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The funny thing is that - back in my day as an undergrad there (1975-79) there were street people who were fixtures, providing entertainment and not at all threatening. We had an incredibly old wino named "Snowflake" with white hair and a Santa-like beard - matted with soot and grime. This fellow was often seen in July wearing a filthy air force parka while stumbling up and down State Street pandering. I recall seeing him at the bar in the Kollege Klub frequently [while I ate lunch there, he apparently drank lunch there].

The other was the infamous "Art the Window Washer" - who resembled a polar bear in terms of physique. A bulging gut hanging out from under his t-shirt (even in December) - he would pose leaning against a mailbox and bellow out random unintelligible sounds at passers by. If you knew who he was, this was part of the perverse charm of State Street. To the uninitiated - it was frightening. At some point there was a bit of sympathy for Art - and students designed a t-shirt (front side "What is Art?", backside photo of Art and the text "Art is a Window Washer!") and proceeds from its sale were to help the poor fellow. I think he had the massive heart attack on the street not long afterward.

If a few random, entertaining old bums were our only problems these days, we'd be lucky.

The cops are all in a miff because The Guardian Angels are coming back to town next week to recruit and try to get a citizen watch started. They were here two weeks ago and actually completed TWO Citizen Arrests in that area which is two MORE than the local cops have completed; and they have guns and pepper spray! *Rolleyes*

Let's see...no loitering ordinances or anything else that will "move people along" or "offend" the criminal element. No guns of course, and if Joe Sixpack is caught with a pair of brass knuckles, or a slingshot, or a sock filled with pennies for personal defense...guess who goes to jail?

It's complete lunacy! As I said in an earlier post, I don't live nearly FAR enough away anymore. It used to be laughable, but since gang members shot up my little Cow Town last summer, it just ain't so funny anymore.

P.S. Even my backwater Sheriff is against arming the citizenry in our town. And as a result, he's never been invited over to my house for supper; and I'm a d@mn good cook, Fool! LOL!

And Thunder90? You be careful now that you're back on campus. If, for some unexplainable reason, you decide to be out Hip-Hoppin' at 2-3am I expect you to check in with us before, during and after you do so. ;)