IMHO--In My Humble Opinion

Friday

12 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 41 days this year…322 remain

» Quote Times Two «

"No one can feel as helpless as the owner of a sick goldfish." ~Frank McKinney ‘Kin’ Hubbard, (1860-1930)-American humorist, cartoonist

“To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others.” ~Anne Sophie Swetchine, (1782-1857); Author, Russian Mystic

» Free Ramblings «

For many years, schools across our country celebrated Feb. 12 as Abe Lincoln’s birthday. The silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington along with a Valentine’s heart or two or more decorated bulletin boards. Kids learned trivia about Lincoln—born in a log cabin, freed the slaves, Civil War President, Gettysburg Address, Stove pipe hat, a young girl told him to grow his now famous beard, assassinated. After the Kennedy Assassination students learned of the rather eerie similarities to the two men. Both were elected in a ‘0’ year, both had a running mate names Johnson( Andrew born in 1808, LBJ in 1908), both lost a child while in the White House, both were invested in Civil Rights, both were shot in the back of the head with their wife present, both assassins were known by three names containing 15 letters and were killed before a trial. Lincoln has never been honored with a Federal holiday. Since 1880, Washington’s Birthday has been a Federal Holiday. First it was on Feb 22, his real birthday. Then in 1971the ‘Uniform Monday Holiday Act’ moved the holiday to the 3rd Monday in February. One provision of that act, which never made the final law, changed the name to ‘Presidents’ Day’ to honor Lincoln and Washington. In 1981 retailers began advertising ‘Presidents Day Sales’—without the apostrophe. While it is still officially Washington’s Birthday, many now just call it Presidents Day. Arguments continue if the day honors Washington or Washington and Lincoln or all presidents. Whatever you call it, it’s a day off for many workers.

I certainly hope that teachers continue to use today as a ‘teaching moment’ to teach some history that may not be on ‘The Test’.

Our retirement group had lunch at Olive Garden today. I like their food, but I always get lost as I wind my way through the maze of two or three table cubicles. As usual we arrive about 11:30 to a basically empty restaurant. I was amazed today, because as we left, around 1pm, the place was packed. So was the parking lot. I still have a hard time figuring out how all these people can have such a leisurely lunch on a work day. Since I was always in schools, it was very rare that I went out for lunch. We used to take out our secretaries on Secretary’s Day—which changed to ‘Office Assistant Day’. Both the secretaries and the bosses felt a little strange doing it. Being Tuba, the bosses always went in one vehicle and the secretaries in another. Usually the secretaries sat on one side of the long table, with the bosses on the other side. We all knew how tongues liked to wag in Tuba. I know lots of working people have jobs that let them go out to lunch quite regularly, but for me, it is still a treat.

One can’t have everything when it comes to weather. We finally had a full day of cloudless blue sky. We made it to 42° and there was no wind. Some snow melted, roads were dry, people around town seemed happier. Of course, last night it dropped to 3° so it took quite a while to make that 42°. When I left for lunch, about 11:15, it was only 31° outside and there was still a little ice on my windshield. We can’t have everything concerning weather, but today sure made me a whole lot happier that I live here. I saw a cartoon of a guy looking out his window to a huge pile of snow, singing “I’m dreaming of a White Easter.” I’m sure it will be a hit in Flagstaff.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

Tonight is the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver. Watching this extravaganza always puts me the mood. All the athletes will march into the arena carrying their countries flag. In two weeks they will re-enter en masse—no flags, and walking with ‘new’ friends from lots of different countries. So Cool.

Watching over the Olympics will be this year’s mascots: Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga. Sumi is a guardian spirit who wears the hat of an Orca, flies like the Thunderbird and runs with the strong legs of the black bear. Quatchi is a young sasquatch of the Canadian forest who reminds everyone of the mystery of the natural world. Miga is a mythical sea bear from indigenous stories of an orca whale that becomes a bear and comes on land.

»Side Show Stories—«

DORCHESTER, England - An elderly British couple has been told a cracked Chinese vase they hid in a spare bedroom is worth more than their house and possibly everything else in it. The couple, who want to remain anonymous, received the blue and white lantern vase as a gift half a century ago, The Sun reported. An appraiser for Dukes Auction House in Dorchester spotted it during a routine appraisal at the couple's home in Dorset. Guy Schwinge of Dukes said the vase is expected to bring in 500,000 pounds ($807,000) when it is auctioned. If it was in mint condition, it might fetch twice that, he told the Sun. The vase was made in about 1740 for the Emperor Qianlong, Schwinge said. He said it may have belonged to the family of Florence Nightingale, founder of trained nursing, during the 19th century. Schwinge said the vase "exemplifies the best porcelain of the period." "There is evidence that it had been used as an umbrella stand and it does have a crack in it and has been splashed with paint," he said.

»Random Fact: Valentines Day«

Some conversation hearts classic sayings include "Kiss Me," "Sweet Talk," and "Be Mine." Some mottos are discontinued for awhile and then make reappearance, while others are deleted for good when they become too outdated. Examples of outdated sayings include "Dig Me" and the cheerful "You Are Gay."

» Puzzle «

In each of these puzzles, there are two double blanks. Fill in the blanks with the same pair of letters to complete an English word. For example, use the letter-pair ac in b_ _ckp_ _k to make the word backpack.

1 s _ _ ur _ _ e

2 lo _ _ i _ _

3 _ _ i _ _

*Note New Puzzle tomorrow

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month^AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month^American Heart Month^Bake for Family Fun Month^Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month^Grapefruit Month^International Boost Self-Esteem Month^International Expect Success Month^Jobs in Golf Month^Library Lovers Month^Marijuana Awareness Month^National African American History Month^National Bird Feeding Month^National Black History Month^National Care About Your Indoor Air Month^National Cherry Month^National Condom Month^National Children's Dental Health Month^National Laugh-Friendly Month^National Mend A Broken Heart Month^National Parent Leadership Month^National Pet Dental Health Month^National Senior Independence Month^National Time Management Month^Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month^Pull Your Sofa Off The Wall Month^Relationship Wellness Month^Responsible Pet Owner's Month^Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month^Spiritual Teachers Month^Spunky Old Broads Month^ Sweet Potato Month^Wise Health Care Consumer Month^ Youth Leadership Month^

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14

International Coaching Week: 7-13

Jell-O Week: 7-13

Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13

Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13

Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 8-13

Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14

World Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: 8-14

International Flirting Week: 8-14

Celebration of Love Week: 10-16

Children of Alcoholics Week: 10-16

Random Acts of Kindness Week: 12-15—what? Only three days—that is just wrong.

☼ 12 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

National Plum Pudding Day

Darwin Day

Lincoln's Birthday

National Freedom to Marry Day: since 1999 for same-sex marriage

Red Hand Day (United Nations) since 2002 to end children as soldiers

Safety Pup Day: a mascot to remind children how to be safe in various situations

Booneville Indiana : Nancy Hanks Lincoln Memorial Day (Abe’s Mother)

Georgia : Georgia Day/Oglethorpe Day (1733)—for the founding of Georgia in Savannah

☼12 February Observances—by country ☼

Myanmar (Burma) : Union Day (uniting all of the country:1947)

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1908…New York to Paris auto race (via Alaska & Siberia) begins in New York NY; George Schuster wins after 88 days behind the wheel

☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Judy Blume, 72, author (Blubber, Superfudge)

Dr Cotton Mather, in 1663, pro-Salem Witch Trials author

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

Maud Adams, 65, actress (Killer Force, Octopussy)

Stephen Baldwin, in 1967, actor

Joe Don Baker, 74, actor (Charlie Varrick, Cool Hand Luke)

Josh Brolin, 42, actor (Milk, No Country for Old Men)

Joseph Henry (Joe) Garagiola, 84, sportscaster, former baseball player

Lorne Greene, in 1915, (Ottawa Canada), actor (Bonanza, Battlestar Galactica)

Arsenio Hall, 55, comedian, actor (Coming to America), former television talk show host

Joanna Kerns, 57, actress (“Growing Pains”), former gymnast

Ted Mack, in 1904, (Denver CO), TV host (Original Amateur Hour)

Forrest Tucker. in 1919, actor (O'Rourke-F Troop)

»Athletes

William Felton (Bill) Russell, 76, Hall of Fame basketball player and former coach

»Business, Education, Politics

John Llewellyn Lewis, in 1880, union leader (United Mine Workers)

Abraham Lincoln, in 1809, 16th President (1861-65)

Arlen Specter, 80, US Senator (D, Pennsylvania), born Wichita, KS, Feb 12, 1930.

John Winthrop, in 1588, English attorney/puritan/1st Governor of Massachusetts

»Science/Religion

Charles Darwin, in 1809, (England), discovered evolution (Origin of species)

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Tom Landry,in 2000, Hall-of-Fame football coach (Cowboys) to five Super Bowls in 20 consecutive winning seasons, leukemia @76

Sal Mineo, in 1976, actor (Exodus, Rebel Without a Cause), stabbed @ 37

James Cash Penney, in 1971, US founder (J C Penney), @ 95

Sidney Toler, in 1947, actor (Charlie Chan, Dark Alibi), @ 72

Grant Wood, in 1942, US painter (American Gothic), liver cancer @ 49

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1994…Thieves have stolen one of the world's best known paintings ( Scream by by Edvard Munch circa 1893 ) from a gallery in Oslo.

»Athletics

1876…Al Spalding opens his sporting good shop

1878…Frederick Thayer patents the catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)

1879…1st artificial ice rink in North America (Madison Square Garden, NYC)

1880 - The National Croquet League was organized in Philadelphia

1994…17th Olympics Winter games open in Lillehammer, Norway

»Business, Education, Politics

1793…1st US fugitive slave law passed; requires return of escaped slaves

1818…Chile gains independence from Spain

1825…Creek Indian treaty signed; Tribal chiefs agree to turn over all their land in Georgia to the government & migrate wes 1832…Ecuador annexes Galápagos Islands

1909…National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded

1924…Calvin Coolidge became the first U.S. president to deliver an address by radio

1955…President Eisenhower sends 1st US advisors to South Vietnam

1973…As part of the Vietnam cease-fire agreement, the first U.S. prisoners of war were released by North Vietnam

»Science/Religion

2001…NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft touchdown in the "saddle" region of 433 Eros becoming the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid.

» Number One Songs in…

1947…For Sentimental Reasons - Nat King Cole

1955…Sincerely - McGuire Sisters

1963…Hey Paula - Paul & Paula

1971…Knock Three Times - Dawn

1979…Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? - Rod Stewart

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 saturate

2 longing

3 onion

Thursday

11 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 40 days this year…323 remain
» Quote Times Two «
"Nobody can be as agreeable as an uninvited guest."~Frank McKinney ‘Kin’ Hubbard, (1860-1930)-American humorist, cartoonist
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” ~Emily Brontë, (1818-1848); Novelist, Poet
» Free Ramblings «
SSDD: Same snow, different day. Not a lot was sticking, but it snowed on and off all day. Boring. High was 35° and the low was 25° with a slight wind. Very boring.
I just don’t get health insurance. You pay when you are well, you pay when you are sick. Near the end of last year, when I thought I had reached my deductible, I had a basal cell removed from my nose. In December I got a bill from the doctor for $400. I figured the insurance hadn’t been processed. Today I got another bill, for the same $400. I can’t believe my insurance didn’t cover more of the bill. The total bill was like $1500. I guess I should be happy they paid much of the bill, but I really expected them to pay more. A few years ago, I’m sure they would have. The more I read about health care issues, the madder I get. The insurance lobby realizes that change might happen. So they have been busy raising premiums—much faster than inflation, they have rewritten what they cover. They have increased deductibles and co-pays. They have no idea what will eventually happen with Health Care legislation, but they are going to be ready. No matter what happens, they have already put a good cushion for the worst case scenario. If something less that that happens, they will either make more profit, or they will eventually lower some premiums or deductibles. My guess is they will just hope we are all too dumb to do anything and they will continue to make big profits. Thank you to all those short sighted idiots who have blocked necessary changes. It will be hitting your pocketbook, just like mine.
»* Winter Olympics* «
The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.
Did you know…
There are 16 categories at this Olympics:
5. Snowboarding: The first official snowboard competition was held in Colorado in 1981. Two snowboard events were introduced at the Nagano 1998 Winter Games — half pipe and individual giant slalom. Parallel giant slalom replaced individual giant slalom at the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games and snowboard cross was introduced in 2006, at the Torino Olympic Winter Games. 2010 will have 3 Men’s and 3 Women’s events.
There are 190 athletes participating—US has 18 (aged 17-37 yrs old); Great Britain has 4 (aged 21-35); Ireland has 0; and South Africa has 0.
»Side Show Stories—«
Colorado Springs, CO: A Colorado man used his children to run interference with the police for him while he passed out drunk.
Colorado Springs Police said Joshua Algers, 28, was found passed out drunk in a McDonald's play area, because that's where people go in Colorado Springs to sleep off a hang over, and officers placed him under arrest upon learning there was a warrant out for his arrest.
Algers became aggressive when police called the mother of his children to come pick them up, and then instructed the kids to "bite the officers' faces off."
»Random Fact: Valentines Day«
Conversation hearts were invented in the 1860s by the brother of NECCO's founder. These first hearts had printed paper notes tucked inside. The lengthy, old-fashioned sayings included such wistful thoughts as "Please send a lock of your hair by return mail."
» Puzzle «
In each of these puzzles, there are two double blanks. Fill in the blanks with the same pair of letters to complete an English word. For example, use the letter-pair ac in b_ _ckp_ _k to make the word backpack.
1 c _ _ kb _ _ k
2 a _ _ mo _ _
3 _ _ at _ _
» Calendar Information «
☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼
Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose
Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month^AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month^American Heart Month^Bake for Family Fun Month^Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month^Grapefruit Month^International Boost Self-Esteem Month^International Expect Success Month^Jobs in Golf Month^Library Lovers Month^Marijuana Awareness Month^National African American History Month^National Bird Feeding Month^National Black History Month^National Care About Your Indoor Air Month^National Cherry Month^National Condom Month^National Children's Dental Health Month^National Laugh-Friendly Month^National Mend A Broken Heart Month^National Parent Leadership Month^National Pet Dental Health Month^National Senior Independence Month^National Time Management Month^Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month^Pull Your Sofa Off The Wall Month^Relationship Wellness Month^Responsible Pet Owner's Month^Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month^Spiritual Teachers Month^Spunky Old Broads Month^ Sweet Potato Month^Wise Health Care Consumer Month^ Youth Leadership Month^
☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼
Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14
International Coaching Week: 7-13
Jell-O Week: 7-13
Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13
Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13
Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 8-13
Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14
World Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: 8-14
International Flirting Week: 8-14
Celebration of Love Week: 10-16
Children of Alcoholics Week: 10-16
☼ 11 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼
White Tee-Shirt Day: Originally White Shirt Day: to honor UAW workers who ended their sit-down in Flint, MI in 1937
Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: A day to be more optimistic
Be Electrific Day: celebrating Tom Edison
Pro Sports Wives Day
National Shut-in Visitation Day
National Inventors Day
Satisfied Staying Single Day
Florida : Gasparilla Carnival-remembrance of pirates
Ft Myers FL : Pageant of Light (1884)
☼11 February Observances—by country ☼
Cameroon : Youth Day
Japan : Foundation Day (660 BC)-accession of Emperor Jimmu, their first
Liberia : Armed Forces Day
Mauritius : Chinese Spring Festival
☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1970…Variety reported this day that Walt Disney had secretly taken its Song of the South movieout of circulation back in 1958. Originally released in 1946, the live-action/animated flick featuring Brer Fox, Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Uncle Remus and kids, Johnny and Ginny, won an Academy Award (1947) for the song, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. James Baskett won an Oscar for his Uncle Remus role.Variety said Song of the South was pulled because of ...racist attitudes reflected in the Negro roles in the film.
☼ Born on this day ☼
     » The Arts
Authors, Artists and Composers
Mary Quant, 76, fashion designer (Mod Look)
Sidney Sheldon, in 1917, author: Bloodline, The Doomsday Conspiracy, The Other Side of Midnight
Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV
Jennifer Aniston, 41, actress (“Friends,” The Good Girl)
Brandy Norwood, 31, singer, actress (“Cinderella,” “Moesha”)
Sheryl Crow, 48, singer, musician
Eva Gabor, in 1921, (Hungary), actress (Lisa-Green Acres)
Taylor Lautner, 18, actor (Twilight)
Tina Louise, 76, actress (“Gilligan’s Island)
Sergio Mendes, 69, (Brazil), musician, bandleader
John Mills, in 1889, dancer (Mills Brothers)
Leslie Nielsen, 88, actor (Naked Gun films, Airplane!, “Peyton Place”)
Robert George Bobby "Boris" Pickett, in 1940, rocker (Monster Mash)
Burt Reynolds, 74, actor (Hooper, Deliverance, Cannonball Run, “Evening Shade”)
     »Athletes
Max Baer [The Livermore Larruper], in 1909, heavyweight boxing champion (1934-35)/actor
Mary Docter, 49, 3000 meter speed skater (Olympics-1980, 84, 88, 92)
     »Business, Education, Politics
Lloyd Bentsen, in1921, politician (1988 Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee)
General Manuel Antonio Noriega, 76, Panamanian General/dictator
Sarah Palin, 46, 2008 candidate for vice president, former governor of Alaska (R)
     »Science/Religion
Thomas Alva Edison, in 1847, inventor (held 1200 patents)
Auguste Édouard Mariette, in 1821, French Egyptologist, (dug out Sphinx 12/16/42)
William Henry Fox Talbot , in 1800, photographic pioneer
☼Today’s Obits ☼
Lee J Cobb, in 1976, actor (12 Angry Men, On the Waterfront), @ 64
William Conrad, in 1994, actor (Cannon), heart attack @ 73
René Descartes, in 1650, philosopher "I think therefore I am", pneumonia @ 54
Al Dubin, in 1945, Swiss songwriter (Tiptoe Thru The Tulips), barbiturate poisoning @ 53
Lady Jane Grey, in 1554, deposed Queen of England, beheaded after 9 day rule @ 17
Patrice Lumumba, in 1961, 1st premier Congo, murdered @ 34
Don Porter, in 1997, actor (Gidget), @ 84
☼What happened on this day? ☼
     » The Arts
1941…1st Gold record presented (Glenn Miller-Chattanooga Choo Choo)
1942…"Archie" comic book debuts
     »Athletics
1928…2nd Winter Olympics games opens in St Moritz, Switzerland
1970…John Lennon pays £1,344 fines for 96 protesting the South African rugby team playing in Scotland
     »Business, Education, Politics
1573…1st European, Francis Drake sees the Pacific (from Panamá)
1766…Stamp Act declared unconstitutional in Virginia
1794…1st session of US Senate open to the public
1852…1st British public female toilet opens (Bedford Street London)
1878…1st weekly Weather report published in UK
1953…President Eisenhower refuses clemency appeal for Rosenberg couple
1963…CIA Domestic Operations Division created
1970…Japan becomes 4th nation to put a satellite (Osumi) in orbit
1975…The British Conservative Party has chosen it's first women leader, Margaret Thatcher
1979…Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini took control of Iran
1990…Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years.
2006…Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a Harry Whittington
     »Science/Religion
1752…Pennsylvania Hospital, the 1st hospital in the US, opened with Ben Franklin’s help
1790…Society of Friends petitions Congress for abolition of slavery
1809…Robert Fulton patents the steamboat
1858 1st apparition of Mary to 14-year-old Bernadette of Lourdes France
1916…Emma Goldman arrested for lecturing on birth control
1929…Vatican City (world's smallest country) made an enclave of Rome
» Number One Songs in…
1946…Let It Snow - Vaughn Monroe
1954…Make Love to Me - Jo Stafford
1962…Peppermint Twist - Joey Dee & The Starliters
1970…Venus - The Shocking Blue
1978…Stayin’ Alive - Bee Gees
1986…That’s What Friends are For - Dionne & Friends
» ANSWERS to puzzle «
1 cookbook
2 anemone
3 orator

Wednesday

10 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 41 days this year…324 remain

» Quote Times Two «

"Now and then an innocent man is sent to the legislature." ~Frank McKinney ‘Kin’ Hubbard, (1860-1930)-American humorist, cartoonist

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” ~Antoine de Sainte-Exupery (1900-1944); Aviator, Writer

» Free Ramblings «

An amazing billboard popped up on I-35 somewhere in Minnesota. Half of the board is a picture of George Bush looking down at the highway. The other half says “Miss me yet?” I guess not everyone is happy with the work our President is doing. What a shock.

The Cheyenne River Tribe, in South Dakota, has been in at least one news program for a couple of days. The last big storm hit that rez hard, cutting off most electricity and water to the entire Rez. Eagle Butte and the other 12 communities already live in poverty and this winter is making it even worse. Our local news has talked about the problems the Navajo and Hopi are experiencing during our big storm, but even that barely got recognition on National news. I continue to be amazed that so few Americans are aware of the living conditions on many of our nation’s reservations. News crews rush to Haiti and show the world the poverty. Yet, in our own country, many Natives live much like the Haitians, only in our country they don’t have tropical weather. The summers are hot, the winters are bitter cold. When a bad storm hits, life becomes much more difficult than usual. Until the plight of the tribes becomes news on all the major networks, most Americans will continue to be unaware of the problems associated with poverty, freezing weather, and the real life on the Rez.

High 35°, low 24°, snow flurries at various times during the day. Flagstaff weather is becoming so predictable and so boring.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

There are 16 categories at this Olympics:

4. Speed Skating: began in the 1200’s in Holland, with the first recorded completion in 1676. It was introduced to the Olympics in Chamonix in 1924. Originally, only men took part in competition. At the Lake Placid 1932 Games, however, women’s speed skating was a demonstration event and became a full medal event at the Squaw Valley 1960 Olympic Winter Games. Men and Women now compete in 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and 5000m races. Women have a 3000m and men also have a 10,000m race. There are also team pursuit races. Skaters can reach 60km/hr (38mph).

There are 180 athletes participating—US has 18; Great Britain has 0; Ireland has 0; and South Africa has 0.

»Side Show Stories—«

PRESTWICK, Scotland - A Scottish motorist who was ticketed for blowing his nose while his car was stopped in clogged traffic said he will take the charge to court.

Michael Mancini, 39, of Prestwick, said he was in stationary traffic with his parking brake on when he reached for a handkerchief to wipe his runny nose, leading police Constable Stuart Gray to issue him a $97 fine because he was "not in control of his vehicle" while blowing his nose, the Daily Mail reported. "It's beyond a disgrace," Mancini said. "Surely it would have been more dangerous to drive with a blocked nose?" Mancini said he will not pay the ticket and is now likely to face a criminal trial later this year, the newspaper reported. "I am really angry. I made sure it was safe to blow my nose. It's doubtful I'll get legal aid so this could potentially cost me thousands of pounds in legal fees," he told the Daily Mail. "But I won't be paying the fixed penalty." Gray previously made headlines last year when he issued an $80 littering ticket to a man who accidentally dropped a 10-pound ($16) note in the street.

»Random Fact«

Cape May, NJ is the oldest seashore resort in America.

» Puzzle «

1 p _ _ dl _ _

2 _ _ p _ _ zard

3 h _ _ g _ _ lin

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14

International Coaching Week: 7-13

Jell-O Week: 7-13

Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13

Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13

Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 8-13

Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14

World Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: 8-14

International Flirting Week: 8-14

Celebration of Love Week: 10-16

Children of Alcoholics Week: 10-16

☼ 10 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

Umbrella Day

☼10 February Observances—by country ☼

Italy: National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe, commemorate Italian Istrian and Dalmatian exiles and Foibe massacres (especially in Trieste)

Malta: Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck, celebrate the birth of Catholicism

UK: Plimsoll Day: to honor Samual Plimsoll who made world waterways safer

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in ☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Jerry Goldsmith, in 1929, pianist/composer (Twilight Zone)

Frances Moore Lappe, 66, author (Diet for a Small Planet, Rediscovering America’s Values)

Boris L Pasternak, in 1890, Russia, novelist/poet (Dr Zhivago, Nobel 1958)

William Allen White, in 1868, editor (Pulitzer 1942)

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

Dame Judith (Frances Margaret) Anderson, in 1898, actress

Lon Chaney Jr, in 1906, actor

Laura Dern, 43, actress (Blue Velvet, Rambling Rose)

Donovan P. Leitch, 64, (Scotland), singer, songwriter

Jimmy Durante, in 1893, long-nosed comedian

Roberta Flack, 71, singer

Sharon Stone, 52, actress

Robert Wagner, 80, actor (“It Takes a Thief,” “Hart to Hart”)

Don Wilson, 73, rock guitarist (Ventures-Walk Don't Run, Batman Theme)

»Athletes

Leonard Kyle (Lenny) Dykstra, 47, baseball player (Mets; Phillies)

Gregory John (Greg) Norman, 55, (Australia), golfer

Mark Andrew Spitz, 60, Olympic gold medal swimmer

Jim Whittacker, 81, mountain climber (1st American to climb Mt Everest)

»Business, Education, Politics

Jim Cramer, 55, financial analyst, broadcaster (“Mad Money with Jim Cramer”)

George Stephanopoulos, 49, presidential adviser (Clinton); news anchor

»Science/Religion

Walter H Brattain, in 1902, (China), US physicist (Nobel 1956-transistor)

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Joseph Lister, in 1912, surgeon (pioneer of antiseptic), @85

Laura Ingalls Wilder, in 1957, US author (Little House on Prarie), @ 90

Alex Haley, in 1992, US writer (Autobiography of Malcolm X, Roots), @ 70

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1951…"John & Marsha" by Stan Freberg peaks at #21

1956…"My Friend Flicka" premieres on CBS (later NBC) TV

1964…Bob Dylan releases "The Times They Are a-Changin"

1960…Jack Paar, the host of The Tonight Show had walked off the set on this day, in protest of censorship

»Athletics

1961…AFL's Los Angeles Chargers move to San Diego

1968…Peggy Fleming wins Olympics figure skating gold medal, Grenoble, France

»Business, Education, Politics

1535…12 nude Anabaptists run through Amsterdam streets

1676…Wampanoag Indians under King Philip kill all men in Lancaster MA

1824…Simon Bolívar named dictator by the Congress of Perú

1846…Beginning of Mormon march to west US

1855…US citizenship laws amended all children of US parents born abroad granted US citizenship 1870 City of Anaheim incorporates (1st time)

1890…Around 11 million acres, ceded to US by Sioux Indians opens for settlement

1897…New York Times begins using slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print"

1931…New Delhi becomes capital of India 1940 Tom & Jerry created by Hanna & Barbera debut by MGM

1954…Eisenhower warns against US intervention in Vietnam

1962…Francis Gary Powers, an American who was held by Russians after being shot down while flying over the Soviet Union, was released

1967…25th Amendment (Presidential Disability & Succession) in effect

1971…American Mensa, Ltd incorporates in New York

»Science/Religion

1720…Edmund Halley appointed 2nd Astronomer Royal of England

» Number One Songs in…

1945…Don’t Fence Me In - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters

1953…Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes - Perry Como

1961…Will You Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles

1969…Crimson and Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells

1977…Blinded by the Light - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

1985…I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 peddled

2 haphazard

3 hobgoblin

Tuesday

9 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 38 days this year…325 remain

» Quote Times Two «

"Of all forms of caution, caution in love is the most fatal." ~unknown

“I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.” ~Mother Teresa (1910-1997); Founder of the Missionaries of Charity

» Free Ramblings «

I am getting very tired of cloudy days and snow. I know, the forest needs the moisture. I know the water table needs the moisture. I like snow. I just don’t like it every friggin’ day. Sometimes we get huge flakes, sometimes tiny flakes. Sometimes it is mixed with rain. Sometimes it is fluffy powder, other times it is wet and sticky. It may come in four feet, or in six inches, or in two inches, or just enough to wet the sidewalk. Lately it has not been enough to make driving dangerous, or to keep one at home. It just snows. I can look out my office window and see blue sky then fifteen minutes later I can’t even see the trees because it is snowing so hard. Then in a few minutes, back to no snow. It has been sunny and snowy on and off all day. Never a lot of wind, just blue sky then whiteout. What does one wear when going outside? Today I had a routine doctor appointment at 8:30. It was 17°. I had a layer of ice, not frost, on the windshield. I cleared it off and headed out. I was out of the Drs. Office by 9:00. The sun was shining, I didn’t need my heavy jacket, it was about 30° with a clear sky. I stopped at the grocery store. When I came out it was snowing and my heavy jacket was in the car. This type of weather continued all day. Maybe I’m just not able to handle change. Anyway, this kind of weather will continue most of this week. I hope I don’t lose my mind.

I enjoy Facebook. I learned that a former colleague is running for State office. He commented that his ‘handlers’ may be putting up a facebook page. What? His ‘handlers’? I live in a different district, so can’t vote either way. I guess this is part of politics in 2010. But the term just hits me the wrong way. I want someone who will fight for me in Phoenix, not someone who has handlers. A handler is one that directs someone or something. Like at the AKC Dog Show?

I learned that the Mayor of our town likes my Facebook status—at least sometimes. When I commented that I wouldn’t believe the train noise would be gone until I didn’t hear it anymore, I got no response from her post. When I posted a clever comment on the Saints win, she marked that she liked it. How cool is that? Stop the presses, the Mayor reads my Facebook posts and she takes that extra millisecond to click on ‘like’. But wait, who doesn’t like the Saint’s win? I think I will start responding to her many, many posts. Maybe she will ‘like’ or add a comment to something a little more substantial than the Saints win.

I must say I have trouble understanding the ‘like’ choice on Facebook. I get it when someone posts something like “My grandson just took his first steps.” I quickly hit ‘like’ and to me that means that I like the fact that the kid walked. Then there are the news posts. NPR posts that Obama’s speech was a success. I click like because I’m glad that our President’s speech was successful. Then NPR posts that “Rep. Murtha, D. PA, dies at 77”. I have to wonder why 12 people like this. Do they like the fact that NPR told us? Do they like that a Democrat died? Do they like that Murtha died? What about all the Haiti Disaster Posts? If I click ‘like’ does that mean that I like knowing the latest news? That I like that so many people died? That I like that more people didn’t die? Facebook doesn’t have a ‘dislike’ button, but in the news story cases that wouldn’t work either. So, until Facebook comes up some better choices, I will not respond with ‘like’, and wonder about the people who do respond. I will hold off, hoping that Facebook realizes that multi-dimensional posts just can’t be made so one dimensional.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

There are 16 categories at this Olympics:

3. Biathlon: Shooting and skiing have been around as early as 2000BC to put food on the table. In the 16th century Scandinavian armies began using shooting and skiing against enemies. The Men’s Biathlon first appeared in the 1960 Squaw Valley games and the Women’s Biathlon started in Albertville in 1992. In 2010 there will be 5 separate events for men, and 5 for women.

There are 220 athletes participating—US has 9; Great Britain has 1.

»Side Show Stories—«

STUART, Fla. - Police in Florida said a man who found $3,100 cash in the frame of a picture he pulled from a dumpster in his apartment complex may be able to keep the money. Warren Bendix of Stuart told police he pulled a framed picture of a space shuttle from the trash while he was dumpster diving at Sierra Condominium Apartments, where he lives, at about 1:45 p.m. Bendix said he took the photo home to change the frame and discovered 24 $100 bills and 35 $20 bills hidden behind the picture. Sgt. Marty Jacobson, a police spokesman, said Bendix turned the money over to officers. "If there isn't a legitimate claim to the property, he can claim it," Jacobson said. "We want to give a legitimate owner an opportunity to claim it if it's theirs."

»Random Fact«

In the game Monopoly, the properties are named after streets in Atlantic City.

» Puzzle «

1 d _ _ tingu _ _ h

2 _ _ s _ _ de

3 _ _ od _ _ rk

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 3-9

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14

International Coaching Week: 7-13

Jell-O Week: 7-13

Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13

Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13

Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 8-13

Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14

World Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: 8-14

International Flirting Week: 8-14

☼ 9 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

Read in the Bathtub Day

Toothache Day

☼9 February Observances—by country ☼

Wales: St. Teilo (Latin: Teliaus; also Eliud) Day: founded 1st church in Llandaff

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1922…Snow on Mauna Loa, Hawaii

☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Brendan Behan, in 1923, (Ireland), author/poet (Hostage)

Amy Lowell, in 1874, US, critic/Imagist poet (Patterns, Sword Blades & Poppy Seed)

Alice Walker, 66, author (The Color Purple)

Vasili A Zjukovski, in 1783, Russian folk poet/translator (Homer)

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

(Waldo) Brian Donlevy, in 1901, (Ireland), actor

Mia Farrow, (Maria de Lourdes Villers), 65, actress (“Peyton Place,” Rosemary’s Baby)

Carole King (Klein), 68, singer, songwriter

Gypsy Rose Lee (Rose Hovick), 1914, actress, dancer, stripper

Judith Light, 61, actress (“Ugly Betty,” “One Life to Live,” “Who’s the Boss?”)

Carmen Miranda [Maria do Carmo Miranda Da Cunha], in 1909, (Portugal), vocalist/actress (Copacabana)

Roger Mudd, 82, journalist

Joe Pesci, 67, actor (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, My Cousin Vinny)

Smokey Robinson, in 1940, rocker (& The Miracles)

Shakira (Isabelle Mebarak Ripoll), 33, singer, (Colombia)

Charles Shaughnessy, 55, actor (“The Nanny”) (England)

(James) Travis Tritt, 47, country and western singer

Ernest Tubb, in 1914, guitarist/singer

»Athletes

Vladimir Guerrero (Nizao Bani), 34, baseball player, (Dominican Republic)

Lennox Lewis, 45, (England), Super heavyweight boxer (Olympics-gold-1988)

»Business, Education, Politics

William Henry Harrison, in 1773, (Whigs) 9th President

(David) Dean Rusk, in 1909, US Secretary of State

Samuel Jones Tilden, in 1814, philanthropist for New York Public Library

»Science/Religion

Ulrich Walter, 56, German Federal Republic, cosmonaut

Andrew N Meltzoff, 60, developmental psychologist

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Feodor M Dostoevski, in 1881, Russian novelist (Crime & Punishment), @ 59

Bill Haley, in 1981, vocalist (Rock Around Clock), heart attack @ 55

[George] Gabby Hayes, in 1969, actor @ 83

John Hooper, in 1555, deprived Bishop of Gloucester, burnt for heresy @ about 57

Princess Margaret, in 2002, sister of Queen Elizabeth II of England, stroke @ 71

Sophie Tucker (Sonia Kalish), in 1966, Russian/US singer/actress (My Yiddish Mama), @ 79
David Wayne [Wayne McMeekan], in 1995, US actor, @ 81

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1997 Fox cartoon series "Simpsons" airs 167th episode the longest-running animated series in cartoon history

»Athletics

1895…Volleyball invented by W G Morgan in Massachusetts

1932…America entered the 2-man bobsled competition for the first time at the Olympic Winter Games held at Lake Placid, NY.

1964…9th Winter Olympics games close at Innsbruck, Austria

2002…XIX Winter Olympics opens in Salt Lake City UT

»Business, Education, Politics

1674…English re-conquer New York from Netherlands

1822…American Indian Society organizes

1867…Nebraska becomes 37th US state

1886…President Cleveland declares a state of emergency in Seattle because of anti-Chinese violence

1909…1st federal legislation prohibiting narcotics (opium)

1943…FDR orders minimal 48 hour work week in war industry

1943…The Battle of Guadalcanal ends with US victory

1950…Senator Joseph McCarthy charges State Dept infested with 205 communists

»Science/Religion

1863…Fire extinguisher patented by Alanson Crane

1969…The Boeing 747 flew its inaugural flight this day

1996…The legendary Russian Chess Grandmaster Kasparov loses his first chess game ever to IBM's chess computer Deep Blue

» Number One Songs in…

1944…Pistol Packin’ Mama - Al Dexte

1952…Slowpoke - Pee Wee King

1960…Teen Angel - Mark Dinning

1968…Green Tambourine - The Lemon Pipers

1976…50 Ways to Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon

1984…Karma Chameleon - Culture Club

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 distinguish

2 cascade

3 woodwork

Monday

8 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 39 days this year…326 remain

» Quote Times Two «

“Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems rather from love and devotion towards men and towards objective things.” ~Albert Einstein (1875-1955); theoretical Physicist, Philosopher, Nobel Prize Winner

"One family builds a wall, two families enjoy it." ~Chinese saying

» Free Ramblings «

Super Bowl Sunday…Here’s hoping the Saints can win and if not win, at least put on a good game.

It must have snowed much of the night, as I awoke to about 5” on light fluffy snow this morning. It sure made a beautiful site. It was sunny, then cloudy, then snowing, then sunny again, then snowing again. Not a lot more accumulation, but a post card picture day. It only dropped to 27° last night and reached an amazing high of 32°. Snow is much nicer when it isn’t really cold outside.

Turns out it was one of the better Super Bowl Games. And those Saints just kept marchin’ down to the goal line. I must say that Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were not able to re-produce their classics. Sometimes being over 60 means you have to say “We’re retired.” The Who were the first rockers to destroy their instruments, the first to do a ‘rock opera’. Two original members have passed away. The two remaining were unable to perform at their previous level. I’m sure there are many youngsters wondering why they were such a hit.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

There are 16 categories at this Olympics:

2. Skeleton: Was in the Olympics in 1928 and 1948, then returned in 2002. The ‘sled’ resembles a human skeleton, the one rider runs with the sled for about 50 yards, then belly flops onto it to go down the course, much like a bobsled or luge course. It has men’s and women’s races—each taking 4 runs, with the lowest combined time the winner. This year there are 50 entrants with 5 Americans, 4 Brits, and 1 Irishman.

»Side Show Stories—«

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - An Illinois man who was awakened in the night by a ruckus in his home said he walked into his kitchen and was shocked to find a 10-to-12-point buck.

Mark Page of Belleville said he and his wife, Cassia, woke up early Saturday morning to the sound of glass breaking in their kitchen and he walked down the steps to find his dining room window shattered and the large deer standing in his kitchen, KSDK-TV, St. Louis, reported. "He was standing right here, with his head in the sink," Page said. "I looked at him for seriously not even a fraction of a second," he said, "and I ran back upstairs because I don't mess with deers." Page said the deer found its own way out by crashing through another window, leaving a trail of blood through the house as his signature. The homeowner, who said there are no wooded areas near his home, said police told him they used dogs to try to track the buck, but they never found the animal.

»Random Fact«

In 1999, the IOC adopted Agenda 21: Sport for Sustainable Development, which includes the objective to “strengthen the inclusion of women, youth and Indigenous peoples in the Games.”

» Puzzle «

1 p _ _ sev _ _ e

2 tr _ _ bad _ _ r

3 _ _ da _ _ ted

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 3-9

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14

International Coaching Week: 7-13

Jell-O Week: 7-13

Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13

Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13

Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 8-13

Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14

World Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: 8-14

International Flirting Week: 8-14

☼ 8 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

Boy Scout Anniversary Day—founded in 1910

Laugh and Get Rich Day

☼8 February Observances—by country ☼

Iraq : Ramadan Revolution since 1963 coup

Norway : Narvik Sun Pageant Day: Vinterfestuka is held annually in northern Norway on this date to honor the Sun Goddess, Sunna and her return to Norway

Slovenia: Prešeren Day, the cultural holiday honoring the death of Poet France Preseren in 1849.

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1969…The last issue of the Saturday Evening Post was published, ending a magazine tradition that began in 1821.

☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Elizabeth Bishop, in 1911, US poet (North & South)/Pulitzer Prize (1956)

Samuel Butler, in 1612, (England) poet/satirist (Hudibras)

John Grisham, 55, author (The Firm, The Client)

John Ruskin, in 1819, writer/critic/artist/Gothic Revivalist

John Williams, 78, pianist, conductor (formerly with Boston Pops), composer (scores for Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List)

Jules Verne, in 1828, (France) pioneered sci-fi (From the Earth to the Moon)

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

Gary Coleman, 42, actor (“Diff’rent Strokes”)

Seth Green, 36, actor (“Family Guy,” “Greg the Bunny,” Austin Powers)

Robert Klein, 68, comedian, actor

Ted Koppel, 70, journalist, (England)

Nick Nolte, 69, actor (Affliction, Prince of Tides, “Rich Man, Poor Man”)

Mary Steenburgen, 57, actress

»Athletes

Alonzo Mourning, 40, basketball (Heat)

»Business, Education, Politics

William Tecumseh Sherman, in 1820, Major General (Union Army), “War is hell”

»Science/Religion

Chester F Carlson, in 1906, inventor (xerography)

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Mary Stuart Queen of Scots, in 1587, beheaded @ 44

Peter I "the Great" Romanov, in 1725, czar of Russia @ gangrene @52

Connie Mack, in 1956, baseball manager (Philadelphia A's), @ 93

Marvin Miller, in 1985, actor (Michael Anthony of "The Millionaire") @ 71

Del Shannon, in 1990, rock vocalist (Runaway), shoots self @ 55

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1926…Walt Disney Studios is formed

»Athletics

1983…Shergar is stolen from a stud farm owned by the Aga Khan in County Kildare, Ireland. The five-year-old thoroughbred stallion was worth $13.5 million and commanded stud fees of approximately $100,000. Shergar was never seen again and no ransom was paid and the case was never solved.

1992…The XVIth Winter Olympic Games opened in Albertville, France

2002…The opening ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah lasting until February 24

»Business, Education, Politics

1837…1st Vice President chosen by the Senate, Richard Johnson (Van Buren administration)

1887..Dawes Act passed (Indians living apart from tribe granted citizenship)

1918…The Stars and Stripes, the weekly newspaper of the American Expeditionary Forces, was published for the first time.

1944…1st black reporter accredited to the White House, Harry McAlpin

1957…San Francisco Public Library's bookmobile initiated in front of City Hall

»Science/Religion

1922…Radio arrives in the White House

1929…KOY-AM in Phoenix AZ begins radio transmissions

» Number One Songs in…

1951…Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page

1959…Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - The Platters

1967…I’m a Believer - The Monkees

1975…Fire - Ohio Players

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 persevere

2 troubadour

3 undaunted

Sunday

7 February 2010--Week 6 of 2010: 38 days this year…327 remain

» Quote Times Two «

"One man tells a falsehood, a hundred repeat it as true." ~unknown

“Love consists in this, that its own should be another's; to feel the joy of another as joy in oneself, that is loving.” ~Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772); Philosopher, Scientist, Theologian

» Free Ramblings «

Today started out with nice weather, even if a little cloudy. I had to go find some more ice melt for my sidewalk. The daily dripping has made a nice hard hump about three inches high, and it has nowhere to go, so it just stays frozen. I really don’t like to go shopping on the weekend. But I didn’t find any on my last errand trip. It’s Flagstaff, how can no one have ice melt? Anyway, good ol Home Depot had a whole pallet. So I am set.

Just as I figured we had missed any snow, it started really coming down. So maybe the 6” predicted will actually get here. Guess I shouldn’t complain with the mud slides in LA and the mess on the east coast.

Last night Flag’s Mayor Sara used Facebook to invite everyone to a “photostrip contest” in downtown Flagstaff. Any ideas as to what we were all invited to? Well, I never would have guessed either. Turns out, people went into one of those portable photo booths, like at the mall or at a fair. You get four or five shots that are printed out on a strip of photo paper. I had no plans of attending after I found out what it was. She never told us who won, or what the requirements of the contest were. Life in a small mountain community can be made to sound very interesting, until all the facts are in.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

There are 16 categories at this Olympics:

1. Alpine Skiing has the Downhill, Super G, Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super Combined for both men and women. Downhill is the fastest, Super Combined is really two races (downhill and slalom with times combined). 325 athletes will compete in this category, with 22 Americans, 4 Brits, and 2 Irish.

»Side Show Stories—«

Pittsburg, PA: A western Pennsylvania man has been ordered to stand trial on charges he burglarized a home after getting a ride to the crime scene from his mom. That woman, 50-year-old Judith Martin, still faces a preliminary hearing on conspiracy and other charges she faces in the break-in allegedly committed by her son, 20-year-old Robert Martin.

Police said Robert Martin took knives, jewelry, a telephone answering machine and other items from the home in Liberty Township, about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh.

Police said a neighbor recognized Martin and police said they later found some of the stolen items at his mother's house.

»Random Fact«

It's illegal to own a red car in Shanghai, China.

» Puzzle «

1 a _ _ a _ _ a

2 s _ _ tim _ _ t

3 who _ _ sa _ _

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Children's Authors & Illustrators Week: 1-7

National Patient Recognition Week: 1-7

Solo Diners Eat Out Weekend: 1-7

Women's Heart Week: 1-7

Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 3-9

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14

International Coaching Week: 7-13

Jell-O Week: 7-13

Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 7-13

Publicity for Profit Week: 7-13

Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14—for those who get rejected by someone

☼ 5 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

Charles Dickens Day

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, creating awareness on AIDS in the African American Community

☼5 February Observances—by country ☼

Grenada : Independence Day (from UK in 1974)

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1943…Shoe rationing begins in US

☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Charles Dickens, in 1812, (England), novelist (Oliver Twist, Tale of 2 Cities)

Sinclair Lewis, in 1885, novelist/social critic (Main Street, Nobel 1930)

Laura Ingalls Wilder, in 1867, writer: Little House series

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

(James Hubert) ‘Eubie’ Blake, in 1883, ragtime composer/pianist (I'm Just Wild About Harry)

Garth Brooks, 48, country singer

Miguel Ferrer, 56, actor (“Crossing Jordan,” “Twin Peaks,” RoboCop)

Jimmy Greenspoon, 62, rock organist (3 Dog Night)

Ashton Kutcher, 32, actor (“That 70s Show,” Dude, Where’s My Car?)

Jock Mahoney (Jacques O'Mahoney), in 1919, actor (Tarzan, Yancy Derringer)

Chris Rock, 44, actor, comedian

James Spader, 50, actor (“Boston Legal,” Secretary, Stargate)

»Athletes

Marilyn Cochran, in 1950, skier: first American to win a World Cup title

Clarence Linden "Buster" Crabbe, in 1908, swimmer (Olympics-gold-1932)/actor (Tarzan the Fearless, Flash Gordon)

Steve Nash, 36, (Johannesburg, South Africa), basketball player (Suns)

»Business, Education, Politics

Frederick Douglass, in 1817, 1st high ranking black in US government

Sir Thomas More, in 1478, statesman, author; found guilty of treason: beheaded July 6, 1535; sainted in 1935

»Science/Religion

John Deere, in 1804, pioneer manufacturer of agricultural implements

Godfrey H Hardy, in 1877, England, number theorist

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Nick [Aloysius Adamschock] Adams, in 1968, actor (Johnny Yuma-The Rebel), ODs @ 36

Arthur Ashe, in 1993, tennis star (Wimbledon 1975), AIDS @ 49

Richard Bissell, in 1994, US under director of CIA (Bay of Pigs), @ 84

Lillian Copeland, in 1964, US discus thrower (Olympics-gold-32), lengthy illness @ 59

Hermann A J Kees, in 1964 German Egyptologist, @ 77

Josef Mengele, in 1979, concentration camp doctor, drowns @ 68

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1940…Walt Disney's 2nd feature-length movie, "Pinocchio", premieres

»Athletics

1882 - The last bareknuckle fight for the heavyweight boxing championshiptook place in Mississippi City.

1998 - The XVIIIth Winter Olympic games opened at Nagano, Japan.

»Business, Education, Politics

1301…Edward of Caernarion (later Edward II) becomes 1st prince of Wales

1795…11th Amendment to US Constitution ratified, affirms power of states

1839…Henry Clay declares in Senate "I had rather be right than president"

1861…Convinced that they will get better treatment from a southern government than from the one in Washington, D. C., Today, the CHOCTAWs will announce their support of the Confederacy.
1905…Dominican Republic signs treaty turning over customs collection to US 1905…Oklahoma admitted to statehood

1936…A flag is authorized for the Vice President

1962…President Kennedy begins blockade of Cuba

1964 : The Beatles arrive on their first visit to the United States

»Science/Religion

1964…Cassius Clay becomes a Muslim & adopts the name Muhammad Ali

1976…World's largest telescope (600 cm) begins operation (USSR)

» Number One Songs in…

1950…Dear Hearts and Gentle People - Dinah Shore

1958…Get a Job - The Silhouettes

1966…Barbara Ann - The Beach Boys

1974…The Way We Were - Barbra Streisand

1982…Centerfold - The J. Geils Band

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 alfalfa

2 sentiment

3 wholesale

Saturday

6 February 2010--Week 5 of 2010: 37 days this year…328 remain

» Quote Times Two «

"Ours is a world where people don`t know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it." ~ Don Marquis, American Humorist

“Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.” ~Michael Leunig; Cartoonist

» Free Ramblings «

It’s the weekend. So, being Flagstaff, here comes da’ snow. Just as people were getting off work, it started snowing. Not a lot yet. Time will tell if we get the 6” predicted.

As was jumping around the web I found this quote by American journalist Ellen Goodman, “In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first and getting it right.” That is so true, in the past. Now, with all the 24/7 ‘news channels’, I’m afraid that ‘first’ won out. Too many ‘journalists’ no longer wait to make sure the story is ‘right’. Instead they plaster the airways with stories with little or no substance and just tell us that ‘this is just in and we are attempting to verify the story.’ I don’t need to waste my time listening or watching that. The other thing that drives me crazy is ‘local news’ teasers to get me to watch the next newscast. “We have the full story on how to cut your electricity bill by 90%. More at 10pm.” When you listen, they suggest that you keep your doors and windows closed, and turn off lights you aren’t using. Hardly news, and hardly a way to save 90% of your electricity bill, unless you get up every morning, turn on all your lights, open all your windows and doors and leave them on or open until you go to bed. I sure wish we could just have real news stories…that were really news.

So I will take a break. It’s Super Bowl weekend. The Saints, The Colts. Playing in Florida. I have always been for the underdog in most sporting events. This is the first time the Saints have played in the big game. It is being touted as a way to show that New Orleans is on its way back. They are not favored, but then, strange things happen at the Super Bowl. We will hopefully see a great game. We will see lots and lots of commercials. We will eat way too much food. We will be able to escape the everyday world to hear some great stories of overcoming life’s obstacles. These stories will be about the teams, the players, and probably some of the fans. For four hours plus, football will rule. Sometimes a good escape is worth it. Go Saints.

Today melted a little more snow. We only got up to 39° and it was cloudy on and off before the snow began to fall. I may be watching the game with friends, or I may be snowed in, watching the game by myself. Time will tell.

»* Winter Olympics* «

The Vancouver Olympics open on Feb 12.

Did you know…

The Olympic flame is lit in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, emphasizing the connection between the ancient Games and the modern Games. An actress playing a high priestess uses a parabolic mirror to focus the rays of the sun, igniting a flame. (In case of cloudy weather, a backup flame is lit in advance.) A long relay of runners carrying torches brings it to the site of the Games. There, the final torch is used to light a cauldron that remains lit until it is extinguished in the Closing Ceremony.

***

After the cauldron is lit, doves are released, as a symbol of peace. This was first done in the 1896 Olympics, and then in the 1920 Olympics. Since 1920, this has been an official part of the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games. They are generally not released during the Winter Games, because it's too cold for the birds, but symbolic substitutions are sometimes used. In the 1994 Winter Games, for example, white balloons were released.

»Side Show Stories—«

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Police in Arizona said someone broke into a smoke shop and stole nearly $300 worth of fake marijuana. Flagstaff police said someone broke the glass front door January 18 at Kind Connection and made off with nearly $300 worth of "Spice" fake marijuana and a $200 incense vaporizer, The (Flagstaff) Arizona Daily Sun reported. Employees were alerted by an alarm and arrived to check on the store at about 9:45 p.m. Police said they collected possible suspect information from workers.

»Random Fact«

Only 1 person in 2 billion will live to be 116.

» Puzzle «

1 v _ _ lat _ _ n

2 h _ _ dw _ _ e

3 _ _ rses _ _ e

» Calendar Information «

☼ February’s Month Long Observances ☼

Birthstone: Amethyst …Flower: Violet and Primrose

☼ Observance Weeks in February ☼

Children's Authors & Illustrators Week: 1-7

National Patient Recognition Week: 1-7

Solo Diners Eat Out Weekend: 1-7

Women's Heart Week: 1-7

Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 3-9

International Snow Sculpting Week: 3-6

Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 6-12—It takes a full week?

☼ 5 February Observances—US/UN/World ☼

Lame Duck Day

MOBIUS Awards Day—acknowledging Creative Excellence Worldwide

☼5 February Observances—by country ☼

Massachusetts : Ratification Day (1788)

New Zealand : Waitangi Day-New Zealand Day

(1840—treaty to make it a British commonwealth and give Maori Tribal rights)

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Finland and Scandinavia: Sami National Day

recognizing the Sami Indigenous people. The Sami, often referred to as Laplanders, find that term derogatory as it translates into something that is easily discarded.

☼ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1974 : President Nixon has urged Congress to approve a comprehensive national health insurance plan

☼ Born on this day ☼

» The Arts

Authors, Artists and Composers

Christopher Marlowe, in 1564 English poet/dramatist (Dr Faustus)

Entertainers in Cinema, Music, Theater, and TV

Natalie Cole, 60, singer

Fabian Forte, 67, singer, actor

Mike Farrell, 71, actor (“M*A*S*H,” “Providence”)

Zsa Zsa Gabor, 91, actress

Bob Marley, in 1945, Jamaican reggae vocalist

Elmore Rip Torn, 79, actor

Axl Rose [William Bailey], in 1962, rocker (Guns & Roses)

Mamie Van Doren, 77, actress

»Athletes

George Herman (Babe) Ruth, in 1895, baseball great (Yankees)

»Business, Education, Politics

Sarah Brady, 68, handgun control activist

Eva Braun, in 1912, mistress of Adolf Hitler

Tom Brokaw, 70, journalist

James Ewell Brown "JEB" Stuart, in 1833 Major General (Commander of Cavalry, Confederate Army)

Aaron Burr, in 1756, 3rd US Vice-President (1801-05), dueler

Ronald Reagan, in 1911, actor (Bedtime for Bonzo)/40th President

Anne Stuart, in 1665 Queen of England (1702-14)

»Science/Religion

Mary Nicol Leakey, in 1913, paleontologist

☼Today’s Obits ☼

Charles II King of England/Scotland/Ireland, in 1685, @ 54

Jack Kirby, in 1994, cartoonist (X-Men, Spiderman, Hulk), @ 76

Guy Madison, in 1996, actor (Wild Bill Hickok), @ 74

Hugo Montenegro, in 1981, Orchestra leader, emphysema @ 56

Danny Thomas, in 1991, comedian/actor, heart attack @ 76
Carl Wilson, in 1998, rock vocalist (Beach Boy), cancer @ 51

☼What happened on this day? ☼

» The Arts

1869...Harper's Weekly publishes 1st picture of Uncle Sam with chin whiskers

1935...Board game "Monopoly" goes on sale for the 1st time

1948...KNXT (now KCBS) TV channel 2 in Los Angeles CA (CBS) 1st broadcast

»Athletics

1971...1st time a golf ball is hit on the Moon (by Alan Shepard)

»Business, Education, Politics

1508...Maximilian I crowned Holy Roman Emperor

1693...Royal charter granted College of William & Mary

1820...86 free black colonists sail from New York NY to Sierra Leone, Africa

1891...1st great train robbery by Dalton Gang (Southern Pacific #17)

1911...1st old-age home opened in Prescott AZ

1933...20th Amendment goes into effect; Presidential term begins in Jan not March

1956...University of Alabama refuses admission to Autherine Lucy (because he's black)

»Science/Religion

1832...1st appearance of cholera at Edinburgh, Scotland

1948...1st radio-controlled airplane flown

1959...US 1st successful Titan intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

» Number One Songs in…

1949…A Little Bird Told Me - Evelyn Knight

1957…Banana Boat (Day-O) - Harry Belafonte

1965…You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’ - The Righteous Brothers

1973…Crocodile Rock - Elton John

1981…Celebration - Kool & The Gang

» ANSWERS to puzzle «

1 violation

2 hardware

3 horseshoe

IMHO--In My Humble Opinion

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