BLACK GOES WITH EVERYTHING

I'm getting tired of reading and hearing about "racism in America." I'm sure many of you are too. Why is the white community constantly being criticized for being racist when anyone mentions the black community? Let's take a good look at what is truly racism:

Martin Luther King Day - honoring a black man.

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND - set up for black students.

If a Caucasian College fund were set up there would be hell to pay.

BET (Black Entertainment Television) showing primarily black films and actors.

THE MILLION MAN MARCH - an event meant to show pride in their race, fights for rights and confirm their stance in America.

If the white race had staged that same march, they would have been called racists.

BET (Black Entertainment Television) - caters specifically to black films, documentaries,, features and events.

I've never seen a WET (White Entertainment Television) network and never will.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - honoring the history of black people.

(How about the history of white people? or Hispanics, or Asians or etc.)

NAACP - (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)

Specifically set up for the black community. Try setting up a NAAWP, or an NAASP organization and see what happens.

BLACK MISS AMERICA PAGEANT - A white woman cannot enter this contest for black women only, but a black woman can enter the Miss America or Miss Universe contest.

When a black man kills a white man, no one sees this as racism. The black community is silent, but let a white man or worse yet, a white cop kill a black man in the process of committing a crime and the black community screams "racism."

The riots in L.A. were started in protestof the white cops acquitted of beating Rodney King, a black man, but not one word from the black community when a white man was ripped from his truck and beaten nearly to death just because he was white.

When a black man gets arrested for committing ANY crime, it is racism. Is arresting a man for a criminal act not allowed if he's black? Give me a break!

Actor/comedian Jamie Foxx made a stupid and unnecessary statement on TV recently about Michael Jackson being a black man and because of that,he screamed,"he belongs to us." What makes you think MJ belongs to you?

Seems to me that millions of white folks shelled out good money to help make this black man a success. And take another look at MJ's face, looks pretty white to me. Almost looks like Michael belongs to white women.

If the city of L.A. would have denied the Jackson troup permission to hold a memorial service at Staples Stadim there would have been more rioting in protest of L.A. racist attitude. California is undergoing a huge financial crisis at this time and L.A. is part of the crisis. The memorial should have been paid for by the Jackson family, worth millions of dollars themselves, and AEG. But L.A, the city that took on the riots and had to pay out several hundred million dollars to bring the city back from the destruction, is expected to pay the 2 million dollar tab for the memorial.

I'm getting tired of the black community screaming "racist" when a remark is made against any black man for any reason.

Watch a televsion sitcom and count the times the words"honky, whitey and cracker" are used. You will never hear, "black boy, n*****r, spade, etc. (thank God for that) so why do white people sit by and condone being insulted?

When New York congressman Peter King, accused Michael Jackson of being a "pervert, child molester and pedophile" a few days ago, the black community called him racist. The man is an idiot, to be sure, since MJ was aquitted of all charges and NO proof was ever given to these accusations, but where in those stupid and misinformed statements is the racism?

Make no mistake, the African-Americans have struggled long and hard to be treated equally and their freedom is well deserved. NO ONE should be enslaved, held emotionally and physically captive, suffer the humiliation and horrific penalties that were infliced on these people because of their color. But they are now equal, they've gotten the freedoms they deserve, they are a valued part of America, but the racist accusations continue. It's time to put it to rest and move on.

Rodney King was an idiot too, certainly not because of his color but because he never learned his lesson having been arrested several times after the beating incident. His statement "Can't we all get along?" was considered profound at the time. Now it has no meaning.

No, we CAN'T all get along Rodney. No one will let us.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE??

Yesterday's (Sunday) newpaper is filled with ads for half price, or a percentage off on summer products, clothing, patio furniture and accessories and any other item connected to summer. Is summer over??? Did I miss it? I must have. But this is Michigan and the seasons are confusing.

The ads are screaming about how all summer merchandise must go to make room for -snowmobiles; ski outfits and equipment; snow shovels, winter coats, boots and, of course, the ever present snow tires. HUH?? What happened to summer?

I haven't put a foot into the swimming pool yet this year, my tube of sunscreen still has an unbroken seal, I'm still looking for my beach towel, and I'm not sure my swimsuit still fits me; yet there are the ads for summer clearance merchandise!! This is nuts!

Why is it that I have to buy shorts and tank tops when it's 10 below zero and snow tires when the temperature of the pavement is hot enough to cook chickens?

What's the rush? How much time does one need to buy the merchandise coming up for the next season? I can buy a coat in September (how long does it take to buy a coat?) and ski equipment in October. I don't expect the streets will be covered in snow and ice in August so snow tires can wait also.

Let me get through summer and buy what I need when the weather warrants it and leave next season's merchadise to the beginning of next season.

No one wants to stand in a warm store and try on heavy down jackets or winter coats in July. Give us a break here.

I'm going shopping this afternoon; if I see one piece of Christmas merchandise......!!!

But then, I don't even live in Michigan all year. And where I live, we don't need down jackets or snow tires. Or raincoats and umbrellas for that matter. But I'm willing to bet that the newpapers in Vegas are showing ads for summer clearance sales even though the temperture stays in the high 90's through most of October.

Must be an advertising thing. Go figure.

Today the nation celebrates Independance Day. One of the most important holidays of the year and the reason America is what it is.

But here in Traverse City, Michigan, Indpendance Day takes a back seat to another celebration: the opening of the National Cherry Festival.

The huge production of tart and sweet cherries in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, located in the northwestern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, gives this area the title Cherry Capital of the World, and that title is celebrated with a vengeance.

Between 200,000 and 250,000 pounds of cherries are harvested every year; which accounts for 75% of the U.S. crop of tart cherries. Yellow cherries are grown in lesser quantities and sold primarily for commercial use in making the red dyed Maraschino cherries.


The National Cherry Festival draws upwards of 400,000 people to this quaint and very interesting town and once you've been to the Cherry Festival, you'll want to come back again and again.

When we lived here in the early 80's, the parades were manned by the local residents, floats were made by high school students, hundreds of residents and anyone else who cared to contribute their time and effort. The parades were the best in the country as small town parades go. I loved watching them. My husband and I along with several friends, worked the festival as "associates" which meant we volunteered to do any of the dozens of jobs that made up the Festival. It was great.

My husband drove the cherry red Corvette convertable that carried the Parade's Grand Marshall and Cherry Queen, and I worked the parade bleachers taking tickets. Our friends did jobs from manning the beer tent to riding in the golf cart passing out soft drinks to parade viewers.

But the small town feeling and cooperation was turned over to commercialism and while the parades are still interesting to watch, they are no longer what they used to be and the originality has gone to commercial thinking. I really miss the small town atmosphere, the hand made floats by people who really cared, and the sometimes hilarious themes thought up by - just the people who lived here and knew the town better than any commercial group ever could. And gone too is the feeling of bonding with your neighbors and knowing this was OUR festival.
But thankfully, everything cherry can still be had at the festival including Pleva Meats' award winning cherry sausage.

Oddly enough, the cherries here aren't harvested til late July two weeks after the Festival. There isn't a fresh cherry to be had til then. But when they are ready the farmer's markets and roadside stands are filled with some tart (most of the tarts are sold to commercial bakers) and tons of sweet cherries; the best cherry pies baked without preservatives or chemicals by people who really know how to make cherry pies, and a miriad of other cherry products. I love this time of year in Michigan. If you are a Michigan visitor or resident, may enjoy every one of the 8 days of the festival.

Oh, and by the way, Happy Independance Day!

OH HOW I LOVE THE RAIN!

I love this photo. When we spent the summer in Washington State I brought back a print and a magnet. It's called "Smile at the Rain." And I do. I love the rain.

Southern Nevada is the driest region in the country, so Las Vegas, where I live, gets about 3 inches of rain a year. That't nowhere enough for me so I love coming to Michigan every summer where I can bask in the rain.

If you read my postings on Facebook, you know that I've been in Michigan for 3 weeks and not a drop had fallen. Well, it started raining late Sunday night and it hasn't stopped since. This is Wednesday.

It's 8:35 A.M. and as I type this, the sky is getting darker and the rain is coming down harder. I love the sound of rain on the roof of my RV. Heard it all night last night and the night before. And all day yesterday and the day before. And I will hear it all day today too.

The temperature has gone from 92 last week to 56 yesterday and a high of 63 today. Now there is nothing, but nothing more appealing than a 56 degree, rainy day in Michigan. Never mind the wind chill.

I own about 6 million jackets of every description and style; shirt jacs, fashion jackets, wind breakers, light down jackets, rain jackets, sweater jacs, and light, lined cool weather jackets. And I also own a few thousand sweaters; cardigans, pullovers, etc. When I packed for my trip it was 101 in Vegas. Did I pack a jacket or sweater? Of course not. That would have required some intelligent thought. I went to 4 stores yesterday and there isn't a single sweatshirt, jacket or sweater left anywhere. Gone, cleaned out, nada, zip! Today I'm going to have to resort to going to a souvenier shop in town and getting a "I 'heart' Traverse City" sweatshirt. Now I really do "heart" Traverse City, but splattered all over my chest??? NO.

When I shower in my RV I have to open the roof vents to release the steam to keep the humidity from building up. After I returned home from a long lunch and shopping trip yesterday I realized I had forgotten to close the vent. Shouldn't take more than 2 weeks for the carpeting to dry.

I had my car washed and waxed the day before it started raining. Could have saved the $15.00.

There is nothing more heart stopping than waking up and discovering that I left the car window open about 3 inches. I have leather seats so no problem. Shouldn't take more than 2 weeks for the carpeting to dry.

I just planted petunias about 10 inches apart in my garden. The constant rain has mooshed them all down. They look like flower pancakes. I have a flood on my patio so I'm going to have to shovel the mulch back onto the flower bed since it all washed onto the patio.

The cold weather necessitates turning the furnace on. No heat, no propane. I had gone through both tanks. Had to lug the tanks to the filling station in the park.

My golf cart is sitting on the driveway in front of my car.

My black tank is in need of emptying. Anyone with an RV knows what that involves. Outside, pull the handle, wait for the tank to empty into the sewer, take the garden hose, plug it into the receptacle then wait for 10 minutes while the tank flushes and cleans. I'll pee in a paper cup for the next 2 days before I go stand out in the rain flushing the tank.

As I type this the sky is getting darker and the rain is falling harder. The weatherman said it should clear up by Friday. FRIDAY???? THIS IS WEDNESDAY.

Oh yes, I'm smiling at the rain all right. It's going to be hard wiping this
$%#!&%? grin off my face.

BITS AND PIECES, RANTS AND RAVES OUT OF MY MIND

Norman Bates, Anthony Perkins character in "Psycho"

THE FOURTH OF JULY IS JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY,

and I can already see the ads for "summer clearance merchandise." Here in Michigan, we'll be seeing newpaper ads for ski outfits, snowmobiles and tire chains beginning July 5. I'm still getting my swimsuit and shorts unpacked.

I AM SO ENJOYONG WATCHING reruns of 'Mission Impossible" and "Hill Street Blues." With maybe the exception of NYPD Blue, I don't think there has ever been a cop show to equal the quality of Hill Street Blues. And while I'm at it, there has never been, in my opinon, a better theme song. I could listen to it over and over.

I HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMMENTS from people telling me how

much they enjoy my blogs ( I write 3 blogs) but the one blogsite I enjoy the most is WHEN A SOUTHERN WOMAN RAMBLES . You can click on her blogsite at the right under My Bloglist. Take a look at this terrific site - L.Avery Brown does wonders with words. I wish mine were as good.

HER HILARIOUS BLOG ENTRY about the checkout line brings to mind the question: Why is it that when a woman is going to write a check for her purchases, she waits until the last item has been rung and the checker tells her the amount before she begins rummaging through her purse to find her checkbook? Does having to actually PAY for her groceries come as a surprise to her? This only happens with women.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT A COLD, RAINY DAY that makes people want to make soup? I always do that and find a certain "comfort" there. I guess the comfort part comes in not only eating it, but creating and cooking it.I feel that same "comfort" when planting flowers in soft, rich soil in a pot. I love the feel of food and dirt. Now what does that tell you about me?

WHILE FLYING HERE TO MICHIGAN a couple of weeks ago, I sat next to a man who was reading from a Kindle. If you don't know what a Kindle is, go to http://www.amazon.com/ and type KINDLE in the search box . This is the most terrific gadget to come along since the computer and if it weren't for the price tag I would have one now. The man next to me let me hold it and play with it for few minutes and if I wasn't already hooked by seeing it on the Oprah show, I was surely hooked by holding it. I get all my books from the library free but I would have to buy Kindle books at $9.95 but still........

LET ME GET SERIOUS AND VICIOUS for a moment and tell you how I feel about David Earl, the slimy creep from Oklahoma who raped and sodomized a 4 yr. old child while forcing her brother to watch. This went on several times over the period of 9 months. The equally slimy creep, Judge Tom Bartheld, who gave Earl a 20 year sentence then suspended 19 years of that sentence should be suspended himself, along with David Earl, side by side by their .......yep you got it. This, I would pay money to see. The people of the state of Oklahoma should see to it that the judge is ripped from the bench. Does the American Bar Association have any guidelines or reprimands in this case?

OKAY, ENOUGH RANTING, LET GET TO THE RAVES. I doubt there has ever been as much coverage on the death of ANYONE in history to equal the coverage Michael Jackson is getting. I loved his music, his fantastic videos, (Bad, Thriller and Beat It) and his entertainment style was no less than outstanding. I've always said I thought he was the greatest entertainer on stage, but I can't bring myself to break down and sob uncontrollably as I've seen so many fans on TV doing. I feel bad about his death because he was an iconic figure, but come on fans.......let's get a grip.

I WATCHED ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S "PYCHO" last night on TCM for about the 37th time and still marvel at the great camera work and creepy ambience of this film. I'm talking about the original, of course, not the remake and certainly not the ridiculous Psycho II and III.

The fact that it was shot in black and white makes it so much more chilling. I am so glad Ted Turner has stopped his insane "colorization" of black and white films. They were meant to be shot that way and should stay that way. I can't imagine how much less appealing "Psycho" would have been in color. It would have become just another slasher film. This one is classic and NO ONE has been able to equal the sense of fright that builds up slowly throughout the film. Anyone agree?

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT the sudden death of 50 year old Billy May. He was the pitchman for Oxiclean and several other products on TV. He knew his job and did it well, so well that he became the highest paid and most successful pitchman in the industry.

THUNDERSTORMS HAVE AN EERIE APPEAL to me, much like the movie I just described. I LOVE thunderstorms and the more intense the better. Is it that I like the feeling of being frightened? There is a certain thrill in seeing the "severe weather" warning banner across the bottom of the TV screen, then seeing the sky turn very dark and menacing. The sound of loud thunder and the flash of lightening is awesome and then the pouring rain has it's own appeal. When a thunderstorm doesn't live up to it's prediction, I feel cheated.

I think people are right, I AM nuts.

REST IN PEACE, FARRAH AND MICHAEL

We say goodbye to two entertainment icons, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.

Both well known, popular, and very talented in their own way, and both possessing quirky, if not downright strange personalities.

MICHAEL JACKSON'S credits go to his song writing abilities as well as his ability to entertain on stage like no other musical personality. He is considered the most talented and ambitious musical star in history. His videos are the most popular ever made and "Thriller" is considered a classic. If you've never seen it do so, it's worth watching. click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8.

Michael's strange and uncomfortable escapades have put him in a position of being ridiculed and has caused some animosity among some of his fans. Most of his fans have stood by him and supported him throughout all of trials and accusations. Aside from the fact that he may or may not have done what he was accused of doing, the fact is he will always be remembered for his music, his videos, his mesmerizing on stage performances and of course his Moon Walk. Michael's on stage dance numbers are the best in the business.

His death will be felt the world over and for long time to come. I will miss him.

FARRAH FAWCETT developed a following with Charlies' Angels, and who could forget the famous smile that launched her career with a TV commercial for toothpaste? Her also famous poster, seen in "Saturday Night Fever" is probably the most famous poster ever created. What male doesn't have a copy for himself?

The smile in this poster is secondary.

But aside from her great looks, fabulous hair, and newsworthy off again, on again relationship with Ryan O'Neal, Farrah was a believeable actress and surprising talent. If you haven't seen her TV movies "Extremeties" and "The Burning Bed" you really should get a copy (Netflix or watch for them to appear on TV. )

She shows a side of herself seldom seen through the haze of strange behavior and sexual escapades. Both of these films put her at the top of her acting career and the praise is well deserved. Her unforgettable portayal of a rape victim getting revenge in "Extremeties" can be felt and identified with by every rape victim watching her performance. click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq16SQETJMQ

Charlies Angels, which was the show that launched her career is pure fluff. But she certainly added a certain attraction to keep viewers watching for years.

Rest in Peace Michael and Farrah. You did your jobs well and that's your legacy.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON.....

Looks like another political official is having problems keeping it in his pants.

Governor Sanford was asked to leave his house by his wife a few months ago upon learning of his infidelity. Uh, am I wrong or isn't Governor Sanford living in the Governor's mansion? It's called the Governor's Mansion because the governor lives there. But let's get to the issues.

Former Governor McGreevy of New Jersey was asked, during an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show, ".... the highest paid official in the State, Governor Sanford left his State and was gone, doesn't tell anyone where he's going and was unreachable for five days, {question] politically and professionally was that a fatal mistake...?"

Governer McGreevey's answer: " Well, I don't know the state of South Carolina like you do...but for me it's not only the apology blah, blah, blah...." (referring to his own crisis) huh, what? What the heck does knowing the State of S. Carolina have to do with the question? And this isn't about YOUR crisis Governer McGreevy, we've already been down that road. (Governor McGreevy admitted to having gay sex with his wife and chauffer as a threesome while in office and was asked to resign.) http://www.nysun.com/new-york/resign-now-mr-mcgreevey/357/
He (McGreevey) was then asked, "..if it comes out that Gov. Sanford used taxpayer money to take the several trips to Argentina, does that complicate the issue and would that make it more difficult to him to survive in office?"

Answer: "I work with prisoners every day and they have the capacity to re-write their stories and give new meaning to their lives....by turning to God and ......as a Christian I believe in the power of forgiveness." Again, no answer, just a song and dance. When you don't want to give an answer or commit yourself, just mention God and that makes everyone forget what the true issue is all about. I guess it's easier to ask forgiveness than to do the right thing in the first place. Shame on Governor Sanford, and shame on you Governor McGreevey for skirting the questions with such panache that it looked like something you were accustomed to doing and doing well. We can forgive the gay sex, although the threesome is pretty embarrassing, that's who you are, but covering someone else's sins with a lot of double talk is just adding the the humiliation. You were asked an honest question, we expected an honest answer.

What is it with these politicians? I know adultery is commonplace in our society, and that's a shame, but when you're a public official and your life is lived in a fish bowl, shouldn't you at least try to be more discreet? Are none of these people happily married and do none of them feel an obligation to their vows and the fact that they owe the taxpaying public (who pays their salaries) an obligation to trust the men they elected to run the state?

Why do they insist on ruining their reputations, marriages and political careers when they know there is a good chance their affairs will be discovered and discussed all over the country. Do they learn nothing from their adulterous predecessors? This just keeps on happening as though they just don't get it.

And while we're at it, the soggy, sappy, love struck e-mail that Governor Sanford sent his lover is now all over the web and the newscasts. Did this man not have a clue that this kind of thing has a way of getting out and onto the airwaves?

His wife is standing by him, (go to the back of the line,) and has hopes of resurrecting the marriage. Good luck with that.

There is a saying that I find true: "God gave man a brain and a penis but not enough blood to run both at the same time."

WELL, IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR 'YA???

WELL, IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR 'YA???

I'm going to smack the next person that asks me that stupid question. Someday I'm going tell them that no, it isn't hot enough for me. I would love to have the temperature soar another 20 degrees from the 90 predicted for today to about 110.
And while we're at it, let's not settle for the 89% humidity factor at 8:45 A.M. this morning, let's kick it up to about 98% That should make for a very comfortable day. By gosh, I'm going to do it.
I left my home in Las Vegas 12 days ago for cooler temperatures and balmy breezes coming in off Grand Traverse Bay here in Traverse City, Michigan.
Well, this morning the bay is like glass, not even a ripple, no breeze just heat and humidity. I could have stayed home and faced 105 degrees temp and 15% humidity predicted for today in LV. The humidity in Vegas stays at a dry 5 to 10% so today's figures are high.
So here I sit in my RV with the air conditioning running and the ceiling fan at high speed. Hopefully the temps will come down to a more comfortable level like the high 70's that's the norm for the northern part of the lower peninsula. But when? And what's with no rain? It's supposed to rain here. I came for the rain since it NEVER rains in Vegas, but looks like it' isn't going to happen here either.
Last winter here was brutal. Over 100 inches of snow fell and the winds were strong all winter. The temps hovered near zero for several months so I have a feeling the summer here will be hot - for some reason it seems to follow that pattern. But because it's so beautiful in this part of the country, I can put up with it.
Just don't ask me if it's hot enough for me, I swear I'll smack you.

Posted by Gloria at 5:43 AM 0 comments
Friday, June 19, 2009

LAS VEGAS AND TRAVERSE CITY - THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

I'm going to smack the next person that asks me that stupid question. Someday I'm going tell them that no, it isn't hot enough for me. I would love to have the temperature soar another 20 degrees from the 90 predicted for today to about 110.
And while we're at it, let's not settle for the 89% humidity factor at 8:45 A.M. this morning, let's kick it up to about 98% That should make for a very comfortable day. By gosh, I'm going to do it.

I arrived here in Traverse City, Michigan a week ago for my annual "get away from the Las Vegas heat" vacation. I'll be here for the next 3 months. I'm already loving every minute of being here. Located 248 miles northwest of Detroit it is considered the premier vacation spot in Michigan and the most visited city in the state. And no wonder....

Michigan has a lot going for it, forget the economy, I'm talking about what the northern lower peninsula has to offer. Grand Traverse Bay, on of the most spectacular bodies of water in Michigan is just a couple of miles from me and the drive into town skirts the bay for several miles.

In contrast to Nevada, I love the desert and what it has to offer in terms of scenery, the mountains surrounding the Vegas valley turn fantastic colors during dawn and sunset and the surrounding red rock area is beautiful blanketed in red. The sunset sky is brilliant red most of the year, the sun shines every day, and of course the temperature in the winter is mild. The city of Las Vegas is considered the most exciting city in the world and it is, make no mistake about it, and it's my home.

But being in Michigan for the summer is like being transported to another world. The difference is astounding!

I love the fact that I can grow flowers here that I can't grow in the desert climate and Michigan has soil, good rich soil. When it rains the smell of the earth takes on a pleasing and "earthy" smell. I love the rainy days and the look of lawns and trees that take on a bright green color. And the thunderstorms themselves are unequaled in Nevada.

Sitting at the parks and beaches on the bay is a joy with the breezes bringing onshore the smell of fresh water. The ever changing scenery of motorboats, kayaks, sailboats the the beautifl schooner that sails the bay daily is a sight to behold. I lived here in Traverse City for 6 years before moving to the west coast so this is still "home" to me. I miss the water and the boats and I'm glad to be coming back every summer. No photograph can capture the true color of the waters in this state.The trees grow very tall most reaching as high as 60 feet and form a canopy over the residential sections of town.

I love the palms in Nevada but I miss the huge shade trees here. Michigan has more varieties of trees than anywhere in the world. Autumn is truly an awesome sight, and visitors come to Michigan to view the scene. The colors are nothing short of spectacular.

Being an agricultural state, farmers' markets are everywhere with some of the best produce I've every tasted. Unlike the produce in supermarkets everything in the farmers' markets stalls are picked within a couple of hours of being sold, and grown in, well, real soil. There is no soil in Nevada so what little produce is grown there doesn't taste the same. Tomato and corn season in Michigan is reason enough to be here.

And if you've never had a Michigan Cornish pasty, you're missing one of the best culinary treats this state or any state can offer. Visitors go home with the recipe once they've tried one. This meat and vegetable filled turnover is addicting and you never have just one. And ironically, it's pronounced to rhyme with nasty not tasty.

Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world but I'll save the specifics for a blog during National Cherry Festival in a couple of weeks.

If you're interested in some interesting and fun facts about Michigan there are plenty of them to be read on my next blog at "The Facts Machine"

http://www.thefactsmachine.blogspot.com/.

The state motto is: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Actually Michigan is made up of two peninsulas, the lower and upper. People who live in the upper peninsula are affectionately considered "yoopers" - U.P.ers.

I spend the summer in an upscale RV Resort and own my own lot, http://www.traversebayrv.com/. Click on "about the resort" then "gallery" for dozens of great photos of the park.

This truly is the best of both worlds.

MORE RANDOM BITS AND PIECES THAT MAKE ME WONDER......

IT IS SAID that scorpions come in pairs. So does that mean that since I've found 3 scorpions in my sinks in the past couple of weeks, there is a fourth one lurking, waiting to pounce on me while I sleep? And is the fact that "everyone in the desert has them" supposed to make me sleep any better? I woke up one morning, staggered into the kitchen to plug in the coffee pot and was greeted by a giant speciman sitting in my sink. Not a good way to start the day.

THIS ONE HAS puzzled me for a long time. I know there is a logical answer to this question but I haven't found it yet: If all regulation bowling balls must be the same size and made of the same substance, why do they range from 8 lbs. to 16 lbs.? What causes the fluctuation in weight?????

IS THERE ANYTHING more relaxing or addictive that stroking a Koosh Ball?

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION (okay, my opinion is never humble) Brian Williams of NBC's Nightly News is the best and most pleasant news anchor on TV. The man is so good at what he does. His hilarious hosting of last year's Saturday Night Live proved he can be genuinely funny without losing his professionalism.

AND ON THE OTHER SIDE of that same coin, is Bill O'Reilly of Fox Cable not the most egotistical, back patting, and self serving analyst on TV? I'm so tired of his constant belittling of NBC (and Brian Williams whom I think outshines Bill any day) CNN, the New York Times and any other medium that doesn't agree with his rambling opinions. And why, WHY does he constantly interrupt his guests so that we can never fully get what it is they're saying? If anyone dares to disagree with Bill, they never get a word in edgewise. He recently patted himself on the back again stating that he doesn't understand why so many people get stressed out and upset over nothing. "If the teleprompter blew up, I would remain calm. I don't get excited over anything." Oh yeah? Take a look at this, but be prepared for language. I've stopped watching him. Click here

HOW MANY TIMES have you heard people say they wish summer would arrive so they don't have to stay cooped up in the house with the doors and windows shut while the furnace is on? Okay, so now summer is here and those same people are cooped up in the house with the doors and windows shut, but now the air conditioner is on. Hmmm.

HAVE YOU EVER looked at the latest fashions coming out of Paris, Italy, London, etc. and wondered if the designers get together, make up some insanely hilarious fashion look, then sit back laughing hysterically at the gullible public that buys their designs?? I often wonder which designers win the most bets.

WHY IS IT that otherwise intelligent people will go on Dr. Phil's show and tell the entire nation about their humiliating problems? Why would anyone air their dirty laundry, embarassing their children and and then face their neighbors, friends and co-workers after they've seen the episode? I stopped watching Dr. Phil a long time ago.

I MAY BE ALONE on this but I find Donald Trump to be a very interesting man. Whenever he's on Larry King or any other talk show I never miss a chance to watch him. He's well-spoken, intelligent and has a great personality. AND he always has something fascinating to talk about.

WHY DO WAITSTAFF always seem to wait til you have your mouth full before asking you "is everything all right?" Mmppfnntp......

IS THERE ANY REASON to buy fresh artichokes? You peel away everything but the heart which is about the size of a walnut. And while I'm at it, take a good look at an artichoke and ask yourself if you would be the first person to eat it. And did the first person eat the fuzzy, prickly "choke" part? Okay, that's probably how it got it's name. I'll bet the guy's name was Artie.

Now I have to go look for that fourth scorpion.

SHEEES BAAAACK!!!

Miss Californai, Carrie Prejean, is back in the news trying to point the finger of blame on her answer to a question concerning gay marriage as the cause of  being stripped of her title.

She continuously refers to that answer whenever she's asked about her position as Miss California or the fact that she now no longer holds the title.  Reasons for her dismissal point to her inability, her unwillingness, or her obstinance in not living up to her contract to make appearances throughout the country for the  promotion of the pageant and to uphold her title.  This is obligatory and seeing as how she has already put herself in  a position of critcism because semi-nude photos have surfaced, this is another black eye for the pageant and for Carrie. She denied having taken any questionable photos when she filed for the pageant and was told that was an automatic dismissal.   Suddenly one photo surfaced and she said she only took one.  Then several others surfaced and on and on til we're pretty sick an tired of the whole thing.  Her title has been tarnished.  Here's an open letter to Carrie:

Hey Carrie, here's a thought.   Had you answered the question you were asked instead of going off on your own personal soap box, none of this would have happened.   You were asked this: " {several states} have voted to accept  (legalize) gay marriage.  Do you think other states will follow and why?"   THAT was the question.

Nowhere in that question were you  asked whether you approved of gay marriage or not  .  It was a general question.   Had you answered whether or not other states will follow and if so why, or if not, why, you would  have fulfilled your obligation to answer and you could have done that very tactfully.  But you chose to give your personal views  and while I respect that you hold  that opinion, no one asked you for it.  GET IT?  

So stop blaming everything on the question.  It's beginning to look like that's all you have to fall back on since the committee, and The Donald, have verified that you shirked your responsibility to the pageant and your title.

Give it a rest Carrie, you may wind up regretting going any further. 

And now if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch.

PART TWO - CRAZY LAWS IN THIS HERE UNITED STATES

Many of you have asked when Part 2 of the crazy laws will be posted so here it is.  These are actual laws, ridiculous as they are and are still on the books. 

As in part One, the laws are real, the comments in parenthesis are mine.

KANSAS

Rabbits may not be shot from motorboats. (Unless they're  wearing a life jacket.)

No one can  catch fish with his bare hands.  (You're right about that.)

The state game rule prohibits the use of mules to hunt ducks.   (Mules are lousy shooters; no thumbs.)

If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed.  (Everyone on the trains will have passed before that happens)  

KENTUCKY

It is illegal to fish with a bow and arrow in Kentucky.  (The bait keeps falling off the bowstring.)

. All bees entering Kentucky shall be accompanied by certificates of health, stating that the apiary from which the bees came was free from contagious or infectious disease. (Do they keep the certificates in their little bee wallets?)

LOUISIANA

You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant. (They lose too many dogs that way.)

MAINE

You may not step out of a plane in flight.  (That's what the  attendant told me on my last flight.)

Shoelaces must be tied while walking down the street.  (Together??)

MARYLAND

It's illegal to take a lion to the movies.  (Especially if  it's an MGM movie. They get excited and spill thier popcorn.)

You may not curse inside the city limits.   (Hey, step over the line with that mouth.)

Eating while swimming in the ocean is prohibited.  (It makes the sharks envious.)

MASSACHUSETTS

It's illegal to sell fewer than 24 ducklings at a time before May 1, or to sell rabbits, chicks, or ducklings that have been painted a different color.  (Can I sell a horse of a different color??)

No gorilla is allowed in the back seat of any car.  (That's not a gorilla, that's my mother-in-law.)

MICHIGAN

A woman isn't allowed to cut her own hair without her husband's permission. (Yeah, you can kiss that one goodbye.)

You may not swear in front of women and children in the state of Michigan. (They have to turn their backs first.)

Any person over the age of 12 may have a license for a handgun as long as he/she has not been convicted of a felony.  (They will be as soon as they get the gun in their hands.)

MINNESOTA

All men driving motorcycles must wear shirts. (Oh, thank you, thank you for that one.)

Hamburgers may not be eaten on Sundays.  (Subway, Weinerschnizle and Pizza Hut and KFC  are grateful for  this law.)

MISSOURI

Four women may not rent an apartment together.  (That's good advice anywhere.)

MONTANA

It is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone.  (Why on earth would sheep need a chaperone?   Ohhhh,  of course -  now I get it.)

NEBRASKA

If a child burps during church, his parent may be arrested.  (Oh my gosh, these just keep getting better.)

It is Illegal to go whale fishing.  ( I'd pay to see the bait on that line.)

NEVADA

It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.   (Somewhere along the line Nevada got connected with camels,)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

You cannot sell the clothes you are wearing to pay off a gambling debt. (Hey, there's a slogan for the casinos in N.H. - No one loses their shirt here.)

If a person is caught raking the beaches, picking up litter, hauling away trash, building a bench for the park, or many other kind things without a permit, he/she may be fined $150 for ''maintaining the national forest without a permit''.  (Oh, this is priceless!)

NEW JERSEY

You cannot pump your own gas. All gas stations are full service and full service only. (Yep, this law is still in effect in Oregon too.  Gives jobs to many people)

On a highway you can not park under a bridge. (Only trolls are allowed to do that.)

It is against the law to "frown" at a police officer. (Can I make funny faces at him?)

If you have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, you may never again apply for personalized license plates.  (My plate reads, "hiccup.)

It is illegal to offer whiskey or cigarettes to animals at the local zoo.  (They leave butts laying all over the place.)

NEW MEXICO

It's forbidden for a female to appear unshaven in public.   (I once saw the bearded lady in the side show and she was in public.)

NEW YORK

It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun. (In New York that IS fun.)

The penalty for jumping off a building is death.  (I'll say.)

A person may not walk around on Sundays with an ice cream cone in his/her pocket.   (I can't believe this one is actually a law.  Who among us doesn't love to walk around with ice cream cones in our pockets?

Slippers are not to be worn after 10:00 P.M.   (The slipper police are watching)

NORTH CAROLINA 

Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields.  (No one wants flat cotton balls.)

Fights between cats and dogs are prohibited.   (Is there a sign that lets the cats and dogs know this?)

 NORTH DAKOTA

It is illegal to shoot an Indian on horseback unless  you are in a covered wagon.  (If you're not in a covered wagon, you haven't got a chance pal.)

STAY WITH ME FOR PART 3

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

"I don't red books, there boring.  I never learnt nothing from books."  

This is an actual quote from a blogsite I recently read.  Maybe someone should have given the author a book on spelling and grammar.

I have read several reviews on  a book readers' site that I get into every once in a while and am amazed at how many people will continue to read a book they find boring and, in their words, "stupid."  They refuse to put the book down because mom told them to finish anything they started, including boring, stupid books.   Never could figure that one out.  Why would anyone waste precious time reading,  to the very end, a book that makes them frustrated and anxious to finish?  Who's keeping tabs on what you read?  Put the damn book down and read something better, more exciting,  more to your liking.

Who said you had to finish a bad book?  Mom?  Come on.

I am also amazed at how many people have told me they don't read because they find books, any book,  a boring waste of time.  How sad is that?   How can you keep in touch with the world around you, how can you know anything about life and what makes it tick if you don't read?

Trust me even trashy novels teach us something.

I am a profound advocate of teaching children not only to read but to love to read at an early age, and I know that most teachers feel the same way I do.  What I don't understand is why high school teachers force students to read the so-called  classics instead of letting them choose what they want to read. I'm convinced that this is one of the main reasons kids find books  a boring waste of time.

I read my first word in the first grade and learned to read immediately.  I loved it and because I loved it I was the best reader in the class.   I started with fairy tales, then  comic books, then movie magazines then novels.  I have loved reading all my life.  Maybe because no one ever  told me what I could or couldn't read.  I chose my own reading material.  Still do. 

  Did you ever try to get through "Moby Dick" or  "The Odyssey" when you were 16 or 17 years old?  If that kind of reading material  doesn't turn kids against reading I don't know what would.  Not that those particular books aren't considered good reading material, but because most teenagers can't get into Moby Dick.  I can't either.  Now that is a boring book.  Maybe educators should take another look at the required reading list.  Why not give the students a choice of several books with their interests in mind and let them choose for themselves?  Who cares what they're reading as long as they read something.  Maybe that will spark an interest in reading that could last a lifetime.  Maybe they'll decide to read the classics later at their own discretion and because they want to not because they were forced to.  And by the way, who decides what book is defined as "classic"?  

What others fined interesting I may find boring or inane.  And of course not everyone likes my taste in books.  Take a look at my book list on the right at see if you would be interested in the same thing.   I LOVE to read but only because I CHOOSE for myself what I read.  I give a book 50 pages.  If it hasn't grabbed me by then, down it goes.  I try to read   100  pages per day.  I MAKE time to read, when I 'm not blogging that  is.

Several years ago I opened a children's books, educational toys and games shop in San Diego.  I love children's books and my goal was to start kids on a reading program and keep them there.  One of the saddest things I ever heard during that time was when a woman entered my shop with her niece and told her to pick out anything she wanted.  The child (10 yrs old) wanted the latest in a series of books she was reading.  She REALLY wanted that book but her aunt said, " Oh pick out a toy or game instead.  Books are so boring."  The only thing that kept me from slapping the woman was a jail sentence.  Pretty sad.  Needless to say the kid reluctantly picked out a toy she didn't want. 

So try to become interested in what you're reading or choose something else, but READ.  There are thousands of books for your choosing.  Someday you may pick up that awful classic , read it and be amazed at how good it had become over the years. 

LIFE'S A PITCH, THEN YOU BUY!

Well, looks like I'm going to get mine or already did.  I wrote a blog entry on "As Seen On TV" items and thought the commercials were hilarious, stupid, childish, and inane.  Well, I was forced to take another look.  Infomercials are a $150,000,000,000 dollar industry.  That's one hundred fifty BILLION dollars.

Over the weekend, CNBC did a one hour documentary  on just that subject, how timely was that?  The special was cleverly titled, "As Seen On TV."  here are the facts.  Read them then save them so you can refer back to the those facts every time you watch one of those commercials and laugh at them and the pitchmen who tout the items like I do.

THE GEORGE FORMAN GRILL  is a one hundred fifty billion dollar industry.  That's $150,000,000,000.  Over one hundred million grills have been sold since it was introduced  This item is one of the most successful kitchen appliances ever sold.  It is in my opinion, NOT one of the silly gadgets I usually laugh at but a very useful and necessary piece of kitchen equipment.  But I listed it here because it is sold and pitched via the infomercial.  Now for some of the silly stuff.

THE SNUGGIE  - there have been enough Snuggies sold to clothe the entire population of Minnesota. The nation is involved in "pub crawls" wearing Snuggies to bars, on the street, etc.  If you purchased the blanket you got a book light as a free gift.  The snuggie pubbers are wearing the book light tucked into their head bands.  Now this you gotta see to believe, but they are doing it to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in Snuggie sales.    CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO  

THE TOPSY TURVEY TOMATO GROWER  is this year's biggie so far.  As is the BIG CITY  SLIDER STATION a gadget that makes 5 burgers at one time. Hmm original idea?  Maybe not but watch sales soar!

THE CHIA PET is racking up over 500,000 sales per year.  The "OBAMA CHIA"  a bust of Obama growing a green afro was introduced in April but  Walgreen drug stores, it's only retailer,  pulled it from the shelves after 4 days. TeleBrands spent over a half million dollars developing this item.  Thank you Walgreen.

THE GINSU KNIFE,  introduced in 1970 is still selling.  The knife is made in Ohio but was given a Japanese name for effect and intrigue. It worked.  This too is one of the most successful sales campaigns ever shown on TV.

THE PED EGG is the one item I laughed at the hardest and now I learn that over 25,000,000 have been sold.  The egg was the largest selling SKU in Walgreen's entire chain, outselling  Snickers candy bars.  

DOGGIE STEPS is a carpeted 3 step item to help your dog easily get up onto furniture, the bed, into the back of your car or wherever dogs need a helping uh, leg up.   Five million units per year are sold.

You get the idea.  The magic price number seems to be $19.95.  Just under twenty dollars - everyone can afford it and and the fact that its under 20.00 makes it appealing.  The real money is in the shipping and handling charges.  I mentioned that in my previous blog entry and it was confirmed on the follow up documentary.

The S & H  charges are, as they readily admit, whatever the market will bear.  They can and do charge any amount over and above the actual shipping charge because they call it "handling."  No unethical, not illegal, just profitable. All advertsing costs are covered by the S & H charges.

The "AS SEEN ON TV" category at Walgreen's is their number one selling category.  Not only are you familiar with the product, but now you can actually see and hold it.  Once the product is in your hands, it's sold.

The industry regulates itself against false claims.  If you have a problem with an item not performing as advertised they will check it out.  The last thing they want is false advertising claims, or shoddy items. That spells certain  death for the infomercial industry.

Billy Mays is one of the most requested pitchmen for anyone wanting to put their product on the TV market.  His sales techniques have sold billions of dollars worth of the products he touts.  His voice, his appearance and his excitement over the product lend to his and the item's success. The makers of OXI CLEAN sold the company a couple of years ago for $320,000,000 mainly because of Billy Mays' successful selling.   Billy Mays  is able to sell every product he pitches because people like and trust him.  He makes tens of thousands of dollars in salary PLUS a piece of the sales.  Nice job.

Since 1965 with the advent of the Veg-O-Matic and Chop-O-Matic, both  hugely successful,  Ron  Pepeils' most successful product has been the Showtime Rotisserie.   My son has one and I can verify that this appliance does a superior job with turkey and spare ribs.   This is one item that everyone should have, and most people already do.  The latest Popeil appliance getting ready to break into the infomercial world is the deep fryer for turkeys that you can safely use in your kitchen.  I wish I had a piece of this one. 

The commercials are often meant to be humorous, they grab your attention and give you a good feeling.  They make you get up off of a comfortable chair and run to your phone to give a perfect stranger your credit card number.   The SlapChop salesmen, Vince Shlomi,  says, while chopping,  "you're gonna love my nuts."  CHA CHING!!

There are more infomercials on TV now than at any other time in history.  And this is just the beginning.  As Billy Mays says "first you pitch and then you buy."

So, there you have it.  The money making world of the infomercial.   I know in my heart that these products will continue to make money, no matter how ridiculous, intelligence-insulting, silly,  annoying and just plain in-your-face  laughable they are,  I will continue to say what I've always said:

"Why   didn't I think of that?"