james k whiteBY JAMES K. WHITE | JUNE 16, 2010

Mullet Over
Life expectancy of a traffic light


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In the 19th century there was a brief, but concerted effort to create a new state out of portions of what is now Oregon and California. The state was to be named Jefferson and was merely an almost.

As our major league baseball season heads into summer, there are some all-time records that may be broken. However, hardly anyone believes that the single season record for the number of victories for an individual pitcher will be threatened. That total is an astounding 59 and is held by Charles Radbourn.

While engaging your GPS, you might recall that it requires at least 30 satellites being used in precise coordination to facilitate the system.

On June 26, 2008 a man named Rossy used a jet pack strapped onto his body to leave France and traverse the English Channel. He deployed a parachute over England and landed safely.

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates the “life” expectancy of a traffic light to be approximately 17 years.

A golf score of one over par on a single hole is called a bogey. The name apparently originated with a group of accomplished golfers who jokingly blamed the “Bogey Man” for sabotaging golf shots.

The University of Oregon is the only university to use a Walt Disney character as a sports mascot.

John Heisman is the man for whom the famous Heisman Trophy was named. He coached football at Georgia Tech from 1904 to 1919. Ironically, no one from Georgia Tech has ever won the coveted award.

Uncontrolled frequent eye-blinking is called blepharospasms by some, but not by me.
Significantly fewer fatal traffic accidents take place during Daylight Savings Time periods than occur during similar Standard Time intervals. Numerous statistical analyses bear support for this observation.

In Connecticut it is illegal to use a white cane in public unless the user is blind. (Section 53-211)

One pound of quality tea leaves can be used to brew more than 250 cups of the tasty beverage.

Ovaltine was originally labeled Ovomaltine. The trademark name was simply misspelled when registered.

In Italy one may hear “in bocca al lupo” which translates “into the mouth of the wolf.” This is a colloquial way of wishing someone good luck.

Scientists now use trout to test the purity of fresh water. Trout can detect and react to as little as one part per trillion for some contaminants.

Well, I hope that you last far longer than the traffic lights in your region – and have a great week.


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Wonderful english from around the world ...

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In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman, even a foreigner, if dressed as a man.

Cocktail lounge, Norway:
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.

Doctors office, Rome:
Specialist in women and other diseases.

Dry cleaners, Bangkok:
Drop your trousers here for the best results.

In a Nairobi restaurant:
Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager.

On the main road to Mombassa, leaving Nairobi:
Take notice: when this sign is under water, this road is impassable.

On a poster at Kencom:
Are you an adult that cannot read? If so, we can help.

In a City restaurant:
Open seven days a week and weekends.

In a cemetery:
Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves.

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations:
Guests are requested not to smoke or do other disgusting behaviors in bed.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.

In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.

Hotel, Yugoslavia:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

Hotel, Japan:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and soviet composers, artists and writers are buried daily except Thursday.

A sign posted in Germany's Black Forest:
It is strictly forbidden on our black forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for this purpose.

Hotel, Zurich:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:
We take your bags and send them in all directions.

A laundry in Rome:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.


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Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
There may be a lack of harmony this week; keep your criticisms to a minimum. Strengthening ties with close kin and keeping an open mind are key issues.

TAURUS (APR. 20 – MAY 20)
You need to make progress at home and talk to housemates and agree on what is to be completed. Be careful; what you say to others can have a dramatic effect, even hinder relations.

GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
Try to avoid arguing with people close to you. Your ego sometimes makes you too pompous. Take more time and care with your appearance.

CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
You have more energy lately so use it well to accomplish more. Things have been going well with your job search; some extra money may be coming to you.

LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
Avoid being too temperamental; it won’t suit you this week! Focus on a plan to get all the things on your list done as soon as possible. It’s a good time to enjoy yourself with friends.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
Work on career undertakings with a focus on a new job. Try to stay positive; I see changes on the horizon for you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
Focus on long-range planning and heed views of those around you. Keep your opinions to yourself. It’s not the best time to take on challenges. Social ties may strengthen.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
Work on your possessiveness of others and be more open than your normal secretive self. The Moon signals mean you should enjoy time away from work.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
Energy is good for working toward your goals. You may get some enlightening news from out of town. Your social life may bring surprises.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
Work on your physical condition. This may go hand-to-hand with self-restraint, which may be lacking. A trip or change of venue is in order.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
Try to keep it simple with respect to financial issues. Reading too much into things can complicate matters. Don’t accept things at face value; think before answering.

PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
It may be the end of a long-term affair, but don’t let it get to you. Something a lot better may not be too far away. Hang in there and don’t make any radical changes.