Of interest, at one time William Sydney Porter worked for Richardson, who went on to become short-story writer O. Henry.
Lunsford Richardson continued to experiment with a wide variety of medicinal concoctions, including Vick's Chill Tonic, Vick's Turtle Oil Liniment, Vick's Little Liver Pills, Little Laxative Pills, Vick's Tar Heel Sarsaparilla, Vick's Yellow Pine Tar Cough Syrup and Vick's Grippe Knockers.
Personally, I'm not sure I would have tried some of these. These sold with varying degrees of success, but soon it was apparent that the best-seller was Vick's Magic Croup Salve, which he came out with in 1894. This would be for babies with a lot of coughing and congestion.
In 1911, his son suggested dropping all the other concoctions and going with just the Magic Croup Salve and changing the name to Vicks VapoRub, and he did.
After that, there was heavy marketing. In 1919, as the Spanish flu was spreading across the nation and world, Lunsford got sick and died. His son, Smith, took over, buying out other companies until Procter & Gamble bought them out in the 1980s.
During the years Vicks continued adding new products including cold remedies, cough drops, nose drops, nasal spray (watch out for these as I've been hooked on them two different times), inhalers, and cough syrup. Formula 44, NyQuil are also their products.
Well, the Next Time I Get the Croup. --Cooter
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Rubbing It In, the Father of Vicks: Lunsford Richardson-- Part 1
From the December Our State Magazine by Jimmy Tomlin.
You know the smell. You know the goop. Personally, I like hetting my fingers in it about as much as I enjoy getting them into suntan lotion. And you know its effective. That would be Vicks VapoRub. Your mom made you feel better with it. I haven't used it in years, but know about it.
But, very few know anything at all about its inventor, pharmacist Lunsford Richardson of North Carolina.
His salve helped the world breathe easier during the influenza pandemic of 1918 and during countless colds and flus during childhood.
So, then, why did his name not become famous? Mostly because it wouldn't fit on the jar, according to one story. Originally he planned to call it Richardson's Croup and Pneumonia Care Salve. Way too long for the squat jars he was putting it in. He changed it to honor his brother-in-law, Dr. Joshua Vick. (Never heard of him either, other, of course, than the Vick name.)
He was born in Johnston County, NC, in 1854 and loved chemistry. In 1880, he moved to Selma to work with Joshua Vick and began handling the pharmacy duties and began to experiment with recipes which would eventually become Vicks VapoRub. In 1890, he moved to Greensboro and that is when everything took off.
"Rub It In, Rub It In" Billy "Crash" Craddock. --Cooter
You know the smell. You know the goop. Personally, I like hetting my fingers in it about as much as I enjoy getting them into suntan lotion. And you know its effective. That would be Vicks VapoRub. Your mom made you feel better with it. I haven't used it in years, but know about it.
But, very few know anything at all about its inventor, pharmacist Lunsford Richardson of North Carolina.
His salve helped the world breathe easier during the influenza pandemic of 1918 and during countless colds and flus during childhood.
So, then, why did his name not become famous? Mostly because it wouldn't fit on the jar, according to one story. Originally he planned to call it Richardson's Croup and Pneumonia Care Salve. Way too long for the squat jars he was putting it in. He changed it to honor his brother-in-law, Dr. Joshua Vick. (Never heard of him either, other, of course, than the Vick name.)
He was born in Johnston County, NC, in 1854 and loved chemistry. In 1880, he moved to Selma to work with Joshua Vick and began handling the pharmacy duties and began to experiment with recipes which would eventually become Vicks VapoRub. In 1890, he moved to Greensboro and that is when everything took off.
"Rub It In, Rub It In" Billy "Crash" Craddock. --Cooter
Sunday, November 25, 2012
"C'mon, Chillun. Let's Dance!": A Forgotten Star, Kay Kyser
From the December Our State (NC) Magazine by Josh Shaffer.
I have heard a little about the man and his band, but not much, but Kay Kyser was one of the top Big Bands back in that day, scoring 35 top-ten hits and being called The Old Professor and led his big band in a mortarboard and tassel and knee-length academic robe with his drawl-soaked catchphrase "C'mon chillun. Let's dance!"
Through the Depression and World War II, he offered up his zaniness through the hard times.
He wa born to pharmacist parents in Rocky Mount, NC and attended UNC at Chapel Hill. He found his niche on "The Kollege of Musical Knowledge" radio show. During the war, he performed before thousands of U.S. GIs.
As popular as he was, he vanished from the scene in the early 1950s, retiring to his alma mater and died 27 years ago.
I Would Have Liked to Have Seen Him. --Cooter
I have heard a little about the man and his band, but not much, but Kay Kyser was one of the top Big Bands back in that day, scoring 35 top-ten hits and being called The Old Professor and led his big band in a mortarboard and tassel and knee-length academic robe with his drawl-soaked catchphrase "C'mon chillun. Let's dance!"
Through the Depression and World War II, he offered up his zaniness through the hard times.
He wa born to pharmacist parents in Rocky Mount, NC and attended UNC at Chapel Hill. He found his niche on "The Kollege of Musical Knowledge" radio show. During the war, he performed before thousands of U.S. GIs.
As popular as he was, he vanished from the scene in the early 1950s, retiring to his alma mater and died 27 years ago.
I Would Have Liked to Have Seen Him. --Cooter
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Dead Page: Another Mouseketeer Bites the Dust
BONITA LYNN FIELDS ELDER, 68
She was 12 in 1957 when she got a role in the third season of the Micker Mouse Club, primarily because of her skills as a dancer. Used the stage name Bonnie, based on her first name.
Had bit parts in the movies "Kissing Cousins" with Elvis Presley and "Bye Bye Birdie" with Anne-Margret.
I seem to remember her on the role call. But, I was a real big fan of the show back in the day.
She was 12 in 1957 when she got a role in the third season of the Micker Mouse Club, primarily because of her skills as a dancer. Used the stage name Bonnie, based on her first name.
Had bit parts in the movies "Kissing Cousins" with Elvis Presley and "Bye Bye Birdie" with Anne-Margret.
I seem to remember her on the role call. But, I was a real big fan of the show back in the day.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Whole Lot of History On Trip So Far
I left home on Sunday, November 18th and arrived here in Goldsboro, NC, last night. Monday and Tuesday I did quite a bit of history stuff.
Monday, it was a drive along the National Road from Zanesville, Ohio, to its eastern terminus in Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way, I stopped at Fort Necessity in Pennsylvania. I'd always heard of it, but didn't know a lot about it other than George Washington was involved.
Tuesday was a trip out to Antietam Battlefield and a drive around Sharpsburg, Maryland, then a short drive out to Harper's Ferry, now West Virginia. I saw John Brown's fort. Of course, his raid did more to start the Civil War than most anything else.
The rest of yesterday involved the horror that is driving around Washington, DC, and the horror that is I-95.
I'll be writing more about the National Road in my RoadLog. Antietam, Sharpsburg and Harper's Ferry will be in my Saw the Elephant blog about the Civil War.
Good to Arrive. --Cooter
Monday, it was a drive along the National Road from Zanesville, Ohio, to its eastern terminus in Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way, I stopped at Fort Necessity in Pennsylvania. I'd always heard of it, but didn't know a lot about it other than George Washington was involved.
Tuesday was a trip out to Antietam Battlefield and a drive around Sharpsburg, Maryland, then a short drive out to Harper's Ferry, now West Virginia. I saw John Brown's fort. Of course, his raid did more to start the Civil War than most anything else.
The rest of yesterday involved the horror that is driving around Washington, DC, and the horror that is I-95.
I'll be writing more about the National Road in my RoadLog. Antietam, Sharpsburg and Harper's Ferry will be in my Saw the Elephant blog about the Civil War.
Good to Arrive. --Cooter
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The Fox Lake Historical Society Meeting 11-17-12
I attended the meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society (Illinois) yesterday, bringing along my cassette player to play the tape that used to be used when all the puppets were turned on at the Puppet Bar, once one of the main attractions on the Chain Of Lakes.
They were giving the presentation that had been done at the Fox Lake Library earlier this fall. I had been so busy taking notes that I had not seen all the photos of the old places back then, so it was good to see the power-point presentation again.
Before the presentation, we had the business meeting.
Recently, about 60 students from the local Gavin School visited the museum with their teachers and chaperones. They were not bored and very desirous of seeing as much as they could. Evidently, the teachers had prepped them very well. Plus, they had a scavenger list for things to look for.
Also, six men from Highland Park had taken the Metra train from Highland Park (the station is right down the street about a tenth of a mile). This is a monthly outing for them and they were very impressed with the collections. An association member happened by and gave them a ride into Fox Lake and they had lunch at a local restaurant.
History At the Grassroots Level. --Cooter
They were giving the presentation that had been done at the Fox Lake Library earlier this fall. I had been so busy taking notes that I had not seen all the photos of the old places back then, so it was good to see the power-point presentation again.
Before the presentation, we had the business meeting.
Recently, about 60 students from the local Gavin School visited the museum with their teachers and chaperones. They were not bored and very desirous of seeing as much as they could. Evidently, the teachers had prepped them very well. Plus, they had a scavenger list for things to look for.
Also, six men from Highland Park had taken the Metra train from Highland Park (the station is right down the street about a tenth of a mile). This is a monthly outing for them and they were very impressed with the collections. An association member happened by and gave them a ride into Fox Lake and they had lunch at a local restaurant.
History At the Grassroots Level. --Cooter
Saturday, November 17, 2012
NATO: 63 Years, 3 Major Phases
From the May 17, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Elizabeth Burn, Serena Dai and Ali Durkin.
I used to teach my kids about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
PHASE 1-- 1949-1990 PREVENT SOVIET AGGRESSION-- Established in the aftermath of World War II. The alliance's mission was simple-- to act as a shield against Soviet aggression and expansion in Europe. It never had to take military action during this period but did act as a deterrrent. The Soviet Union formed its own alliance called the Warsaw Pact.
PHASE 2-- 1991-2009-- PROMOTE PEACE BUT INTERVENE WHEN NECESSARY-- With the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union, there was no longer a threat. NATO took on missions outside the geographic area (Europe) and began humanitarian interventions. In 1994, NATO carried out its first-ever military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
PHASE 3-- 2010 AND BEYOND-- PROTECT AGAINST NEW THREATS-- To confront the threats of the 21st century, including terrorism, ballistic missiles and cyber attacks. Today, nearly all NATO operations are outside of Europe.
Personally, I would like to see the U.S. pull out of NATO. Let those countries take care of themselves and we could sure use the money better at home.
It's a NATO Thing. --Cooter
I used to teach my kids about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
PHASE 1-- 1949-1990 PREVENT SOVIET AGGRESSION-- Established in the aftermath of World War II. The alliance's mission was simple-- to act as a shield against Soviet aggression and expansion in Europe. It never had to take military action during this period but did act as a deterrrent. The Soviet Union formed its own alliance called the Warsaw Pact.
PHASE 2-- 1991-2009-- PROMOTE PEACE BUT INTERVENE WHEN NECESSARY-- With the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union, there was no longer a threat. NATO took on missions outside the geographic area (Europe) and began humanitarian interventions. In 1994, NATO carried out its first-ever military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
PHASE 3-- 2010 AND BEYOND-- PROTECT AGAINST NEW THREATS-- To confront the threats of the 21st century, including terrorism, ballistic missiles and cyber attacks. Today, nearly all NATO operations are outside of Europe.
Personally, I would like to see the U.S. pull out of NATO. Let those countries take care of themselves and we could sure use the money better at home.
It's a NATO Thing. --Cooter
Friday, November 16, 2012
That Candy Thing-- Part 6: Chicago's Candy History
1929 Frank Mars opens a factory on the Far West Side to help meet demand for his Milky Way candy bar.
1960s Tootsie Roll moves its production to Chicago's Southwest Side.
1963 Chicago's candy output is double that of New York City.
2000s Much of Chicago's candy production slows. Fannie Mae files for bankruptcy; Brach and Wrigley close their Chicago factories.
Today Companies including Tootsie Roll, Ferrara Pan (Lemon Heads, Boston Baked Beans and My Favorite "Red Hots"), American Licorice Co., Willie Wonka Candy Co., Nestle and Mars have headquarters or factories in Chicago.
Of course, there was the big thing when Marshall Field's stopped making their famous Thin Mints.
Now, Where Did Liz Hide That Halloween Candy We Didn't Give Out? --Cooter
1960s Tootsie Roll moves its production to Chicago's Southwest Side.
1963 Chicago's candy output is double that of New York City.
2000s Much of Chicago's candy production slows. Fannie Mae files for bankruptcy; Brach and Wrigley close their Chicago factories.
Today Companies including Tootsie Roll, Ferrara Pan (Lemon Heads, Boston Baked Beans and My Favorite "Red Hots"), American Licorice Co., Willie Wonka Candy Co., Nestle and Mars have headquarters or factories in Chicago.
Of course, there was the big thing when Marshall Field's stopped making their famous Thin Mints.
Now, Where Did Liz Hide That Halloween Candy We Didn't Give Out? --Cooter
That Candy Thing-- Part 5: Chicago's Candy History
From the October 28, 2012, Chicago Tribune "Small treats, big business" by Katie Nieland.
There were two neat old photos accompanying this timeline set up like a piece of red licorice. One showed a Wrigley Co. delivery truck in front of the factory at 35th and Ashland in 1922. The other showed the interior of the Tootsie Roll plant in Chicago in 1975 with two women at a conveyor belt with candy going by which reminded me of that funniest of the funny "I Love Lucy" skit where she and Ethel worked at the chocolate factory. Now that was funny.
CHICAGO'S LONG CANDY HISTORY
1837 Chicago gets its first candy shop on South Water Street near Wells Street.
1870 There are 17 candy businesses in Chicago.
1900 Chicago candy companies total 65.
1904 Emil Brach opens a storefront called Brach's Palace of Sweets and sells caramels for 20 cents a pound. By 1911 he is selling more than 50,000 pounds a week.
1912 Gustav Goelitz's company (later renamed Jelly Belly Candy Co.) specializes in making candy corn in its North Chicago factory. (Wonder what they make now?)
1920 Fannie May and the Holloway Candy Co. are founded. Holloway sells Milk Duds and Slo Pokes (?) nationally. (Not sure what a Slo Poke is.)
More Mouth-Watering Stuff to Come. --DaCoot
There were two neat old photos accompanying this timeline set up like a piece of red licorice. One showed a Wrigley Co. delivery truck in front of the factory at 35th and Ashland in 1922. The other showed the interior of the Tootsie Roll plant in Chicago in 1975 with two women at a conveyor belt with candy going by which reminded me of that funniest of the funny "I Love Lucy" skit where she and Ethel worked at the chocolate factory. Now that was funny.
CHICAGO'S LONG CANDY HISTORY
1837 Chicago gets its first candy shop on South Water Street near Wells Street.
1870 There are 17 candy businesses in Chicago.
1900 Chicago candy companies total 65.
1904 Emil Brach opens a storefront called Brach's Palace of Sweets and sells caramels for 20 cents a pound. By 1911 he is selling more than 50,000 pounds a week.
1912 Gustav Goelitz's company (later renamed Jelly Belly Candy Co.) specializes in making candy corn in its North Chicago factory. (Wonder what they make now?)
1920 Fannie May and the Holloway Candy Co. are founded. Holloway sells Milk Duds and Slo Pokes (?) nationally. (Not sure what a Slo Poke is.)
More Mouth-Watering Stuff to Come. --DaCoot
That Candy Thing-- Part 4
Actually, Halloween candy gets an extra-long push as there is no major holiday immediately before it so it gets more shelf time (even though I seem to remember Christmas candy being out in October as well. Walgreen store began stocking shelves with Halloween candy and stuff in August. Candy corn is a big-seller according to the chain. And, of course, you know the proper way to eat a kernel.
The American Licorice Co. founded in 1914 in Chicago (now based in Bend, Oregon) says they sell best in the summer (when chocolate sometimes melts).
What's this about NO MORE TWINKIES?!?
Proper Way to eat candy corn? Everyone knows you eat it one layer at a time. Three bites and then go on to the next one.
Better Stock Up On Those Twinkies. --Cooter
The American Licorice Co. founded in 1914 in Chicago (now based in Bend, Oregon) says they sell best in the summer (when chocolate sometimes melts).
What's this about NO MORE TWINKIES?!?
Proper Way to eat candy corn? Everyone knows you eat it one layer at a time. Three bites and then go on to the next one.
Better Stock Up On Those Twinkies. --Cooter
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
This Is So Sad
I was looking at some notes I had jotted down from 2010, and in May, saw that Chicago had the highest gas prices in the United States at $3.22. The average price in the country was $2.92 with Denver the lowest at $2.71.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have been brainwashed into believing that $3.50 now is a good price.
I Hate the GRBs. --Cooter
I don't know about anyone else, but I have been brainwashed into believing that $3.50 now is a good price.
I Hate the GRBs. --Cooter
It's a Sticky Situation
From Yahoo! News, April 25, 2010, "Post-it Notes strong after 30 years."
Probably my second favorite thing to mess with after Bubble Wrap. Let's see how many times it will stick? And what a great country song it would make. I can see it now, "It's a Stcky Situation." A real love ballad waiting to be written.
VHS tapes and Walkman's from the era are essentially gone, but not that lil' yellow piece of paper with the sticky at the top.
Actually, it started off as an engineering mistake by 3M scientists when they came up with an adhesive that would stick to just about any surface that today is one of the top-five office supply sellers.
I wonder if anyone still has an original 1980 3-by-3-inch canary yellow stack; might be worth something?
Today you can get it in 8 sizes and 62 colors.
Inventors Arthur Fry and Spencer Silver have been inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame.
Here's Stickin' On Ya. --DaCoot
Probably my second favorite thing to mess with after Bubble Wrap. Let's see how many times it will stick? And what a great country song it would make. I can see it now, "It's a Stcky Situation." A real love ballad waiting to be written.
VHS tapes and Walkman's from the era are essentially gone, but not that lil' yellow piece of paper with the sticky at the top.
Actually, it started off as an engineering mistake by 3M scientists when they came up with an adhesive that would stick to just about any surface that today is one of the top-five office supply sellers.
I wonder if anyone still has an original 1980 3-by-3-inch canary yellow stack; might be worth something?
Today you can get it in 8 sizes and 62 colors.
Inventors Arthur Fry and Spencer Silver have been inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame.
Here's Stickin' On Ya. --DaCoot
That Candy Thing-- Part 3
MAKING CANDY
More than 1,500 manufacturers around the U.S. produced more than 6.59 billion pounds of chocolate and nonchocolate confectionery in 2010.
SWEETEST STATES
Top four states with companies making candy:
California: 170
Pennsylvania: 137 (Hello Nestle's)
New York: 111
Illinois: 85
THIS HALLOWEEN: Americans were expected to spend $2.4 billion on candy.
GROWTH: During the last decade, the candy industry has seen a 1% to 3 % growth every year.
LUXURY? "Candy is a luxury, but it is a very affordable luxury" according to the National Confectioners Association. "Particularly when economic times are tough."
GETTING FANCY: Tootsie Roll is offering a caramel apple lollipop.One of Walgreen Co.'s big-sellers this year is Mars' white chocolate candy corn M&Ms.
How Many of You Are Like Me and Eat Candy Corn In Stages By Color? --Cooter
More than 1,500 manufacturers around the U.S. produced more than 6.59 billion pounds of chocolate and nonchocolate confectionery in 2010.
SWEETEST STATES
Top four states with companies making candy:
California: 170
Pennsylvania: 137 (Hello Nestle's)
New York: 111
Illinois: 85
THIS HALLOWEEN: Americans were expected to spend $2.4 billion on candy.
GROWTH: During the last decade, the candy industry has seen a 1% to 3 % growth every year.
LUXURY? "Candy is a luxury, but it is a very affordable luxury" according to the National Confectioners Association. "Particularly when economic times are tough."
GETTING FANCY: Tootsie Roll is offering a caramel apple lollipop.One of Walgreen Co.'s big-sellers this year is Mars' white chocolate candy corn M&Ms.
How Many of You Are Like Me and Eat Candy Corn In Stages By Color? --Cooter
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Cape Coral, Florida: Second Largest in Florida
Well, that would be second-largest by total area, 120 square miles In 2009, the population was 162,852.
It was founded in 1957 just across the unspellable river from Fort Myers on Florida's west coast by real estate developers Leonard and Jack Rosen. A heavy emphasis was placed on navigable waterways of which there are over 400 miles, giving the city more miles of canals than any on earth.
The city was incorporated in 1970 and experience a huge construction boom from the 1990s until the economic crash in 2008 which has resulted in a lot of foreclosed homes and great deals if you can get the banks to move on them.
Cooter
It was founded in 1957 just across the unspellable river from Fort Myers on Florida's west coast by real estate developers Leonard and Jack Rosen. A heavy emphasis was placed on navigable waterways of which there are over 400 miles, giving the city more miles of canals than any on earth.
The city was incorporated in 1970 and experience a huge construction boom from the 1990s until the economic crash in 2008 which has resulted in a lot of foreclosed homes and great deals if you can get the banks to move on them.
Cooter
The Shenandoah Travel Plaza in Ohio
Located along I-70, US-40 (National Road) east of Cambridge, Ohio, noted for unique architecture. It was closed and plans were to tear it down after it was auctioned off in 2007. It was built in the early 1970s and closed in 2003.
It has an interesting sign across the front and its front is modeled after the cabin of the USS Shenandoah, a US Navy rigid airship that crashed in the area in 1925.
Consisted of a truck stop, restaurant, motel, conference center, convenience store as well as gas and diesel pumps.
Owned and operated by the Luburgh family.when it was constructed.
Open again as of 2012.
I'll be planning on a visit.
DaCoot
It has an interesting sign across the front and its front is modeled after the cabin of the USS Shenandoah, a US Navy rigid airship that crashed in the area in 1925.
Consisted of a truck stop, restaurant, motel, conference center, convenience store as well as gas and diesel pumps.
Owned and operated by the Luburgh family.when it was constructed.
Open again as of 2012.
I'll be planning on a visit.
DaCoot
America's Rigid Airships: The USS Shanandoah
From Wikipedia. I listed the six US airships on November 7th.
The Shenandoah was the first of four US Navy rigid airships built 1922-23 at the Lakeland Naval Air Station. The Shenandoah made the first North American crossing by an airship and crashed on its 57th flight.
It was big, at 680 feet long and weighed 36 tons and a range of 5,000 miles and crew of 25. The design was based on the German Zeppelin bomber L-49. Armament consisted of six .30 caliber Lewis machine guns and eight 500 pound bombs.
It was the first airship to use helium instead of hydrogen. The USS Patoka AO-9 fleet oiler was modified to become the Navy's first Airship Tender and had a strong mooring tower installed.
On September 3, 1925, the Shenandoah was caught in a storm and updrafted too high where it was torn apart and crashed to the ground, killing 14.
Today, there is a small private museum in Ava, Ohio. An elementary, junior high and high school near the crash site have athletic teams called the Zeps. A truck stop fifteen miles from the crash site at Old Washington Road )north of I-70 and US-40 was named the Shenandoah Plaza, but it is now closed and scheduled to be torn down.
I'll be going by this area on my upcoming trip on the National Road and may check it out.
I Always Like Watching Dirigibles Or Blimps Or Whatever You Call Them. --Cooter
The Shenandoah was the first of four US Navy rigid airships built 1922-23 at the Lakeland Naval Air Station. The Shenandoah made the first North American crossing by an airship and crashed on its 57th flight.
It was big, at 680 feet long and weighed 36 tons and a range of 5,000 miles and crew of 25. The design was based on the German Zeppelin bomber L-49. Armament consisted of six .30 caliber Lewis machine guns and eight 500 pound bombs.
It was the first airship to use helium instead of hydrogen. The USS Patoka AO-9 fleet oiler was modified to become the Navy's first Airship Tender and had a strong mooring tower installed.
On September 3, 1925, the Shenandoah was caught in a storm and updrafted too high where it was torn apart and crashed to the ground, killing 14.
Today, there is a small private museum in Ava, Ohio. An elementary, junior high and high school near the crash site have athletic teams called the Zeps. A truck stop fifteen miles from the crash site at Old Washington Road )north of I-70 and US-40 was named the Shenandoah Plaza, but it is now closed and scheduled to be torn down.
I'll be going by this area on my upcoming trip on the National Road and may check it out.
I Always Like Watching Dirigibles Or Blimps Or Whatever You Call Them. --Cooter
Monday, November 12, 2012
That Candy Thing-- Part 2
MORE CHOCOLATE, PLEASE
More than half the households handing out candy, give chocolate. We give each trick-or-treater a Fun-size candy bar and piece of gum or lollipop.
WHAT CHILDREN WANT
68% want chocolate
9% want lollipops
7% want gummy candy
7% want gum
MAKE MINE FULL-SIZE
26% of households say they will give out regular chocolate candy bars.
Of Course, Sometimes We Eat The Candy Before the gets Here and Have to Buy Some More. --Cooter
More than half the households handing out candy, give chocolate. We give each trick-or-treater a Fun-size candy bar and piece of gum or lollipop.
WHAT CHILDREN WANT
68% want chocolate
9% want lollipops
7% want gummy candy
7% want gum
MAKE MINE FULL-SIZE
26% of households say they will give out regular chocolate candy bars.
Of Course, Sometimes We Eat The Candy Before the gets Here and Have to Buy Some More. --Cooter
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thank You, Veterans
I just wanted to let you know, the risks you took and sacrifices made are appreciated.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
A Big Happy 237th to the Mighty Fine
Established by the Continental Congress on November 10th, 1775. That's 237 years of protecting the U.S..
Proud to be a Big Fan of the Corps and six-week member. Hey, the war ended and they didn't need me anymore.
Proud to be a Big Fan of the Corps and six-week member. Hey, the war ended and they didn't need me anymore.
That Candy Thing-- Part 1
From the Oct. 28, 2012, Chicago Tribune "Small treats, big business" by Katie Nieland, Tribune graphics.
As we finish off the unclaimed Trick-or-Treat candy and that which we bought the day after for half price, here are some interesting facts from the Tribune.
According to the National retail Federation, more people planned to celebrate Halloween this year than in the past 10. More than 7 of 10 Americans. This means big business for candy manufacturers, as Halloween represents more than a third of all holiday spending. Projections for candy-spending were are more than $2.4 billion.
PERCENTAGE OF SEASONAL CONFECTIONERY SALES
Halloween 33.6% $2.38 billion
Easter 30.5% $2.16 billion
Christmas 21.6% $1.53 billion
Valentine's Day 14.3% $1.01 billion
AND WHAT PEOPLE HAND OUT
Though more consumers plan to buy candy, fewer plan to hand it out to Trick-or-Treaters, meaning they're hoarding it for themselves.
Planning to buy candy: 96%
Planning to hand out candy: 75.7%
Of those who said the economy would affect their Halloween plans, 36.1% said they'd buy less candy.
Personally, I buy according to how many kids I think we'll get, usually 60 in our subdivision.
More Treats to Come. --Cooter
As we finish off the unclaimed Trick-or-Treat candy and that which we bought the day after for half price, here are some interesting facts from the Tribune.
According to the National retail Federation, more people planned to celebrate Halloween this year than in the past 10. More than 7 of 10 Americans. This means big business for candy manufacturers, as Halloween represents more than a third of all holiday spending. Projections for candy-spending were are more than $2.4 billion.
PERCENTAGE OF SEASONAL CONFECTIONERY SALES
Halloween 33.6% $2.38 billion
Easter 30.5% $2.16 billion
Christmas 21.6% $1.53 billion
Valentine's Day 14.3% $1.01 billion
AND WHAT PEOPLE HAND OUT
Though more consumers plan to buy candy, fewer plan to hand it out to Trick-or-Treaters, meaning they're hoarding it for themselves.
Planning to buy candy: 96%
Planning to hand out candy: 75.7%
Of those who said the economy would affect their Halloween plans, 36.1% said they'd buy less candy.
Personally, I buy according to how many kids I think we'll get, usually 60 in our subdivision.
More Treats to Come. --Cooter
Friday, November 9, 2012
So You Wanna Buy a Town?
From the April Time Magazine.
Those looking to buy a town in the United States, and I mean a whole town, have lost out on two of them. But, one still remains.
For a crisp $1.4 million, you can buy Henry River, North Carolina. Then appoint yourself mayor, police chief and tax collector, I suppose. The 72-acre abandoned mill town served as District 12 in the movie "The Hunger Games." Perhaps you can open it as a place for movie and book fans to visit.
You can roam the decrepit streets of the Hob, traverse the area forest, visit Peeta's iconic bakery, or even just charge fans to come see.
ALREADY SOLD
Buford, Wyoming. America's smallest town (pop. 1) now owned by anonymous Vietnamese investor and has a trading post, gas station, post office and its very own ZIP code: 82052. Sold for $900,000.
Scenic, South Dakota. This Badlands area beauty sold last fall to a Filipino church which hasn't announced what it plans to do with it. Once a popular stop for travelers to Rapid City, SD. Sold for $700,000.
Way Too Out of My Finances. --DaCoot
Those looking to buy a town in the United States, and I mean a whole town, have lost out on two of them. But, one still remains.
For a crisp $1.4 million, you can buy Henry River, North Carolina. Then appoint yourself mayor, police chief and tax collector, I suppose. The 72-acre abandoned mill town served as District 12 in the movie "The Hunger Games." Perhaps you can open it as a place for movie and book fans to visit.
You can roam the decrepit streets of the Hob, traverse the area forest, visit Peeta's iconic bakery, or even just charge fans to come see.
ALREADY SOLD
Buford, Wyoming. America's smallest town (pop. 1) now owned by anonymous Vietnamese investor and has a trading post, gas station, post office and its very own ZIP code: 82052. Sold for $900,000.
Scenic, South Dakota. This Badlands area beauty sold last fall to a Filipino church which hasn't announced what it plans to do with it. Once a popular stop for travelers to Rapid City, SD. Sold for $700,000.
Way Too Out of My Finances. --DaCoot
"The Princess Bride" Cast Reunites
I had never heard of it until 2005, when I was sharing my classroom for one period with another teacher. I just stayed in it while she taught her class. She showed the movie and I started watching it and got hooked. I think I enjoyed it even more than her kids. As a matter of fact, I just bought a DVD of it in one of those $5 Wal Mart bins.
Surprisingly, the kid Peter Falk was reading the story to, Fred Savage, of "The Wonder Years" fame was not there.
I always though the addled, speech-challenged clergyman who officiated the wedding ceremony was one of the members of Monty Python, but it was Peter Cook.
Some more great quotes:
Count Ruger, the six-fingered-- "Stop saying that!"
Fezzik, "You've been mostly dead all day."
Valerie to Miracle Max, "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife."
Yellun: "I have no gate key."
Inigo, "Fezzik, tear his arms off!"
Yellum, "Oh, you mean this gate key."
No Doubt, This Was One Funny Movie. --Cooter
Surprisingly, the kid Peter Falk was reading the story to, Fred Savage, of "The Wonder Years" fame was not there.
I always though the addled, speech-challenged clergyman who officiated the wedding ceremony was one of the members of Monty Python, but it was Peter Cook.
Some more great quotes:
Count Ruger, the six-fingered-- "Stop saying that!"
Fezzik, "You've been mostly dead all day."
Valerie to Miracle Max, "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife."
Yellun: "I have no gate key."
Inigo, "Fezzik, tear his arms off!"
Yellum, "Oh, you mean this gate key."
No Doubt, This Was One Funny Movie. --Cooter
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Not Inconceivable! "Princess Bride" Cast Reunites After 25 Years
From the Oct. 5, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Rebecca Keegan.
"Twenty-five years after 'The Princess Bride' first stormed theaters, director Rob Reiner, writer William Goldman and cast members Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane, Wallace Shawn and Chris Sarandon reunited for the New York Film Festival last week for a boisterous screening of the quotable fantasy-comedy timed to the release of the movie on Blu-Ray.
Writer Goldman admitted to wanting to write a sequel to it, but hasn't come up with one.
"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to Die."
Then, there was Billy Crystal ad-libbing many of his lines as Miracle Max.
Sadly, Fezzik, Andre the Giant, is now gone as is the kindly grandfather who read the story to his grandson,
"As You Wish."
Beware of the Swamp and the Dread Pirate Roberts. --Cooter
"Twenty-five years after 'The Princess Bride' first stormed theaters, director Rob Reiner, writer William Goldman and cast members Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane, Wallace Shawn and Chris Sarandon reunited for the New York Film Festival last week for a boisterous screening of the quotable fantasy-comedy timed to the release of the movie on Blu-Ray.
Writer Goldman admitted to wanting to write a sequel to it, but hasn't come up with one.
"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to Die."
Then, there was Billy Crystal ad-libbing many of his lines as Miracle Max.
Sadly, Fezzik, Andre the Giant, is now gone as is the kindly grandfather who read the story to his grandson,
"As You Wish."
Beware of the Swamp and the Dread Pirate Roberts. --Cooter
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November 6th Is a Big Day for Radio: Hello FM
As I sit here listening to WDRV-FM's "A to Z", this is the day after a big day for the medium called FM, because on November 6, 1935, Edwin H. Armstrong announced to the world his development of FM broadcasting, after large-scale field tests of the new technology at RCA's facilities on the 85th floor of the Empire State Building from May 1934 to October 1935. Eureka, it works!!
In 1937, Armstrong financed the construction of the first FM radio station W2XMN, a 40-kilowatt station in Alpine, New Jersey.
More often than not these days, I listen to FM stations and have liked them ever since I first became aware of them in the late 60s. These so-called underground stations played that great variety of music and with fewer commercials, way more than the AM stations I listened to, primarily WLS and WCFL in Chicago.
Then, of course, FM became segmented and formatted and more like the old A< stations.
Even so, here in Chicago I'm a major WDRV and WXRT fan. Plus, on the internet I listen to 94.9 WVCO the Surf in North Myrtle Beach (for my Beach Fix).
Also, on November 6th in 1947, Hank Williams recorded one of the all-time great country songs, "Honky Tonkin'."
Hey, When Do the Christmas Stations Start Up? --Cooter --
In 1937, Armstrong financed the construction of the first FM radio station W2XMN, a 40-kilowatt station in Alpine, New Jersey.
More often than not these days, I listen to FM stations and have liked them ever since I first became aware of them in the late 60s. These so-called underground stations played that great variety of music and with fewer commercials, way more than the AM stations I listened to, primarily WLS and WCFL in Chicago.
Then, of course, FM became segmented and formatted and more like the old A< stations.
Even so, here in Chicago I'm a major WDRV and WXRT fan. Plus, on the internet I listen to 94.9 WVCO the Surf in North Myrtle Beach (for my Beach Fix).
Also, on November 6th in 1947, Hank Williams recorded one of the all-time great country songs, "Honky Tonkin'."
Hey, When Do the Christmas Stations Start Up? --Cooter --
United States Rigid Airships
ZMC-2: A metal-clad airship operating between 1929-1941 and scrapped
ZR-1 USS Shenandoah: 1923-1925. Crashed in a storm
ZR-2 (R-38): 1921, crashed
ZR-3 USS Los Angeles: 1924-1939; decommissioned and dismantled.
ZR-4 USS Akron: Aircraft carrier 1931-1933. Lost in storm
ZR-5 USS Macon: Aircraft carrier 1933-1935. Lost in bad weather.
It Was Worth An Effort. --Cooter
ZR-1 USS Shenandoah: 1923-1925. Crashed in a storm
ZR-2 (R-38): 1921, crashed
ZR-3 USS Los Angeles: 1924-1939; decommissioned and dismantled.
ZR-4 USS Akron: Aircraft carrier 1931-1933. Lost in storm
ZR-5 USS Macon: Aircraft carrier 1933-1935. Lost in bad weather.
It Was Worth An Effort. --Cooter
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Some More Campaign Slogans
From the Nov. 4, 2012, Parade Magazine.
According to Steve Cone, author of "Powerlines" the candidate with the best slogan usually wins. This year it is "Forward" versus "Believe in America" two namby-pamby ones if you ask me. While we wait to see which one wins, here's a look back at some from past elections.
Remember "All the Way With LBJ" or "I Like Ike?" Winner first, loser second
1844 ELECTION
James K. Polk "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight" //// Henry Clay "Who Is James K. Polk?"
1884 ELECTION
Grover Cleveland "Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, the Continental Liar from the State of Maine" (Hey, that rhymes) //// James G. Blaine "Ma,Ma, Where's My Pa?"
1936 ELECTION
Frankin D. Roosevelt "Remember Hoover" //// Alfred Landon "Let's Make It a Landon-Slide"
1960 ELECTION
John F. Kennedy "A Time for Greatness" //// Richard Nixon "Experience Counts"
1980 ELECTION
Ronald Reagan "Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago //// Jimmy Carter "It's a Matter of Values"
What Change? --RoadDog
According to Steve Cone, author of "Powerlines" the candidate with the best slogan usually wins. This year it is "Forward" versus "Believe in America" two namby-pamby ones if you ask me. While we wait to see which one wins, here's a look back at some from past elections.
Remember "All the Way With LBJ" or "I Like Ike?" Winner first, loser second
1844 ELECTION
James K. Polk "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight" //// Henry Clay "Who Is James K. Polk?"
1884 ELECTION
Grover Cleveland "Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, the Continental Liar from the State of Maine" (Hey, that rhymes) //// James G. Blaine "Ma,Ma, Where's My Pa?"
1936 ELECTION
Frankin D. Roosevelt "Remember Hoover" //// Alfred Landon "Let's Make It a Landon-Slide"
1960 ELECTION
John F. Kennedy "A Time for Greatness" //// Richard Nixon "Experience Counts"
1980 ELECTION
Ronald Reagan "Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago //// Jimmy Carter "It's a Matter of Values"
What Change? --RoadDog
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Campaign Slogans-- Part 2: Vote For the Lizard, Not the Wizard!!
6. When ethnically challenged EDWIN EDWARDS ran against former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard DAVID DUKE for Louisiana governor in 1991, the bumper stickers included "Vote for the crook--it's important" and "Vote for the lizard, not the wizard." The Lizard won.
7. The second spot on a ticket rarely gets much respect, but GROVER CLEVELAND's running mate, former Indiana governor Thomas Hendricks, might have been offended when 'We'll shout for our man and his important appendix! We'll whoop'er up lively for Cleveland and Hendricks."
8. Some slogans seem doomed from the start. In 1952, ADLAI STEVENSON, facing Dwight Eisenhower, had "You Never Had It So Good." In 1968, HUBERT HUMPHREY asked "Who but Hubert."
9. It's a good thing that slogans have an expiration date, like WOODROW WILSON's "He kept us out of war" which was only good until we went to World War I on April 6, 1917.
10. BARACK OBAMA was the "hope and change " candidate in 2008, but in 1900, President WILLIAM McKINLEY won re-election with the opposite slogan "Let well enough alone."
Another Great Job, Jacob and Benzkofer. --Cooter
7. The second spot on a ticket rarely gets much respect, but GROVER CLEVELAND's running mate, former Indiana governor Thomas Hendricks, might have been offended when 'We'll shout for our man and his important appendix! We'll whoop'er up lively for Cleveland and Hendricks."
8. Some slogans seem doomed from the start. In 1952, ADLAI STEVENSON, facing Dwight Eisenhower, had "You Never Had It So Good." In 1968, HUBERT HUMPHREY asked "Who but Hubert."
9. It's a good thing that slogans have an expiration date, like WOODROW WILSON's "He kept us out of war" which was only good until we went to World War I on April 6, 1917.
10. BARACK OBAMA was the "hope and change " candidate in 2008, but in 1900, President WILLIAM McKINLEY won re-election with the opposite slogan "Let well enough alone."
Another Great Job, Jacob and Benzkofer. --Cooter
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Campaign Slogans-- Part 1: We Polked You in 1844
From the October 28, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Mark Jacob and Stephan Benzkofer, researchers par excellent.
Currently, you see lots of Mitt Romney's "Believe in America and Barack Obama's "Forward" for some reason, hopefully not after tomorrow.
But here are some more campaign slogans.
1. Democrats hoping to get FRANKLIN PIERCE elected in 1852 reminded voters of James Polk, eight years earlier: "We Polked you in 1844; we'll Pierce you in 1852." Wonder if there was any double meaning there?
2. "Sunflowers die in November" doesn't seem to be too catching of a slogan, but FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT used it in 1936, referring to opponent Alf Landon home state of Kansas and use of the state flower on campaign buttons. They did.
3. In 1997, Liberian rebel CHARLES TAYLOR intimidated, suggesting a civil war would start again if he was not elected president: "He killed my ma, he killed my pa, but I will vote for him." He won, but later was arrested and convicted of war crimes.
4. The 1884 U.S. election was nasty. New York Gov. GROVER CLEVELAND was considered to be an honest man, but it came out that he had had an affair years earlier and that he was financially supporting the woman and his son by her. Republicans enjoyed shouting, "Ma! Ma! Where's My Pa?" Cleveland won anyway and Democrats shouted, "Gone to the White House. Ha! Ha! Ha!"
5. In Illinois, Gov. RICHARD OGILVIE used "Charisma isn't everything" but voters still elected Dan Walker in 1972. Dawn Clark Netsch used "More Than Just a Pretty Face" but lost to incumbent Jim Edgar in 1994.
Five More to Come. --DaCoot
Currently, you see lots of Mitt Romney's "Believe in America and Barack Obama's "Forward" for some reason, hopefully not after tomorrow.
But here are some more campaign slogans.
1. Democrats hoping to get FRANKLIN PIERCE elected in 1852 reminded voters of James Polk, eight years earlier: "We Polked you in 1844; we'll Pierce you in 1852." Wonder if there was any double meaning there?
2. "Sunflowers die in November" doesn't seem to be too catching of a slogan, but FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT used it in 1936, referring to opponent Alf Landon home state of Kansas and use of the state flower on campaign buttons. They did.
3. In 1997, Liberian rebel CHARLES TAYLOR intimidated, suggesting a civil war would start again if he was not elected president: "He killed my ma, he killed my pa, but I will vote for him." He won, but later was arrested and convicted of war crimes.
4. The 1884 U.S. election was nasty. New York Gov. GROVER CLEVELAND was considered to be an honest man, but it came out that he had had an affair years earlier and that he was financially supporting the woman and his son by her. Republicans enjoyed shouting, "Ma! Ma! Where's My Pa?" Cleveland won anyway and Democrats shouted, "Gone to the White House. Ha! Ha! Ha!"
5. In Illinois, Gov. RICHARD OGILVIE used "Charisma isn't everything" but voters still elected Dan Walker in 1972. Dawn Clark Netsch used "More Than Just a Pretty Face" but lost to incumbent Jim Edgar in 1994.
Five More to Come. --DaCoot
Election Connection?-- Part 3: A Non-Scientific Way to Figure Out Who Is Going to Win
THE MASKS
The Theory: The party with the better-selling Halloween masks of nominees on www.buycostumes.com will win the election.
ACCURACY: Accurately predicted the outcome of each presidential election since 2000.
This Year: Biden and Obama masks have been chosen by 52% of the people.
Resulting Prediction: Obama
THE LAKERS LAW
The Theory: If the Los Angeles Lakers reach the NBA Finals in an election year, the Republican candidate will win.
Accuracy: The Republican has won eight of nine such occasions-- in 1952 (as the Minneapolis Lakers), 1968, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2004. The lone exception, 2008 and Obama's win over McCain.
This Year: The Lakers did not reach the Finals.
Resulting Prediction: Doesn't apply.
So, according to these connections, Romney wins 3 to 2.
Wonderin' What the Chicago Bear Factor Is? --Cooter
The Theory: The party with the better-selling Halloween masks of nominees on www.buycostumes.com will win the election.
ACCURACY: Accurately predicted the outcome of each presidential election since 2000.
This Year: Biden and Obama masks have been chosen by 52% of the people.
Resulting Prediction: Obama
THE LAKERS LAW
The Theory: If the Los Angeles Lakers reach the NBA Finals in an election year, the Republican candidate will win.
Accuracy: The Republican has won eight of nine such occasions-- in 1952 (as the Minneapolis Lakers), 1968, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2004. The lone exception, 2008 and Obama's win over McCain.
This Year: The Lakers did not reach the Finals.
Resulting Prediction: Doesn't apply.
So, according to these connections, Romney wins 3 to 2.
Wonderin' What the Chicago Bear Factor Is? --Cooter
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Election Connection?-- Part 2
THE WORLD SERIES FACTOR
The Theory: If the American League team wins, Republicans win. If the National League team wins, the Democrats do as well.
Accuracy: Rule has held true in 11 of 15 elections since 1952, but in only 15 of 26 overall.
This Year: The National League's San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers in four games.
Resulting Prediction: Obama
THE 7-ELECTION
The Theory: The coffee cup color selected by more customers at 7-Elevens will predict the winner. More blue cups taken, the Democrat wins.. More red= the Republicans
Accuracy: Cup selection has accurately predicted the winner since the promotion was introduced in 2000 according to the convenience store chain.
This Year: Customers have grabbed the blue cup 59% of the time and red cups 41%. (Republicans probably drink coffee at Starbucks. Democrats can't afford to drink there.)
Resulting Prediction: Obama
Masks and the Lakers Law on Monday. --DaCoot
The Theory: If the American League team wins, Republicans win. If the National League team wins, the Democrats do as well.
Accuracy: Rule has held true in 11 of 15 elections since 1952, but in only 15 of 26 overall.
This Year: The National League's San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers in four games.
Resulting Prediction: Obama
THE 7-ELECTION
The Theory: The coffee cup color selected by more customers at 7-Elevens will predict the winner. More blue cups taken, the Democrat wins.. More red= the Republicans
Accuracy: Cup selection has accurately predicted the winner since the promotion was introduced in 2000 according to the convenience store chain.
This Year: Customers have grabbed the blue cup 59% of the time and red cups 41%. (Republicans probably drink coffee at Starbucks. Democrats can't afford to drink there.)
Resulting Prediction: Obama
Masks and the Lakers Law on Monday. --DaCoot
Election Connection?-- Part 1
From the Oct. 21, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Rob Manker.
"Between now and Nov. 6, no shortage of polls and pundits will attempt to predict the big winner on Election Day....Some indicators will claim to be scientific, others will not. These fall into the latter category."
THE HEIGHT FACTOR
The Theory: the taller of the two presidential candidates will win the election.
Accuracy: The taller one has won 19 times and lost 8 dating to 1896. Two listed candidates of the same height--Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush in 1992 and Woodrow Wilson and Charles E. Hughes in 1916.
This Year: Obama 6'1", Romney reportedly 6'2" (something else he won't release?)
Resulting Prediction: Romney
THE REDSKINS RULE
The Theory:If the Washington Redskins win their last home game before the election, the incumbent will win. If not, the incumbent loses.
Accuracy: True in 17 of 18 cases
This Year: The Redskins play the Carolina Panthers tomorrow.
Resulting Prediction: TBD Updated 11-5. The Redskins lost, so expect the non-incumbent party, that'd be the Republicans to win. That'd be Romney.
What If the Game Ends in a Tie? --Cooter
"Between now and Nov. 6, no shortage of polls and pundits will attempt to predict the big winner on Election Day....Some indicators will claim to be scientific, others will not. These fall into the latter category."
THE HEIGHT FACTOR
The Theory: the taller of the two presidential candidates will win the election.
Accuracy: The taller one has won 19 times and lost 8 dating to 1896. Two listed candidates of the same height--Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush in 1992 and Woodrow Wilson and Charles E. Hughes in 1916.
This Year: Obama 6'1", Romney reportedly 6'2" (something else he won't release?)
Resulting Prediction: Romney
THE REDSKINS RULE
The Theory:If the Washington Redskins win their last home game before the election, the incumbent will win. If not, the incumbent loses.
Accuracy: True in 17 of 18 cases
This Year: The Redskins play the Carolina Panthers tomorrow.
Resulting Prediction: TBD Updated 11-5. The Redskins lost, so expect the non-incumbent party, that'd be the Republicans to win. That'd be Romney.
What If the Game Ends in a Tie? --Cooter
Friday, November 2, 2012
Some Anniversaries: Oreos and Video Games
The OREO COOKIE as we know it, was invented in New York City on March 6, 1912, and celebrating its 100th munch or dip-day, depending on your leaning. More than 95 million of them are sold each day. I don't dip them in milk, wash them down with milk, or split them open and eat the frosting first. I just munch them and smile.
The VIDEO GAME is most likely 40 years old this fall. It first appeared in bowling alleys and bars in 1972, and then, remember this, the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home-gaming system arrived the same time.
This was as far as ever got in home-gaming as we did buy one in '73 or '74. I thought, wow, is this neat. How do they do that? But, compared to today's home video games, it wasn't much, but you have to start somewhere. Wish we hadn't given the Odyssey console away. It might be worth something today.
As far as video games in bars and places, I didn't make it much past Pac-Man. Asteroids were a particular favorite of mine.
Blip...Blip...Blip. --Cooter
The VIDEO GAME is most likely 40 years old this fall. It first appeared in bowling alleys and bars in 1972, and then, remember this, the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home-gaming system arrived the same time.
This was as far as ever got in home-gaming as we did buy one in '73 or '74. I thought, wow, is this neat. How do they do that? But, compared to today's home video games, it wasn't much, but you have to start somewhere. Wish we hadn't given the Odyssey console away. It might be worth something today.
As far as video games in bars and places, I didn't make it much past Pac-Man. Asteroids were a particular favorite of mine.
Blip...Blip...Blip. --Cooter
A Look Back at a 90s Chicago Restaurant: D.B. Kaplan's-- Part 2
Too bad the place closed in 1995 as I would definitely like to go there, if just to read the menu.
I was unable to find a full list of their sandwiches other than and IKE AND TINA TUNA.
SOME GREAT COCKTAILS
The Princess Di-et
Cape Crusader
The Trial Separation
Schnapp Out of It
Cointreau-Band
John's Candy (John Candy)
Oral Hersheyheiser (Dodger pitcher)
Hickory Daiquiri Doc
Then you had BEER DOWN CHICAGO BEARS.
And a BRANDY HUNTLY (Cubs player or newscaster?), DARRYL STRAWBERRIES (baseball player), TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD, PARADISE FROST.
Someone must have had a lot of time to come up with these.
Sounded Like a Great Place. --DaCoot
I was unable to find a full list of their sandwiches other than and IKE AND TINA TUNA.
SOME GREAT COCKTAILS
The Princess Di-et
Cape Crusader
The Trial Separation
Schnapp Out of It
Cointreau-Band
John's Candy (John Candy)
Oral Hersheyheiser (Dodger pitcher)
Hickory Daiquiri Doc
Then you had BEER DOWN CHICAGO BEARS.
And a BRANDY HUNTLY (Cubs player or newscaster?), DARRYL STRAWBERRIES (baseball player), TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD, PARADISE FROST.
Someone must have had a lot of time to come up with these.
Sounded Like a Great Place. --DaCoot
A Look Back at a 90s Chicago Restaurant: D.B. Kaplan's-- Part 1
From the October 25, 2012, Chicago Tribune "Deconstructed the (departed) menu" by Phil Vettel, Tribune restaurant critic.
D.B. Kaplan's opened in 1976 in Chicago's Water Tower Place and closed in 1995. They offered 100 sandwiches with "groan-worthy, punny names." and quite a colorful menu and caricatures that would have been popular back then.
There were caricatures of Batman and Jack Nicholson's Joker character who was eating a ham. Then, Harry Caray was standing there with a beer in one hand and sandwich in the other, and for some reason, a halo around his head ("Holy Cow!"). Then Robert "Murphy in the Morning" Murphy, a popular local radio personality stood there in a straight jacket.
A snarling Mike Ditka, Chuck Berry playing a celery-stalk guitar and duck walking, Michael Jordan slam-dunking a ham and other caricatures of Elvis, Tina Turner and Ernie Banks.
"Never before has a delicatessen risen to such great heights (7th floor Water Tower Place). Nowhere on earth will you find a sandwich more mountainous than at...D.B. Kaplan's Delicatessen."
Some of the sandwiches (and I sure would have liked to have seen the whole list):
The MIKE ROYKO (Vienna Pepperbeef)
The HUGH HEFFNER (topless club sandwich)
The BOB SIROTT (salami and bologna on rye)-- Chicago radio and TV
The DR. RUTH (sausage platter)
Even Some More to Come. --Cooter
D.B. Kaplan's opened in 1976 in Chicago's Water Tower Place and closed in 1995. They offered 100 sandwiches with "groan-worthy, punny names." and quite a colorful menu and caricatures that would have been popular back then.
There were caricatures of Batman and Jack Nicholson's Joker character who was eating a ham. Then, Harry Caray was standing there with a beer in one hand and sandwich in the other, and for some reason, a halo around his head ("Holy Cow!"). Then Robert "Murphy in the Morning" Murphy, a popular local radio personality stood there in a straight jacket.
A snarling Mike Ditka, Chuck Berry playing a celery-stalk guitar and duck walking, Michael Jordan slam-dunking a ham and other caricatures of Elvis, Tina Turner and Ernie Banks.
"Never before has a delicatessen risen to such great heights (7th floor Water Tower Place). Nowhere on earth will you find a sandwich more mountainous than at...D.B. Kaplan's Delicatessen."
Some of the sandwiches (and I sure would have liked to have seen the whole list):
The MIKE ROYKO (Vienna Pepperbeef)
The HUGH HEFFNER (topless club sandwich)
The BOB SIROTT (salami and bologna on rye)-- Chicago radio and TV
The DR. RUTH (sausage platter)
Even Some More to Come. --Cooter
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