Mullet Over
BY JAMES K. WHITE | JULY 28, 2010
We never speak of canny events
The youngest general to ever serve in the U.S. Army was not George Armstrong Custer. That honor goes to one Galusha Pennypacker (I did not make this up). Galusha was 20 years and 8 months old when he received his brigadier rank during the Civil War. The eldest general to ever serve was John Ellis Wood who retired at age 79.
Many who later became famous traveled difficult paths. For instance, approximately 25,000 laborers died while constructing the Panama Canal, but one employee who survived the 12 hour days in miserable working conditions later experienced some success as a painter. His name was Paul Gauguin and if you own some of his works, I offer assurance that you are not in my tax bracket.
Should anyone out there run across an airplane with the registration number NR 16056 painted on the sides, the discovering person might consider notifying authorities. That particular registration was assigned to the plane Amelia Earhart was piloting when she disappeared.
Some pesky historians declare that a man named Thomas McKean was the very first president of the United States. Thomas was presiding over the Continental Congress in 1781 (pre-dating the U.S. Constitution) when the Articles of Confederation were ratified.
Doctors who claim to know say that an average person who lives to age 70 will have spent approximately 6 years dreaming while asleep.
Sometimes passions run high and the resulting events seem quite strange in retrospect. I offer for consideration the night of May 10, 1849 at the Astor Place Opera House in New York City. At least 15,000 Edwin Forrest (American actor) fans gathered outside declaring that Mr. Forrest was a better actor than William Macready (English) who was scheduled to perform inside. A full scale riot broke out. The state militia had to be called in and at least 23 people were killed with hundreds more suffering injuries.
If your life is similar to mine, you encounter several uncanny events and circumstances. However, we never speak of canny events and canny is a real word meaning “free from weird or strange qualities.”
During the 1600s, it was illegal for any Japanese citizen to leave Japan without permission from national authorities. Any resident caught coming or going without the required permission was executed on the spot with no trial or investigation. Recidivism was almost non-existent.
Well, I hope your next seven days are completely canny and that you enjoy pleasant weather.
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Written by kids….
1. How do you decide whom to marry?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.
Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up whom they're going to marry.
God decides it all way before and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10
2. What is the right age to get married?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10
3. How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8
4. What do you think your mom and dad have in common?
Both don’t want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8
5. What do most people do on a date?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10
6. When is it okay to kiss someone?
When they’re rich.
-- Pam, age 7 (love her)
The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-- Curt, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8
7. Is it better to be single or married?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)
8. How would the world be different if people didn’t get married?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8
And the #1 favorite is ...
9. How would you make a marriage work?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10
Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
So much for lazy summer days; you’re busier than normal. You feel like just sleeping a full week! In addition to work, your social calendar is also buzzing.
TAURUS (APR. 20 – MAY 20)
You’re looking for something new in your life, although you’re not sure yet what it is. Keep reading your favorite books and ones about things that most intrigue you.
GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
You may meet someone new who can become important in your future. Try to work more collaboratively with your co-workers. Have more patience.
CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
You sometimes get tired of bending your ways for others and putting yourself second. Start thinking more about yourself and recognizing your self-worth.
LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
Between social activities and all of the things you have been doing around the house you don’t seem to have any time to just relax. Try to take this weekend to rest a bit.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
You are becoming too pessimistic lately. This is a strong point with Virgos sometimes, but try to stay upbeat. There will be bluer skies ahead.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
You’re itching to do something different in life, maybe move to a new place. Try taking time to do things you really enjoy or learning something new.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
You’re your own worst enemy, especially this week. Get going with things that need to be completed at work and/or home. Mellow out on the weekend and do something fun.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
Your health is a bit low lately; you need to start taking better care of yourself. It could be from depression, so focus on more positive activities.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
Family is driving you crazy lately; step back and be more selfish. Everyone needs to grow up and start taking responsibility for themselves.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
You need to start changing your life direction; sometimes you have to be more realistic. Starting a new life may not be such a bad thing.
PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
Your mood has been strange lately; you need to get out of your funk! Try to keep up on current life issues and stay focused on the future.
