Monday Musings...
You have to say that it was a pretty nice weekend, as weekends go (but never long enough...I KNOW).
In spite of the bouts of rain (that kept the noise down where we live, thank God), it was good enough to perhaps take a walk (again, except where we live, because you might get assaulted - the locals are known for that and for no reason).
Still, we won't let that add to any rain on any parade, right?
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us some clouds to start with, a high of around 63 degrees and perhaps the sun will stop by later on...one can never tell in the Midwest.
So, let's all settle back with a cup or glass of morning comfort, as we see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First off of the flower beds is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
MARCH 27 -
---It's National Joe Day

(And we ARE talking COFFEE here, people...sorry, Norma. Not THAT Joe.)
---It's National Spanish Paella Day

(seems we have MORE Spanish-related days than ALL of South America, doesn't it?)
*** Next up, a Cincy night spot was the target of multiple shootings Sunday morning. Here's the story:
http://www.wlwt.com/article/police-at-least-15-shot-1-fatally-at-cincinnati-nightclub/9186538

From what information that was released, this doesn't appear to be any sort of "terrorist" activity...unless you want to call it DOMESTIC terrorism, aka street-gang warfare.
(("The conflict is believed to have begun between specific groups or individuals earlier in the day, escalating and ultimately leading to this tragedy occurring at the nightclub," Cincinnati City Manager Harry Black said.

One witness told WLWT News 5 that he heard the club's DJ call for security about 10 minutes before the shooting. Cameo nightclub has had several issues in the past, authorities said. The club allows admission to anyone over the age of 18 on certain days.
“We are aware of it. It has had some challenges in the past,” Neudigate said.))
Yep, such "challenges" like that kinda screams GANGS to me. We've had similar situations here in Fort Wayne at a few clubs. Just more T-N-B.
*** Next up, I want to deviate from the usual, and talk for a bit about something that many people (especially where we live) seem to be struggling with these days...and that's a little thing we call COMPARISONS.

Every day we encounter comparisons, even when we put our shoes on, but mostly when we shop for items, or even when we look for services.
We like to get the best bang for the buck, as it were, and that's fine. Nothing wrong with that.
But, at least we KNOW the differences between that which we are looking for or wish to purchase, right? That's the thing...DIFFERENCES.
Well, some folks can't seem to make distinctions along those lines.

It's like the old Sesame Street song "One of these things is NOT like the other...One of these things just isn't the same" after a fashion. Remember that tune?
Allow me to elucidate:
---We ALL know what is meant by that place we call a PLAYGROUND, and what it's purpose is, hmm?

THIS...is a playground

THIS...is NOT a playground.

This...IS a playground.

This...is again, NOT a playground.

And this IS also...a playground.

THIS however...is NOT a playground.

Not everyone can tell the difference, but I can (so can you).
---And often within larger playgrounds, we have what's known as a BASKETBALL COURT - something ALL Hoosiers seem to be very keen on, correct?

Now THIS is a basketball court.

THIS...is NOT a basketball court.

This too...IS a basketball court.

But...THIS is NOT a basketball court.

Again, I know what it is, as do all of you reading.
Now, WTF is so damn hard in knowing what IS something and what IS NOT?
Apparently, some people cannot make a determination or "comparison" with such things.

Black Bear Creek Apts - Ft. Wayne

I would go so far as to say that many people are brought up NEVER knowing the differences shown above.
Many are raised in those apartment complexes with huge "common spaces", otherwise known as PARKING LOTS.
Again there can be found some comparisons:
Now, kids in those complexes are (often)permitted to play ANYWHERE in that complex (blame that on the lack of supervision), so when what passes for a parent today moves into a RESIDENTIAL AREA with HOUSES and not apartments, these kids are NEVER taught that the streets, yards, and properties of others are NOT those common spaces (parking lots) they have become used to.

The notorious Eden-Green Apts.

You don't have to be some sort of sociologist with a slew of initials after your last name to figure this out, either.
Obviously, our society has become a little too complacent as well as apathetic along these lines.
That's about all I have to say on this...for the time being.
*** Next, and leaving the stupid in the dust, let's take a jaunt to "Kitten Corner"...

A "giant" in the village?

The kids had a pretty good weekend, even with the thunderstorms. I think they might be getting used to "not being scared" when they hear those loud claps. No one is scurrying under something to hide.

And a friendly game of "tug-o-war".

They do make you laugh, though, especially when they're playing. Gallifrey has this feather-ball , and he stands up and holds it in his paws. Violet does something similar with a piece of Christmas ribbon. Whatever works to keep things from becoming damaged.

A "joint-nap" is always good.

Wifey and I just enjoy having them around. Pets do make a house a home. Don't let anyone tell you different.
*** Last back to the rain barrel...We again see how (more) complex we allow life to become when we permit that which should be discouraged.

And, as I (and many others) always say...what you allow is what will continue..and it certainly does at that.
When we start "trying to understand" and, in the process,  reward bad behavior, rather than punish it, or at the least, hold everyone to the same standards and level of accountability, we create the perfect bed for chaos to erupt.
And, it often does. Look at the proliferation of gang activity in TOO many of our cities. And, there's the chronic misbehavior of more people that goes unnoticed (selective blindness) by politicos as police are told to be more "in touch" with the community through programs and such, instead of doing the JOB of enforcing the LAWS (first and foremost).

I think we're finding this out.

Sure, when it gets TOO out of hand, police DO step in and make arrests, only to have the perps get light sentences, because "we" need to be more rehabilitative with criminals, so they can learn...
Learn what? How to be BETTER criminals the NEXT time when they get back out (again)?
We need to put the PENITENT back into penitentiaries, because if we can mange to get more people on the same page when it comes to personal responsibility, we have less criminal activity (and that can be managed a whole lot easier).
Funny, we USED to do just that. maybe it's time to revisit such notions once again.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.