POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY

               THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025

             POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY!

        It's April 10th everybody. And April 10th is

        'National Poem In Your Pocket Day!" It's an

        observance, part of National Library Month,

        that was started in 2002 by the Mayor's Office

        in New York City. It spread out from there and

        is now being observed throughout the country

        and in Canada as well. I liked the idea so I

        came up with my own short rhyme just for the

        occasion. Here it is!    

                 PUT A POEM IN YOUR POCKET TO CARRY ALONG

         THEN TAKE IT AND READ IT WHEN THINGS SEEM ALL WRONG.

         MAKE THE RHYME HAPPY, AND FILLED WITH GOOD CHEER

         TO BRIGHTEN YOUR OWN DAY AND ANYONE NEAR.

         WITH A POEM IN YOUR POCKET YOU'LL NEVER GO WRONG

         READ IT, RECITE IT, OR TURN IT TO SONG

         SHARE IT WITH OTHERS AS YOU WALK EACH LONG MILE

         AND HOPE IT BRINGS COMFORT, SOME JOY AND A SMILE!   

              So that's it. My contribution to Poem In Your

         Pocket Day. Hope you've got one too and that all

         your NEWS is good!  

   

OUR BRITISH CITIZEN!

     

 SUNDAY, APRIL 9TH., 2025
     OUR BRITISH CITIZEN!                      

     By all accounts you might think
today would be a British Holiday. 

April 9th is "Winston Churchill Day!"

Right here in the good old USA!
     It's got nothing to do with the
fact that, at one point or another, most
babies resemble the World War II
British Prime Minister.
      Instead in marks the day Mr.
Churchill was made an honorary US
citizen! President John F. Kennedy
proclaimed it so in 1963.
      A couple years ago I saw the
movie "The Darkest Hour" which
recalled Churchill's brilliant
leadership of Great Britain in the                  
fight against Nazi Germany well
before our country got into the
war.
      I always liked the guy. I always
favored those who could make a
good impression through their
speech. Churchill probably would
have made a good newsman. If he
could only shake that "English
accent."
       He was also famous, of course,
for flashing that two finger victory
sign that symbolized the confidence
of the allies during the war.
       I see a lot of people flashing
the sign these days but many seem
to have forgotten you're suppose to
use two fingers! Maybe they're
not calling for victory!
        Anyway, happy Winston
Churchill Day to you all! Hope all
your NEWS is good!

DRAW A BIRDIE!

  TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025

      DRAW A BIRDIE!

             Don't worry! This Blog

 does not involve sketching a golfer    /       

just under par. This unusual "holiday" is 

"Draw a picture of a bird day." It may sound

a bit crazy but consider the story that 

lead to this observation. In April of

1943 7-year-old Dorie Cooper visited

her uncle in a hospital where he was

recovering from a war wound. He was

feeling depressed but responded to

Dorie's request that he draw a picture

of a bird. When she saw his drawing

she said "this isn't very good but I'll

put it on my wall anyway." Her response

drew smiles from her uncle and other

wounded men in the ward. Each time

she returned everyone in the ward had

hand drawn pictures of birds to give to

her. Unfortunately, three years later,

the little girl was struck and killed by a

car. Since then April 8th, her birthday,

became "Draw a picture of a bird day."

So whatever your drawing skills, or

lack thereof, consider taking a moment

and drawing a picture of a bird today in an 

effort to bring a smile to someone's face.

Hope yours is better than mine and that

all your NEWS is good.     

MY WIFE AS A HIPPIE!

    MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025

     MY WIFE AS A HIPPIE!

Today is the big day friends. Today

my wife becomes a "Hippie." It's got

nothing to do with the counter culture

movement of the mid 60's and early

70's. There are no unique fashions

or beads or sandals involved.

Although it's possible some

psychedelic drugs may be used

in the process. You see today my

wife undergoes hip replacement

surgery. Her recovery may have

some effect on the production of

my daily blog as I may have to

lend a hand during her recovery.

I am, I believe, somewhat prepared.

I have several cans of Spam and

Tuna on hand and enough wine

to get me at least through the first

week. I may have to use a few BLOG

reruns to cover me for a bit. Anyway

please know I continue to hope all

your NEWS is good!

Peace!

SORRY CHARLIE!

   SUNDAY, APPRIL 6, 2025

       SORRY CHARLIE!

  It's April 6th everybody and this is

"Sorry Charlie Day!" You might

remember "Charlie the Tuna" who

wasn't quite good enough to make 

it to "Chicken Of The Sea Tuna."

Well this is a day to remember

your own "Sorry Charlie moments."

Maybe a love interest that didn't

work out. Maybe a college that

ejected your application. Maybe a

job for which you were rejected.

We've all had a time like that or

two. So remember them. But

you should also remember that

you're still here! You survived

and that is the real victory! 

Enjoy your day, live a little! And may

all your NEWS BE GOOD!

PILLOW TALK!

     SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025

      SOME PILLOW TALK!

   It's April 5th my friends. The first

Saturday in April and that makes this

"International Pillow Fight Day!" It's

a fairly new "holiday" with it's official

beginning in 2018. It has been

described as a great way to relieve

the stress of life. There are some

rules and some recommendations.

Participants must use soft pillows

and those with feathers are

discouraged by some animal

rights organizations. I wasn't

going to even mention the day

until........my wife belted me

with one. Guess she's playing

this year! Guess I'd better duck!

Hope you're playing fair and

that all your NEWS is good!

THIS JUST IN!

    FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025

         THIS JUST IN!

     Today's unusual holiday might better

be suited for the 1st rather than the 4th
of April! That, after all, is April Fools
Day.
     But it's official! April 4th is "Hug
A Newsman Day."
     I don't ever remember hearing about
this when I was on the regular news beat.
     It's probably not a very popular
holiday. The days when Walter Cronkite
was the most trusted person in America
are long gone.
     Cries of media bias and "fake news"
are so common you'd think reporters
would want to remain anonymous.
      I probably would have enjoyed
celebrating this day when I was single.
On the other hand I'd have to wonder
how many "huggers" would now be
claiming harassment! Times have
changed!
       Perhaps, these days, a nice pat on
the back and a comment of "good job"
would be best for the newsman, or
woman you admire.
       Of course I'm still accepting
hugs from by biggest fan and most
loyal supporter. My wife!
        Hope all your NEWS is good!

     
   

POETRY MONTH!

   THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025

        POETRY MONTH!

  Before we get ourselves too far

into this new month I wanted to remind'

you that April is "Poetry Month." I like

poetry. I've written a few pomes. Two

have been turned into songs! So to

celebrate I thought I'd share one of

my "lighter verses" with you. It was

prompted by memories of my days

as a kid back in my home town when

most every weekend included a Cowboy

 movie at one of my neighborhood

theaters. I loved those movies but

they left me with a few questions

summed up in this pome...."Thoughts

Of The Old West (Movies!)

 

PB&J!

     WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025

                   PB&J

    April 2nd is "National Peanut

Butter and Jelly Day!" So common

a combination you'd think they had

been around forever. But that's not

the case. In fact peanut butter didn't

really hit the nation's fancy until

the Chicago World's Fair of 1883.

It was a home economist from New

England, Julia Davis Chandler, who

first published a recipe for peanut

butter and jelly in a Boston Cooking

magazine. And that wasn't until 1901!

You have to wonder what was so

special about that recipe unless, perhaps,

she cautioned followers to put the

peanut butter down first!

Peanut butter and jelly came along

before pre-sliced bread hit the shelves.

That showed up in 1928! These days

you can even get peanut butter jars with

the jelly already inside! And, of course,

there are all kinds of peanut butter.

I was going to tell you the rumor

about "Chunky style" peanut butter

but my wife told me not to "Spread

it around! Enjoy your PB&J and I

hope all your NEWS is good!

   

ABOUT MY BLOG!

    TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

        ABOUT MY  BLOG!

 Time for today's blog friends! It's the

start of a brand new month and I'd like

to say thank you to all of you to check

out my daily essay! Many check "Like"

on Facebook and some offer comments

as well. Today, praise from Caesar! Got

a note from my wife. It reads......."Just

wanted to tell you how proud I am of

your daily Blog. It's humor and wisdom

demonstrate how very talented and clever

you are. It's no wonder so many people

are impressed by your brilliant writings!

Your wife.

P.S. It's April Fools Day!

Thanks dear! Hope you're all enjoying

the day and that all your NEWS is

good! (No fooling!)

REMEMBERING ROBERT BUNSEN!

 

     MONDAY, MARCH 31ST., 2025
   REMEMBERING ROBERT BUNSEN!

  
  OK Class! Put on your lab coat and safety
glasses and get ready to celebrate!
  It's March 31st. It's Bunsen Burner Day!
  And today we mark the birthday of its
inventor, German chemist Robert Wilhelm
Eberhard von Bunsen!
   My Chemistry set didn't come with a
Bunsen Burner when I was a kid. I had to
use a candle to heat the chemicals I had
mixed together down in the basement.
   I heated it for about 15 minutes before
it blew up and wrecked my set. Fortunately
I didn't burn down the house!
   Years later I found myself in a High
School Chemistry Class.
   Our teacher, Mr. Scarcella, had a Bunsen
Burner to heat the test tube he was using
for the day's experiment.
   I was surprised when it, like mine, blew
up! But it only took him about 30 seconds!
  For years there was a small piece of
glass embedded in the ceiling of that
classroom. I often wondered if the students
that followed  noticed it or wondered
how it got there.
   I learned a lot from that lesson.
   First, Bunsen Burners can create
explosions far faster than candles.
   Second, I was not meant to be a Chemist!
   I'm sure, however, that many of today's
modern scientific advancements were
born in a basement or classroom somewhere
with the aid of a Bunsen Burner.
   Hope you'll celebrate safely and that all
your NEWS is good!

ALLOW ME TO POINT THIS OUT!

         SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2025

    ALLOW ME TO POINT THIS OUT!        

    March 30th is "National Pencil Day!"

The modern pencil was said to have been

invented by a scientist serving in Napoleon's

army in 1795. Of course many years prior to

that graphite was being used as a writing

instrument. Where would be be without

a pencil? Especially when someone gives

you an address or message over the

telephone. That's when most of us find

ourselves searching to find one! I used a

pencil a lot through my school years. But

it was Hymen Lipman's improved pencil

design, patented on this very day in 1858, 

that really helped me through school. He

invented the pencil with an eraser!! Thank

you Hymen! Hope your pencil's are all

sharpened and all your NEWS is good!

and my 

A DRY NIAGARA!

 SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025

        A DRY NIAGARA!

  No! This is not a story of a "dry

Niagara wine!" It is, instead, a story

 about a very big day at Niagara Falls.

   But it's no Honeymoon!
   March 29th is "Niagara Falls Runs Dry
Day!"
   Local residents, and tourists, will be
celebrating an event that took place on
March 29th of 1848!
   Ice blocked the river on that day and
literally shut off the falls!
   I saw the same thing! But it was in
1969! Yep! I saw Niagara Falls turned
off!
   My wife and I were on our Honeymoon
at the time and Niagara Falls was on our
list of places we wanted to see.
   Imagine our surprise when we got there
and found the falls, at least the American
falls, dry!
    It wasn't some David Copperfield trick
or the biggest plumbing problem you
ever saw. It was science.
    A team of engineers was conducting a
survey to determine how quickly the edge
of the falls was deteriorating. To do that
that had to stop the flow of water. So they
built a earth dam upstream and diverted
all of the river water over to the Canadian
falls.
    Any would be dare devil, thinking of
that old "over the falls barrel trick," probably
had second thoughts if he or she saw what's
really under those thousands of tons of
water that pour over the brink every second!
    People riding aboard the popular "Maid
of the Mist" got an up close view of boulders
as big as the iceberg that sank the Titanic!
    It was probably the biggest thing at the
Falls since 1953 when Marilyn Monroe
filmed a movie there!
    Of course the water is flowing again
these days. But the community, on both sides
of the border, is always looking for a reason
to celebrate. And you can be sure that none
of the pubs there will be "dry" today!
    Perhaps toss an ice cube into my wine
and raise a toast to the falls today!

        Hope you'll get there one of these days
and that all your NEWS is good!

             

 

NATIONAL SCRIBBLE DAY!

    THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

     NATIONAL SCRIBBLE DAY!

   It's "National Scribble Day" everybody.

So get out your pencil or pen and some

paper and let the lines take you where

ever they may. We call scribble from

time to time. Usually it's an unplanned

series of lines or drawings with no

preplanned design or pattern. But 

they are all, in a sense, "art work."

That's especially true when they're

the work of kids. I have a collection

of such "scribbles" done by each of

our 6 grandchildren. I keep them 

in a drawer and take them out for

a glance from time to time. I found

one yesterday done by our 22-year-

old grandson Ryan when he was about

5 or 6. There's a note on the back

indicating I purchased the "drawing"

from him for just a dollar. It's worth

a lot more than that to me now. So

go to it folks! Start your scribble

and see what you come up with.

Hope it's a treasure to someone

some day and that all your NEWS

is good!   

IT'S YOUR TURN!

   WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025

              IT'S YOUR TURN!

   I often use my Blog to tell you about

unusual "holidays" that are listed on just

about every day on the calendar. Some

are actually "official" even through they

don't result in a day off from work. But

today's unusual "holiday: offered you

a great opportunity. You see March 26th

is "Make Up Your Own Holiday Day!"

Some of those I might have invented

have already been taken. 'Take A Nap

Day" comes to mind immediately.

But this is your chance to come up with

a "Holiday" of your choice. I'll be

anxious to see your responses! If it's

really good I have even observe it with

you! Hope you pick a good one

and that all your NEWS is good!

     

CELEBRATING?

   TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

             CELEBRATING?

   Check your calendar everybody.

If you've got an old one (A really

old one), you should be celebrating

today!! You see March 25th is "Old

New Year's Day!" In the days before

the Julian calendar was adopted the

Romans used a 304-day-calendar

which began in March (named for

the Roman God Mars) and that

new year began on what we now

call March 25th. So if you are so

inclined, take the day off to celebrate.

Make a toast and throw some confetti

around. You may have to explain

yourself to those watching. But

just show them the Blog and they'll

probably join in! Happy New Year!

Hope all your NEWS is good!  

SEARCHING FOR CHICKS!

      MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025

       SEARCHING FOR CHICKS!

   It's Spring everybody. I know it's

been pretty cold around these parts for

the past couple of days. But it's Spring!

That brings me back to my youth in

my home town of Hazleton when I

always searched for chicks around

this time of the year. You had to know

where to find them. But I knew just

the place to find some pretty ones

And I found them. Problem is, I

wasn't allowed to take one home.

Oh, I should probably mention I

was talking about the chicks, peeps

if you will, they gave away at a few

local gas stations around Easter every

year. You could get one with every

five dollars of gas you purchased. My

Dad said we need the gas but not the

chicks so it was a "no go" for me.

Years later I resumed my search for

"chicks" but not at the gas station.

I finally found a good one and now

she's my wife! Hope you got

your "chick" and that all your

NEWS is good! 

HOPE IT'S OK WITH YOU!!

    SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD. 2025

       HOPE IT'S OK WITH YOU!

    It's a common word with me.
And probably with you as well! And
it's OK to say "OK." In fact today,
March 23rd., is "OK Day!"
    It started one day in 1839, when
a few newspaper editors in Boston
were joking around. "They had a lot
of abbreviations that they were using
and made up on the spot and OK was
an abbreviation for 'All Correct.'
   Soon, OK was being used for the
telegraph, like an early form of the
LOLs and OMGs sent in text messages
today.
    The expression became so popular
they even used it for the name of a
Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Of
course things didn't work out OK
for Clantons when they ran into
the Earps and Doc Holliday there
in 1881. I guess you could say the
Claytons got KO'ed at the OK that
morning.
    "We heard the term A-OK a lot
during the early days of the Space
race. Some sources contend it may
be the most widely used expression
in the world. That's OK with me!
     March 23, 2011, was the first-ever
OK Day. 162 years to the day since
those two little letters were printed
together in the Boston Morning Post.
     Hope everything's OK with you
and that all your NEWS is good!

AGELESS!

   SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025

                   AGELESS!

  Today we note two unusual "holidays'

that seem to compliment each other. 

March 22nd is "39 And Holding Day"!

There's even a club you can join to team

up with others who insist their age is

"39 and holding." It's also "As Young

As You Feel Day." We've all heard that

expression many times and there's a

lot of truth in it. No need to act your

chronological age! If you're feeling

younger, act it! Get out and do things.

Be active. I intend to celebrate....as

soon as I can get myself out of this

rocking chair. Hope you day is great

and all your NEWS is good!

I ALMOST FORGOT!!!!

   FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

      I ALMOST FORGOT!

  March 21st is "National Memory

Day." Our ability to remember things

is an important part of our human

existence. We evolve based on the

things we learn and remember. The

research world tells us too many

people are relying on technology,

such as smart phones, to remind us

of things that must or should be done.

It's suggested you write things down

as a means of helping your memory.

So lets all celebrate! Teel your friends

so everyone of us can observe.....ah...

what did I say we were observing? Oh

yes. Memory Day. Hope you remember

to celebrate and that all your NEWS

is good.

THEY'RE COMING TO TAKE ME AWAY!

        THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025

THEY'RE COMING TO TAKE ME AWAY!

  It's March 20th friends. And for those of you

wo didn't already know, this is "Alien Abduction

Day!" It's a day to review and perhaps study all

those stories about people who claim to have

been kidnapped by extraterrestrials! My wife

and I have been by the site of what may be the

most famous alien abduction! In fact there is

an Historical market there. It's along a road

just south of Lancaster, New Hampshire. In

1961 a couple vacationing in the aera, Betty

and Barney Hill, claimed to have been

taken aboard a space craft and examined by

alien beings. While there's no evidence to

substantiate the event, their story, told

separately, remains constant and both

passed lie detector tests. Alien abduction

stories actually date back to 1639 when

three men in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

claimed to have witnessed a great light and

flaming apparition then found their rowboat

a mile upstream, against the tide with no

explanation as to how it got there! You

might want to look to the skies on this

unusual "holiday" and remember your

mother's advice not to ride with anyone

(or thing) you don't know! Hope you're

safe and that all your NEWS is good!   

THIS BLOG IS FOR THE BIRDS!

 

   WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19TH., 2025
      THIS BLOG IS FOR THE BIRDS!

    Today's  blog is for the birds. Well, actually,
about the birds
       First, hats off to the Robins who seem to
be winning the race to spring. You see this is
the day the Swallows return to San Juan
Capistrano. They always return to the old
mission in southern California on Saint
Joseph's Day and their appearance in taken
as a sign that Spring has arrived too.
       Around here though the Robins are
winning. There have been sightings of
Robins throughout our area for the past
few weeks or so. That's also taken by many
to be a sign of Spring.
         We don't see as many birds as we

used to. Probably because we've stopped

feeding them. One of our neighbors

complained that the sparrows waited

for our bird seed on the electrical wires

directly above his car. Seems their 

presence was evident by the droppings

on his sedan! 
         Ironically I recently noticed
several perched on that same wire even

though we weren't offering dinner! If

they're gong to hang there anyway I

might change my "good neighbor

policy!"
         By the way this is the same

time of the year , just a few days earlier
(March 15th) when the Vultures return

 to Hinckley, Ohio!
        Hope whatever birds you spot

mean that Spring is here and that all

your NEWS is good!

STOP THE LEAKS!

 

      TUESDAY, MARCH 18TH., 2025
             STOP THE LEAKS!

    And I'll bet you thought all the excitement
ended on Saint Patrick's Day! Nope!
    As the title revels, this is "Fix A Leak
Week!" It "runs" through March 24th.
    According to the statistics household
leaks waste about a trillion gallons of
water across the United States annually!
    Of course you're encouraged to fix
them as soon as they happen rather than
just waiting for this week. This is just a
time to remind you to pay attention to
that drip in your house. (The water one!)
      If you haven't done it lately you should
check your faucets, shower heads, and
toilets to make sure they're not leaking.
      Should you find a leak you should
repair the problem or call someone who
knows ho to do it. In my house, for
instance, I'd call my wife!
       Leaky pipes aren't that terribly
difficult to find and repair. There are
other leaks, however, that are much
harder to handle. Most of those leaks
are found in government!
       Unlike water leaks, sometimes
governmental leaks can be good!
They can expose problems far worse
than broken pipes that need more than
a plumber's attention!
        Hope we're all looking for and
fixing any problems related to leaks
this week and that all your NEWS
is good!

HALF A LOAF!

 

   MONDAY, MARCH 17TH., 2025
             HALF A LOAF!
  
    Guess you think you know why this is a
day for celebration!
    Well, chances are, you're HALF right!
    Yes, it is Saint Patrick's Day.
    You don't have to look very far to see
Irish flags or green banners hung out to
mark the occasion.
      There are 4 leaf clovers and images
of leprechauns posted on the windows of
houses and stores wherever you go.
       The Big Saint Patrick's Parades in
Pittston, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre have

already marched into history.
But the green lines still mark the routes
through the cities.
        But how many people have noticed
that today is my HALF Birthday!
       See, here's how it works. My actual
birthday is on September 17th.  So, six
months after that is March 17th, which
happens to be Saint Patrick's Day.
       Ask a little kid how old he or she is
and you'll often get an answer like..."I'm
4 and a half."
       So I'm thinking....why should the kids
have all the fun?  And what's a half year
among friends?
       So while a majority of celebrants
will be "wearing the green" today maybe
I'll have a slice of cake. Or, maybe, a half
a slice!
        Hope you're always looking for a
reason to celebrate.....and that all of your
NEWS is good!                         










(Half a Birthday Cake)

TODAY'S DOs AND DON'Ts!

        SUNDAY MARCH 16, 2025

        TODAY'S DOs AND DON'Ts

   Two separate and unrelated unofficial

holidays to note today! First, March 16th

is "No  Selfies Day!" Put away that smart

phone and your camera. Don't judge

yourself by the photos of yourself you

or anybody else takes! Instead, enjoy

"National Chocolate Week!" It begins

today and runs for an entire week. I'm

thinking I shouldn't have to tell you

how to celebrate that one! Hope you're

grabbing a chocolate bar about now and 

that all your NEWS is good!

A DAY TO BEWARE!

     

    SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH., 2025

          A DAY TO  BEWARE!

       Well March 15th., the "Ides of
March" has come around again.
         It was actually a day of
celebration at one time. It's the first
day of the Roman New Year. It also
marks the first day of spring in the
Roman calendar. So if you go by
that calendar Spring is here!
         The date's infamous
reputation goes back to 44 years
before Christ was born.
          That's when soothsayers
(Fortune tellers) warned Julius Caesar
to "beware of the Ides of March". He
ignored their warning. Then, on March
15th, he was stabbed to death by a
group that included his good buddy
Marcus Brutus.
            I think that's what promoted
the old saying "With friends like that
who needs enemies?"
             I'd like to think we'd celebrate
the date like it's the start of Spring.
Our soothsayers (we call them Weather
Forecasters) are calling for warmer
temperatures!

             That's good because I'm anxious 
to get the Miata out on the road!
              Hope you have a great
day and that all your NEWS is good!
           

THEY'VE GOT YOU COVERED!

  

   THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH., 2025
     THEY'VE GOT YOU COVERED!

    No. This is not an insurance commercial!
It is, rather, a salute to an invention designed
to help us through the cold winds of winter.
    It's Ear Muff Day!
    It was on March 13th., 1877 that Chester
Greenwood patented the "Champion Ear
Protector."
     Somewhere along the line they became
known as "Ear Mufflers" and that was
eventually shortened to Ear Muffs.
      Although generally unknown south
of the Mason/Dixon Line Ear Muffs have
protected northern ears from cold and
infections since they were first introduced.
      Up until very recently my wife was
under the assumption I wore them all
the time. Then she found out I just don't
hear as well as I used to.
       Hope we don't have much more use
for them this season and that all your
NEWS is good!

JOHNNY'S BIRTHDAY!!!

     TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025

       JOHNNY'S BIRTHDAY!     

 It's March 11th everybody and that means    

   it's John Chapman's Birthday. He was born 

on this date in 1774.
     Mr. Chapman was an American pioneer
nurseryman who introduced apple trees
to large parts of Pennsylvania. But he didn't
stop there!
      His trees were distributed in Ohio,
Indiana,  Illinois, and northern counties
of West Virginia to name a few of the
others.
      Thanks to his efforts I've enjoyed
plenty of apples over the years and an
apple dumpling whenever I can find
one.
     Oh, by the way, you may remember
Mr Chapman by his other name.
Johnny Appleseed!
     Yep. It's a true story!
     Hope you'll have an apple in his
honor today and that all your NEWS
is good!
     

  It's March 11th everybody! And that

means it's John Chapman Day!!!

   

ON THE LINE!

       MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025

                ON THE LINE!'       

   You "older folks" may have to help

the kids with this one! March 10th is

"Land Line Telephone Day!" A lot

of younger people know little or

nothing about a land line or "Home

telephone." These days most everyone

has a Smart or Cell phone to search

the web, take pictures, send texts, and,

yes, even make and receive telephone

calls. But before those cell phones

came along everybody was "wired"

to Ma Bell (the Telephone company)

to make your personal or business

calls. A little less that 50$ of people,

me included, still have a land line

telephone at home. And they still

offer some advantages. The sound

quality on a good land line phone

is hard to beat. They work in areas

where there are few if any cell phone

towers. And, if nothing else, you can

use them to dial your own cell phone

when you've misplaced it so you can

listen for the ring to see where you 

left it! Hope you've got the right

number and that all your NEWS is

good!

TAKE YOUR CHOICE!

     SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2025

        TAKE YOUR CHOICE!

     You've got a big decision to make today

friends! I've got two unusual "holidays" that

fall on March 9th and they clash!

       Today is "Get Over It Day." As the name

suggests you are encouraged to take those

worries and concerns you facing and just get

over them! Toss them aside and forget about

them. At least for this day.

       If you can't and those worries and concerns

have or are becomming just too much to

handle, you'll probably want to observe the

other March 9th "holiday." It's "Panic Day!"

A day to push the panic button!

      I'm hoping your choice will be to "Get

over it!" Hope you do and that all your NEWS

is good!

HE'S BACK!!!

 SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2025

             HE'S BACK!!!

   There's been no shortage of news

during the past few weeks. But one

item, more than any other, captured

my attention! The news release came

from Scotland! It was a brand ne

photo of what just might be The Loch

Ness Monster!  Known as "Nessie," the

first written reports of the creature

appeared in the 7th century biography

of Saint Columba, the Irish missionary

who introduced Christianity to Scotland.

Thousands of sightings and even a few

photographs allegedly depicting Nessie

have been reported since the 1930's

although scientific studies of the deep,

dark lake have reveled nothing. My wife

and I took a cruise on Lock Ness several

years ago. I brought my camera along

and we joined other tourists

scanning the waves for anything out

of the ordinary. They even had

underwater scanners on board to

check for anomalies. But our search

was in vein. Of course I couldn't

watch my camera constantly so there's

a chance I might have missed

something. Maybe the photo released

last week will prompt me to go back

and check every frame of my video.

Who knows what I may find? Hope

I find something and that all your

NEWS is good!   

 

TIME FOR A BOWL!

      FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025

          TIME FOR A BOWL!

  This is "National Cereal Day!" I've

always liked cereal but when I was a 

kid I got it more for the prizes the

company offered than for the taste of

the product. I used to send about 25cents

and two box tops (or one box top and one

box bottom) for some kind of premium 

that appealed to a little boy. Cereals 

started to develop around the time of

the Civil War. Back then a lot of people

had digestive problems brought about

by eating way too much meat along

with caffeine. A guy named Dr. James

Jackson came up with brand nuggets.

They were a good alternative to meat

and coffee but they had to be soaked

overnight so they could be more easily

digested the following day. Dr. Jackson

started a sot of Health Spa to focus on

things like nutrition. Among his guests,

John Kellogg and William Post. They

liked the cereal idea for breakfast.

Kellogg and his brother came up with

a way to "flake" wheat, They did it

accidentally by the way! And along

came Kellogg's Corn Flakes. Post came

up with Grape Nuts before developing

his own brand of corn flakes. 49% of

all Americans begin their day with some

brand of cereal. So, perhaps you'll

celebrate this day with your favorite

brand today? Enjoy them but don't

crush or mash them! After all you

don't want o be known as a "Cereal

Killer!" Have a great day! Hope

all your NEWS is good!

REEMEMBER THE ALAMO!

      THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2025

        REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

    189 years ago today a small
band of men were wiped out trying to
defend an old mission in Texas against
some 5,000 Mexican soldiers. No. I did
not actually cover that story. 
    A few years back  people in Lewistown in Central
Pennsylvania gathered around a monument
to pay tribute to three Mifflin County men
who traveled to Texas to join the fight
for Independence and died at the Alamo!
      In fact there were 15 Pennsylvanians
at the Alamo. And one other who was sent out
of the mission before the final battle to search
for supplies.
      Even if you never heard of any of those
brave men you should have seen at least one
of about a dozen movies about the battle
featuring big stars like John Wayne and Billy
Bob Thornton taking turns playing Davy
Crockett who died there along side Col
William Barret Travis and Jim Bowie.
       Recently I mentioned the Alamo to a young
lady at the  Check out counter of a local pharmacy. 
The stunned look on her face reminded me of the
time I gave another clerk a five dollar bill and a
quarter to cover four dollar and twenty five cent
bill. She would have been OK with just the five
but my payment totally threw her! I guess history,

like math, isn't what it used to be.
        That's too bad! They say if we don't learn from
history we're doomed to repeat it! And  I'll bet both
were "good students" too! 

        Then, within the past dozen years or so, those

ceremonies in Lewistown came to an end. Perhaps

too few volunteers or too little funding. It's sad,

however, to think folks there may be forgetting

the Alamo and their own local heroes!
        Hope you Remember The Alamo, especially
on this anniversary date, and that  all your NEWS

 is good!

I MEANT TO TELL YOU!

  

  WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH., 2025
         I MEANT TO TELL YOU  !

    I think it's only fair to tell you
this is National Procrastination Week!
It actually started March 1st and runs

for two weeks! I was going to tell you

but I decided to put it off.
     We all put things off from time
to time. It's OK this week.
      I've got a list of things I'm
suppose to do. Now I've got an
official excuse to put them off a
little longer!
       There are several expressed goals
for the week. The first is to celebrate
the act of procrastinating by leaving
necessary tasks to be done at a later
time. There are, however, other
purposes for the holiday. One claim
is that the week of putting-off provides
a mental and emotional break causing
a decrease in stress and anxiety!
         So take it easy this week and
don't rush to get things done!
         Hope you enjoy the break and
that all your NEWS is good  

TURN OUT AND TURE OFF!

     TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025

     TURN OUT AND TURN OFF !

   It's March and today we're observing

two unusual and unofficial "holidays"

worthy of some attention. The first is

observed by taking the numerical date

and using it as a word as in "March

Forth. That is "March forward." Move

ahead. Perhaps with a goal if your life.

March forth into something new and

exciting. Today is also "Unplugged

Day."  A day to rid yourself of 

technology that holds you captive.

Get away from the radio and TV,

Get out and enjoy life, Do something

different. Who needs all that electricity

anyway? I was going to write more on

the subject...but my light just went out!

Maybe I'd better rethink this "celebration!"

Hope you're well, marching forth, can

see where you're going and that all your

NEWS is good!    

OH SAY DID YOU KNOW?

        MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025

        OH SAY DID YOU KNOW?

  It's March 3rd. It's "National Anthem

Day!" Our National Anthem was originally

a poem written in 1814 by Francis Scott

Key and it was originally called "A Defense

of Fort McHenry." It was turned into a song,

ironically, by taking the melody from a

British drinking song! It wasn't until 100

years later that it officially became our

National Anthem! That's when President

Herbert Hoover signed legislation naming

The Star Spangled Banner as such. The

lyrics are dramatic and very moving as

they describe our flag flying throughout

the night as the British bombarded the

fort during the war of 1812. So if someone

tells you that any another tune should be

our anthem....DON'T STAND FOR IT!!!!! Hope

you're well and that all your NEWS is good!

NOT THE SAME OLD THING!

     SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2025

    NOT THE  SAME OLD THING!

   How many times have you asked

someone "What's new?" only to have

them reply "Same old same old."

Well in a sense this is their day! March

2nd is "Old Stuff Day." But it is not a

day to do the same old stuff! Quite the

contrary. It is a day to encourage you

to look for some new activities. Have

some new adventures in your life.

Maybe meet some new friends. Find

some new projects. Maybe some new

hobby! Find ways to get away from

doing "the same old stuff." My wife

told me I'm the perfect guy to talk

about old stuff. I think it was a

compliment. But I'm not absolutely

sure! Anyway, hope you enjoy some

new endeavors today and that all your

NEWS is good!

LISTEN UP!

  SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025

            LISTEN UP!

   Welcome to March my friends. And

this first week of March is also

"Hearing Awareness Week!" Millions

of people around the world suffer

from hearing loss problems! In

Australia 1 out of every 6 people

has a hearing problem. In my house

it's one out of two. And I'm the one!

To compound the problem, my wife

speaks softly. The phrase most often

uttered here, by me, is..."What!?"

I purchased some inexpensive

hearing aids a year or two ago. The

best ones are super expensive so I

went the cheap route. And mine are

worth every penny! They bring up

the background sounds. So if I'm

in church trying to listen to the

pastor I hear the motor noise of the

fan just above me at about the same

level as he's coming in! When I first

got my hearing aids they actually

impeded my hearing! The little

rubber tip got stuck in my ear

and I heard less than usual. Fortunately

that happened on a day my wife was

telling me what she wanted me to do

so I never heard the instructions! I

cam up with a solution! I told my

wife to write down what she's saying.

Sort of like having Closed Caption on

your television show. Here's a copy

of her first note........"YOU ARE A

NUT."  Maybe I can try turning up

the volume on my hearing aids?!

Hope you "hear" what I'm saying

and that all your NEWS is good! 

  

LOOKING BACK!

 

   THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH., 2025
                     LOOKING BACK!

        It's a day to take a good look in your
rear view mirror folks. It's "National Retro
Day."
        This is a day to look back and
"remember when."
         I actually got a head start while
driving along an area roadway yesterday.
I glanced to the side and noticed the
guide rails separating the highway from
a steep drop off.
          We used to call them "guard rails."
I'm not sure when they changed from
posts separated by heavy cables to long
sheets of steel but I'm thinking their
purpose is still pretty much the same.
             And while thinking "retro" I
begin to wonder if some of the things
I'm remembering should make a
comeback.
              When I look back I remember
my Mom hanging wet laundry on a
line hung up in our backyard. The sun
handled the drying without using up
one kilowatt of electricity.
               At the very back of the backyard
we had a barrel in which we burned our
old paper and cardboard. Of course you
didn't do that on laundry day!
                I can't remember any of the
family or our neighbors dying from our,
or their, backyard burning.
                And speaking of burning, we
heated our house by burning coal which
was plentiful in the area. In the summer
the Ashman came once a week or maybe
every other week to haul the ashes away.
                 In the winter we spread the
ashes on the sidewalks and streets to
make walking and travel safe.
                I could spend hours looking
back but I must say I like what much of
what I see in that rear view mirror!
               Hope you've got some good
retrospect too  and that all your NEWS
is good.

FOR PETE'S SAKE!

 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025

           FOR PETE'S SAKE!

     In case you haven't already heard,
it's February 26th which is also known
as "For Pete's Sake Day."
     As a guy who is not prone to use
profanity I'm not only in favor of this
"holiday," I'd like to see it extended!
     It's a day to encourage everyone
to replace swear words with those
more acceptable to general society.
     Here's an example. You miss
the nail and hit your thumb with a
hammer. An incident like that could
lead to all kinds of expletives. But,
instead, one could shout.."Oh Sugar!"
     Admittedly you're more likely
to restrain yourself if whatever
annoys you happens when you're in
polite, or mixed, company.
      In my case it's hearing profanity,
or seeing it on line, that gets me
annoyed in the first place!
      "Darn!" How come we hear so
many curses when nobody even has
a hammer? 
       "For crying out loud" can't we
be more civil? 
        "Shoot!" Let's try to clean
things up a bit!
         "For Pete's sake" let's stop
all this cussing!
         Hope I don't have to get out
the Lifebuoy.....and that all your
NEWS is good!

    

DUCK!!!!

     

      TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH., 2025
                    DUCK!!!

    It's February 25th everybody.
    Just so you're all aware today is
"Rubber Ducky 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 Ducky. In fact I may even have
two! Our 9-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 eggs!
      I just love these special days! Hope
you do too and that all your NEWS is
good!


 

VIVA TORTILLA!

       MONDAY. FEBRUARY 24, 2025

                  VIVA TORTILL!

    February 24th is National; Tortilla Chip

Day! Wasn't all that long ago few people

in the U.S. had ever heard of a tortilla chip.

But that changed over the past 10 to 20 years

and these chips, coupled with salsa. have

become a very popular snack! They came

from Mexico and were introduced in the

United States by a businessman named

Elmer Doolin. Personally, I think they're

kind of corny! But enjoy them if you will

and may all your NEWS be good. 

A DAY WORTH REMEMBERING!

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2025

           A DAY WORTH REMEMBERING!

     It's not a holiday. Only another date

in our shortest month. But don't write off

February 23rd. It's got some great history!

It's the day, in 1455 when Gutenberg put

the Bible into print for the first time. 

In 1792 the Massachusetts Humane

Society was formed. Not an organization to

protect animals but, rather, an organization

to offer help to seamen in distress. It evolved

into the United States Coast Guard! In 1836

Charles Hill came up with a was to manufacture

a new medal. Aluminum! In 1873 the game of

Lawn Tennis received a patent. 1940 saw the

release of the Walt Disney movie Pinocchio.

In 1945 on February 23rd., the U.S. Marines

raised the flag on Mount Suribachi during the

battle of Iwo Jima!  In 1954 children at a school

in Pittsburgh became the first group to receive

the Salk Polio vaccine. And let's not forget

what happened on February 23rd of 1895. That's

the day Leo Hirschfield introduced America to

the Tootsie Roll! Seems February 23rd was a

very big day, historically. You've just got to

take a look back! Hope you do from time to

time and that all your NEWS is good! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUYS!

       SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, 2025

              HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUYS!                

  Well friends, it's Washington's Birthday! The

real one! But Washington isn't the only guy

whose birthday is worth celebrating on

February 22nd. This is also the birthday

of Frank Woolworth, the man who basically

started the first 5 and 10 cent stores! His 1st

was i  Utica, New York in 1879. His 2nd was

in Lancaster, Pennsylvania! The 5 and 10 cent

store craze grew to include giants like McCrory's

and Kresge's founded by Sebastian Kresge from

Allentown. Of course the days of the 5 & 10's

are long gone now. These days you'd be lucky

to find something for a dollar in a Dollar store!

Still, today we salute Frank Woolworth for his

marketing efforts that, at one time, saw at least

one 5 & 10 cent store in most every medium

sized community. Just thought I'd throw my two

cents worth into his birthday! Hope you're well

and that all your NEWS is good.

SPIT IT OUT!

 

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST., 2025
                      SPIT IT OUT!

      I believe I first heard that phrase, "Spit
it out," sometime during my illustrious Grade
School career. It later evolved into something
I heard in the movies as Detectives interrogated
a witness or suspect holding out on important
information.
       I mention this because today is "The
Great American Spit Out!
       Unlike my experience with chewing
gum in school or Hollywood's police
cliché this day is dedicated to a campaign
to get people to stop using smokeless or
"chewing" tobacco. In this case they'd
like people to "spit it out" before it's ever
chewed!
        I'm not sure why anyone would take
up this habit on purpose. I've had a cigar
or two in my day and the taste of the
tobacco leaves were never especially
appealing. I'd rather have raw spinach.
And I hate spinach!
         The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention states that some 75% of
all mouth, lip, tongue, throat, nose and
larynx cancers are due to the use of
smokeless tobacco. All that and a
lousy taste! What a combination!
          I'm going to lend my endorsement
to this unusual "holiday" and suggest
that those who are using this stuff try a
good pack of Juicy Fruit gum!
          Hope they do and that all their,
and your, NEWS is good!
          

SHOUT IT OUT GANG!!!

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

        SHOUT IT OUT GANG!!

  

The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of  
winter but today's the day we can head that

prediction off at the pass!
     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. Our grandson

Anthony tried but it was a day early so

we're not sure if that really counts. I

haven't questioned my friend Weather

Bob about this technique but somehow

I feel he would not use it in preparing

his forecast!

       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!

BOOK' EM!

   WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025

                      BOOK' EM!

   We're already half way through February

and I've failed to mention this is

"National Library Month!"  We have some

really great Libraries around these parts

and they've all adapted to today's

technology. Not only can you check out

books on line but in some libraries you

can check out things like medal detectors

and such! I'm not a big user of the

library but I used to be. I just found an

old newspaper article that lists me

along with about a hundred other 

kids who participated in the Heritage

of America Reading Club of the

Children's Department at the Hazleton

Public Library in 1952. Seems I got

credit for reading 8 books that year.

I'd probably have received credit

for 30 or more had Comic Books

be included. My wife is an ardent

reader. She has a book with her at

all times and frequently uses the

library. She'd probably get a room

there if she could. But she couldn't.

They were "Overbooked!"

Hope you're using your library 

and that all your NEWS is good! 

YOU'LL GET A JOLT OUT OF THIS!

     TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 2025

     YOU'LL GET A JOLT OUT OF THIS

  Chances are where ever you're
going or what ever you're doing
today you'll be depending on
batteries. The one that starts you
car. The one that powers your cell
phone and/or IPod. The one in
your flashlight that leads you to
the circuit breaker when your
electricity goes out!
  And what would any of us guys do
if we didn't have batteries to work
our TV remotes?
   I'm thinking about all of them
today because this is "National
Battery Day!" Break out the "D
cells" and the "Triple A's!"
   To spark your interest perhaps I
should explain that February 18th
is the Birthday of  Alessandro Volta,
Italian physicist and inventor of the
electric battery, who was born in
1745. Yes, it was an Italian that
came up with the battery! And he
didn't have either a car or a TV!
   So let's take a moment to say
"Grazie" to Mr. Volta for the
invention that today powers so
many of the devices on which we've
come to depend. Too bad so many
of them come with the admonishment
"Batteries Not Included!"
    Hope your smoke detector is
working and that all your NEWS is
good!

         

HAVE IN YOUR WAY!

 

  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH., 2025
                 HAVE IT YOUR WAY!

     Fall in everybody! February 17th is
"My Way Day!" Yep. My way or the
highway.
     It's not just because I said so, it's
one of those unofficial holidays I like
to tell you  about.
      There's almost no information
about who came up with the idea. It's
thought to have been created and
shared via social media by someone
who felt it was time to make a loud
pubic cry about all the nonsense that's
forced upon us daily.
        When I first read it I was convinced
it was my day and I really didn't have
any big ideas. Then I figured the
creator of the day meant it for all of
us. So, in a sense, it's "Your Way or
the highway today.
       The idea is simple.  You're
encouraged to do whatever you want,
however you want.
        So go to it people. Be like Frank
Sinatra and do it your way today! Hope
it works and that all your NEWS is
good.

CART WHEELS!

     SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

              CART WHEELS!

   When you think about February you

probably think about Valentines Day. Or

Lincoln's or Washington's birthday or "President's 

Day" if you will. But I wonder how many of

you know this is "Return Your Shopping Cart

To The Store Month?" I have noticed more

and more people seem to be ignoring those

lanes specifically set up to allow shoppers

to store their carts when they're done

shopping. These days it seems more popular

to just let your cart in the space where your

car was parked. The next shopper might

be glad to have a cart waiting IF they only

had a place to park! Hopefully if you're

close enough to the store entrance you'll

just return your cart to where you got it.

If not at least use one of the return lanes

and make it easy on others, like me,

trying to find a parking space. Hope you

do and that all your NEWS is good!

MEMORIES OF SUSAN!

      SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025

           MEMORIES OF  SUSAN!

   February 15th is "Susan B. Anthony Day!"

She was born on this date in 1820. She was

a strong advocate for Women's rights, especially

the right for women to be allowed to vote.

Susan spent 40 years lobbying for those rights

and, though it took a long time, most of what

she found for came to pass. Keep the image

of Susan B. Anthony in your mind...and her

silver dollar in your pocket! Hope you've got

a few and that all your NEWS is good!

VALEN-TIMES OF OLD!

 

   FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH., 2025
             VALEN TIMES OF OLD!

      I'm pretty sure my Valentine's Day
will include the same card I've been
getting from my wife for many, many years!
It's a beautiful card and it never gets old.
      I do sometimes wonder when she
snatches it up to hide away for next year.
      Some of those "old" Valentines have
extra special meaning. I know I've got a
couple packed away in a drawer where I
stash a few cards and/or artwork done by
our grandkids.
       The day brings back some interesting
memories.
        I also remember those grade school

Valentine parties. We all had these tiny

Valentine cards and we'd fill one out for

every other student in the class. 

       You, of course, would then receive

a pile of Valentines and could check them

all out while enjoying some treats which

usually included some heart shaped

cookies and cupcakes! 

        My most unusual Valentine's Day

came in 2007. We got hit with 20 inches

of snow and ice that day!

        I was in our Scranton news bureau when
we heard a scanner call  about a roof collapse
at an armory near Nay Aug Park.
        Nothing was moving in town at that
hour. Not even plows. I told my cameraman
to forget the company car. We jumped into
my Chevy Suburban, put it in 4 wheel low,
and drove (up hill all the way) without
ever stopping at an intersection and got our
story! I loved that Suburban! I'd send it a
card but I'm not sure in which junkyard it
resides these days.
          I do have a special Valentine's treat
ready for my wife but I won't tell here just
in case any of her friends are reading.
          Hope you have a wonderful
Valentine's Day as well as Valentine's
memories...….and that all your NEWS is
good!
       

HONEST ABE, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

 

  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2025
   HONEST ABE, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
      Abe Lincoln is one of the most
recognized U.S. Presidents in history
and for many years we celebrated his
birthday. That happens to be today,
February 12th.
      We used to celebrate George
Washington's birthday too. That
falls on February 22nd.
       Thanks to the Uniform Monday
Holiday Act of 1968 we will, instead,
celebrate President's Day next Monday,
February 19th.
        Technically speaking President's
Day officially celebrates Washington's
birthday. We throw Lincoln and, actually,
ever other President in the mix but the
original legislation only mentions
George Washington.
       Lincoln's birthday was never a
Federal holiday although it was
recognized in some states.
        Back in my schools days I would
have been happy to recognize every
President's birthday if it meant a day
off! I've always liked days off!
        Let's give "Honest Abe" his
due and raise a glass to him today!
        Hope you can take the day off
and that all your NEWS is good!
       
       

THE LOST CORD!

 

  TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH., 2025
                THE LOST CORD!

    I write today in honor of  "Get Out Your
Guitar Day." Yes. There is such a day and
it is observed on February 11th.
    It is a day I would love to celebrate. But,
alas, my guitar is long gone.
    I bought it back in the late 50's when
artists like Duane Eddie, Les Paul, and
Chet Atkins were topping the charts with
tunes like "Rebel Rouser!"
    Then I took lessons. About 5 of them.
Not only could I not duplicate Duane
Eddie by then, my fingers were stinging
from pressing them on those strings.
     I did learn about 3 cords. And played
just right I could sing about a dozen songs
with those cords! Of course I was never
able to alter my voice to actually be in
harmony with those cords so it appeared
by music career was over.
      That, of course, turned out to be far
from the case. As a radio DJ I played
all of the songs I couldn't play on my
guitar. I just played them on records!
       I still fooled around with my
guitar from time to time, never
really improving. Then one day I
noticed that the neck of the instrument
had warped away from the body just
a bit. I'm still wondering if it might
have come that way. That would account
for the notes, or sounds, I produced.
       Our son D.J. has taken up where I left
off and has long since passed my
playing ability. And he's self taught!
       On days like this I think back
and wonder what the music world
has missed by my decision to give
up the guitar. Those who have heard
me play answer...."Nothing!"
I believe, however, that I may have
accidentally found the "lost cord!"
Now we'll never know!
       Hope you're playing today and
that all your NEWS is good

.

IT'S THE BIG DAY!

   SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025

          IT'S THE BIG DAY!

      It's here everybody! The big day you've

been waiting for! It's  "National Pizza Day!" 

 You would have thought this unique holiday 

would fall on a Friday. But it is what it is.

   If you live in Northeastern Pennsylvania

you'll likely find a pizza place every couple

blocks in most every main street shopping

area. Indeed the community of Old Forge

lays claim to being the Pizza Capitol of the

world!  Now there is one other event that

makes this a Big Day! Of course it's  Super 

Bowl Sunday!!!!

An estimated 2.5 million pizzas will be

consumed today. And most of them will be

consumed by people watching the Super

Bowl. That makes today the second

biggest day for pizza sales here in the

United States! The biggest day?

Why that's Halloween!

Hope your pizza is delicious, that

your favorite team wins, and that

all your NEWS is good!

A DAY TO GET CARDED!

   FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025

      A DAY TO GET CARDED!

   

   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! And he fills every available

space on the card!
         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.