Mullet Over

BY JAMES K. WHITE  | DECEMBER 14, 2011

The world’s largest food fight

At least 549 people in the U.S. military served continuously from 1945 (end of WWII) through the start of the 1991 Gulf War.

While growing up (or at least while growing older), I drank lots of Tang; but I no longer see the product on our neighborhood grocery shelves. A little investigating (very little) reveals that the product has recently lost some popularity in the United States while sales have boomed internationally. Top markets include Brazil, Mexico and the Middle East.

For all you Animal House fans, the world’s largest food fight takes place annually in Bunol, Spain where approximately 38,000 participants launch 140 tons of ripe tomatoes in less than one hour. The event is held on the last Wednesday of each August and is known locally as La Tomatina. Splat.

In March of 1857, a man named Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville received a French patent on his phonautograph which “recorded” sounds by moving a membrane attached to a stiff bristle which transcribed the sounds as lampblack marks on paper. Thomas Edison used a similar apparatus on his patented recording device in 1877.

The world’s largest amusement resort (not counting Washington, D.C.) is Disney World (Orlando, Florida).

According to the AKC, the most popular registered dog breed in America is the Labrador retriever. A distant #2 is the Yorkshire terrier.

Anthropologists and archeologists cannot agree amongst themselves as to the identity of the first human inhabitants in the Americas. For decades, the accepted account suggested the original inhabitants crossed a land bridge (Beringia) into what became Alaska and then migrated during subsequent millennia. However, artifacts discovered in Pennsylvania and South America appear to pre-date the land bridge people by several centuries. If you know the correct answer, please contact the Chief of Anthropology at the Smithsonian. Or contact me and I shall see that you receive full credit, unless there is some sort of remuneration involved.

Canada has only one “true” desert. It is called the Osoyoos (pronounced Osoyoos) Desert. The ecology of the region is considered to be a treasure and there is even an Osoyoos Desert Society. Visit www.desert.org for more information or should you wish to join.

The top recorded speed of an African lion is 50.1 mph. The top recorded speed of a horse with a rider is 47.5 mph. I thought these data tidbits might be of interest as you make plans for today.

Well, I recommend you wear old clothes when visiting Bunol in August – and I hope you experience a great week.

James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].

Holy Humor

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"

His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?
The son replied, "I do know!"

"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"

"That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'

There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.

"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.

"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.

"Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."

A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter.

Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."

A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?"

A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy.

"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.

"You know – Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "

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December 14 - 20, 2011

For All Signs:  Mercury, the planetary ruler of communications, day-to-day business, errands and schedules, turned direct on Dec. 13. Be prepared for a flurry of calendar changes and double-check messages. Ideas or plans that were generated during the past four weeks are likely to undergo revision or may be scrapped altogether. As Mercury changes direction, we often experience a change in attitude or perspective due to the discovery of fresh information or new input.

Aries:  It may be difficult to find common ground with partners, authorities, or significant others in your life during this period.  You have a desire to express yourself and the "other" seems to be recalcitrant.  Don't turn this into a power play or a long term resentment.  That will not be good for your health.  Tone down your anger a notch or two and say your piece.  Then let it go.

Taurus:  Give special attention to new information that comes across your radar this week.  It may become an answer to a prayer (spoken or not).  You are hearing two voices on the inside.  One is dark and pessimistic.  The other is bright, high with expectations, and expansive.  Your position is to find the balance between both.  Things are rarely black and white.

Gemini:  As Mercury turns direct, you and Significant Other may come to agreement on an issue that has been plaguing you for several weeks.  Perhaps it is the Other whose path has been hesitant, but now you can see forward motion.  If there has been a change in status between you recently, that situation will probably reverse itself.

Cancer:  This is a period in which you should give yourself every opportunity to be out and about in the social world.  New people who come into your life at this time may become teachers or guides on your next path.  New and more favorable circumstances may develop among your coworkers or at your place of business.

Leo:  You are in a favorable position at this time.  You can see the big picture.  Realism and your idealism are offering you the opportunity to understand and pursue both.  This is a symbol of the artist who brings beauty and practicality together.  It may also represent a thoroughly balanced relationship.

Virgo:  This is a time of dramatically challenging work.  You are struggling with your semi-conscious expectation of failure.  Don’t let it beat you down.  You are so much stronger than you know.  The fear may have manifested an opponent in the outer world.  But the true war is on the inside.  Don’t buy into the Critics’ point of view.  It/he/she is an archaic figment of your past.

Libra: This is a week of “nose to the grindstone”.  You are in a serious frame of mind and feel a strong need to get things accomplished that began earlier in the year.  At this point, if you are to accomplish the task, you must pour on considerable energy and resources.  It is a creation with its own spirit, so allow it to grow in the way it “wants” to evolve.

Scorpio:  There are times that you have a sharp tongue and this week you may be wanting to lash out quickly.  Be careful of where you aim that weapon.  Authority figures, older people, and teachers may not be forgiving.  Give attention to vehicle complaints.  You may have big car trouble if you don't.

Sagittarius:  Mercury has been traveling in your sign since early Nov.  It has caused you to reflect deeply on your next direction.  Now that the planet is turning direct, you feel more capable of making decisions and moving forward.  You’ll be cautious at first, but your moves will pick up steam soon.

Capricorn:  Necessary expenses (those not of the "fun" type) may develop this week.  If not that, you could be just having a little blue mood.  It is one of those times when we operate better in solitude.  This is an existential dilemma that everyone encounters now and then.  It will pass quickly.

Aquarius:  You may be feeling lonely or somehow distant from those around you during this period.  Your partner, clientele, and significant others seem to be focused on themselves without consideration for your needs.  The cosmic design suggests this is a time for you to be your own best friend right now.  Though you are tempted to spend money, you will gain more fulfillment by pursuing your spiritual discipline.

Pisces:  Warning to those on diet and exercise programs:  this week it is just too easy to break training.  If you mean what you've promised to yourself, don't go anywhere in which you would be in harm's way.  It is a time in which you feel more outgoing and extroverted.  Social life is a pleasure.  Do take some time for yourself.  Contemplation is likely to be enlightening.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. Visit www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.