3-6-11 Sunday


TODAY’s HOLY MACKEREL: 1886 1st US alternating current power plant starts, Great Barrington MA
____________________________________
MY FREE RAMBLING THOUGHTS

I didn’t make it to the St. Patty Day Parade in Sedona. The parade is organized by NAU students—well not exactly. The NAU students do a whole lot of leg work while a Celtic board makes the decisions. This means that the parade can’t interfere with Spring Break. It is usually the weekend before St. Patty’s Day but this year that is spring break. From what I hear, the students get a grade for their hard work and the parade couldn’t be as successful without their hard work. I am sure that everything went off without a hitch.

Times have really changed. When I was in grad school one of my profs and mentors was very involved in the AZ Bilingual Conference—later, AZ-TESOL. Many of her adult, working students, got involved. Several of us went on to become officers from Program Chair, President, Director, and newsletter editor. This was a statewide organization attached to international TESOL. Back in those days none of the working officers go any time off work, Our conferences were always on Friday night and Saturday so that both the officers and the teacher attendees could actually attend. I think that each of us did get some free printing, some free office supplies, and other things for the conference. I was once invited to participate in the International TESOL conference in Miami, FL. It took a letter from the International head to the BIA to allow me to attend at government expense. While I enjoyed my many years with AZ-TESOL, I never even considered attending a state conference during work hours. I would take leave, or sometimes be given leave as soon as the kids left for the day. I would then drive to Phoenix or Flagstaff or Tucson for the Friday night events. This was a great organization, doing very good things for teachers of children who didn’t speak English as their first language. I know that many of our attendees were sent to our conferences by their districts.

Students today don’t seem to have that kind of dedication to a program that our officers had. The same is true of our local news program. I have been very happy with their professionalism and their work in informing our local community. However, the program is only on M-Th during the time school is in session. It starts about 3 weeks after the fall and winter terms begin—so that students can be prepared for on-air live news. I keep hoping that the students who are really into broadcasting will suggest that they do the news five nights a week or during breaks. (It could be much like student teaching). Now that I have learned about the St. Patty’s Day Sedona parade, I doubt that it will happen anytime in the near future.

As my facial keeps coming in, I am a little disappointed. While I have had white hair for many years, my facial hair is still salt and pepper with a lot more pepper than salt. My mustache is almost totally pepper, to match my eyebrows. I’m not sure I like that look. I’ll give it a couple more days so see what happens.
____________________________________
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Motion sickness causes you to produce excess saliva, which can make you nauseated, some doctors say. Compounds in olives called tannins dry out your mouth and can help soothe the queasiness. Pop a couple at the first hint of nausea; sucking on a lemon can also do the trick.
Use Kool-Aid in Dannon plain yogurt as a fingerpaint. Your kids will love it and it won't hurt them if them eat it.

SOMEWHAT USELESS INFORMATION… Youtube Part II
The first video ever to be uploaded on YouTube was shot by Yakov Lapitsky at the San Diego Zoo. It shows co-founder Jawed Karim in front of the elephant enclosure going on about long trunks. It has racked up 4,282,497 views since its online debut on April 23, 2005.
As of February 2011, YouTube has 490 million unique users worldwide per month, who rack up an estimated 92 billion page views each month. These stats are just for the main YouTube website -- they don't incorporate embedded videos or video watched on mobile devices.
Not counting music videos (which due to licensing restrictions are often shown only in the U.S. on YouTube), the most viewed video of all time is the classic "Charlie bit my finger," with an astounding 282,151,886 (at the time of writing).

PUZZLE: Trivia Quiz […answers at bottom…]
1. By area what is the world's largest sea?
2. What capital city began as the village of Edo?
3. On which national flag is there an eagle and a snake?
4. In which country would you find the Negev desert?
5. Which American State is nicknamed the 'Diamond State'?
6. What is the capitol of Morocco?
7. If you landed at Hanedi airport where are you?
8. Where does the White and Blue Nile join?
9. What does Calabria, Liguria, Puglia and Veneto have in comoon?
10. What is the capital of Ghana?

UNUSUAL NEWS ITEM:
HEDGESVILLE, Md. - Authorities in West Virginia said a man arrested on an explosives charge was making "cat bombs" to scare felines away from his yard. West Virginia State Police said Brian Michael Bailey, 42, of Hedgesville, was arrested Monday after several complaints were lodged about him setting off some manner of explosive devices at his home, The (Hagerstown, Md.) Herald-Mail, reported Thursday. Bailey told troopers he had been making "cat bombs" from combining aluminum foil and toilet bowl cleaner in empty plastic soda bottles and throwing them into his yard, frightening away roaming cats with the resulting explosion. Troopers said they found three exploded bottles at Bailey's home and two bottles of The Works toilet bowl cleaner. Bailey was charged with a felony count of illegal possession of destructive devices, explosive material or incendiary devices.

A LITTLE LAUGH:
To prepare for my daughter's First Communion, I called the church in the town where we used to live to get a copy of her baptismal certificate.
We lived there for only a short while, so I didn't know the clergy well. When the secretary asked me the name of the father, I told her that I couldn't remember.
After a brief silence, she said, "Ma'am, I'm talking about the name of the baby's father."

Top 10 In The World:

CLOSEUP PICTURE: Can you identify this close up picture?

FOUND ON ‘YOU TUBE’: Cronkite: In His Own Words

♫ 60’s Rock ♫
Click on Song Title to see and hear it.
____________________________________
DAYBOOK INFORMATION
►THIS WEEK◄
1-7 National Cheerleading Week ♣ National Ghostwriters Week ♣ National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week ♣ Universal Human Beings Week ♣
5-20► Iditarod Race ♣
6-12► Celebrate Your Name Week ♣ National Consumer Protection Week ♣ National Pancake Week ♣ National Words Matter Week ♣ Save Your Vision Week ♣ Read an E-Book Week ♣ Return The Borrowed Books Week ♣ Teen Tech Week ♣ Women in Construction Week ♣
►TODAY IS◄
National Frozen Food Day
Namesake Day
Belgium: Carnival of Binche (celebrations leading up to Ash Wednesday)
Austria & Germany: Fasching Sunday (celebrations leading up to Ash Wednesday)
Ghana: Independence Day (1957 from UK)
Guam: Magellan Day/Discovery Day (1521)
Territory of Norfolk Island, Australia: Foundation Day, the founding of Norfolk Island in 1788
U.S. Stoneware Pottery Appreciation Day
U.S. Snowshoe Day

■…AUTHORS/COMPOSERS/ARTISTS
1806 Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Moulton) poet: Sonnets from the Portuguese - “How do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.”
1475 Michelangelo Buonarroti painter/sculptor/architect (David, Pièta)
1619 Cyrano de Bergerac famous nose, dramatist (A Voyage to the Moon)
Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, 83, Nobel Prize–winning Colombian author (A Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera)
■…ATHLETES
Ryan Nyquist, 32, BMX bike racer
Shaquille Rashan O’Neal, 39, basketball (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
Alan Greenspan, 85, economist, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board
■…ENTERTAINERS (ACTORS/SINGERS)
Tom Arnold, 52, actor (“Roseanne,” McHale’s Navy, True Lies)
1906 Lou Costello comedian/actor (Abbott & Costello)
1893 [Walter] Furry Lewis father of the blues
Dave Gilmour, 67, singer, guitarist (Pink Floyd)
D.L. Hughley, 48, comedian, actor (“The Hughleys,” The Original Kings of Comedy)
1923 Ed McMahon TV host (Johnny Carson Show, Star Search)
Rob Reiner, 64, actor (“All in the Family”), director (When Harry Met Sally . . . , This Is Spinal Tap)
1905 Bob Wills fiddler, composer, bandleader: Light Crust Doughboys, Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys: San Antonio Rose; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
■…POLITICIANS
Saul Anuzis, 52, former chair of Republican Party
Marion Barry Jr., 52, former mayor of DC
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1787 Joseph von Fraunhofer German physicist (studied Sun's spectrum)
Valentina Tereshkova-Nikolayeva, 74, cosmonaut
Today’s Obits:
1888 Louisa May Alcott US author (Old-fashioned Girl), stroke @ 55
1973 Pearl S[ydenstricker] Buck author (Good Earth-Nobel 1938), @ 80
1836 Davy Crockett US pioneer (Alamo), killed in battle @ 49
1967 Nelson Eddy US baritone/actor (Phantom of the Opera), cerebral hemorrhage @ 65
1968 Joseph Martin Jr Speaker of the House, @ 83
1932 John Philip Sousa US composer (Stars & Stripes Forever), heart failure @ 77
Today’s Events:
■…ARTS
1831 Edgar Allen Poe removed from West Point military academy
1985 Yul Brynner appears in his 4,500th performance of "King & I"
■…ATHLETICS
1922 Babe Ruth signs 3 years at $52,000 a year New York Yankee contract
1964 Elijah Muhammad renames Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
1967 Muhammad Ali is ordered by selective service to be inducted
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1808 1st college orchestra in US founded, at Harvard
1978 Hustler publisher Larry Flynt shot & crippled by a sniper in Georgia
1981 Walter Cronkite signs-off as anchorman of "The CBS Evening News"
■…INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
1777 70 SHAWNEE warriors, led by Chief Blackfish, will attack some settlers near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. One of the men, James Ray, managed to escape and warn the settlement of the war party. The SHAWNEE will attack Harrodsburg tomorrow.
1873 After hearing from Hooker Jim of the "trap" at the Fairchild ranch, Captain Jack has his sister Mary Write a letter to the commissioners. The letter states Captain Jack's wish for both sides to forget the killings on both sides and for the slate to be wiped clean. Captain Jack wants no more killing, but he will not give up his people to be hanged. He states he has not asked for the whites who have killed his people
■…POLITICS (International)
1521 Magellan discovers Guam
1926 China asks for a seat in the Security council
■…POLITICS (US)
1857 Dred Scott Decision: Supreme Court rules slaves cannot be citizens
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1840 Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Opened, the first Dental school.
1869 Dmitri Mendeleev presents the first periodic table to the Russian Chemical Society.
1899 Bayer registers aspirin as a trademark.
1992 Michelangelo computer virus begins to affect computers.
____________________________________
ANSWERS:
Quiz
1. By area what is the world's largest sea? South China
2. What capital city began as the village of Edo? Tokyo
3. On which national flag is there an eagle and a snake? Mexico
4. In which country would you find the Negev desert? Israel
5. Which American State is nicknamed the 'Diamond State'? Delaware
6. What is the capitol of Morocco? Rabat
7. If you landed at Hanedi airport where are you? Tokyo
8. Where does the White and Blue Nile join? Khartoum, in Sudan
9. What does Calabria, Liguria, Puglia and Veneto have in comoon? Regions of Italy
10. What is the capital of Ghana? Accra
Close Up Picture
Toy Oven

________AND THAT’S ALL FOR NOW________
Posted by No comments:

3-5-11 Saturday


TODAY’s HOLY MACKEREL: 1845 Congress appropriates $30,000 to ship camels to western US

____________________________________

MY FREE RAMBLING THOUGHTS
I got some interesting answers when I talked to the Director of Billing at our local hospital. First she claimed that an itemized bill was sent to me in January. I told her I had never gotten an itemized bill for my last four procedures and that had been done—my gall bladder, my hernia, my throat trimming, and my thyroid operation. She said that itemized bills were automatically sent out. I told her that the billing company said I had to request an itemized bill. She called me back a couple of hours later and said that it appears that while the contract calls for itemized bills to be sent, they aren’t being sent. My second complaint was the evening calls. She said that she agreed with me and said that the company requires that in the contract to do business with the hospital. She said that when she gets evening calls she just tells them that it is not a convenient time to talk and hangs up. Hmmm. Then came the really good news. I have reached my insurance deductible for the year and won’t be seeing any bill for the thyroid surgery. That is a relief. Also, I have met my medication deductible so my prescriptions will be less than $2 each for the rest of 2011. We had a good discussion and she certainly provided me with good information.

I went to get a haircut this morning, only to find that the lady I like wouldn’t be in until 2pm. So I went back at 2pm and then found she wouldn’t be in until 3pm. The place is only about 10 minutes from my house so it wasn’t a big deal. When I got there at 3pm she wasn’t there but got there about 3:20. It turns out that her late arrival had nothing to do with her. The salon had called her and told her to come in at 3:30. She explained that somehow, their arrival time is based on how busy they are. They don’t want the stylists just standing around so they decide how many people are waiting one hour before the stylist is to be there. If it is slow, they will have them come in later. So when I went in at 10a there was one stylist and one person getting a haircut and one waiting. When I returned at 2p there were 2 stylists and four people waiting. When I got there at 3p there were 5 stylists with a long list of people waiting. Luckily I was on the list so just walked in with stylist, sat down and got my haircut. A strange way to run a business from the customer’s point of view, but probably does make the salon more money. So we now have a plan.

When I need a haircut, I go in at 10, put my name on the list, leave, call Terri and she will call me when she is heading to the mall.

My facial hair continues, but today was a little itchy. Hopefully that won’t last much longer. If it does, out with the razor. I did look for a beard trimmer today, but didn’t find one I liked and wasn’t ready for that step. If I do buy one, I will feel obligated to keep the facial hair so that I haven’t wasted any money.
____________________________________
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Sponges that have a stale odor can be made fresh again by adding a bit of lemon juice and then putting in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Make giant ice cubes in muffin tins or plastic margarine bowls. These are perfect for using in picnic coolers or punch bowls. They look pretty and keep your drinks or food cold longer.

SOMEWHAT USELESS INFORMATION…
YouTube was created by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim in 2005. They already knew each other from working together on the Internet site PayPal. The funding for the start up of YouTube came from bonuses received following the eBay buy-out of PayPal.
The inspiration for YouTube as we know it today is credited to two different events. The first was founder Karim's inability to find footage online of Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction," and the second when Hurley and Chen were unable to share video footage of a dinner party due to e-mail attachment limitations.
The domain name YouTube.com was registered on Valentine's Day in 2005. This caused a huge misunderstanding for Universal Tube & Rollform Equipment based in Perrysburg, Ohio. Its company domain, "utube.com," was overwhelmed with traffic from people that tried to spell the video site's name phonetically. The manufacturing company sued YouTube claiming its business was damaged by the video site, but the claims were dismissed.

PUZZLE: Trivia Quiz […answers at bottom…]
1. The 'Weir of Hermiston' was whose last, unfinished novel?
2. Chalus the Greek was prophesied to die on a certain day. How did he die?
3. Tempera is made up of water and what other ingredient?
4. What is it illegal to pawn in Las Vegas?
5. Collective nouns - A sute of what?
6. The Sam Maguire Trophy is played for in which sport?
7. Raquel Welch was once held what job?
8. 37% of women prefer what to sex?
9. What pet did Florence Nightingale carry with her?
10. What animal would you find in a form?

UNUSUAL NEWS ITEM:
MSMBC:Science-In addition to making you walk funny and drop your keys five or six times while trying to get inside your house, a full bladder may actually do something useful: help you make better decisions.
According to an upcoming study in Psychological Science, researchers at the University of Twente in the Netherlands performed experiments on more than 500 college students to determine if the inhibitory signals sent to a full bladder would “spill over” into other inhibitory responses, such as holding out for a larger monetary reward rather than going with a smaller immediate one.
According to lead author Mirjam Tuk, researchers had test subjects drink either five cups of water or sip a bit from each cup. After about 40 minutes -- the amount of time it takes for the water to reach the bladder -- the subjects were asked to participate in a choice test.
“We asked them to choose between a small, but soon-to-be-received reward or a large but later-to-be-received award, e.g., $18 tomorrow or $30 in 25 days,” says Tuk in an e-mail interview. “The number of times respondents opted for a later but larger reward was higher for people who experienced high bladder pressure.”
Subjects also participated in other tests that seemed to indicate a full bladder helped with impulse control.
“These findings seem to suggest that people possess a general inhibition system,” Tuk writes in her paper. “The inhibition of various behaviors (motor and cognitive) seems to have its origin in the same neural area. Once inhibitory signals are sent, they are not completely bound to the focal task requiring inhibition, but spill over to other domains.”
What does this mean for those of us in the real world, especially that part of the world where there are no public restrooms?
Tuk says since people make better decisions when they have a full bladder, they may want to drink a bottle of water before making a decision about their stock portfolio (or that big-screen TV).
“This is of course a generalization of experimental evidence, but any type of financial decision-making might benefit from increased bladder control,” she says. “People might be more likely to invest money in retirement funds instead of spending it on more short-term benefits, for example.”
Interestingly, Tuk says that if the inhibitory signal is less present -- i.e., if you don’t have to go potty -- then there will be less inhibitory spillover. In other words, if you’ve already gone to see that man about a horse, you may have a tendency to make more impulsive and unwise decisions.

A LITTLE LAUGH:
After shopping for weeks, I finally found the car of my dreams. It was only two years old and in beautiful condition. The salesman asked if I would like to take it for a test drive. We had traveled no more than two miles when the car broke down. The salesman called for a tow truck.
When it arrived, we climbed into the front seat. While the driver was hooking up the car, the salesman turned to me with a smile and said, "Well, now, what is it going to take to put you behind the wheel of that beauty today?"

Top 10 In The World:

CLOSEUP PICTURE: Can you identify this close up picture?

FOUND ON ‘YOU TUBE’:
♫ 60’s Rock ♫
Click on Song Title to see and hear it.
____________________________________
DAYBOOK INFORMATION
►THIS WEEK◄
2/27-3/5 ► Telecommuter Appreciation Week ♥ Peace Corps Week
1-7 National Cheerleading Week ♣ National Ghostwriters Week ♣ National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week ♣ Universal Human Beings Week ♣
5-20► Iditarod Race ♣
►TODAY IS◄
Multiple Personalities Day
Potty Dance Day
Memory Day
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
Brazil: Carnival begins
Cornwall: Saint Piran's Day (Patron St. of Tinworkers)
China: Learn from Lei Feng Day (People's Liberation Army hero )
French West Indies: Carnival begins
Malta: Carnival begins
US: Crispus Attucks Day: 1st person to die in American Revolution
US: Boston MA : Boston Massacre Day (1770)

■…AUTHORS/COMPOSERS/ARTISTS
1852 Lady Isabella Gregory Irish writer/playwright (Golden Apple)
1824 James Merritt Ives lithographer (Currier & Ives)
■…ATHLETES
1977 Wally Szczerbiak, basketball (Timberwolves, Celtics, Supersonics, Cavaliers)
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1893 Emmett J Culligan founder of water treatment organization
1824 Elisha Harris US, physician/found American Public Health Association
■…ENTERTAINERS (ACTORS/SINGERS)
1927 Jack (John Joseph Edward) Cassidy actor: The Eiger Sanction, The Andersonville Trial; Broadway’s She Loves Me; David and Shaun’s father; Shirley Jones’ husband
Kevin Connolly, 37, actor (“Entourage”)
Samantha Eggar, 72, actress (“Samantha and the King,” The Collector)
1908 Rex [Reginald Carey] Harrison English actor (My Fair Lady, Dr Doolittle)
Penn Jillette, 56, magician
Dean Stockwell, 75, actor (The Boy with Green Hair, “Quantum Leap”)
Marsha Warfield, 57, actress (“Night Court,” “Empty Nest”)
■…POLITICIANS
1898 Zhou Enlai, Premier of the People's Republic of China
1897 Mei-ling Soong Madame Chiang Kai-shek
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1637 John van der Heyden Dutch painter/inventor (fire extinguisher)
1920 Leontine Kelly 1st black female bishop (Methodist)
1512 Gerardus Mercator Belgium geographer/mapmaker
1574 William Oughtred English mathematician/inventor (slide rule)
Today’s Obits:
1982 John Belushi comedian (Sat Night Live), drug overdose @ 33
1992 Andrew Samuel child actor (Our Gang), dies @ 82
1953 Josef V Stalin soviet leader responsible for 11 million murders, @ 73
Today’s Events:
■…ARTS
1917 1st jazz recording for Victor Records released
1960 Elvis Presley returned to civilian life after a two-year hitch in the U.S. Army
■…ATHLETICS
1991 Reggie Miller (Indiana) begins NBA free throw streak of 52 games
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1623 1st American temperance law enacted, Virginia
1836 Samuel Colt manufactures 1st pistol, 34-caliber "Texas" model
1934 Mother-in-law's day 1st celebrated (Amarillo TX)
■…INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
1831 Supreme Court decided the case of the CHEROKEE Nation v. Georgia. The court decided that the CHEROKEEs are not a "foreign state", and therefore the court has no jurisdiction in the dispute. However, the court does decide that the CHEROKEEs are a distinct political society capable of governing itself, and managing its own affairs.
1861 The Confederacy appoints Albert Pike, of Arkansas, to negotiate treaties with the Indians in the region.
1891 The city of Phoenix offers a $200 bounty for dead Indians
■…POLITICS (International)
1496 English King Henry VII hires John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) to explore
1836 Mexico attacks Alamo
1945 Allies bombs The Hague, Netherlands
1946 Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech (Fulton MO)
■…POLITICS (US)
1770 Boston Massacre, British troops kill 5 in crowd; Crispus Attackus becomes 1st black to die for American freedom
1923 Old-age pension laws were enacted in the states of Montana and Nevada.
1933 FDR proclaims 10-day bank holiday
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1868 Stapler patented in England by C H Gould
1979 Voyager I's closest approach to Jupiter (172,000 miles)
____________________________________
ANSWERS:
Quiz
1. The 'Weir of Hermiston' was whose last, unfinished novel? Robert Louis Stevenson
2. Chalus the Greek was prophesied to die on a certain day. How did he die?
He died laughing because he thought the prophecy was wrong and he was still alive.
3. Tempera is made up of water and what other ingredient? Egg Yolk
4. What is it illegal to pawn in Las Vegas? Your Dentures
5. Collective nouns - A sute of what? Bloodhounds
6. The Sam Maguire Trophy is played for in which sport? Gaelic Football
7. Raquel Welch was once held what job? Weathergirl
8. 37% of women prefer what to sex? Shoe shopping
9. What pet did Florence Nightingale carry with her? An Owl (in her pocket)
10. What animal would you find in a form? Hare
Close Up Picture
Electric Drums

________AND THAT’S ALL FOR NOW________

Posted by No comments:

3-4-11 Friday


TODAY’s HOLY MACKEREL: 1849 US had no President, Polk's term ends on a Sunday, Taylor couldn't be sworn-in, Senator David Atchison (pres pro tem) term ended March 3rd ­­­
____________________________________
MY FREE RAMBLING THOUGHTS
I pay my bills about every two weeks. I got a bill from Flag Medical Center for my first surgery this year. I was ready to check bills and pay them today. For the Flag Medical Center, you have to request an itemized bill, or just pay whatever they say. Instead of waiting for an itemized bill I compare my EOB’s with the bill. My BCBS has really changed the last two years. No longer do they pay all the surgery. One has to reach a deductible and then you pay 15% of the bill. That can become quite a chuck of money. Anyway, last night I got a call at about 8:30pm from the bill service wondering why I hadn’t paid the bill. I explained that I had the bill for only 2 weeks and that I hadn’t checked it yet. Nowhere on the bill does it say it must be paid within 14 days. They also informed me that I would continue to get phone calls until the bill was paid in full. I called the billing company this morning to say that I found this to be a little harassing. I was told that she was just following a hospital policy. When I asked about the 8:30 phone call she said that they can call, by Federal regulation up until 9:30pm. They are more like a collection agency than a hospital billing service. So I told her the bill payment was mailed to them today. I called the hospital and explained my complaint. I was transferred to the voice announcement of the Director of Billing. She wasn’t in but left a cell phone number. I called her and asked when she would be back in the office. She said she hoped to be back in tomorrow. I told her I would call her then. I get that they want my money but I find it harassing that they call after two short weeks. I’ll see how all this works out tomorrow. As I have another big bill coming in soon, for the second surgery, and don’t want to get any more phone calls.

It was a really nice day and I was able to run errands twice today. Since I don’t have a lot of extra spending money after paying the hospital I didn’t buy a lot, but I did get some ‘essentials’. I have a very broad philosophy about ‘essential’ which includes just about anything I want that is on sale. Sale means that it is at least 25% or more off the regular price. So it was a good day.

I had my first lip swelling of 2011 this morning. It was a mild case as I took the meds as soon as I was sure that was what it was. That usually takes about 2 hours. I notice that there is swelling and start thinking that I might have bit my lip or brushed my teeth too hard. After about 2 hours the area starts feeling very warm and the swelling is observable to me. I took my meds and within 2 hours after that, the swelling, heat, and odd feeling was gone. One would think that after having this for two years + I would just take the pill as soon as it starts. For some reason, I have to be sure, before I pop the pill. I still seem to believe that it will just stop by itself and not bother me. It never has, but there is always a first time…right?

My phone is working well today. I set a ringtone that sounds like a phone ringing instead to some outer space sound that yells ‘DRIOD’ when it rings. And I found a non-intrusive sound when I get a text, email, or other notification. I added a couple of apps today and all is still working. I now have my shopping lists, my meds lists—in case of emergency or when I go to a new physician, my favorite useful app—Cardstar—that puts my discount cards on my phone. So much easier to go to the drug store, Sam’s, Safeway, etc and just use the phone instead of looking through the cards to find the right one. Technology is so helpful—when it works. Of course, when it doesn’t work, it is a real pain.

It sure looks we are going to be ‘wondering’ what is happening in Northern Africa. Libya is a country most Americans don’t know much about and it turns out neither does our State Department, or at least they aren’t saying they know much. The line they are using is that we don’t know that much about the ‘opposition’ in Libya. Really? With its importance in oil reserves—sold mostly to Europe—and its way to control oil movement in the world. Their dictator and our government have not been friends for years. I just find it hard to believe that the CIA doesn’t know a lot.

I haven’t shaved since my birthday. Not real sure why. Just taking a break from the daily hassle. I did do some trimming so I don’t look like I have decided to live in a cave or join ZZTop. I’m not sure how long this will all continue—maybe a week, maybe not. If I do decide to keep the beard, I will certainly have to learn how to keep it short and neat. Not sure how to do that, but time will tell.
____________________________________
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Bath salts can be made with either sea salts or Epsom salts. Which salt is right for your bath? That depends on what you are looking for. Want to unwind? Try Epsom salts. They soothe sore muscles and calm the body. Want an energy boost? Then use sea salts. They stimulate circulation so you feel more alert.
To clean up spills in the oven, sprinkle table salt immediately on the spill. When oven has cooled, brush away the burnt-on food with a damp sponge. The salt will make the spill much easier to clean up, saving time andmoney, since you won't have to buy oven cleaner as often!
Replace the car windshield washing formula in your car with half vinegar and half water. This cuts the road grime and leaves the windshield crystal clear.

SOMEWHAT USELESS INFORMATION…
The word "toast" is a wish of good health. It started in ancient Rome, where a piece of toasted bread was dropped into wine.
The word alcohol is derived from the Arabic word 'al-kuhl', meaning " a fine powder used as an antiseptic or used as an eyeliner".

PUZZLE: Trivia Quiz […answers at bottom…]
1. If you landed at Carthage airport where would you be?
2. The Plains of Abraham overlook which city?
3. If someone said they were from the city Hellas, what country are they from?
4. Goa used to be a colony of which nation?
5. What is the capital of Sicily?
6. Bam, Yat and Holon are in which country?
7. What is the smallest state of Australia?
8. If you landed at Schipol airport where are you?
9. Angel Falls located in Venezuela are the highest falls but where are the second highest?
10. Where does the White and Blue Nile join?

UNUSUAL NEWS ITEM:
OKLAHOMA CITY — Hundreds of people from the United States and Canada want to adopt an Oklahoma dog that survived an attempt to euthanize it.
The puppy was one of five stray dogs that Sulphur animal control officer Scott Prall put to sleep Friday — or so he thought. Prall found one of the dogs alive Saturday in a trash bin set aside for dead animals and took it to veterinarian technician Amanda Kloski.
"He was prancing around. He heard me drive up, and he looked up and saw me," Prall said Wednesday.
"He was prancing around. He heard me drive up, and he looked up and saw me," Prall said Wednesday. He said he initially found the stray dog near the animal shelter Friday and tried to kill it by injecting the dog with two lethal doses of a sedative in a foreleg and the heart. Each dose should have been enough to kill the dog, and the second injection was meant to ensure it worked. Kloski noted the dog's survival on a pet adoption website, drawing the attention of Marcia Machtiger of Pittsburgh, who donated $100 so Kloski could board the dog for a week.
A girl from Sulphur named the puppy Wall-e, after a Disney movie character, and Machtiger posted Wall-e's story on her Facebook page.
She and Kloski are sorting through hundreds of e-mails and phone calls from people wanting to adopt the lucky dog.
"So many people are interested," Kloski said. "Now we're going through and trying to find the adoption applications for the best home."
Wall-e will be placed in a foster home at the end of the week while the search for a permanent home continues. Both Kloski and Machtiger said they have never seen so many people want to adopt one animal.
Machtiger said people are interested in the puppy because his story is unique. "Having been euthanized basically twice. ... It's a resurrection and a will to live and a medical anomaly," she said.
Sulphur is about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City.

A LITTLE LAUGH:
When my wife and I went up to New England a couple of years ago we decided to stay in one of those quaint little inns. The clerk at the inn asked me if we wanted a room with a shower or a tub.
"What's the difference?" I asked.
"Well, sir, in a tub, you can sit down."

Top 10 In The World:

CLOSEUP PICTURE: Can you identify this close up picture?

FOUND ON ‘YOU TUBE’: Red Barber on Jackie Robinson
♫ 60’s Rock ♫
Click on Song Title to see and hear it.
____________________________________
DAYBOOK INFORMATION
►THIS WEEK◄
2/27-3/5 ► Telecommuter Appreciation Week ♥ Peace Corps Week
1-7 National Cheerleading Week ♣ National Ghostwriters Week ♣ National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week ♣ Universal Human Beings Week ♣
►TODAY IS◄
Holy Experiment Day
Courageous Follower Day
Employee Appreciation Day
International Scrapbooking Industry Day
March Forth-Do Something Day
Toy Soldier Day
World Day of Prayer
National Day of Unplugging
Shabbat Across America/Canada (since 1996: encouraging all to learn about the holy day events: about 2.2% of US population is Jewish)
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
US: Benjamin Harrison Day
US: Constitution Day (1789)
US: Inauguration Day from 1798 to 1933
US: National Grammar Day
US: Pennsylvania : Charter Day (1681)
US: Vermont: Admission Day (1791: 14th state)

■…AUTHORS/COMPOSERS/ARTISTS
1756 Sir Henry Raeburn Scottish artist: mostly male portraits
1782 Johann Wyss Swiss folklorist/writer (Swiss Family Robinson)
■…ATHLETES
Kevin Johnson, 45, former basketball (Cavaliers, Suns)
1888 Knute Rockne Norwegian/US football player/coach (Notre Dame)
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
Richard DeVos, 85, American billionaire, co-founder of Amway
1906 Charles Rudolph Walgreen, Jr., American businessman
1932 Frank Wells, American entertainment businessman
■…ENTERTAINERS (ACTORS/SINGERS)
Chaz Bono, 42, American actor and gay rights activist
1876 Theodore Hardeen (Ferencz Deszo Weisz) magician; brother of Harry Houdini; founder of Magician’s Guild
Patricia Heaton, 52, actress (“Everybody Loves Raymond”)
1934 Barbara McNair singer; TV hostess: The Barbara McNair Show; actress
Paula Prentiss, 72, actress (“He & She,” What’s New Pussycat?)
1889 Pearl White [Victoria] US actress/stunt woman (Perils of Pauline)
Mary Wilson, 67, singer (original member of the Supremes)
■…POLITICIANS
Claire Baker, 40, Scottish politician
1919 Tan Chee Khoon, Malaysian politician
1889 Oren E. Long, 10th Territorial Governor of Hawaii and United States Senators from Hawaii
1948 – Jean O'Leary, American gay rights activist and politician (d. 2005)
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1835 Giovanni Schiaparelli Italian astronomer (discovered canals of Mars)
1754 Benjamin Waterhouse physician (smallpox vaccine pioneer)
Today’s Obits:
1992 Arthur Babbitt Disney animator (Mr Magoo, Goofy), heart failure @ 84
1994 John Candy actor (SCTV, Uncle Buck), heart attack @ 43
1996 Minnie Pearl (Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon )country comedienne (Grand Ole Opry), @ 84
1953 Sergei S Prokoviev Russian composer (Peter & the wolf), cerebral hemorrhage @61
Today’s Events:
■…ARTS
1880 Halftone engraving was used for the first time as the Daily Graphic was published in New York City.
1960 Lucille Ball files divorce from Desi Arnaz
1979 200th episode of "All in the Family"
■…ATHLETICS
1930 ‘The Redhead’, Red Barber, began his radio career this day. Barber broadcast on WRUF at the University of Florida in Gainsville. He soon became one of the best known sports voices in America.
1930 Mrs Charles [Emma] Fahning is 1st woman to bowl a santioned perfect [300] game
1967 World Ladies Figure Skating Championship in Vienna won by Peggy Fleming (USA)
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1792 Oranges introduced to Hawaii
1902 American Automobile Association (AAA) founded in Chicago
■…INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
1643 The CANARSEE Indians will negotiate a peace with the Dutch in Fort Amsterdam. The CANARSEE are the Indians who sold Manhattan to Peter Minuit for $24 in trinkets, even though they did not own it.
1829 President Jackson gives his "just policy for Indians" speech today.
■…POLITICS (International)
1972 Libya & USSR signs cooperation treaty
■…POLITICS (US)
1829 Unruly crowd mobs White House during President Jackson inaugural ball
1837 City of Chicago incorporates
1861 Confederate States adopt "Stars & Bars" flag
1909 US prohibits interstate transportation of game birds
1913 Department of Commerce & Labor split into separate departments
1944 1st US bombing of Berlin
1994 4 Arab terrorist founded guilty of bombing the World Trade Center
1997 President Clinton bans federally funded human cloning research
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1675 John Flamsteed appointed 1st Astronomer Royal of England
1774 1st sighting of Orion nebula (William Herschel)
1921 Hot Springs National Park created in Arkansas
1995 Blind teenage boy receives a 'Bionic Eye' at a Washington Hospital
____________________________________
ANSWERS:
The website I borrow these quizzes from seem to repeat some questions. Not sure why, but as a teacher, I will guess that it is to see if we learned anything from the previous quiz.
Quiz
1. If you landed at Carthage airport where would you be? Tunis, Tunisia
2. The Plains of Abraham overlook which city? Quebec
3. If someone said they were from the city Hellas, what country are they from? Greece
4. Goa used to be a colony of which nation? Portugal
5. What is the capital of Sicily? Palermo
6. Bam, Yat and Holon are in which country? Israel
7. What is the smallest state of Australia? Tasmania
8. If you landed at Schipol airport where are you? Amsterdam
9. Angel Falls located in Venezuela are the highest falls but where are the second highest? Natal National Park, South Africa: Tugela Falls. If you are wondering Yosemite Falls are the 7th highest
10. Where does the White and Blue Nile join? Khartoum, in Sudan
Close Up Picture
Pool Ball

________AND THAT’S ALL FOR NOW________

Posted by No comments:

3-3-11 Wednesday


TODAY’s HOLY MACKEREL: 1875 Congress authorizes 20¢ coin, lasts only 3 years

____________________________________

MY FREE RAMBLING THOUGHTS

My friend Martha and I went out for an Italian Dinner—late birthday party. Great conversation, and presents too. I got a 12CD set of her book Caitlin—very cooooool. And I got three shot-bottles of various Scotch. Guess I will have my own Scotch tasting party. A nice celebration all around.

Today is International Sister Cities Day. Flagstaff has 4 sister cities: 1. City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, 2. Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, 3. Barnaul, Siberia, Russia, and 4. Hsin Tien City, Taipei, Taiwan. Even though we are part of AZ, we try to remain international.
____________________________________

DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Carpet Spot Cleaner. To clean spots on rugs and carpets, use window cleaner. It works as well as the spray-on carpet cleaners and if you buy the store brand (I use Wal Mart), you can get it for as little as $0.97 for a full quart bottle.
When I set mousetraps, I always bait them and put them in a brown paper lunch bag. The mice seem drawn to the small place to explore and all I have to do is close the bag and throw it away after they've been caught! No muss, no fuss!

SOMEWHAT USELESS INFORMATION…
In Massachusetts, the holiday is still called Washington’s Birthday. However, each year the governor issues a proclamation honoring all of the presidents from Massachusetts: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy.
Washington conceived the Badge of Military Merit, for wounded soldiers, and won three during his term. The award wasn’t used again until it was revived and renamed the Purple Heart on his 200th birthday, in 1932.
In some areas, instead of closing for one day to celebrate Lincoln and Washington’s birthdays, they close for an entire week. One such place is the New York City School District.
There was an attempt in 1968 to officially name this day Presidents Day. However, this suggestion died in committee.
Many states, however, choose to call their own celebration on this day "Presidents Day."
On February 22nd of almost every year since 1888, Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the US Senate. While this did not happen on Presidents Day, it is an annual celebration of Washington's Birthday that stems from 1862 when the Address was read as a way to boost morale during the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln's birthday is on February 12th. Even though many states celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday concurrently with Washington's birthday, it is not a federally designated holiday.

PUZZLE: Trivia Quiz […answers at bottom…]
1. If you landed at Mirabel airport, where would you be?
2. What is the largest state in the USA?
3. What river flows through 8 countries and four capital cities?
4. What's the only river that flows both north and south of the equator?
5. The Mason-Dixon line separates Pennsylvania and what State?
6. If you landed at Merignac airport - where are you?
7. Caligari is the capital of what island?
8. What is France's longest river?
9. In what country is the Eucumbene Dam?
10. In which country is Zug?

UNUSUAL NEWS ITEM:
YUMA, Ariz. — A runaway dog darted into an Arizona apartment and found a cool place to hide — the bottom of the refrigerator.
A Yuma Fire Department spokesman says the family told firefighters the pooch rushed into their home when they opened the front door and kept snapping at them.
When they went to the fridge to get some food to try to lure the dog outside, the animal jumped in the appliance and refused to come out.
Firefighters found the small black terrier-type dog crouched on the bottom shelf, snapping at anyone who approached. They used protective gear to pick up the pooch and put it in a carrier.
The dog had been reported missing by someone else at the apartment complex and was returned home safely.

A LITTLE LAUGH:
A screenwriter comes home to a burned down house. His sobbing wife is standing outside. "What happened, honey?" the man asks.
"Oh, John, it was terrible," she weeps. "I was cooking when the phone rang. It was your agent. Because I was on the phone, I didn't notice the stove had caught on fire. It went up in seconds. Everything is gone. I nearly didn't make it out of the house. Poor Fluffy is gone........"
"Wait! Back up a minute," the man says. "My agent called?"

Top 10 In The World:

CLOSEUP PICTURE: Can you identify this close up picture?

FOUND ON ‘YOU TUBE’: Mount Rushmore National Monument

♫ 60’s Rock ♫
Click on Song Title to see and hear it.
____________________________________
DAYBOOK INFORMATION
►THIS WEEK◄
2/27-3/5 ► Telecommuter Appreciation Week ♥ Peace Corps Week
1-7 National Cheerleading Week ♣ National Ghostwriters Week ♣ National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week ♣ Universal Human Beings Week ♣
►TODAY IS◄
I Want You To Be Happy Day
International Sister Cities Day
National Anthem Day
Peach Blossom Day
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
Arab Countries: Mohammed's Birthday
Bulgaria: Liberation from Ottoman Rule Day (1878)
Egypt: Sportsmen's day
Grenada: Partial Independence Day (1967)
Japan : Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival)
Malawi: Martyrs Day
Morocco : National Day (1961)
Sudan : Unity Day Day of Prayer
UK and Ireland: World Book Day
US: Florida: Admission Day (1845—27th state)
US: Hawaii : Japanese Girl's Day

■…AUTHORS/COMPOSERS/ARTISTS
1921 Allen Ginsberg beat generation poet (1969 Arts & Letters Award)
1793 Charles Sealsfield writer (The Making of America)
■…ATHLETES
1920 Julius Boros golfer (US Open 1952,63)
Santonio Holmes, 27, football (Stealers, Jets)
Jacqueline (Jackie) Joyner-Kersee, 49, Olympic heptathlete
Herschel Walker, 49, former football player
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1909 Harry Hemsley billionaire New York landlord
Lee Radziwill, 78, socialite
■…ENTERTAINERS (ACTORS/SINGERS)
Jessica Biel, 29, actress (The Illusionist, “7th Heaven”)
David Faustino, 37, actor (“Married . . . With Children”)
1911 Jean Harlow [Harlean Carpentier] 30s' sex goddess (Dinner at 8)
Ira Glass, 52, radio host (“This American Life”)
■…POLITICIANS
--
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1847 Alexander Graham Bell Edinburgh Scotland, inventor (telephone)
1838 George W Hill US astronomer (Moon orbit)
1831 George M Pullman inventor (railway sleeping car)
Today’s Obits:
1966 William Frawley actor (Fred Mertz-I Love Lucy), @ 89
1987 Danny Kaye comedian (Danny Kaye Show), @ 74
Today’s Events:
■…ARTS
1915 The now-famous film, The Birth of a Nation, debuted in New York City.
1931 "Star Spangled Banner" officially becomes US national anthem
1978 Charles Chaplin's remains are stolen in Switzerland
■…ATHLETICS
1974 George Foreman KOs Ken Norton
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1634 1st tavern in Boston opens (Samuel Cole)
1885 American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) incorporates
1887 Anne Sullivan begins teaching 6 year old blind-deaf Helen Keller
1939 A new craze began to sweep college campuses. Goldfish swallowing.
■…INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
1819 The United States starts its Indian "civilization" program.
1885 Congress passes Indian Appropriations Act (Indians wards of federal government)
1988 The Alaska Native Claims Act is amended.
■…POLITICS (International)
--
■…POLITICS (US)
1791 Congress establishes US Mint
1791 1st Internal Revenue Act (taxing distilled spirits & carriages)
1812 US Congress passes 1st foreign aid bill (aids Venezuela earthquake vicitims)
1817 Mississippi Territory is divided into Alabama Territory & Mississippi
1845 The U.S. Congress passed legislation overriding a President’s veto. It was the first time Congress had done so. President John Tyler was in office at the time.
1863 1st US wartime military conscription bill enacted
1891 Congress creates US Courts of Appeal
1933 Mount Rushmore dedicated
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
--
____________________________________
ANSWERS:
Quiz
1. If you landed at Mirabel airport, where would you be? Montreal
2. What is the largest state in the USA? Alaska
3. What river flows through 8 countries and four capital cities? Danube
4. What's the only river that flows both north and south of the equator? The Congo
5. The Mason-Dixon line separates Pennsylvania and what State? Maryland
6. If you landed at Merignac airport - where are you? Bordeaux
7. Caligari is the capital of what island? Sardinia
8. What is France's longest river? Loire
9. In what country is the Eucumbene Dam? Australia, New South Wales
10. In which country is Zug? Switzerland, it is the smallest Canton
Close Up Picture
Bread Maker

________AND THAT’S ALL FOR NOW________

Posted by No comments:

3-2-11 Wednesday


TODAY’s HOLY MACKEREL: 1903 The Martha Washington Hotel opened for business in New York City. The hotel featured 416 rooms and was the first hotel exclusively for women.
____________________________________
MY FREE RAMBLING THOUGHTS

I guess March came in like a lamb…so we have lots to look forward too. We had a nice, snow-melting day with a few clouds and warm temps.

I ran some errands this morning and picked up some cool stuff at World Market, using my gift certificate that they gave me for my birthday. This program worked as I spent an additional $15. I got some great snacks and a small rainbow colored wind hanger that should be of help with my spring/summer desire to attract some hummingbirds. I have talked to the people at a couple of garden shops and they all say that there are hummingbirds in Flagstaff every summer. They also say that dangling colorful ribbons near the feeder will attract them. So that’s what I got; now I will see if that works. Tuba is about 2K feet lower than Flag, and Tuba is a lot drier and hotter. In Tuba I had two feeders—one near each bedroom window. It was only the windiest days that didn’t have good sized colorful charm of hummingbirds around most of the day. Haven’t had that joy in Flagstaff.

Our governor made headlines soon after she took office when our elected governor became the head of Homeland Security. Her headlines were talking about ‘decapitated bodies’ being strewn throughout southern AZ because of the illegals and drug cartels. It took a few years to say that no decapitated bodies have been found on the AZ side of the border, but she believes it could happen soon. At about the same time Phoenix made the FBI’s capital of kidnapping. Again, these stats were used to raise our fear of illegals, drug cartels, and the need to ‘build the dang fence’. Some of my friends who live in the Phoenix area lived in fear, added a second or third deadbolt to their doors, had alarm systems installed and other precautionary measures. At the time I wondered why the Phx stations didn’t seem to be carrying a lot of kidnapping stories on their news shows. I don’t recall hearing of any outrageous kidnapper demands on the news—in fact I don’t remember hearing any kidnapper demands. No pics of kidnapped victims or their families. Well today, the PHX police department admitted that the ‘kidnapping stats’ for that period were ‘exaggerated’. To make matters worse it has been shown through an FBI investigation that the police department knew at the time that the stats were erroneous. At the time they were applying for a Federal Grant for more $$$ to stop kidnappings. Kidnappings, it turns out were never happening. Right now it looks like the cops will be paying back that grant…several million. For those not living in this circus, Phoenix police are not the same as Sheriff Apario’s county cops. His time is still to come, and it will--following all the Federal investigations that are ongoing. I’m sure these erroneous stats have cost the people of Phoenix millions in higher insurance rates for homes, cars, and businesses. Wonder who will pay them back?
____________________________________
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
Tin pie pans often get rusty with regular use. To restore shine, sprinkle a little salt or baking soda on a cut potato and rub it over the spot. The oxalic acid in the potato helps dissolve the rust. Bonus: This trick also works on knives and cookware.
Spreading rock salt on outdoor steps to melt ice is effective, but salt can damage nearby plants when it washes into the soil. A better alternative? Spread sand or kitty litter over the ice -- it'll provide traction without jeopardizing your garden.

SOMEWHAT USELESS INFORMATION…Hippos Part II
The ears and nostrils – located at the top of the head – close automatically when the animal is under water. It has practically no hair, and its smooth skin is quite delicate.
There is a myth that a hippo sweats blood, but actually it is an oily, red liquid that the hippo's skin exudes to keep it moist and protected when not in the water.
One young is born at a time, after a gestation of around 230 days. Births usually occur in months of heavy rainfall, but can occur year-round. Young hippos will also bask on their mother’s back. A group of hippos is called a “bloat.”

PUZZLE: Trivia Quiz […answers at bottom…]
1. What capital city began as the village of Edo?
2. Which country do Sinologists study?
3. Lucknow is a city in India, and what other country?
4. If you landed at Schipol airport where are you?
5. What countries national anthem is the Bayambo song?
6. What capitol city stands on the Tagus River?
7. Which city is the closest to Copacabana Beach?
8. What place is called Rapa-nui by it's native inhabitants?
9. Suomi is the name the natives give to what country?
10. If someone said they were from the city Hellas, what country are they from?

UNUSUAL NEWS ITEM:
WEBSTER, Mass. — The health board in a Massachusetts town has approved a plan to shame owners of rundown buildings into fixing and securing their properties.
The plan approved Monday by the Webster board allows the town to place 4-by-8-foot signs on the sides of dilapidated buildings with the owner's names, address and telephone number.
Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz says it costs up to $9,000 per year for police responses and other expenses to deal with squatters, vandals and other problems.
Building Inspector Theodore Tetreault tells The Telegram & Gazette of Worcester (WUH'-stur) that building owners have ignored requests from the town to secure vacant properties.
Webster is a town of about 16,000 nearly 60 miles southwest of Boston.

A LITTLE LAUGH:
A fellow is getting ready to tee-off on the first hole when a second fellow approaches and asks if he can join him. The first says that he usually plays alone but agrees to let the second guy join him.
Both are even after the first couple of holes. The second guy says, "Say, we're about evenly matched, how about we play for five bucks a hole?"
The first fellow says that he usually plays alone and doesn't like to bet but agrees to the terms. Well, the second guy wins the rest of the holes and as they're walking off of the eighteenth hole, and while counting his $80.00, he confesses that he's the pro at a neighboring course and likes to pick on suckers.
The first fellow reveals that he's the Parish Priest at the local Catholic Church to which the second fellow gets all flustered and apologetic and offers to give the Priest back his money. The Priest says, "No, no. You won fair and square and I was foolish to bet with you. You keep your winnings."
The pro says, "Well, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
The Priest says, "Well, you could come to Mass on Sunday and make a donation. Then, if you bring your mother and father by after Mass, I'll marry them for you."

Top 10 In The World:

CLOSEUP PICTURE: Can you identify this close up picture?

FOUND ON ‘YOU TUBE’: Navajo Code Talkers And check out some of the other videos listed on the right.

♫ 60’s Rock ♫
Click on Song Title to see and hear it.
____________________________________
DAYBOOK INFORMATION
►THIS WEEK◄
2/27-3/5 ► Telecommuter Appreciation Week ♥ Peace Corps Week
1-7 National Cheerleading Week ♣ National Ghostwriters Week ♣ National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week ♣ Universal Human Beings Week ♣
►TODAY IS◄
Old Stuff Day
Dr. Seuss Day
Namesake Day
NEA's Read Across America Day
Burma: Peasant's Day
Ethiopia: Battle of Aduwa Day (1896)
Japan: Omizu-okuri ("Water Carrying") Festival
Morocco: Independence Day (1956 from France)
US: Texas Independence Day (1836 from Mexico)
■…AUTHORS/COMPOSERS/ARTISTS
1862 John Jay Chapman US advocate/poet/writer (Learning & Other Essays)
1904 Dr Seuss [Theodor Geisel] children's book author (Green Eggs and Ham, Horton Hears a Who!)
John Irving, 69, author (Cider House Rules, The World According to Garp)
Tom Wolfe, 80, author, journalist (The Bonfire of the Vanities, The Right Stuff)
■…ATHLETES
Reggie Bush, 26, football (Saints)
Tuff Hedeman, 48, American bull rider champ
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
Jeffrey Chodorow, 61, American restaurateur (China Grill) and financier
■…ENTERTAINERS (ACTORS/SINGERS)
1917 Desi Arnaz singer/actor in Santiago Cuba
1950 Karen Carpenter drummer, singer: Grammy Award-winning group: The Carpenters
Jon Bon Jovi, 49, singer, songwriter, actor
Daniel Craig, 43, actor (Casino Royale, The Golden Compass, Munich)
John Cullum, 81, stage and screen actor (Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century, “Northern Exposure”)
Chris Martin, 34, singer, songwriter (Coldplay)
Eddie Money, 62, musician
Doc Watson, 88, singer, musician (Riding the Midnight Train, Then and Now)
1935 Al Waxman (Albert Samuel Waxman) actor: Cagney & Lacey, The Victors, Wild Horse Hank
■…POLITICIANS
Russell D. Feingold, 58, US Senator (D, Wisconsin)
Mikhail Sergeyvich Gorbachev, 80, former Soviet political leader
1793 Sam[uel] Houston 1st president of Texas (1836-38, 1841-44)
1316 Robert II the Steward, King of Scotland (1371-90)
Ken Salazar, 56, US Secretary of the Interior, former US Senator
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1810 Pope Leo XIII Giocchino Vincenzo Pecci) (256th pope of the Roman Catholic Church [1878-1903] 1876 Pius XII [Euhenio MGG Pacelli], 260th Pope (1939-58)
Today’s Obits:
1992 Sandy Dennis actress (Up the Down Staircase), cancer @ 54
1930 David H Lawrence poet/writer (Lady Chatterley's Lover), TB @ 44
1985 Sir Michael Redgrave actor/writer, Parkinson's disease @ 77
1987 Randolph Scott actor (Fort Worth, Gung Ho, Jesse James), @89
1957 Harry E Soref inventor (padlock—Master Lock), @ 70
1999 Dusty Springfield singer, cancer @59
Today’s Events:
■…ARTS
1950 Silly Putty invented
■…ATHLETICS
1962 Wilt Chamberlain scores incredible 100 points in an NBA game
■…BUSINESS & EDUCATION
1866 The Excelsior Needle Company of Wolcottville, Connecticut began making sewing machine needles
1867 US Congress creates the Department of Education
1923 Time magazine debuts
1949 1st automatic street light (New Milford CT)
1983 Compact Disc recordings developed by Phillips & Sony introduced
■…INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
1867 An act is passed today which will purchase a reserve for SAUK and FOX of 4.5 square miles.
1876 The Secretary of War is impeached for taking bribes to make political appointments.
1989 The NAVAJO Code Talker Monument is erected.
■…POLITICS (International)
1946 Ho Chi Minh elected President of North Vietnam
1977 Libya amends constitution
■…POLITICS (US)
1789 Pennsylvania ends prohibition of theatrical performances
1799 Congress standardizes US weights & measures
1819 US passed its 1st immigration law—requiring a count of all immigrants arriving by ship
1861 US Congress creates Dakota & Nevada Territories out of the Nebraska & Utah territories
1877 Rutherford B Hayes (R) declared President despite Samuel J Tilden (D) winning the popular vote, but is 1 electoral vote shy of victor
■…SCIENCE & RELIGION
1498 Vasco da Gama's fleet visits Mozambique Island
1899 President McKinley signs bill creating Mount Rainier National Park (5th in US)
1969 1st test flight of the supersonic Concorde
____________________________________
ANSWERS:
Quiz
1. What capital city began as the village of Edo? Tokyo
2. Which country do Sinologists study? China
3. Lucknow is a city in India, and what other country? Canada
4. If you landed at Schipol airport where are you? Amsterdam
5. What countries national anthem is the Bayambo song? Cuba
6. What capitol city stands on the Tagus River? Lisbon
7. Which city is the closest to Copacabana Beach? Rio de Janeiro
8. What place is called Rapa-nui by it's native inhabitants? Easter Island
9. Suomi is the name the natives give to what country? Finland
10. If someone said they were from the city Hellas, what country are they from? Greece
Close Up Picture
Check Writing Machine

________AND THAT’S ALL FOR NOW________
Posted by No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Followers

Total Pageviews

Blog Archive

About Me

My photo
Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
I retired in '06--at the ripe old age of 57. I enjoy blogging, photography, traveling, and living life to it's fullest.