Friday Follies...

Welcome to the end of another "fun-filled" (?) week here in the Summit City (such as it has been).
And yes, that is the sun you might see rising in the eastern sky (about damn time). It might not last too long.
Our Hoosierland weather today will see us having partly to mostly cloudy skies, temps once again climbing into the mid to upper 40s, and increasing breezes through the day.

Now, what say we get this show on the road with a nice big cup, glass, or mug of Friday Fortitude, as we see what else has been (and will be) going on, hmm?
*** First off of the sofa is our "What the hell happens today,, Bob?"feature:
MARCH 22 -
---It's National Bavarian Crepes Day

(well, it sounds good)
---It's National Goof Off Day

(that's every day for the "locals" down here)
---It's National West Virginia Day

(got some beautiful country back there)
*** Next up, and since it IS the weekend, let's take a look at what we can observe over the following 48 hours...
MARCH 23 -
---Saturday is National Chia Day

(grow 'em if 'ya got 'em)
---It's Chip and Dip Day

(make sure you have the right chips with the right dip)
---It's National Corn Dog Day

(sorry, could never get into these at all)
---It's National Melba Toast Day

(which has nothing to do with Melba Moore)
---It's National Near Miss Day

(and a damn good thing that is)
---It's National Puppy Day

(they're always cute when that small)
MARCH 24 -
---Sunday is National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

(I like raisins and chocolate...so it's okay by me)
There we go then...enough things to keep you busy. Just make sure to always observe responsibly.
*** Next, maybe we should have a surgeon general's warning about this?
https://slate.com/technology/2015/04/the-dangers-of-letting-algorithms-enforce-policy.html

And that was from 2015.
This next story is a bit more recent:
https://medium.com/@orge/algorithms-tell-us-how-to-think-and-this-is-affecting-us-eec7fb215dfa
And this one is from 2014, when Captain America - The Winter Soldier was playing in theaters:
https://www.newnorth.com/captain-america-zolas-algorithm-predictive-analytics/

Now, the whole algorithmic landscape is upon us, perhaps not AS "severe" as it was portrayed  in the film (yet), but nevertheless, it IS growing in scope and implementation. Keep both eyes open with this stuff.
*** Next up, and, as is becoming the usual, we could not begin the weekend without starting it off on the SE side with a BANG (or several).

Here's the story:
https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/03/22/woman-critically-hurt-in-overnight-shooting/
This took place at a house (a bungalow) located at 4525 Gaywood Dr. around 0135 hrs.
A man and woman were shot INSIDE their house while sleeping , as persons outside were firing into the structure.
Both were transported to hospital. The man is in serious condition, while the woman was downgraded to critical.
Police approached a suspect SUV near Maple Grove and Weisser Park Aves, but two males bailed. One was caught near Warsaw and Pettit, but it's not clear if the two incidents are related.
Cripes, can't even get a night's sleep these days...can you? How's that State of the 6th District working out, Glynn? Still think it's "good"? Here's two people that might not agree.
Perhaps some algorithm on the behavior of the "locals" down here would serve decent citizens well. Any takers?
*** Next, let's stop on by our "Kitten Corner"...

Well, he's NOT fidgeting.

Our kids were pretty well behaved yesterday, and that's always a blessing.
We had the obligatory play time (with this one glitter ball they both love. I keep finding the thing in other rooms. Watching them bat at it and "juggle" it is hilarious. Love to get a video of that.
Violet once again crawled up on the sofa with me and fell asleep last evening.

No, tomorrow is grocery shopping day.

I had to disturb her when it was time for me to get up, but she stayed on the sofa. Gallifrey was thinking of joining us (at one point), but she stared him down as if to say "this is MY daddy right now...go away".He got his share of head-scratching time, so no problem there
*** Next up, let's do our check-in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

Dining in the open

Our furry duo spent all day close by the "Fortress", and that was good to see.

The "terrace" dining experience.

Midnight was actually out FRONT, alongside the steps when I went to get the mail. I told him to "Stay there, pal. I'll be right back." ...and he DID stay where he was.

Looks like he has a NEW spot.

Whiskers was busy snoozing in a shelter., so you know neither of them missed a meal (or treats).

Checking her "house".

It's good to spend a bit more time with them outside, now that the weather's getting better.
(just have to avoid the rain now, an not the cold and snow)
*** Last back to the family room ...Self control is better than control from without when it comes to the human condition. Always will be.

I asked not that long ago if you felt like you were being manipulated. I was referring to propaganda, and how it could be used for good or bad.

Today, that propaganda is being generated by these algorithms, or more basically, from A.I.
So, yes, we ARE being manipulated, and also being divided as a result.
Some of us are aware of this, but the majority of people in our country are not even cognizant of it taking place and how it's "guiding" their lives.

I wouldn't say that the government (per se) is responsible, but rather the monopolistic mega-companies, especially in the "information-gathering" business, which would most certainly include social media.
We need to keep a watchful eye on what goes on, and now best to avoid as much of this ":control" as possible, because, if we're not paying attention, we will succumb to the whims of those wanting power over everyone.
And that sure doesn't sound much like our country...does it?
Do have yourselves a good weekend.

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