02 July 2014

Humpday Happenings...
Welcome to Wednesday, and with it World UFO Day.
Now, if you FORGOT about that when I mentioned it yesterday...no big deal; it's also I FORGOT DAY, so you're covered.
Nice when things work out, isn't it?
Anywho, the Hoosierland weather will see a slight cool down from previous days, some more sun, with a high of around 79, and much less humidity, in spite of the fact that we're "supposed" to get some scattered showers throughout the day (most likely not).
But, let's not permit such things to dampen our spirits today...we've got another day of living to get under way.
So, pour yourselves that refreshing morning beverage of choice, and then we can plow straight ahead into the day.
*** First out of the corral is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."
So, who said that, anyway? It would seem that this is much in tune with what is going on in today's world more than ever.
And, since this week ends with the celebration of OUR OWN Independence Day, I thought it most fitting.
The answer will be at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at the Vatican...
*** It's THAT time of year...AGAIN (sighs).
Time to go out, spend money on something that lasts a few seconds and then is gone forever.
Time to waste some money again.
Talk about a lousy return for such an "investment", hmm?
(might as well use a Hamilton to light the BBQ)
It's FIREWORKS SEASON in Hoosierland...
(not to be confused with WABBIT SEASON!).
Coming from a city that KNEW that many people were too stupid to properly handle pyrotechnics, I grew up watching those "professional" shows...the ones that were FREE to attend, and lasted the better part of an HOUR.
Now that's much better than backyard fireworks, right?
This can cost up to $100!
And...the PRICE was right.
What I see year after year, are "people" (to use the term loosely) who spend literally HUNDREDS of DOLLARS to buy ALL sorts of pyrotechnic nonsense, meant to only BOTHER normal people (and pets) who attempt to get to sleep after midnight for weeks leading up to and following the 4th of July.
What is even more amazing, is that these same people don't bother to get their vehicle door repaired (rope to hold it shut...I kid you not) BUT YET, have money a'plenty to waste on FIREWORKS, that they set off in the street, beginning after 10PM.
Some even manage to purchase those MORTAR ROUNDS...the kind that go straight up 50-100 feet and then go off with a loud BOOM. That's the one that rattles anything NOT nailed down in your house.
Now, this crap doesn't come CHEAP...
I see the displays at various stores, and read the adverts for the "proper" fireworks places that are open only several weeks a year.
At the least, just ONE "bundle" (less than a dozen) of decent aerials will set you back anywhere from $15.00 to $40.00.
That's ONE bundle that will last less than 3 minutes
The size of baseballs!
Some morons around here set off this kind of stuff for HOURS, which leads one to believe that a LOT of cash passed some hands to bring this "fun" to OUR block.
Since 10 June, we've heard fireworks going off (they're not permitted before 29 June, but no one follows the laws), and the closer we get to the 4th of July, the more prolific the noise becomes.
Sadly, the lawmakers have ALLOWED this...
I guess normal people who prefer to attend those free professional shows can get screwed?
Well, ALL of this is...(you guessed it)...BY DESIGN.
And I even have some proof to share (from today's paper):
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140702/EDIT07/307029993/1021/EDIT
Now who could have EVER guessed that all the fireworks flap was POLITICAL in nature?
You just had to know this.
Indiana state lawmakers have a VESTED interest in the LAX laws we have for fireworks.
(some even own various locations - shame on you, Bob Morris)
NOT where they should be set off.
I suppose what bothers me the most about all the fireworks going off is something a real estate salesperson would be keen on...LOCATION.
In an area with LOTS of trees, and houses in much closer proximity of each other, anything goes, as opposed to a more RURAL setting (nearest neighbor is several hundred yards away in the "crowded" areas...lol).
That's why such things were not permitted in Philly - too many blocks of ROWHOUSES, and the potential for FIRE, which could easily decimate an entire block (or more).
Much the same COULD be made for the case to NOT have certain types of fireworks within the Fort Wayne city limits (with exceptions).
One exception would be the vacant (for years) Scott's parking lot along Decatur Rd...PUH-LENTY of room to set off damn near anything with little if no chance of setting anything on fire, or damaging anything like houses, cars, and the like.
"...OOPS!"
But NOOOoooooo...that's would make TOO damn much sense to do that; have all the "neighbors" take their kids over THERE and shoot off all the damn MORTAR and AERIAL rounds, right?
And, it could be monitored properly, instead of this ad hoc pyrotechnic show in the middle of some damn street (with traffic flowing between "the rocket's red glare and the bombs bursting in air".)
What the article mentions is the SEVERITY of injuries, especially to children (see my post with video from last week), and you get the picture.
I maintain that everyone can have a good time, and, if they feel the need, set off store bought fireworks IF they would just take into account the fact that THEY (themselves) are not at the center of any universe, and have to SHARE this planet (and neighborhood) with OTHERS.
*** Last back to the hog wallow today...it all comes down to RESPECT, doesn't it?
Respect is one of those things in life that doesn't JUST stop with WE, the people.
Having a good healthy :"respect" for other things keeps one safe, and in extreme cases...ALIVE.
Where people go wrong is when they believe that THEY should get respect, without necessarily having to give some along the way...
And that's not a good thing.
A trained gun owner learns to RESPECT that firearm he/she has in their possession.
The criminal does NOT, nor will not.
Animal handlers RESPECT the creature they're tasked to care for (at zoos for example).
Sailors, fishermen, and ship captains have a great respect for the OPEN SEA.
Electricians and those who work with high voltage power lines have a healthy respect for...electricity (because it can kill them).
Ditto for nuclear power technicians...and chemical workers, and refinery personnel.
And yes, even those who work with pyrotechnics have a great respect for the items they create for our enjoyment.
(to do less can cause injury or death, and that ruins a weekday REAL fast)
Many occupations require that we have a RESPECT for what we work with, such as machinery, or dangerous materials.
But, when it comes to our fellow man, we fall woefully short.
Maybe it's because many of those fellow men can't fight back (or won't), and people love to take advantage of such a venue.
Criminals LOVE it, in fact..that's why they get away with what they do as often as they do.
If we respected one another HALF as much as we respect those "things" I mentioned earlier, we just might be on track to reclaiming some of the principles this nation was founded upon.
Therein lies the lesson for today.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

6 comments:

CWMartin said...

As you know, I don't exactly share your problem with fireworks... but then, I don't share your neighbors, either. I just smile and say, "Damn, the British are sure getting closer..."

Bob G. said...

Chris:
I would not be opposed to setting off some of those buggers (easy enough to handle compared to OTHER "devices" that go "BOOM"), IF we lived out in the boondocks.
In a CITY, there should be a modicum of respect for others AND common sense (both of which are in VERY short supply where we live).

I just don't feel I need hearing protection to watch my TV (I reserve that for the shooting range...heh) or have the FWFD on speed dial during this time of year.

I WISH it were "just the British"...THEM I could REASON with (and share some tea...lol)

Thanks for stopping by today to comment.
Stay safe up there, brother.

ms nk rey said...

Back in the day you had to go out of state to buy fireworks. Mostly we shot off bottle rockets across the river. They don't bother me so much, but like Chris says I don't live in your hood. I can see where it would be dangerous and annoying in a city.

Bob G. said...

MsN:
I like bottle rockets across a RIVER...sounds like fun.
But the rounds the idiots around here shoot off for HOURS each night have NO place in an urban environment...not with all the foliage and no REAL open spaces around.
I might be stodgy (like to think not that much), but it can cause more harm than good, and good should be the reason for fireworks at ANY time of celebration.

Thanks much for stopping by today and commenting, dear.

You stay safe down there.

John DuMond said...

Wow, I had no idea there was such a thing as World UFO Day. Cool. I may have to come up with some UFO-themed movie to watch tonight.

I'm with you about the fireworks. Those things are going to drive my dogs bat-crap crazy. Never a fun time. :(

Bob G. said...

John D.:
Might I suggest the following UFO flicks?
--The Day The Earth stood Still
(the ORIGINAL version)
--This Island Earth
--Earth vs The Flying Saucers
--War of the Worlds (1951)

Can't go wrong with ANY of those...good clean fun (from a better time).
Gotta have popcorn too...lots of it.

And yes, PETS are needlessly bothered by fireworks...maybe that's why we NEVER see any of them show up at the public displays.

Thanks a lot for stopping by today to comment.

Stay safe (and enjoy your movie tonight) out there.