Thoughts For Thursday...

We're almost at the end of the month, and thankfully, at the end of this cold weather (for a little while anyway).
But, you still might want to keep the snow brush and umbrella handy in your car.
And, you might want to be careful driving out there for the better part of the day, and dress properly, because it's still a bit on the brisk side.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us mostly cloudy skies, light snow showers (with no real accumulation) and a high today into the low to mid 30s (almost a heatwave). But we won't hit the high until later on , so be warned.

Now, let's take this time to get that nice warm and comforting cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First out of the starting gate is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Our public school system is our country's biggest and most inefficient monopoly, yet it keeps demanding more and more money."
This was spoken by another "newbie" here, one  Phyllis Schlafly (August 15, 1924 – September 5, 2016) who was an American constitutional lawyer and conservative political activist.
And here is her WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllis_Schlafly
She was known for staunchly conservative social and political views, anti-feminism, opposition to abortion, and her successful campaign against ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
I have to say I remember hearing about her when I was young, but never took time to read up on her. I'd bet the left would have a field day crucifying her six ways from Sunday because of her (conservative) views.
Her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment is particularly enlightening.
As could be expected, NOW opposed her at every turn.
Also, as a sidebar, Indiana was the LAST state to ratify the ERA (a bit of trivia there).
But it's yet to become national law, according to what I've read on it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment
It has not become a Constitutional amendment (although states have adopted similar aspects to the "law").
Schlafly was also opposed to ROE v WADE.
It's a very good read and speaks to a person with honest principles and values...much of which is lacking in recent politics.
*** Next, time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
NOVEMBER 29 -
---It's Electronic Greetings Day

(no one wants to snail mail anything anymore)
And that's all we have for now.
*** Next up,  we've more on the background of one of the Thanksgiving shooting victims)
https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/mother-of-thanksgiving-shooting-victim-heartbroken/1625519032

A father of two children, one 3 months old, and a 1 year old. HAS to have a good job to pay for them, right?
Wonder if the kids have the same baby mama? His mom doesn't have the same last name...just saying. Seems to be a modern trait among many
((... he did have some run-ins with the law, including possession of marijuana and armed robbery charges. His mother said those charges aren't related to the death investigation and have nothing to do with how her son should be remembered.))
Really? Ever hear that your PAST has a habit of following you through life?
((... and was working as a little league baseball umpire.))
Well, convicted felons need a 2nd chance, I suppose, hmm?
He WAS kind-hearted...that makes up for everything...as usual.
*** Next, it seems the Prez is a bit PO'ed at GM...wonder why?
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/20181128/trump-slams-gm-for-cutbacks

Cut the subsidies? Great idea...should have been done ages ago, and I like the idea of making GM pay BACK the bailout money to taxpayers (from 2008).
Seems Ford is ahead of this curve and is NOT closing factories (just cutting shifts). It appears they DON'T want to get (back) on the bad side of the president.
Still, all of the "big 3" automakers here are moving AWAY from cars...while the import carmakers look to KEEP producing sedans (and a coupe or two).
*** Next up, here's a very good Bob Rinearson column on "tests of faith":
http://www.news-sentinel.com/opinion/2018/11/28/guest-editorial-college-students-would-be-wise-to-prepare-for-tests-of-faith/

I can imagine he challenges that college brings...far more than when I was that age.
And yes, the worse part of collegiate education can be those TEACHING the courses...like we need more indoctrination from the misinformed left to turn our kids's brains into much, right?
Bob does a decent job of calling such people out. I like it.
Unfortunately, our religious leanings are also taken to task in college these days. Didn't used to be that way.
Definitely a good read here.
*** Next, time to stop by our "Kitten Corner"...

Lunchtime...already?

The kids were pretty well yesterday...nothing of real note, except that Violet is rather slow coming out to get her lunch. Gallifrey is no problem when it comes to his eats...just mention the word, and he's at your feet...LOL.

I iz watching the inside of my eyelids.

The good thing is that I NEVER have to goad them into napping...they take very good care of that all by themselves.
*** Next up, let's check in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

Crowded, but it works.

Our furry twosome had to be fed under the table early on because of the light snowfall we had most of the day. Later in the day, we got a bit "bolder" and ate on the patio proper.
before midday,

I haz to supervise.

I took the broom out to clear the sidewalk and front steps, and I had a supervisor - Midnight just HAD to watch, and he also follows me when I get the mail.
I tell him to go back and he parks his butt IN the street, so I hurry back across )with him in tow) where it's safe.
Whiskers just doesn't get into that. She prefers to greet Wifey when she gets home, and greet me whenever I go out on the patio.
*** Last back to the finish line...If there's one thing I really don't enjoy, it's being "nudged".
That annoying physical or mental "urging" that moves us in a specific direction, and usually not of our own volition.
It's been going on for some time now, and those of us who have become aware of it have to be getting tired of it.

Remember the days when we had all those cars around? (You know where I'm going with this)

Mercury made 3 versions of station wagons.

We had 2 doors, 4 doors and even the ancient (and bygone) station wagon.
Along the way from there to now, we were (and are still being) nudged away from such things. WHY?

Early minivan

They (the powers that be in industry) took away the station wagon, and gave us the minivan. Then they took away the minivan for the crossover or some other "sport utility vehicle". Then, they stopped making 2 door cars (except for a scant few like the Mustang, Camaro, Corvette and Challenger.
Everything had FOUR doors. We were told they were "safer"...same with SUVs.

That left a mark!

Well, all those wannabe trucks have one thing in common - a higher center of gravity and that means they ROLL OVER a lot easier than ANY automobile. We see evidence of that in the news every week. Guess that's ONE way to decrease the surplus population.
Self-driving cars? Nowhere close to being practical. Electric cars? Hey, guess what? THEY also run on FOSSIL FUEL, kids!

2017 Consumer Reports BEST cars. Better tell GM that.

I'm sorry, but not having the number of choices we USED to have really cheeses me the hell off.
I've said many times that everything in life is a choice, and that we should always try to make the BEST choice we can.
That's hard to do when the choices are taken away from you, isn't it?
Just something to think about, folks.

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