DEATH AND TAXES!

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024

            DEATH AND TAXES!

        TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024

          This is an historic date in American

history and Pennsylvania played a big roll

in the story. I think it's safe to say nobody 

like taxes. In fact it was a British tax on tea

that, in a sense, began the Americal revolution!

Of course we won that war and set up our own

government...which then needed to pay for the

war! It diod so by instituting the first tax

leved by the United States government. It was

a tax on whiskey! Farmers in western Pennsylvania

had been distilling their own spirits for years and

fought against the tax. The conflict became known

as the Whiskey Rebellion! It lasted three years

during which time 3 or 4 Pennsylvaania rebels

were killed and 170 were captured. The government

won and we're still paying taxes on whiskey...and

just about everything else! Cheers! Hope all your

NEWS is good!

STEPHANIE'S BIRTHDAY!

       WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024

       STEPHANIE'S BIRTHDAY!

   Stephanie Kwolek would have been 101

today. You may not know Stephanie's name

but, perhaps, you should! She was a

Pennsylvania girl born in New Kensington

who had a deep interest in science and chemistry.

Stephanie eventually went to work for the

Dupont Comoany where she became an inventor.

A pretty good one at that! She was the 4th woman

named to the National Inventor's Hall Of Fame!

Her speciality was making strong fabrics. She 

invented one that actually replaced steel in car

racing tires. Of course it eventually had another

use, far more beneficial for many. Her invention

was called Kevlar, the main material used for

Bullet Proof Vests! Just thought you ought to

know! Hope all your NEWS is good!

SPEAKING OF BOARDWALK,,,

     TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024

   SPEAKING OF BOARDWALK,,,     

   Games are usually fun! But there's

money in games too! Charles Darrow

proved that beyond all doubt! Charles

was the inventor of a game you may

have played at one time of another. It's

called Monopoly! Darrow registered

his copyright on this date in 1933. Then,

he sold the game to Parker Brothers!!!

That deal made him the first millionaire

game designer! And we're not talking

about Monopoly money!!! Hope you're

winning, whatever, you're playing, and

that all your NEWS is good.

UMBRELLA WEATHER?

    MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024

    UMBRELLA WEATHER?

   July 29th is a very big day in the town

of Waynesburg Pennsylvania. This is 

"Rain Day!" It all started in the 1800's

when an unknow farmer walked into a

pharmacy and made a comment about

how it always seemed to rain on his birthday,

July 29th. The owner took note of the

comment, then, began taking notes on

the weather each July 29th. Family

members picked up on the "study" as did

members of the media. Turns out over the

past 147 years it has rained in Waynesburg

on July 29th 115 times! Local folks decided

to turn the legend into an annual festival!

Thousands of visitors show up on "Rain

Day" to listen to musical groups, shop

all sorts of vendors who set up for the

festivities, and visit all kinds of food

stands. There's even a contest to crown

a "Rain Day Princess." I was sort of

wondering.......if there's a rain date?

Hope you're well and that all your NEWS

is good! 

THE PERFECT CLUE!

     SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2024

     THE PERFECT CLUE!

   I wonder how many of you spend

time watching police or detective 

programs on TV or reading mystery 

novels? In many of those stories a key bit of

evidence in finding the suspect comes down

to fingerprints! It was on this day in 1858

that fingerprints were first used in a criminal

case. A British man, Sir William James Hershel

who studied fingerprints for years and finally

convinced others that no two sets of fingerprints

were the same. DNA may be the "in thing" for

solving many crimes these days but a clear set

of fingerprints still go a long way in determining

"who done it!" Hope you're well, wearing gloves,

and that all your NEWS is good! 

HOWDY PARTNER!

     SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024

          HOWDY PARTNER!

    Put on your boots and your Stetson
everybody. July 27th is "National Day
Of The Cowboy!"
    Observed annually on the 4th Saturday
of each July, the day is set aside to
celebrate the contributions of Cowboys
(and girls) to America's culture and
heritage.
     When I was a little kid most boys
I knew wanted to be a Cowboy. They
were a lot more popular back in those
days!
     Cowboy programs were all over
the radio. The Lone Ranger, Sky King,
and even Gunsmoke, long before there
was a TV in every living room.
      Our neighborhood movie theaters
usually featured a double feature of
two Westerns every Saturday afternoon
and stage shows, while they still
existed, often featured some well known
Cowboy star.
        Cowboy stories were almost always
pretty simple and you could always tell
the good guys from the bad guys!
          Times, of course, have changed.
Cowboy stories still come out in the
movies from time to time but it's a lot
harder to tell the good guys from  the
bad guys these days.
            I sometimes dressed as a
Cowboy for Halloween. Try that today
with a 6-gun cap pistol in your holster!
            I'm glad there's an effort to
salute the Cowboys (and girls) and
what they've meant to our country!
They sure meant a lot to me back in
the day!
           Happy Trails to you and may
all your NEWS be good!

TALK IT UP! (OR DOWN.)

    FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024

TALK IT UP! (OR DOWN.)

  It's July 26th. In case you didn't

already know this is "National

Talk In An Elevator Day!" For

some unknown reason the

interior of elevators is usually

treated just as libraries were for

many, many years. Everything's

quiet inside! What a waste of time!

That short ride to your destination

could be used to introduce yourself

to fellow travelers. Perhaps share

some news or humor with them.

So on this special "holiday," rise

to the occasion! Speak out. Say

Good morning, or afternoon or

evening as the case may be. I

decided to test the idea on my

recent trip to a friend's office

on the 8th floor of a local office

building. I wasn't sure if I should

simply comment on the unusually

hot weather or note how smooth

the unit was ascending to the

upper floor. In the end the topic

made no difference. I was riding

alone! Hope you'll speak up if

you find yourself in a "Lift"

(as the English call them) today

and that all your NEWS is good! 

THE BRASS RING!

 

   THURSDAY, JULY 25TH., 2024
        THE BRASS RING!

    I'm not suggesting you place a bet
at the track today. I'd just like you to
get a ticket for the Merry Go Round!
    July 25th is "Merry Go Round" or
"Carousel Day!" A good day to take
a spin on your favorite Merry Go
Round horse!
     This particular amusement ride
actually has its roots in Europe and
the Middle East when knights played
a game while riding their horses in a
circle. At one point they tried to spear
small rings hanging from poles to
demonstrate their skill, That's where
the idea of grabbing the brass ring
while riding the Merry Go Round
comes from.
       The terms Merry Go Round and
Carousel are actually interchangeable.
Carousel, however, is often associated
with those in England where they turn
in a clockwise direction. Merry Go
Rounds here and in mainland Europe
turn counter clockwise.
      Whichever way they're spinning
 I've always preferred the circular
ride on a merry go round to the sudden
drops offered on a Roller Coaster.
        And there are plenty around.
The carousel at Knoebels was built in
1912. The same year the Titanic sunk.
They've got a smaller one there too and
that's got some history too.
          There's even a Carousel Museum
there featuring horses from area
Amusement Parks that are now just
memories.
           Head to our neighboring
Binghamton, New York and you'll find
six Merry Go Rounds that were donated
to the city by George Johnson, owner of
the Endicott Shoe Company. 5 of them
operate free of charge throughout the
summer. The 6th, in Ross Park, requires
riders to donate a piece of litter which,
in turn, keeps the park clean!
            Great day to ride my friends!
            Hope you catch the brass ring
and that all your NEWS is good!
   

KNOCK, KNOCK!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024 KNOCK KNOCK July 24th is "Tell an old jokeDay!'Don't confuse it with "Tella joke Day!" That's in August! This day was set aside to tell the classicjokes that have stood the test of time.You know, like Why did the chicken cross the road? That's an oldie but goodie. Some of the old ones werevery simple, thus easy to remember.That may be why they survive! I asked my wife if she knew any old jokes."Know one," she replied. "I live with one!" I think she was joking! I have to go now. Somebody's knocking at the door! Hope you're well and all your NEWS is good!

WITH A CONE ON TOP?

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024 WITH A CONE ON TOP? This is "National Sprinkels Day." You know, those tiny candy pieces kids love to get on their ice cream! In England they're called "Hundreds and Thousands." In Holland they are known as "Hagelstag." They were created by the French where we know tham as "Nonpareils." In 1936 it was the Dutch that came up with chocolate sprinkles and there were originally used on bread and rolls. These days they come in all sorts of colors and you can usually tell if the kids were eating them in the car. Traces of those rainbow sprinkles are often left behind on the floor mats or even the car seats. So enjoy your sprinkles on this special day, whatever you're enjoying them on! Hope your sprinkles and delicious and that all yours NEWS is good!

SAY WHAT!?

            MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024

                     SAY WHAT!?  

   Welcome to July 22nd! Otherwise known

as "Spoonerism Day!" Spoonerisms are

verbal errors in which a speaker accidentally

transposes the initial sounds or letters of

two or more words! It can be very humorous!

Here's an example/ "Is it kisstomary to cuss

the bride?" That, or course, should have

been "It it customary to kiss the bride?"

One of my camermen once heard a collie

yalping and said "Listen to that darking

blog!" Sometimes they're so funny that

while initially offered accidentally the

speaker tends to use them over and

over! Most everyone comes up with a 

spoonerism from time to time. I, of course,

am an exception being such a professional.

I seldom get my mix all talked up! Hope you're

well and that all your NEWS is good!

DON'T BET ON IT!

      SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024

         DON'T BET ON IT!

   I wasn't sure what I was going to

blog about today and then I saw one

of those state sponsored gambling

advertisements. They all end with a

reminder there's a number to call if

you feel you have a gambling problem!

If only Jim and Davis had that resource

"back in the day." The two were friends

and sometimes gambled together. More

often than not Davis ended up lending

Jim money to pay his gambling debts!

Then came the day when Jim lost a

gambling game to Davis! He didn't

have the $25 to pay, so Davis took Jim's

watch as collateral! Jim really didn't want

to give it up and he admonished Davis

not to wear it in public. But Davis

ignored the warning and showed off

the time piece to others. Jim confronted

Davis in the town square of Springfield,

 Missouri on this very date in 1865 and

the result was the first documented

western gunfight in U.S. history! Both

men fired their handguns! Davis, Davis

Tutt, missed. But Jim, James Butler 

"Wild Bill Hickok," didn't! The incident

market the death of Davis Tutt and the

beginning of the legend of "Wild Bill"

If only they had phones and the number

1-800-GAMBLER! Hope you're well

and that all your NEWS is good!

   

A RHYME AND A REASON.

         SATURDAY, JULY 20,2024

        A RHYME AND A REASON

     It's July 20th which, as most of you

know, is "Take A Poet To Work Day!"

I'm thinking that's not as easy as it might

sound. Unless you just happen to have a 

poet living next door with time on his or

her hands to spare. You could, of course,

just bring a book of poetry to your job

site. But that's not quite the same. And

besides, it's a Saturday so most of you

probably don't have to work today.  So

here is my idea. I have dabbled in poetry

for some time. The video version of this

blog includes a poem I wrote a couple

years ago about a special place my wife

and I enjoy when we visit my one friend

at a cottage his family owned on Vinalhaven

island off the coast of Maine. You could simply

bring my recorded blog along any play it while

you work!  Or at home. If you don't have a  

recorder,  I'm including my verse for you in

this written version of my blog. At least you'll

be able to read it to yourself! I call it "The

Island."

            THE ISLAND

       by David DeCosmo

  SOMETIMES LIFE, LIKE OCEAN WAVES,

 CAN TAKE A HEAVY TOLL.

  THOSE TIMES OFT FIND US SEARCHING

 FOR A PLACE TO REST OUR SOUL.

   THE ISLAND OFFERS SUCH A REST.

  ITS SETTING SEEMS JUST RIGHT. 

   EACH DAY BRINGS CALM TRANQUILLITY

  AS DOES EACH QUIET NIGHT.

    TIME SEMS TO SLIP BY SLOWLY THERE,

   NOT MEASURED BY THE CLOCK.

     BUT RATHER BY THE CHANGING TIDE

   AND SHADOWS ON EACH DOCK.

     THE SEA MIST SEEMS TO PULL FROM EACH

    OUR LOVING MEMORIES.

     WHILE THE SUN'S BRIGHT RAYS BRING

    PROMISE,

     OF WHAT IS YET TO BE!

     THE ISLAND WAITS FOR EACH OF US,

    AND BECKONS US ONCE MORE,

     TO PUT ASIDE ALL TROUBLES,

    AND COME BACK TO ITS SHORE!     

    Hope you liked it,  have a poem of

your own to take to work, and that all

your NEWS is good!     

 

HOW WOULD YOU PLEAD?

 

   FRIDAY, JULY 19TH., 2024
        WHAT IS YOUR PLEA?
    Everyday I see anniversary photos
on Facebook and I always like to
congratulate the couples involved.
     Today's message is aimed at
those who are noting their first year
of matrimony.
      You see today, July 19th., is
"National Fitch Day."
        I'm not pretending to be an
expert on this subject (Fitch Day
that is) so I'm going to share this
information from anydayguide.com.
        National Flitch Day is an informal
holiday dedicated to an ancient English
custom that dates back to at least the 14th 
century. A flitch is a measurement of bacon,
now known as a slab. In England, married
couples were awarded a flitch of bacon if 
they did not repent on their marriage for a 
year and a day.  A couple would come to monks 
and  stand a mock trial to prove they had been 
loving and faithful to one another for one year
         They also had to convince the jury they
wanted to remain married.
          I guess, in a sense, it was a sort of
"Escape Claus" for anybody who felt he or
she had made a mistake.
          But those who remained loyal got
themselves a slab of bacon. That eventually
became a half a pig!
          The custom actually made it here
to America. But it didn't catch on! I wonder
why?

          I kind of like it! My wife and I have been
loyal for 55 years and I always enjoyed
a good pork roast!
           Hope you'd survive the trial too and that
all your NEWS is good!

       

.

AND THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS!

     THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024

 AND THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS!

   This coming weekend offers a

great opportunity to turn the clock

back to the early 1940's to see how

the men and women who served our

country lived during World War II.

The annual WWII Days Encampment 

will be held at the test track in Berwick. 

The track was used to test Stuart Tanks

which were manufactured in Berwick at

the former AC&F Factory. 15, 224 tanks

were made to support the war effort and

9,135 local workers did the job. The

Stuart Memorial Association has presented

the encampment every July since 2015!

There are all kinds of equipment and

demonstrations including battle scenes

and weapon firing exhibits. The video

version of this blog contains some

samples! It's all to honor those who

served both on the front lines and in

defense jobs like those that produced

the Stuart tanks. My Dad was one of

those men!  It's a trip back in time

you're sure to appreciate! Hope

you'll swing by and that all your

NEWS is good! 

MOTH MAN!

 WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

      MOTH MAN!

  This is your chance to be a Moth

Man (or Woman)! Today, July 17th.,

marks the start of "National Moth

Week." This is a week when your are

encouraged to study all those moths

with which we share our environment!

Scientists tells us there are between

150 and 500 thousand species of moths

on the planet. (Wouldn't you think they'd

know!) Of course studying them isn't

always easy. They fly around so much and

so quickly! They are also almost all nocturnal!

Those of us who drive at night often find

them squashd on the windshield and lights

of our cars! If you have trouble finding one

to study give me a call. I believe there's one

in my closet that's interested in my sweaters!

Hope you're well and that all your NEWS is

good!

WHAT IF?

      TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024

               IWHAT IF....?

   It's July 16th. One of those unusual

"holidays" I like to tell you about. Today

is "National Toss Out The Could Have,

and Should Have Day!"  It is the brainchild

of motativational speaker, Martha Ross

Rogers. She believes we spend far too much

time thinking about things we could have or

should have done, but didn't. The whole idea

is to make a list of those "could have, or should

have things" and then throw it away! Think about

living in the present rather than the past.  When 

you really stop to think about it, the past is a 

nice place to visit but you don't want to live

there!  Go out and enjoy the day...otherwise

you'll be thinking about it tomorrow and saying

"I could have or should have enjoyed that day!"

Have a great today! And may all your NEWS

be good!

IT'S "D DAY!"

   MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024

            IT'S  "D DAY!"

   I know! You say "D Day" is June

6th. And you're right. But this is a

different D Day. You see July 15th

is "Be a Dork Day!" If you aren't a

Dork rhus is your chance to be one!

Today is a day to act awkward, clumsy,

goofy, odd, silly, and ridiculous. It;s a 

copyrighted holiday created by the folks

at Wellcat.com/ Why? I have no idea.

But my wife just stepped in and said 

something about how nice it must be

to have my own holiday! Wonder what

she meant by that? Oh well, hope you're

not a Dork and that all your NEWS is

good!

WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT!"

              SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2024

WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT!"         

   It's July 14th friends. "Shark Appreciation

Day." Better mark it on your calendrer so you'll

remember next year. Scientists say this is a

day to study sharks and realize how important

they are to the earth's eco system! Those same

scientists tell us sharks have been around for

about 420 million years. If that's correct, sharks

were here about 200 million years before the

dinosaurs! Sharks can certainly be scary. There

have been a number of reported shark bites

along the eastern seaboard over the past couple

of weeks. But, generally, sharks have more

reason to fear humans than humans have to

fear sharks! There are an average 70 shark

attacks reported around the world each year.

About 7 prove fatal. In the same one year

span, however, humans kill an estimated 

100 million sharks!! Of course that's little

consolation if you're one of the 70 people

attacked! I feel pretty safe in the ocean.

The lifeguards are watching as well as

the Coast Guard! But, if I get one hint

of that scary music from "Jaws," I'm out of

there! Hope you stay safe in the water and

that all your NEWS is good 

 

AND AN ORDER OF FRIES!

 

   SATURDAY, JULY 13TH., 2024
     AND AN ORDER OF FRIES!

  Whatever's on your menu today you'll
probably want to include an order of
French Fries!
   You see July 13th is "National French
Fries Day!"
    Seems no matter what folks order,
hot dogs, burgers, even chicken, the
most popular side dish is French Fries.
     As I explained in an earlier blog
the potato treat we call "French Fries"
likely hailed from Belgium originally.
As a natter of fact if your ordered in
Belgium you'd ask for "Belgium Fries!"
     In England they're called "Chips."
     Thomas Jefferson is credited with
introducing them in America! Most
people probably think it was Ronald
McDonald!
       In any case they became very
popular very quickly!
       Americans consume 30 pounds
of potatoes per person per year. 25% 
of those potatoes are made into French 
fries.
       Of course there's only one
acceptable way to observe this
holiday and that's by getting an order
of French fries, or whatever you call
them where you are!
         Hope you don't overdo the salt
and that all your NEWS is good!

CELEBRATING "MR. PEANUT!"

        FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024

   CELEBRATING "MR. PEANUT!"

    A lot of people around these parts have fond
memories of Mr. Peanut, proudly representing
the Planter's Peanut Company, walking around
Public Square and South Main Street in downtown
Wilkes-Barre.
    But today, July 12th., is a day set aside to
honor the real "Mr. Peanut." George Washington
Carver!
   Born into slavery, Carver became a scientist,
botanist, educator, and inventor. And his
specialty was peanuts!
   Carver came up with 105 food recipes using
peanuts!
    I'll wager he was the guy who came up with
my favorite. The peanut butter and jelly
sandwich! I have them often....now that I've
learned it's better to spread the peanut butter
first! I used to have trouble getting it on top of
the jelly!
    Anyway, Carver didn't stop with using peanuts
for food. This guy developed and promoted about
100 products made from peanuts!
    They included cosmetics, dyes, paints, plastics
and even gasoline! Why aren't we still using that
today! We could fill up for, literally, peanuts!!!!
     Peanuts are powerful! If you doubt it consider
the fact that another of Carver's "Peanut based
inventions" was nitroglycerin!!!!!
     You can't buy that in a bag at the Old Ball
game!
      A crowd of about a thousand people will
descend on the George Washington Carver
National Monument in Diamond, Mo. today
for the annual Carver Day ceremonies.
     Since it's a little late for you to get there
you might want to break out a jar of Skippy
and have your own celebration!
     I'd stay clear of the Nitro though!
     Hope you've got some "Chunky" on hand
and that your sandwich....and all your NEWS
is good!





















   

SUNDAE MEMORIES!

 

   THURSDAY, JULY 11TH., 2024
            SUNDAE MEMORIES!

      July 11th, in addition to being my
daughter Missy's Birthday, is "Make Your
Own Sundae Day!"
       I remember my days as a kid back
in Hazleton when, at the time, I had a
four different Dairy Bars, often called
"Soda Fountains" within walking
distance of my house. The closest was
about three and a half blocks away the
furthest about six blocks.
        I'd often head to one of them on a
Sunday to get a sundae!
        Most had a counter and stools and
a couple had booths as well.
        Of course we certainly didn't make
our own Sundaes. We let the experts
handle that.
        The biggie in Hazleton was the
"CMP." (Chocolate, Marshmallow,
Peanut Sundae.)
        A few years back we came across a
Dairy Bar straight out of the old days.
          "Chantilly Goods" is located
in the small community of Weissport
just outside Lehighton. Except for the
teens who manned the counter the
place was pure vintage "Soda Fountain!"
            The ice cream glasses were
like those we remembered from back
in the day. There was an old fashion
cash register (although that was for
show.) Even 50's music sounding
throughout the place which includes
one full wall filled with candy
selections!
             It's kind of amazing to find
the treasures that are tucked away
here and there not all that far from
home.
            Although we were a day
ahead of this impressive "holiday"
my wife mixed a couple flavors for
her sundae while I opted for a Malted
Milk.
             Whether you make your own
or have the "Soda Jerk" do it for you
hope you'll enjoy a sundae and that all
your NEWS is good!

TEE TIME!

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024

                   TEE TIME!

          It's July 10th and today begins

"National Family Golf Week!"

I used to be a family golfer! When

my Dad and brother were still

around we used to take a friend along

and play some very nice courses here

on our area. Unfortunately I had a

"slice" (a swing that sends the ball

off to the right) and I usually only

say the other three players at the Tee

and on the green! Golf is an easy game.

It's just hard to play! These days our

"family golfing" will be limited to

courses when I can hit my ball through

a spinning windmill! Hope you  and up 

to par and that all your NEWS is good.  

HENRY'S INVENTION!

           TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024

          HENRY'S INVENTION! 

   Regular followers of this blog know I

enjoy telling you about inventors and

some of their inventions that have changed

our everyday lives in some way. I can't

really say that about Henry Tibbe's

invention. It didn't have any impact on

most people's lives. But, in a way, you

could say it had a small effect on helping

us win World War II! You see Henry's

patent of this date in 1878 was for 

improvements to the corn cob pipe!

And you'd be hard pressed to find a

photograph of General Douglas MacArthur.

who lead out forces in the war against

Japan, in which he did not have his

trademark corn cob pipe! I guess it

served him pretty well. So put that in

your pipe and smoke it! Hope you're well

and that all your NEWS is good!

WHAT DID THE FARMER FIND?

     MONDAY, JULY 8, 2024

    WHAT DID THE FARMER FIND?

   The press release was issued on this

date, July 8th., of 1947. The U.S. Army

said that the remains of a "flying disc"

were recovered from a farm near Roswell,

NM. But the story quickly changed! The

revised version told on an experimental

weather baloon that had crashed, After

some of the debris was show, the story

kind of died away. But then, in 1970, a

retired Army Officer told a reporter the

weather baloon story was just a cover up!

Ever since Roswell and the subject of

flying saucers have been the subject of

controversy and conspiracy! Several

Presidents have been questioned about

the incident and what really happened

None have given any specifics although 

President Clinton suggested the truth was

fas lee exciting that the stories circualated

about Roswell. Wonder if we'll ever hear

all the facts? Hope we do and that all your

NEWS is good!

HERSHEY FOR HEALTH?!

  

    SUNDAY, JULY 7TH., 2024
     HERSHEY FOR HEALTH?!

       It is probably best that you

keep the information in today's

Blog away from children. It

contains material better left

unknown to kids.

    July 7th is "Chocolate Day!"

It is the perfect day, as if you

needed an excuse, to consume

your favorite chocolates!

     Should anyone try to

discourage you from partaking

this delicious treat just tell them

you're merely eating your

vegetables! Chocolate is a vegetable

It comes from the Cacao tree found

in tropical rain forests. How about

that?

     I fully support this "holiday."

In fact, I don't limit my celebration

to July 7th! In my case, though, it's

more of an obligation than a

celebration.

    I try to have a Hershey Bar at

least once a week to help make

sure my friend's pension is

financially sound. He used to

work for the Hershey Company.

I always thought we were lucky

to have the Hershey company right

here in Pennsylvania.

     And we almost didn't! Milton

Hershey, the company founder,

bought a ticket to return to the

U.S. on the Titanic! As it happens

he was called back to Pennsylvania

early and had to take another ship.

    Ironically, his Titanic receipt is

in the form of a Golden Ticket!

How about that Willy Wonka?!

     Remember, don't tell the kids

about the "vegetable part!"

     Hope you'll enjoy the day with

some of your favorite chocolates

and that all your NEWS is good!

     

HOW FAR CAN YOU GO!?

   SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2024

  HOW FAR CAN YOU GO!?

   This is an amazing, and challenging

unofficial holiday! July 6th., is

"International Cherry Pit Spitting 

Day!" A farmer with several fields

of fruit trees started this holiday

in 1974. Almost immediately it

was picked up in countries around

the world. You can enjoy a cherry

then take a stab at the world's

record. That record, by the way,

is held by Brian Krause who

spit his cherry pit 93 feet six and

a half inches! Since we got a supply

of sweet cherries last weekend I

thought I'd try to challenge that

world record. Unfortunately I

swallowed the pit! Oh well,

there's always next year. Hope

you're enjoying some cherries,

celebrating this unusual

holiday and that all your NEWS

is good!

WHERE DID THE TIME GO??

 Friday. July 5, 2024

WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

 Well Independence Day has ended but we'll all still celebrating around here! You see today our oldest Grandson, Jason Poor, is getting married! But how can that possibly be? It doesn't seem all that many years ago I was watching him try to walk for the first time. He had to give it a few tries till he mastered the art! Next think I knew he was into karate!! He worked at it for many years and ended up with a number of Black Belts! He even taught it for awhile! I watched him play football in high school. That's where he met the love of his life, Emily Kolojejchick!  Today she becomes his bride! We took thousands of pictures of Jason as he grew to be a tall handsome young man. Selfishly I always favored the one from a park in New York State where he was very small and holding my hand as we explored the place together. Over all those years one thing became very certain. If Jason took on any challenge he was sure to succeed. That's why we have no doubt he and Emily can look forward to a wonderful, loving life together! Much love from Grannie and I Jason and Emily! May your live, and all your NEWS, be good forever! Grandpa DeCosmo

FIRSTS ON THE FORTH!

 THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

   FIRSTS ON THE FORTH!

   It's a big day of celebration here in

the United States. And for a lot of

good reasons! Independence Day of

course resulting from our 1776

Declaration of Independence from

England. Ironically the nation

didn't begin its annual celebration of

July 4th until 1796! In 1802 the U.S,

Military Academy at West Point opened

its doors on July the 4th.  The following

year, 1803, the Louisiana purchase added

828, 00 square miles to the United States.

That was announced on July 4th. In 1831

the song "America (My Country Tis Of

Thee) was song for the very first time on

July 4th. Then, in 1862, Lewis Carrol 

choose Independence Day to publish

"Alice In Wonderland." The following

year General Robert E. Lee pulled his

troops out of Gettysburg on July 4th

effectively marking the beginning of the 

end of the Civil War!  On July 4th 1876

the first electric light was demonstrated 

in San Francisco and in 1884 France gave

us the Statue of Liberty of the 4th of July.

Our flag has changed a lot since 1776. On

July 4th of 1959 we saw a new 49 star

banner as Alaska was added to the union.

That flag didn't last very long though as

Hawaii became the 50th state and another

star was added on July 4th of 1960. A lot

of July 4th history for a fairly young nation.

Wonder what the future hold in store? Hope

it's all positive and that all your NEWS is

good!   

INDEPENDANCE DAY EVE!

 

   WEDNESDAY, JULY 3RD., 2024
      INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE!

   Wednesday, July 3rd. A great day to stay at home!

   We've all hear the expression....."Those Dog days

of Summer." Well it's not just an expression! They

are real. And they begin today!

     They run from July 3rd to August 11th and

coincide with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.

     If that's not enough to worry you, it's also

"Stay Out Of The Sun Day!" Bet you didn't

know about that one!

     The cautions connected with both of these

strange "holidays" are pretty obvious. You're

warned to protect yourself from the heat and

the direct rays of the sun.

     But what are we suppose to do with the day

if we agree to "observe" it by staying inside?

     Well I'm glad you asked.

     Fortunately July 3rd also hosts several other

unique "holidays" that provide possible

answers.

     It is, for instance, the official start of  "Air

Conditioning Appreciation Days!" I will admit

to getting a heard start on this celebration

sometime in June! 90 degree days should be

limited, by law, to deserts!  75 to 80 is just

fine by me...IF...the humidity is low enough.

     July 3rd is also "National Eat Beans Day!"

     So, while you're hiding from the "Dog Days"

and keeping out of the sun, you can enjoy a

bowl of beans or two. Any more and you'll

probably have no choice but to stay inside......

probably in one specific room!

      But wait, there's more!

      July 3rd is also "Compliment Your Mirror

Day!" 

      Of course that one can be observed anywhere

you can find a mirror!  I've seen more than one

young woman observing the day way ahead of

schedule and often stopped at a traffic light.

      And one here or there that weren't

stopped at the time! I'll limit my celebration to

my morning shave.

     Anyhow as you can clearly see, even without

a mirror, these July 3rd "holidays" are

sneaking up on you so you had better be

prepared!

      Make sure you don't "let the dogs out,"

use plenty of sun tan lotion, stay cool, comb

your hair, and eat your beans!

      Hope you survive the day (tomorrow's

the 4th!) and that all your NEWS is good!