Thoughts For Thursday...

Sure, it's a bit on the "brisk" side out there this morning (here in northeast Indiana, but be VERY glad you're not in the upper Midwest (like the Dakotas or even Colorado) where they've had to deal with BLIZZARD conditions.
That's right. 18+ inches of snow in some parts.
Now I don't mind SOME cold weather, but that's a bit much, especially for April. So, where's all those "global-warminsts" at? Bet they're NOT in Denver...LOL.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us partly cloudy skies, slight winds, and a high of around 71 degrees (and at 0700 hrs, it wasn't even 40 degrees). Rain in on tap for tomorrow, so be warned.

"Let us screen this alcohol."

Now, let's get that comforting beverage poured, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First out of the cereal bowl is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams." 

This was spoken by one Leslie Calvin "Les" Brown (no, not THAT Les Brown and his Band of Renown) (born February 17, 1945) is an American motivational speaker, author, radio DJ, former television host. And HERE is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Brown_(speaker)
Les has had a very interesting life, and one which many would  say shows the indomitable spirit of the human race.
Given up for adoption, declared "educable mentally retarded",(in grade school), he, persevered with help from his adopted mom and teaching mentors to reach his full potential.
He even won a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives (1976-1981).
It's not a long read by any means, but I so love stories like this where an otherwise "underdog" succeeds.
*** Next, we have our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
APRIL 11 -
---It's National Alcohol Screening Day

(I should "screen" some of mine...heh)
---It's National Barbershop Quartet Day

(I really enjoy this music - blame it on choir)
---It's National Cheese Fondue Day

(so do you...fondue?)
---It's National Eight Track Tape Day

(I was glad when cassettes replaced these)
---It's National Pet Day

(love 'em if 'ya got 'em! If not, go get one...or two.)
---It's National Submarine Day

(the vessel...NOT the sandwich...damn.)
*** Next up...here's a good response on how you might be able to lower crime in black communities:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/violence-in-the-black-community

Good to see some honest politically-INcorrect ideas and truth for a change.
Remember, it's NOT about "poverty" when people don;t WANT to work.
It's called SLOTHFULNESS aka lazy-assed.
*** Next...it seems that comeuppance DOES have it's merits, as cited HERE:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/mit-educated-gop-congressman-grills-john-kerry-for-pushing-pseudo-science-on-climate-change

Love to see John Kerry knocked down a few pegs, especially by an MIT-educated congressman.
This doesn't get much better...does it?
*** Next up, we now have the first image of a BLACK HOLE. Here's the link:
https://apnews.com/05d573dd29924452a491431922d22e61

And all this time we thought that image would be coming from Detroit, or Chicago, or Oakland, or Gary, or even (possibly) the SE side of Ft. Wayne...lol.
I am just astounded.
But it goes to show what REAL science is like...for a change.
*** Next, let's take a minute to stop by our "Kitten Corner"...

"Must be something to see out there."

Our children did fairly well yesterday. They did gt into some chasing, but it comes in spurts. Thankfully, it ended early enough, and the balance of the day was spent sleeping all that excess energy off. I hardly knew they were around.

"Your lap IS mine."

Violet crawled up onto me when I was on the sofa (seems to be her new "thing", and shell stay there until I need to get up. Gallifrey will come up, but he can't sit still iof his life depended omn it...he is a piece of work...lol.
*** Next up, time to check back in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

"I know we have some rain coming."

Our furry duo spent a good part of the day close by.
They did make all three meals, but treats had to be given under the patio table, as the rain had rolled in by then.

"Let's enjoy this while we can."

Still, it wasn't a wash-out, and that's something we all manage to enjoy.
*** Last back to the breakfast table...It seem to be a rare thing when we see or hear about a person succeeding.

Then again, it all really depends on HOW you measure success, does it not?
Today's world seems more about "material" success...what you can get (sometimes by any means), how much power you can have (mainly through fear and intimidation), or how influential you can become (thanks to social media).

I like to measure success by who you become as a person. What values and principles do you cherish, and how you learn and practice civility and ethical behavior would seem to produce riches that simply cannot be bought,, bartered, or borrowed.
Being a good person (to me) and being a living example of that which you have learned is a better statement to how one measures success.
And the best thing about all that...it's VERY achievable...for ANYONE...or ANY persuasion.

But, like anything worthwhile in this life, it requires hard work, good choices, some patience, persistence, and perseverance.
Oh, and a good healthy dose of God never hurts one bit, as that lends a needed serving of HOPE to our faith.
Add all those together, and you CAN succeed...

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