Huh? What's Up With That?

meanwhile, back at the ranch....   Even amidst CoVid-19, we relish the idea of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.  This is the time of year we more often think of dieting rather than abstaining.  It's almost as if we  imagine ourselves losing weight, our thoughts will mysteriously vanquish our sins of consumption.  And, what better menu to think about right now than Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner and all the trimmings,  including  ranch dressing.   HUH ? What's up with that ?    There are so many fabulous stories to be heard, read, and written about and that's why the history of things we are interested in is so fascinating.  There are unheard tales confronting each generation.  So often, we accept things as they appear and don't explore origins or know how circumstances evolved.  In other words, what happened to bring it to the table?   Some food items have fascinating stories.  For example, according to dress...

when workspace is homespace ... .      It's such a great idea, she said.   I can work from home and not have anyone looking over my shoulder or watching everything I do !     I would rather be at the office away from the kids and all the stuff that goes with sticking around the house , he imagined.     Or, so thought millions of office workers nationwide at the height of the CoVid-19 quarantine.   But, what about office workers' attitudes today, just months after home sweet home turned into new office space and working at home became a reality for so many?   The new normal for some seems to have its advantages as well as a down side and it appears this change in so many lives will be a part of life for some time to come even with a vaccine.  So, like all major changes, adjustments need to be made to accommodate the most people in order to achieve the highest production from everyone.   But, is there time to make wiener schni...

  empty that bag on the table ...   Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year in several countries including the United States, England, Ireland, and Canada.  Mexico and Latin American Countries laud All Souls Day which begins October 31st and lasts several days.   The Halloween tradition began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (Saa-wn) which is a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition.    Some Christians don't honor Halloween because they believe the holiday is associated with Satanism or Paganism.  Orthodox Jews don't celebrate the day either because of its origins as a Christian holiday.  Jehovah's Witnesses do not observe any holiday or birthday.  There are no doubt others who will not revere Halloween.   So, what does that do for all other Americans who want to follow Halloween customs?  Well, for one, it means more carbs in our bags!   HUH ?   What's up with that ?...

things we don't...        Many studies, surveys, and fun pieces have probably been written about the things  we don't DO anymore because of technological advances.   CBS Sunday Morning  has devoted numerous segments on the same subject. The History Channel   has followed suit. Magazine writers have dedicated articles to the countless stuff that is now archaic or obsolete.   Newspaper feature writers reflect on experiences of the past, while lamenting ... those bygone days .     But, besides the physical action of not doing something, there is a whole litany of EXPRESSIONS  we no longer vocalize  because of the information age.   HUH ? What's up with that ?    Wait a minute !   I'll just go get the encyclopedia and we'll find out, Carl G. said.     He is one of seven contributors to this post, and his example is just one of many commands or statements we no longer say.    Only ...

that's a big hunk a cheese....     When Bernard Kroger started his neighborhood grocery store in Cincinnati, Ohio 137 years ago, Chester A. Arthur was president of the United States.   When Michael Raymond began his career with today's version of the same company, Georgia's favorite son, Jimmy Carter was chief executive of this country.   HUH ? What's up with that ?   Michael has not retired, nor is he even close to calling it quits.  But, he has remained with just one employer most of his adult life and he's had what he describes as a most interesting career.  He's worked in all areas in the store too.   I started out as a stock boy, and from there was at one time or another moved from department to department, he said.    Did you bag groceries too?   Bagger, stock boy, cashier, produce department, the deli and bakery, and anything else you're asked to do over a 40 year period, he replied.    While it isn't ...

   harmoniously speaking...   Have you ever noticed how throughout U.S. history beginning with the earliest war, harmonies have often brought us harmony?   Huh ? What's up with that ?   Musical harmony has periodically produced some kind of an agreement or at the least, harmonious relations among groups divided within our culture. In perilous times, there have been occasions when music has bridged the gap between desperation and hope. Depending upon the circumstances, the right lyrics and tune can be inspiring and galvanizing.  In other words, there have been times when music can serve as an elixir and work magic.     The Revolutionary War is a perfect illustration of how music lifted spirits and served as a motivator to an entire army.  And, unbelievably, it all began with a simple and harmless melody.   Yankee Doodle wasn't really a song about a symbol or war hero.  It was written by a British army surgeon during the French and ...

relishing pickleball..                         Prior to Covid-19, H?WUWT ? had undertaken the project of finding out how retirees and working seniors spent their leisure time.  We found there are a lot of active people who enjoy a wide range of activities, including a game which is gaining in popularity called  pickleball .  We will explore other findings in future posts.     USAPickleball.org , reports pickleball  was invented about 55 years ago on Bainbridge Island, which is close to Seattle.  Three dads of kids who were bored with the usual summer games are credited with creating the sport.  Joel Pritchard, who later served in Congress and as lieutenant governor of Washington was one of the fathers.   The three had just returned from a round of golf when they found their sons sitting around doing nothing. They attempted to set up a badminton set, but no one could find the...