Whew-whoo! 200,000 page views. Thanks to all our readers! This reminds me of when my celica roled past 200,000 miles… not to mention when my CRX roled past 200,000 miles… What? Its not my fault the affordable cars had a lot of miles. Besides a Toyota or Honda need 100k just really get broken in… :)
Monthly Archives: February 2007
Presidents Day Quiz
In honor of Presidents Day we have a little history quiz…
Someone’s signature is often refered to as their "John Hancock" – why did this expression originate?
John Hancock was the first person to sign the declaration of independance AND his signature was huge (and ornate) compared to the others.
Bonus Points: Who do we have to thank that John was not captured by the British in 1775?
In April 1775, Paul Revere got John Hancock & Samuel Adams out of Lexington hours before the British arrived. Samuel Adams, of course, is famous for his ferverent boycott of tea including the Boston Tea Party protest. A lesser known fact, is that Adams’ motivation behind the tea boycott was not freedom from British appression or taxes, but creating an increased demand for his beer. ;)
Adding this quote to the archive seemed appropriate: "John Hancock….it’s Herbie Hancock." – Tommy Boy.
The Price Is Wrong
Wow. I just witnessed some real stupidity. Today on the Price Is Right, contestant Jose displayed what we’re calling "bad math". After making it to the showcase showdown, Jose was forced to guess the total amount of his showcase (typically between $10-30k) without going over.
Adding up "all of it" (as he put it) turned out to be long chore. After much prodding from Bob Barker, Jose announced his total: $250,000. Mr Barker politely told him to "reconsider" his bid — probably because the showcase displays didn’t have enough digits to display such a gross over-estimate. With a tad more prodding, Jose re-estimated his showcase at $60,000.
Shortly later the other contestant smiled and promptly bid $1 for her showcase. Probably making Price Is Right history and securing her victory.
Reagan Quotes
Added some good Reagan quotes…
"Here’s my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose."
"Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help."
"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandment’s would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."
"The taxpayer: That’s someone who works for the federal government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination."
"Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
"If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
Thanks Rob
Great Race Of 07
While the major news networks hem and haw over the "upcoming" Presidential election (a mere two years out), I would point out the great race of 07: The Nobel Peace Prize.
Created by inventor Alfred Nobel in his will in 1896 to be given to the individual or organization who "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of
peace congresses." The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901 to Henry Dunant and Frederic Passy.
This year promises to be a banner year for the peace prize as both Rush Limbaugh and Al Gore have been nominated. Rush has been nominated for his "two decades of tireless efforts to promote liberty, equality and opportunity for all humankind, regardless of race, creed, economic stratum or national origin. These are the only real cornerstones of just and lasting peace throughout the world". Al was nominated for his movie, An Inconvenient Truth, about global warming and "making a difference".
I believe this underscores the waning respect this honor now garners. And has everyone forgotten that this is a PEACE prize? Aren’t their any more Mother Teresas in the world?