Vicki's Blog

Rose

2011-10-23T10:17:00.001-06:00

My friend, who identifies herself as my "adopted daughter," sent this to me. I'm not sure if she is telling me I am old but not over, or if she just likes these trivia gems. Whatever her reason, I will share this with you. You have seen this before, you know it is true, but it is nice to read through it again. Enjoy. Rose The first day of university our professor introduced

Where were you?

2011-09-11T01:39:00.005-06:00

My nephew JeffIt seems the question of the day is "Where were you on 9/11?" My nephew is a major in the US Air Force, currently serving in Germany, and the

My Hero: Veatrice Henson

2011-05-14T21:34:00.005-06:00

I write about you heroes from time to time, people who are heroes to me. Although it was not on my schedule, I chose to write about Veatrice Henson at this time because it was her birthday two weeks ago. She is 100 years old.Ms. Henson is not my hero just because she lived to be 100, but because of the way she lived her life these last 100 years since her birth April 29, 1911. She plans to

Voting for Chelsea's Hope

2011-04-25T15:31:00.006-06:00

My friend told me about a contest that he is very interested in. As luck would have it, Michael's choice has and has made it to the finals. The winner gets a NASCAR car decorated to highlight their cause -- helping increase awareness.Michael is supporting Chelsea's Hope, a non-profit for Lafora Children Research Fund. Please vote for Chelsea's Hope. Voting is simple. Just CLICK HERE. Come back

Ah, Liberty

2011-04-02T10:30:00.015-06:00

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Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T23:28:00.005-06:00

This is a rerun from last year. I like it, and I hope you do, too.For the Christmas Tree, Garry used IFL Labs software for the fractal and Jasc animation software for the animation.

Remember the Veterans

2010-11-11T05:00:00.003-06:00

This is the day the Germans signed the armistice ending World War I, the war to end all wars. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 to be Armistice Day in remembrance of WWI vets. In 1938 it would become a legal holiday "dedicated to the cause of world peace."Not until 1953, thanks to Kansas shoe store owner Alvin King, was Armistice Day expanded to celebrate all veterans and

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Day

2010-09-17T04:23:00.005-06:00

Today is Constitution and Citizenship Day.Two hundred twenty-three years ago today, September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constition was signed by the Constitutional Convention. Then the document was sent to the states to be ratified.Ten Amendments were proposed by anti-federalists. Immediately following ratification of the new U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Congress passed the resolution for amending the

Vote for the Issues or the Party?

2010-08-16T06:10:00.010-06:00

When selecting a candidate to vote for in a particular election, what is more important: political party or issues?Several candidates around the country have placed TV commercials that do not mention any party. They focus on the issues that they see as important to their voters.Here are a few candidates doing it:Joe Donnelly running in Indiana for CongressStephanie Herseth running in South

What Is Your Greatest Asset?

2010-07-20T04:06:00.004-06:00

I read this opening paragraph in an article by Greg Mallory and present it to all managers and supervisors. Dirk Hughes, Luminant Academy director, likes to tell a story about a Luminant employee who came to him one day and said she’d like to be a supervisor. He told her there were only two questions she needed to answer. “What is the company’s most important asset?” “People,” she said. “

Gettysburg Address

2010-05-30T08:12:00.008-06:00

In Memory - Memorial DayOn June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumnar commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monument act." He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never

2009-12-24T18:54:00.000-06:00

For the Christmas Tree, Garry used IFL Labs software for the fractal and Jasc animation software for the animation.

Research Studies

2009-11-16T05:30:00.000-06:00

Want to volunteer for a medical research study? UT Soutwestern sent a press release about ResearchMatch where volunteers can be matched — online — to a scientific research project, or clinical trial, for which they might qualify. The National Institute of Health gave UT Southwestern a grant to help quickly move laboratory discoveries into actual therapies. This new allows the medical community

Flag Day

2009-06-14T04:02:00.000-06:00

Flag Day at our house.While thinking about the view of my house, I also have to think about how much I enjoy the view from my window. technorati tags: , flagday, birdfeeder, birds, squirrels, vicki'sblog

Finally! Let's Look at Autism

2009-04-26T01:29:00.003-06:00

It has been over a month(!!) since I posted! Wow. Well I couldn't let April pass without doing my part to to talk about autism. Autism touches the lives of so many people. That includes some people close to me, and one of those people is me.April is National Autism Awareness Month. There are more than half a million children with some form of autism in this country alone. Autism is the

Butterflies

2009-03-14T01:40:00.007-06:00

Today is Learn about Butterflies Day.*One way to attract butterflies is to grow flowers in your yard. Garry took these pictures in our backyard. The light yellow one is a tiger swallowtail. The top right is a gorgone checkerspot, and the left is a checkerspot. To learn more, see Learn about Butterflies and Moths. Enjoy the day.* I do not know the origin, but if someone can tell me, I will

Bill Cullen, Game Show Master

2009-02-18T04:20:00.003-06:00

I like game shows, and while watching quite a few different ones, I have found some game show hosts that I like more than others. One of my favorites is Bill Cullen (Feb, 18, 1920 - Nov. 7, 1990). Today is the anniversary of his birth.Bill Cullen was usually positioned behind the podium as the show opened instead of running out in the beginning. He had a disability, a limp as the result of

Hearts Everywhere

2009-02-17T03:49:00.006-06:00

The heart is the first feature of working minds. ~ Frank Lloyd WrightWe need to keep our hearts strong, so our bodies and minds can remain strong. February is American Heart Month. That's timely because we have just spent a couple of weeks preparing and culminating Saturday with the biggest commercial heart day of the year, Valentines Day. After the playful

January Health Observances

2009-01-28T16:07:00.002-06:00

The month of January has important health observances and I want to talk abut two of them.January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, sponsored by Prevent Blindness America. Glaucoma? Many of us know people who have had glaucoma without having a disability. It cannot be cured, but it is often manageable. There are several treatments including eye drops, oral medication, and surgery. My uncle

Twittering Away

2009-01-19T16:46:00.002-06:00

Twitter is a social network that makes use of micro-blogging and linking to highlight posts and articles you want to share. You can "follow" people with similar interests so you see what they want to share, and you might learn something kind of fun, rather interesting, or downright useful! Although I subscribed some time ago, I only recently began to learn to really use it. I still have a long

Swindle, Swindle

2009-01-18T03:20:00.001-06:00

Bernard Madoff has perpetrated the biggest Wall Street swindle in history (at least $50 billion). It is difficult to watch the news recently without hearing about him and his house arrest. Reporters refer to Madoff's particular type of swindle as a Ponzi scheme.If Ponzi inspired Madoff, he must have made a bunch of money. Where is Ponzi now?On this day in 1949, Charles Ponzi died destitute in

Evolution of a Superhero

2009-01-12T15:29:00.004-06:00

Batman's TV debut was on this date in 1966 starring Adam West. The series was cute, campy, a little funny, and really quite innocent. The series was short-lived, but popular, and probably not forgotten. There was also a Batman movie in 1966 using the same stars and the same quirky techniques that made he TV version work so well.The Batman movies beginning in the 1980s started in the same style

I Vow -- Do You?

2009-01-11T02:30:00.000-06:00

Today I saw Deepak Chopra, founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (I tape them so I am usually a few days late to see the episodes). The Chopra Center for Wellbeing offers programs for physical healing, emotional freedom, and higher states of consciousness, and Chopra has an active schedule speaking around the world. He announced a new goal. Deepak Chopra is

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:04:00.005-06:00

For the Christmas Tree, Garry used IFL Labs software for the fractal and Jasc animation software for the animation. technorati tags: christmasanimation, vicki'sblog

Mary Todd

2008-12-13T04:28:00.004-06:00

Mary Todd was born this day in 1818, and was a good student interested in drama, music, and dance. She was reportedly a delightful conversationalist, dating prominent men like Stephen Douglas and his political rival Abraham Lincoln. Abe Lincoln gave her a ring engraved with "Love is eternal" when they married. She was compassionate, frequently visiting soldiers wounded in the war.The couple

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

2008-11-27T01:57:00.005-06:00

The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, and celebrated their first harvest in 1621 with a feast. This celebration was not repeated, so it is not officially the first traditional Thanksgiving. It made a good story in elementary school, don't you think?Actually, the First Thanksgiving Day in July of 1630, celebrating the arrival of Governor John Winthrop from England. This began

Lions & Tigers & Bears, or Maybe Not

2008-11-26T04:14:00.002-06:00

Maybe it was Lion and then another Lion and then Elephant, and I think there was a camel and maybe a rhinoceros, and eventually more.On this date in 1716, the first "real live lion" was exhibited in Boston. Those were the days before zoos, when exotic animals were exhibited in a menagerie. That practice was started in France where a menagerie was defined as an "establishment of luxury and

I Remember Him

2008-11-22T16:45:00.008-06:00

I often remember him this time of year. Today is the 45th anniversary of that day in Dallas when John F. Kennedy was assassinated.I have been thinking about him quite a bit this year. It was hard not to remember the first presidential campaign that got my attention when watching the excitement created by Barack Obama's run and election. It was exciting then, too, in 1959, when Kennedy offered

Children Around the Globe

2008-11-20T03:47:00.006-06:00

Today is Universal Children's Day.In December 1954, when Dag Hammarskjöld was Secretary General, the United Nations passed a resolution that recommended all countries establish and observe a Universal Children's Day. This day promotes "worldwide fraternity and understanding between children."Dag Hammarsrskjöld was the first person I remember from the UN. I'm not sure what it was that attached

Bald Is Beautiful

2008-10-14T00:36:00.004-06:00

Today is Bald and Free Day (some people celebrate Oct.7).Bald means lacking hair on the head, but it also means undisguised. That may be a hint to quit trying to disguise the baldness with comb-overs. They don't work.Free refers to bald people gaining freedom:- free from bad hair days- free from shampoos and other hair products- free time saved from hair appointments- free to be youSo today,

Vote for the World

2008-10-01T21:17:00.004-06:00

Help one person make a difference with a potential global impact. American Express asked cardholders for their ideas. Almost 1200 submitted an idea for a project that can make a positive difference in the world. They were narrowed down, and now there are five finalists. The winner gets $1,500,000 to see the project through. The remaining finalists share $1 million.The winner, chosen by vote,

International Day of Peace

2008-09-21T00:27:00.003-06:00

Today is International Day of Peace, established by the a United Nations resolution in 1981.Today is a day for global cessation of violence and war. Sounds like a good goal to me. Events are scheduled in hundreds of countries to promote the end of war and violence. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters on Friday to mark the day. Today a moment of

Battle of the Sexes

2008-09-20T00:52:00.003-06:00

It was on this date in 1973 that Billie Jean King won the Battle of the Sexes, trouncing Bobby Riggs. who in his usual showmanship manner "played the male chauvinist card" saying women tennis players were inferior to men.Riggs had beaten Margaret Court, a top women's player, when he began taunting women and challenged Billie Jean. I remember this event -- the hype leading up to it and the TV

Cars 100 Years Ago

2008-09-16T15:55:00.002-06:00

In Flint, Michigan, on this date one hundred years ago, William C. Durant (1861-1947) founded General Motors (GM). Durant was a leading horse-drawn vehicle manufacturer when he became general manager of Buick in 1904. His horseless carriage business acumen resulted in Buick's success. He was the able to create GM, the multi-brand holding company with Buick and Chevrolet, soon adding Oldsmobile

Are You Watching the Olympics?

2008-09-14T01:24:00.002-06:00

The Paralympics that is. The Paralympics are elite sporting events for athletes with disabilities, taking place in Beijing from Sept. 6 - 17. These are world-class athletes who have worked and sacrificed as all Olympic athletes tend to do, but Paralympians have less support from our government than the Olympics that closed last week. Why? Read what Karaswims, a former paralympian, has to

Ed and Elvis

2008-09-09T20:02:00.003-06:00

Ed said it wouldn't happen, but it did. On this day in 1956, Elvis made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the longest running variety show, airing 24 years. At the time, Elvis said the appearance was the "greatest honor of his life."Visit here to see a clip. technorati tags: elvis, edsullivan, vicki'sblog

Have You Heard? It's Election Time

2008-09-08T00:55:00.002-06:00

Of course you know it's an election year!If you are not registered to vote, you still have time, but not much. Check here to find registration deadlines as well as other voter laws and information for your state. technorati tags: vicki'sblog, voterregistrationdates

Read a Book Today

2008-09-07T01:20:00.003-06:00

Today is Read a Book Day, so start reading.If you don't already have a book, you can get one free from your local library. Here is another idea -- read on your computer.Try Page By Page Books, a site that provides online reading. Books offered are in the public domain for your personal reading pleasure, but not for commercial use or publishing on your own site without written permission. Is

What's That About Mary?

2008-09-01T04:58:00.006-06:00

You know about Mary. She had a little lamb. The verse we all learned as small children was first published on this date in 1830 in Juvenile Miscellany.It later became a song, you know, but this lovely little tune was not exclusive to preschool. Listen to this version by no less than Paul McCartney and Wings. technorati tags: mary, maryhadalittlelamb, paulmccartney, paulmccartneyandwings,

Happy Birthday, James

2008-08-26T03:01:00.002-06:00

38!

Ready To Vote?

2008-08-26T01:10:00.008-06:00

On this date in 1920, after a long struggle, the 19th Amendment was certified as ratified.The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.Women have the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections. In 1971, a Joint

Finally!

2008-08-20T14:32:00.003-06:00

On this day in 1866 President Andrew Johnson formally declared the Civil War over. Now, that may seem a bit late since fighting had stopped months earlier.Lee surrendered in Virginia April 9, 1865, and Johnston surrendered in North Carolina April 26, 1865. The Confederate naval force was slow to respond, but surrendered November 4, 1865, in Liverpool, England.Communication took longer then, so

Happy August

2008-08-04T02:48:00.005-06:00

Admit it. You are happy. And that is no coincidence. August is Admit You're Happy Month. The Secret Society of Happy People designated August as the month to finally admit it, and several governors issued proclamations making it official.If you need help, try visiting The Happiness Project. Gretchen Rubin is collecting facts about happiness, making a study of it, and she is willing to share

Medicare, 43 Years Ago Today

2008-07-30T01:00:00.000-06:00

President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Social Security Act Amendments (SSA) on this day in 1965 establishing health insurance for the elderly - Medicare - and the poor - Medicaid. It included supplementary medical benefits for the Disability Insurance System. Read the history of the SSA during the Johnson years to see how it became law. technorati tags: lyndonjohnson, medicare, downthemspath

Family Wedding Anniversary

2008-07-27T23:27:00.005-06:00

On this day in 1938 Les Jenkin and Alma King were wed in Marinette, Wisconsin.View pictures of their 60th Wedding Anniversary party. Then check out the 65th anniversary display and their story.Alma passed in 2005, shortly before their 67th anniversary. technorati tags: wedding, longmarriage, vicki'sblog

We Renounce War!

2008-07-25T01:19:00.004-06:00

President Herbert Hoover signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact on this day in 1928. The pact was a "renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy." Sixty-one nations eventually signed the agreement.Yea! No more war! But this was 1928 and Germany, Italy and Japan were among the original signatories. The Nuremberg Trials served to prosecute those who violated the crimes against peace as

Politics and Puppies

2008-07-23T16:29:00.004-06:00

Regardless of your politics, help a homeless dog find a new family. It has been reported that Barack Obama will add a dog to his family -- whether he wins or loses the presidential election.What kind of dog? Help him decide to rescue a homeless dog. Sign the petition to urge the Obama family to rescue their new family member. The newly adopted dog will thank you for providing him (or her)

I Would Rather Be Dead

2008-07-21T02:02:00.004-06:00

A survey asked: 'Which would you choose: Living with a severe disability that forever alters your ability to live an independent life, or death?'Middle-aged people chose death.Higher income people chose death.People living in the West chose death.People with higher education chose death.Even Superman chose death initially. When Christopher Reeve awoke after the accident that left him severely

Crazy and Naked

2008-07-13T23:33:00.003-06:00

Absolute chaos, bedlam, confusion! What could be happening? Anything, because today is Pandemonium Day. Unexpected things happen today. Perhaps Pandemonium broke out because someone unexpectedly came across a group of people wearing no clothes. It is after all summer, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, and sometimes it gets hot enough to encourage people to disrobe. Besides, today is also

The Bikini Remembered

2008-07-05T02:00:00.010-06:00

The bikini is 60 today. The bikini, a women's swimsuit composed of two pieces, was introduced in Paris on this date in 1946. It took two to design the bikini: Louis Réard, engineer, and Jacques Heim, designer. It was named after Bikini Atoll where a nuclear test was performed July 1 because this suit would cause a "burst of excitement."The bikini was accepted in France, but it took America years

Omnibus Vehicle

2008-07-04T14:13:00.003-06:00

It started July 4 in 1824. A London newspaper reported a new vehicle.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus

Ground Zero and Freedom Towers

2008-07-04T01:41:00.004-06:00

"To honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom -- July Fourth 2004."Beautiful pictures show the groundbreaking ceremony and laying the 20-ton cornerstone for the Freedom Towers planned to replace the World Trade Center Towers at ground zero. Click a picture to see the panoramic view.Plans for the Freedom Towers changed

National Rose Month

2008-06-30T02:06:00.005-06:00

Today is the last day of June, National Rose Month. Let's reflect on roses. It is said that the rose was given its name by Aphrodite. Here are some roses given to me by my sweetheart -- not all this month, but I remember them as we celebrate the rose.Roses have been with us forever, and they have always been meaningful. Passion, joy, reverence, and of course, love are all symbolized by the color

Happy Birthday, Sylvia

2008-06-28T15:58:00.005-06:00

Sylvia Lawry was born this day in 1915. She was a regular person who took a step -- one person who made a difference worldwide. Her brother was diagnosed with MS and she did not know how to help him or what to say or what was going to happen or even what MS was. In 1945, after her brother had spent fruitless time and effort trying to find a cure for his disease, MS, she placed an ad in the

Battle of the Greasy Grass

2008-06-25T01:31:00.002-06:00

Perhaps the most famous battle between the cavalry and native American Indians began on this day in 1876. June 25, Sitting Bull led the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne in a dramatic victory over the 7th Cavalry led by General George Armstrong Custer in a two-day battle near the Little Bighorn River in Montana.General George Armstrong Custer, after graduating last in his West Point class, became a

Election Year - Now and Then

2008-06-18T00:54:00.006-06:00

It's election year and it is important that we vote. However, every eligible person will not make it to the polls. There was a time when even people who were not registered showed up at the polls. And why not? It was not against the law! Or was it?In 1873, Susan B. Anthony led a group of women to their polling place in Rochester, NY. Anthony placed a ballot in the box voting for the

Vegetables Rule the Day

2008-06-17T13:45:00.004-06:00

Today is a very special vegetable day. We already know we should eat several servings of vegetables every day, but we are reminded today. Fresh Veggies Day reminds us to collect and eat our vegetables fresh. This encourages gardener to nurture a crop that we can guarantee are fresh, colorful, and tasty.Today is also Eat Your Vegetables Day. How convenient. First, we garden or collect fresh

The Power Of a Smile

2008-06-15T02:49:00.004-06:00

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother TeresaToday is Smile Power Day. Try yours out. It feels good, doesn't it? Now, share it. Your smile is your best fashion accessory! A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. ~Charles GordyThe Smiley was created by a commercial artist named Harvey Ball in 1963 to improve employee moral in a client company. It is, and has always been, in public

Fly the Flag

2008-06-14T01:09:00.007-06:00

Today is Flag Day.The emblem of equal rights. It means free hands, free lips, self-government, and the sovereignty of the individual. ~ Robert IngersollBetsy Ross is said to have made the first United States flag. technorati tags: BetsyRoss,, flagday,, vicki'sblog

Phone Home

2008-06-11T00:09:00.004-06:00

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial debuted on this date twenty years ago today after premiering in Cannes.Our view of aliens changed forever. This sweet story of friendship between an alien botanist and a group of earthling kids introduced the idea that visitors from other worlds might be friendly and lonely enough to want to phone home, even if home is millions of light years away -- and might adopt

Marconi vs. Tessla: Radio Wars

2008-06-02T00:46:00.004-06:00

Tesla image via WikipediaRadio was patented on this date in 1896 and the air waves were never the same again. But it was a rocky start.In early 1895, Nikola Tesla was ready to transmit, but his plan was delayed when his lab was destroyed by fire. Guglielmo Marconi was awarded a UK patent in 1896 for wireless telegraphy, and Tesla applied for a patent for basic radio in 1897. When Marconi

Amnesty and Human Rights

2008-05-28T01:33:00.003-06:00

Today is Amnesty International Day, always observed May 28. In case you don't know what about that organization, it is explained in a clear, complete, and concise manner in thr first sentence of their mission statement:"We are people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights." Any questions? Read about what they are doing and how you can participate by visiting the

Warriors At Rest

2008-05-26T00:59:00.002-06:00

We honor them

Did You See It?

2008-05-22T01:20:00.005-06:00

We affectionately call her Nessie, and today is an anniversary. I read that it was this day in 1933 that the Loch Ness Monster was first sighted, but then I could not find corroborating documentation.That fits into the legend, doesn't it? So many people have seen Nessie, but no one has been able to corroborate their claim with documentation. There are pictures, of course, and even videos, but

The Run for the Roses

2008-05-17T00:51:00.005-06:00

The tragedy at the Kentucky Derby this year had to be a first, when Eight Belles broke both front ankles after placing second to Big Brown. Let's look at less traumatic firsts associated with the Derby.Starting at the beginning, the first Kentucky Derby was run on this date in 1875. Aristides was the first Derby winner, ridden by Oliver Lewis, one of 13 African-American jockeys in that first

Why Is the Sky Blue?

2008-05-11T01:55:00.002-06:00

"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself."-- Albert Einstein The sky is blue because of the way light works. Light waves are different lengths, blue being short, and most of the light waves in the sky are short, so the sky is blue. Sometimes it is darker or different shades of blue, and that is because of other things in the air such as dust or water drops

The Pill Is Approved!

2008-05-09T01:05:00.007-06:00

"It's certainly about time." Margaret Sanger's response when she heard the news The birth control pill was approved by the FDA on this day in 1960. The Pill was blamed -- or credited, depending on your point of view -- for the Sexual Revolution. Margaret Sanger was instrumental in the funding and development of a birth control method to help women actually plan parenthood as a means of

Happy Birthday, David

2008-05-07T01:02:00.003-06:00

35!

Am I a Porsche 911?

2008-05-06T20:13:00.007-06:00

A friend sent me a short quiz that tells what kind of car I would be if I were car. I answered trying to be honest. I'm not sure I agree with the results, but I'm a Porsche 911.I once dated a man who had a Porsche 911, and when he replaced that car, he bought another Porsche 911. My favorite-boss-ever drove a Porsche 911, and it fit him! I guess I am comfortable with Porsche lovers. Now I

Freedom of Expression in the Media

2008-05-03T00:13:00.004-06:00

Today is World Press Freedom Day. This special day, created and supported by the United Nations (UN) in 1993, celebrates the principles of the freedom of the press. It was recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in order to bring freedom of expression to the world.Freedom of expression is taken for granted in the US, but not so in many other

Separable Fastener? Just Zip It Up!

2008-04-29T01:43:00.002-06:00

On this day long ago, the fashion industry was changed. It didn't actually recognize that such a change was happening when Gideon Sundback patented the zipper in 1913. The fashion world first took notice when the zipper was used for children's clothing twenty years later. But I'm jumping ahead of myself. Let's look at the beginning.The history of the zipper began with Elias Howe of sewing

Olympics, 100 Years Ago

2008-04-27T02:20:00.003-06:00

The Games of the IV Olympiad opened one hundred years ago today in London.The modern Olympics were still young, and of course there were sports as we know them today. However, they hosted sports that are no longer part of the Olympics, such as polo, rugby, golf, and water skiing. Read about the Olympic Sports of the Past.One fun fact was the list of events no longer included. For example, the

Tai Chi or Qigong Anyone?

2008-04-27T00:57:00.002-06:00

Today, the last Saturday of April is World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. This special day recognizes medical research concerning health benefits of these similar disciplines. There has been interest in helping seniors, Parkinson's disease, and fibromyalgia.The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a section of the National Institutes of Health, has a web page dedicated to tai

To the Top of the World

2008-04-21T01:02:00.007-06:00

Frederick Cook claimed to reach the North Pole on this date in 1908.His claim was generally believed until his rival explorer Robert Peary claim to have reached the North Pole in April 1909, then launched a campaign to discredit Cook's claim. Cook was a controversial figure in his adventures. He was accused of faking a Mt. McKinley climb in 1906. He was convicted in a Texas oil scandal in 1933

I Remember This Day

2008-04-18T23:34:00.006-06:00

I will not forget that time. The Branch Davidian siege had been going on in Waco for 49 days when I got the call - my dad had died. I called my manager to tell her I was going to Waco, and she asked me if my dad was in the compound. I thought it was strange at the time, but I know people are often at a loss for words and the wrong thing comes out. It happens to me often enough.The thing about

Did You See the Movie?

2008-04-15T02:17:00.006-06:00

If you didn't see Titanic, the movie, you are one of a few. It was very, VERY expensive to make, but it has earned more than $1.8 billion and swept the Oscars with 11 wins. Wow. Was it real? Well, yes and no.Of course the real Titanic was a real ship that sank this day, April 15, 1912. The movie was based on the true story of the passenger liner, but James Cameron wrote the fictional love

Take a Minute To Look Up

2008-04-12T02:24:00.003-06:00

I remember one time driving down the highway with my son James. He told me he felt sorry for some people because they never really looked at the sky.Today is Look Up At the Sky Day. What do you see?Did you ever look up trying to see different shapes in the clouds? Are you still delighted when a rainbow indicates the weather is clearing up? What about star gazing at night?There are so many

Honorary Winston

2008-04-09T01:06:00.004-06:00

Today is Winston Churchill Day. On this date in 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared Winston Churchill to be an Honorary Citizen of the United States. Kennedy's remarks and Churchill's response is on this page.Honorary Citizen? What does this mean? How does someone get to be an Honorary Citizen? It takes a Congressional proclamation and a Presidential signature to get this done.

Twinkie, Twinkie, Little Cake

2008-04-06T03:56:00.003-06:00

On this date in 1933 (I read 1930 in one article, but I'll go with the history site) the Twinkie was introduced to a junk-food snack loving public.It was filled with banana cream until bananas were rationed during WWII and the vanilla cream-filled cakes have been popular ever since.Twinkies are not only a favorite dessert or snack. It is a staple on TV since it was featured advertising on the

Jeopardy!

2008-03-30T06:20:00.005-06:00

It's no secret I like game shows, especially word games and trivia games. One long-time favorite is Jeopardy that first debuted on NBC on this date in 1964. Happy anniversary, Jeopardy. This is the anwer-question trivia show created by Merv Griffin. Does anyone not know about Jeopardy by now?In the Beginning NBC thought the show would be funny because of the format. Griffin actually had to

Honor Our Heroes

2008-03-24T23:42:00.003-06:00

Last March Congress unanimously voted to designate March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day."The Medal of Honor is presented when "a member of the Armed Forces, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States; ..." (read more)March 25 was chosen because on

What About a Short Story?

2008-03-23T02:11:00.004-06:00

Everyone is so busy. Sometimes it is difficult to commit to a whole book. What about a short story?Here is a site that reviews stories - I Read a Short Story today. Sometimes he simply reviews a story; Sometimes he provides a link to access the story; Sometimes he links directly to the whole story. At the end of the year in 2005 and 2006 he wrote a "Year in Review" type of article about the

Happy Birthday, Grover

2008-03-18T03:03:00.005-06:00

He doesn't have a special holiday to celebrate his birthday, but Grover Cleveland, former President of the United States, was born on this day in 1837.Cleveland was unique as a president for two reasons. First, he was the only two-term President whose terms were not consecutive. Even though he won the popular vote three elections in a row, he was actually elected only twice. Benjamin Harrison

Politics and Blindness

2008-03-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

Monday in New York, when David Paterson is sworn in, he will become the first blind governor in the United States. Wow – a blind governor. Let’s take a look at other politicians who have been blind.State LegislatureMany state offices over the years were held by people who were blind. Pennsylvania boasted two blind representatives. Matthew Anthony Dunn (1886-1942), blind from the age of 20, was in

Cold Enough for You?

2008-03-12T12:49:00.010-06:00

Karissa in TX snow Snowy tree in Texas Kayla and Alicia's SnowmanLittle Elm, TXThis winter has brought us all some pretty cold days. Last week it even snowed in Texas -- up to 9 inches in some places. But that's nothing compared to the olden days.I'm talking really old days -- 1888! And okay, it wasn't Texas, but it was cold!On the plains in January, an unexpected snowfall turned into

Beans, Beans, Beans

2008-03-08T16:53:00.005-06:00

Are beans as good as blueberries? Cynthia Sass of WebMD seems to think so.* Bean BibleBeans have high levels of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They are tasty and can be used in many dishes for every meal. They are not fattening, but they are filling so you don't overeat and still feel satisfied. They are simple to prepare and economical to boot.While espousing bean benefits as "The Perfect Food,

As Easy as Pie

2008-03-06T15:49:00.003-06:00

We saw a movie on DVD the other night that really touched me on two levelsFirst, the MovieWaitress is a sweet, funny movie about a young woman and her unwanted pregnancy. The story opens as Jenna discovers she is pregnant and she is not happy about it. As the story progresses, we meet her husband and suddenly understand her dismay.Jenna is more than a waitress, she creates and bakes pies

One Hundred Years Ago

2008-03-04T00:54:00.008-06:00

Collinwood School, before and afterOne hundred years ago today 175 people, most of them school children, were killed in one of the deadliest disasters in the United States. The school caught fire and the lack of fire escapes and fire doors caused many children to be trapped in the burning building.Collinwood Memorial Elementary School was built with fire safe stairwells, a central alarm system

Be Happy

2008-03-03T04:25:00.003-06:00

Today is I Want You to be Happy Day. Spread smiles, wish someone a happy day, make a kind gesture for someone. It never hurts to pass happiness around, and an added benefit is -- it comes back to you. Try it. Smile at someone. You are likely to get a smile back! technorati tags: iwantyoutobehappyday, vicki'sblog

Have a Healthy Month

2008-03-02T02:28:00.003-06:00

March is National MS Education and Awareness Month. This is important to me because I have multiple sclerosis and it is surprising how few people are aware of MS. I think most people have heard of it, but a frequent question is "What is MS?"Just like so many people, when I was diagnosed I did not know what to expect, how MS is treated, how it is cured, how many people have MS, how I "caught" it

Old Glory in her Glory

2008-02-26T04:19:00.005-06:00

Our house, Our flagTonight I was visiting my favorite military spouse blogger As I scrolled down the sidebar I was reminded that last year I found the American Flag Project that invites us to share a picture of our flag flying at our home. We sent a picture of our flag and it sits among some lovely examples of impressive American flags.As long as we are talking flags, take a look at Flags across

Cherry Pie and George

2008-02-20T03:58:00.004-06:00

Today is Cherry Pie Day. Now, I like pie and I like cherries, I like cherry pie just fine, so I am quite pleased to celebrate Cherry Pie Day today. However, --It is funny cherries were chosen for the pie in February since fresh cherries are not yet readily available and won't be until summer. Hmmm.The official word is cherry pie was chosen to honor George Washington and his honesty about

Finally, It's Over

2008-02-13T03:46:00.002-06:00

Yea!The Writer's Strike is over. Phew! Writers are back at work as of today. Our entertainment is safe once again.To read more, try Nikke Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily. Scroll down to read statements from both sides. Don't skip the story about the "carefully orchestrated campaign" to avoid a Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) strike. technorati tags: writer'sstrike, wga, vicki'sblog,

What's the Weather?

2008-02-05T04:06:00.000-06:00

It is important to all of us. Weather determines what we wear and sometimes when and where we go. Today is National Weatherperson's Day, honoring the men and women who analyze and predict the weather.Every day has weather, but this day was chosen because John Jeffries was born this day in 1744. Jeffries, a physician and balloonist, made a long balloon trip Nov. 30, 1784, and took readings of

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

2008-02-03T02:33:00.000-06:00

In 1959, I was getting ready for bed and listening to the radio in Mt. Home, Idaho, when a frantic announcement interrupted the music: Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper died in a small plane crash. They were the biggest rock idols of the day. Therefore, today is The Day the Music Died Day.Don McLean wrote an 8 1/2 minute song commemorating that day Buddy Holly died. You know the

Thinking Meat

2008-01-26T01:56:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure about this site: The Thinking Meat ProjectIt is puzzling. It may not understand itself. Her self-definition includes "It may be hard to summarize Thinking Meat, but after awhile you know it when you see it." The name is explained: We, being people, are a unique species because we think; and we are flesh and blood which is meat. Read About Thinking Meat for an official, detailed

Healthy in Geneva

2008-01-25T03:22:00.000-06:00

Everyone deserves access to health, but not everyone thinks about it. In May, local, national, and international organizations, including governmental, private sector, educational, hospital, civil, and organizations representing those who need care are meeting in Geneva.The goal of the Geneva Forum: Towards Global Access to Health is "to provide integrated approaches and responses to global

What Was the First Microwaved Food?

2008-01-19T02:37:00.000-06:00

Why, popcorn, of course!And how appropriate. Today is National Popcorn Day, so microwaves everywhere will be popping away. Check this popcorn trivia to find details of the first popcorn popping in a microwave. Americans eat about 17 billion quarts every year, most of it at home, so that comes in handy. See more trivia, jokes, and poems on the National Popcorn Day site.And for the

Don't Worry, Be Happy

2008-01-15T01:49:00.000-06:00

Do a search for Winston Churchill biographies and a list of 118,000 results is returned. How could someone write another one that might stand out from the rest?Grechen Rubin wrote Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill. Rubin says Churchill's "greatest strength was his genius with words" and one humble high school teacher illustrates this in his blog as he refers to her work. Rubin took on

Somewhere Over that Rainbow

2008-01-13T02:20:00.000-06:00

This rainbow was in David's room in our first house. When I was a single mother and my two little boys were very little, we lived in an apartment and our dream was to have our very own house. I bought the house and we painted the walls, including a 5-color rainbow in David's room.Today is Make Your Dream Come True Day and the song that goes with it is "Over the Rainbow," so I thought about that