THE FIRST NUTT ON THE PHONE!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 2020
THE FIRST NUTT ON THE PHONE!

  I wrote about this last year but in view
of the massive push for female equality
in the business place, and my new video
Blog,  I felt it was worth repeating!
   So, welcome to "Emma Mills Nutt Day!"
  What do you mean you never heard of her?!
  Emma is, or rather was, famous!
  She was the world's first female telephone operator!
  And here, as the late Paul Harvey used to say, is the
rest of the story.
  In January of 1878 the Boston Telephone Company
began hiring boys as telephone operators.
  You see kids, back in those days, telephones were
attached to your wall by wires. If you wanted to talk
with someone else you had to reach an operator, then
give that operator the telephone number of the person
you were trying to reach.
   But a problem quickly developed. Seems the telephone
boys didn't have a lot of patience (a problem that has
somehow been transferred to the caller these days). The
guy's attitude and behavior, including cursing, wasn't
going over very well with the phone company.
   So, on September 1st., 1878, the company hired
Emma Mills Nutt! A few hours later her sister, Stella,
was hired too making her the second female telephone
operator in the world.
   They were hired by the way by a fellow named
Alexander Graham Bell! Ring a "bell?"
   Emma may have made history....but not a fortune!
She was paid $10 a month for a 54 hour work week!
   But the popularity of her voice began a trend and, ever
since, the female voice has been the preference
of companies everywhere.
   Even today it's usually a woman's voice that tells
you to "Press 1 for checking, Press 2 to check your
balance" and on and on.
   Now they've got me wondering if Emma or her
sister may have been the first to say "The number
you are calling is no longer in service."
   Isn't it nice when you're able to speak with
someone like Emma...or any other live body on
 the other end of your call?
   I suspect, if Emma and her sister were still alive,
they'd think today's telephone system is...well
frankly....Nuts! How appropriate!
   Hope you'll take a moment to honor Emma
today....and that all your NEWS is good!










































 
 

LITTLE SHOPPING HORRORS!

MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST., 2020
 LITTLE SHOPPING HORRORS

  I don't know about you but I like to
make my shopping quick and easy. Know
what I want. Know where it is in the store.
But it and get out.
   Yesterday, however, I ended (I believe)
was a related series of shopping experiences
that lasted 9 days!
    My wife purchased a blouse at a Cracker
Barrel outlet in Binghamton, New York 9
days ago. Because of the virus she wasn't
allowed to try it on. When we got home we
discovered it didn't fit.
      A few days later we returned it at a
Cracker Barrel close to home and got our
money back. As it happens, however, we
needed a gift for someone.
      That took us to Target where, after an
hour or so of looking around, my wife found
what she wanted. Or, rather, what she thought
she wanted.
       After a few hours of reflection at home
she concluded there was another size problem.
That, after three days, brought us back to
Target where, again, the item was returned
as was our money.
        Where next? I'm afraid to ask!!!!
        Home you're comfortable at home,
shopping on line, and that all your NEWS
is good!

PLEASE MR. POSTMAN!

   SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH., 2020
         PLEASE MR. POSTMAN!

   There seems to be a lot of controversy
about the Postal Service these days. I
can't speak from experience. Our bills
continue to come on a very regular basis
and since there have been no complaints
I have to assume our payments are going
through as well.But that's not to say
there arn't some problems.
    I mention this because today is Pony
Express Day. Back in 1860 a group of
riders, including Buffalo Bill, raced their
horses from one station to another where
they'd switch horses and continue over
what turned out to be a 1900 mile route
from Missouri to California carrying a
pouch filled with the mail.
      At the time it was the fastest way to
send a letter across the west.
       Back in March I sent a package to
my good friend in upstate New York.
I tracked it first to Jersey City, New
Jersey, then to Pittsburgh, and then
to Syracuse from which is finally
made its way to his local post office.
       I'll bet the Pony Express could
have beat that timing!
       Maybe some local Pony Express
routes could solve some of the
problems we're hearing about?
        I'd give the idea my stamp of
approval.
        Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!

LET'S TIE ONE ON!

 SATURDAY AUGUST 29TH 2020
      LET'S TIE ONE ON!   

  I caught my wife checking my closet the
other day and saying something about how
a cleaning might be in order. Today I took
a look myself to see what should be saved,
(Just about everything!)
   I have a pair of jeans hanging from a peg
on the door. I can grab them quickly to take
out the trash or whatever,
    Underneath I noticed a rack holding about
30 or so ties!
    During my lengthy broadcasting career I
wore a suit or sport jacket and tie just about
every day! I remember being a DJ still in my
teens reporting for work daily in a sports
jacket and tie! You were expected to be in a
tie when you went to church too.
      Some where over the years that seemed
to change for most folks. Most everybody
went "casual.
      I don't want to throw out those ties. I
still wear them occassionally. For weddings
or funerals.
     Of course most of the folks I know are
"up in years" so I always keep the black
tie handy!
      Hope I won't need it anytime soon and
that all your NEWS is good!

CAR 54 IS BACK!

 FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH., 2020
            CAR 54 IS BACK!

  I was impressed to note, during one
of my morning drives, that Car 54 is
back on the job!
  Those of who who old enough may
remember a television comedy called
"Car 54 Where Are You." In involved
two less than brilliant police officers
working in New York City.
    A couple years back I spotted a
cruiser which I labeled Car 54 parked
along a street in Jenkins Township here
in Luzerne County. Within the next
couple weeks I saw it in three different
locations.
     It seemed to vanish for a long
time until I saw it again the other day.
    It is apparently an extra police car
which the township moves from place
to place and just parks it for a couple
days.
     The result, as you might expect, is
a major decline in the speeding problem
along those roads where the cruiser,
unoccupied by the way, sits along side
the thoroughfare!
      It's a clever idea that might well
be used by other departments, if they've
got enough cars.
      The mere appearance of a police
car tends to get drivers to slow down.
And there's always the possibility an
officer will be assigned to the parked
car one of these days so who's about
to take that chance?
        Not me!
        Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!

JUST A QUICK LINE!

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 2020
           JUST A QUICK LINE!

  I sometimes wonder if you, like me,
are amazed by the driving habits of some
of our fellow motorists?
  The other day I found myself behind a
driver who, very likely, was unable to
stay within the lines of a coloring book
as a child.
     This particular driver was just ahead of
me in some very slow moving traffic.
Ahead oif him, or her, was a PenDot
truck repainting the solid yellow lines
down the center of the highway.
       Now the way I recall it, and perhaps
I'm wrong, the idea was to keep those
lines to your left while you stayed within
the right one on the side of the road.
       This particular driver, however,
elected to drive directly ON the freshly
painted lines!
          Not only did the left rear tire become
bright yellow, he or she added a new line
on the side road onto which the car turned!
          Maybe they were a big fan of the
Wizard of Oz and were trying to follow
the "yellow brick road!"
            Hope you're driving, and coloring.
 between the lines and that all your NEWS
is good!

CLASS IN THE KITCHEN!

 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH. 2020
          CLASS IN THE KITCHEN!

    Going back to school has a whole new
look this year and it's got nothing to do with
what the stylish student is wearing! In fact
in some cases they may be wearing pajamas!
     Many students, from grade school to
college, will be taking some of their classes
at home using computers to get their lessons.
Their kitchen or bedroom may become their
classroom! 
      I can't help but wonder if any elementary
school Mom's will be posting pictures of all
the Presidents, of letters, upper and lower
case, around the walls of their living rooms.
      Lunch time could be easier for the kids.
Their refrigerators will become the school
cafeteria! Their back yards will  take the
place of playgrounds at recess. But they
could seem a little lonely,
        I do envision some potential
disciplinary problems when "detention"
simply means being sent to the couch.
It will surely make it a lot harder for
kids to explain how they;re late for
school!   
         Good think this virus didn't hit
when I was a kid. With out computers
and the web I probably would have been
forced to read the entire encyclopedia
Britannica!
           Well, as long as they're studying
at home I hope they learn cursive and
that all your NEWS is good!   

TIME FLIES!

 TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2020
                TIME FLIES!

  You hear it all the time, especially around
birthdays! "Where does the time go?" It
used to seem to fly by. With the virus,
however, things seemed to have slowed
down quite a bit. In some cases it almost
seems like things have come to a stop. !
     Hard to believe it's been 5 months since
we really began to see the collateral effects
of the pandemic. The Governor closed all
schools, for two weeks. That was 5 months
ago!
       Movie theaters shut down. That was
5 months ago.
        And people were urged to wear
masks. That was 5 months ago.
         I think we need a reality time
check. Proof positive that time really
has been flying by.
      As it happens this date, August
25th offers substantial evidence.
      It's Jame's Bond's Birthday,,..well
Sean Connery...the original movie James
Bond!
       Sean turns 90 today!!!!
       Wow! Where did that time go!?
       Guess it flew by when we weren't
 paying any attention! Don't waste your
time watching your watch. Take in an
old 007 movie!
        Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!
           


 

WHO'S ON FIRST?

MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH, 2020
         WHO'S ON FIRST?

   I don't always know where I'll end
up when I leave for a day on the road.
Yesterday my wife and I joined my brother
and sister in law in the bleachers at a
baseball field in White Have where the
home team was involved in a Babe Ruth
League championship game!
     It was so great to see baseball again!
     I always loved the game. Of course
when I tried out for Teener's League many
years ago I though I'd never play again.
      Mickey Mantle was my hero so I
tried out for center field. Unlike Mickey,
however, I couldn't throw the ball from
the outfield to home plate on just once
bounce. I could't even get it to the infield
on one bounce.
       Fortunately I found Softball and
spent many years playing, first as a
first baseman and then as a pitcher.
       These days I don't know where the
majpr league teams are playing, if at all.
Our Triple A stadium is closed and even
the Little League World Series was called
for this season.
       It was good to see the Babe Ruth League
players competing. Baseball in its purest
form where players play for the love of the
game. Even though we were root, root,
rooting for the home team, they lost by just
one run. Still, it was a great game and a
great day out at the ball game!
       Hope you get to take one in,that you're
well, and that all your NEWS is good!

RECYCLED TREASURES!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23RD., 2020
    RECYCLED TREASURES!     

  It's an institution! As American as
baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and
Chevrolet! It's the Yard Sale!
   Every year, around this time all
over the country, people bring out
items they bought as treasures, set
them up on tables or blankets and
offer them for sale.
     Bargain hunters arrive early,
many before the sales actually start,
looking for that special something at
a great price!
     It isn't as though the merchandise
is advertised, although some folks
post a few pictures to sites like
Facebook. Generally though you never
know exactly what you'll find offered
for sale.
      Ironically, in about a year or two
many of these very same items will
be offered for sale again as their
new owners hold Yard Sales of their
own.
      It's the circle if life I suppose!
      Hope you've found some bargains
and that all your NEWS is good!

THE SAINT & THE SERPENT!

   SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND., 2020
      THE SAINT& THE SERPENT!

    I was going to write about National
Sand Castle Day today but they cancelled
it because of the virus.
    There didn't seem to be too much
special about this date until I did some
research and learned that one of the
longest living legends started on
August 22nd in the year 565!
       That's when Saint Columba, the man
credited with bringing Christianity to
Scotland., claimed to see a monster on
Loch Ness!
        I was in Scotland in 2014 and had
the opportunity of cruising on Loch
Ness. Everybody was hoping to catch
a glimpse of "Nessie." But even with
bottom searching sonar all we saw was
the beautiful lake and the surrounding
mountains.
         I took a few photos but haven't
really looked at them all. I'll post a couple
for you.
         Don't believe everything  you hear
but, on the other hand, don't blink! You
might miss something!!!
          Hope yoiu're well and that all
your NEWS is good.

OUT TO PASTURE!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST, 2020
        OUT TO PASTURE!

   There's an old song dating from around
World War I that asks the question "How
you gonna keep them down on the farm?"
It refers to the likelihood the soldiers won't
want to stay out in the country after seeing
the big cities.
    Now Harrisburg isn't that terribly big
anyway but the folks who run the annual
PA.Farm Show have come up with a way to
keep the farmers down on the farm.
    The next show will be virtual! There will
be no in person events or competition!
    The Farm Show has its own giant complex
in Harrisburg and the week long event annually
draws some 400,000 people! You can see where
it would be tough to socially distance that many
visitors.
      The Pandemic has been knocking off festivals
and events events like they were a row of
dominoes.
       I'm especially upset by the Farm Show's
decision because the Farm Show is always
held in January That makes it the first major
event of 2021 to call it quits.
         I only hope it's the last...and that all
your NEWS is good.

RADIO DAZE!

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH., 2020
                RADIO DAZE!

  Today is National Radio Day! It's a
day that brings back a lot of memories for
me. But, in a bitter sweet way!
   I got into radio when I was still in High
School. I started as an errand boy and
finally got on the air as a Disk Jockey.
   I was a lot different then. But so was
radio!
   Music brought listeners to your station
depending on your format and their taste.
    Stations were truly local. In my
hometown you could get the Mine working
schedules. There was a program announcing
area births, and most every station covered
local sports.
     Unfortunately, times have changed.
     These days you'd be lucky to find a live
DJ working at your local station...IF your
local station is still on the air!
       Big corporations now own many
local radio stations and much of the
music comes from a satellite instead of
a local turntable.
       Hats off to those broadcasters who
are still trying their best to serve their
local community. On this National Radio
Day I hope all of their, and your, NEWS
is good!
       
   

GETTING UP IN THE WORLD!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19TH., 2020
      GETTING UP IN THE WORLD

          I've always liked flying. I've
piloted a small plane from take off
to landing during a news story a
few years back. I was allowed to
take the controls of the Met Life
Blimp on another assignment.
And I enjoyed many hours of
travel, a few at a time, in Chopper
22 at WYOU TV.
      All of those experiences are
on my mind today as we celebrate
National Aviation Day!  This special
day was created by a presidential
proclamation by U.S. President
Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939.
       It's birthday of aviator Orville
Wright the first person to successfully
fly an airplane.
      Of course Orville didn't get to
watch an in flight movie or get a snack.
His flight only lasted 12 seconds and
covered only 120 feet!
      The record javelin toss is nearly
three times longer!
       Still, Orville;s feat ushered the
way to airline passenger service, It's
been rather slow lately because of the
virus pandemic. In honor of the
holiday let's home we ca all get high
soon. In a plane of course!
         Hope you're flying high and
that all your NEWS is good!
       

 

TOMATO TIME

    TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH.,2020
            TOMAYTO / TOMAHTO

     The virus has forced the cancellation
of all kinds of fairs and festivals throughout
our area.
      Last year at about this time the final
preparations were being made for the
the annual Pittston Tomato Festival. The
4 day even drew some 50,000 people to
the city.
      There was a huge parade, a 5K run,
arts and crafts, food of all kinds and, the
famous tomato fight where contestants
paid an entry fee to throw rotten tomatoes
at other players. All the proceeds went
to charity.
      Locally grown tomatoes were also
judged for their size and quality and
the community will certainly be missing
the event this year.
      However, since the pandemic has
turned things upside down...we've done
the same thing with our tomatoes. We'll just
have our own little festival. That way I'm
pretty much assured of having a winner
in this crop!
       Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!

YOU EAT LIKE A BIRD!

 MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH., 2020
        YOU EAT LIKE A BIRD!

  My grandson Ryan climbed up a
ladder to install a new bird feeder
on one of our kitchen windows last
week.
   We like birds and have enjoyed
providing some seeds for them over
the years. Our last feeder, however,
proved to be a bit of a problem.
    It was attached to a bean along
the roof of our front porch. Last
year, while leaving the house, a
came within 6 feet of a bear
standing on its hind legs and raiding
the feeder. Seems this bruin eats
like a bird!
     That feeder came down while we
looked for something "safer" to
replace it.
      Our daughter-in-law came up
with the answer. She has a feeder
that's attached to a window and it
looked just right for our kitchen
where the windows are rather high
off the ground.
      It's a little more of a challenge
to fill but that doesn't have to be done
all that often.
       Now we can look out that window
and catch view of a bird from time to
time.
        Should I come face to face with
a bear that big.....the feed is all his!!!!
         Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good.
 

PIE-AUTOMO

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH., 2020
             PIE AUTOMO

  I was watching my son and grandson
at the BMX races last week and missed
a visit from my best friend who had been
visiting elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
  We spoke on the phone and true to his
word he left a fresh baked apple pie on
our porch on his way back to New York
State.
    buddy is know for his apple pies.
But this time he added a secret ingredient
that altered the texture a bit!
     It was so secret he didn't even know
about it!
     Seems he had placed the fresh baked
pie in the trunk of his car. He put it down,
however, right next to a freshly filled spare
container of gasoline!!!!!
      The pie dough ate up the gasoline
fumes and we ate up the pie. Well some of
it. My wife, granddaughter, and I all noticed
the "petro-like" odor which also affected the
taste. No harm done but I called my buddy
to suggest he revert to his original recipe!!
       W're all OK. Hope you are too and that
all your NEWS is good!

THE DAY I BLEW THE HORN!

       SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH., 2020
          THE DAY I BLEW THE HORN!

  In TV you have to deal with re-runs from
time to time. It's the same in my blogs. I
sometimes repeat one because it's timely
or just kind of neat. Today's is a bit of both.
  It is one of my earliest memories!

It was August 15th., 1945. I was 3.
I know we were vacationing at
the shore. And I know the radio
was on in the car.
I was already sitting up front.
Probably on my Mom's lap. "Child
Safety Seats" were unheard of back
then.
Suddenly my Dad let me start blowing
the car horn. And he didn't make me stop!
I was in my glory! King of the road as
it were.
Somewhere along the line we
stopped at a restaurant. I don't remember
ordering on my own. But I do remember
a huge pile of spaghetti put on a plate
and placed directly in front of me!
Perhaps, at 3, I had become the
world's greatest horn blower! Why
else serve such a big portion to such
a little kid?
Well, at it turns out, there was
another reason. Thought I had no
idea of its impact back then, I now
know it was VJ Day! The empire of
Japan had surrendered to the United
States thus ending World War II !
The surrender came on August
14th but President Truman didn't
announce it publicly till the 15th.
Of course it wasn't signed until
September 2nd.
I am pleased to have been
allowed to participate in what
turned out to be a world-wide
celebration!
It has been 73 years. And each
has its share of memories. Yet the
memory of that horn and my heaping
helping of spaghetti will always have
a special place in my mind.
Hope you have some treasured
memories too..and that all your
NEWS is good!
(Unfortunately no photo from the
day. But this is me and the car a
year or so later!)

NO NEED FOR A CADDY!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH., 2020
    NO NEED FOR A CADDY

  So many sports dead before they even
started this season.
    Golf, on the other hand, started "opening
up" before many other businesses. About
the first sport to do so. But, it was easy to
seek social distance between foursomes
so it wasn't a big problem.
     Back in the day when I played golf
on a somewhat regular basis social
distancing wasn't an issue for me. I'd go
out with three others players, often my
Dad and brother included, and I'd only
ever see them on the tee and the green!
     I had such a terrible slice that my
ball went off to the right while the other's
went straight down the fairway. They'd walk
together and I'd join them after a few more
strokes got me anywhere near the hole.
      I broke 100 once but pretty much gave
up the bigger courses years back.
      Today I even sat it out while the rest
of my fore-some played ........on the
mini golf course!!!!
       Hope you're up to par and that all
your NEWS is good!

WILL THE REAL DAVID DeCOSMO PLEASE STAND UP!

                 THURSDAY, AUGUST 13TH., 2020
WILL THE REAL DAVID DeCOSMO PLEASE STAND UP!

    I was off to PenDot to renew my Driver's License Wednesday.
Smooth sailing, for the most part! The clerks were very friendly
and getting the new license took only a few minutes.
    But, I wanted the new "Real ID' too.
    I brought my passport, a bill with my name and address, and
a media ID card as well. But that little card I keep in my wallet
as my social security card turns out NOT to be the card itself!
It was detached from the actual card when I got my SS number
(about a hundred years ago!).
      Since they needed the real SS card I was out of luck.
      Now the clerk did say the passport would do everything the
Real ID does. So, why wouldn't they accept the passport as ID
proof for the Real ID? I never thought to ask at the time.
        Guess I'll have to get to a Social Security office to get
another "actual" card do I can get my Real ID to be sure who I
am!
         Hope you're well and that all of your NEWS is good!   

GOING FOR A "SPIN!"

 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH, 2020
            GOING FOR A "SPIN!"

  One of the great things about summer is
the large number of "unusual holidays" I
love to tell you about!
   Today, for instance, is Home Sewing
Machine Day." We have a couple of those
around although I'm not permitted to touch
them because they're mechanical and my
wife says I'm not good with machinery!
She works them very well without  my
assistance! 
     But it's also Vinyl Day! I've got a nice
collection of old albums and a lot of 45's!
     In case you didn't already know I was a
DJ before I got into news. DJ's have more
fun that news reporters!
      I remember a time in Berwick at the old
WBRX when I locked the control room door
with a chair brace and played "Summertime
Blues" over and over till the chief engineer
forced his way in and took my record!
      Vinyl went away for awhile but over
the past 8 to 10 years it's been making a come
back.
       So grab those old records, scratches and
all, and celebrate the day!
        Hope you enjoy the music, that you're
well, and that all your NEWS is good.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE!

                           TUESDAY, AUGUST 11TH., 2020
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE!

   I've have checked my calendar for unusual observations and
find that August 11th is "Presidential Joke Day!"
    Now, before all you Democrats start offering suggestions.
And before all you Republicans get angry for what you expect
to come. You should understand that this is not a day to tell jokes
about a President. This is a day for Presidents, if they wish, to
tell jokes!
     It all stems from a not so funny incident in 1984.
     One of the first things you learn in broadcasting is to assume
if there's a microphone in front of you ...it's on!
      But President Ronald Reagan, a broadcasting veteran himself,
apparently forgot that basic rule! On this date in 1984, while
preparing for a national speech, was testing his microphone. He
said 'My fellow Americans I am pleased to tell you I have just
signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing
begins in 5 minutes." But his remarks went out over the air!
        Needless to say a lot of people didn't find that very funny.
But it did lead to Presidential Joke Day.
         Perhaps it might better to remind Presidents and the rest
of us to think before we speak. A closed mouth gathers no
feet! 
          Hope you're well and that all of your jokes and NEWS
are good!

A LAZY, CRAZY, HAZY DAY OF SUMMER!

            MONDAY, AUGUST 10TH., 2020
A LAZY, CRAZY, HAZY DAY DAY OF SUMMER!

   August 10th! One of those unofficial holidays I've
not only looked forward to, I've rehearsed for it!
    Holidayinsights.com lists August 10th as
"Lazy Day!"
     The name says it all. It's a day to be lazy. You
goof off! Pretty much do nothing! Certainly put off
whatever you can put off. Enjoy yourself by doing
nothing!
      Now, if by chance you're locked into some task,
take heart! August 15th is "Relaxation Day" So you'll
get another chance!
      Hope you're relaxed, taking it easy, and that all
your NEWS is good!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH., 2020
       READ ALL ABOUT IT!

  It's August 9th everyone. Book Lover's
Day. Time to spend some tyime with a good
book. My wife is an ardent reader. She reads
all the time.
    I used to be that way. Then I got into news
where I had to write all the time and read
news copy. At least everything was non=fiction.
     Now that I'm retired my wife says I should
be reading more. And should consider fiction.
       She picked out a book to start she says is
about my speed.
         It's called "The Monster At The End Of
The Book" and if features Grover from Sesame
Street. Sounds scary but I'll give it a try.
          Hope you're settled down with a good
book and that all your NEWS is good!

PERSON TO PERSON!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH., 2020
        PERSON TO PERSON!

  The virus pandemic has forced many
folks to to learn to live their lives by
remote.Everything from paying bills
to ordering food on line.
    There's a lot less of a personal
touch and it seems people are really
missing it.
     The bank that I visited Friday has
a drive through ATM machine and
two lanes for people who need, or
just want, to do with a teller.
      I found both of those lanes filled
with a line of cars! You had to wait in
line for your turn to speak with a teller
even though you did so via a TV screen.
       Only about 3 cars used the ATM drive
through while I waited. But the two lanes
designated for connection with a teller
continued to get longer.
          I suspect many of us are anxious
for the day we can get back into the
bank....to wait in line inside!
          Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!

ON THE RIGHT TRACK!

   FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH., 2020

     ON THE RIGHT TRACK!

    I spent Thursday evening at a BMX Track!

BMX stands for bicycle Motocross. Riders, on

bicycles, not motorcycles, peddle around all

kinds of curves and jumps to get to the finish line.

    My son started BMX racing when he was 8.

He's 44 now, and into his third "comeback." My 5

year old grandson was out for his first race!

      Year back, when my son was just starting,

I got aboard a bike and went sown the sttarting

hill. I stopped at the bottom, realzing my role

in this sport would be that of a spectator! 

     As I watched the "kids" roar around the track,

with an occasional spill I might add, my decision

looks brilliant. And so, a spectator I shall remain!

      You never forget how to ride a bike. But I

never forget a crash!

      Hope you're well and that all your NEWS

is good!

     

  

FATE, FACT, OR FICTION?

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH., 2020

       FATE, FACT, OR FICTION!

 I appreciate all the comments that come

in on my blogs each and every day! I've noticed

that some of you like my travel stories and many

seen to like it when I'm writing about history/

   This blog has both!

    My wife and I were in Tamagua on Wednesday.

We visited the Odd Fellow's Cemetery where

William Heath is buried.

      "Billy" Heath has a fascinating story! His

family moved to Tamaqua in Schuylkill County.

He ran into some trouble and decided to run off

and join the Army!

         Unfortunately trouble went along with

him! Soon after enlisting Bill found himself

being sent into battle! He was wounded but

managed to get himself away from the

battlefield!

          He found someone to help him with

his wounds but after he recovered he refused

to go back to the army! Instead he went back

to Tamaqua where he and his wife raised 7 children.

          There are two monuments baring William

Heath's name. One is his tombstone in the

Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tamaqua The other

is in Colorado where his name is among

those of other soldiers killed in action at the

battle of the Little Big Horn!

           William "Billy" Heath claimed to have

survived Custer's Last Stand!   

            The story is, of course, controversial

but there is some evidence that supports his

version!

             Hope you're well and that all your

NEWS is good! . 

JUST HANGING OUT!

  WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH., 2020
             JUST HANGING OUT!

   We got some new neighbors last week. And
as I looked at their place was was inspired to
re-do a blog I originally wrote some time ago.
     The inspiration came as I looked at their
house and spotted a clothes line strung under
their porch awning! What ever happened to
clothes lines?
        When I was a kid every backyard had one
in my home town. We used to use one of the
support poles as a goal for many of our backyard
games.
         Urban development came along and
many developers believed the clothes lines were
eyesores that distracted from their buildings. So,
the banned them.
          We had one of those umbrella clothes lines
in our yard for awhile but the previous management
of our place said "No clotheslines!"
           Heck, they dried the clothes and saved
electricity at the same time!
            I'm glad to see one back! Hope I see more.
I say, if you've got them, hang them!
           Hope your clothes are clean and dry and
that all your NEWS is good!

THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO!

               TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH., 2020
  THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO!

    They don't make them like they used to. It's a phrase
 you hear quite often and you can apply it to almost
anything.
      I found that TV channel with a lot of westerns the
other day and after watching a couple of episodes I
realized that they can't make the m the way they used
to!
      There was a scene in Gunsmoke where an
obliviously bad man had words with Marshal Matt
Dillon. The marshal slugged the guy!
        If you depicted that today the story line would
have nothing to do with the how the bad guy gets
captured for some wrong doing. It would be about
Matt Dillon being charged with police, or in his  case,
Marshal Brutality!
          And how about Wyatt Earp?
           He didn't allow any guns in Tombstone!
And that was based on fact. Can you imagine what
the NRA would have to say about that program.
           Near as I can figure one of the only shows
that might survive in today's world would be
Maverick. Instead of a riverboat though they'd
probably have him in one of our fine casinos and
playing the lottery on the side!
            Most of those old shows just weren't
politically correct......just entertaining.
            Hope you watch what you want and
that all your NEWS is good.
           

I MUST BE PSYCHIC!

 MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD., 2020
     
   Well August is here and with in some
unique "holidays" and special observances.
For instance this is National Psychic Week!
    It's a time to recognize and even try to
improve your extra sensory perception.
    All indications are that I have a certain
amount of psychic ability which I often
display right here at my home.
     For instance, should I be wearing a
shirt with even the smallest microscopic
spot I know, as soon an my wife sees me
she'll say "That shirt goes in the laundry."
     If I'm on the couch watching TV after
just having a brief snack I know she'll
ask "Where did all those crumbs come
from?"
      Now if she had ESP she wouldn't
have to ask.
      I will  admit it doesn't always work.
      Each night before they draw the
lottery numbers I envision just what
those numbers will be.
       I've yet to pick nay of those they
select.
       So, I'll be using this week trying
to improve my psychic ability.
       See? I know you're thinking I'm
going to say "Hope all your NEWS
is good." Right?
        Not bad!

DO OVERS!

   SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND., 2020
               DO OVERS!
     The social distancing rules prompted
by the virus pandemic are really taking a
toll. Over the past couple weeks I've seen
the results first hand.
        Two of our nieces had weddings
scheduled this fall. Both dates have
now been cancelled.
         A family reunion which began
in 1912, held through two World Wars,
has been called off for 2020.
         And now, late last week, I learned
that my 60th Class Reunion has been
cancelled.
          I'm sure some of you have had
similar disappointments. When you're
a kid playing pick up games you sometimes
get a "Do Over" when things don't go
exactly as planned.
          That;s our best bet now...Do Overs!
The weddings can be rescheduled.
           Both reunions can, hopefully,
resume next year. But the problem with
reunions is the ever growing list of those
who don't get a Do Over!
            The ranks of that old gang of  mine
are growing thinner, Our graduating class of
446 has already lost 113 of our classmates.
             Of course those ranks could thin
out a lot faster were we to meet so it's
probably best we wait till our 61st year
to celebrate our 60th.
              I was late for class a lot anyway
so who's going to notice? Hey, we can
stay longer, just like in detention!!!!!
              Hope you;re well and that all
your NEWS is good