Monday, February 20, 2012

THE JEOPARDY QUESTION NO ONE COULD ANSWER..


TOPIC: ARLINGTON CEMETERY


Jeopardy Question:

"How many steps does the guard take during his
Walk across the tomb of the Unknowns" ----
All three contestants missed it! --
I was so disappointed to hear that all 3 contestants got this wrong. The young soldiers who are chosen to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are a special breed. Read on to find not only the answer to the Jeopardy question, but just what it takes to be chosen for the highest honor afforded to a serviceperson!



Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1.
How many steps does the guard take during his
Walk across the tomb of the Unknowns
And
 Why?
21
Steps:
It Alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which Is The
Highest honor given any military or foreign
Dignitary.

2.
How long does he hesitate after his about face
To begin his return Walk and why?


21 Seconds for the same reason as answer number 1

3. Why are his gloves wet?

His Gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his
Grip on the rifle.

4.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all
The time And
, if Not, why not?

He Carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the
Tomb. After his march across the Path,
He Executes an about face and moves the rifle to
The outside shoulder.

5.
How often are the guards changed?

Guards Are changed every thirty minutes,
Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a Year.

6.
What are the physical traits of the guard Limited to?

For A person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he
Must be Between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and His waist size cannot exceed 30.

They Must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb,
Live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot
Drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of
rheir lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the
uniform or the tomb in any way.
After Two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that
is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb.


There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey
These rules for the rest of their Lives or Give up the wreath pin.

The Shoes are specially made with very thick soles
To keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to The top Of the shoe in order to make the loud click as
They come to a halt.

There are no Wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards
Dress for duty In front of a full-length Mirror.

The first six months of duty a Guard cannot talk to anyone nor
Watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175
Notable people laid To rest in Arlington National Cemetery
.. A guard must memorize who they are and where
They are interred. Among the notables are:

President Taft,

Joe Lewis {the boxer}

Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most

Decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a Day getting his uniforms ready for
Guard Duty.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was Approaching Washington ,
DC , our US Senate/House took 2 days Off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC Evening news, it was reported that because of
The dangers from the Hurricane, the military Members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier were given permission
to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way,
Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment,
it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

MUSIC HISTORY FEBRUARY 19

1743 - Composer Luigi Boccherini was born.

1763 - Composer Adalbert Gyrowetz was born.

1956 - The Platters recorded "Magic Touch."

1958 - The Miracles released their first single "Got A Job."

1964 - Simon & Garfunkel completed the original acoustic version of "Sounds of Silence."

1968 - Gerry Marsden (Gerry & the Pacemakers) began a 3-1/2 year run in the London stage production of "Charlie's Girl."

1970 - Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart guest starred onn ABC-TV's "Bewitched".

1971 - Paul McCartney released "Another Day" in the U.K.

1972 - Paul McCartney released "Give Ireland Back to the Irish." The song was immediately banned by the BBC.

1974 - Dick Clark premiered the "American Music Awards."

1974 - KISS made their TV debut on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert."

1976 - Rich Stevens (Tower of Power) was arrested and charged in the murders of three men the night before in San Jose, CA The reason was believed to be drugs. Stevens and another were found guilty on two counts of murder the following November.

1980 - Bon Scott, the lead singer of heavy metal band AC/DC, died in London at the age of 33. He died as a result of choking on his own vomit after drinking heavily.

1981 - George Harrison was ordered to pay ABKCO Music the sum of $587,000 for "subconscious plagiarism" between his song, "My Sweet Lord" and the Chiffons "He's So Fine."

1985 - Mick Jaggeer released "She's The Boss". It was his first solo album.

1991 - Public Enemy boycotted the 1991 Grammy Awards because the rap award was not going to be presented during the live TV ceremony. Sinead O'Connor also boycotted the event.

1995 - Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) and Pamela Anderson were married.

1995 - Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea give birth to son Jesse James Louis.

1995 - Roxette performed in Beijing. It was the first concert for a western artist in China since 1984 when George Michael performed.

1996 - London police arrested singer Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) for allegedly attacking three children that were performing with Michael Jackson at the Brit Awards. Cocker denied touching any children.

1997 - Miles Davis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997 - A New York judge dismissed a $7 million lawsuit filed against Motley Crue for hearing loss of a fan that was suffered at one of their concerts.

1998 - The Stray Cats reunited for a single show at L.A.'s House Of Blues. The show was a benefit for the Carl Perkins Foundation.

1998 - Lorrie Morgan issued a denial concerning an article that the tabloid "Star" magazine had published about "a wild ride in the back sear of a limousine with U.S. President Bill Clinton."

2003 - In West Warwick, RI, 99 people were killed when fire destroyed the nightclub The Station. The fire started with sparks from a pyrotechnic display being used by Great White. Ty Longley, guitarist for Great White, was one of the victims in the fire.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Healthy Decadence!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Valentine’s Day, a time to show your love to that special someone! Flowers, candy, maybe even jewelry, are common tokens. But there’s one popular Valentine gift that says “LOVE” like no other: Chocolate Covered Strawberries!” This juicy, red, heart shaped fruit are a delectable treat on their own, but dip them and creamy, smooth melted chocolate and it’s the most decadent, indulgence ever!

And there’s good news! Recent studies have shown that both dark chocolate and strawberries are good for you! Researchers find that dark chocolate and aspirin have similar effects on the blood. They thin out the blood so it flows more easily, even through partially-blocked arteries, and that could reduce the possibility of a heart attack. For chocolate lovers everywhere, the health benefits are even better than that. According to Voice of America (http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Study-Chocolate-Strawberries-Help-Blood-Pressure-139149509.html)


"Research shows that we get flavinoids in dark chocolate," said nutritionist Tammy Roberts. Flavinoids are nutrients found in many different kinds of plants. They help protect plants against disease and insects. When we eat food with high levels of flavinoids, these nutrients trigger our immune systems to produce enzymes - proteins - that reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer, heart disease and some other diseases that come with age.
In fact, 21 scientific studies involving more than 2,600 participants examined the effects of dark chocolate on the heart. The studies showed that eating dark chocolate lowered blood pressure and improved the ability of insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Tammy Roberts says flavinoids are also found in something that tastes great when covered with dark chocolate, strawberries. "The health benefits of chocolate-covered strawberries are that both chocolate and strawberries contain antioxidants, and antioxidants are important for immune function and preventing infection," Roberts added.



If you plan to make your own chocolate covered strawberries, here are a few hints:

1.     Choose ripe, firm, red berries and wash and pat dry.

2.     Leave on the leaves. They look pretty and give you something to hold on to when dipping.

3.     Use melted butter with your melted chocolate. It makes the dip smoother.

4.     Use or make a double boiler to keep chocolate from crystallizing. Keep the water beneath at a low simmer.

5.     Dip the strawberry and swirl a bit to make sure all of it is covered.

6.     Allow it to drip when pulling it out and before placing on sheet.

7.     Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until chocolate sets.

8.     When solid, store in airtight container. Make when you’re planning to serve within a few hours. Chocolate can get white and chalky if kept in the refrigerator too long.
 

 Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

8 ounces dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 pound strawberries


Using a double boiler or bowl over hot water, melt your chocolate chips with the butter. Stir together until smooth.

One at a time, take each strawberry by the stem and leaves, dip into the chocolate as far as you can, shake, tip upside-down, and then set on your drying sheet.

When you have a sheet filled, place it in the refrigerator to dry the berries for 15-30 minutes. Test by tasting a berry. (This is the fun part!)

When chocolate is completely solid, put berries in an airtight container and store in a cool place away from a heat source.


*Can be made with milk chocolate or white chocolate, but this loses some of the healthy benefits.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

WHAT MATTERS...

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Having faith beyond reason.

The love of a parent.  

A songs that make you smile.

Saying "I love you" and really meaning it. 

Being charming.

Laughing till it hurts.

Hugging the kids, for no reason at all, just because you can.

Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY 18

Andrei Kirilenko
Brian Waters
Cybill Shepherd
Dennis DeYoung
Dr. Dre
Gary Neville
George Kennedy
John Travolta
Juelz Santana
Milos Forman
Molly Ringwald
Vanna White
Yoko Ono

Friday, February 17, 2012

WHAT DOES SHE REALLY MEAN



TRANSLATIONS PLEASE........

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. 



(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine. 



(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a not word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

 

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake. 



Thursday, February 16, 2012

A WORKING CLASS HERO IS SOMETHING TO BE!!

Tony Walker
Tired of all the finger pointing?
Tired of feeling like no matter what you do you just can't get ahead?
Tired of watching the fat cats get fatter?
Tired of all the stupidity?
ME TOO!!!!
Ladies & gentlemen, my name is Tony Walker. And I am running for President!!!

"Tony Walker is broke, physically & financially.
He has no money & no leg.
This Country has no money, no brains, & no balls.
Tony Walker figures it can't get any worse so why not take a shot at fixing this."
I'm tired of getting screwed without a kiss by:
Corporate America
Insurance Companies
Lawyers
Gas Companies
GOVERNMENT
As President I will have American companies keep their businesses in this Country, I will go after the oil companies, & I will have a party every Saturday night at The White House. There are only 2 perks I will take-endless women & the cadillac of prosthetic legs. Is thatOK?

Let's take a look at the economic crisis.
People need jobs. When you have a job you make money. When you make money you spend it. Spending gets the economy moving.
I say legalize prostitution! I say legalize marajuana!
Sex sells. Always has always will. If some slob wants to spend his money on a skankie whore why should we stop him? What harm does it do us?
Shouldn't everyone have the right to get laid??
I don't smoke weed. Never have. But almost everyone I know has & most of them will again.
Why not make it legal? It's less harmful than beer! 
With all the money spent on weed & hookers, doesn't it make sense to legalize it, regulate it, tax it, & profit from it?
Think of all the jobs it creates!!!

Outsourcing.
One topic that makes me sick.
As President I will fine companies that outsource. 
I know what most people say.... "Americans don't wanna work hard!"
I personally refuse to believe that but if it is true I say we work with the big companies to find a way to get Americans to gain a work ethic this Country once had!


As President I will have a party in The White House every Saturday night. During my term every person that voted for me will get to attend these parties at least once. 
I will order Van Halen, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and many many others to perform at these parties FOR FREE. 

As President Dawn Boyle will have a "top secret position" that will require her to stay at The White House overnight a few times a week.

VOTE FOR TONY WALKER! 
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

EATERY IS OPEN...SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MARINARA

Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce and Parmesan Shards1 spaghetti squash
Olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
Butter

Finely chopped scallions
Salt and pepper
Parmesan shavings
Marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

While oven is heating, poke squash with a metal skewer several times to create steam holes. Put on a plate and cook on high in the microwave for 6 minutes.

Take it out of the microwave and let it cool a few minutes. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Brush the cut sides generously with olive oil. Rub the cut sides with the smashed garlic, drop the garlic into each half and put a pat of butter on top of each garlic.

Put cut sides up on a cookie sheet and into the oven. Roast until the squash is soft and easily shreds with a fork lengthwise, 30 to 50 minutes depending on the size of the squash. Squash will also be lightly browned on the edges.

Shred squash and put in a serving bowl. Remove large garlic pieces and discard. Salt and pepper to taste. Add sliced scallions and parmesan. Serve with marinara sauce on the side.

THROUGH HIS EYES

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
This was posted on Facebook by a good friend of mine and it really made me think. What if I could see myself through my dog’s eyes? What if we all could?

Dogs don’t care if you’re too fat or too thin. (My dog thinks I’m beautiful!) They could care less if your socks match or your jeans aren’t designer. (My dog thinks I’m a fashion queen!) They love you even when you’re cranky and feel compelled to make you feel better when you’re sad. (My dog thinks I deserve to be happy all the time.)

My dog thinks I’m important. He looks at me with adoring eyes.

He can’t wait to see me when I come home, even if I’ve only been gone 3 minutes. When I’m gone for more than a day, he mourns for me.  He would rather be with me than do anything else in the world. He’s thrilled if I pay attention to him, but is content to lay by my side when I’m busy with something or someone else.

When I think of myself as my dog sees me, I feel pretty wonderful! I feel special and loved and very, very needed. I wish I could really be what my dog sees when he looks at me!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

HART'S DESIRE - AN APPETITE FOR LOVE (RATED M for MATURE)

DESSERT ANYONE???
On this day of love I dedicate this to the one who inspires my writings... 
Who inspires me...  XO
Jillian B. Hart
An adult dinner party to celebrate Valentines day seemed like a good idea at the time.  In retrospect, a party of eight had become quite the crowd. Robbing the early evening of an intimacy made for two.  Especially when her day dreams danced to dark hours of the evening and the sweet treats and hot thoughts that whet her appetite, causing her libido to soar.  She couldn't stand it any longer.

She smiled and winked at him tantalizingly - bending over the table and leaning in towards him enough to provoke attention to the soft mounds of flesh spilling from her clingy v-neck. Grinning to herself knowing the red lace of her push up was certainly playing peek-a-boo from his view.

She twisted her eyes to point seductively down the hallway before turning on her heel and clicking stiletto spikes across the hard wood floor. The noise of festivities fading behind her as she fancied her way to the master bathroom. She went in but left the door unlocked. Ran her fingers through her hair tucking some behind her ears and licking her lips to a shine - as she heard the sound of the knob twist and a second later he was in and had locked the door behind him. She turned away from the mirror to face him and before she could inch towards him, he instantaneously lifted her onto the counter and pressed his mouth to hers. Her heart skipped and then raced.  She returned his kiss with equal intensity and want, parting her full painted lips to invite their tongues to tango soft and deep circles together.  Their bodies gravitating like magnets to one another. As he pushed in closer her short skirt rode up her thighs and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Pulling him close enough to feel his hardness pressing against her.  Her pulse rocketed, her hands making fists in his hair as moist heat flooded at the apex of her widely parted legs. His hands roaming her body, petting her bosom and taunting her now firm, hard nipples that begged for attention. She scrambles at his buttons and his shirt fell to the floor.


She pulled at his pants and yanked down the fly. Grabbing him and eagerly inviting him out. He reached under her skirt and was delighted to discover that there were no panties underneath. He lifted her up and parted her swollen flesh with teasing strokes of his manhood. A breathless moan escaped her mouth - the sound dripping with erotic desire, as her arms tightened around him. His hands holding her by the round cheeks of her ass, he hitched her up higher and pressed in, submerging himself, to become fully surrounded by her hot wetness. She gasped with pleasure as he slid deep inside of her. Her legs and arms around his body holding her aloft as she rocked up and down his pulsing rod. She writhed on top of him as he thrust in and out of her. Her moans growing louder as he plunged deeper and deeper. Orgasm pulling at him as her juices were dripped like warm rivers on his thighs and she tighten around him. Harder and faster. His moans now in rhythmic tempo with hers. He purposefully nudged her back against the wall forcing her legs to split further apart, lifting them higher, wanting more. Harder and faster with each stroke. Deeper and more intense he pumped her hard up against the cold tile wall. Her groans mixed with cries of pleading desire. Scorching liquid streamed from her. Her hands tight on his back and her nails slightly dug into him as she felt herself about to slip into erotic rapture. Keenly aware of her mounting climax he hammered into her unrelentingly determined to have her finish all over his throbbing shaft. A raspy voice in his ear, "Come with me!", as she banged her hips against him and a cry of complete ecstasy evaded her lips. Her orgasm ripped through her like a flash of electric current through her veins. She threw her head back and helplessly trembled with pleasure. Her climaxing muscles tightening around him and with one more hard thrust he came into her. Both of them panting for air as she rocked on him to milk every drop, milk every second of this titillating moment, before her body melted onto his and they sank slowly down onto the cool ceramic floor.

He watched her chest rise and fall as they both caught their breath. Their eyes met and they held the glance for a long moment. She once again winked at him as a grin stretched across her face and accented her flushed cheeks.

"We should get back to "dinner" before our guests miss us", he said.

She grabbed his shoulders and pulled his face closer to her, pressing against him with one last long, lingering kiss. Her eyes sparkling as she looked directly into his...

"But, you must promise me seconds later... And be certain to save room for dessert"!

A sexy giggle as she added, "You know how I LOVE DESSERT!"..........