NOT TOO SHARP!

  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST., 2020
               NOT TOO SHARP!

    The feeling that a sharp rock, rather than
a razor, was trimming my whiskers the other
day made me think it may just be time to buy
some new blades.
     I've always heard about prison inmates who
aren't allowed to have razors. But imagine my
surprise when I went to my local Walmart and
found it was the razors that have been locked up!
     Every brand was set up inside a locked glass
display case! And, initially, there was no one
in sight with a key.
      After reporting the discovery to my wife I
returned just in time to find a clerk who was
just about to relock the case.
       I stopped the young lady and quickly
grabbed a box of my favorite blades. But I
wasn't allowed to take them!
       The rules require her to hand carry them
to check out. But I wasn't done shopping!
        So, the way things are set up now, the
clerk takes the blades to the assistant at the
self check out line. You meet up with him or
her when your shopping is done and, at that
point, you add the blades to your order. We
actually used the self check out. I suppose,
if we didn't, the assistant would have to
assort you to a regular check out aisle.
        I came close to just giving up and
going somewhere else to buy my razors.
Sort of a "close shave" for Walmart!
        Hope this policy doesn't result in a
lot of new beards, and that all your NEWS
is good!

WINDING UP PHIL?

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST., 2020
           WINDING UP PHIL?

    With just hours until he's scheduled to
make his annual appearance and
prediction Punxsutawney Phil's future
seems to be in question.
     PETA, "People For The Ethical
Treatment of Animals," wants the
State's famous weather prognosticator
retired to a shelter and replaced by
some sort of a robot!
      This is the same organization
that can claim credit for putting an
end to another American institution,
the Ringling Brothers , Barnum, and
Bailey Circus after lobbing to have
the three ring giant do away with its
Elephants.
        I've seen no evidence of Phil's
mistreatment. Quite the contrary,
He seems to be living a life of
pampered luxury only called out
annually for his weather prediction.
        The tradition stems from a
Christian belief that Jesus was
dedicated at the temple 40 days
after his birth. Animals were
often used to mark the occasion
which was also tied to the coming
of Spring.
       The Germans believed cold
days were yet to come if the
Hedgehog saw its shadow. The
Germans brought the tradition
here. But not the Hedgehogs. That's
where the Groundhog took over.
        I'm all for treating animals
well (and caring for them if you're
their owner) but I think PETA is
off base on this one. There are a
lot of cat owners (or "feeders")
around my place that would be
better off with robots!
        While most Groundhogs are
playing "Chicken" on our highways
Phil seems to be living high in
Punxsutawney!
         Hope he sticks around and'that
all your NEWS is good!

DESIGNING WOMEN!

   THURSDAY, JANUARY 30TH., 2020
             DESIGNING WOMEN!

    About the time I was enjoying my first
DJ job in radio my wife, and other young
ladies of her age, were joining the ranks
of "Designing Women."
     Their designs were created on a Betsy
McCall Electric Fashion Designer and
Paper Doll kit with a light up "desk"
allowing them to trace dresses, skirts,
slacks, and various other items which
they then colored with a set of pencils.
      My wife found just such a kit at the
auction on Tuesday and, since then, she
has been carried back in time!
       Keep in mind while I was spinning
records my wife was in 5th or 6th grade!
        She spent most of Wednesday
morning using the lighted desk to trace
all sorts of clothing items then carefully
coloring each with the pencils provided
with the kit..
         I don't remember Betsy McCall.
I suspect if she was around when I was
in 5th or 6th grade I would have passed
her fashion kit up for a good cap gun,
         About the only thing I recognized
in my wife's new "old' treasure, was an
eraser. I used those a lot back in the
day! It was my most valuable accessory
at school!
         I'm not sure if my wife will use
her find for a new career or just for fun.
I'm just glad she's enjoying it!
         Hope all your NEWS is good!

I'M STILL PUZZLED!

  WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH., 2020
               I'M STILL PUZZLED!

      As a newsman I usually enjoyed a good
challenge. That said there were exceptions.
     Those challenges could generally be found
in the daily newspaper or in boxes marked
100, or 500, or one thousand pieces.
      I write of the challenges contained in the
daily crossword puzzle or the jigsaw pieces
that make up a picture puzzle!
      It can't be a matter of patience. I've often
used up as much time playing games of
chess.
       My wife works a crossword puzzle as
she enjoys her breakfast. Often I find myself
participating without intending to join in.
If she comes across a question that's sports
related or involves old movie stars there's a
pretty good chance I'll be asked. Of course
sometimes my answers don't fit either the
first letter she needs or the number of
letters to fit the empty blocks.
         Picture puzzles are a whole other
matter! I stay as far away from those as
possible. That's especially true since at least
one of the grand kids decided it would be
fun to remove one piece from the assortment
to tease my wife.
           But don't let me stop the rest of you!
           January 29th is National P___le Day.
Hope you enjoy it and that all your NEWS
is good!

METERED MADNESS!

   TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH., 2020
             METERED MADNESS!

   What ever happened to those wonderful
days when you'd pull up to a parking meter,
insert a penny (Yep! A penny!), and tend to
your shopping or business for 15 minutes
without fearing your car would be towed away?
    I happen to meet the guest for my Electric
City television show as she pulled into a
parking space in Scranton Monday.
    The parking meters are gone now. They've
been replaced with a computer-like device
on which you enter your information to park.
    The first requirement is entering your
License plate number. Confession time. I
don't know my License plate numbers. I've
got three of them so don't remember any.
     My guest used her Smart phone to snap
a photo of her plate so she could enter the
numbers. That took about 3 attempts because
of two small letters that were included before
her number.
      The next effort involved an attempt to
insert a quarter into the device, For whatever
reason she couldn't do it. Maybe it was
filled. I don't know.
      Of course by the third time she tried to
put a quarter in the process timed out and she
had to start all over!
       In the end she had to use a credit card
to buy her parking time. Probably just as
well. I doubt anyone carries enough quarters
to cover the current parking rates!
        Hope she didn't get a ticket and that
all her, and your, NEWS is good!

INNER PEACE!

    MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH., 2020
                    INNER PEACE!

      I missed my chance at the auction
last week. A chance for inner peace.
      You can never tell what's going to
go on the auction block each week but,
in retrospect, I should have jumped into
the bidding.
       I mean, think of it, an opportunity
to solve most of your problems and
concerns without taking medication
or learning a thousand yoga positions.
       And just what was this "magic
potion?" I'll glad you asked!
        It was a giant, industrial sized
roll of Bubble Wrap!
        It's on my mind again now
because, as you probably know,
January 27th is "Bubble Wrap
Appreciation Day!"
        And who, especially guys,
doesn't appreciate Bubble Wrap?
What sort of woe can't be solved
by sitting down and popping those
little plastic air pockets one after
another with that resulting"snap!"
that echos around the room?
        I don't want to take anything
away from those of you who may
actually use the stuff for wrapping
valuable or breakable materials
for shipping. I'm sure that takes a
load off your mind too.
         You've got to wonder how
many world problems might be
solved if a few leaders would just
sit down together on a comfortable
couch with an adequate supply of
Bubble Wrap!
         Nothing else seems to be
working so it may be worth a
try!
        Hope you'll enjoy popping
some too and that all your NEWS
is good!

ANOTHER "BEAT."

     SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH., 2020
               ANOTHER "BEAT."

       I walked the news beat for many years
around these parts. I'm still doing my best
to handle the "blog beat" with my daily
essays.
       But recently, including today, I find
myself on what you might call "the Bible
beat."
       Last month a very close friend asked
if I might consider speaking at an area
church where the pastor is dealing with
health issues.
        Although the venue did not include
a microphone and camera I've seldom been
shy to share my thoughts and stories with
others. The request also came from a man
in whom I have tremendous respect. If
he thought I could do it I felt, perhaps.
I could pull it off.
        Make no mistake, I come with a
disclaimer. I am not a minister nor an
expert on God and Heaven/
         But I am a believer and have seen
God work in my life in some truly
unbelieveable ways!
          Maybe hearing about those
experiences from an average guy like
me will make a positive difference in
somebody else's life. I'd like that.
           There are a lot of people far
more qualified  to stand at that pulpit!
But I've been honored with the request
to speak today and again next Sunday
and I'll do my best.
           I'll be at the Taylor Primitive
Methodist Church.
           At the very least members of the
congregation may get some sleep! But I'm
hoping a few may be moved to hear how
the Lord has used me in some very unique
ways. Perhaps this is the latest?
           God bless you! Hope all your
NEWS is good!    

GETTING HIGH!

  SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH., 2020
                 GETTING HIGH!

   Now don't go getting the wrong idea!
No drugs involved in this essay!
    I just wanted to let you know that
after way too many back aches my
wife and I have obtained a new mattress.
     My niece had a little used mattress
that she needed gone and it just happen
to be the exact size we needed.
      Her husband and daughter, and their
huge SUV, got it to and into my house
then hauled the old one away!
       It is very comfortable. But it is
substantially higher than the one it
replaced!
       I was quite surprised to sit on
the edge and just have my feet touch the
floor. A roll off at this elevation could
prove disastrous! Of course it could
prove worse for my wife. She's shorter
so it would be a longer fall!
        Now I'm wondering if I should have
kept the old one on the floor as a safety
net!
        At least my back will feel a lot
better before I hit!
         Hope I get a great night's sleep
and that all your NEWS  is good!
       
       
       
       

THE GREAT HOT DOG RECALL!

   FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH., 2020
  THE GREAT HOT DOG RECALL!

   Don't let my title scare you. None of our
major hot dog producers are calling their
product back.
    My recall came from a popular local
hot dog restaurant!
     My wife and I were trying to decide
what to have for supper. There was some
left over roast in the fridge but having
enjoyed it the evening before I was kind
of counting on something different.
      That's when I thought about
Torony's!
       This family owned hot dog restaurant
has been in what I now call my home
area since way before I got here. And that
was 50 years ago.
        They started with a small outdoor
stand with just a few stools right along
Route 315 and later moved to a new
building a few blocks away. Eventually
they ended up along River Street, a
few miles from their original site.
         They've been famous for their
long dogs and great sauce.
         I got in just under their 7pm
closing time with a call to order 3
dogs with everything except onions.
They figured my drive time and their
cooking time would about even out
and, sure enough, I picked up my order
with 10 minutes to spare.
        I was headed home when the cell
phone rang and I saw Torony's number
when I pulled over to take the call.
        Gary, the owner, was calling
because he had accidentally given
me the wrong order! He said the
dogs I picked up had everything,
including onions!.
          Carefully wrapped I had no
way, especially in the car, to open
my package to check. But I figured
it would be easier to have him add
onions to the order left behind and
accept my dogs, onions and all,
rather than go along with his recall.
         Turns out the dogs were
great with everything anyway!
         Hope the other guy liked
his as well and that all your NEWS
is good

SHELL SHOCKED!!!

  THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD., 2020
                SHELL SHOCKED!

    I am truly shell shocked!
    The news came out yesterday. The Planters
Company is killing off Mr. Peanut! It will happen
in a commercial running during the Super Bowl!
     I, like many of you, remember the Mr.Peanut
character walking around Public Square in
Wilkes-Barre or on the boardwalk in Atlantic
City many years ago.
      He was "born" here, as was the Planters
Peanut Company. Italian immigrant Amedeo
Obici founded the company in Wilkes-Barre
in 1906.
      Ten years later a grade school student,
Antonio Gentile, won a contest by submitting
the idea for a mascot that became Mr. Peanut.
      Planters, which is now a division of the
Kraft Food Company, officially confirmed
the demise of the 104-year-old icon, He

dies saving two friends in a commercial
to be run during the game and his "funeral"
will be held during the third quarter.
       Reaction in social media has been
very negative, especially from people in
Mr. Peanut's "home area."
       I always loved his product and
respected those individuals who earned
their living suiting up as Mr. Peanut and
walking around to greet the public.
      With his top hat, cane, and eye
monocle he was the very symbol of
class and quality.
        Turns out, after 104 years, he was
just too "brittle."
         Hope they'll find a way to bring
him back and that all of your NEWS
is good.

REMEMBERING MY TIME WITH THE DOCTOR.

          WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND., 2020
   REMEMBERING MY TIME WITH THE DOCTOR!

   My wife and I both had an appointment with our
family doctor Tuesday. Our regular 4 month check
in to get checked out.
    I had a few shots coming. One in each knee and
one allergy booster in the back. Well, a little below
my back if you know what I mean.
    There was the usual blood pressure and  breathing
checks.
     Then there was the clock test!
     The Doc handed me a paper with a circle already
drawn and a few brief instructions.
      He said it was a cognitive test designed to detect
early symptoms of memory loss.
       I was told to treat the circle like a clock and was
to draw the hands pointing to ten minutes past eleven.
Before I was even half finished I realized my "3" and
"9" were not exactly even with each other across the
face. My "12" and "6" were exactly at the center top
and center bottom respectively.
         I don't know if my poor art work will count
against me. I had originally objected to the fact it
wasn't a digital clock in the first place!
          There was another part to the test. I was
suppose to recall the three words the doctor told
me to remember.
           I couldn't. He forgot to give me the three
words! Now I'm wondering what his clock might
look like!
          Hope you've got the right time and that all
your NEWS is good!
 

FRONT ROW SEAT!

   TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST., 2020
              FRONT ROW SEAT!

     Most people relish the thought of
getting a front row seat for a big concert.
We got one yesterday. For a movie! And
I'm still thinking about it!
      My wife and I decided to take in a
showing of the much lauded movie
"1917."
      I failed to take the Martin Luther
King holiday into consideration.
      A lot of people had the day off and
a lot of them decided to see "1917" too!
      The theater had very limited seating
available when we arrived so we were
given a choice between sitting apart in
available single seats or taking two in a
row of Handicapped seating since there
were no handicapped people making use
of them.
        I like sitting back a few rows but
was unwilling to sit apart from my wife.
She had the popcorn!
        Those front row seats put us right
into the movie. But, since "1917" is a
war flick that meant risking a concussion
from the explosions and ducking the
bullets that seemed to be hitting close
by!
         Think I'll call ahead next time.
Or buy my own popcorn!
         Hope all your NEWS is good!

   

MOVING DAY!

   TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH., 2019
              MOVING DAY!

    Just after retiring from WYOU  TV some
10 years ago I delivered a video of a trip
my wife and I had just hosted to Mark
Migilore who manages ECTV, Scranton's
Public Access television station.
    When I saw the windows and watched
traffic and people strolling by it occurred
to me that scene looked like NBC's Today
Show and suggested he should do a program
using that background.
     "Come up with a show." he said, "and
we'll do it." I've been volunteering (read
that no pay) from then till now.
       Since then we have done 542 editions
of "ECTV Live", a public affairs program
dealing with upcoming public events or
public services offered to the residents of
our area.
        As of today a few things change.
        Today we air our first program from
our new "stage like set" a few blocks
away from our old location.
         We'll also be premiering a new
multi camera system adding to our new
look.
         And we'll be using a new name.
The show is now called "Preview."
         The theme of the show will be the
same. The guests will still be people
talking about exciting community events
or about services available to area residents.
          But the windows will be gone.
          They were, of course, simply a
background to our presentation. But I
admit I'll miss seeing the cars and buses,
and pedestrians going by. Of course I
shall not miss the fire and or police
sirens that sometimes overpowered our
interviews or the occasional mom
screaming at her child right outside the
window in the middle of our program.
            The studio served as well but
it's time to more ahead to better and
quieter surroundings.
            Our program is broadcast on
Comcast channel 19 in the area. But
if you're not on cable you can see the
show on the electric city television
YouTube page or just watch my
Facebook posts. I'll share it there each
week.
              Hope you'll keep watching
and that all your NEWS is good!

RIGHT ON TIME!

   SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH., 2020
               RIGHT ON TIME!

     January 19th is "World Snow Day"
and we got some right on time!
     All the newscasts lead with snow
related stories, some local, some
national.
      Penndot lowered the speed limits
on the interstates as the storm moved
in which, apparently, made the thousands
of people headed for regional ski slopes
get there a little later than expected.
Yet they came!
       And, somehow, kids made it to
Wilkes-Barre's "Fun Day" at Kirby park
to try their sleds on the steep levee slopes.
      In Scranton Kayakers floated down
the Lackawanna as part of the annual
"Shiverfest celebration."
       In Moosic, folks were lined up filling
out job applications for this year's Rail
Riders Baseball season! See! We're
already getting ready for the "boys of
summer!"
       Temps were low, That's what they tell
me anyway, It was pretty warm inside the
house!
        My wife and I found ourselves
trapped at home. No. The snow wasn't
that deep. But we already had a good
supply of bread and milk so there was no
reason to go anywhere.
         We also had a large pork roast, some
apple cider with which to top it, a few onions,
carrots, and potatoes. Half a day on the oven
and we enjoyed a feast!
           Netflix provided the entertainment.
           I suspect, after church today, we'll
enjoy some left overs. Like the oven we'll
pre-heat the car, dawn our winter jackets
and hats and enjoy the scenery!
            Not a bad weekend after all!
            Hope yours, and all your NEWS,
is good!
         
         
           

A BRAND NEW "HOLIDAY!"

     SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH., 2020
           A BRAND NEW "HOLIDAY!"

    Regular readers of my daily blog already
know I split subjects between strange things
I find in my daily life and a long list of
unusual "holidays" I've discovered on the
world wide web.
     Well guess what? There's a new one. A
new "unusual holiday that is.
     Hence forth the third Saturday in January
is "National Use Your Gift Card Day."
      I think this one is kind of neat and very
useful!
      Most of us get gift cards for Christmas,
Birthdays, Anniversaries, and any number
of other special occasions. Chances are you
gave some too. Especially if you needed a
present for that hard to buy for person who
seems to have everything.
      Gift cards are usually very appreciated
but often put aside in a wallet, purse, or
drawer and forgotten.
      This new "holiday" reminds us we've
got a treasure ticked away and some
retailers plan to offer special deals to
encourage us to use those cards.
       I know my wife and I have a
couple! We tend to save them for those
times when cash is short and they really
come in handy!
       My wife's purse serves as our mobile
filing cabinet for several gift cards. She
will, on occasion, remind me of those
that are available. That's usually means
she doesn't  plan to cook on that
particular evening!
        So celebrate my friends! Inventory
your saved Gift cards and check to see
if there's any special deals that might
encourage you to put them to good use!
         Hope you find a couple (cards
and deals) and that all your NEWS
is good!   

STILL ON TRACK!

     FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH., 2020
              STILL ON TRACK!

     I want to tell you about a guy
with a lot of pull! You see today is
"Cable Car Day!"
    Andrew Smith Hallidie is the guy! He
got tired seeing horses falling over, sometimes
dying, while trying to pull trolleys up the
steep streets of the City by the Bay!
    So he got a patent for a moving cable to
pull the cars along. And, by the way, for a
number of years the cables that did the job
were manufactured in Sunbury, Pennsylvania!
    I got a chance to ride the Cable Cars back
in 2007 when my wife and I hosted a train
trip out to San Francisco.
     A guy directing the cars at a turn around
point pulled one aside especially for our tour
group and off we went!
     I got to stand at the right front of the car
which allowed me to get some great video...
but also had me ducking out of the way of
trucks parked along the tracks. Their mirrors
were at just the right height to knock any
inattentive passenger half way to the stars!
     Since we don't have any Cable Cars
around here maybe you can head out to
one of the ski slopes and ride the lift all
day. It's just another version of Hallidie's
idea and no horses are at risk!
     Hopefully that "Golden Sun" will shine
on you and all your NEWS will be good!

ROUND THE WORLD IN 80...SECONDS!

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH., 2020
  ROUND THE WORLD IN 80...SECONDS!

    I've been in broadcasting 60 years! I've been
on local radio, regional television, and even made
it nation-wide with a radio appearance on the old
ABC Breakfast Club and a part on the syndicated
"Forensic Files" TV show.
     On Wednesday, however, I finally broadcast
around the world!
     I'm a big fan of oldies music and frequently
listen to "60's on 6" on my Sirus-XM satellite
radio.
     The station's morning man is Phlash Phelps, an
energetic broadcaster with what seems like an
encyclopedic like knowledge of the country! He's
visited all 50 states and keeps traveling as much
as possible, keeping notes on attractions and
monuments along the way.
       I was impressed to hear him mention the
Kennedy statue in downtown Pittston one day.
       On Wednesday I looked him up on my
Smartphone and was surprised to see a telephone
number pop up as part of the information. Thinking
it might give me a contact at his studio I gave it a
call and was shocked to discover I got right through to
Phlash himself!
       We had a pleasant, though short, conversation
which he recorded and played on his satellite
channel about 15 minutes later!
        Had I known I'd get right through I might
have organized my thoughts so sound a little
intelligent rather than just babbling as a big
fan!
         But, who knows, after 60 years maybe
I'll finally be discovered!
          Hope all your NEWS is good!
   

THE CAT IN THE HAT!

   WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15TH., 2020
              THE CAT IN THE HAT!

      Today my friends you could, and should,
be the cat in the hat!
      January 15th., is "National Hat Day."
      You are encouraged to wear any style
hat you prefer. Or several if you'd like to
swap from time to time.
       Hats, or at least hat protocol, has
changed a bit since I was young. Either
that or a lot of folks never learned it.
       I see people, especially young
people, wearing baseball caps with the
brim turned backwards. It's become so
prevalent the only guys I see wearing
it the other way are, ironically, baseball
players in the field!
        I suppose the new style has
prevented pigeon droppings on a lot
of necks although I never thought of
that as being a major problem.
         I always kind of thought the
caps worked better keeping the sun
out of one's eyes.
         Speaking of sun, I haven't
seen a lot of it flooding the interiors
of many restaurants, movie theaters,
or gymnasiums which is why I am
wondering why so many males
feel compelled to keep their hats
and caps on while they're inside.
          The way it's suppose to
work guys remove their hats indoors.
Guess it's an "etiquette" thing. But I
always thought it said a lot about the
guys who followed the rule.
           I like hats although I don't
always wear one. During the cold
weather they actually help your
body retain heat.
            Just do me one favor.
Please! Outdoors, indoors, cap
brim forward or backward.
Please gentlemen!, When they play
the National Anthem, take it off!
           Hope you'll get out your
Stetson today and that all your
NEWS is good.           

FRESH AIR!

   TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH., 2020
                    FRESH AIR!

   It had been, I believe, three days since my
wife handed me a package of three air
fresheners to place in our car.
    Each was sealed with a plastic wrap only
to be opened when the freshener was to be
used.
     I don't remember opening any of them
so I was a bit surprised when I noticed the
strong odor of scented air as I returned from
the grocery store Monday.
      Perhaps my wife had opened one on
Sunday without my knowledge.
      On the other hand the "perfume"
wasn't noticeable at all on my drive to and
from Scranton prior to doing my shopping.
       The mystery was solved as I carried
the groceries into the house and my wife
asked why the laundry detergent bottle
had no lid.
        I suppose some curious customer
had unscrewed the cap enough to take a
whiff and then returned it only half
attached when he or she was through.
         It was loose enough, apparently,
to come completely off as I drove home.
         The rug on the rear floor has never
been cleaner/ But I'm not sure the scent
of "Blissful Breeze Gain"will ever go
away!
        Hope there's enough left to do my
shirts and that all your NEWS is good.

OH YEA?

   MONDAY, JANUARY 13TH., 2020
                       OH YEA?

     You may find this hard to believe but
January 13th is "International Skeptic's
Day!"
      I already wonder if this unusual day
is really observed around the world. Or
along the world for those who question
whether the earth is truly round.
      I know there are those who don't
believe the date since the first Friday
of the year and October 13th are also
listed as "Skeptic's Day."
       I have been a skeptic for many
years. Remember, my role as a news
reporter frequently had me asking
questions to,and hearing answers from,
people in politics.
        Of course there's nothing wrong
with some skepticism. If more people
were skeptics far fewer would have
bought the Brooklyn Bridge or sent
money to that guy who emailed to
say the dough was needed to free up
your inheritance discovered in South
Africa!
          So celebrate by raising an
eyebrow when you're given "the
facts" by anyone today and don't
hesitate to carry an umbrella if the
forecaster is promising sunshine!
           Hope I can resell that bridge
to somebody and that all your NEWS
is good!

SOME WERE CHICKEN!

   SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH., 2020
          SOME WERE CHICKEN!

    We were just short of standing room only
at our annual church "Beast Feast" Saturday
night. An extra table in the back room
saved the evening!
     The annual dinner features the bounty
from some of the avid hunters who are
members or friends of our church. We've
got some good hunters!
     The menu featured items like a trout
dip, venison roast and bar-b-q, peasant,
smoked antelope minute steaks, venison
hot dogs with beans, Mule deer tacos,
pickled deer heart, and a few other treats
plus deserts!
       Even though the feast has grown
ever increasing crowds (it's a free
dinner by the way) there are those who
are reluctant to partake of "game meat."
       I've always loved it myself which
makes for a challenge  since I don't
hunt.
       Those "game shy individuals"
were not ignored. Chicken was among
the options offered for them. That seems
a little bit ironic. How many times have
you heard somebody offering game
meat who tell you "it tastes just like
chicken?"
       I can tell you you'd be hard pressed
to tell the difference between the
venison roast and Angus served up the
same way!
        And one thing is certain! Nobody
left hungry!
        Hope we can find more space next
year and that all your NEWS is good.
       

     

BIG TOE, SHORT NOTICE!

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 11TH., 2020
           BIG TOE, SHORT NOTICE!

    On Thursday that pain in my foot was
sort of a on and off thing. On Friday it
was there more than not and I realized it
had to be checked.
     It had all the signs of an ingrown
toenail on the big toe of my right foot.
     Getting a doctor's appointment can
be tough on short notice but both our
General Practitioner and our Podiatrist
have always tried to be accommodating
if at all possible,
      Sure enough our Podiatrist made a
few minuted available in between
scheduled patients to check out my
complaint.
       I had to wait awhile in an
examining room while he handled
those ahead of me. But that was fine
by me.
        He's got one of those contoured
patient chairs I'd love to have in my
home. I'd probably never get out of
it!
        My self diagnosis turned out to
be correct so the Doc did some nail
clipping then added medication and
a band aid.
         Responding to my question he
assured me I'd be tap dancing again
soon. That's really good news since
I never tap danced before!
           In these days of impersonal
medical care it's great to know a
couple of physicians who always
try to put their patients first!
            Hope you've got a couple
too and that all your NEWS is
good.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 10TH., 2010
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

   Although it may seen a bit unusual to
inquire about the health of your garden
at the beginning of January there is a
sincere reason for the question.
     January 10th is "Appreciate Your
Houseplant Day."
     While those outside flowers and
berries may be gone for the moment,
many of you nurture various species
that flourish throughout the year in
the corners of your home.
      My wife is one of those "gardeners."
      As I write, from the comfort of my'
couch, there are pots to my right and
left from which some sort of green
"vines" seem to be growing higher
and higher.
        I haven't the faintest idea what
they are or how they're growing so
well, and fast, with little exposure
to sunlight.
        I suppose I should appreciate them
but I keep thinking about that play
"Little Shop of Horrors'" and, suddenly,
I'm not sure I want to nap on the couch
right now!
         I'll have to ask my wife what
she's feeding them. Or, maybe I won't.
         Hope your Poinsettias are doing
well and that all your NEWS is good!

THIS MAY COME AS A SHOCK TO YOU!

    THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH., 2020
THIS MAY COME AS A SHOCK TO YOU!

    Christmas is over!
    Russian Christmas is over.
    New Year's Eve has come and gone.
    But don't despair. There's always a
holiday to be celebrated. And that
includes today.
     Just in case you didn't know January
9th is "National Static Electricity Day!"
I thought you'd get a charge out of that
shocking fact!
     It's a day to recognize, if not
celebrate, that sudden little electrical
zap you get when reaching for the door
knob after dragging you feet along the
carpet.
     Or that interesting hairdo that
develops after rubbing a balloon over
your curly locks.
     Winter is prime time for static
electricity.
      There's a scientific reason for the
creation of static electricity. It involves
atoms and protons and neutrons.
       If I could explain it I wouldn't
have spent all those days on the road
as a reporter standing outside in the
cold or rain or snow chasing bad
guys or describing horrible driving
conditions. Or writing a blog!
        Since I can't I just thought I'd
make you aware of this holiday.
        I can tell you you'd be wise to
ground yourself before you kiss your
significant other goodbye!
        Hope I've sparked your interest
and that all your NEWS is good!

GET THE FEELING YO'RE BEING WATCHED?

          WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8TH., 2020
GET THE FEELING YOU'RE BEING WATCHED?

        If you're ever had the feeling you're being
watched your senses are correct.
        These days you can't go anywhere without
being on camera. From Traffic cams to Doorbell
cams. Get used to it.
         Today, however, the gentlemen are the
prime focus of attention! January 8th is "Male
Watchers Day."
         It is, apparently, a day designed to let
the ladies get even for all the girl watching the
men are accused of throughout the year.
         My wife got a head start on the "celebration"
the other day when she spotted a security guard
who, as she put it, "looked cutie."
          Though he was a handsome lad my
description would likely not have included
that particular adjective. Unless I added
the word "kid" to the sentence.
           I have, of course, been watched for
years since I spent so many of them on
television. I suspect my watchers, however,
have been more interested in my information
than my striking resemblance to Brad Pitt.
(Hey, it's my Blog!)
           Anyway, have a good day ladies!
Hope all your subjects are "cute" and that
all your NEWS is good!

DON'T ROCK THE BOAT!

     TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH., 2020
            DON'T ROCK THE BOAT!

     I suppose those of you of the "Russian"
or Orthodox faiths will be rocking around
the Christmas tree today.
     You seen January 7th is also "Old Rock
Day."
      Now when I first learned about this I
was carried back to my days as a DJ when
I played old rock. Except, as I have pointed
out before, back then it was new rock.
       Turns out the day has nothing to do
with "Rock" as in "Rock and Roll!"
       Old Rock Day is a day to enjoy old
rocks and fossils! Maybe that's why the
day appeals to me. I'm sort of an old
fossil myself!
       As it happens my wife, just yesterday,
spotted a Styrofoam cup in the back cup
holder of my car.
       Unfortunately I didn't know about this
unusual holiday when she asked me why it
was there. It would have provided a
perfect explanation.
        In reality the rocks were not collected
by my 4-year-old grandson and me for the
purpose of study.
        They are a standby supply to toss in
whatever stream, creek, or river we happen
to come across.
          Tossing rocks into water is an important
part of growing up. That's why we both do it!
          Eventually we may both grow up and
actually study the darn things. Well he will
anyway.
          Rock on friend and may all your NEWS
be good!

IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER!

     MONDAY, JANUARY 6TH., 2020
     IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER!

     I never really associated that brilliant
quote from Yogi Berra with Christmas.
But, as it turns out, it's right on the mark!
      While some folks have taken down
their lights and decorations others are
celebrating Christmas Day today!
        And still more will celebrate
tomorrow!
         "Russian" or Orthodox Christmas
falls on January 7th this year.
          "Armenian Christmas" is today!
          There's no specific date mentioned
in the Bible for the birth of Jesus. But up
until the 4th century all Christian churches
celebrated on January 6th.
            The date was changed because
the churches didn't want the day confused
with a pagan feast that was dedicated to
the God of the sun.
            January 6th is also widely known
as Three Kings Day. Tradition has it that's
the day the 3 Wise Men showed up to
visit the baby Jesus. They missed his
actual birthday by a bit. But they only
had a star. GPS wasn't available at the
time.
             I am neither Russian, Orthodox,
or Armenian. And I don't believe I have
ever been know as a Wise Man, although
the term "wise guy" may have been thrown
at me from time to time.
              Still, my Christmas lights will
remain on and our tree will stay up, at'least
for a few more days.
              I will also keep checking under
the tree.......just in case.
              Hope there's an Armenian or
"Russian" Santa and that all your NEWS
is good!

HERE COMES THE SUN!

   SUNDAY, JANUARY 5TH., 2019
        HERE COMES THE SUN!

   Here comes the sun folks! But don't
expect to get a sunburn!
   Today is "Earth at Perihelion Day!"
   And you thought it was just Sunday!
   Actually this is the day when our
planet makes its closest approach to
the sun!
    At one point today the Earth will
be a mere 91,398,199 miles away
from the sun.
     I always figured the closer we
got the warmed things would get and
the more sunshine we'd see.
      But it's still cold around here and,
close or not, it gets dark around 4:30!
      The problem is, we're tilted! Well,
not us, but the earth! Our spot on this
old globe is tilted away from the sun!
We call it Winter.
      I'm going to try leaning the other
way. But I'm told it won't make a
difference!
       Any extra sunshine the earth gets
today gets soaked up the oceans.
       Guess we'll just have to wait for
the Aphelion! We're much further
away from the sun then. But we
call it Summer!
       Should I say Wham?
       Hope you've got your sunglasses
ready and that all your NEWS is
good!


 

  

YOU ARE GROWING SLEEPY!

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 4TH., 2020
     YOU ARE GROWING SLEEPY!

   Look into my eyes! Oh wait. You can't.
This is an essay. Not a telecast. Too bad.
   January 4th is "World Hypnotism Day."
   I have never been hypnotized. Well,
not by a hypnotist anyway.
   I have had a number of teachers over
the years who put me into a deep trance
unintentionally.
    Some politicians have had the same
effect as have a few television programs
I should never have tuned in.
     Supporters of the "science" of
Hypnotism insist it can help people in
many ways.
      I know there have been a number
of local seminars that promised to help
people lose weight or stop smoking
by way of Hypnotism.
       I sincerely hope it has helped
people beat those addictions.
       I'm still from the "old school."
The thought of hypnosis brings to
mind visions of Count Dracula
and even though I could truly use a
good sleep I think I'll stick with a
sip of Amaretto.
        Hope you're very relaxed now
and that all your NEWS is good! 
   

DROPPING THE BALL!

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD., 2020
        DROPPING THE BALL!

   My good friend and former colleague
Andy Palumbo of WNEP planted the
seed for today's blog.
   On Tuesday millions of people
watched the ball drop at Times Square
in New York City as the final minute
of 2019 ticked away.
    At the same time the city of Wilkes-
Barre was dropping a model diamond
to welcome the new year in "the Diamond
City."
    Sunbury dropped a giant "light bulb"
to celebrate the arrival of 2020 in the
city where Thomas Edison's 3 wire
electric system was first used to light up
what is now know as the Hotel Edison.
     And in the city of Shamokin, at the
western edge of the anthracite coal fields,
they dropped a lump of coal then hosted
a huge fireworks demonstration!
      In a sense though, Scranton outdid
them all. It really dropped the ball!
The city did nothing!
       Up until a couple years ago Pennsylvania's
only 2nd class city greeted the new year with
an event called "First Night."
       Revelers bought a badge that admitted
them to any one of a number of entertainment
venues throughout the city as part of a
celebration which, like Shamokin, ended in
a giant fireworks display.
        It was a big show but also a big job
to put it all together. For whatever reason,
it didn't work.
        What seems unreasonable, at least to
me, is having no celebration at all!
         What would the folks at "The Office"
think?  How could they accept "Ain't no
party like a Scranton party cause a Scranton
party......won't happen!"
           Hope the powers that be use all of
this Leap year to plan a big welcome for
2021 in the "Electric City" and that all your
NEWS is good!

I'LL BUY THAT!

    THURSDAY, JANUARY 2ND., 2020
                 I'LL BUY THAT!

     My wife and I, our daughter, two
grand kids and one granddaughter's
boyfriend kicked off 2020 at a New
Year's Day auction!
      Our favorite auction house holds
a special sale on the first of January
and since this is the 2nd we've
attended I guess it's our new New
Year's tradition!
       You just never know what you're
going to find or what you suddenly
have to have even through you didn't
walk in knowing you'ed have to have
it!
     All avoided bidding on the Boar's
head. But there were other items that
got our attention. At least some of us.
     My grandson bought a saber.
     The granddaughter's boyfriend
picked up a World War II German
dagger.
     My wife found a treasure of
antique paper dolls.
     And my daughter bought a
very old washing machine which
she intends to convert to an outdoor
ice chest.
      I came away empty but not for
want of interest.
      There was a life size (baby)
giraffe from the famous FAO
Schwarz Toy Store in New York
City.
       Other than the size the only
thing that kept me from bidding was
the $2,500 reserve price placed on
the animal.
        I also spotted a factory
sized roll of bubble wrap that
could have kept me popping
for the remainder of the year
but I would have had to rent
a truck to haul it home.
        There was one item that
drew a lot of comment but only
two bidders. Then again, I suppose
there's not a lot one can actually
do with a life sized cardboard
cutout of Donald Trump.
       If the auction was any
indication we're in for an interesting
new year!
        Hope all your NEWS is
good!

       

DO OVER!

   WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1ST. 2020
                      DO OVER!

    Wow! What an opportunity!
     A new year has begin. A second chance
to begin again. A "Do Over" if you will!
     Think of all those things you wanted
to get done in 2019 but, for whatever
reason, never got around to them. Or
just didn't get them finished.
        There were movies you wanted to
see. But didn't.
         Old friends you intended to call.
But didn't.
         Places you wanted to visit. But
didn't.
          You meant well. Maybe just
didn't have enough time.
           Now we get to start with a
clean slate! It's like that time my math
teacher let me take the exam again.
(Except in that case I had studied so
hard she thought I had cheated and
made me re-test. I passed again.)
            It's like that "Do Over" swing
in your Wiffle Ball game. But it's even
better!
            Not only do you have a full
year to get all those things done. You
get an extra day!
            2020 is a Leap year so there's
a February 29th!
            Don't waste a second of it!
I plan to get started myself....sometime
soon! Go for it and may all your NEWS
be good!