Huh? What's Up With That?

presidential precedence...   It's nothing new for a president to snub his successor by not attending the newly-elected president's festivities.  In fact, back in the day, there very well could have been an app called, Presidential Snubhub .   John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had been close friends for many years.  They had worked in Europe as fellow diplomats and, of course, both worked side by side to help create the Declaration of Independence.  But, as the two politicians' careers took different paths, they became rivals.   On the day of Jefferson's inauguration, Adams was nowhere to be found.  In fact, John Adams and his family had left the White House hours before Jefferson's swearing-in (sound familiar?) and headed for the family farm in Braintree, Massachusetts.     Ironically, history repeated itself 28 years later when Adams' son, John Quincy Adams boycotted the induction of his replacement, Andrew Jackson.      Martin ...

  what's with the 20s....   According to the American Optometric Association,  20/20 vision   is a term used....t o express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of  vision ) measured at a distance of 20 feet .   In other words,  20/20 eyesight is as good as it gets.     But, in hindsight , the year 2020  was not as good as it gets.  The year was  a mix of emotions and a roller coaster ride for most of us.     Come to think of it, we've probably never had a perfect year.  How would we define an unblemished 12 month period?  Lots of factors to consider.  There's a global overview of the state of the world.  We would want to know how events impacted our own nucleus.  Plus, there's always something called, personal opinion .  So, unlike perfect 20/20 vision, an impeccable year would be difficult at best.  There are just so many elements to intrude upon perfection.  T...

encore performances...#2      This post is a continuation of stories about people who have retired, only to start his or her Encore Performance, so named by a good friend of H?WUWT ?.     The expression fit perfectly as the transition from broadcast to teaching became a reality.  R ecently retired from a radio/television career, it was a golden opportunity to teach others how an amazing medium could influence our hearts and minds.     Just like the previous Encore post, unless otherwise noted, each person's real first name is used.  Prior to Covid-19, H?WUWT? had talked to about 40 individuals and asked each one how he or she spends his or her time now that each no longer has career obligations.     After listening to the first dozen or so people, it was clear most of them had an enthusiasm for life; each one was excited about what they were doing; and, though sometimes wistful about the past, both men and women seeme...

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 ...