Mullet Over
BY JAMES K. WHITE | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
The exploits of Casey Jones in American lore
The first man killed in the American Civil War is generally listed as Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth in Alexandria, Virginia (1861).
The front teeth on most rats grow about 5 inches per year. They will gnaw on practically anything, including copper wires and concrete.
Have you ever heard stories about Casey Jones? Perhaps you have even sung the song based on the exploits of Mr. Jones. There really was a Casey Jones in American lore, but his real name was John Luther Jones. Railroad engineer Luther acquired a bit of a reputation for being bold while he was alive and the tales about him grew after his death. A friend, Wallace Saunders, made up the popular song that became a part of our folklore in the year 1900.
Humans have four basic types of teeth. Incisors are for cutting, canines are for tearing, premolars are for slicing and grinding and molars are for grinding. Our teeth can last a long time when properly cared for and when activities such as candy eating and smarting off to people with large fists are minimized.
Denver and Sacramento are almost on the same latitude. In other words Sacramento, California is within one degree of being as far north as Denver, Colorado.
The Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” is on the Great Seal of the United States. It means “From Many, One.” The phrase was proposed by three guys named Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
More than half of our U.S. population lives in metropolitan areas of one million or more. Vermont joined the Union on March 4, 1791 and was the 14th state admitted. Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and has a population of less than 50,000. The Green Mountain state is 43rd in area and 48th in population amongst our fifty.
It can be just downright peculiar as to how some places have acquired names. In 1610 the appointed governor of one of the colonies in the new world was named Lord de la Warr. It is not much of an extension to guess what the name of this colony was to become – Delaware. The land and the adjoining bay were actually named by a grateful influential ship captain seeking refuge from stormy waters.
Perhaps more “people” are being held accountable for their actions. The Pittsburgh Pirate mascot (The Parrot) was suspended for one game for throwing a Nerf ball towards an umpire.
Are you quite adept at the noble game of cribbage (not to be confused with cabbage)? If you are cribbagely gifted, you might want to investigate the annual World Championship Cribbage Tournament hosted in Quincy, California. This is real. For more information call 530-283-0800.
Well, good luck with your incisors, etc. and have a great week.
?James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at jkwhite46 @gmail.com.
The story of Adam and Eve's pets
Adam and Eve said, 'Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.'
And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal and God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.'
And God said, 'I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.'
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, 'Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.'
And God said, 'I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.'
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat ...
Really didn't give a sh-- one way or the other.
Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
It’s a good time to make plans for your financial future. Try to channel your issues and get some important paperwork done. This weekend enjoy your significant other.
TAURUS (APR. 20 – MAY 20)
Your week can become a bit steamy when your ruler Venus teams up with Mars and Pluto. Someone you meet may bring sparks into your life. This weekend finish some projects.
GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
Mercury brings you an opportunity; make the most of an emotional tie with another person. You have the advantage to be clever and use this information to your advantage.
CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
You are having a busy month, much to do and not enough time in the day to do it. There may be a change in jobs or venues in your world, so be ready.
LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
End of September can still be a fiery month for you Leo. You may have a romantic interlude close to home and will have fun no matter where you are.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
This week your charm expands beyond the norm; you can easily seduce anyone with your pleasing manner. Remember how much power you have and use your charm.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
This is a very important month for you; Jupiter’s power helps bring opportunities within your reach. It also enriches your confidence in doing most anything.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
You are a force to be reckoned with especially when you are pushed to your limit. You may be tempted to take a risk, financial or otherwise, but be cautious.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
Medical follow-ups may enter your life; try to take things slow and steady. Stay focused. The weekend will be spent pleasantly with family.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
Family members are driving you a bit crazy this week; try to have patience and just listen. The new person you recently met may become more important as the weeks progress.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
You have been reading more medical information lately trying to see the best way to take care of your health. Continue cardio or start a simple regimen for starters.
PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
You may be helping friends or trying to deal with people at work; either way there will be issues to work out. Touch base this weekend with a good friend.
