A SECOND CHANCE!

   TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

           A SECOND CHANCE!

         If your New Year's resolution bombed

within two weeks of your pledge you'll be
glad to know you're getting a second chance!
      Today is Chinese New Year!
      It's not quite as big a deal around here
as the celebration we saw on December 31st
and, as far as I know, nobody dropped a ball
or even a fortune cookie to mark the occasion.
     The Chinese New Year is always marked
by an animal and an element tied to a color.
This is the year of the Tiger!
         Anyway, how ever you look at it, it's
a new, new year so you get a "do over."
I'm not sure if it's a Chinese Leap Year
or not so use each day wisely!
          Happy New Year and hope all
your NEWS is good!

A SALUTE TO "POP!"

   

    MONDAY, JANUARY 30TH., 2022
           A SALUTE TO "POP!"

        Looking for the perfect gift
for the kid who has everything?
You may find the answer by
joining me in observing today's
unusual "holiday."
       For those who don't already
know the last Monday in January
is "Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!"
         This protective plastic
based material is, of course,
designed to protect all sorts of
products that are shipped from
one place to another. But who
can resist popping those little
air pockets when you're holding
that wrap in your hands?
        "The kid who has everything?"
Heck, the urge to pop those
bubbles is contagious and it's not
limited to kids. That said, I met a
guy at Walmart in December who
picked up a large roll which he
intended to divide and give as
stocking stuffers. It may be the
ideal gift!
      According to holidayinsights.
com, allegedly, a radio station in
Bloomington, Indiana received a
shipment of microphones wrapped
in bubble wrap. While unwrapping
and setting up the microphones,
the sound of bubble wrap popping
was inadvertently broadcast on the
radio. And so, Bubble Wrap
Appreciation Day was born.
      Some "poppers" say it's a great
stress relief. Of course that may
depend on whether you're the
popper or the popper listener!
      Why not get yourself a sheet
or a roll in honor of the day. See
how long it takes to pop all the
bubbles. Hope you pass your
own Pop Quiz and that all your
NEWS is good!

THE GREAT ESCAPE!

     SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022

           THE GREAT ESCAPE!

   It's January 30th friends and that, for those
who may not know, is "National Escape Day!"
I'm sure there's more than one person in local
lockups hoping to celebrate the occasion!
   You won't find it listed in the Congressional
Record and it's probably not marked in red on
your calendar. But it's an important day!
    You're suppose to celebrate by getting away
from our everyday chores and activities.
     Between work, school, family, friends, partners
and errands, we all get into a routine. This is a
day to "escape" from the routine.
     Of course it's a lot easier to talk about
getting away than actually doing it!
    Just ask the people stranded along our

Interstate highways during the recent snow storms!
    And, let's face it, how many bosses out there
will forgive you for not showing up to work because
it's "National Escape Day?"
    Hope you get away with.....I mean escape from....
something today and that all your NEWS is good!

(Can't escape this chore!)

6 LETTER WORD FOR MYSTERY?

 

        SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2022
       SIX LETTER WORD FOR MYSTERY!

    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 grandkids 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!

ON BORROWED TIME!

       FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022

           ON BORROWED TIME1

       I suppose to be totally accurate I

really should have entitles this Blog

"On Rented Time." You see I've finally

figured out how to use the new parking

meter system the city of Pittston, and others

I'm sure, now have in place. It's not like the

old days when I started driving. Back then

you could pull up at a parking meter, put a

few pennies in and shop for a half hour or

so. These days the meters don't take pennies.

The ones I use do take nickles, dimes, quarters,

and credit cards! If you want enough time to

shop you'll probably need the card, Nobody

carries that many coins! You can call in your

license number to buy some time but you'll

need your license number and I never remember

any of my license numbers. In the municipal lot

I use there are no separate meters. Just the machine

which collects your money and issues a piece of

paper with the time marked when your time

expires. You put it in your windshield and hope

the meter reader can read it when he or she shows

up. Stay too long and, just like in the old days,

you get a ticket! Ironically downtown parking

meters were one of the main reasons people

started going to malls to shop. There they could

park for free. Now, the malls are dying and the

meters, although in a new technical form, seem

to have survived! Hope your meter is filled and

that all yoru NEWS is good1

  

FLUSHING OUT THE TRUTH!

   THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

     FLUSHING OUT THE TRUTH!

    We usually honor heroes and other special
people by celebration their birthdays.
   Today, however, we remember a man who
has influenced all of our lives on the date of
the day he PASSED away!
    I guess, in a sense, that's appropriate.
    He was important and we wouldn't want
to WASTE his memory.
    He died on January 27th., 1910.
    And today is "Thomas Crapper Day."
    For those of you who never heard of him
old Tommy is the man credited with
inventing the flush toilet!
    Actually, he didn't! But he did increase the
popularity of "the Throne" and came up with
improvements to make it more efficient.
    I found the day listed on a web site
dedicated to Bizarre and Wacky Holidays!
And this one certainly fits!
    Think about it! How does one "celebrate"
Crapper Day? I'm not going to touch this
one!
    Still, I thought I ought to tell you about
it so you wouldn't get caught with your....
well you know the rest!
     Enjoy the day.......maybe with a good
book. Maybe you can find a good place
to sit and read. And remember Thomas
Crapper!
     Hope it all works out in the end and
that all your NEWS is good.



Thomas Crapper

    

THIS DATE'S CLAIM TO FAME!

     WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022

       THIS DATE'S CLAIM TO FAME!

   January 26th was a very bif day in the United

States. At least it was in 1871! A few years

earlier the country was split apart by a Civil

War. That conflict was expensive both in terms

of lives lost and what it cost the north financially.

To cover those costs the President ordered an

income tax. 3% for those making up to $800 and

5% for those earning over that amount. But on

January 26th the Income Tax was repealed!!!

That's right! No U.S. income tax! Unfortunately

that tax break was all too short. Congress

reinacted the Federal inclme tax by adopting

the 19th Amendment in 1913, The rest, of

course, is both history and our future! Hope

you're paid up and that all your NEWS is good!

AN APPLE A DAY!

    TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

           AN APPLE A DAY!

    This is "Macintosh Day", although

some will insist it's January 24th. That's

the day, in 1984, that Steve Jobs introduced

the world to the first Macintosh computer.

It actually went on sale, however, on the

25th. Since then Apple has come up with

all kinds of products from computers to

IPads, IPhones, and such. There's even an apple

watch now. I must admitt to having several

laptop computers including the one on which

I produce this daily blog/ Truth is, however,

the only apple I have is not a Macintosh and

it's in the refrigerator ready for a snack! Hope

whatever you're using you're using it to check

out my blog and that all your NEWS is good!

"THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS!"

          MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

"THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS."

    January 24th is "Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector

Day!" I'm not sure just how I should take that. The

web site for the day suggests you say things like

" Been a passel a' time since I've been to a good

hootenanny." But, fact is, I had a real live 

prospector in the family and the only thing I found

a bit odd about his speech was the fact he still

refered to the bus as a "stage," as in stage coach!

My Uncle Charley (actually my Mom's uncle)

had a gold mine in Alaska in 1933 during one

of the Alaskan Gold Rushes. He used to tell

us there was a million dollars worth of gold

in the mine but it would have taken two million

to get it out! Charley spent months at a time,

alone, in log cabin on his claim and did manage

to get some gold out of his mine. He'd have to

fly in and out every few months to get supplies.

He came back to Pennsylvania where he spent

the final years of his adventure filled life in a

small cabin home just outside of Hazleton. I

first got to know him when I was just a kid and

always found him to speak with an intelligence

you couldn't argue with. Many time I head him

say "I'm smart enough to know how dumb I am."

So to honor him and the day I'm simply say

 "Dagnabbit Charlie, I was darned luckey to

know you!" Hope you'll observe the day in

whatever way you choose and that all yours

NEWS is good!

  

THE "WRITE" STUFF!

   SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, 2022

         THE "WRITE" STUFF!

                 

     Are you celebrating? After all, this is
"National Handwriting Day!"
    I would have sent you a formal notice
but, chances are, you wouldn't be able to
make out my.....well....my handwriting!
    Seems sort of.....wrong....to be
typing this blog to tell you about it. But
if you've ever seen my handwriting you
know it's better I use my keyboard!
    It's not just that others can't read my
writing. After a couple of hours, when
I begin to forget the original message,
I can't read it either!
    According to the website "Holiday
Insights", National Handwriting Day
was established in 1977 by the Writing
Instruments Manufactures Association.
    The idea was to promote the consumption
of pencils, pens, and writing paper.
    I've never eaten any of them!
    But I still use all of them!
    I think I try to write too fast when
I'm taking notes and, unless I print or type
the message over right away, I forget
what I've written!
     I've been making an effort to improve
my handwriting.
     But you try to be neat.....even with your
own signature.....when you're signing you
name on a Walmart check out screen!
     The "pencils" or whatever they call
those things don't have points. You see
your signature as you sign the screen.
    But you're lucky if two or three letters
are actually recognizable.
     Maybe it's because the little
signature screen is on an angle and
you're trying to keep one hand on your
cart while you're holding your credit
card and wallet in the same hand you're
using to sign.
      It doesn't seem to make much
difference. I suspect your card would be
approved even if you scribbled John Wilkes
Booth!
    And you'd still get the bill!
    Hopefully you're signing for your
purchase of new socks or shoes because
January 23rd is also "Measure Your
Feet Day!" 
     I'm also hoping this "holiday" survives!
     Some schools have stopped teaching
Cursive all together! I've got to wonder
how those students will react when they
see something like the Declaration
of Independence. Will they even be able
to sign their own name? Or will the old
fashion "X" come back into style?
     I believe we should all be trying to
encourage the continued teaching of
Cursive and trying to improve our own
handwriting!
    Hope you're doing just that and that
all your NEWS is good!

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!

   Back in 1968 the Phillip Morris Company

began a cigarette adveertising campaign

aimed specifically at women. The slogan

for Virdinia Slims was "You've come a

long way baby." In a sense, January 22nd

marks the anniversary of that "journey."

In 1908 a New York City alderman came

up with a law that banned women from

smoking in public. It went into effect on

January 21st that year. The following day

a police officer spotted Katie Mulcahey

lighting up. She was arrested on the spot

and fined five dollars in court. Katie was

not aware of the new law. But she did not

go quietly! Katie told the judge "I have

just as much right to smoke as you do."

When the story hit the press must people

sided with Katie. Within a month the

mayor vetoed the law which, in effect,

went up in smoke! The last cigarette

ad on television was aired on the Johnny 

Carson show on January 1st of 1971. 

Health officials proved that smoking

was bad, for both men and women.

But you've got to hand it to Katie for

speaking out on behalf women's rights!

Hope you're remembering Katie but

giving up smoking and that all your

NEWS is good. 

GETTING SQUIRRELY!

  

       FEIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022
                  GETTING SQUIRRELY!

 Today marks the second observance of the  
newest wacky holiday I have uncovered. This

is "Squirrel Appreciation Day." It was created

by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator

from Notrth Carolina in 2021. He says people

enjoy seeing squirrels so he selected this day

to focus on them.
   I remember, in my childhood, passing through
a large local cemetery that was filled with
Squirrels. They had become so accustomed to
people feeding them that you could almost
always find a couple that were willing to get up
close and personal and take a peanut right from
your hand. I know I fed them from time to time.
    These days I usually encounter them in the
middle of the roadway when I'm trying to drive
somewhere. In that setting they become like so
many people I know! They don't seem to know
which way to turn!  They'll run out of the woods,
stop like a statue when they see you coming, then
suddenly switch directions and run back to where
they came from even though they're already half
way, or more, across the highway!
     There's an old saying "He who hesitates is
lost." The adage is proved by the remains of
Squirrels who waited just a bit too long to
decide which way to run!
       Other than their failure to look both ways
before crossing these rodents are actually a lot
smarter than many humans. They stock up their
supplies for winter so they don't have to run out
for bread or milk when a snowstorm hits.
       I should also make you aware there's a club
that's been established for those of you that have
an affection for Squirrels. It's the International
Squirrel Lover's Club based in Lower Burrell
Pennsylvania!
       The organization says its mission is to
encourage appreciation, kindness, and education in
regard to animals, especially Squirrels.
        I might have considered joining but the annual
dues come to $28. I'd have to be nuts to shell that

much money out of squirrles!
         Hope the  squirrels srat out of your

bird feeders and that all your NEWS is good!

GET THE PICTURE?

    THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

             GET THE PICTURE?

  There are those who might suggest I

originated this unique "holiday." I did not.
But I have observed it for a long as I can
remember.
      You see January 20th., is "Camcorder
Day!"
       I got my first video tape camcorder
in the 1980's. It was a gift from a good
friend of mine. He was an attorney who
bought the thing but never used it. After
borrowing it twice for family events he
decided it should belong to someone who
would actually use it. And that was me!
       The camera only photographed in
black and white. And it wasn't portable.
It had to be plugged into a wall outlet
to work.
      I've had a lot of camcorders since
then. Most of the old ones recorded
on VHS video tape.
      For many years friends and
relatives must have thought I had a
machine attached to my head! I used
to get teased for taking so much video.
     But now, looking back at scenes that
include movement and sound, I and
others realize I have a treasure of
memories that go beyond a single
picture.
      I've converted most of my tapes,
even old movie film, onto dvd disks
now so they're better preserved and
easier to play!
       I suppose the ultimate irony is
that the one person you won't see in
all these movies....is me! 99% of the
time I'm behind the camera. Interesting
for a guy who spent so much time on
television!
        The Camcorders keep changing.
But I keep shooting cause the memories
keep coming! Don't miss yours!
         Hope all your NEWS is good!

EXTRA BUTTER!

    WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022

                  EXTRA BUTTER!

    Just in case you didn't already know, January

19th is "National Popcorn Day!" One of America's

favorite snacks! Popcorn has an impressive history!

Burnt kernels of popcorn were found inside a cave

in New Mexico. They dated back to 3600BC!

      The first commercial popcorn making machine

was patened in 1881. But perhaps the biggest

advancement in popcorn making came about in

1981 with the introduction of microwave popcorn!

My favorite popcorn always comes from the movie

theater. It just seems that movies and popcorn are 

a natural. Which makes me wonder what those

cave dwellers were watching in 36ooBC?! Hope

you're enjoying some with extra butter and that all your

NEWS is good!

DJ DAY!

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

                       DJ DAY!

  This is "National Disc Jockey Day!" I

used to be a DJ. For most of the first two

years of my broadcasting career I played

all the latest (at the time) hits and some

golden oldies as well. But that was a time

when most communities, even smaller ones,

had their own local radio stations. Though

it's National DJ Day they guys and girls

that really made an impact were the local

DJ's. The ones who knew their own

community and the life styles of their

audience. Unfortunately most of those

local stations are gone now or, if not,

bring you a DJ by satellite broadcasting

from a studio far away from your maain

street. They don't know the local news,

weather, or anything else about your

community. And that shows when a

local disaster strikes. I'll take my

"good old days" as a DJ way over today's

offerings. But for those of you still on

the air and spinning the hits, keep up

them coming! Hope all your NEWS is

good!

PLENTY TO CELEBRATE!

   MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022

      PLENTY TO CELEBRATE!

    It's January 17th and a great day for

celebrations! Most people, of course,

will be observing Dr. Martin Luther King

Day which is a legal holiday. But there are

some unofficial holidays being observed

today as well. It is, for instance, Cable Car

Day. The first patent for cable cars was

issued on January 17th of 1871. This is

also Kid Inventors Day. A time to recognize

and encourage young peope who have or are

coming up with new invention idea. January

17th is National Bootleggers Day. A "holiday

that speaks for itself. It's Popeye Day too! The

popular cartoon character first showed up in

a "Thimble Theater" presentation on January 17th

of 1929!  And although it may seem strangly

ironic on Martin Luther Kings day, January 17th

is also Rober E. Lee Day! How about that?!

Whatever you'e celebrating I hope it's a great

celebratrion and that all your NEWS is good!   

WHAT TO DO?

    SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 2022

              WHAT TO DO?

         It's January 16th which, as you probably

know, is do nothing day! It's the brainchild

of a newspaper man, Harold Pullman Coffin,

who "established" the day in 1973. The idea,

as the name suggests, is to do nothing! I wasn't

sure I should tell you because by doing so I

was actually doing something on Do Nothing Day!

Be careful if you're trying to observe the day at

work. The boss may not be a fan of this unusual

"holiday." But if you can, enjoy the day by doing

as nothing as possible! Hope you're well and that

all your NEWS is good! 

A TIP OF THE HAT TO YOU!

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022

      A TIP OF THE HAT TO YOU!

        Now that we have evidence

that Winter really does exist, it's
time to put a lid on it! And today
is the perfect day! You see January
15th is "National Hat Day!"
     Hats have been making a comeback
in recent years. They nearly vanished
back in 1960 because of the public's
fascination with President John Kennedy
who seldom wore one.
      I always liked them and still have
an interesting collection. Most of mine
are "baseball hats" with logos of the
teams I've played for, the stations I've
worked for, the places I've visited or
the firms that handed them out for
free! Free was always a nice feature.
You'll probably be able to spot me in
a baseball cap. I'll be the one wearing
it with the brim facing forward!
      I've got a couple Western style hats
that I really like but can't always wear.
I've found, on my summertime top down
rides, that hats with large brims tend to
catch the wind and threaten to leave my
head with little notice. I would hate to
think I had caused somebody traveling
behind me to have an accident because
his or her vision was suddenly blocked
by a flying Stetson!
       Fedoras are pretty much in the
same boat or, in this case, car. I do have
an Ivy cap that works well in the wind.
Generally though I tend to favor my
Greek Fishing cap for my open air
cruising. Even if I'm not going fishing!
       Even with the sports car
covered for winter you'll still probably
see me sporting a hat....and not just on
National Hat Day. More body heat is
lost from your head than other parts of
the body. So, wearing a hat goes a long
way towards staying warm on a cold
winter's day (or night).
        Hope you'll put a lit on it, and
least through the winter, and that all
your NEWS is good!

   

DECK THE DOG & CLOTHE THE CAT!

           FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022

DECKED OUT DOGS & CLOTHED CATS!

       Friday, January 14th is "Dress Up Your

Pet Day!"  This unique "holiday" was the

brain child of pet style expert and animal

advocate Colleen Paige. A local TV station

often features photos of viewer's pets and

many of those picture show pets dressed

up. It's usually in holiday garb, especially

around Christmas and Saint Patrick's Day.

Some pet owners dress their pets in weather

related outfits on a regular basis. The idea

of participating in this event has left me with

a bit of a problem. You see, we have fish and

it's rather hard to get them into a tux! Hope

the rest of your enjoy the day with your dog,

of cat, or whatever, and that all your NEWS

is good!

 

OH SUSANNA!

       THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

                   OH SUSANNA!

       Don't be surprised to see me with my

harmonica today plaaying a few bars of

"Oh Susanna!" You see this is Stephen

Foster Day! It was so desiginated by the

Presidet in 1951 although not officially

observed until 1967. Stephen Foster was

know as "The Father of American Music."

He turned out hit after hit with tunes such

as Beautiful Dreamer, I Dream of Jeanie

With the Light Brown Hair, and After The

Ball to name just a few. The State of Kentucky

adopted one of histunes, My Old Kentucky

Home, as its official state song! But Stephen

was a Pennsylvania boy! He was born in

Lawrenceville which is now a part of

Pittsburgh but lived and studied in the

Towanda/Athens area for several years.

His brother William worked in Towanda,

right along Route 6. He was living with

his brother when he composed Camptown 

Races, Camptown is just a few miles outside

of Towanda and they still hold races there.

These days, however, they are foot rather

than horse races. It's kind of ironic that

Stephen Foster Day is observed on the date

of his death. January 13th. He was only 37!

I guess they felt is birthdate was alrady too busy

That was July 4th! Hope you're humming

some Stephen Foster tunes today and that

all your NEWS is good! 

THE CAT'S OUT OF THE BAG!

   WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

     THE CAT'S OUT OF THE BAG!

    For hours leading up to this day I just

knew there was something brewing. As

though there was an elephant in the room!

Then I realized...we're half way into "Idiom

Week!" It's time to let the cat out of the bag!

My wife has often suggested I was an Idiom.

Or something like that! Idioms, of course, are

words and phrases not to be taken literally.

I mean it never actually rains cats and dogs!

But how do we observe this week? I'm up in

the air about that. And not knowing is like having

a monky on your back!  Guess I'll just hit the hay

and think on it before I fly off the handle! Hope

you're thinking too and that all your NEWS is

good!

'

THE "MILKY" WAY!

    TUESDAY, JANUAARY 11, 2022

         THE "MILKY" WAY!

    January 11th is "National Milk Day!"

I like milk! I've been drinking it since I

was a babu. As it happens the first home

delivery of milk in glass bottles took place

on this very day in 1878. Milk has changed

a bit throught the years. You can still find

it in glass bottles. But you're most likely

see it in plastic containers at most stores

these days/ You'll also find a choice of 1%, 2%, 

and whole milk. I like whole milk. But our

grandson has pretty much grown up on

Almond milk. (I still haven't learbed how

one milks an almond!  But my favorite

milk product only comes around a couple

times of year. I just picked up a bottle

yesterday. It's called Egg Nog and it's

probably good that it isn't avai;lable

all the time. It's got about as many

calories in one glass as a double cheeseburger!

Think I'll have a sip right now! Hope you've

"got milk" and that all your NEWS is good! 

TAKE DOWN DAY!

    MONDAY, JANUARY 10. 2022

            TAKE DOWN DAY!

   Well I fought it off as long as I could

but the ice storm, basically forcing us to

stay home for the day. allowed my wife

to get started on this annual sad project.

We began to take down the Christmas

decorations. She did most of the taking

down but I hauled the storage containers

out of the shed and onto our porch, then

back out to the shed once she had each

one filled. The tree still has to be covered 

and carefully taken out for storage, it's

OK.it's artficial. But we'll wait for a little

help on that task. I tried to convince my

wife to keep everything up since the

last holiday actually connected with 

Christmas, Candlemass, isn't till February

2nd. She insisted she'd rather gets things

packed away and celebrate Groundhog day

instead. Oh well, you can't win them all!

Hope you're well and that all your NEWS

is good.

REDISCOVERING THE DISCOVERY CENTER!

           SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022

REDISCOVERING THE DISCOVERY CENTER!

     We took a couple grandkids and one of their

freinds to Binghamton, New York Saturday. Our

destination was the Discovery Center. It's a sort of

Children's museum where kids can participate in

'hands on activities" to have fun while learning.

There's a real fire engine and kids can put on firemen's

gear and climb inside.  There's a bank where they can

play with play money. A simulated supermarket is

another highlight where youngsterns can pretend to

be shopping or play they're a check out clerk, Yoi'll

find the parents, grandparents, and/or guardians

playing right along with those and many other

acivities. No need to be afraid of the dentist. At

the Discovery Center you can pretend to be the

dentist in a dental office. Or play paramedic or

patient in an ambulance that's open for your

inspection. It wasn;t our first time at the center.

Though it;s slightly over an hour for us the kids

love to go there and we constantly wonder who

someone with enterprise and, perhaps a few sponsors,

can't create the same kind of fun. learning

environment right here in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

area? It's the kind of children's facility that keeps 

kids out of trouble, and active with positive fun,

learning experiences. I hope we seen one locally

soon....and that all your NEWS is good.

   

IT'S BETTER TO KNOW!

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022

        IT'S BETTER TO KNOW!

    The title to my daily blog presentation

is taken from an old saying.."No news is

good news." But that's not always true.

And this very date in history proves my

point/ It was on January 8th of 1815 that

then General Andy Jackson led a force

of Americans, and volunteer pirates,

against the British in what has become

know as the Battle of New Orleans! Johnny

Horton did a song about that epic fight in

the War of 1812. The Americans won the

day but both sides lost a lot of men during

the battle. And here;s the thing, the battle

was fought on January 8th of 1815. But the

war actually ended in December of 1814!

The soldiers never got the news about the

end of the war until after their battle had

ended. In their case, no news was basically

a disaster for those who lost their lives! It;s

far better t know my friends! Hope you're

top on things and that all your NEWS is

good!

DON'T TOSS THAT TREE!

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

     DON'T TOSS THAT TREE!

       

     It is, for me, a depressing scene.
     Christmas trees discarded along
the curb line in many area towns!
     But today is Christmas!!!!!
     It is "Russian" or "Orthodox"
Christmas.
      January 7th is Orthodox Christmas
because the date corresponds to Dec.
25 in the Julian Calendar, still used by
many Orthodox Christians.
     The calendar, which was instituted by
the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, is 13
days behind the newer Gregorian Calendar,
used by most Christians.
     Not anxious to debate which date should
be observed.....I celebrate both!
     Our tree remains decorated and lighted
today and our "Russian Santa" has come
through with some small presents for the
immediate family members.
     I'm still surprised he stops around here
since there's not a Russian or Orthodox
person to be found at our place!
     Of course we wouldn't toss our tree out
anyway since it's artificial and has been
part of the family for many years.
     Our Tannenbaum, when retired for the
season, will be covered and stored, as it
stands until December of this year.
      The way I figure it a little extra
Christmas won't hurt anybody!

      By the way..remember that guy..Saint Nicholas?

Turns out he was Orthodox!!!!

      So, to all of you. Merry Christmas

and may all your NEWS be good!

THREE KINGS DAY!

    THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

            THREE KINGS DAY!

    Welcome to January 6th otherwise known

as "Three Kins Day!" It makes the day when

the three kings, or three wise men, found

Jesus in the manger after following the bright

star to his birthplace. It is also. technically

speaking, the 12th or the final day of Christmas.

Some people mark this day with special feasts or

by giving gifts. For those who fabor the gift 

giving I can send you my address in case you'd

like to add me to your list! And though it may be

the 12th day of Christmas I would remind you

that Russian or Orthodox Christmas will be

celebrated this Friday. So don't dump those

decorations just yet! Hope you;re still in the

spiirit and that all yoru NEWS is good!

FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING!

         WEDNESDAY, JABUARY 5, 2022

  FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING!

     I got some great Christmas gifts this year.

My gift wish list is always headed by "Something

neat!"  I've never been disappointed and this year

has been especially good!  Among other things, I

got movie theater tickets. a book I've been waiting

to read, a subscription to a service that has inspired

me to write some personal stories, a Lionel trolley

car I've wanted since I was a kid, and some gift

cards.   And then came the gift I never expected!

Talk about something neat! My best and oldest

friend sent what is probably the most unique gift I

have ever received, or hoped to receive. No. It was

not a Red Rider carbine with a compass in the stock

and a thing that tells itime. It was, or rather is, a

Toilet Night Light! This battert powerd device has

a small arm with a light attached that is suppose to

hang into the bowl of your toilet. It is motion

activated and glows, with the color of your

choice, as you use the facility. You can even

adjust the intensity of the light...before you sit

down of course. Seems my good friend bought a

number of these devices and sent them to friends

here and there. We were one of the "lucky receipants."

We have elected, however, to place the light probe

on the side of, rather than in, the toilet bowl. I'm not

sure how mankind ever existed before this unique

invention. It gives new meaning to the term "light at

the end of the tunnel!" Hope you get one for yourself

and that all your NEWS is good!     

A GLANCE AT A TRANCE!

   TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

     A GLANCE AT A TRANCE!

   

  

  January 4th is World Hypnotism Day!
   I've never celebrated the day. In fact, fo r
years, I was terrified of hypnosis!
    Thoughts of being put into a trance
brought back visions of Dracula (aka Bela
Lugosi) overpowering his victims just
before he drained their blood!
      Stage hypnosis wasn't any better!
Who wants to be put under only to learn,
afterwards, that you've acted like a monkey
or reveled some deep dark secret that should
have remained secret!
       Still I've heard testimony from people
who swear hypnosis has helped them quit
smoking or lose weight. If they're telling
the truth I suppose the "science" does have
a place.
        I found myself using hypnosis a few
years back. I was spending the day with
our then three-year-old grandson and realized
it was nap time. The little guy didn't really
want to sleep. But once I talked him into
reclining on the bed "just for two minutes"
I began to capture his attention with a story
I made up on the spot.
       The subject involved a giant who was
scaring people in a small town .He'd go
house to house. But people quickly learned
if they pretended to be asleep he simply
passed them by! I delivered each line a
little soften until my voice was just a
whisper.
       Next thing I knew the little guy was
out cold, a victim of my hypnotism (or
boredom). To be completely honest, I
may have put myself out for awhile too!
       If you'll celebrating hope you'll
avoid any hypnotist with a dark cape
and long teeth, and that all your NEWS
is good!

THE QUIET FESTIVAL!

    MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

       THE QUIET FESTIVAL!

     No parades or brass bands to make

this unusual holiday. January 3rd., is

the official day for "The Festival Of

Sleep Festival!"  This observance was

established in recognation of the efforts

so many people put in shopping for

Christmas presents, wraooing, and parties.

You just get finished when tasks for your

New Years Eve and New Years Day cellebrations

 have to begin.  Little tine to get'some rest,

until now. This is a day to allow your body to

take it easy! Put your feet  up! Give yourself time

to read a good book. Me...I'm going to do a test to

see if my bed is soft enough! Hope you'll take

things easy today and that all your NEWS is

good!

LIMITING THE LIMIT!

     SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2022

          LIMITING THE LIMIT! 

   January 2nd is one of those unusal

"holidays" I like to tell you about so you

can celebrate if you'd like. It's "55 Mile

Per Hour Speed Limit Day!" Yep! It was

signed into law on January 2nd., of 1974!

OPEC countries had institued an oil

embagro and there were gas shortages all

over the U.S. People were waiting in long

lines to try to fill up their gas tanks.

Preisdent Nixon signed a laaw prohibiting

states from setting any speed limit that

exceded 55 miles per hour. The belief was

the law would help conserve gas while 

saving lives at the same time. The law wasn't

actually repealed until October 28th., of 1995!

These days if you see anybody doing 55 miles

per hur...wave as you "sail by!" Hope you're

careful whatever your speed and that all your

NEWS is good!