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SECURITY SCHMERITY
Nolan and I touched on this during an email swapping episode, but I find it beyond moronic that a company would contemplate replacing live, thinking, walking, talking Security Enforcers with a truck with a flashing light that shows up every so often to instill a sense of "security".

Give me a break.

Not only is it an amazingly stupid thing to do, it's just plain dumb to even think of doing it. The list of possible crimes have been rolling thru my mind since Nolan told me about this move that is surely designed to save money, and not enhance safety (Re: "Changes in the Wind", frontpage.---N). It would suprise me if all that will be required for this job is to drive a truck with a flashing light. I'm sure we'd all sleep better at night thinking the company would put skilled people behind the wheel, but if it's a cost-cutting, money-saving move, I highly doubt it. Even if it is more expensive than the human element, you still take away the human element.

Hypothetical: If my wife is walking across a parking lot and there is "LIVE" security, I'm going to feel at the very least assured of the possibility of safety, knowing there's someone around. Now, take away the human security element, add a scumbag with evil intent such as rape or worse hiding in the bushes, and have a truck drive by with a flashing light. What's going to happen? You guessed it. The scumbag with evil intent will simply wait for the truck to drive by before enacting on his depraved laciviousness.

Of course, the true fraud in all this is that the residents of the apartment complex are no doubt being told "Hey, guess what, we've improved security". Most people, being non thinking and spoon-fed by the media, will accept it without thought. Others, like myself, will see it for the utter insanity that it is. My only question is how long it takes some loser to figure out their new prime area of opportunity.
(My understanding is the residents are being told nothing. If anyone asks, they'll be told something like, "new set-up." If anyone objects? "Oh, well..."---N)

FORRY REPRIEVE
As Nolan and I reported in last week's PCR, Forry Ackerman is selling off his amazing collection of sci fi and horror memorabilia due to his advancing age, health, and finances. I've just learned, however, that he has decided to keep some of his collection after all, even though he's selling the bulk of it.

Here's hoping the Ackermansion, like FM and the phoenix, rises from the ashes. I'm sure it wouldn't quite be the same, but like I always say, "something's more than nothing".

THE REALITY OF AGE
Mike has been very good at reminding us all that we're getting old before our eyes...and I'd like to think before our time, with references to Phillip [Smith] and important events such as birthdays and the like. Well, now it's my turn........

This will have more meaning to the people who know of whom I speak, but tomorrow, August 1st, my nephew, Daniel, turns 27 years old. He's engaged. And is looking for his own home to buy. Oh yeah, he's a fireman, too. Hard to believe this is the kid I used to take to the store to buy Icees, and who I terrorized with the movie "Jaws" (so much so, that it's his favorite movie of all time....of course it would be....I helped raise him).

I just still can't believe it. Like being 41. Even the thought of it takes me back to Robot: "That does not compute, that does not compute".

Till next time, take care and God bless,
Matthew