AUGUST 2014
Saturday, May 26, 2012
I GUESS YOU COULD SAY THIS IS A DATE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
It was on May 26, 1908 that the first oil strike was made in the Middle East. It was in the country of Persia. Of course, the name has been changed to Iran since then.
NO PLASTIC AND YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR PAPER
Did you read that Los Angeles has outlawed plastic grocery bags and you'll have to pay ten cents for every paper bag you use. Jimmy Kimmel said, "How can the most plastic city in America turn its back on plastic bags?"
I started bringing my own cloth bags a couple of years ago and like them a lot better. Of course, I now have to buy the small plastic bags for the small trash cans around the apartment.
The one thing I'll never figure out is how is it possible that I always have more garbage to take out than there were groceries I brought in? I can fill a garbage bag faster than a speeding bullet.
IT WAS A GULLY WASHER
It poured down, for a bit, this afternoon. It came hard and quick enough to cause flooding at the corner of Mormon Coulee Road and Losey Blvd. I'm sure there was flooding on other streets too but I haven't heard about it yet.
HOW ABOUT SOME TRASH TALK?
Here's an interesting article from CONSUMER REPORTS. The best and worst of the TRASH BAGS. Why am I not surprised that the worst comes from WAL-MART?
READ THE ARTICLE HERE
READ THE ARTICLE HERE
AIN'T THIS THE TRUTH
THE SECRET SERVICE
They can no longer get drunk, procure hookers or go to strip bars.
The rules say that from now on, if agents feel compelled to engage
in such behavior, they can run for public office like everyone else.
NOT FOR ME
Donnie and Linda have too many creepy, crawly things for me. The latest is this "walking stick" Donnie discovered.
If I wanted to live with all those bugs, I'd go back to the Amazon.
GLOOMY MORNING
It's not the best weather for a holiday weekend unless you want to spend it reading a book or sleeping.
Our weatherman says, "Thunderstorms are possible through tonight. The best chances are south of I 90 this morning and along and north of I 94 tonight. Gusty winds, heavy rain and lightening will be the main hazards."
"CAN I PARK YOUR BIKE, SIR?"
On June 4th, the city will be holding a public meeting on new plans for bicycle and pedestrian lanes in the city. The meeting will be held at the Radisson and VALET PARKING FOR BICYCLES! How spiffy is that? First time I've heard of valet bicycle parking. READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Friday, May 25, 2012
AVERAGE GAS PRICE BY STATE THIS WEEKEND
IOWA 3.44
MINNESOTA 3.59
SO. DAKOTA 3.60
WISCONSIN 3.70
ILLINOIS 3.89
MINNESOTA 3.59
SO. DAKOTA 3.60
WISCONSIN 3.70
ILLINOIS 3.89
TRAFFIC JAM
An article on YAHOO!, this morning, lists the worst cities in America for traffic.
1 Honolulu
2 Los Angeles
3 San Francisco
4 New York
When you get down to #8 we find AUSTIN, TEXAS.
DONNIE'S COMMENT: "That's a fact. I've spent more time stuck in Austin traffic than I ever did in Los Angeles. And here, it's plain stubbornness on the part of officials who insist Austin is still just a "friendly small town".
1 Honolulu
2 Los Angeles
3 San Francisco
4 New York
When you get down to #8 we find AUSTIN, TEXAS.
DONNIE'S COMMENT: "That's a fact. I've spent more time stuck in Austin traffic than I ever did in Los Angeles. And here, it's plain stubbornness on the part of officials who insist Austin is still just a "friendly small town".
THE TEXAS ANSWER TO OUR MAY FLIES
DONNIE REPORTS
"This year we are experiencing a plague of katydids. They are large grasshoppers, often brightly colored and extremely noisy. A rachety mating call.
There are scores of them on the outside walls and windows. They don't live long, but then their crispy corpses litter our porch and yard."
THE HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE
Pacific hurricane "Bud" is set to hit the Mexican coast around Puerto Vallarta. If I was rich and had a winter home, PVR is where it would be.
I THOUGHT IT~MARK TWAIN SAID IT
"It could probably be shown, by facts and figures, that there is no distinctly native criminal class except congress."
HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND
The long Memorial Day weekend is upon us. If you're going to be traveling...be careful!
The Memorial Day parade begins at 9 A.M. Monday in La Crosse and at 9:30 in Onalaska.
MORE STORMS AHEAD
After a windy, stormy day, yesterday, today's weather should be beautiful with sunshine and a high near 73. Unfortunately, storms come back into the picture tonight through Monday. There's a pretty good chance for more thunderstorms and, possibly, severe weather during the Memorial Day weekend.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
HERE'S A BIG SURPRISE TO ME!
A story in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE says fruit juice is no better for you than a can of Coke. Read the article and you'll see what some pretty qualified doctors have to say about it.
I liked the comment from one of the doctors who said you can't drink an apple, you have to eat it.
How much did you say you paid for your juicer??
I liked the comment from one of the doctors who said you can't drink an apple, you have to eat it.
How much did you say you paid for your juicer??
THE TRAVEL QUOTE OF THE DAY IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES IS A GOOD ONE.
"When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable."
-Clifton Fadiman-
-Clifton Fadiman-
ART FOR ART'S SAKE
OK. Now, here's the thing. I love modern art. That said, LOOK AT THIS ARTICLE
I, actually, like the painting. I like it a lot. But, would I pay $86 million to hang it on my wall? Even if I had $86 million?
NO!!!
I really think I could paint the same thing for, about, $35.00 in art supplies (or less).
If there's somebody, out there, who has $86 million, give it to me and I'll paint your whole wall to look like that.
DONNIE SAID My favorite Bolivian textile, looks just like a Rothko painting. I paid a lot for it, though something less than $86 million.
I, actually, like the painting. I like it a lot. But, would I pay $86 million to hang it on my wall? Even if I had $86 million?
NO!!!
I really think I could paint the same thing for, about, $35.00 in art supplies (or less).
If there's somebody, out there, who has $86 million, give it to me and I'll paint your whole wall to look like that.
DONNIE SAID My favorite Bolivian textile, looks just like a Rothko painting. I paid a lot for it, though something less than $86 million.
LOOK IT UP!
Have you ever used the "search this blog" feature on the right side-bar? Type your name in the box and see how many times you've been mentioned. See a picture again or look up another subject. It's all still available and you might see something you missed before.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
The new richest woman in the world makes the likes of Oprah look like poor folk.
Australian Gina Rinehart has made her money in iron-ore mining and, following the recovery of iron-ore prices, she now has around $28.4 billion (US dollars). She has increased her wealth by $18.87 billion in one year.
That just goes to show you. No matter how rich you think you are, there's always somebody a hell of a lot richer.....unless you're Gina Rinehart, of course.
Rinehart...Rinehart....where have I heard that name before?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
THE MIND IS A WONDERFUL THING....WHEN IT WORKS
MICHIGAN CALLING
Rita, Roger, Carl and Kathy called to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. From the way it sounded, I think they were having a few beers. Actually, I think they were having many beers. They're having a fun time, that's for sure.
GREAT BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Had a super birthday lunch with Janie at Houghton's today. As usual, food was good and the service was excellent.
THE BEST HEADLINE I SAW ALL DAY
IOWA MAN WITH
ZEBRA AND PARROT
IN TRUCK GETS DUI
(Yes, folks. It's a real headline.)
WE REALLY ARE PIGS
The size of your hamburger has tripled since the 1950's and that's not all. Read all about it here in THE ATLANTIC
ANOTHER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
The years are piling up for Bert too. She said, "60. I'm falling over the hill today."
I BOUGHT MYSELF A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
I bought a new pair of shoes yesterday. Believe me, "these shoes are made for walkin'". Big cushy soles that make it feel like I'm walking on a cloud. I think they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. It's so rare that I do something right, I get all excited when I do.
LINDA SAID: coooooool shoes, Dougie!!
LINDA SAID: coooooool shoes, Dougie!!
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Uncle Bob called, this morning, and I got a card from Aunt Wilda. She wrote, "I got home Saturday. Had a great time at Bob and Lynne's. Grandchildren there and it made my day..95 years. My mantel is full of cards. I was well remembered.
Bob and Lynne have a beautiful place and the "fox family" came visiting most every day.
Donnie and Linda have so many different creatures around their home. Makes life interesting!"
Bob and Lynne have a beautiful place and the "fox family" came visiting most every day.
Donnie and Linda have so many different creatures around their home. Makes life interesting!"
WE GET AROUND
In the past 24 hours, we've had readers from the USA, Russia, Sweden, Argentina, Brazil, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia and the Netherlands.
I'LL HAVE TO KEEP WALKIN'
LIFE IS LIKE RIDING
A BICYCLE.
TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE
YOU MUST KEEP MOVING.
~Albert Einstein~
CELEBRATE!
HOLIDAY WEATHER FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
For those planning for the Memorial Day weekend, here are the latest expectations:
Thursday: The potential exists for severe weather in the afternoon and evening, as a cold front moves across the Upper Mississippi River Valley, bringing showers and thunderstorms with it. Warm day with highs likely in the 80s.
Friday: A few showers and thunderstorms are still possible from northeast Iowa into Wisconsin, associated with the cold front. Temperatures should cool down with highs in the 70s.
Friday night through Sunday: Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected as a warm front over Iowa lifts north. The potential exists for one or more periods of severe weather during this time frame. Also, south of this front, temperatures could climb well into the 80s and possibly 90s.
Memorial Day: Much uncertainty exists, but it appears more showers and thunderstorms are possible as a cold front moves into the region. Temperatures in the 70s.
Thursday: The potential exists for severe weather in the afternoon and evening, as a cold front moves across the Upper Mississippi River Valley, bringing showers and thunderstorms with it. Warm day with highs likely in the 80s.
Friday: A few showers and thunderstorms are still possible from northeast Iowa into Wisconsin, associated with the cold front. Temperatures should cool down with highs in the 70s.
Friday night through Sunday: Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected as a warm front over Iowa lifts north. The potential exists for one or more periods of severe weather during this time frame. Also, south of this front, temperatures could climb well into the 80s and possibly 90s.
Memorial Day: Much uncertainty exists, but it appears more showers and thunderstorms are possible as a cold front moves into the region. Temperatures in the 70s.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
ANNIVERSARY
It was 21 years ago today that I started working at the PRESIDENTS CLUB at INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT IN HOUSTON. That was the start of some fun filled and exciting days in my life.
A LETTER FROM MOTHER
When I say Donnie saves everything, I mean EVERYTHING. This is a letter Mother wrote in 194? from Armour, South Dakota
Dear Mother, Dad and Edna,
Thanks so much for sending Bob's address. I was downtown and I sent his gift out before I came home. I bought everything from a toothbrush to foot power..just little things. $5.00 worth. The lady at the Drug store fixed it all up for me. She told me what others had sent. I sent cigarettes too.
There are so few things worth while to send but they say the boys appreciate the little necessities more than anything else. Well, this is our first real taste of this terrible war. Can imagine how you feel Mom and Dad. I've been sick, inside, all day long. Will have to write to him often and pray God to keep him safe. The fathers here have been told that it won't be long for them. Don't know how Friend stands for a deferment. He is going to see the board to see just how things are. Of course, he won't ask for a deferment. I guess everybody is going to feel this war somehow. Edna, if Ed has gone across be sure to send his address.
Saturday
Webb has enlisted in the Navy and leaves Monday for his physical.
Friend went down to see the draft board today and they told him to wait until he was reclassified. They thought that would be this week and then he has 30 days to do something else. So maybe we'll be home farming before too long.
Tomorrow I'm having the Bymers for dinner. Betty is coming home tonight.
Sure wish you were here now, Edna. We're having such beautiful weather. If we're still here you'll have to come out here. If the Bymers leave we will be lost.
Hope Carl gets over his vaccination all right. I think he will. It didn't seem to bother Doug much and he was older. They say the younger they are the better they take them.
Hope Carl and Lib can go home for Christmas. We'll probably be there too. We have about 16 days vacation.
Am all through cleaning exept to paper the kitchen. Don't know if I'll do that or not if we leave here. Seems kind of foolish. It's sure hard to know what to do. I'm not going to say anything to influence Friend one way or the other. He'll have to do what he wants to. The draft board advises that all the fathers, here, either go farming or defense work. Friend would never do defense work. He'll go to the Army first. So, if you hear we're on our way, don't be surprised.
Tonight we have club. Tomorrow morning is communion. So we have a busy weekend. Well, must get dinner. You can certainly tell I feel kind of down.
Hello to everyone
Write soon.
Love to all
Gretchen & family
Dear Mother, Dad and Edna,
Thanks so much for sending Bob's address. I was downtown and I sent his gift out before I came home. I bought everything from a toothbrush to foot power..just little things. $5.00 worth. The lady at the Drug store fixed it all up for me. She told me what others had sent. I sent cigarettes too.
There are so few things worth while to send but they say the boys appreciate the little necessities more than anything else. Well, this is our first real taste of this terrible war. Can imagine how you feel Mom and Dad. I've been sick, inside, all day long. Will have to write to him often and pray God to keep him safe. The fathers here have been told that it won't be long for them. Don't know how Friend stands for a deferment. He is going to see the board to see just how things are. Of course, he won't ask for a deferment. I guess everybody is going to feel this war somehow. Edna, if Ed has gone across be sure to send his address.
Saturday
Webb has enlisted in the Navy and leaves Monday for his physical.
Friend went down to see the draft board today and they told him to wait until he was reclassified. They thought that would be this week and then he has 30 days to do something else. So maybe we'll be home farming before too long.
Tomorrow I'm having the Bymers for dinner. Betty is coming home tonight.
Sure wish you were here now, Edna. We're having such beautiful weather. If we're still here you'll have to come out here. If the Bymers leave we will be lost.
Hope Carl gets over his vaccination all right. I think he will. It didn't seem to bother Doug much and he was older. They say the younger they are the better they take them.
Hope Carl and Lib can go home for Christmas. We'll probably be there too. We have about 16 days vacation.
Am all through cleaning exept to paper the kitchen. Don't know if I'll do that or not if we leave here. Seems kind of foolish. It's sure hard to know what to do. I'm not going to say anything to influence Friend one way or the other. He'll have to do what he wants to. The draft board advises that all the fathers, here, either go farming or defense work. Friend would never do defense work. He'll go to the Army first. So, if you hear we're on our way, don't be surprised.
Tonight we have club. Tomorrow morning is communion. So we have a busy weekend. Well, must get dinner. You can certainly tell I feel kind of down.
Hello to everyone
Write soon.
Love to all
Gretchen & family
WHEN YOU'RE SMILING......
Lonely Planet has published their list of the FRIENDLIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. SEE THE LIST HERE Donnie has lived in two of them which, probably, accounts for his "perky" smile.
THIS IS SAFE BOATING WEEK
| The following is a
public service announcement for Safe Boating Week: Tuesday...
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...Boating Under the
Influence... The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service for this year’s National Safe Boating Week. The effects of alcohol can be even more hazardous on the water than on land. Boating Under the Influence, or BUI, affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being involved in a boating accident – for both passengers and boat operators. Alcohol is a contributing factor in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. It is illegal to operate any boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license and even jail time. Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org. Visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov. | |||
AWAY THEY GO!
Rita, Roger, Carl and Kathy leave, this morning, for a couple of days on Mackinac Island. I hope they have a safe trip.
I KNOW CARL AND KATHY REMEMBER THIS!
May 22, 2012 marks the one-year anniversary of the tornado outbreak that brought six longer-tracking tornadoes to the local area and the most signficant to hit the City of La Crosse since records have been kept. Combined, these tornadoes were on the ground for over 90 miles, and remarkably, no lives were lost. On that same day, the Joplin, Missouri EF5 intensity tornado devasted that city and, to date, is responsible for 161 deaths.
Monday, May 21, 2012
THEY'RE NOT ALL BOOKING ON THE INTERNET
Here's an interesting fact that might surprise you. 75% of all cruises and tours and 60% of international travel is booked by travel agents who work from their homes.
FOLLOWING HIS BRUSH WITH THE RATTLER, DONNIE SAYS:
"Have heard from several sources that the smaller rattlers are more dangerous than the larger. Experienced snakes know that one strike is sufficient, while juveniles will keep striking."
YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST THE NORWEGIANS
Donnie sent an article about the safest countries to invest in according to BlackRock Investment Management, one of the top investment companies in the world.
They say THE BEST PLACE, IN THE WORLD, TO STASH YOUR BUCKS IS NORWAY...followed by Singapore and Sweden. In South America, your money is safe in Chile or Peru.
I'll remember that....if I ever get any money.
They say THE BEST PLACE, IN THE WORLD, TO STASH YOUR BUCKS IS NORWAY...followed by Singapore and Sweden. In South America, your money is safe in Chile or Peru.
I'll remember that....if I ever get any money.
I HEARD FROM JANIE THIS MORNING
"Looks like someone is having another big B day again. How does an early lunch on Wednesday fit your appointment book?"
THIS SPOILED MY DAY
JUST GOT A CALL FROM RITA. TWITTER DIED THIS MORNING. THEY DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO SAVE HIS LIFE BUT NOT ALL THE STORIES, IN LIFE, HAVE HAPPY ENDINGS.
A WORD FROM WILLARD
"I see R & R and C & K are getting out of town to avoid your birthday. Mine is one week from today. It's called "Memorial Day".
TRAVEL TIP
Money Magazine says you should follow "Cruise Deals" on TWITTER to find some great vacations at sea!
DONNIE'S THOUGHTS ON FACEBOOK
"I've been saying for a long time that Facebook is a passing fancy, and most say I'm wrong, that Facebook is a powerful force, here to stay, young founder Zuckerberg some kind of genius. Well, the opinion of an old dude like myself is no threat to Facebook. But now I see an item that reports 51% of young people consider Facebook a fad--and that is a threat to the site. The fact that there was no stampede last week to buy shares is another signal. A college kid had a new idea how to pick up girls, and the thing naturally exploded. But once old farts like us, and then corporations moved in to dominate the site, the kids started looking around for something new to catch their wistful fancies--some new way to pick up girls. They will find it, and Facebook, like MySpace, will dwindle."
WHO IS HE CALLING AN "OLD FART"?
I THINK I'LL HAVE ANOTHER CUP
I was happy to read the story in the paper, this morning, that reports on a study of 400,000 people that finds coffee may help you live longer. (READ STORY HERE) I've, already, given up more "treats" than I ever intended to. I'll still enjoy my morning cup of coffee!
BABY PARAKEET
Here's the baby Rita and Roger are trying to save. I wonder if the little guy knows how lucky he is. What I'd like to know is, how could his real parents have thrown him out of the nest?
In less than an hour, this picture and the baby's story made it to #2 on the most popular post list which means a LOT of folks are pulling for him!
In less than an hour, this picture and the baby's story made it to #2 on the most popular post list which means a LOT of folks are pulling for him!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
THE FUNNIEST TWEET I SAW ON TWITTER TODAY
"Mick Jagger is the most professional of the California rasins."
RITA SENT AN UPDATE ON THE BABY PARAKEET
"I thought we were going to lose him yesterday morning but he just needed fluids. He still cannot hold his head up well but is getting stronger all the time. He tweets constantly, which drives Emma (dog) crazy which drives me crazy."
(I'm thinking...if he "tweets" all the time...they should name him TWITTER!)
OLD AGE JUST PLAIN SUCKS
Duane has to use oxygen at home and it really dries out his nose. Today he had a scare.
"Nose started bleeding again. Gushing out. Called 911. Paramedics got the nose pinched, cleaned me up and got me in the ambulance. The doctor sealed the vessel and gave me a prescription for a moisturizer to put on the oxygen machine. My nose tissue is dried out."
ANOTHER TEXAS MONSTER
They have more than snakes in Donnie and Linda's neighborhood. Their neighbors Betty and Gene had this big fella crawling around on their property.
Betty said:
"Guess you heard the rattlesnake tale by now. Along related lines, Gene and I spied this critter last week en route to the mailbox prompting the eternal question, why did the Tarantula cross the road?
We suppose to avoid the rattlesnake. Anyway, these suckers can leap and run at breakneck speed...even across the irregular, sharp surface of our newly graveled community roadway. A handy trait in snake country. So, being the adventurous type, I took the photo option and snapped multiple images before our little Aphonopelma Hentzi, or Texas Brown Tarantala, disappeared into the cedar breaks nearby."
A CHILL IN THEM THAR HILLS
Can you imagine? Duane had the furnace on this morning. That's the way it goes in those dry climates. Hot days, cold nights.
Just got back from a trip to the Co-op. Warm and muggy here, this morning.
Just got back from a trip to the Co-op. Warm and muggy here, this morning.
LOOKING AT THE STARS
Yahoo! has a list of the best places, around La Crosse, to get a good view of the night sky. SEE THE LIST HERE
HOT SATURDAY
We hit 91 yesterday. The average date for our first 90 degree day is June 11 so we're almost a month ahead of schedule for hot weather. Do you suppose we're in for a long, hot summer?
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