07 July 2014

Monday Musings...
I think you will find that this post might have a tad LESS MUSING in it, and perhaps a bit MORE RANT...and with good reason.
We already had ONE power outage (at 0717 hrs - for one bloody SECOND)...AND then BLOGGER went and deleted my entire post...didn't know one (accidental CTL) keystroke could do THAT, so I gotta re-enter everything...
And there were other issues...
But, we'll discuss that in a minute.
Today's Hoosierland weather will be rainy and cloudy, so don't expect much else. Sorry, not my forecast.
Temps will be around 82 degrees and nicely muggy.
So, let's pour a cup of that morning beverage and we'll see what shakes...fair enough?
Meanwhile, back in the 80s...
*** I begin today with all the asshats that managed to find those loud-ass M-80 firecrackers...the "mailbox-busters" as we used to call 'em.
We were bracketed on TWO side by idiots with less sense than that they were born with.
And the old "Fortress" was shaking like a dog crapping bones as each one went off.
Yet, unlike the walls of Jericho, OUR "Fortress" walls remain intact.
(gonna need a LOT bigger "Shofar", you dumbasses...heh)
Still, what was bothersome was that they wouldn't set them off one after another...they'd WAIT for a spell, and the sudden "BOOM" would catch you somewhat "off-guard".
Our cat wasn't too pleased with the outdoor "frivolity", either.
Wifey and I DID buy some fireworks, but NONE of ours were NOISY...just very cool, like those "fountains" that spill out cascading , multi-colored sparks all over...and smoke bombs of differing colors, and of course...SPARKLERS.
We spent less than $10 for all that...and it lasted less than 15 minutes total.
The assholes around here went on for HOURS, especially with the 30MM mortar rounds that boom when they reach apogee. You can actually feel the concussion from the blast (like artillery)
So, we had some f$cktards who spent some SERIOUS money, and not JUST for one day...oh, no...we're into our FOURTH DAY (starting on the night of the 3rd).
Same house - different day
What WAS funny (and laden with KARMA)  was the Latinos across the street were setting off fireworks IN THE STREET when a FWPD cruiser rolled up and "attempted" to make a turn (couldn't because of the rockets going off). He said something to them and they stopped completely for the night (and the officer returned a short time later, orbiting the block to make sure...ROFLMAO...
I LOVED it  to no end.
This happened around 0200 hrs Saturday morning..
God bless that officer, and why didn't we have MORE in the area?
Moving on...
*** Speaking of which, police officers in both Gary, Indiana AND Indianapolis were killed over the weekend. A sad day in both cities.
The thin blue line
My thoughts and prayers are with the comrades and families of the fallen officers.
Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140707/LOCAL06/307079957/0/FRONTPAGE
They caught the one in Indy (has a record and had an assault rifle...not bad for a serious violent felon who should NOT possess one), and the cop-killer in the Gary case was found later yesterday.
It was a citizen that discovered the bleeding officer around 5AM in his patrol car and called it in.
(pin a medal on that person)
-- AAaaannnndddd, we had ANOTHER shooting on Fort Wayne's (where else?) SOUTHEAST SIDE...
Here's this story:
http://wane.com/2014/07/07/man-seriously-injured-after-winter-street-shooting/
This took place around 0230 hrs this morning in the 5100 block of Winter St.
*** Next up, what is worse than having an old piece of "obsolete" technology...like a VCR?
Having a couple HUNDRED tapes you can't WATCH on the dang thing...that's what!
I was digging through my archives of BETA tapes Saturday, and came across some of the "classics" I had recorded in Philly a while back (from cable)...like the 1990 Captain America movie (Matt Salinger), and the COLORIZED version of The Thing From Another World (1951).
Truly...one of THE classic Sci-Fi flicks.
So, I fire up the Sony Betamax (that I rarely use and never abuse) and it promptly takes the tape...and then refuses to play.
((...BRAKE-SCREECH...))
The WORST part is that it won't EJECT the tape either (uh, oh...this can't be good).
Well, there was a little good news, in that I managed to extricate the tape in excellent shape, without damage to the tape OR the machine, but the (once-reliable) Beta VCR is now a conversation piece, more or less. I cannot get it to function as it used to...dunno what the hell's wrong, either.
Now, the BAD news...(you mean it gets WORSE, Bob?)...no one seems to WORK on these any longer, and if they do, it COSTS, and you have to SHIP it elsewhere (Fort Wayne is apparently NOT a mecca for electronics repair from decades past).
It's a "Bob" thing...these days.
It's like losing an old friend, and I was VERY bummed out Saturday and most of Sunday (Sorry Chris, no classic movies or TV for a while..if ever)
So, you can see my "options" at this point are all but non-existent.
To transfer all the tapes I have to DVDs would cost more than the price of the house...yes, I have THAT many tapes (a couple HUNDRED @ 4.5 hours each) Next, what hurts the most is ALL the time I had spent TO RECORD all of these shows and movies...WITHOUT COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION.
That was a good chunk of my life...better part of more than a few years, in fact, and it's gone.
The best analogy would be like having famed Egyptian archaeologist Dr. ZAHI HAWASS spending YEARS excavating a tomb, discovering all those treasures, and then not being able to SEE ANYTHING he recovered... Yeah, that covers it.
"...And MY beta tapes are over THERE..."
But...there is always...a plan.
I will attempt to get a used model online (gonna be a couple hundred bucks), and HOPE that works out for me. Cassette decks I got on eBay in the past have panned out well.
You have to realize that the model I have (SONY SL-S600 - seen below) was a top-of-the-line non-stereo model back in 1990 (when I got it...from a place in TEXAS), and set me back close to $400 bucks (then).
I usually don't like to buy junk, kapeesh?
The ONLY other alternative would be to send MY unit off (someplace else in the USofA) and have it repaired (parts are VERY limited availability if at all to be found). THAT will also cost close to a couple HUNDRED bucks...so damned if you do, or damned if you don't.
Yeah, it's a crapshoot either way...and a costly one at that.
At least I have a TV repairman coming to service the (1980s era) Mitsubishi CRT 21" stereo set in the living room (takes a while to "warm up")...before THAT craps the hell out on me.
*** Now, along those lines...here's an idea (of mine) that would solve a SH*TLOAD of problems...
Leave it to Bob...
Okay, say you have ALL these video tapes...weddings, movies, family excursions, etc, and NO way to play them as VCRs (in general) are becoming harder to find. Betas are damn near impossible.
Here's the plan...
Why not make a PLAYBACK ONLY "deck" for BOTH tape formats?
They wouldn't take up any of the room that an old VCR does, they'd weigh less than 2 pounds, the cost would be relatively LOW (as cheap as a current DVD player (and come with a remote for the hell of it), as it doesn't have to do anything but load, play, and unload a tape.
A REWINDER can be bought separately, for cheap...I already have one for the Betamax. Or you could always have a REW button on the deck, again...for the hell of it.
We have sonething in common, Bob.
Most video tapes were not stereo anyway, so you wouldn't even NEED two (or four) heads for playback...just ONE.
The technology certainly exists (and has as long as VCRs have been around), so WHY hasn't anyone MADE ONE yet?
Talk about an opportunity for some "American Exceptionalism", hmm?
Seems they would FLY off the shelves with all the tapes STILL out there, collecting dust in some box in some closet, basement or attic.
And those who get a playback deck would STILL be able to watch the old home movies, see loved ones again, and relive a lot of good memories.
(and I could watch that 1990 Captain America movie again...)
Damn shame I don't have a million to develop it.
Whoever would make these (SONY would be my first choice, as they originally had the patents on BOTH tape formats) could make a VHS version and a BETA version...case closed, eh?
You :"could" also have these decks with multiple outputs to OTHER devices (TVs are a given of course, even digital HD flatscreens) such as DVR machines, and you could effectively "BURN" your OWN copies of what you have on all those tapes...
Like I said, this is another one of my "BOBBY G. MILLION-DOLLAR MAKING IDEAS" that will NEVER be created...BUT SHOULD!
Someone could clean up on this, especially if they initially sold them through HSN or QVC...or even AMAZON.
I mean WTF is taking SO long to invent something SO damn simple that SHOULD have come along SO damn many years before???
*** Okay, now onto a "birthday" celebration of sorts...my FIREBIRD is officially THIRTY ONE YEARS OLD (blow out the candles)!
The Fortress's "Batmobile" (sidekick not included)
I took purchase of this car that long ago (from Triboro Pontiac in Cinnaminson, NJ), and it's been a "love affair" ever since, even though "we" had some rough times along the way.
(don't ALL "couples"?)...LOL.
Funny thing...THAT tech still works fine - the combustion engine has been around for over 100 years, and it STILL works, AND you can FIX it when it breaks.
Still running...after all these years...
Can't say that for electronics, can we? Thank all the overseas companies for that...underbidding us for damn near everything...which leads to massive RECALLS for cars in the USA...who'da thunk THAT one?
I remember the time a couple buddies and myself were sitting around, a few drinks apiece under our belts, and we came up with an "idea" to put the RADIO functions into the STEERING WHEEL of a car, so that your gaze would not wander as far from the windshield when changing stations and so on.
They STOLE our idea...because they could.
Honda came along with that a DECADE later...wonder where they ever got THAT idea, anyway?
Now, since the advent of bluetooth and cell phones, THOSE functions can also be found within the center or side areas of steering wheels...
(that's why they also cost SO damn much to replace)
But hey, that's the way life goes...YOU think something up, and someone ELSE makes the money off of that idea, right?
*** Last back to the garage today...technology is always changing...it's constantly "in flux", as it were, and woe to those of not fortunate (or wealthy) enough to keep pace with all of it.
And yet, some technology from the past STILL lingers about us...like the venerable TURNTABLE.
They STILL make NEW ones...for ALL those OLD records many of us STILL have...why is that?
Why have those and not a new video tape machine?
Or NEW cassette players?
A wall of OLD tech...I miss this stuff.
And what about the original LASERDISKS?
They were more of a forerunner to the modern DVD than video tapes, and they died a rapid death in the consumer market.
So, what WILL be next, and render ALL our DVDs obsolete...and available players non-existent?
How's about cranial IMPLANTS?
A movie by THOUGHT?
THAT should make driving even more "fun" than it is now (with all the distractions).
Let's never go THERE, hmm?
Better than M/S...for a reason.
Apple has changed their computer O/S fewer times than the fingers on one hand...they just keep amending the one they HAVE...making it better all around, while
Microsoft spits out new versions of O/S every few years, all with more bugs than a damn bait shop...and we're stuck with NO support for the former versions...how fun is that, kids?
And we HAVE to buy it, or else (go to MAC...lol)
I think we really should hold on to SOME of the tech from a bygone era...just so we can recall what we can do by manufacturing a BETTER product overall (and also, as a "plan B")...if we choose to do so, rather than change everything every other year.
Besides, doesn't all that was once old become "new" again...sooner or later?
Just some things to think about...
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there,America.
((and hang on to those video tapes...JUST in case...lol))

04 July 2014

Friday Follies - Independence Day Edition...
Welcome to the end of the week, and what better way to greet it, than to celebrate the 238th year of our independence from British rule.
The Hoosierland weather today will certainly be accommodating with temps climbing into the mid-70s, mostly sunny skies, mild breezes...all in all a great day to get to know some HISTORY.
So go top off your morning cup of PATRIOTISM, as we get the show rolling into our 239tTH YEAR of freedom.
*** First off the flagpole today...you DO have our flag out, right?
I mean, nothing says FREEDOM than to see Old Glory in the breeze, hmm?
Probably the most important symbol of our nation, aside from the bald eagle, and it is there to remind us that freedom is never "free"
It's bought and paid for with the sacrifice, blood, and toil of brave men and women who fight for liberty under the banner OF that flag.
It's the COURAGE displayed by the everyday man or woman.
It's the FAITH such people display when embracing their Americanism.
And, it's the HOPE that they will be able to continue enjoying the freedoms and liberties that were embraced by those who founded this nation all those years ago.
Here is the WIKI on the 4th of July:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
There you will find not only the history behind today, but the timeline of observances.
What is troubling though, is that today has become inclusive of such "events" as the Nathan's hot dog eating contest in Coney Island (started in 1972).
Now, while hots dogs are "all American", the REAL meaning of this day seems to get lost while contestants pig out for prizes.
Then, there are all the "sales" events at various stores.
In many ways, we have supplanted one form of celebration for another, and they are NOT as much alike as we would prefer to believe.
*** Next, in many ways we have gotten away from much of the meaning of today, and while fireworks, barbecues, parades and such DO serve to imbue a sense of "festiveness" to the day, it's a far cry from 1776...or even 1787 (when our Constitution was adopted).
The only marking of this day back then, was a THIRTEEN gun "salute" at sunrise and sunset in Bristol Rhode Island, in observance.
NO one was really "partying down" on this day for some time from 1776 forward.
They were too BUSY fighting, and in many cases dying for freedom from England.
After the Revolutionary War was over, the founders of this fledgling country and her citizens were busy crafting and adopting the Constitution...a better form of self-governance, and that took time, and also, initially not all the representatives of the original 13 states were on board with it...took a little time to get everyone on the same page.
How we spend today seems SO far removed from then.
I think all of you know how to properly observe today, and will endeavor to preserve that for which this day has become, and how much it means to every one of us who are Americans.
*** Last back to the stables...here are some words from wise people concerning the 4th of July.
*************
If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. 
Ronald Reagan

I look forward to a great future for America - a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.
John F. Kennedy


Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.
George S. Patton


America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.
Harry S. Truman

True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.
Clarence Darrow

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
Alexis de Tocqueville


Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.
Calvin Coolidge

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Edward Abbey

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
Patrick Henry


We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
Abraham Lincoln


If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
George Washington


Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John Adams


Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
Thomas Jefferson


Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public.
Theodore Roosevelt

Our national motto is 'In God we Trust,' reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all.
Marco Rubio
*************
That kinda says it all...or at least most of what needs to BE said, right?
Have yourselves a very good day in knowing WHO we are as Americans and WHY we celebrate.
Also, enjoy the rest of this extended weekend.
Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

03 July 2014

Thoughts on Thursday...
We're at the eve of the day in which we celebrate our independence from tyrannical rule, and yet, I can't help but be bothered by what is being defined as "freedom" in this country of late.
We'll delve further into that is just a minute, but first, what does the Hoosierland weather have in store for us today?
It will be milder today (best day all week, in fact) with temps getting up into the low to mid 70s.
We're starting off cloudy to boot, and that should be giving way to sunnier skies.
Got a nice breeze outside as well. Great day to have that morning cup of your favorite beverage...and enjoy life...and freedom...and such.
*** First out of the rucksack today is the answer to 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."
This was spoken by Pope John Paul II, born Karol Josef Wojtyka
(18 May 1920 - 2 April 2005)
He was the second longest serving pope since Pius IX.
Here is his WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II
In my lifetime, I consider him the most influential pontiff to sit in the Vatican, and the fact that he managed to reach so MANY people around the world of most EVERY faith speaks volumes as to his effectiveness as Pope and his love for humanity, having lived through some of it's worst moments in recent history.
His life story is one that should be read, as it teaches us much about the human condition.
I think the WIKI is a good place to begin that trek, and gives insight into what elevated this man not only to the highest position in the Catholic church,. but made him into one of the world's best known, respected and loved people in recent times.
Moving on...
*** Is there a new GAS TAX in our future?
Well, if "King Henry" has his way, the realm would see as much and here's the proof:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140703/LOCAL/307039965
Our monarch posed before a damaged school bus that was staged to appear to have a chunk of bridge fall upon it - to garner the "pity vote" or as a "scare tactic" to make his point known when it comes to road repair funds.
Either way, doesn't phase me one damn bit. Typical democrat mantra...TAX and SPEND.
And he brought out some UNION people (to rub council's nose in the vote down for collective bargaining).
Currently, road work is paid for with the GAS TAX (at the pumps), but officials (whoever the hell they are this week) say that the national highway trust fund will run out of money unless Congress acts.
(Well, if Obummer would stop HIS spending on all if his pet projects that have failed wonderfully so far, we'd probably HAVE the funds, because I'd wager he's had his hand in more than a few of the cookies jars on this one.)
The White House wants to repatriate offshore funds and close tax loopholes to fund such things...(redistribution of wealth?)
Republicans would fund highway repairs by closing Saturday mail service or collecting online sales taxes.
Henry wants something done and says "the gas tax has not been raised in 20 years - it's time to fix that".
By RAISING it as oil prices surge thanks to Middle East crises?
That makes about as MUCH sense as drilling another hole in the bottom of a boat to let the damn water out from the first hole.
Democrat city councilman Geoff Paddock is also on board with this, as I'm sure ALL democrats are...the ones who don't have to fret whenever THEY pull up to a gas pump, unlike the rest of us working-class "serfs".
How did Mel brooks put it?
"It's good to be king"
Yeah, that's it.
*** Next up, Baer Field Speedway has closed...abruptly at that, and here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140703/SPORTS07/307039966
Lots of intrigue here...such as threats against the owner of the track, and a "rebel atmosphere" with the drivers.
How about I propose this possible scenario...
This was brought about against the owner of the track in order to MAKE him sell the place...and guess who "might" be willing to purchase the track AND the nearby land? The Fort Wayne Airport Authority (as part of that 25 year masterplan I mentioned some time ago here).
Make sense if you want to EXPAND, and the areas NORTH aren't as readily available as those SOUTH of the facility.
It should be interesting to see if the closing of the track is permanent.
*** This story is part of the reason I say we can reclaim houses down here and get veterans into them...
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140703/FEAT/307039993
Here we have it...
Homes for Wounded Warriors.
See...it CAN be done...and SHOULD for those who suffer the ravages and disabilities of warfare.
While building new homes is always preferred, many houses CAN be renovated ( to very nice results. AND for LOADS less money per structure), and made to accommodate those with injures that limit the warrior;'s mobility, and this story talks about just that.
It's a good read, and gives more substance as to WHY I think this can be done down here on the SE side...
This would chase the crime out, get GOOD people into housing (that is obviously needed) and bring back businesses in drives again.
Nobody loses in this  scenario...and that's something we can all wrap ourselves around, hmm?
*** The ladies might find this a fun thing to know...
Fort Wayne has been called the dumbest city...and the fattest, and a few more "less than distinguishable" things in the past, but we now have one in the POSITIVE column, and guys, we have YOU to thank.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20140703/LOCAL0201/307039957
Seems our city ranked # 4 in the "hottest guys" list.
((...record-scratch...))
What?
Seriously?
Well, I suppose that ASIDE from the drunks, the women-beaters, meth-heads, child molesters, rapists, burglars, car thieves, robbers and gang-bangers, we MIGHT have a few that fill that bill...somewhere.
I'm just NOT seeing it.
Or perhaps there's an underlying reasoning at work here...
-- Fort Wayne WOMEN have set their standards THAT low...or like "bad boys in general"?
I'm from Philly, so I can be a bit more OBJECTIVE in this regard...Fort Wayne men are like men most anywhere else (aside from being pigs...lol)
Maybe the women here like all those men with tattoos?
Or perhaps it's the amount of alcohol the men can consume, and the lack of reasoning that follows?
I know it explains much in the ghettohood...all those "boyfriends of the month" for all the government-sponsored baby-mamas.
This is the tripe that "matters" to those enough to even conduct such a "study"...Guess some people have World Cup withdrawal?
*** Last back to the root cellar today...what matters most to people today seems a far cry from what USED to matter to those at the start of this nation.
And I find it amusing that on the day BEFORE our own Independence Day, we have "disobedience day".
The words FREEDOM and LIBERTY should mean something, and not from the standpoint of "being able to do whatever I want to".
It also doesn't mean we start banning WORDS from our lexicon, because the next step might very well be the burning of books.
(we still remember those, right?)
We have an AMERICAN way of doing things...and an AMERICAN CULTURE  that we have labored upon for the last 200+ years, and that's being usurped by those who basically don't like this country, but are too damn cowardly to move the hell AWAY from it.
I DO like this country...I LOVE it, in fact.
Can't see myself living anyplace else, and enjoying all the freedoms we have...the ones that other countries that have been around a LOT longer than us are unable to provide to THEIR people.
But, we have to maintain our "American-ness", in that what made our country UNIQUE in all the world needs to be maintained...and nurtured, lest we become like all those other nations who envy US, but will never readily admit to it.
We celebrate our independence so that we should be able to UNDERSTAND what was done in order to SECURE that independence.
That was sacrifice...courage...strength...persistence...perseverance...and perhaps a wee bit of luck.
Our founding fathers knew what had to be done...and set about doing it.
Every generation since has done what was needed to make our country better than the previous generation...a "legacy" if you will for the descendants...the children of those who came before us.
Current generations need to LEARN this...and REMEMBER this, and also be willing to do what is needed to ensure the AMERICAN way of life for those who live here...both NOW, and (more importantly) for the generations yet to come.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

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.