Mullet Over
One hardly knows what may become valuable
by James K. White | April 14, 2010
Technology is leaping forward while creeping into our lives. Case in point: folks who offer auto loans can now legally install remotely activated devices which can prevent engines from starting. Declared intentions include engaging the gadgets whenever payments are missed.
If you have not already firmed up your plans for summer getaways, consider attending the World Snail Racing Championship being held on July 17 in Congham, England. One path to the excitement would be to travel to Cambridge and then head north for about 50 miles (which converts to 17.3 hectares or 22.6 degrees Celsius, according to my calculations).
A footrace (for humans) has been held in Carnwath, South Lanarkshire (Scotland) almost every year since 1508. It is believed that the 3 mile race was cancelled only four times (twice for war, twice for disease outbreaks) in over 500 years. First prize is traditionally a pair of red knit socks.
Michael Keaton’s actual name is Michael Douglas, but another actor was already using that name.
Bill Clinton and John Grisham are cousins.
A recent study indicates that approximately 80 percent of all professional boxers suffer some detectable brain damage. I sense what you suspect – and no, I was never a pro fighter.
That often played musical work “Pomp and Circumstance” was written by Edward Elgar in 1901. However, he wrote four more Pomp and Circumstance marches with the last being written in 1930. After his death in 1934, notes for a sixth P & C march were discovered in his work area.
In that classic movie The Wizard of Oz, Frank Morgan played the parts of five different characters.
The closest U.S. presidential election, electoral vote-wise, was the election of 1800 wherein both Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr initially received 73 electoral votes.
One hardly knows what may later become valuable. At the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, thousands of United States copper pennies were re-stamped with an image of a Pike Fish and were sold as cheap souvenirs. Collectors are now paying approximately $5,000 for each of these “cheap souvenirs.”
I have read that brain aneurysms are seldom deadly unless they burst. This makes new equipment at the Mayo Clinic particularly significant as 3-D scans used at the facility were found to detect 95 percent of the potentially fatal aneurisms while the best trained radiologists were finding 70 percent using older technologies. The improvement is very good news.
Well, if you see me walking along a street, it might be because my car suddenly will not start – have a great week.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light!
Twenty-nine lines to make you smile …
1. My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.
2. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
3. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.
4. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
5. Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.
6. You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.
7. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
8. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
9. I'm not a complete idiot – Some parts are just missing.
10. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
11. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.
12. God must love stupid people; He made so many.
13. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
14. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
15. Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
16. Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!
17. Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.
18. Procrastinate Now!
19. I have a degree in liberal arts; do you want fries with that?
20. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
21. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.
22. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!
23. They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.
24. He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.
25. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
26. Ham and eggs: A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig. (How true)
27. The trouble with life is there's no background music.
28. The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
29. I smile because I don't know what is going on.
Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
It’s a good time to adopt new ideas for your future. Remind yourself that patience and moderation are important. Communication is imperative.
TAURUS (APR. 20 – MAY 20)
A series of stressful things happen to upset your daily routine. Get used to it; there are more detours ahead. New career opportunities will heighten your mood.
GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
Smart ideas at work may lead to more money for you. Personal reflection and appreciation for what you have are meaningful. Stay busy; it’s no time to argue with others.
CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
Listen to what your partner says is wise because they are right on the mark. Social plans are in order. Get out and have a good time.
LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
Your loyalty to your partner may be challenging for you this week. You may be quick with your tongue and then sorry in the aftermath.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
You may have a new opportunity for your future. Keep reaching out by communicating. Your end of week is brighter after some aggravating situations earlier.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
Take steps to lead a more stable life; your partner’s new issues may cause a short upset. However, the future looks much brighter.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
You are in a busy mode lately, dealing with short trips, advancing your education and many errands. Clashes with others are possible, so stay low key.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
You’re unusually perceptive about office politics so keep your ear to the ground. New possibilities may open up for you in the near future.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
A strange comment from a younger worker perks your interest in something. Consider it “food for thought.” Try to keep a tight reign on spending this week.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
You may have new insights about a home situation this week. It may help with an existing problem. The Moon in your sign puts you into a state of good personally harmony.
PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
Something this week may really puzzle you. Since you are a pretty good amateur detective, have fun getting to the bottom of it. Visit an old friend.
