LET'S GET IT DONE....LATER!

        SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST., 2020
      LET'S GET IT DONE.....LATER!

  Well we're a day later than usual. But
welcome to March!
   I was going to wait until Wednesday to
tell you, but decided to let the cat out of
the bag.
   This is "National Procrastination Week!"
   It's not a time to abandon things that
have to be done. It's a time to devote
some mental relaxation to yourself and
get to those necessary tasks a little
later.
     Personally, I practice for this week 
throughout the year! My motto is never
put off till tomorrow what you can do
the day after tomorrow. Or next weekend!
      Eventually all those "must do jobs"
get done. Usually.
      So relax for the day and make up
a "To Do List"......sometime this week
(or next) and then get the things done.
Later!
        Hope ll your NEWS is good
right now!
     
 

NOW YOU SEE HIM, NOW YOU DON'T!

   SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH., 2020
NOW YOU SEE HIM, NOW YOU DON'T!

    It takes a lot of gumption to pay today's
movie prices to go "see" The Invisible Man.
I mean who wants to pay to not see somebody?
But that's what my wife and I did Friday.
    I've always been a fan of stories
involving an Invisible Man. And we both
enjoyed the movie.
    The character was originally created
by H.G. Wells, the author who brought
you the classic science fiction stories
The Time Machine and War Of The
Worlds to name just a couple.
     My introduction to the Invisible
Man came in reruns of a 1933 movie
starting Claude Rains. There was a
sequel and a couple other versions
over the years including Kevin Bacon's
role in Hollow Man twenty years ago.
      I know my acting experience is
limited to just a few lines in the 2015
romantic comedy All In Time. But
I'm certain I could play the Invisible
Man! I'm pretty good at not being
seen. In fact I've got years of
experience playing hide and seek!
     And there are many who would
tell you I've got just the face for this
part!
      If any film producers are thinking
about still another version of this
classic I'm going to apply! I'll
begin by not showing up for audition,
then call to ask them how they thought
I did!  Who knows, maybe you won't
be seeing me in the lead!
       Hey what do you want? It's Leap
Year Day! Hope all your NEWS is
good!

A RED HOT DEAL!

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH., 2020
              A RED HOT DEAL!

    If you're in the market for a used
vehicle and don't mind a chill drive to
Canada you might relish this red hot deal!
     Two of the world famous Oscar Mayer
Wienermobiles are up for sale!
      The Canadian company in charge of
operating the vehicles has gone bankrupt.
       These two "footlongs" are 2006
models. I have no idea what the mileage
might be. You'll just have to grill the seller.
        The first Wienermobile was built
in 1936. There have been all sorts of
different models built over the years
including a mini version manufactured
in 2008.
         If you'd like to have a taste...I mean
a test drive, you'll have to head to Calgery
where the Wienermobiles are parked
next to a Mr. Peanut rig which is not for
sale!
          Remember to bring a little bread.
The asking price is $12,000 or best offer!
Hope all your NEWS is good!

   

I'LL BE THERE!

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH., 2020
                 I'LL BE THERE!

     I suspect your doctor or doctors, like
ours, are depending more and more on
technology.
     It's great to know there are new
diagnostics that can identify and/or treat
illnesses these days. I've got no problem
with those.
     I am, however, getting a little annoyed
with the electronic communications
systems now being employee by a lot of
physicians.
     Now don't get me wrong. A doctor's
time is important. He, or she, wants to
make sure you plan to be at the appointment
set aside for you. If not that time can be
allotted for some other patient.
      But I have received emails, texts, and
phone messages from one of our doctors
that are beginning to make me ill.
      The first was a recorded phone call
that offered the option of pressing "1"
to confirm my appointment or "2" to
cancel. I pressed "1."
       But since that confirmation I have
received a text and another email
reminding me of my appointment
time. Din't somebody get my "1?"
        Today was the ultimate. Both
my house phone and cell phone rang
at exactly the same second! I struggled
to answer both, planning to tell one
caller to hang on for just a moment.
But both calls were automated reminders
from the same physician about my
appointment!
          I will be there Doc!!!! And I
will be on time, unless I'm delayed
by responding to another reminder
message.
         Hope he reads this blog and
that all your NEWS is good!

THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED!

   WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH., 2020
         THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED!

       A funny thing happened to me on the
way back from the auction yesterday. I
got lost. Well, specifically, I found myself
on roads I had never been on before!
        If you realized how much I've
traveled on roads throughout northeastern
and central Pennsylvania you'd be amazed
too!
        News stories have taken me to every
county and most every community over
the years. Add to that my efforts to seek out
back roads during my summertime Miata
adventures!
         On Tuesday, however, I wanted to
check out another auction site somewhere
between Honesdale and Carbondale.
          I entered the address in my GPS
which quickly directed me onto a side
road I never knew existed! That road
lead to others I'd never seen. And while
I knew the general region I was in the
houses, farms, and ponds I saw were all
new to me. For a short time I wondered
if I had turned into the Twilight Zone!
I could almost hear Rod Serling narrating
my journey.
          "A former news reporter becomes
a headline when he vanishes onto a narrow
lane. The sign post reads...the Twlight
Zone."
           About 20 minutes later I came to
an intersection I had traversed many
times before. But never from the
direction I used yesterday!
            I'd like to retrace the route in
the Miata this summer. If I can find it!
Amazing what you'll find just a bit off
the "usual routes!"
           Hope I find a couple more and
that all your NEWS is good!

I'M AWFULLY FOND OF YOU!

      TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH., 2020
          I'M AWFULLY FOND OF YOU!

    It's February 25th everybody.
    It's Mardi Gras, Paczki Day,
 International Pancake Day, and Fat Tuesday!
 All that celebrating. Much of it involving
donuts and other pastries.
    Is it any wonder there's another
observance that sort of gets lost in the mix?
    Just so you're all aware today is
"Rubber Ducki Day!"
    It was on this date in 1970 that Sesame
Street's Muppet character "Ernie" (voiced
by Jim Henson) first sang the tune
dedicated to his favorite bath time toy!
    It was so popular they recorded a
45rpm record which actually hit number
16 on Billboard Magazine's Hot 100 Hits!
    I happen to be the proud owner of a
Rubber Ducki. In fact I may even have
two! My 4-year-old grandson has
discovered one of those Crane machines
where a dollar lets you play until you
win. And the prize bin is filled with, you
guessed it, Rubber Duckies! He's given
me a couple of his prizes!
      I must admit, since he's the one who
gifted me, I'm awfully fond of my
Rubber Duckies!
      I think I'll put them in a place of
honor today. Right in front of me on the
table while I eat a couple donuts!
      I just love these special days! Hope
you do too and that all your NEWS is
good!

(Note: It is "Ducki" and not "Ducky.")
 

ALIVE AND WEALTHY

   MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH., 2020
          ALIVE AND WEALTHY!

    All that hype about killing off Mr.
Peanut during the Super Bowl has, it
seems, had an interesting result.
     Before it ever aired people who
remembered the iconic symbol of
Planter's Peanuts were up in arms
over what seemed to be his demise.
     That was especially true around
these parts where both the company
and the character were born.
      Low and behold the same short
series of commercials climaxed with
Mr. Peanut's resurrection in the form
of a "baby Peanut Man" assuring the
future of the beloved image.
       But all the talk has apparently
done even more! All of a sudden Mr.
Peanut is actually in demand once
again!
        At an auction in Berwick
Saturday night a few Mr. Peanut items
were selling at premium prices. In fact
a small Mr, Peanut statuette sold for
over one hundred and forty dollars!
The company produced a lot of
novelty items over the years!
           Makes you wish you had kept
a few of those advertising items they
 handed out or sold way back when!
           I never concentrated on those
gimmicks. I liked the peanuts and I
can assure you none of them lasted
more than a day or two at most!
            Hope Mr. Peanut, and his
products,stick around for a long
time and that all your NEWS is
good!

AS CAMERAS COME AND GO.

  SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD., 2020
     AS CAMERAS COME AND GO.

   I'm not so sure about this idea of evolution.
If man has evolved from monkeys, why are
there still monkeys?
   It's a different story with cameras! I've seen
them evolve!
   When I was a kid we loaded a roll of film
(youngsters ask your parents or grandparents)
into a camera. Then we took a series of photos
and either sent that film to a laboratory or,
occasionally, took it to our basement
darkroom where we put it into a series of
chemicals then printed the pictures ourselves.
    I liked shooting video. I did it with an 8mm
camera that I would wind to make it move.
Again, it needed film which had to be sent to
the lab.
    Eventually I started using VHS video tape.
That was cool because I had two hours of
shooting time, as opposed to 3 minutes on
film, color and sound!
     That was followed by a series of different
video formats involving smaller cameras
and the ability to put the video right onto a
computer.
     Each of those cameras had one thing in
common. You looked through a viewfinder
or at a screen and saw your subject. Then
you started recording.
       Now they've got me using a Smartphone.
       It takes still photos and video.
       But most of the time I turn it on I see
myself!!!!! I have to touch a small icon that
looks like a camera which then switches
the phone from looking at me to looking'in front
of me!
        Once I've done that I touch a little white
"button" on the phone screen and it takes a
picture (or video) sometimes.
        My grandson tells me I'm touching the
screen too hard. (In "the old days I just
pressed the record button!).
        I've got to get it figured out soon. The
image in front of me keeps changing or
going away by the time get to take a shot.
And I really don't need any more photos of
me!
        Fortunately I've saved all the old
cameras and kept the batteries charged!
        Hope you get the picture...and that all
your NEWS is good!

BIG DOINGS TODAY!

  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22., 2020
            BIG DOINGS TODAY!

           
  OK! It's Saturday. You're probably off work!
 This is a great day to celebrate! And you know
why. Right?
  Washington's Birthday? Well, yes, that's one
good reason. It is, after all, the actual birthday
of the father of our country.
   The Feds decided to move it so we'd all have
a three day weekend every February.
    But Washington's birthday is only one of
the so-called "holidays" we're noting this
February 22nd!
    This is also World Thinking Day, National
Margarita Day, Open That Bottle Day, and
International Tongue Twister Day!
    If George saw the competition perhaps he
wouldn't mind having his birthday moved!
    And, as they say on television, "But wait!
There's more!"
    Even though the chain is long since gone
February 22nd is also Woolworth's Day.
    Maybe we can combine these festive
occasions!
    If we think about it, we can open a bottle,
make a Margarita, and come up with a tongue
twister while toasting Woolworths!
    Hope you'll  celebrate something today
and that all your NEWS is good!

GOES WITH EVERYTHING?

       FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST., 2020
            GOES WITH EVERYTHING?

     Some say Tomato and some say TomAto.
But whichever you prefer this popular fruit
plant is the main ingredient in ketchup. Or
is it catsup?
       Ketchup is the preferred spelling in all
the English speaking world.
       And ketchup is one of the most used
condiments with food in the U.S.
       I suspect it's most associated with
hamburgers. But many use it on french
fries as well
       It goes with just about everything.
My grandson enjoys it with his chicken
nuggets and he likes lots of it.
       I was preparing his plate Wednesday
complete with the nuggets, a few pieces
of cheese and a large amount of ketchup
when the plate and everything on it
went flying!
       The plate shattered. The nuggets
and cheese scattered like shrapnel, and
the ketchup found its way to my left
sneaker!
        Whatever else it may compliment
ketchup does not go well with New
Balance footwear!
         It's the first time that sneaker
has been adorned with ketchup and
the first time I've taken it in for a
shower.
         Thanks to our home heating
vents it is dry and ketchup free today!
          Hope to keep my ketchup on
my hamburgers in the future and that
all your NEWS is good!

GET OUT AND SHOUT!

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH., 2020
               GET OUT AND SHOUT!

   Winter hasn't been too bad around my area
this year. But today's the day to chase it away
completely.
     February 20th is "Northern Hemisphere
Hoodie Hoo Day!"
     The creators, at Wellcat.com, encourage
everyone to go outside at Noon today, wave
your hands over your heads, and chant
"Hoodie Hoo!"
      The whole idea is to chase away any
winter blues and bring in Spring.
       I'm not sure if there's any data to
measure the effect of these actions but,
perhaps, it's worth a try.
       Since this truly is a little know
"holiday" you might want to pick a quiet
area away from others to participate. I'd
hate to see any body hauled away for
disorderly conduct just for trying to
do something about the weather.
        Hope it works and that all your
NEWS is good!

THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY?

   WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH., 2020
              THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY?

     My wife and I have been to some beautiful
places in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. as
escorts for Travelworld. But the trip I saw
announced yesterday is truly out of this world.
      A company called SpaceX plans to send 4
private citizens into space and around the world
by the end of next year or early in 2022!
        SpaceX is working with "Space Adventures,"
a space tourism business that has helped seven
different people take trips to the International
Space Station. 
          We've been to the Alps in Switzerland
and Austria. We were up pretty high but no
where near earth orbit,
          I must admit the thought of me being
weightless seems very appealing!
          Conversely all of our tours have
included dinners at some very impressive
restaurants. I'm not sure if space travelers
are still using those food "pills" or eating
from toothpaste-like tubes but I prefer a
3 course dinner at some plush place!
            Then there's the question of cost!
Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte took
an 11 day flight in 2009. That trip cost about
$35,000,000. There's no word on what the
SpaceX trip will cost. But I've got to believe
the cost of a ticket will be "sky high!"
             Of course if you'd like to go but
can't afford it there's always the new U.S.
Space Force!


             Enjoy the trip! Hope all your NEWS
is good!

MIXED EMOTIONS.

   TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18TH., 2020
                MIXED EMOTIONS.

        It's a sight and sound I look forward
too around this general time every year.
        It is the flight of geese flying north
that many regard as a sure sign that Spring
is near. It seems far more reasonable than
depending on the shadow, or lack of a
shadow, from a groundhog.
         Birds seem more dependable. You
can set your calendar, if not your watch,
when the Swallows return to Capistrano.
          I suppose I should be pleased to
report that I spotted geese heading in a
northerly direction this past Saturday.
          But I'm not sure what to think!
          Though the birds were there they
were not flying in their typical V formation.
          So, are they not sure about Spring?
          Or is the problem the fact there were
only two of them?
           Hope that pair knows what they're
doing and that all your NEWS is good. 

WHERE'S WALDO?

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH. 2020
               WHERE'S WALDO?

        Let me begin by saying I don't know
where Waldo is. But, apparently, Amazon
thinks I'm him! And they can find him
either!
        I don't buy hundreds of things from
Amazon but I have purchased a few and
they've all arrived at my house or in my
mailbox with no problem. Until now!
        My wife found a board game she
really enjoyed playing while we were
visiting my brother-in-law a couple
weeks ago. I decided to but it for her
as a Valentine's Day present.
         There it was! On Amazon. So
I placed my order. No need to fill out
all the address line. The company already
had it from past purchases.
         The expected delivery date was
February 17th. That's today.
         I was pleasantly surprises, however,
when I got an email informing me my
package would arrive on Valentine's
Day!  It didn't.
          Amazon provided a tracking
number. When I called it up I learned
there was a "problem" with the delivery.
It didn't elaborate. But the tracking
information indicated there was an
attempted delivery at around 7:30
on Valentine's Day and that the package
was taken to the company's Hazleton
Center.
           There was also a note indicating
they would "Try again." But there was
no tracking information for February
15th.
           The tracking picked up again
on Sunday when it reported our
package "out for delivery."
            Our phone rang shorty after
7 Sunday night. It was an Amazon
delivery driver. He said he was having
trouble locating us. He was searching
around Drums, just outside Hazleton.
              The driver told me he was
on his way from Mountaintop to
White Haven. I indicated we'd be
home all night and would stand by
my phone to provide specific
instructions should he need them.
               Minutes before 8 I received
another Amazon email indicating our
package was, again, taken back to the
"Carrier facility."
               I tried calling the delivery
driver's number but received an
automated response from Amazon
indicating I could not call that
number directly!
             I found a customer service
line on my laptop and spent 15
minutes explaining the situation to
an agent  who, in turn, had someone
from the area distribution center call
me. 
           Although the Postal Service,
FedEx,and U.P.S. have had no
trouble finding us Amazon's
GPS thinks we're somewhere near
Drums.
            The spokesman at the "local
center" assures me that has been
corrected and our package will
arrive tomorrow. If it doesn't I may
consider moving to Drums!
            Hope the package shows up
and that all your NEWS is good!
           

A BIG NIGHT AT THE LITTLE THEATER!

      SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH., 2020
A BIG NIGHT AT THE LITTLE THEATER!

   If you're reading this before 2pm on Sunday
you've still got time to give your Valentine an
extra special treat!
    With 97 seasons to its credit the Little
Theater of Wilkes-Barre is one of the oldest
continually running community theaters in
the United States.
     On Saturday evening my wife and I, our
son-in-law, granddaughter and her boyfriend
joined the crowd that turned out for "A Broadway
Valentine." a concert featuring songs from some
of the big name stage shows in New York.
      We went because our daughter was one of
those on stage. You might want to get there
because the show is nothing short of great!
       I shouldn't be amazed anymore. But I still
am! Our area has some fantastic talent!
       And while the show itself is well worth
attending the fact that proceeds are going
back into this iconic showplace should give
fans of live theater another great reason for
joining the audience!
        The place has been around since 1923
and is need of some upgrading. That said
it was the most comfortable theater seat I've
enjoyed, not counting those new movie 
theater recliners, in a long while. I actually
had leg room as well. Some airplane designers
might want to have a look.
        There were a couple times I wanted to
jump up on stage and join in. But, as you may
recall, this was a musical review and,
apparently,  the ability to carry a tune and
follow the notes is required.
         At least I know how to applaud!
         Hope you get to the Sunday matinee!
Your day and your NEWS will be good!

 

WONDER WHAT THIS ONE DOES?

     SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH., 2020
      WONDER WHAT THIS ONE DOES?

    I bought a new car last week. Well, new to
me anyway.
     The original manual is in the glove
compartment and I plan to read it...one of
these days.  In the meantime I've got places to
go and things to do so I'm learning as I go.
      You do that at your own risk!
       It was snowing the day we bought the
SUV and it immediately proved itself with
effective four wheel drive.
       The center switch on the ceiling, however,
is not for the dome light nearby. It opens the
sun roof! That's probably really great when
it's sunny. But it's not quite as impressive
when it's snowing!
         I now have heated seats. They are
extremely comfortable in the cold, But I've
already learned it helps to know which way
to throw the switch when you're totally
cooked! That's a lesson better learned when
you're not driving.
         It's a similar story with regard to the
button I now know automatically adjusts
the driver's seat to its pre-set position. It
would seem the driver before me was about
5 feet tall and 90 pounds. I draw that
conclusion from the fact my seat rose in
elevation and moved forward enough to
crush my stomach against the steering
wheel when I pushed that button.
         I'm oh so glad this vehicle is not
equipped with an ejection seat!
         There are still a few more knobs
and switches I haven't yet engaged. Testing
them should be fun!
           Hope one turns on that dome light
and that all your NEWS is good!
 

REASONS TO CHEER!

       FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH! 2020
             REASONS TO CHEER!
    
    Every now and then a number of
"Special days" share the same date!
    My birthday, for instance, is also
"Constitution Day." Although,
admittedly, few people celebrate
either. Other than me of course.
    I tend to favor my birthday!
   There are three special observances
scheduled for February 14th.
   Most everyone knows it's
Valentine's Day
   In a sense the other two "celebrations"
fit right in!
   One is "Organ Donor Day/" And what
romantic hasn't "donated" his heart to
his Valentine?
  Fact is thanks to organ donors some
folks have been given a new lease on
life and have been able to go on sharing
their love.
   Then there are those who seem to go
from one Valentine to another. Over and
over again. Round and round as it were.
    That gang may well be noting "Ferris
Wheel Day" which also falls on February
14th.
    The day is, of course, a tribute to
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.,
the creator of the Ferris Wheel! A lot
of people love those!  George did.
    The huge wheel he built for the
Chicago World's Fair of 1893 was a
big success.
    But after investing all of his money
trying unsuccessfully to sell his
invention to cities around the world
his Valentine....his wife....left him.
    He died later that year, of a kidney
ailment!
    Too bad he couldn't have gotten
an organ donation!
    But that was then and this is now.
    So enjoy the day!
    Give your Valentine your heart
and take them out for a spin!
     Hope you have a great day and
that all your NEWS is good!

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME....

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH., 2020
       A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME..

    Shakespeare tells us "A rose by any other
name would smell as sweet." So, pick one
for yourself! Not a rose! A name!
     February 13th is "Get a different name
Day." It's a copyrighted "holiday" created
by Wellcat.com
     Lots of my colleagues in the media
picked different names for their shifts on
the air! And not for just a day.
      Frank Andrews is really Francis Shimkus.
      Veteran TV personality J. Kristopher was
the "on air name" for Stephen Kotch.
       Former WILK DJ "Brother Bruci" was
Bruce Fenstemaker and his sportscaster
co-worker Guy Randall was, in reality,
the late Guy DeFrancisco.
        Sometimes broadcasters changed
their names because their new moniker
fit their special assignment.
         Rusty Fender did traffic reports.
Rusty is Dale Mikolaczyk.
          Sometimes stations required people
to use different names. That was the case
at WNEP when Craig Davis joined the
staff.  There was another popular "Craig"
on air so Davis borrowed his brother's
name and became Mark Davis! I still
don't know what I'm suppose to call
his brother!
           Although my name is the same
one I was born with I was also know as
Double Dee, during my DJ days. And I
wrote a newspaper column under the
pen name Bart Summers. (Don't ask me.
The newspaper picked it!)
           There are plenty of other examples.
Today it's your turn so pick a good one,
at least for the day!
             Hope Rose picks a good name,
and that all your NEWS is good!

FIND A PENNY.....

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH., 2020
                    FIND A PENNY.......

       Find a penny, pick it up, and
you'll be observing this unusual holiday!
       February 12th is "National Lost
Penny Day!" It was created by Adrienne
Sioux Koopersmith in 1995.
        They may be a tie to the fact it's
Abraham Lincoln's birthday and it's
Lincoln's head that adorns the penny.
         Of course Honest Abe wasn't
always there. Ben Franklin designed
the first penny in 1787 and Lincoln
wasn't born until 1809!
         It's easy to lose a penny. Since
they're the least valued of our coins
they're often tossed aside. Who wants
to have a pocket full of pennies?
Especially when you're searching you
pockets for quarters at the car wash!
          But pennies do add up! A lot
of charities ask folks to donate pennies
after they've saved a jar full.
           I just checked my pockets and
found 4 scattered in among the nickles,
dimes, and quarters.
           One of them fell to the floor as
I was checking. But, as they say, "Find
a penny, pick it up, and all the day you'll
have good luck."  But it's already 9 pm as
I write. Does that mean I only get 3 hours
of luck or does it extend into tomorrow?
            A penny for your thoughts!
            Hope I get the full 24 and that
all your NEWS is good!

WELCOME!

   TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH., 2020
                      WELCOME!

     While it may not be noted on your
calendar the second Tuesday in February
is Extraterrestrial Visitor Day!
      Although the date varies due to that
second Tuesday designation, the observance
actually stems fro February 10th., 1947 when
a UFO allegedly crashed in Roswell, New
Mexico.
       Since then people have been either
waiting for or greeting aliens from another
world. The issue has me confused.
        As a sky watcher who logged over
250 volunteer hours with the old Ground
Observer Corps I never once spotted a
flying object that couldn't be identified.
         I have, however, met a few people
who acted like they weren't from this
planet. A couple of them were my bosses
in broadcasting. So, who knows?
          In any case, they say it's better to
be safe then sorry so we should be ready
to roll out the red carpet should any
extraterrestrials show up today.
           Maybe our new "Space Force"
can get a couple tips from them! It will
certainly be interesting when we "take
them to our leader!"
            Klaatu Barada Kikto (Look it
up) and may all your NEWS be good!
             

AND THEY'RE OFF!

 
      MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH., 2020
                   AND THEY'RE OFF!

         Long before the Mohegan Sun Casino
    brought crowds to Plains Township the
    horse racing track at Pocono Downs was
    a big attraction in my neighborhood. I
    live just about a mile from the track.
          Originally the small track featured
     thoroughbred racing. You know, "where
     the jockeys sit down right on the horse"
     as offered in the musical "The Music
     Man."
           I earned a county deputy sheriff's
     badge when I stopped on my way to
     work one morning to help round up
     several horses that had bolted from the
     stable and were disrupting traffic along
     Route 315. I didn't even have a lasso!
     It took awhile but we did get all the
     horses back to the corral!
           Eventually the track became
     exclusive to Harness Racing.
            I'm not a gambler but my wife and
     I have both enjoyed an occasional
     evening at the track, having dinner
     and testing my system of putting two
     dollars on the number three horse "to
     show." I'll need more data before
     making a final decision.
               Several "horsemen" from the
     track rent mobile homes not far from
    mine. They and the track itself have
    been good neighbors and continue
    to contribute to the local economy.
                Racing started earlier than
    usual this year and between the
    track and the casino we've got
    plenty of visitors in Plains Township.
                 I'm a bit old for a roundup
    though so I hope all the stables are
    locked, the season is great, and all your
   NEWS is good!
             

WRITE ON!

   SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH., 2020
                    WRITE ON!

    The second week of February marks
"Freelance Writer Appreciation Week!"
     I do a bit of freelance writing for
an insert published in the Scranton
Times every other month. I write a
column for grandparents.
      And then there's this daily blog
of mine!
      It's a real challenge to come up
with material every day. But since I
tend to focus, generally, on nutty
things I do or that happen to me I
can usually come up with something.
      On Friday, for instance, we set
out to buy a pre-owned car. They
used to call them "Used cars."
       You may remember that Friday
started out with heavy rain which
turned into a combination ice and
snow storm. Not your typical car
buying weather. Unless you're me.
        Fortunately the vehicle I was
after was an SUV and I got to give
that 4 wheel drive a real test! I could
tell you I planned it that way. Makes
for a far better story!
         Anyhow, this is your big
chance to be appreciated. The
web offers all sorts of writing
opportunities including blogs
like mine,
         Everybody has a story or two.
And I'll bet a few of them are as
crazy as mine!
        You should remember that the "free"
in freelance may mean you don't get
paid. I don't make a cent on my daily
blog and my wife says I'm worth every
penny!
        Hope I get to read your
freelance writings and that all
your NEWS is good.
     

ARE YOU READY FROM SOME FOOTBALL!?

               
               SATURDAY, FEBRUARY  8TH., 2020       ARE YOU READY FROM SOME FOOTBALL?!

       How about that? We're just about getting done
talking about Super Bowl, or the Half Time show
anyway, when a new season is beginning.
        The new XFL Football League plays its first
game today.
         I'm not what you'd call a football fanatic. I
enjoy watching the game, especially in the
company of my son-in-law and two of my grandsons
who are big Philadelphia Eagles fans.
           I often have some other game on while I'm
working on my laptop. But I have to look up from
time to time to remind myself who's playing and
what's the score.?
            In all honesty a spark of interest flared up
in my mind when I heard that Scranton Native
Matt McGloin had signed to play quarterback
for the New York Guardians.
             McGloin was a walk on quarterback
for Penn State after playing for West Scranton
High School. He played for several NFL teams
beginning with the Oakland Raiders.
              I don't know him personally but I do
know his dad, Paul, a real gentleman and, of
course, a very proud father.
               The new XFL has some interesting
rules that vary from the NFL supposedly
designed to make the game more interesting.
I'm not sure how die hard NFL fans will
receive this new effort or whether it will have
staying strength to survive. It does give some
decent players a second chance. I wonder
if they could use an old announcer?
                  I'll be watching, if for no other
reason,to support McGloin.and enjoy a few
snacks on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
                  Hope it works out for him and
the league and that all your NEWS is good.
                 

         

MAIL CALL!

   FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH., 2020
                   MAIL CALL!

   For those of you with good memories
you'll undoubtedly recall when your daily
mail delivery included letters or cards from
friends or distant family.
    These days, with the exception of
Christmas, your mail box is pretty much
filled with bills and advertisements.
     Those personal notes now come via
text or emails.
      Well today;s the day to bring back the
good old days. February 7th is "Send A Card
To A Friend Day."
        I'd have to admit it's nice to get a
card or letter from someone. I have one
very good friend who still writes personal
cards or letters and I look forward to them.
In cursive at that!
         I don't write as often as I should. My
excuse is my handwriting. It's so bad I can't
usually read what I wrote 20  minutes after
writing.it. Still, I do make the effort from
time to time and I've been told those notes
are appreciated.
        So grin and bear it! Grab a ":Friendship
card" or something like that and reach out to
somebody today. You're going to make their
day!
        It's good practice for your handwriting
too. Hope you remember your cursive and
that all your NEWS is good.
       

HIT & RUN!

   THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH., 2020
              HIT  &  RUN!

     They say confession is good for the
soul so I'm going to admit I was involved
in a hit & run Wednesday night and I did
leave the scene.
       Now let me be clear immediately.
The victim was not a person.
       I realize there are many readers
who are going to insist an animal has
value, just like a human, and that I
should have stayed on the scene to
render assistance or call for help.
          To be perfectly honest I had
no intention of doing that!
          Instead I drove away from
the scene as quickly as I could and
stopped at the nearest car wash to
clean away any evidence.
          It didn't work.
The car still smells like skunk!
Hope it goes away soon and that
all your NEWS is good!

OUR DRIVER'S TESTS!

  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH., 2020
              OUR DRIVER'S TESTS!

    My 16-year-old grandson got his
Driver's License Tuesday! He finally
mastered the art of parallel parking
and now joins the ranks of his sister
and two older cousins who can
legally drive.
       Coincidentally I was being
tested Tuesday too. In my case,
however, there was no instructor
checking to see where I held the
steering wheel or whether I
remembered to use my turn signals.
        I was driving my wife to
Philadelphia for a doctor's appointment
timed to get me to the "City of Brotherly
Love" just in time for the morning rush
hour!
         I entered Philly by way of the
infamous "Schuylkill Expressway."
The Schuylkill, know by many as the
"Sure-Kill." was obsolete just about
the time it opened in the 1950's.
          There are multiple merging
areas and exits that go off to the
left and right.
            During the peak driving
hours you;ll find drivers either at
a dead  stop, or putting the peddle
to the metal to speed between the
areas where nobody's moving!
           Seems to me NASCAR
drivers should be training there.
Or, maybe they are!
             After escaping the city
by going the other way after the
appointment I got my wife safely
home then headed northwest to
Laceyville (west of Tunkhannock)
to pick up some items I bought in
an on line auction.
              By the way, through all
that traffic and all those miles, I
didn't have to parallel park anywhere!
               I'm happy my grandson
passed his test. I think I did as well.
Hope we both drive safely where
ever we go and that all our NEWS
is good.
           

WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

      TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH., 2020
      WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

   I sold one of our cars Monday. I'm
looking for something a little bigger to
handle our hauls from the weekly auction.
   I spent a couple hours cleaning out the
vehicle and wondered, all the while,
"Where did all of this come from.?"
   I knew there was a pair of sunglasses
stored away in that small compartment
just above the driver's seat.
    I think I even remember throwing
that set of work gloves between the
two front seats.
    The Styrofoam cup filled with rocks
in the rear door drink holder threw me
a bit. Then I remembered my grandson
gathering them. I still don't remember
why.
     Then there's the "headphone looking
device" I found fastened to the passenger's
sun visor. It may be part of an air freshener
"thing" we got a year or two back. I may
never know.
     I believe the small rubber duck I
found is another remnant left behind by
my grandson.
      The folded paper sheets in the door
compartments are maps. They're the
things we used to use to get us places
before that voice in my GPS until
started telling us where to go. I'm keeping
them....just in case.
        I'm also holding onto the stack of
napkins I came across in the center
console. I believe it to be a collection
gathered during visits to various fast
food drive troughs.
          There was a Telephone Directory
under the driver's seat. Funny. I can't
remember ever having a telephone
under there!
            The diaper, new and unused,
was probably stored in there for
emergencies about 3 years ago.
              Maybe I should have left
some of the stuff as conversation
pieces? Hoped the new owners
don't need any of those "treasures"
and that all their, and your, NEWS
is good!
     
       

OH WHAT A RELIEF IT IS!

  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD., 2020
      OH WHAT A RELIFE IT IS!

     Well Super Bowl Sunday is over
and all is right with the world!
      Punxsutawney Phil appeared as
usual and was not replaced by  a
robotic groundhog as suggested by
People For the Ethical Treatment
of Animals. I for one hope it stays
that way.
        Phil even got to do a commercial
with Bill Murray, bringing back
memories of the popular movie they
stared in way back in 1993!
        Then, miracle of miracles,
Mr. Peanut was "born again" after
supposedly passing away in a
Super Bowl commercial.
          That was especially good
news for everyone around these
parts who remembers when he
roamed  Public Square in Wilkes-
Barre handing out free samples of
Planters fresh roasted peanuts.
          I was so thrilled with these
commercial developments I didn't
even notice I lost all of the twenty
bucks I invested in our family
Super Bowl pool.
            Twenty bucks!!!! Where's
Speedy Alka Seltzer when you
need him?
             Hope the old icons are
around for a long time to come
and that all your NEWS is good!

THERE'S A LOT OF SHOWDOWS OUT THERE

        SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND., 2020
THERE'S A LOT OF SHADOWS OUT THERE!        
             
       Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil is
the man, actually rodent, of the hour every
February 2nd. His shadow, or the lack of
shadow, is said to be a prediction of how
soon we'll see Spring show up.
       But while Phil tends to get most of
the attention, it turns out he's not the
only meteorologist presenting a forecast.
It's kind of like all the guys on our local
TV stations. Each offering their own
take on the weather. One sees it as
partly cloudy while the other calls for
partly sunny.
        I wonder how many of you have
heard of Phil's competition? Let's see.
There's:
 Balzac Billy in Balzac, Alberta,BC
 Chattanooga Chuck in Tennessee
 Chesapeake Chuck in Virginia
 Chuckles in Connecticut
 Dunkirk Dave in New York
 French Creek Freddie in West Virginia
 Gen. Beauregard Lee in Georgia
 Grady the Groundhog in North Carolina
 Holtsville Hall, another New Yorker
 Buckeye Chuck in Ohio
 Malverne, he's from New York too
 Nibbles, another North Carolina forecaster
 Staten Island Chuck from the Big Apple
 and Stormy Marmot from Colorado.
       I've actually omitted a couple more
from Canada since there's some question
as to whether Spring exists there at all.
       As for the others, if Phil doesn't call
it the way you'd like check out his cousins
and take a drive into an early spring. It's
bound to be there somewhere!
       Hope you find it (sooner than later)
and that all your NEWS is good!