Friday Follies...

Here we go kids...back into the deep freeze once again.
I trust all of you are taking the proper precautions when outside, because it IS cold (and will remain so for most of the next 7 days). And don't put that snow shovel away, either. Got more of that coming back at us over the same time period.
Our Hoosierland weather for today...COLD, with highs of about 21 degrees, although with the wind chill, it will feel like SINGLE digits.
There will be sunshine (here), for all the good it'll do with that Canadian air blowing down at us.

So let's get a nice piping hot cup of Friday Fortitude poured and parked close by, as we see what is going on elsewhere.
*** First out of the stack...it's GROUNDHOG DAY.

And, as can be expected, it SHOULD be a no-brainer that Punxey Phil or Woodburn Chuck will see their shadows, and that means 6 more weeks of winter.
Those flood lights usually have something to do with that.
And, whatever happened to Canterbury Bill?
He die or something? Probably sucking down a mojito in Cabo.

I want to go back to SLEEP, you idiot!

UPDATE - Punxey Phil HAS seen his shadow, so it's SIX more weeks of winter (it was cloudy in PA...musta been the LIGHTS on him...but at least the shadows weren't Vashta Nerada trying to devour hus furry ass (it's a Doctor Who reference).
*** Next, time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
FEBRUARY 2 -
---It's Groundhog Day

(big fat hairy deal...and he pretty much IS...lol)
---It's Bubble Gum Day

(wonder if it would freeze outside?)
---It's National Heavenly Hash Day

(tasty and has chocolate - need I say more?)
---It's National Wear Red Day

(as long as it's several LAYERS of red)
*** Next, and since it IS (already?) the end of the week, let's see what observances come our way over the following 72 hours...
FEBRUARY 3 -
---Saturday is National Carrot Cake Day

(Now that's a good breakfast...as good as cold pizza)
---It's National Missing Person's Day

(wonder how many are actually found?)
---It's National the Day The Music Died Day

(but the songs live on)
---It's National Women Physicians Day

(and a lovely group they are)
FEBRUARY 4 -
---Sunday is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

(how can I...there's NO mail on SUNDAY, dipshits)
---It's National Homemade Soup Day

(that'll work when it's COLD outside)
---It's National Create a Vacuum Day

(the only vacuum I see has EUREKA stenciled on it)
And there we go...plenty of things to occupy your time. DO remember to observe responsibly.
*** Next up, more TNB on the city's SOUTH side (the morons never take a day off).

Here we go...AGAIN.

Here's the story:
http://www.wpta21.com/story/37403011/four-arrested-after-search-of-fort-wayne-home-reveals-drugs-guns

Hogue (L) Rogan (R) - P.O.S. LOSERS!

A drug raid netter some fun stuff at a house located at 518 Buchanan St. around 1930 hrs Wednesday night.
Busted were Trayvon Diquan Rogan, 22, who lives at the house and C.J. Hogue, 21, who lives in the 4500 block of Monroe St (he's too near the "Fortress" for my linking).
Police recovered a stolen S&W .40 caliber, fully loaded handgun under a bed, as well as a freshly fired Masterpiece Arms 5.7 X 2.7 mm handgun,

Actually it's 5.7x28 mm

That's some serious firepower.
Police also came across some MJ all over the place (even in jacket pockets - they ARE thorough.
Rogan was charged Thursday with felony maintaining a common nuisance and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He was released on his own recognizance.
His court date is set for Tuesday.

Here's your "bling", boys.

Hogue was charged Thursday with felony criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and visiting a common nuisance. He was released on $2,500 bond and also has a court date Tuesday.
Hope the firearms were removed from the premises.
*** And speaking of the SOUTHEAST side, we bring you this tidbit of an update:
http://wane.com/2018/02/01/family-appeals-ex-deputy-chiefs-demotion/

I (also) maintain that former SE-DC Westfield COULD have handled the situation better, but the father of a battered teen thinks more should have been done other tha a demotion (to captain) of Westfield.

If a case isn't a slamdunk...forget it.

But, since the Board of Public Safety (and most likely the prosecutor, Karen (I may run for a 5th term) Richards are in the hip pocket of our highness, mayor Henry, I can't say how much pressure would need to be exacted to get closure by the parents of that teen.
*** Next, another good idea that SHOULD have come DECADES ago. Here's the link:
http://www.wpta21.com/story/37402677/families-of-homicide-victims-come-together-to-demand-change

We keep hearing about prayer vigils, and assorted programs created to stifle the rise in violence by blacks (and against blacks), and yet...little progress seems to be forthcoming.
The event is set for 11:00 AM Saturday morning at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church on Warsaw street.
And in a related story, there's THIS:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20180202/black-men-share-stories-in-video
((Last year, there were 41 homicides in Fort Wayne. Of those deaths, 23 were black, mostly young men. Two other homicide victims were biracial and one was black and Hispanic.
This year, the brutality has claimed five victims. Uncharacteristically, four were females and one was an unborn child.))

Now, I wonder what the "common factor" would be regarding such crimes?
Should be fairly easy to figure out...and I better not hear a single word about "poverty"...that's got little or nothing to do with any of this crap.
*** Next, looks like the DCS is falling on hard times...like it ever really did any good.
Here's the story:
http://wane.com/2018/02/01/indiana-child-welfare-chief-to-offer-update-on-agency-review/

By all means let's find more ways to spend more money taken from more taxpayers to create more programs that cause MORE generations of kids to fall through more cracks in our society...because that ALWAYS works...right?
*** Next up, Bill O'Reilly had another very good column this week. Here's the link:
https://www.billoreilly.com/b/State-of-Disunion/82294229454666870.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=staff_column

It's a very good take on the recent SotU message by a republican president, and the manner in which the dumbocrats treated it and  assailed it (and Trump) at every turn. Nice to see those jackasses show their true colors for a change.
*** Next, time to lay this stuff at the curb, and instead stop by our "Kitten Corner"...

Wha? You talkin' to US?

It was a good day to be a cat around our house, because they did very little to get annoyed at, with the exception of later in the evening when they got to running about.
After that passed, it was time to get such much-needed napping in, which they both did.
Funny how it comes in brief spurts, but it sure beats them acting out this way ALL day, that's for  sure.
*** Next up, time to check in with "Midnight and Company"...
I tried my best to let our furry twosome know that the weather was going to be getting colder once again.

I got it. Stay close by. Right.

I think they got the message, as they were both around the house all day.
Wifey thinks she saw Midnight a couple streets over when she was coming home. I bet she's the only person around here who rolls their window down can calls to cats...LOL.
Whether it was him or not, he was back at our house soon after she got home,

But we can still patrol, right?

It may have been him or not. We're not sure.
Whiskers just stays close by and usually in the shleter, because she knows what side of her bread is buttered, as the saying goes.
*** Last back to the circular file cabinet...this Sunday is the "Super" Bowl ((yawns)).

However, for those who have had enough with overpaid, kneeling "athletes" who prefer to disrespect our flag and anthem, we have alternatives.

Over on Animal Planet channel,. there's PUPPY BOWL XIV, which always provides amusement.
Or, if you prefer, over on the Hallmark Channel, we have KITTEN BOWL V

Both are a much better (imho) way to spend this Sunday, even if there is an overabundance of bad puns. All the pups and kittens find forever homes, so that's always a good thing.
Sorry, but I can't get into the Super Bowl anymore...even IF the city of my birth (Philly) has the Eagles competing (their win WOULD be a first).

I don't know what  I dislike more...the game players, the stupid-ass commercials (please, no creepy puppy-monkey-baby crap or none of the "whaaaaazzzzzuuuppppp? idiocy, or all the pre-game hype that started at what seems like weeks ago. Maybe a combo of all the above.
I also wonder how many victims of crimes will take place not only AT (or near) the game itself (in MN),  but around the nation, because you know crime never seems to take a day off...not even for the Super Bowl.
Perhaps if we find more effective ways to knock all this evil on it's ass, the more we could actually enjoy life's "diversions" as they were meant to be enjoyed.
Now THAT would truly be something worthy of the title "Super", wouldn't it?
Have yourselves a good weekend.

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