sandrewn

March 6th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Chrodegang Colette of Corbie Fridolin of Säckingen Kyneburga, Kyneswide and Tibba Marcian of Tortona March 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) European Day of the Righteous, commemorates those who have stood up against crimes against humanity and totalitarianism with their own moral responsibility. (Europe) Foundation Day (Norfolk Island), the founding of Norfolk Island in 1788. Independence Day (Ghana), celebrates the independence of Ghana from the UK in 1957. Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Alamo Day Day of Memorial And Respect For Veterans Day of the Dude Iraq Day Of Tolerance And Coexistence Discover What Your Name Means Day National Brian Day National Damien Day National Dress Day National Ford Day National Frozen Food Day National Oreo Day National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day National Shirley Day National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day No Homework Day Stop Bad Service Day Hospitality Workers in HealthCare Day Tyler1’s Birthday Tyler The Creator’s Birthday Shaquille O'Neal’s Birthday Jacob Bertrand’s Birthday Harriet Tubman’s Birthday Biannca Prince’s Birthday Fun Observances Dentist's Day Celebrate dentists all over the world and honor their role in keeping us healthy and smiling on March 6 or Dentist’s Day. Dentists tend to get a bad rap, but they are essential for keeping us and our communities healthy. Old Job Dentistry is one of the oldest medical specialization. Oral health has always been a source of trouble for people and a subject matter of great interest to physicians throughout human history. The first dentist in recorded history - Hesy Ra - is thought to have lived and practiced his dentistry in Egypt around 2600 BCE. Barbers as Dentists Before dentistry became an organized professional branch of medicine, barbers were part-time dentists, usually entrusted with the unsavory job of extracting teeth. Modern dentistry emerged during the late 17th century, though the lack of anesthesia and sophisticated equipment made going to the dentist a painful proposition. Today, dentists are an important part of any country's medical and health system. In addition to caring for people with tooth problems, dentists also perform surgeries to correct misaligned teeth and other problems affecting the jaw and the oral cavity. How to Celebrate? If you haven’t been to see your dentist in a while, use this day to make an appointment with them. Thank your dentist by sending them a thank you note or maybe some home baked goods – just make sure there isn’t too much sugar in them. Did You Know… …that the world's first dental school was opened by Dr. John M. Harris in Bainbridge, Ohio, on February 21, 1828? *** While I was serving as a juror, I chanced to share the elevator one morning with a visiting judge. He asked me where the jurors parked, and I informed him that we had our own lot several blocks away. Then it occurred to me that he might be having a problem finding a place for his car, so I continued, "but, Your Honor, they have a special place reserved for judges down below." "Yes," he said dryly, "I'm sure they do." *** Phil was driving down a country road late one night when he felt a big thud. He got out of the car and looked around, but the road was empty. Since there was nothing else to be done, Phil drove on home. In the morning the sheriff was standing at his doorstep. "You're under arrest for hitting a pig and leaving the scene," the lawman told him with a frown. "Please come with me." Phil couldn't believe his ears. "But how could you possibly know that's what happened?" he asked. "It wasn't hard," the sheriff replied. "The pig squealed." *** One afternoon I was walking on a trail with my newborn daughter, chatting to her about the scenery. When a man and his dog approached, I leaned into the baby carriage and said, "See the doggy?" Suddenly I felt a little silly talking to my baby as if she understood me. But just as the man passed, I noticed he reached down, patted his dog and said, "See the baby?" *** My Dad's favorite joke is indelible: Joe is a new man on a construction crew. The first day on the job, he opens his lunch box and mumbles, “Oh no, peanut butter!” The next day, “Peanut butter again!” This goes on for days, until another worker says, “Why don’t you ask your wife to make a different lunch?” Joe replies, “I’m not married. I make my own lunch.” Whether or not anyone else laughed, Dad certainly did. *** *** *** *** *** Which is why you should always keep your towel handy, I know I do. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Meanwhile...in Japan *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

I just looked at my last post and realized (finally) that it is about FLIES and not spiders. I am sooo sorry.

March 5th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Ciarán of Saigir John Joseph of the Cross Piran Theophilus, bishop of Caesarea Thietmar of Minden March 5 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Physical Culture and Sport (Azerbaijan) Learn from Lei Feng Day (China) St Piran's Day (Cornwall) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Arrival Of The First Missionaries Custom Chief's Day Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day International Open Data Day Kyrgyzstan National Hat Day Multiple Personality Day National Absinthe Day National Cheese Doodle Day National Potty Dance Day National Scott Day National Sportsmanship Day National Town Meeting Day Reel Film Day Unique Names Day World Information Architecture Day mrfreshasian’s Birthday Claire Drake’s Birthday Madison Beer’s Birthday Chloe Veitch’s Birthday Eva Mendes Fun Observances ( 2 ) Learn What Your Name Means Day On March 5, or Learn What Your Name Means Day, do some research to find out the out the origin and history of your name - first and last. Maybe you'll find a great tale behind your name! The holiday is part of Celebrate Your Name Week created by American Jerry Hill in 1997. The purpose of the week is to encourage people to celebrate and appreciate their unique names. Types of Names A name is a word used to identify people, places, and things. A person is identified by their name or full name, and this usually consists of at least two words - the given name, which is also known as the first name, and the surname, which is also known as the family name or last name. The purpose of the surname or family name is to indicate that the person belongs to a specific family or clan. In many cultures, people are identified by a single name. Tracing History Because of different naming conventions around the world, a person's name, while not unique, can tell a lot of the person's heritage and family history. For example, many societies in the world use patronymic names - at least one part of a person's name comes from the father's family. By following the chain of shared names back, one can find, if records exist, a lot about one's ancestors. Similarly, some cultures follow a matronymic tradition where part of a person's name comes from the mother's side of the family. How to Celebrate? Talk to your parents or family members about your name. Ask them why they gave you your name and what it means. With a little bit of research you may be able to find out about the lives of your ancestors. How about learning your name in Morse code? Did You Know… …that the study of the history, origin, and meaning of proper names is called onomatology? ~~~~~~~ Cinco de Marcho Day A play on Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Marcho is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on March 5. The made-up holiday encourages people to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. According to the official Cinco de Marcho website, the day was created in 2007 in the United States. It marks the beginning of a 12-day period when "people train their livers for drinking huge amounts of alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day." A Celebration of Irish Culture Also colloquially known as St. Paddy's Day, St. Patrick’s Day is an annual celebration of Irish culture. It commemorates St. Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who was responsible for spreading Christianity in Ireland during the 5th century. Associated with Irish Beer In recent years, with the spread of Irish immigrants around the world, St. Patrick's Day has become a holiday celebrated worldwide. In many parts of the world, people celebrate the day by drinking lots of Irish beer and participating in St. Patrick Day parades. Cinco de Marcho is a way to extend these celebrations to the previous weeks and encourage people to start consuming Irish beers days before the actual event. How to Celebrate? Host a party for your friends and organize drinking games. Visit your favorite bars with your friends and spend the evening drinking your favorite adult beverages. Do not drink? What about just getting together with friends and having a good time? Someone wise once did say that you don’t need alcohol to have fun. Did You Know... ...that Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated every year on May 5? The holiday celebrates the anniversary of the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5, 1862. *** My mother, a meticulous housekeeper, often lectured my father about tracking dirt into the house. One day he came in to find her furiously scrubbing away at a spot on the floor and launching into a lecture. "I don't know what you've brought in," she said, "but I can't seem to get this out." He studied the situation for a moment and, without a word, moved a figurine on the window-sill where the sun was streaming in. The spot immediately disappeared. *** Over the years, my husband and I have usually managed to decode the cute but confusing gender signs they sometimes put on restroom doors in restaurants (Buoys & Gulls, Laddies & Lassies, etc.), but every so often we get stumped. Recently my husband, Dave, wandered off in search of the men’s room and found himself confronted by two marked doors. One was labeled 'Bronco' and the other was designated 'Cactus.' Completely baffled, he stopped a restaurant employee passing by. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," Dave said. Gesturing toward the doors, he asked, "Which one should I use?" "Actually, we would prefer you to go there," the employee said, pointing to a door down the hall marked 'Men.' "Bronco and Cactus are private dining rooms." *** For years I had been telling my friend Pete that he ate too much fast food, but he always denied it. One day he admitted I was right. "What changed your mind?" "My grandson. When my daughter told him I was coming to visit, he asked, 'Grandpa from Florida, or Grandpa from Pizza Hut?' " *** We Uber drivers never know whom we’re going to end up with as a passenger. One day, I was driving over a new bridge, the design of which was very confusing. Completely confounded, I muttered, “I’d love to meet the genius who designed this mess.” With that, my passenger extended his hand in my direction and said, “Well, today is your lucky day. My name is Mike, I work for the county engineer’s office, and I’m the genius who designed this!” Surprisingly, he still gave me a tip. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 4th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Adrian of Nicomedia Casimir Felix of Rhuys Giovanni Antonio Farina (Catholic Church) Blessed Humbert III, Count of Savoy (Roman Catholic Church) Paul Cuffee (Episcopal Church) Peter of Pappacarbone Blessed Zoltán Meszlényi March 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) St Casimir's Day (Poland and Lithuania) World Obesity Day Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Anniversary of The Coronation of The Sultan of Terengganu Benjamin Harrison Day Brain Injury Awareness Day Casimir Pulaski Day Courageous Follower Day Fun Facts About Names Day Global Day of the Engineer Guam Discovery Day Guam History And Chamorro Heritage Day Holy Experiment Day HPV Awareness Day Hug a G.I. Day Ida Day International GM Day International Scrapbooking Industry Day Lavity Stoutt's Birthday March Forth National Backcountry Ski Day National Dance The Waltz Day National Grammar Day National Marching Band Day National Pound Cake Day National Quinton Day National Ray Day National Safety Day National Snack Day National Sons Day Old Inauguration Day Toy Soldier Day World Tennis Day World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation Fun Facts About Names Day Do Something Day K Michelle’s Birthday Dylan Gilmer’s Birthday Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Birthday Moniece Slaughter’s Birthday Catherine O’Hara ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Fri Mar 8th, 2024 National School Breakfast Week National Scoot to School Week Newspaper in Education Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Sun Mar 10th, 2024 British Pie Week Food Waste Action Week National Aardvark Week National Butchers Week National Cheerleading Week National Endometriosis Awareness Week National Procrastination Week Telecommuter Appreciation Week Women in Aviation Week Women in Construction Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Mon Mar 11th, 2024 National Salt Awareness Week Mon Mar 4th, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 Fairtrade Fortnight Fun Observances March Forth and Do Something Day March Forth and Do Something Day is a made-up holiday celebrated each year on March 4. The holiday encourages people to do something new that enriches their own lives or the lives of people in their community. March Fourth The name of this unofficial holiday plays on the words, march fourth, which when spoken out loud sounds like march forth - an expression used to convey action and moving forward. Homonyms March fourth and march forth are homophones - words or expressions that are pronounced alike, but have different meanings. Homographs, on the other hand, are words or expressions that are spelled the same way but have different meanings. Examples of such words include bass (a deep sound and a type of fish) and bow (to bend, the front of a ship and a type of knot). Homophones and homographs are both types of homonyms. How to Celebrate? March forth and do something. Volunteer in your community. Start something that you have always wanted to do, but have never had the chance to. Did You Know… …that the word March is a capitonym? Capitonyms are words or expressions whose meaning changes depending on where it's capitalized or not. March refers to the month, while march refers to a walking in a measured way. *** The family was viewing old slides and one flashed on the screen that caught everyone's attention. My father, wearing his favorite golf shirt, was holding me at the tender age of three weeks. The look on his face told all. "There's my prize possession," my father said. Touched, I smiled at him as he continued, "I wonder whatever happened to that golf shirt?" *** Traditional Chinese drugstores are always filled with bizarre remedies for everyday ailments. So while traveling in the Far East, I couldn't resist going into a drugstore to look around. There were rows and rows of jars filled with dried herbs, powders, and exotic oils. But one jar really caught my attention. The label said it was a guaranteed cure for stomachache. The jar was filled with chocolate chip cookies. *** To mail a big package of cookies to my two Air Force sons, both of whom were serving in Saudi Arabia, I was required to attach a label describing the contents. I carefully marked the box "Cookies" and sent it off, but after a month my sons said they had yet to receive my package. Suspicious, I baked another batch, only this time I labeled the contents "Health Food." Within a week my sons reported they had received the goodies. *** Spotted on T-shirts for sale in the Ponce de Leon Coast Guard Exchange: "Support Your Local Coast Guard…Get Lost." *** “Yesterday was my 18th birthday!” a customer said after walking into our convenience store. He then asked for some e-cigarette products and handed me his ID to prove he was indeed of age. I scanned the ID, but it came back expired. Now thoroughly deflated, he asked, “Does that mean I’m not 18?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Spiders produce different types of silk in different glands. Here, we show six types of silk, the name and location of the gland that produces it, and what the spider uses it for.

March 3rd 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Anselm, Duke of Friuli Arthelais Cunigunde of Luxembourg Katharine Drexel John and Charles Wesley (Episcopal Church (USA)) Marinus and Asterius of Caesarea Winwaloe March 3 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Hinamatsuri or "Girl's Day" (Japan) Liberation and Freedom Day (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA) Liberation Day (Bulgaria) Martyrs' Day (Malawi) Mother's Day (Georgia) Sportsmen's Day (Egypt) World Hearing Day World Wildlife Day Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) 33 Flavors Day Canadian Bacon Day Caregiver Appreciation Day Clean Up Australia Day Finisher’s Medal Day Global Omega-3 Day™ Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race International Ear Care Day International Irish Whiskey Day Missouri Compromise Day National Anthem Day National Cold Cuts Day National Jackson Day National Moscow Mule Day National Mulled Wine Day National Rita Day National Robin Day Navy Reserve Birthday Peach Blossom Day Simplify Your Life Day National Soup It Forward Day - 1 Soup it Forward Day - 2 Venezuela Carnival Talk in Third Person Day National If Pets Had Thumbs Day - 1 What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day - 2 Camila Cabello’s Birthday Buddy Valastro’s Birthday Jessica Biel Alexander Graham Bell Birth anniversary of Samaon Sulaiman ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sun Mar 3rd, 2024 - Sat Mar 9th, 2024 Celebrate Your Name Week Chocolate Chip Cookie Week Dental Assistant Week National Consumer Protection Week No More Week Professional Pet Sitters Week Read an eBook Week Return Borrowed Books Week Return The Borrowed Books Week School Social Work Week Teen Tech Week Words Matter Week World Glaucoma Week World Orphan Week Telecommuter Appreciation Week Fun Observances I Want You to be Happy Day March 3 is I Want You to be Happy Day, a day to set aside selfish thoughts and to make someone feel special and happy. The anonymous creators of the unofficial holiday wanted to encourage people to do things that cheer up people around them. A Universal Emotion Even though happiness is a universal emotion, it can mean different things to different people. In today's busy world, it is easy to forget this and take on a more self-centric view of happiness. I Want You to be Happy Day inspires people set aside their definition of happiness and to find out what makes their loved ones happy and do those things for them. Happy Days The day is also known as National I Want You to be Happy Day in the United States. Other happy holidays are Let's Laugh Day, Random Act of Kindness Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, and Laugh and Get Rich Day. How to Celebrate? Make someone’s day special. Compliment them or just do something special to make them happy. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and that you will do everything to ensure that they are happy. Having troubles with a friend or a family member? Sit down with them and clear things up and tell them that you want them to be happy. Did You Know… …that many believe that the phrase "happy as a clam" originates from the fact that open clams give an impression of a smiling clam? Other sources, however, suggest that the fuller version of the phrase - happy as a clam at high water - explains why a clam may be happy. At high water, clams tend to have no predators including humans. *** Pointing to a pan of chicken wings and legs disguised in the classic mess-hall manner, a young airman asked the mess sergeant, "What's for chow?" "Air Force chicken," replied the sergeant. "You want wings or landing gear?" *** A couple we know were in Lamaze class, where they had an activity requiring the husband to wear a bag of sand—to give him an idea of what it feels like to be pregnant. The husband stood up and shrugged, saying, "This doesn't feel so bad." The teacher then dropped a pen and asked him to pick it up. "You want me to pick up the pen as if I were pregnant?" he asked. "Exactly," replied the instructor. To the delight of the other husbands, he turned to his wife and said, "Honey, pick up that pen for me." *** After being at sea in the Persian Gulf for 90 straight days, I went to the squadron command master chief to complain. "Chief, I joined the Navy to see the world," I said, "but for the past three months all I've seen is water." "Lieutenant," he replied, "three-quarters of the earth is covered with water, and the Navy has been showing you that. If you wanted to see the other quarter, you should have joined the Army." *** When I was in high school in the ’70s, Dad said he’d just heard my favorite group on the radio, Carrying Grain. The band was Hall & Oates, and this gag perfectly sums up my father’s sense of humor. *** *** *** *** This one put me in a nostalgic mood, so here is a song I really liked and one of my favorite groups from way back when. The Irish Rovers - The Unicorn - YouTube While on that page I found "Celtic Thunder" which I have followed for years, featuring a duet of George Donaldson and a very young, Damien McGinty. IRELAND - 'A BIRD WITHOUT WINGS' - YouTube Sadly, George passed away March 12, 2014 (R.I.P.) *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

March 2nd 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Air Force Day (Sri Lanka) Baloch Culture Day (Balochistan) Christian feast day: Agnes of Bohemia Angela of the Cross Blessed Charles the Good, Count of Flanders Chad of Mercia (Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox Church) John Maron March 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Feast of 'Alá (Loftiness), First day of the 19th month of the Baháʼí calendar (Baháʼí Faith) and first day of the Baháʼí Nineteen Day Fast Jamahiriya Day (Libya) National Read Across America Day (United States) Peasants' Day (Myanmar) Texas Independence Day Adwa Victory Day (Ethiopia) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) American Citizenship Day International Rescue Cat Day James Ronald Webster Day National Banana Cream Pie Day National Egg McMuffin Day National Walter Day Toddle Waddle World Teen Mental Wellness Day Open Data Day Dr. Seuss Day Luke Combs’s Birthday Jon Bon Jovi’s Birthday Janhvi Kapoor’s Birthday Cindy Mello’s Birthday Becky G’s Birthday Savannah LaBrant’s Birthday Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bryce Dallas Howard Method Man Rebel Wilson Desi Arnaz ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Tue Mar 5th, 2024 International Women’s Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Wed Mar 6th, 2024 Read Across America Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Sun Mar 10th, 2024 Jewish Book Week Sea Week Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 - Sun Mar 17th, 2024 Iditarod Race Fun Observances Old Stuff Day March 2 is Old Stuff Day. Take some time on this made-up holiday to appreciate the beauty of all things old and vintage. Or you can reflect on the same old, and sometimes boring, things that you do every day and take the opportunity to change things up. The holiday is also sometimes called National Old Stuff Day in the United States. Increased Value While people often see old things as something to be replaced by newer, shinier things, not all of them are useless. Wines, for example, are more valuable and tastier as they grow older. Many old items like maps, books, jewelry, furniture, clothes, and artifacts also gain value as they age. This is because they represent workmanship and aesthetics of a previous historical era, as well as technology that may not exist in present times. Much more valuable than old inanimate items is the wisdom and knowledge we can get from old people. From old family members, one can learn their family history, their genealogy, and their origins. Old people can provide us a richer and more colorful account of the past than any history book can. Antique Versus Vintage Not all old things are created equal. Those who study history divide historical items into two groups based on their age. Antiques are items that are at least 100 years old, while vintage items usually have to be at least 30 years or more old. How to Celebrate? Sort out that crammed attic or basement, and throw away any old things you have no use for anymore. Or, start a vintage collection. Visit thrift stores and flea markets - who knows what treasures you may come across? Get together with your grandparents or someone older than you and ask them to tell you stories about their childhood and youth. Learn about what was going on in the world when they were growing up. Take a bit of time today to contemplate your life and to add a few new activities or hobbies to spice up your routine. Continuing on the theme of old things, perhaps you could pick up collecting old rocks? Did You Know… …that earliest known pieces of jewelry made by humans are thought to be about 100,000 years old? Found in a cave in Israel, the pieces were made from mollusk shells. *** I called a video shop to order the war movie Battle of the Bulge. "Hold on," said the clerk. "I'll check our aerobics tapes." *** I was hospitalized with an awful sinus infection that caused the entire left side of my face to swell. On the third day, the nurse led me to believe that I was finally recovering when she announced excitedly, "Look, your wrinkles are coming back!" *** My wife received a credit-card application in the mail that she had not requested. She didn't want it, but I did. So I crossed off my wife's name on the form, entered my own and returned the application. I soon got a phone call from a woman saying my application had been rejected. I asked her why, and she told me the card could only be issued to the person originally solicited by the offer. However, she invited me to reapply, which I did during the same telephone call. A few days later I got another call to tell me my second application had been rejected. Why? The woman told me their files showed that I had previously applied for a card and had been denied. *** At his 103rd birthday party, my grandfather was asked if he thought that he'd be around for his 104th. "I certainly do," he replied. "Statistics show that very few people die between the ages of 103 and 104." *** As my sister and I were counting the cows in a pasture, Dad glanced over at the herd and said, “There are 127.” “How’d you know?” we asked. He replied, “I counted their legs and divided by four.” Decades later, my kids give me the same look I gave my dad every time I pull that same gag. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Bro you shouldn’t do this especially with a terrestrial tarantula because they could get really hurt. And with a body as heavy as a Goliath bird eater, it’s looking grim. I have one and he gets nervous when I even put my hands in the cage.

March 1st 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Beer Day, marked the end of beer prohibition in 1989 (Iceland) Christian feast day: Agnes Tsao Kou Ying (one of the Martyr Saints of China) Albin Eudokia of Heliopolis Pope Felix III Leoluca Luperculus Monan Rudesind Saint David's Day or Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (Wales and Welsh communities) Suitbert March 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Commemoration of Mustafa Barzani's Death (Iraqi Kurdistan) Disability Day of Mourning Heroes' Day (Paraguay) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992. National "Cursed Soldiers" Remembrance Day (Poland) National Pig Day (United States) Remembrance Day (Marshall Islands) Samiljeol (South Korea) Self-injury Awareness Day (international) Southeastern Europe celebration of the beginning of spring: Baba Marta Day (Bulgaria) Mărțișor (Romania and Moldova) The final day (fourth or fifth) of Ayyám-i-Há (Baháʼí Faith) World Seagrass Day Yap Day (Yap State) Zero Discrimination Day Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day Baby Sleep Day Denim Day for Dementia Endometriosis Awareness Day International Martisor International Women of Color Day National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day National Dadgum That's Good Day National Day of Unplugging National Dress in Blue Day National Employee Appreciation Day National Fruit Compote Day National Horse Protection Day National Hotel Slipper Day National Minnesota Day National Peanut Butter Lover's Day National Sage Day National Speech and Debate Education Day National Texas Stress Day National Wedding Planning Day National Welsh Corgi Day Overseas N.H.S. Workers Day Peace Corps Day Public Risk Management Awareness Day Refired Not Retired Day Share a Smile Day World Civil Defense Day World Day of Prayer International Wheelchair Day National March First Day National Barista Day Mountain Hare Day National Salesperson Day Wonho’s Birthday Justin Bieber’s Birthday Ron Howard’s Birthday Sawyer Sharbino’s Birthday Philza’s Birthday Kesha’s Birthday Kenny Redneck Tv’s Birthday Frederic Chopin’s Birthday Lupita Nyong’o Jensen Ackles Mark-Paul Gosselaar ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Sat Mar 2nd, 2024 Festival of Owls Week Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Wed Mar 6th, 2024 National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week Fri Mar 1st, 2024 - Thu Mar 7th, 2024 Hearing Awareness Week National Ghostwriters Week National Invest in Veterans Week National Will Eisner Week National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week North Dakota Winter Show Universal Human Beings Week Observances (click on the month for details) Academy Awards Month Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month Alport Syndrome Awareness Month American Red Cross Month Berries and Cherries Month Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Brain Injury Awareness Month Colic Awareness Month Color Therapy Month Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month Dolphin Awareness Month Employee Spirit Month Endometriosis Month Essential Tremor Awareness Month Exotic Winter Fruit & Leeks and Green Onions Month Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science and Engineering Month Eye Donor Awareness Month Frozen Food Month Gardening, Nature and Ecology Books Month Gender Equality Month Greek-American Heritage Month Honor Society Awareness Month Humorists are Artists Month International Mirth Month Irish-American Heritage Month Listening Awareness Month Mad for Plaid Month Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month March Madness Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal Mental Retardation Awareness Month Middle Level Education Month MS Awareness Month National Athletic Training Month National Bed Month (U.K.) National Breast Implant Awareness Month National Caffeine Awareness Month National Celery Month National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month National Cheerleading Safety Month National Clean up Your IRS Act Month National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month National Craft Month National Credit Education Month National Crochet Month National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - 1 National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - 2 National Endometriosis Awareness Month National Ethics Awareness Month National Flour Month National Kidney Month National March Into Literacy Month National Music in Our Schools Month National Noodle Month National Nutrition Month National Optimism Month National Peanut Month National Professional Social Worker's Month National Reading Month National Sauce Month National Umbrella Month National Women's History Month NZ Book Month Play the Recorder Month Poison Prevention Awareness Month Read an E-Book Month Red Cross Month Save Your Vision Month Sing With Your Child Month Small Press Month Social Work Month Spiritual Wellness Month Supply Management Month The Great Daffodil Appeal Trisomy Awareness Month Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month Veggie Month Women’s Month (Philippines) Workplace Eye Wellness Month Youth Art Month Fun Observances ( 2 ) World Compliment Day March 1 is celebrated as World Compliment Day, a day that aims to address the “basic human need for recognition and appreciation.” Started in the Netherlands by Hans Poortvliet in 2001, the day is now celebrated in many European countries including Norway and Belgium. Spread Joy and Positivity According to the official website of the unofficial holiday, Poortvliet created the day as a way to spread happiness and increase productivity. The website encourages people to use words instead of gifts as a way to praise and appreciate people. The idea is to create the “most positive day in the world.” How to Celebrate? Pay compliments to everyone you meet. Appreciate family, coworkers, and friends for their hard work and for being there in your life. Did You Know... ...there is a similar holiday, Compliment Day that is annually celebrated on January 24? ~~~~~~~ Plan a Solo Vacation Day Need a vacation and don’t have a traveling companion? Then March 1 or Plan a Solo Vacation Day is the unofficial holiday for you. On this day treat yourself to that vacation you have always wanted, without having to wait for someone to join you on your adventures. Advantages Planning a solo vacation can be intimidating and overwhelming. But traveling alone can have many advantages. Informal studies have shown that those who travel by themselves tend to be more spontaneous and adventurous. Facing unknown situations in new and strange places can help people overcome their fears and anxieties. Friendlier Those who travel solo are forced to interact with locals and fellow travelers, instead of just hanging out with a small group of people. This translates into social benefits in real life - solo travelers can easily mold themselves to fit into any social group and situation. Do Whatever You Want Finally, taking a solo vacation means you can be your own master. You don't have to stick to a plan or follow someone else's lead - you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and do whatever you want to do. No more boring museums or spending countless hours shopping. How to Celebrate? Go on, plan your dream holiday all for yourself! You don’t need a traveling partner to have fun! Don't want to travel? What about a solo staycation? Stay at home, explore your city, catch up on your reading, meet with friends and enjoy your time off from work. Did You Know… …that the earliest guidebooks were called periplus? They were Roman and Greek documents that listed ports and landmarks that ships could encounter on their voyages. *** I had just had my 50th birthday and found the decade marker traumatic. When I went to get my driver's license renewed, a matter-of-fact woman typed out the information, tested my vision, snapped the camera and handed me a laminated card with my picture on it. "You mean I have to look at this for the next four years?" I jokingly said to her. "Don't worry about it," she replied. "In four years it'll look good to you." *** I am a first-grade teacher and a new empty nester. One night I was trying out an art project: making a person with simple materials. I took a coat hanger, attached a paper-plate face, put a shirt on the hanger and stuffed it. Then I sat it on the couch to see how it looked. Later that evening my son walked in the door, home for a surprise visit. Taking one look at my coat-hanger friend sitting on the couch, he said, "Mom, it's not that bad, is it?" *** At 82 years old, my husband applied for his first passport. He was told he would need a birth certificate, but his birth had never been officially registered. When he explained his dilemma to the passport agent, the response was less than helpful. "In lieu of a birth certificate," the agent said, "you can bring a notarized affidavit from the doctor who delivered you." *** My friend Garrick had the solution to forgetting his wife’s birthday and their wedding anniversary: He opened an account with a local florist and provided it with both dates as well as instructions to send flowers and a card signed “Your loving husband, Garrick.” For a few years, it worked. Then one day, Garrick came home on their wedding anniversary. He saw the flowers on the dining room table and said, “What nice flowers. Where did you get them?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

The other side of the story()

February 29th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) As a Christian feast day: Saint John Cassian February 29 in the Orthodox church Rare Disease Day (in leap years; celebrated in common years on February 28) Bachelor's Day (Ireland, United Kingdom) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Leap Year Day Digital Learning Day National Toast Day International Underlings Day Richard Ramirez Aileen Wuornos Tony Robbins *** According to unofficial sources, a new simplified income-tax form contains only four lines: 1. What was your income for the year? 2. What were your expenses? 3. How much have you left? 4. Send it in. *** Two Hollywood stars ran into each other at the door of their psychiatrist’s office. “Hello, there,” said one. “Are you coming or going?” “If I knew that,” said the other, “I wouldn’t be here.” *** A teenager brings her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They’re appalled by his haircut, his tattoos, his piercings. Later, the girl’s mom says, “Dear, he doesn’t seem to be a very nice boy.” “Oh, please, Mom!” says the daughter. “If he wasn’t nice, would he be doing 500 hours of community service?” *** Every time a little boy went to a playmate’s house, he found the friend’s grandmother deeply engrossed in her Bible. Finally his curiosity got the better of him. “Why do you suppose your grandmother reads the Bible so much?” he asked. “I’m not sure,” said his friend, “but I think she’s cramming for her finals.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn This is the first Feb 29th blog entry, here. This blog started in July 2021 If I'm still around in 2028, we'll try for a repeat.

What do you think?

February 28th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: February 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Kalevala Day, also known as the Finnish Culture Day (Finland) National Science Day (India) Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Andalusia Day Car Keys and Small Change Day Fasching Feast of Saint Vartan Floral Design Day Global Scouse Day Inconvenience Yourself Day International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day Launceston Cup Linus Pauling Day National Chocolate Souffle Day National Customized Wheel and Tire Day National Essay Day National Pancake Day National Time Refund Day National Vegan Lipstick Day Pink Shirt Day Canada Rare Disease Day US Snow Shoe Day National Tooth Fairy Day LunarEclipse’s Birthday Jason Aldean’s Birthday Fun Observances Public Sleeping Day Catch a few winks or take a long nap in public to celebrate Public Sleeping Day on February 28. Definitely one of the more quirky made-up holidays we have seen, Public Sleeping Day or National Public Sleeping Day as it is also known, encourages people to commune with nature by sleeping outdoors in public. Cold in the North Cold temperatures in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere may make observing this holiday a foolhardy venture so make sure you have a sleeping bag. And if you are looking for a restful adventure, this may be the perfect holiday for you to participate in. How to Celebrate? Get your favorite pillow and blanket and find a safe and clean place in public to take a nap. Make sure you layer up if it is still winter in your part of the world. You don't even need to find a special place to take a nap. If you have long commute why not take that time to catch a few winks? Get together with friends and organize a large pajama party at a park. Have everyone bring their sleeping bags, set up an outdoor movie screen, have a picnic and then take a nap. Did You Know… …that humans are the only mammals that can willingly delay sleep? *** In good weather, my friend Mark always let his yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Nicky, sit on the balcony of his tenth-floor apartment. One morning, Nicky flew away, much to Mark’s dismay. He searched and called for the bird, with no luck. The next day when Mark returned from work, the phone rang. “Is this Mark?” The caller asked. “You’re going to think this is crazy, but there’s a bird outside on my balcony saying, ‘Hello, this is Mark.’ Then it recites this phone number and says, ‘I can’t come to the phone right now, but if you will leave a message at the tone, I will call you back.’” Nicky’s cage had been kept in the same room as Mark’s answering machine. *** We brought our newborn son, Adam, to the pediatrician for his first checkup. As he finished, the doctor told us, "You have a cute baby." Smiling, I said, "I bet you say that to all new parents." "No," he replied, "just to those whose babies really are good-looking." "So what do you say to the others?" I asked. "He looks just like you." *** Neighbors of ours had a terrible disagreement over a patio they wanted for their backyard. The wife had rather grand ideas, while the husband wanted costs kept to a minimum. The wife won out, and the construction bill climbed higher and higher. I dropped by one day, when the patio was near completion, and was surprised to find the husband smiling from ear to ear as the workmen smoothed over the surface. I remarked how nice it was to see a grin replace the frown he had been wearing lately. “You see where they’re smoothing that cement?” he replied. “I just threw my wife’s credit cards in there.” *** I grew up hearing my dad tell a joke about a Mrs. Dunn, whose son, Timmy Dunn, had left Ireland for America, never to be heard from again. She discovered that Mike O’Malley was leaving for America and asked Mike to look for Timmy and tell him to write to her. Well, Mike looked for Tim everywhere he went, asking many a man whether he was Timmy Dunn, but to no avail. Then one day in a men’s room, a man walked out of a stall. Mike asked him, “Are you Dunn?” The gentleman said, “Yes.” Mike replied, “Well, why don’t you write to your mother?!” When my 12-year-old brother heard Dad tell the joke for the hundredth time, all of sudden, he started laughing. “I finally got it!” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

For what it is worth, so did I.

February 27th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows George Herbert (Anglicanism) Honorina Leander February 27 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Doctors' Day (Vietnam) Independence Day (Dominican Republic), celebrates the first independence of Dominican Republic from Haiti in 1844. Majuba Day (some Afrikaners in South Africa) Marathi Language Day (Maharashtra, India) World NGO Day Observances (click on the day, BD, week or fortnight for details) Anosmia Awareness Day National Albert Day National Kahlua Day National Pokemon Day National Protein day National Strawberry Day National Susan Day Retro Day Special Operations Forces Day The Big Breakfast Day World Spay Day Ten’s Birthday Steven Fernandez’s Birthday Money Man’s Birthday JWoww’s Birthday Elizabeth Taylor’s Birthday Kate Mara John Steinbeck Fun Observances ( 2 ) International Polar Bear Day International Polar Bear Day on February 27 is an unofficial holiday created by Polar Bear International (PBI). It raises awareness of the impact of global warming on Polar Bears. Polar Bear International is a group run by conservationists, scientists, and volunteers working to educate the public about the effects of climate change on the Arctic region. More specifically, they focus on how global warming is slowly destroying the habitat of polar bears and adversely affecting their population. Reduced Food Source Despite being the largest carnivores on land, polar bears largely rely on seals for food. Shorter ice seasons and melting sea ice mean seals, who rely on ice to raise their young, are becoming scarcer. This is leaving polar bears without a ready source of food. Lack of food is also forcing polar bears to venture into areas populated by humans, making them vulnerable to attacks from residents and hunters. Vulnerable to Diseases Rising temperatures, loss of weight, and lack of nutrition due to lack of food has also meant that polar bears are now becoming vulnerable to previously unknown diseases. Scientists believe all of these factors have caused a severe decline in polar bear populations, and if the trend continues global warming could potentially lead to the extinction of the species. Effects of Human Activity Human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is considered by scientists as the primary cause of global warming. The goal of International Polar Bear Day is to bring light to this fact, and to encourage people around the world to help find solutions to the problem of climate change. How to Observe? Fixing global warming might seem like a daunting task for an individual, but it doesn't have to be. Use this day to find ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help raise awareness about the importance of polar bears in our ecology, and the effects of global warming on their survival. To reduce your carbon footprint, consider taking the following steps: Walk, bike, take public transport, or carpool to work. Avoid using a vehicle that runs on fossil fuel as much as you can. Reduce plastic usage and waste by carrying your reusable shopping bags to the stores. Plant trees in your backyard if you have space or join a local tree planting drive. Learn more about polar bears, their habitat, habits, and life cycle. Raise funds or volunteer your time for an organization that works to reduce global warming. Did You Know… … that polar bears are black and not white? Their fur is transparent while their skin is black. The transparent fur reflects sunlight such that it looks white to human eyes. ~~~~~~~ No Brainer Day February 27 is No Brainer Day. It is believed that the holiday was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in the United States as a way to remind people that most things are simple and that many problems we encounter daily have obvious and easy solutions. The made-up holiday, which is also sometimes known as International No Brainer Day, also allows people to stop over analyzing things, second-guessing themselves, and to relax and take it easy. Very Little Thought The holiday gets its name from the English language phrase no brainer, which refers to decisions or choices that require very little effort and thought. How to Celebrate? That’s a no brainer of course! Take this day to relax your brain and stop yourself from over analyzing problems. Leave that for another day. Did You Know… …that in a study conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, neuroscientists found that the human brain could process images that had been flashed before the person for as little as 13 milliseconds? *** I was working as a short-order cook at two restaurants in the same neighborhood. On a Saturday night, I was finishing up the dinner shift at one restaurant and hurrying to report to work at the second place. But I was delayed because one table kept sending back an order of hash browns, insisting they were too cold. I replaced them several times, but still the customers were dissatisfied. When I was able to leave, I raced out the door and arrived at my second job. A server immediately handed me my first order. "Make sure these hash browns are hot," she said, "because these people just left a restaurant down the street that kept serving them cold ones." *** The generation gap proved glaringly obvious at the mail-order music company where my wife works as a customer service representative. Some college students, who were working part-time inputting customer information, wrote the following notes regarding some golden oldies: "Customer is looking for two song titles: 'Shovel Off Two Buffaloes' and 'Honey, Suck a Rose.' " *** While I was dining out with my children, a man came over to our table and we started talking. He asked where my kids go to school. I told him we home-school them. With a raised eyebrow he asked if my husband is the sole breadwinner for our family. I said no, I also work—out of our home. Then, noticing our two-month-old son, he mentioned that his daughter had just had a baby, and he wondered what hospital our son was born in. "He was born at home," I answered. The man looked at me, then said, "Wow, you don't get out much, do you?" *** My mother was hard of hearing and wore a hearing aid that she removed at bedtime. My dad would wait till she had put it on her nightstand and say, “Do you want to go to sleep or what?” Not being able to hear, she would inevitably respond with “What?” And that, my dad joked to me on numerous occasions, is the explanation for why I come from a very large family. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Pre - Covid *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

I totally agree with you. I can think of (at least) 3 times for me. 1 - My very first jump (with parachute) out of a C-130, that first step out, there is no describing it and yes I did qualify and got my jump wings(1975). 2 - Worst sandstorm of the year, Sinai desert, Egypt(1976). Running towards a Canadian jeep and its' 2 man crew stuck in the sand, 100 feet or so, off the road. While I was dashing towards them(about half way in), just above the howling of the wind(and blinding sandstorm), I faintly heard my convoy 2nd in command yelling at me, so I stopped and turned around to look. He and our two Egyptian military guards were screaming, madly jumping up and down/waving their arms. " YOU ARE RUNNING THROUGH A MINE FIELD!!!" I carefully, but quickly followed my fast disappearing tracks back to the road. In case you are wondering, after the storm, sappers were called to get the jeep and crew out. 3 - I owned a computer store. I arrived early as usual. Door bell rang, saw a young man (it was a glass front door). Through the intercom I said we were not open yet. He was only a couple of feet away from me. He pulled out an automatic pistol, pointed it at me and said, open the door or you are dead. So I buzzed him in. Then two more showed up. I was tied up. I still remember after over 20 years the feel of the gun barrel to my forehead and the sound of the hammer being cocked. They put a closed for the day sign on the door. Ransacked the basement and main floor, used my van to haul everything away. "THEY DIDN'T HIDE THEIR FACES", I was sure that I would be killed. Since I am here writing about this, I guess I was wrong. (they were never caught)

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

Having admitted to killing (WAAAY)over 145 spiders, we all know that you are living on borrowed time. That the cartoon spider only had six legs, well I don't think anyone involved in the making of this film gives gives a damn!! In fact I am pretty darn sure they are all DEAD! Sorry Charlie, whoops, I mean Bill. Sleep tight, don't let the spiders(ummh, the bed bugs) bite.

You have to admit, that you never know what my searches might bring you. Case in point! The Cobweb Hotel (1936) - YouTube

February 26th 2024 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Alexander of Alexandria Emily Malbone Morgan (Episcopal Church (USA)) Isabelle of France Li Tim-Oi (Anglican Church of Canada) Porphyry of Gaza February 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Remembrance for Victims of Khojaly Massacre (Azerbaijan) Liberation Day (Kuwait) Saviours' Day (Nation of Islam) Observances (click on the day, BD or week for details) Black Lives Matter Day Carnival Day Carpe Diem Day For Pete's Sake Day International Tongue Twister Contest Day Letter to an Elder Day Levi Strauss Day National Saul Day Thermos Bottle Day Museum Advocacy Days National Personal Chef Day Play More Cards Day Johnny Cash’s Birthday Eva Cudmore’s Birthday Erykah Badu’s Birthday Duke Dennis’s Birthday ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mon Feb 26th, 2024 - Fri Mar 1st, 2024 National Invasive Species Awareness Week NEDA Week Mon Feb 26th, 2024 - Sun Mar 3rd, 2024 Cornish Pasty Week Mon Feb 26th, 2024 - Mon Mar 4th, 2024 Jewish Book Week Fun Observances ( 2 ) Pistachio Day Archeologists believe that pistachios were used as food as early as 6000 BCE. Celebrate this ancient and healthy nut on February 26, Pistachio Day. Also known as National Pistachio Day or World Pistachio Day, this unofficial holiday encourages people to add pistachios to their daily diets and take advantage of their health benefits. Happy Nut Called the happy nut in China and the smiling nut in Iran, pistachios are native to the Middle East and Central Asia. Food historians believe that the pistachio tree reached Greece along with Alexander the Great's army. Traders introduced the nut to the rest of the European continent, where it was initially used as an expensive addition to food and baked goods. Dyed Red to Hide Flaws In the United States, the nut was introduced by Middle Eastern immigrants during the late 19th century. Even though, the country now produces most of the world's pistachio crops, along with Iran, Turkey and Syria, the nut wasn't grown commercially there until the mid 20th century. In the initial days of their commercial productions, pistachio shells were dyed red or green by the growers. This was to hide the marks and dents made on the shell during harvesting. Today, with mechanical harvesting procedures, there is no reason to dye the shells anymore. Full of Nutrients Pistachios are a rich source of proteins, fiber, and vitamin B. Research indicates that adding the nut to one's daily diet may reduce the risk of heart disease. The nut is used in many cuisines around the world. In the Middle East, it is one of the main ingredients in many types of sweets including baklava and halva. In Italy, it is used to make spumoni and pistachio gelato – the Italian versions of ice cream. How to Celebrate? Add pistachios to every meal of the day. Start with adding it to your breakfast cereal, substitute peanut butter with pistachio butter for your lunch sandwich, have a pistachio crusted pork chop for dinner and finish the day off with a scoop or two of pistachio ice cream or pistachio cake. Did You Know… …that the Jylgyndy Forest Reserve in Kyrgyzstan was created to conserve the pistachio plant? ~~~~~~~ Tell a Fairy Tale Day Tell a Fairy Tale Day is on February 26. The unofficial holiday encourages celebrators to read, tell, and listen to fairy tales from around the world. Fairy tales are a genre of literature that features fantastical and magical characters. Usually in the form of short stories with fairies, elves, trolls, and witches as central characters, fairy tales are set in a magical world with events that take place "once upon a time." Oral Tradition A form of folk tales, fairy tales have a strong oral and written tradition all around the world - with cultures adopting whole or parts of tales from other cultures. Before the 17th century, fairy tales often had themes unsuitable for children and were written mostly for adults. Children's Genre Today, fairy tales are considered to be a genre of children's literature and the term fairy tale is used to refer to happy events and happenings, such as a fairy tale romance or a fairy tale ending. The holiday is also known as National Tell a Fairy Tale Day in the United States. How to Celebrate? Set your imagination free on this very fantastical holiday and re-read all your favorite fairy tales. If you have children in your lives, why not introduce them to some of the world's most famous fairy tales? Bring out your inner writer and pen down a fairy tale. Who knows, you could be the next Hans Christian Andersen! Watch movies based on fairy tales. Host a fairy tale party. Instruct your guests to come as their favorite fairy tale character, decorate the venue as if you were in an enchanted land of fairy tales and serve foods from all your favorite fairy tale stories. Some ideas include caramel apples (Snow White), pea salad (The Princess and the Pea), pumpkin soup (Cinderella) and porridge or rice pudding (Goldilocks and the Three Bears). Did You Know… … that at least 500 versions of Cinderella have been found around the world? *** One morning a customer entered my flower shop and ordered a bouquet for his wife. "No card is necessary," he instructed us. "She'll know who sent them." The delivery truck hadn't even returned to the store when the phone rang. It was the customer's wife. "Who sent the flowers?" she asked. After explaining that the customer had requested that no card be included, I considered the matter closed—but not so. A bit later, she came rushing in the front door. "You've got to tell me who sent the flowers," she demanded, "before my husband gets home." *** Another man and I share a locker at work. Noticing that it needed a new combination lock, my partner said he would pick one up on his way to work the next day. It occurred to me later that I might not see him in the morning. How would I find out the combination? I needn't have worried. When I arrived at work I found that he had used the locker before me and had left a note reading: "To find the first number subtract 142 from your high score the last time we went bowling. The second number is 16 less than that. To find the third number subtract 1.87 from the amount you owe me." *** Faculty members at Texas Christian university were urged to become familiar with the timesaving machines of the new computer center. Basic courses in their use were given, and research projects were accelerated. The faculty was enthusiastic—except for one veteran professor. Not only did he flunk the primer course, but on his first project, when he asked the machine simply to separate the names of students by sex, the cards came out in three stacks. *** The other day I got carded at the liquor store. While I was taking out my ID, my old Blockbuster card fell out. The clerk shook his head, said, “Never mind,” and rang me up. *** *** *** *** *** *** Grammatical Pedantry Syndrome: Signs That You're Suffering From GPS *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

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