Wednesday 6-16

»Week 24 of 2010:167 days this year…198 days remain:

Day 58 of the BP oil spill≈

» Something To Think About  

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

--John Wooden

» Random Fact    

The first pop video was Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, released in 1975.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1967 ►The Monterey International Pop Music Festival opens in Monterey, California, which will run for three days. Over 200,000 people attended, and it is often regarded as the precursor to Woodstock.

Performers at the festival included some truly great pop music legends including: Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Ravi Shankar, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, The Steve Miller Band, The Blues Project, The Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Animals, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead

» Free Ramblings    

So much happening today, all at the same time. Obama made his speech, City of Flagstaff Council Meeting and the GOP is holding a debate of candidates. I may have become cynical over any president’s speech regarding a shocking disaster. Since 9-11 we hear the words but don’t seem to be rallying change. The speed limit was lowered to 55mph by a president. We haven’t moved away from oil, but the speed in back up, wasting more gasoline. We are supposed to keep our houses and offices at 68° but many don’t. Politician’s words have been degraded so that there no action follows. Sadly, Obama gave a good speech, but doesn’t really have a plan to stop and clean up the Gulf mess. Rally the people and we will get through this economic and environmental disaster. Sounds good, but by doing what? I really want to be gung ho to stop the devastation but have no idea what to do.

We have our new city council. They were all very cordial during the meeting. They approved several spending issues, for money we may or may not have. Faces change, but the council just muddles through. Have to wonder what will happen. A few years back a bond was passed to set up parks—something like 220 acres. To date the money is gone and the city bought about 90 acres. One new councilman reminded the council that the property market has declined in Flagstaff and that’s why we didn’t get all the land. No one objected, so I guess that explains it.

Guess it’s a good thing that the council is going to take a break until August.

I did a little camera hunting today, to no avail. Time is on my side, I think.

Today I got the final itinerary for my September trip. It’s going to be busy, and some great places to visit. I need to start studying—soon. I can’t forget to get my malaria pills for our river cruise in Borneo. It should be in the 80’s and 90’s while we are there, and only a little rain during that time. This is going to be another great trip. On the same day I get a preliminary agenda for a trip to Ethiopia. It isn’t until Sept. 2011, so I have some time to think about it, but it too sure looks exciting. Such planning is required for these trips.

78° and breezy made it a nice day to be outside. Summer is such a great time. Yesterday I forgot sunscreen when I went to the mural. Wasn’t expecting to spend 2+ hours outside there. I’m a little red today, so guess it’s time to just put sunscreen on whenever I go outside. .

» Puzzle 1  

Find the names of ten fish by adding one of the given letters to each word and rearranging the letters. Each letter will be used only once.

A A E H L N N P T T

1. Nut + ? =          2. Tour + ? =

3. Prickle + ? =      4. Floured + ? =

5. Mason + ? =      6. Ringer + ? =

7. Papers + ? =      8. Gyro + ? =

9. Apron + ? =       10. Pompon + ? =

» A Quick Smile…    

While I was dining out with my children, a friend of my neighbor, who recognized us, came over to our table, and we started talking.

He asked where my kids go to school. I told him we home-schooled them.

With a raised eyebrow, he asked if my husband is the sole breadwinner for our family.

I said, "No, I also work... but out of our home."

Then, noticing our two-month-old son, he mentioned that his daughter had just had a baby, and he wondered what hospital our son was born in.

"He was born at home," I answered.

The man looked at me and said, "You don't get out much, do you?"

» Side Show Stories    

Boise, Idaho (AP) --Police in Idaho think they might have solved a yearlong condiment crime spree. Authorities said a 74-year-old Boise woman arrested after pouring mayonnaise in the Ada County library's book drop box is a person of interest in at least 10 other condiment-related crimes.

Joy L. Cassidy was picked up Sunday at the library, moments after police say she pulled through the outside drive-through and dumped a jar of mayo in the box designated for reading materials.

Cassidy was released from jail and faces a misdemeanor charge of malicious injury to property.

Boise police say Cassidy is under investigation for other cases of vandalism that started in May 2009. Library employees have reported finding books in the drop box covered in corn syrup and ketchup.

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

Lighter than what I'm made of, More of me is hidden than is seen.

What am I?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

Comments on James Joyce. Click HERE!

» Calendar Information    

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1944: I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You); Harry James

1954: Little Things Mean a Lot; Kitty Kallen

1964: Chapel of Love; The Dixie Cups

1974: Billy, Don't Be a Hero; Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

1984: Time After Time; Cyndi Lauper

¤ Observance Weeks in June

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

13-19: National Flag Week

14-20: Men's Health Week and Universal Father's Week and Meet A Mate Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

National Hollerin' Contest Day began in Spiveys Corner, NC,

Fudge Day

Ladies' Day (Baseball) since 1883 when escorted and unescorted ladies could attend games

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Ireland: Bloomsday: honoring James Joyce.

Organisation of African Unity: International Day of the African Child

South Africa: Youth Day

¤ Today’s Births

Artists, Writers, and Composers

Joyce Carol Oates, 72, writer (Triumph of the Spider Monkey, The Time Traveler), born Lockport, NY

Erich Segal, 73, author (Acts of Faith, Love Story), born Brooklyn, NY

Athletes

Roberto Duran, 59, former boxer, born Chorillo, Panama, trained in Flagstaff, AZ

John Howard Griffin, 1920, photographer/author (Black Like Me)—born in Dallas,, TX

Entertainers

Jack Albertson, 1907, actor (Thin Man, Chico & the Man)—born in Malden Mass

Stan Laurel (Arthur Stanley Jefferson), 1895, comedian (Laurel & Hardy)—born in Lancashire, England

E.G. Marshall, 1910, actor (Lawrence-Defenders)—born in Owatonna MN

Laurie Metcalf, 55, actress (Emmy for “Roseanne”; “The Norm Show”), born Edwardsville, IL

Business, Education Persons

Nelson Doubleday, 1899, publisher (Doubleday)—born in Long Island, NY

Katharine Graham, 1917, newspaper publisher (Wash Post)—born in New York City

Political Persons

Aldrich Ames, 69, American Soviet spy—born in River Falls, WI

Geronimo, (Goyaałé, "one who yawns"), 1829, Chiricahua Apache leader in Turkey Creek, Mexico (Now NM)

Scientists /Religious Persons

George Gaylord Simpson, 1902, American paleontologist—born in Chicago

¤ Today’s Happenings

In The Arts

1961 ►Rudolf Nureyev , the world renowned dancer from the Soviet Union's Kirov Opera Ballet Company, defects during a stopover in Paris. 1976 : Violence has erupted in a number of South African townships including Soweto

In Athletics

1989 ►4 golfers shoot a hole-in-one on the same hole at the US Open are made all on the 6th hole (Weaver, Wiebe, Pate & Price)

In Business or Education

1903 ►Ford Motors incorporates

1941 ►1st US federally owned airport opened Wash DC

In Politics

1567 ►Mary Queen of Scots thrown into Lochleven Castle prison

1858 ►Abraham Lincoln says "A house divided against itself cannot stand"

In Science/ Religion

1805 ►Sacajawea drinks mineral water today to treat an illness.

¤ Today’s Obits

Hammurabi the Great @ 42 in Babylon in 1686 -BC

George Reeves actor (Superman, Gone With the Wind), shoots himself @ 45 in 1959

Wernher von Braun cancer @ 65 from in 1977

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

1. Tuna 2. Trout 3. Pickerel 4. Flounder 5. Salmon

6. Herring 7. Snapper 8. Porgy 9. Tarpon 10. Pompano

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

An iceberg

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’.

The Kabhre Palanchok Mahabharat range in Nepal Click HERE!

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Tuesday 6-15

»Week 24 of 2010: 166 days this year…199 days remain:

Day 57 of the BP oil spill≈

» Something To Think About  

Happiness is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.

--Helen Keller

» Random Fact    

Butterflies taste with their feet.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1920 ►A mob of 5,000 people lynched three African-American men in Duluth, Minnesota

» Free Ramblings    

I was out and about for most of the day. Redwing, the artist, called and said he had just finished the mural and wanted me to see it. It is amazing. He will be sealing it tomorrow during the cool morning hours. A great piece of art. I was there about two hours and there were lots of interruptions from tourists who really liked it. Quite an accomplishment for the artist and for the city.

After our visit, I started looking for a new digital camera. I want one with more zoom and a panoramic mode. I don’t want a tiny one, but I don’t want a full size one either. Everywhere I have looked has some of what I want, none, so far, have everything I want. I had a film Minolta with a couple of lenses. It was great, but much too bulky to take on an adventure. My current digital does still have a viewfinder along with a screen. I always have used a viewfinder. Today’s small cameras no longer have a viewfinder. The screens, they claim, have been improved enough that they work well in sunlight. My current digital uses AA batteries, which I have liked, because they are easy to replace on the go. Well that is not easy to find either, now they all have rechargeable batteries. Good for the environment, not so much for travel. That means you have to always have a back-up charged. A real pain when traveling. I sure hope I will find the one I want somewhere.

My brother and his wife went to Mexico last Thursday for a three day visit to renew their Visas. They planned to fly out Sunday. Saturday night, after a lobster dinner at a friend’s house, he had a stomach pain. About 4am, with no sleep, and in internet search, they decided to go to the ER. After a few sonograms, blood tests, and other stuff, it was determined that his appendix must come out. Sunday morning the doctor did laparoscopic. He has a couple of pin holes and went back to their place this afternoon. He can’t fly out until Thursday, but is doing fine. The airline won’t give them a break, so the trip home is costing $2K more than the original round trip. The airline only gave them a break by not charging them the $150 rebooking fee. What a racket.

I must have fallen asleep during all of the US Constitution classes when I was in school. More embarrassing than that, is that over the weekend, I ended up watching part of one Glenn Beck show. On top of that, I learned something. Prior to the 17th amendment, passed in 1913, all the US Senators were selected by the state legislature, not the populous (Art 3 of the US Constitution). I don’t agree with anything that Beck said about this fact—something about just another destruction of democracy and a move to socialism, communism, or Nazism—I must admit I can’t follow his thought process. However; I always knew the founding fathers did not have complete trust in the general populous. I knew that is why the Senate was set up with 2 per state, no matter the size of the state. It just didn’t stick in my brain that the legislature used to select the Senators. What I don’t understand is why we changed it. Living in AZ I certainly don’t want our current legislature picking our Senators, but it makes some sense for other, more sane places. With the recent Supreme Court decision that a corporation is an individual and with all the millions spent by people, and now corporations, wanting to be Senators, maybe everyone would be better off if the legislature sent the Senator to Washington. I certainly need to do some research on why, in 1913, it was decided to change the system. My first quick research found that the Tea Party Movement is backing the repeal of the 17th Amendment, claiming that it took power away from the states. Hmmm. More research is certainly needed. Wanting to go back to the good ol’ days—in this case, prior to 1913--is always frightening, as our memories of the good ol’ days are probably not very accurate. We tend to remember the good, and block out the bad. Back in 1913, neither women nor Native Americans could vote and many Blacks couldn’t either.

It was a great day to be outside. I was at the mural for two hours and the weather was great. We made it to 72° and with just a breeze, I could leave the windows open, have a slight breeze keep the house nice. When I turned on the computer this afternoon I was greeted with a Red Flag warning—low humidity, erratic winds, dry conditions lead to greater possibility of wildfires. This one is in effect until tomorrow night. Sure hope people are careful in the forest.

» Puzzle 1  

Can you figure out the rule used to develop the list? Once you do, have fun creating your own list!

mount, right, left, roll, mote, lick, lass, over, rate, aunt, rill, arch, oral, ever, pine, rice, tip, each, team, rash, sage, ouch, edge, ray, earn, any

Hint: There are 26 clues.

» A Quick Smile…    

Staring at an empty cage, a zoo visitor asks, "Where are all the monkeys?"

"It's mating season," the keeper replies. "They're inside."

"Do you think they'd come out for peanuts?"

"Probably not," answers the keeper.

"Why not?" persists the visitor.

"Would you?"

» Side Show Stories    

Yuma, AZ --An Arizona man who bluntly expressed his displeasure about being called to jury duty has landed himself in legal hot water. Timothy Michael Jones was ordered to appear Tuesday in court to explain why he sent back a jury questionnaire with obscenities written in black marker.

He failed to show and Yuma County Superior Court Judge Andrew Gould issued a bench warrant. Jones now faces a charge of indirect criminal contempt, which carries possible penalties of six months in jail and a fine of up to $300.

Court records show Jones was sent a jury summons last month telling him he had been randomly selected as a prospective juror along with the questionnaire.

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

My life can be measured in hours; I serve by being devoured.

Thin, I am quick; fat, I am slow. Wind is my foe.

What am I?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

Butterflies Click Here!

» Calendar Information    

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1943: Taking a Chance on Love; Benny Goodman

1953: The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart); Percy Faith

1963: Sukiyaki; Kyu Sakamoto Click Here!

1973: My Love; Paul McCartney & Wings

1983: Flashdance ... What a Feeling; Irene Cara

¤ Observance Weeks in June

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

13-19: National Flag Week

14-20: Men's Health Week and Universal Father's Week and Meet A Mate Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

Native American Citizenship Day

Nature Photography Day

Arkansas : Admission Day (1836)

Idaho : Pioneer Day (1910)

Oregon : Treaty Day (1846)

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Denmark : Flag Day/Valdemar Day (1219: Victory over Estonia)

Korea : Farmer's Day-day to transplant rice seeds

Azerbaijan: National Salvation Day

¤ Today’s Births

Artists, Writers, and Composers

Edvard Grieg, 1843, composer: Peer Gynt Suite

Xaveria Hollander [DeVries], 67, call girl, madame, author (Happy Hooker), born in Surabaya Indonesia

Athletes

Wade Boggs, 58, Nebraska, Red Sox 3rd baseman, born in Omaha, Nebraska

Justin Leonard, 38, golfer, born Dallas, TX

Entertainers

Courteney Cox Arquette, 46, actress (“Friends,” Scream), born Birmingham, AL

Jim Belushi, 56, actor (“Saturday Night Live,” “According to Jim”), born Chicago, IL

Neil Patrick Harris, 37, actor (“Doogie Howser, MD,” “How I Met Your Mother,” Clara’s Heart), born Albuquerque, NM

Helen Hunt, 47, actress (Then She Found Me, Cast Away, Oscar for As Good as It Gets ; “Mad About You”), born Los Angeles, CA

Waylon Jennings, 1937, singer of innumerable country songs (Ramblin' Man), born in Littlefield, Texas Click Here!

Harry (Edward) Nilsson III, 1941, singer: Everybody’s Talkin born in Brooklyn, NY

Jim Varney, 1946, "Hey Vern", actor (Ernest Goes to Jail), born in Lexington KY

Business, Education Persons

Daniel Vosovic, 29, American fashion designer, born in Grand Rapids, MI

Political Persons

Edward, 1330, the black prince, prince of Wales, born in Woodstock Palace in Oxfordshire, England

Mario Cuomo, 78, politician: governor: state of New York, born in Queens, NY

Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson, 1767, 1st lady, Andrew Jackson, born in Chatham, Virginia

Morris K Udall, 1922, Representative-AZ, born in St. Johns, AZ

Scientists /Religious Persons

Erik H Erikson, 1902, psychologist (Existentionalist), born in Frankfurt, Germany

¤ Today’s Happenings

In The Arts

1985 ►Rembrandt's painting Danaë is attacked by a man (later judged insane) who throws sulfuric acid on the canvas and cuts it twice with a knife.

In Athletics

1909 ►Benjamin Shibe patented the cork-center baseball

1938 ►John Vander Meer of Cincinnati became the first pitcher in the major leagues to toss two, consecutive, no-hit, no-run games.

In Business or Education

1844 ►Goodyear patents vulcanization of rubber

1992 ►The US Vice President Dan Quayle instructed a Trenton, N.J., elementary school student to spell ( US Spelling ) potato as ( UK Spelling ) "potatoe" during a spelling bee

2002 ►The accounting firm Arthur Andersen is convicted of obstruction of justice for shredding documents related to its audit of Enron.

In Politics

1215 ►King John signs Magna Carta

1864 ►Arlington National Cemetery is established

1871 ►Phoebe Couzins is 1st woman graduate of a US collegiate law school

1877 ►Henry O Flipper becomes 1st black graduate at West Point

1989 ►Ronald Reagan is knighted by Queen Elizabeth

1996 ►The IRA detonates a massive bomb outside the Arndale shopping centre at lunch time injuring 200

In Science/ Religion

1869 ►Celluloid patented by John Wesley Hyatt, Albany, NY

1934 ►Great Smokey Mountains National Park dedicated

1991 ►Long-dormant Mount Pinatubo erupted with a vengeance in the Philippines

¤ Today’s Obits

Victor French actor (Highway to Heaven), cancer @ 54 in 1989

James Knox Polk the 11th US Pres, dies cholera @ 54 in 1849

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

Each 3 to 5 letter word, when preceded by sequential letters of the alphabet, will form new words:

amount, bright, cleft, droll, emote, flick, glass, hover, irate, jaunt, krill, larch, moral, never, opine, price, q-tip, reach, steam, trash, usage, vouch, wedge, x-ray, yearn, zany

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

A candle

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’.

20 minutes after sunset in Albany Missouri Click Here!

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Flag Day 6-14

»Week 24 of 2010:165 days this year…200 days remain:

Day 56 of the BP oil spill≈

» Something To Think About  

Imagination is the living power and prime agent of all human perception.

-- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

» Random Fact    

Every time you sneeze some of your brain cells die.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1943 ►In the case of West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, the United States Supreme Court decided that schoolchildren cannot be forced to give a salute to the United States flag

AND 1954 ►President Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words "under God" to the United States Pledge of Allegiance

» Free Ramblings    

Every international sporting event has its own audience participation. Not everyone has the same way of showing appreciation. I must say, the SA World Cup has introduced me to something I have never heard before. The entire stadium sounds like humming insects are attacking, throughout the entire game. It actually became quite distracting during the Germany v Australia game today. What we are hearing is a cheap imitation of the South African vuvuzela trumpets, also called in Swahili the "lepatata". Some say it is the noise made by blowing through a Kudu’s horn. Others claim the sound started in Mexico. Even the Nazarene Baptist Church claims it as their instrument. The concern at the World Cup is that its 131 decibel output can cause permanent hearing loss in unprotected ears. These stadium horns have been around at soccer games since the 90’s in SA. The difference now is that the horns are a constant drone throughout the game, rather than being used after a great move or score by the home team. FIFA is talking about possible solutions.

Another nice spring day…63° was all we could muster, but there was little wind.

» Puzzle 1  

It's time to get back at the Queen of Hearts by beheading words that start with "Qu". In this case, you remove the first TWO letters and still have a valid word. You will be given clues for the two words, longer word first.

Example: British pound -> Part of the psyche Answer: The words are Quid and Id.

1. Stop doing -> That thing

2. Peculiar behaviour -> Annoy

3. Subatomic particle -> Large boat

4. Unit of liquid measure -> Product of creativity

5. Small game bird -> To be unwell

6. Large feather; pen -> Unwell; faulty

7. Nausea; uncomfortable -> Simple

8. Misgivings; scruples -> Donations to the poor

» A Quick Smile…    

On our way to my parents' house for dinner one evening, I glanced over at my 15-year-old daughter. "Isn't that skirt a bit short?" I asked. She rolled her eyes at my comment and gave me one of those "Oh, Mom" looks.

When we arrived at my folks' place, my mother greeted us at the door, hugged my daughter, then turned to me and looking me over with a critical eye said, "Elizabeth! Don't you think that blouse is awfully low-cut?"

» Side Show Stories    

MASAKA, Uganda - Police in Uganda said they are investigating the origins and purpose of a huge marijuana crop found in the garden of a convent. Masaka district police officials said investigators discovered a marijuana plantation covering an entire acre of land in the gardens of the convent, which was not specifically identified by police, the BBC reported Thursday. Southern regional commander Emmanuel Muhuirwe said two porters were arrested and released on bail pending charges while two nuns were questioned but not arrested. One of the nuns was quoted as saying the marijuana was used as a health treatment for the convent's pigs and other farm animals.

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

Until I am measured, I am not known.

Yet how you miss me, when I have flown!

What am I?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

At the beginning of WWII, the military came to the BIA Boarding Schools to recruit soldiers. Many joined, even though they were underage. Here is an interesting video on the code talkers. Click HERE!

» Calendar Information

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1942: Sleepy Lagoon; Harry James

1952: Blue Tango; Leroy Anderson

1962: I Can't Stop Loving You; Ray Charles

1972: Candy Man; Sammy Davis, Jr.

1982: Ebony and Ivory; Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder

¤ Observance Weeks in June

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

13-19: National Flag Week

14-20: Men's Health Week and Universal Father's Week and Meet A Mate Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

Pop Goes The Weasel Day Click HERE!

Army's Birthday since 1775 Click HERE!

Pause for the Pledge Day

(World) Blood Donor Day

Family History Day

Flag Day since 1777 Click HERE!

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Afghanistan: Mother's Day

Baltic: Freedom Day since 1982 when Soviets withdrew

¤ Today’s Births

Artists, Writers, and Composers

John Bartlett, 1820, editor (compiled Familiar Quotations), born Plymouth, MA

Edward Bowes, 1874, radio host (Major Bowes Amateur Hour), born San Francisco, CA

Boy George (George Alan O’Dowd), 49, lead singer (Culture Club), born London, England

Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811, author (Uncle Tom's Cabin), born Litchfield, CN

Athletes

Stephanie Maria (Steffi) Graf, 41, former tennis player, born Bruhl, West Germany

Eric Arthur Heiden, 52, Olympic gold medal speed skater, born Madison, WI

Entertainers

Gene Barry (Eugene Klass), 1921 , actor (Bat Masterson, Burke's Law) , born NYC

Marla Gibbs, 64, actress (“227,” “The Jeffersons”), born Chicago, IL

Burl (Icle Ivanhoe) Ives, 1909 , folk singer/actor, born Hunt Il

     To hear Big Rock Candy Mountain Click HERE!

Lash La Rue, 1917 , cowboy actor, born Gretna La

Business, Education Persons

Donald Trump, 64, real estate mogul, born New York, NY

Political Persons

Ernesto (Che) Guevara, 1928, Latin American revolutionary, born Rosario, Argentina

Pierre Salinger, 1925, newsman (ABC)/press secretary (John Kennedy), born San Francisco, CA

Scientists /Religious Persons

Alois Alzheimer, 1864, psychiatrist/pathologist (Alzheimer Disease), born Marktbreit, Bavaria

¤ Today’s Happenings  

In The Arts

1881 ►Player piano patented by John McTammany, Jr, Cambridge, MA

1942 ►Walt Disney's "Bambi" is released

In Athletics

--

In Business or Education

1642 ►1st compulsory education law in America passed by MA

1834 ►Sandpaper patented by Isaac Fischer Jr, Springfield, VT

1972 ►Following a series of plane hijackings The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) has called a 24-hour stoppage for 19th June and accused governments of failing to take action to halt air piracy.

In Politics

1671 ►Francec claims most of America

1923 ►Pres Harding is 1st US president to use radio, dedicating the Francis Scott Key memorial in Baltimore

1940 ►German tanks rolled into Paris

1962 ►The New Mexico Supreme Court in the case of Montoya v. Bolack, 70 N.M. 196, prohibits state and local governments from denying Indians the right to vote because they live on a reservation.

In Science/ Religion

1938 ►Chlorophyll patented by Benjamin Grushkin

¤ Today’s Obits

Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary War general, dropsy @ 60 in 1801

Alan Reed, actor (voice (Fred Flintstone), heart attack @ 69 in 1977

Alan Jay Lerner, Broadway librettist, brain tumor @ 67 in 1986

Marlin Perkins, "Wild Kingdom" host, @ 81 in 1986

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

1. Quit -> It

2. Quirk -> Irk

3. Quark -> Ark

4. Quart -> Art

5. Quail -> Ail

6. Quill -> Ill

7. Queasy -> Easy

8. Qualms -> Alms

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

Time

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’.

Sunset at Mt. Shasta: Click HERE!

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Sunday 6-13

»Week 24 of 2010:164 days this year…201 days remain:

Day 55 of the BP oil spill≈  

» Something To Think About  

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

~Aristotle

» Random Fact    

Dalmatians are born without spots.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1934 ►Adolf Hitler and Mussolini meet in Venice, Italy; Mussolini later describes the German dictator as "a silly little monkey".

AND 1966 ►Chief Justice Earl Warren delivers The Supreme Court landmark Miranda vs. Arizona decision, "that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police"

» Free Ramblings    

I got an early morning email inviting me to lunch with some friends who are in town. Andy, Faith and I had lunch at La Fonda. Andy is the Superintendent of Navajo Nation Schools. I haven’t seen Andy since he took the job. He is such a dedicated educational leader. As always when I talk to him, he gave me much to think about. He asked about my thoughts of volunteering and a while later asked if I missed Tuba. Hmmm. Certainly some things to think about. As I told him, right now I’m enjoying not having to do a steady thing. For those of you who know Andy, his office has a new website: Click Here!

We had a great lunch, good conversation, and were able to watch England v USA in the World Cup. It was a decent game, a win would have been nice, but the tie keeps us in the running. When I watched the intro show before the game, I was surprised. They did a fly over of South Africa, showing its beauty. For some unknown reason they had several shots of Victoria Falls which is really on the Zimbabwe and Zambia border. South Africa has plenty of great countryside, and it’s a shame the American photogs didn’t honor that. After reading several SA news sites, it seems that most soccer fans in the world are blaming England for allowing the USA to score, saying the goalkeeper blew an easy stop. Yeah, maybe, but it tied the game. The goalkeeper is taking quite a bit of heat.

The clouds came, the clouds left, no moisture. We barely made it to 60° and the breeze/wind made it not that nice to be outside. Long pants and a jacket would have been fine, I guess, but this is late spring/early summer and after those 90°+ days, I’m not going to layer when I go outside. Flagstaff always keeps its residence guessing as to what the weather will be.

» Puzzle 1  

Using the grid below, how many words can you find? Each word must contain the central V and no letter can be used twice, however, the letters do not have to be connected. Proper nouns are not allowed, however, plurals are. There is at least one nine letter word.

O E R

D V B

R A O

Genius: 28 words. Excellent: 20 words. Good: 16 words. Average: 12 words. Some words are very obscure!

» A Quick Smile…    

Sitting through fire safety and prevention programs can make anyone nod off. So the instructor tried to lighten the mood by going around the room asking where all the guests were from. "Burnt Mattress, Arkansas," called out the friend sitting next to me.

"Burnt Mattress!" said the instructor, suppressing a laugh. "I've heard some unusual town names before, but never that one. Where's it located?"

My friend shot back, "Right above Hot Springs."

» Side Show Stories    

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man known by locals for openly displaying his handgun on a hip holster says he is giving up open carry after he was robbed at gunpoint. The 34-year-old man, who asked not to be named, said he believes openly displaying his handgun as allowed by law made him a target for the robbery and he sees it as evidence of the need for a concealed carry law, WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee, reported.

Neighbors said the man was always carrying the weapon when they spotted him and he was known locally as "the guy with the gun." "It was kind of scary to just see him walking around all the time with that gun kind of just out in the open," neighbor Shambria Mayham Autman said. "I think he was trying to scare people off like, 'Yeah, don't mess with me,' kind of attitude, but it didn't work." Nik Clark, the president of Wisconsin Carry, said he has never heard of a similar incident happening to any of the hundreds of thousands of people in the state who open carry. "So it really is a very unusual situation, very unique," Clark said.

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

Weight in my belly, Trees on my back, Nails in my ribs, Feet do I lack.

What am I?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

Summer songs were big hits in my youth. Remember Chad and Jeremy? Click Here!

» Calendar Information    

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1941: Maria Elena; Jimmy Dorsey

1951: How High the Moon; Les Paul & Mary Ford

1961: Moody River; Pat Boone Click Here!

1971: I Feel the Earth Move; Carole King

1981: Bette Davis Eyes; Kim Carnes

¤ Observance Weeks in June

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

13-19: National Flag Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day

Kitchen Klutzes Of America Day

Multicultural American Child Awareness Day

National Juggling Day

Race Unity Day

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Yemen Arab Rep : Reform Movement Day

¤ Today’s Births

Artists, Writers, and Composers

Christo, 75, conceptual artist (Running Fence, Valley Curtain), born Christo Javacheff at Babrovo, Bulgaria

William Butler Yeats, poet, born in 1865 Sandymount, County Dublin, Ireland

Athletes

Red (Harold) Grange Pro and College Football Hall of Fame, born in 1903 Forksville, PA

Entertainers

Tim Allen, 57, comedian, actor (“Home Improvement,” Galaxy Quest), born Denver, CO

Paul Lynde, comedian, born in 1926 Mt Vernon Ohio

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, 24, actress (“Full House,” “Two of a Kind”), born Los Angeles, CA

Basil Rathbone (Philip St. John), actor (Sherlock Holmes) , born in 1892 Johannesburg S Africa

Richard Thomas, 59, actor (“The Waltons,” Roots: The Next Generations), born New York, NY

Mary Wickes , actress, born in 1912 St Louis Mo

Business, Education Persons

--

Political Persons

Ban Ki-Moon, 66, UN Secretary-General, born Eumseong, Korea

Scientists /Religious Persons

James Clerk Maxwell physicist, formulated electromagnetic theory, born in 1831 Edinburgh, Scotland

¤ Today’s Happenings

In The Arts

1789 ►Mrs. Alexander Hamilton served a new dessert treat for General George Washington. The highlight of the dinner party was ice cream!

In Athletics

1973 ►Garvey, Lopes, Cey & Russell play together for 1st time, set record of staying together as an infield for 8+ years (LA Dodgers)

In Business or Education

2002 ►After nearly 1 week forest fires which began in Pike National Forest on Saturday in Colorado have destroyed nearly 100,000 acres of land are coming under control by the 2,800 firefighters

In Politics

1660 ►Wamsetta, a WAMPANOAG, and his younger brother, Metacomet (various spellings), have requested "English" names from the Plymouth court. Today, their names will be officially be changed to Alexander and Philip Pokanoket. Philip would eventually be called "King Philip."

1774 ►Rhode Island becomes 1st colony to prohibit importation of slaves

1798 ►Mission San Luis Rey de Francia founded in California

1888 ►Congress creates the Department of Labor

1986 ►Following the civil unrest in South Africa Bishop Desmond Tutu , winner of the 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace, meets with South African President P.W. Botha to discuss the nationwide state of emergency declared by Botha.

In Science/ Religion

1933 ►1st sodium vapor lamps installed (Schenectady NY): Now used by most Dark Sky cities

¤ Today’s Obits

Alexander the Great dies of fever at Babylon, assassinated @ 32 in 323 -BC-

Tom C Clark former Supreme Court Justice, @ 77 in 1977

Benny Goodman the clarinet playing King of Swing, @ 77 in 1986

Geraldine Page actress (Blue & Gray), heart attack @ 62 in 1987

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

above, adverb, ave, aver, brave, braved, braver, bravo, bravoed, deva, dove, drove, drover, ova, over, OVERBOARD, OVERBROAD, overdo, rave, raved, raver, rev, rove, roved, rover, var, verb, voe.

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

A ship

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’. Click Here!

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Saturday 6-12

»Week 23 of 2010:163 days this year…202 days remain:

Day 54 of the BP oil spill

» Something To Think About  

You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.

--Tom Brokaw

» Random Fact    

The largest producer of gold is South Africa.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1975 ►Indira Gandhi , the prime minister of India, is found guilty of electoral corruption in her successful 1971 campaign. Gandhi refused to give up India's top office and later declared martial law in the country when public demonstrations threatened to topple her administration.

» Free Ramblings    

A friend of mine is painting a mural here in Flagstaff. I have known Redwing since he was Ted. He has been an artist since, well forever. He has been a well known Dine’ artist since he graduated from High School. He went the LA Olympics with us, to share his art with the world. He is an old fashioned artist with several patrons who have is art in California, the UK, and a few other countries. He started a foundation a few years ago to save the old Bitahochee Trading Post. [Bitahochee is a NAVAJO word meaning red rock running through].Back in the day, the trading post was the first stop from Holbrook on the rez. He spent many hours as a child there, meeting people, learning, experiencing life. He wrote and illustrated Forbidden Talent about growing up on the Rez. While I was at Tuba, he met with students and shared his book and the process of making the book. Great experience for our students. He has been credited in several movies that were filmed on the Rez. He is now busy setting up a gallery, artist-in-residence program, a learning center and much more at the old Trading Post. This year he turned 50. He started school with no English knowledge, was raised traditionally, and his art shows that background. The Flagstaff Visitors Center is having him paint a huge mural outside. He was selected from many other entries. It is exciting to watch the mural change daily. More exciting is to watch the many visitors who stop by and watch the work. Flagstaff made a good choice in selecting Redwing. When it is finished later this summer it will be yet another reason to visit Flagstaff. Click Here!

Interestingly, some Brits are upset with our President. They don’t like him or his staff referring to BP as British Petroleum. They changed their name a few years back from British Petroleum to BP. Their ads back then included the tag line “BP—Beyond Petroleum”. I get that BP is the largest company in the UK; it is one of the largest companies in the whole world. Failure of the company would cause the UK, and the world, to face another financial crisis. Of course, the BP oil spill is already causing a global environmental crisis that continues to worsen. I have to wonder how the Brits would feel if the spill had been in the North Sea, in their back yard.

The World Cup has begun. There was great kick-off concert on TV tonight. ESPN will be carrying games for the next month. My South African FB friends are in a frenzy over this event. I am lucky enough to have seen the stadium in J-burg and the one in Cape Town. I sure hope they got the traffic situation figured out. When I was there they were busy building several highways in both towns, but many in SA were concerned that they wouldn’t be ready. The US team is not expected to win, but should make it through at least two rounds. The Cup is only played every played every 4 years. This year has 55 countries sending a team. It is estimated that 2.2 billion people watched the final game in 2006. Many black South Africans are hoping these games will be another step to move past apartheid. Sadly, I read that many immigrants in the poorest areas of J-burg and Cape Town are being told that they need to return to their neighboring homeland when the games are over, or face violence. Sad.

Another breezy day here in Flag. It was nice to have a day with a high of only 68°. It looked like it was going to rain several times today, but alas, the 20mph wind with gusts of 35mph, did little more than blow the rain clouds out of the area. Then suddenly, out of nowhere we had some lightning, some thunder, and some huge rain drops. The smell of fresh rain now permeates the area. Very nice shower!!!

» Puzzle 1  

Given below are five pairs of words. Each pair sounds similar, but have different meanings (they are homonyms). Can you figure out the pairs?

Lift high - Bring down, destroy

Plant with ears - Labyrinth

Burial/Cremation formalities - Uses a pen and paper and forms legible words

To communicate with God - Carnivore's target

Watery part of milk that separates when milk turns to curds - The route or the course traveled from one place to another

» A Quick Smile…    

My wife and I were having a very hypothetical discussion: In the unlikely event that Hollywood made a movie based on our lives, we wondered what stars would play us.

"Who would you pick to portray you?" she asked me.

I thought about it for a minute, then answered, "George Clooney."

"In that case," she said, "I'll play myself."

» Side Show Stories    

USA Today: Betty Lou Lynn, 83, was mugged and had her wallet stolen in her new hometown of Mount Airy, N.C., in April. Lynn is the actress who played Barney Fife's best girl, Thelma Lou, in the Andy Griffith TV show and had lived in Los Angeles until she became alarmed at the city's crime rate. She decided in 2007 to move to the quieter, peaceful Mount Airy, which was Griffith's birthplace and the model for the TV town of Mayberry.

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

Glittering points that downward thrust,

Sparkling spears that never rust.

What is it?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

This is an aerial view of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. The peaks are sacred to many AZ native tribes, and can be seen for miles around Flagstaff. Click Here!

» Calendar Information      

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1930: When It's Springtime in the Rockies; Ben Selvin

1940: Tuxedo Junction; Glenn Miller

1950: 'The Third Man' Theme; Anton Karas

1960: Cathy's Clown; The Everly Brothers

1970: The Long and Winding Road; The Beatles

1980: Funkytown; Lipps, Inc.

¤ Observance Weeks in June

6-12: National Headache Awareness Week

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

Crowded Nest Awareness Day

Loving Day since 1967 when Supreme Court allowed interracial marriage

Raggedy Ann & Andy Day

Ride The Wind Day, Ride For Wind Day or World Wind Day

The Wicket World of Croquet Day

World Day Against Child Labor

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Brazil: Dia dos Namorados, Brazilian Valentine's Day

Finland: Helsinki Day (1550)

Paraguay: Chaco Armistice Day (1935 over territory with Bolivia)

Philippines: Independence Day (1898 from Spain)

Turk & Cacios Island: Constitution Day

¤ Today’s Births

   Artists, Writers, and Composers

Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank, diarist/Nazi victim, born in 1929 Frankfurt am Main in Weimar Germany

Charles Kingsley, clergyman/novelist (Westward Ho!), born in 1819 Holne, Devon, England

   Athletes

Marv Albert, 67, sportscaster, born Marvin Philip Aufrichtig at New York, NY

   Entertainers

Irwin Allen, “The Master of Disaster ” producer, director: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Towering Inferno, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, born in 1916 New York City

Vic Damone [Vito Farinola], 82, singer (“On the Street Where You Live”), born Brooklyn

Kent Jones, 46, American journalist (The Rachel Maddow Show) born in Missouri

Jim Nabors, 78, actor (“The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”), singer, born Sylacauga, AL--and he can sing: Click Here! (My HS Class Song)

   Business, Education Persons

David Rockefeller, 95, banker, born New York, NY

   Political Persons

George Herbert Walker Bush, 86, 41st president of the US, born Milton, MA

   Scientists /Religious Persons

Fritz Albert Lipmann, American biochemist, Nobel laureate born in 1899 Königsberg, Germany

Bert Sakmann, 68,German physiologist, Nobel laureate born in Stuttgart, Germany

¤ Today’s Happenings

   In The Arts

1947 ►People gathered around the radio to listen to Sergeant Preston of The Yukon for the firsttime. The show, with the Canadian Mountie and his trusty dog, King, continued on the radio until 1955 (and on TV from 1955-1958). Sgt. Preston was created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, who also created The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet.

   In Athletics

1839 ►1st baseball game played in America

1939 ►The Baseball Hall of Fame opens in Cooperstown, New York.

1981 ►Larry Holmes, 31, defended his heavyweight boxing title by earning a third-round TKO(technical knockout) over Leon Spinks

   In Business or Education

1997 ►Queen Elizabeth II reopens the Globe Theatre in London.

   In Politics

1665 ►English rename New Amsterdam, New York, after Dutch pull out

1756 ►DELAWARE Indians, led by King Beaver, will attack the fortified garrison in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, called Bingham's Fort. The number of settlers killed or captured was estimated to be as many as two dozen.

1903 ►Niagara Falls, Ontario incorporated as a city

1964 ►South Africa sentences Nelson Mandela to life imprisonment

1987 ►While standing in front of the Berlin Wall President Ronald Reagan challenges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Wall.

1994 ►Nicole Brown Simpson, O.J. Simpson's ex-wife, and her friend Ron Goldman are brutally stabbed to death outside Nicole's home in Brentwood, California

   In Science/ Religion

2004 ►A 1.3 kilogram chondrite type meteorite strikes a house in Ellerslie, New Zealandcausing serious damage but no injuries.

¤ Today’s Obits

Medgar Evers, NAACP official, murdered in Jackson, Miss @ 37 in 1963

Saul David Alinsky, radical writer, founder of modern community action, heart attack @ 63 in 1972

Milburn Stone, actor (Doc-Gunsmoke), @ 75 in 1980

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

Raise - Raze

Maize - Maze

Rites - Writes

Pray - Prey

Whey - Way

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

an icicle

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’.

Click Here!

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Friday 6-11

»Week 23 of 2010: 162 days this year...203 days remain:
Day 53 of the BP Oil Spill

» Something To Think About  

You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it.

--John Updike

» Random Fact    

A turkey can run at 20 mph.

¤ Holy Mackerel: On this day in 1987 ►Margaret Thatcher wins general election after another landslide victory over the Labour Party—1st time in 160 years for PM to be elected 3 times in a row

» Free Ramblings    

What the hell is going on in AZ? Many of us are aware of SB1070 and are against it. Many in this state are behind it. Now we learn that many of the pro-1970 rallies have been infiltrated by various hate groups. These hate groups are against any immigration—legal and illegal. The Southern Poverty Law Center says there is twice the number of hate groups operating in AZ today than there were a decade ago. Many who attend these rallies may not be ‘haters’ but they are hearing from members of hate groups. The head guy from FAIR, who actually wrote the bill for AZ is considered a member of a hate group by SPLC. Our governor, our legislature, and many of our citizens are being used to spread the message of hate. No matter where you stand on immigration, remember, this country was built by immigrants. Thanks to Ancestory.com and other sites, every non-full blood Native American can trace their family to an arrival on the shore. Many came legally, many did not. Those who were brought from Africa to work the fields as slaves may or may not have been ‘legal’, but back then, they were not counted as whole human beings. Immigration is and always has been a problem. Those in power always want to control those not in power. Quotas have always been one of our ‘legal’ way of deciding who will be good for the country and who won’t be. It is time to look at the big picture. We do need to know who is here. We don’t need to make people wait up to 20 years to get here legally. As a young child I was involved in a couple of immigration issues. First, one of my dad’s Army buddies was stationed in England when the war ended. Long story short, his English girl friend got pregnant. Robert came home and started working on getting Marjorie over here. By the time it was over, Julian, their son, was two. My parents had to stand up for Bob and Marjorie so she could become an American citizen. It was a big deal. My grandparents rented the basement of their large home in the 50’s. Somehow, they got on a list that provided Eastern European families housing. These families were refugees from the communist take-over. Each family had a sponsoring family in Denver. Over the years, there were five or six different couples who rented. They had trouble communicating, trouble learning the American culture, but they all succeeded. Finally our neighbors sponsored a German couple who eventually got their citizenship and bought the house of their sponsors. They became good friends and I was the one who suggested the names for their twin boys. Years later, Lilo brought her sister over. The sister had a hard time adjusting to American values and after being here several years, waiting to get her citizenship, got hooked up with a bad crowd. Sadly, the sister was murdered a few months before she got her citizenship.

While I realize this is a small sample and is totally anecdotal, I can’t shake it from my thought process. All these people came to the US for a better life. They had to accept the harsh reality that living in America was not easy. More importantly they learned that much of what they had been told in their home country about the glory of America was something that had to be worked for and it was hard work. I find it hard to believe that the immigrants of today are not coming here for a better life. Most will succeed and make our country richer, a few will fail. I sure hope the hate groups that are aligning with the pro-1070 folks don’t become more powerful.

PAC 10 is going to be PAC 11, or maybe more. I’m excited, living here in AZ and still having loyalty to my alma mater, University of Colorado. When I was at CU we were in the Big 8, which later become the Big 12. If too many other teams join the old PAC 10, as is expected, the Big 12 may be no more. This new alignment will allow me to see a lot more CU games, maybe some in person down at ASU. Go Buffs. Much of this major realignment of teams across the country is for the money the Universities receive for TV rights. I’m not real happy about that, but this change will be good for the many CU fans in AZ. Our local Lumberjacks never get TV time, except away games on the local cable channel. No big bucks there. I usually attend one game a year for NAU. The university is remodeling the Skydome—our indoor field, and I will probably attend a few more games when the Skydome reopens—just to see what they have done. For the first few years after the Dome opened, I attended most home games, the NAU team was never that good, and after getting my Masters, I really cut back on games.

We had our weekly lunch today. Cheryl had a great visit with her son, daughter-in-law and grandkids last weekend. She is about 6 hours from them so she can go just about any time she the mood hits her. She had some really cute school pictures. Digital photography has really improved the school picture business. This photographer did full body shots with a great background. Technology does make some things easier. I was also happy to find out that both Cheryl and Mary are having problems with AOL. My freeze ups and inability always open email on the first try are obviously not my computer. AOL used to be the leader in email technology. They got too big and forgot about their customers. I am ready to drop my AOL accounts but will give them a little more time before I do that.

Flag was really breezy today. I was awakened several times by the wind blowing though my open bedroom window. Finally about 4am I was fed up with waking up and closed the window. That was too late, and I have been tired all day. It only got to 79° which was nice, if I didn’t mind the 20mph steady wind with gusts up to 35mph. The good part of this—the wind is blowing in some moisture. Sure would be nice it it was the beginning of the monsoons—which aren’t due until July. A light shower every afternoon would sure be nice.

» Puzzle 1  

When do you start on red and stop on green?

» A Quick Smile…    

A man and his wife are sitting in the living room and he says to her, "Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state dependent on some machine. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."

"OK," says his wife as she gets up and unplugs the TV.

» Side Show Stories    

NAPERVILLE, Il: - An Illinois student accused of throwing condoms filled with vomit at a college security officer said the liquid was actually a mixture of ketchup and water. Tyler Wilfley, 19, a student at North Central College, was charged with battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly lobbing the liquid-filled condoms at the security officer from a parking deck in Naperville at about 2 a.m. May 28, the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald reported Tuesday.

Police said at least two "vomit-filled condoms" were thrown at the officer during the incident, splashing their contents on his car and clothing. Police "thought it was vomit because it had a foul odor, but in reality it was ketchup and water," Wilfley told the Daily Herald. "I didn't throw it at the officer, either. It was thrown at the hood of the car and ended up splashing him in the process." North Central spokesman Ted Slowik said officials will schedule a disciplinary hearing for Wilfley allegedly "violating the college's conduct policies."

» Puzzle 2: Brain Food  

If a man carried my burden, / He would break his back.

I am not rich, / But I leave silver in my track.

What am I?

» Something you might enjoy…  

In 2005, YouTube changed the internet forever. It is now available in 22 languages. Check out this one…

John Wayne’s Tribute to America  Click HERE!

» Calendar Information    

¤ Today’s Number One Songs in…

For anyone interested, all these songs are available on iTunes.

"Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies." ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

1949: Riders in the Sky (A Cowboy Legend)-- Vaughn Monroe Click Here to hear Orignial!

1959: The Battle of New Orleans-- Johnny Horton Click Here!

1969: Get Back-- The Beatles

1979: Hot Stuff-- Donna Summer

1989: I'll Be Loving You (Forever)-- New Kids on the Block

¤ Observance Weeks in June

6-12: National Headache Awareness Week

10-17: Superman Week and Nursing Assistants Week

¤ Today’s Observances—US/UN/World

Corn on the Cob Day

National Hug Holiday

National Impressionists Day

King Kamehameha Day--Hawaii

¤ Today’s Observances—by country

Nova Scotia, Canada: Davis Day (To honor Wm Davis, killed in 1925) now to honor all miners who have died on the job in Nova Scotia.

¤ Today’s Births

   Artists, Writers, and Composers

Frank O. King, "Gasoline Alley" cartoonist, born in 1883 Cashton, WI

Richard Strauss, composer (Till Eulenspiegel), born in 1864 Munchen Germany

   Athletes

Vincent Thomas Lombardi NFL coach (Green Bay Packers), born in 1913 Brooklyn , NY

Joseph C. (Joe) Montana, Jr, 54, former sportscaster and Hall of Fame football player (49ers, Chiefs), born New Eagle, PA

Risë Stevens (Risë Steenberg), mezzo-soprano: New York Metropolitan Opera, born in 1913 NYC

Jackie Stewart, 71, former auto racer, born Dunbartonshire, Scotland

   Entertainers

Tab Hunter (Arthur Andrew Kelm), 79, actor, born in NYC

Hugh Laurie, 51, actor (“House,” “Jeeves & Wooster”), born Oxford, Oxfordshire, England

Gene Wilder (Jerome Silberman), 71, actor (The Producers, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein), director, born Milwaukee, WI

   Business, Education Persons

Lawrence (Edmund) Spivak, TV host: Meet the Press, born in 1900 Brooklyn, NY

   Political Persons

Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett, leader of English women's movement, born in 1847 Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Jeannette Rankin, 1st woman elected to US Congress (from Montana), born in 1880 Missoula, MT

   Scientists /Religious Persons

Jacques-Yves Cousteau, oceanic explorer / photographer aboard Calypso, born in 1910 Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Gironde, France

Maurice Paul Auguste Charles Fabry, found ozone layer in upper atmosphere, born in 1867 Marseille, France

¤ Today’s Happenings

   In The Arts

1937 ►Marx Brothers' "A Day At The Races" released

1982 ►Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial opened.

1993 ►Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park opened

   In Athletics

1919 ►Sir Barton becomes 1st horse to win the Triple Crown

1977 ►Seattle Slew wins Triple Crown

In Business or Education

1977 ►Main Street Electrical Parade premiers in Disneyland and Disney World

   In Politics

1770 ►Capt Cook runs aground on Australian Great Barrier Reef

1859 ►Comstock silver load discovered near Virginia City, Nevada

1896 ►US Assay Office in Deadwood, South Dakota authorized

1939 ►The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon; later known as the Queen Mother) of Great Britain were in America to visit with President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1963 ►Gov Wallace tries to prevent blacks registering at U of Alabama

1990 ►UN appoints Olivia Newton-John environmental ambassador

In Science/ Religion

1936 ►Presbyterian Church of America founded at Philadelphia

1944 ►1st Serbian Orthodox cathedral in US, Cathedral of St Sava, NYC

2009 ►The World Health Organization declares H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as "swine flu", as a global pandemic

¤ Today’s Obits

Quang Duc, Buddhist monk, immolates himself on a street in Saigon @ 66 in 1963

Frank Laubach, founded internat’l reading through phonetics program (Each One, Teach One), @ 86 in 1970

John Wayne, actor, dies of cancer @ 72 in 1979

Karen Ann Quinlan, right to die patient @ 31 in 1985

» ANSWERS to Puzzle 1    

When you are eating a watermelon.

» ANSWERS to Brain Food  

A snail

» PIC of the Day  

I have always been fascinated with ‘sky’ pictures. While traveling I always try to take pictures of clouds, sunrise, sunset, panoramas with mostly sky. These pics are not mine, but it’s nice to learn that others are also fascinated by the sky. During the month of June I’ll be doing ‘sun rays’.

Not sure where this was taken: Click Here!

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