Welcome To Case's Column
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.
In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
Scattershooting Again / Cowboys Training Facility Nearing Completion
Posted 08-13-2016 at 10:12 AM by case44
Welcome to another round of the here and there, the hither and yon, and all things similar. It's time for more Scattershooting for you in this beacon of light known as Case's Column. I'm here.............and you're there.
So let's go, then.
********
The first big event in the Dallas Cowboys' new training facility, a 12,000-seat, air-conditioned, indoor stadium, is just two weeks away. It's the Ford Center At The Star. And your writer is going to be on board for part of that day-long extravaganza in Frisco, Texas. Four football games to be done in two sessions; that's what will be on tap for August 27. And how many Texas high school students can say they play regular-season football games at a domed stadium that belongs solely to their community?
The stadium itself is completed. The office building next to it where the Cowboys will do their big business is completed. Two adjacent parking lots are completed. What isn't completed yet are the buildings that will partly comprise the plaza just south of the stadium. On the west, you'll have a building housing retail and restaurants. On the east, you'll have a multi-story Omni hotel that's well under construction but won't be finished until the start of the 2017 calendar year. But, all in all, you have to admit that the anticipation for The Star is brewing in Frisco as it has a third football stadium for its school district to play games in while two more high schools (Lebanon Trail and Memorial) await their opportunities when they enter varsity play in two years.
Nonetheless, things are going to be exciting at the Ford Center. And comfortable to boot!
********
Speaking of schools, why would anyone in any district put letterhead on a school building and then obscure the proceedings with trees? I've seen this in many places, but in Frisco, at least two or three elementary schools have planted trees right in front of the letterhead (which gives the name of the school), thus blocking the view of the school's name. Why?
Look, I've got nothing against trees, but you've got to be practical when you have a school. There ought to be a no-tree zone where you have letterhead on a building; otherwise, it isn't worth the money.
********
Thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in southern Louisiana and Mississippi, where they've had record rains due to intense and persistent tropical storms in the Gulf.
'Historic' flooding expected for parts of Gulf Coast; at least 2 dead | Fox News
********
Anyone thinking about moving into a duplex? Here are a few things to know before you make such a move.
What Is a Duplex? Potentially, 2 Homes for the Price of 1 | Fox News
********
I don't get it. I really don't understand the fascination with tattoos. Why do you suppose people want to cover themselves up with "body art" just to look "cool"? They're really defacing themselves, subject to gangrene and infections, and the potential cost of removing those things in case they change their minds or don't want them anymore. Years ago, when this crap began, I thought it'd just be a passing fad with the mainstream that it would be out in a few years. It previously wasn't mainstream, and it, sadly, isn't out, either.
Tats are just plain disgusting and ugly. They just don't look good on guys or gals. I can't even bring myself to look at anyone who has lots of those horrible things to the point where I have to look away. Houston preacher Ed Young pointed out something years ago in a sermon that I thought was very interesting. He mentioned that anyone that has a lot of tats all over their bodies or piercings in odd places suggest that the person who gets it done has a father hunger that has not been met.
Maybe that's what it is....
I've never had them. I don't need them. Clean is better.
********
Some "oops" moments in Hollywood. A prominent star on a prominent show decided to use a writer's leg for a football (as opposed to his butt, but I digress). Apparently, a disagreement had ensued on the set. The link below will tell you what transpired next.
Thomas Gibson fired from 'Criminal Minds' after kicking writer - AOL
********
San Antonio was one of the first cities to implement a traffic control program called the Intelligent Transportation System, or ITS. In cities all across the country (and some rural areas), it's become a time-saving and life-saving tool to keep people informed of road conditions and hazards. It's also used for Amber Alerts in case the unthinkable happens.
Well, folks, San Antonio's ITS...............is far from completed.
I know. You'd think that, in the place where it all began, the San Antonio TXDOT office would bring this project to full coverage all over the area. Except that that isn't happening right now. Interstate 10 east of the city, Interstate 410's southern arc, and Interstate 35 southwest of town all have no ITS coverage at this time. So what if traffic counts are lower in those places? They're not exactly isolated, you know.
Meanwhile, Houston, Dallas, and El Paso have surpassed them in percentage of coverage in their areas. So, too, has Corpus Christi.
********
Five key states are what Donald Trump needs to win if he is to get the presidency. He will need New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida if he is to get an electoral advantage. He is the one Republican who has a real chance to win New York State, traditionally a solid Democrat state. I predict he will win the popular vote nationally, but I don't think that it will be the landslide that I'm hoping for. Conceivably, some votes will probably end up with third party candidates or write-ins, but Hillary Rotten Clinton is expected to get her October surprise as has been rumored. I can't see how so many people can vote for her when she's become very unpopular even with those in her own party. This is due to her recent e-mail scandal which has only gotten uglier in recent months.
Anyway, back to Trump now. If he keeps his foot out of his mouth and focuses on the economy being strengthened again, keeping the borders closed, and ensuring security and liberty for all Americans, then he has the clear path to victory. Our nation is in bad shape after an unnecessary "fundamental transformation". America needs its country back, the way it was founded and intended.
********
Keeping with politics for another second, I still can't get over Bill Clinton falling asleep during his wife's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Best and most hilarious moment during what otherwise was a waste of an event. For those of you who missed it, here it is....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUaKTL5Nelk
********
And speaking of this YouTube link, you will have only the link to the other site on the blog pages. Where the forums are, I hope you'll be able to still access YouTube videos right here on City-Data, where it's great to be alive. Otherwise, you will need to click the link to go to the YouTube site. Several Music posters, including yours truly, have noticed that the YouTube embeddings have gone pitch black on C-D's site and cannot be accessed from here. If I am absent from the Music forums for a while, then that is the chief reason. Part of why we are on that forum is not just discussion, but also sharing the actual music with others across the world.
While the powers that be figure that out, they also need to figure out a way to fix the first post of every page, where titles have been blocked out even after you've entered them in. You can see titles on the other nine posts, but never in the top post. This problem has occurred for a couple of years now and nobody has bothered to fix it, let alone figure it out.
Come on, C-D peeps. Help us with these things, please. We need a complete website.
********
A few nights ago, we had a meteor shower that some of us got to see. Here, now, are a few picture pickings from that great show.
2016 Perseid meteor shower in pictures | Fox News
********
Back to Frisco for a second, where the new Lebanon Trail High School's band tower is multi-faceted. It's the location of the tower. On one side is the band rehearsal area on a section of the school's parking lot, and on the other is the grassy band field so the marching band can practice on grass with the field markings. And the views are from the same tower, which is fixed. How cool is that?
Imagine the band directors having to face one side in one part of rehearsal and can turn around for another in the same rehearsal if the band moves from concrete to grass or vice versa. Pretty cool if you ask me.
********
Like dogs? Here's a cuddly bundle of joy to occupy your time and play. This particular dog has a peculiar property, in that he only has three legs.
Check this out: The world is falling in love with this 3-legged golden retriever puppy - AOL
********
The United States has had an incredible showing at this year's Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro. So far, fifty-two medals have been won, with the majority coming in the swimming competitions.
We have eight days left with this. Go USA!
********
People forget how fast you do a job, but they remember how well you did it. Sage thoughts for a bright day.
And there you are.
So let's go, then.
********
The first big event in the Dallas Cowboys' new training facility, a 12,000-seat, air-conditioned, indoor stadium, is just two weeks away. It's the Ford Center At The Star. And your writer is going to be on board for part of that day-long extravaganza in Frisco, Texas. Four football games to be done in two sessions; that's what will be on tap for August 27. And how many Texas high school students can say they play regular-season football games at a domed stadium that belongs solely to their community?
The stadium itself is completed. The office building next to it where the Cowboys will do their big business is completed. Two adjacent parking lots are completed. What isn't completed yet are the buildings that will partly comprise the plaza just south of the stadium. On the west, you'll have a building housing retail and restaurants. On the east, you'll have a multi-story Omni hotel that's well under construction but won't be finished until the start of the 2017 calendar year. But, all in all, you have to admit that the anticipation for The Star is brewing in Frisco as it has a third football stadium for its school district to play games in while two more high schools (Lebanon Trail and Memorial) await their opportunities when they enter varsity play in two years.
Nonetheless, things are going to be exciting at the Ford Center. And comfortable to boot!
********
Speaking of schools, why would anyone in any district put letterhead on a school building and then obscure the proceedings with trees? I've seen this in many places, but in Frisco, at least two or three elementary schools have planted trees right in front of the letterhead (which gives the name of the school), thus blocking the view of the school's name. Why?
Look, I've got nothing against trees, but you've got to be practical when you have a school. There ought to be a no-tree zone where you have letterhead on a building; otherwise, it isn't worth the money.
********
Thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in southern Louisiana and Mississippi, where they've had record rains due to intense and persistent tropical storms in the Gulf.
'Historic' flooding expected for parts of Gulf Coast; at least 2 dead | Fox News
********
Anyone thinking about moving into a duplex? Here are a few things to know before you make such a move.
What Is a Duplex? Potentially, 2 Homes for the Price of 1 | Fox News
********
I don't get it. I really don't understand the fascination with tattoos. Why do you suppose people want to cover themselves up with "body art" just to look "cool"? They're really defacing themselves, subject to gangrene and infections, and the potential cost of removing those things in case they change their minds or don't want them anymore. Years ago, when this crap began, I thought it'd just be a passing fad with the mainstream that it would be out in a few years. It previously wasn't mainstream, and it, sadly, isn't out, either.
Tats are just plain disgusting and ugly. They just don't look good on guys or gals. I can't even bring myself to look at anyone who has lots of those horrible things to the point where I have to look away. Houston preacher Ed Young pointed out something years ago in a sermon that I thought was very interesting. He mentioned that anyone that has a lot of tats all over their bodies or piercings in odd places suggest that the person who gets it done has a father hunger that has not been met.
Maybe that's what it is....
I've never had them. I don't need them. Clean is better.
********
Some "oops" moments in Hollywood. A prominent star on a prominent show decided to use a writer's leg for a football (as opposed to his butt, but I digress).
Apparently, a disagreement had ensued on the set. The link below will tell you what transpired next.Thomas Gibson fired from 'Criminal Minds' after kicking writer - AOL
********
San Antonio was one of the first cities to implement a traffic control program called the Intelligent Transportation System, or ITS. In cities all across the country (and some rural areas), it's become a time-saving and life-saving tool to keep people informed of road conditions and hazards. It's also used for Amber Alerts in case the unthinkable happens.
Well, folks, San Antonio's ITS...............is far from completed.
I know. You'd think that, in the place where it all began, the San Antonio TXDOT office would bring this project to full coverage all over the area. Except that that isn't happening right now. Interstate 10 east of the city, Interstate 410's southern arc, and Interstate 35 southwest of town all have no ITS coverage at this time. So what if traffic counts are lower in those places? They're not exactly isolated, you know.
Meanwhile, Houston, Dallas, and El Paso have surpassed them in percentage of coverage in their areas. So, too, has Corpus Christi.
********
Five key states are what Donald Trump needs to win if he is to get the presidency. He will need New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida if he is to get an electoral advantage. He is the one Republican who has a real chance to win New York State, traditionally a solid Democrat state. I predict he will win the popular vote nationally, but I don't think that it will be the landslide that I'm hoping for. Conceivably, some votes will probably end up with third party candidates or write-ins, but Hillary Rotten Clinton is expected to get her October surprise as has been rumored. I can't see how so many people can vote for her when she's become very unpopular even with those in her own party. This is due to her recent e-mail scandal which has only gotten uglier in recent months.
Anyway, back to Trump now. If he keeps his foot out of his mouth and focuses on the economy being strengthened again, keeping the borders closed, and ensuring security and liberty for all Americans, then he has the clear path to victory. Our nation is in bad shape after an unnecessary "fundamental transformation". America needs its country back, the way it was founded and intended.
********
Keeping with politics for another second, I still can't get over Bill Clinton falling asleep during his wife's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Best and most hilarious moment during what otherwise was a waste of an event. For those of you who missed it, here it is....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUaKTL5Nelk
********
And speaking of this YouTube link, you will have only the link to the other site on the blog pages. Where the forums are, I hope you'll be able to still access YouTube videos right here on City-Data, where it's great to be alive. Otherwise, you will need to click the link to go to the YouTube site. Several Music posters, including yours truly, have noticed that the YouTube embeddings have gone pitch black on C-D's site and cannot be accessed from here. If I am absent from the Music forums for a while, then that is the chief reason. Part of why we are on that forum is not just discussion, but also sharing the actual music with others across the world.
While the powers that be figure that out, they also need to figure out a way to fix the first post of every page, where titles have been blocked out even after you've entered them in. You can see titles on the other nine posts, but never in the top post. This problem has occurred for a couple of years now and nobody has bothered to fix it, let alone figure it out.
Come on, C-D peeps. Help us with these things, please. We need a complete website.
********
A few nights ago, we had a meteor shower that some of us got to see. Here, now, are a few picture pickings from that great show.
2016 Perseid meteor shower in pictures | Fox News
********
Back to Frisco for a second, where the new Lebanon Trail High School's band tower is multi-faceted. It's the location of the tower. On one side is the band rehearsal area on a section of the school's parking lot, and on the other is the grassy band field so the marching band can practice on grass with the field markings. And the views are from the same tower, which is fixed. How cool is that?
Imagine the band directors having to face one side in one part of rehearsal and can turn around for another in the same rehearsal if the band moves from concrete to grass or vice versa. Pretty cool if you ask me.
********
Like dogs? Here's a cuddly bundle of joy to occupy your time and play. This particular dog has a peculiar property, in that he only has three legs.
Check this out: The world is falling in love with this 3-legged golden retriever puppy - AOL
********
The United States has had an incredible showing at this year's Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro. So far, fifty-two medals have been won, with the majority coming in the swimming competitions.
We have eight days left with this. Go USA!
********
People forget how fast you do a job, but they remember how well you did it. Sage thoughts for a bright day.
And there you are.
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