choices.

And, we attempt to NOT make the trivial a priority in life, but rather things that demand our attention and involvement.
That seems like a damn good plan to me, and it also seems to have worked well enough for a LOT of people.
But what about those who shirk the responsibility when it comes to priorities and decision-making?
Well, we have the government to take "care" of them, don't we? And such care never comes cheap, does it?
Funny thing, when self-reliance is supplanted by self-indulgence, the results are never good.
Sooner or later, you just gotta "pay for the hall you rented", and sadly, we have not done much to dissuade those who feel entitled to be cared for by the "state" at the taxpayers' expense.

Maybe we're long overdue for a change along those lines. Maybe we can get those who have come to demand someone else take care of them (because they're too busy indulging themselves) to start taking care of themselves.
Such a novel idea...that used to be the basis for what made this nation what it once was...and can be again.
Decisions and priorities - can't live your life (as intended) without them, can you?

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