Walking on thin ice

Today around noon, I noticed footprints on the ice down by the old bridge.  The ice was only about an inch thick along shore, but someone had to try walking on it anyway.
I've heard tales of how, during some severe winters in the 1950s, guys would drive cars - on the ice - across to Wrightsville.
No thanks.

Emergency personnel kept busy due to snow

Emergency personnel were kept busy yesterday due to the snowfall. Here is a screenshot from LCWC at about 7:24 p.m.

Outdoor show: Gun rights advocates claim victory after turbulent week | PennLive.com

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/01/outdoor_show_gun_rights_advoca.html#incart_river_default

Police: Homeowner holds robber at gunpoint until police arrive

http://m.wgal.com/news/Police-Homeowner-holds-robber-at-gunpoint-until-police-arrive/-/17430522/18291036/-/lvvef2/-/index.html

Every citizen should have one, as well

GO HERE.

Frozen

More on the LCB ripoff - CEO of Liquor Control Board set to retire, become a consultant on your tax money - CW 15

How do we get this guy off the public payroll?
http://www.cw15.com/news/local/story/CEO-of-Liquor-Control-Board-set-to-retire-become/eA2ajSYrcEii0sa6BhDC3w.cspx

Lottery privatization: Camelot facing criticism in the United Kingdom for executive bonus pay and doubling of lottery prices | PennLive.com

This deal is really starting to stink.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/01/lottery_privatization_camelot_4.html

Hundreds of Lancaster County residents join March For Life in Washington in protest of legalized abortion

Columbia woman attends rally in Washington.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/807477_Hundreds-of-Lancaster-County-residents-join-March-For-Life-in-Washington-in-protest-of-legalized-abortion.html

Pa. liquor chief to retire, return as consultant at $80/hour - CW 15

"He'll be back under a state law that allows former employees to return on an emergency basis while collecting their pensions."

What's the emergency - advising on whether to choose red or white? This escapade has the unmistakable bouquet of ripoff.
http://www.cw15.com/news/local/story/Pa-liquor-chief-to-retire-return-as-consultant-at/vcCiJeBa3kCZDEYFGBkwPw.cspx

PennDOT to Inspect Norman Wood Bridge, Jan. 28-30 | WPMT FOX43

When are they going to inspect the Veterans' Memorial Bridge?  There are a lot of large cracks in the piers.
http://fox43.com/2013/01/25/penndot-to-inspect-norman-wood-bridge-jan-28-30/

Hempfield High School senior, once thought dead in crash, comes home

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/807273_Hempfield-High-School-senior--once-thought-dead-in-crash--comes-home.html

All kinds of artworks show up at the "Show up and Show Show," including works by Bob Hammer

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/807160_All-kinds-of-artworks-show-up-at-the--Show-up-and-Show-Show-.html

Freezing

This afternoon at 4:49

Prosecutors seek death penalty against Columbia couple in homicide of infant son

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/807144_Prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-against-Columbia-couple-in-homicide-of-infant-son.html

PSU names college official as integrity officer

She'll oversee compliance, in contrast to the "look the other way" policy of previous years.

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/PSU-names-college-official-as-integrity-officer/0BcH_N35n0eSKh3Smcy2Ig.cspx

Police: Bullet shot into moving minivan on Route 30

It's getting crazy out there.

http://m.ydr.com/yorkdaily/db_301241/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=HzVbmUF3

Like an unwanted guest, winter is here

This has been the week from Hell - if Hell were cold, windy, and frozen over, that is. When daytime temps are only in the teens and 20s, the prospect of a day even slightly above freezing is enough to warm the cockles of one's  heart. (What the hell ARE cockles, anyway, and are they something I should talk to my doctor about?)
The worst thing about winter, though - besides heating bills, dead batteries, and frozen pipes - is there's no one to blame it on. I can't point the finger of shame (frozen though it may be) at those rotten Republicans in Congress, or big banks, or the CIA, or the military-industrial complex. Which makes one frustrated, as well as cold. My main recourse is to bitch and grumble to whomever will listen, and no one will, not voluntarily anyway, and I don't blame them.
This morning, we got a dusting of snow, just enough to be a nuisance. Tomorrow - more snow? Who knows? Certainly not the local weathermen. I hate that false certitude they toss at us, as if anyone could predict the future. How can they finagle and lie so often and still keep their jobs?  As I've said elsewhere, every weather forecast should include the disclaimer, "For entertainment purposes only. Not to be taken seriously."
I love it when they give us the odds of precipitation, as in "There's a 40% chance of rain next Monday." If it rains, they're covered. If it doesn't, they're right, too. That kind of prediction is meaningless. One could name any percentage of probability about anything and still claim to be right. I could say there's a 99% chance of a zombie apocalypse tomorrow. If it doesn't happen, I can say there was a 1% chance against it and I'm right after all.
All that aside, we're left with the simple (and sad) fact that frigid weather is here. We're right dead-center in the dead of winter, and there's nothing we can do to change it, or hurry it along. No way to say, "I hate to cut this short, but I have things to do."
We're going to have to dig in, hunker down, and wait it out.
Old Man Winter is definitely messin' with us, and he is one nasty, old bastard.

PPL trimming branches | WPMT FOX43

PPL Electric Utilities will increase tree trimming and removal along its power lines this year to further reduce tree-related power outages and improve the reliability of electric service for customers.
http://fox43.com/2013/01/24/ppl-electric-utilities-expands-efforts-to-reduce-tree-related-power-outages/

Cold thoughts on a frigid day

Today reminds me of death. The bitter air, the long shadows, the frozen ground. Now I know why they call this the dead of winter. I need to get out of this cold.

Birds in bare trees try to out-lament each other by chirping and squawking about who's coldest.
I'm down at the tracks. A Norfolk Southern train rumbles by.

I wonder what's in those train cars. If a train ever derails, toxic chemicals could escape from a ruptured tank car and kill everyone in their sleep up to 3rd Street and beyond. Hopefully, one of the cars will also leak nitrous oxide so everyone can die laughing.

Gun Control Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Bear Arms Protection | WPMT FOX43

Great. Now get to work breaking up the big banks.

http://fox43.com/2013/01/23/state-rep-aims-to-make-federal-gun-laws-null-in-pa/

Carbon monoxide awareness; carbon monoxide signs | WPMT FOX43

http://fox43.com/2013/01/23/ugi-wants-consumers-to-be-aware-of-carbon-monoxide-danger/

NRA Eastern Sports Outdoor Show; Assault weapons modern sporting rifles | WPMT FOX43

NRA withdraws from show.  Good, keep withdrawing...back a little more...a little more...keep going...keep going....
http://fox43.com/2013/01/23/nra-withdraws-from-eastern-sports-outdoors-show/

Now, that's a good idea!

Columbia Borough should mandate this proposal.

Amish farmer charged with killing young eagle - News

Three hawks and an eagle?  Take this guy's gun away!   Oh wait, someone did.  Let's hope it's permanent.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/806328_Amish-farmer-charged-with-killing-young-eagle.html

Park Elementary principal announces retirement

Go HERE for the info.

Crime Stoppers offers reward up to $1000

Stray dog policy revised in Mount Joy Township - News

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/806317_Stray-dog-policy-revised-in-Mount-Joy-Township.html

Formerly of Columbia - Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested; Police nab sexual assault suspect in Ephrata | WPMT FOX43

http://fox43.com/2013/01/22/police-investigate-rape-at-nursing-home-in-lancaster-county/

New Year Exhibit Opening THIS FRI: The Show Up & Show Show

MAHS to host talk on Shenks Ferry and Susquehannocks - Announcements - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/806164_MAHS-to-host-talk-on-Shenks-Ferry-and-Susquehannocks.html

Cold snap!

Today's high will be 20° F.  Daytime temps won't get above freezing until this coming Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Pennsylvania State University now a leader in Clery compliance

Yeah, but what took so long, Penn State?
You got caught big time, so now you're gonna comply.
Someone needs to dig deep and find out how many other cases were covered up.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20130122_Pennsylvania_State_University_now_a_leader_in_Clery_compliance.html

Columbia OKs stray dog contract

Go HERE for info.

Blue Monday: Monday known as the most depressing day of the year - CBS 21 News

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Blue-Monday-Monday-known-as-the-most-depressing/W-f9cpsl10mMegiUKkIZMg.cspx

Lititz could be named "Coolest Small Town," but everyone knows the title belongs to Columbia

http://m.wgal.com/news/Lititz-could-be-named-coolest-small-town/-/17430522/18216130/-/1o62xxz/-/index.html

Jonal Gallery/Alverta Arts Shop Invites you to a special Fourth Friday Event, January 25

Jonal Gallery/Alverta Arts Shop 653 Locust Street - Columbia, PA 17512 717.681.9400 http://www.jonalgallery.com/Invites you to a special Fourth Friday Event, January 25, 2013 5:00-9:00p.m.

Enjoy the exciting opening of resident artist, Dale Weibley, "Black - White and Beyond" as he introduces his newest pen & ink "NEMO'S ARRIVAL" now in polychrome....

Come see "Nemo's Arrival" in black & white and polychrome and enjoy a new twist to Jules Verne's popular "Captain Nemo." Did he truly exist only in fiction or could he have been the scientific genius behind Jules Verne's writings? You decide! Either way, Dale Weibley offers a visual insight and thought-provoking stimuli into other possibilities not previously explored. Whether you leave believing Captain Nemo remains as a character in Jules Verne's novels or the science behind them, you will never truly dismiss the possibility! Dale Weibley will also premiere his new "Window Garden" series at Jonal Gallery. Come prepared to enjoy works never displayed here at Jonal Gallery and become reacquainted with some of your favorite Dale Weibley Pen & Inks, Acrylics and Oils. A joy to behold and a pleasure to own and enhance your home or work space.

On your next visit to the Gallery you will treated to a new look and expanded space of Arts Shop inside Jonal Gallery!

Be sure to have your Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce PASSPORT TO RIVER TOWNS with you as you visit us and other participating venues in Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville for special values, with "PASSPORT," at the Alverta Arts Shop inside Jonal Gallery and other participating venues. Passports available here at Jonal Gallery, the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and many other participating venues. Program ends Saturday, February 16, 2013.

See you at the Gallery, John and Dale

Lancaster Crime Stoppers offers reward in animal cruelty case; Reward Offered for info on Mack’s attacker | WPMT FOX43

http://fox43.com/2013/01/21/cat-shot-with-arrow-lancaster-crime-stoppers-offers-reward-in-animal-cruelty-case/

It includes Columbia - Northwest River Trail is taking shape - News - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/805701_Northwest-River-Trail-is-taking-shape.html

Hempfield board gets schooled in Web learning - News - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/805612_Hempfield-board-gets-schooled-in-Web-learning.html

Schools here beef up security - What about Columbia?

Go HERE for article.

Columbia school board considers options for tax increase

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/805238_Columbia-school-board-considers-options-for-tax-increase.html

Which is easier, buying a gun or a cat? CBS 21 visits gun shop, Humane Society to find out

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Which-is-easier-buying-a-gun-or-a-cat-CBS-21/B7kaJ2bQ006D5XcKkhMRmA.cspx

Susquehanna Valley Chamber launches 'passport' program - Starts today

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/801326_Susquehanna-Valley-Chamber-launches--passport--program.html

Residents of St. Anne community will celebrate service dogs - Announcements

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/803980_Residents-of-St--Anne-community-will-celebrate-service-dogs.html

YorkDispatch.InYork.com : Obama invited to deliver 150th Gettysburg Address

http://m.yorkdispatch.com/YorkDispatch/db_32980/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=NyPFZ6QY

Could a proposed Perdue plant in Lancaster County foul local air? - Could Columbia be affected?

http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_22398930/could-proposed-perdue-plant-lancaster-county-foul-local

National Watch & Clock Museum in Lancaster County offers good time for all - The Reporter

http://www.thereporteronline.com/article/20130118/LIFE01/130119471/national-watch--clock-museum-in-lancaster-county-offers-good-time-for-all-?mobredirect=true

Two arrested in Wrightsville gas station holdup - York Dispatch

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_22386893/two-arrested-wrightsville-gas-station-holdup

Fire strikes house in Columbia - News - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/803960_Fire-strikes-house-in-Columbia.html