BART Cop on Trial

Spent the day in the city yesterday and talked to a few people while riding the train and wandering around. Seems there are a few people on edge about what is going to happen in the next few days when a verdict is reached in a trial that has now gone to the jury.

It stems from an incident on New Year’s Day 2009 when a young black man, Oscar Grant, was shot and killed by a white cop, Johannes Mehserle. Several officers were there and it was caught on many cell phone videos, because it happened in Oakland on a train platform in front of many BART passengers. The officer thought he was pulling his Taser and firing it, but it turned out to be his gun. The other side says it was plain and simple murder.

It's up to the jury to decide and even though the trial was moved to LA, there will be some backlash whichever way this goes. High unemployment and frustration could easily lead to an opportunistic mob mentality. We see it happening too easily these days from minor things like sporting events to political events. What will happen in this case?

Doggie Dementia

I was doing some research online and procrastinating when I ran across an article about canine cognitive dysfunction. I've been around dogs most of my life, and frankly compared to people sometimes I prefer a dog's company. I still have fond memories of most of them, and this might explain a few of those dogs behaviors in later years.

They list symptoms of dog Alzheimer's or Dementia as:

Appearing to get lost of confused in familiar places.

Gets stuck in corners, under furniture or behind furniture.

Stares blankly into space or at walls, and maybe barks for no reason.

Paces or wanders aimlessly, or from room to room.

Knew where the yard ended, now wanders past normal boundaries.

No longer greets visitor or family members.


Wait I think that's MY diagnosis!

Far Side