FRIDAY MAY 31ST 2013

Well here it is the final day of May with another scorcher on the way so it seems.  A nice morn here as June gets ready to bust out all over.  It was the day 28 years ago Tornado's hit 3 U.S. States and of course Ontario. (killing 12 in Ontario) and I think with that I will JUST LET SLEEPING BLOGS LIE for the summer.  Have  a great summer

ken

THURSDAY MAY 30TH, 2013

It's almost time to stop "dancing round the Maypole", this being the 2nd last day of festivities and May-hem.

It is a gorgeous morning here and it is probably going to be a scorcher.  Back in 1984 the high was only 8 with a low of +4. In 1985 the day before the Tornado hit Barrie it was a sunny day with a 23 high with a bit of rain, gas was at 48.3 cents and the James Bond movie "A View to a Kill" was the big movie in town. No one knew the devastation that the next day would bring.

In 1536, It was Henry the VIII getting married again, this time to Jane Seymour, Wifey Number  3.  It was hard to keep track of but here's a little poem to help

King Henry the Eighth, to six wives he was wedded.
One died, one survived, two divorced, Two beheaded.           

JANE SEYMOUR , CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 3RD KIND

She died from complications of Childbirth, just 1 year and 4 months after they were married.

1821 saw James Boyd patent the Rubber Fire Hose which was very important seeing all the fires that took place in towns and cities in those days.

In 1848 it was a big day for Ice Cream Lovers as the Ice Cream Freezer was patented and the Slurpee was avoided. I think his name might have been SCOOPY DO.

In 1859 The British Government took over B.C. from the Hudson's Bay Company and now we have Victoria's Secret and the secret is that the Nanaimo Bars close at 2 am.

The brassiere was invented in 1889 on this date by Herminie Cadolle of France who called it the Corselet Gorge which supposedly cut the traditional corset in two which had the lower part as a corset for the waist and the upper part supporting the breasts by means of shoulder straps.  She patented her invention and showed it at the Great Exhibition of 1889, of course they evolved over the years.

This is a picture of Patti Page in 1955.  The Kleenex company also grew exponentially.
In 1896 the first recorded car accident took place in New York City when Henry Wells ran into a cyclist.  It may have also been the first incidence of Road Rage.
In 1911 on this date the first long distance automobile race took place on a track was held which turned into the first Indy 500.  The winners speed was 74.4 miles per hour.
1938 Toronto's STORK DERBY ended. Two years earlier lawyer and financier Charles Vance Miller died. He had set up his will to give his money to the woman who had the most children in the 10 years following his death and it turned out 4 women had 9 children each so after some bickering etc. the 4 women got to split $568,000. That was a pretty good "Baby Bonus" and it was given out in 1938.
In 1966 Anne Murray signed a contract with the CBC TV show "Singalong Jubilee" for $71.50 per Episode of the show.  It's a good thing that SNOWBIRD flew in to her life at that rate.

Warning these videos may not be suitable for all ages.






In 1968 The Beatles began recording their two-set White Album.  The title was simply "The Beatles"

In 1993 the TV ratings came out showing the the last episode of "CHEERS" was second only to the Final Mash episode.

IT'S BIRTHDAY PEEPS TIME 

Benny Goodman was born (1909-1986) "it's hard to keep a Goodman Down". Peggy Lee was one of his vocalists and he even had a movie made on his life. 

The Movie starred Steve Allan and Donna Reid

Keir Dullea (2001- a Space Odyssey) is 77, Michael J Pollard (Bonnie and Clyde) 74 years ago, Wynona Judd is 49.  "The Man of a Thousand Voices, Mel  Blanc (he changed the spelling of his last name Blank because of Bullying)(1908-1989).  He was the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and many many more.

Don Ferguson of the infamous "Royal Canadian Air Farce" is around 72, (he won't say for sure) but we love him with his Chicken Gun etc. May the Farce Be With You Don. Ceelo Green (The Voice judge), Baseball's Manny Ramirez is 41, Colm Meany from "StarTrek, the Next Generation is 60 today. and also Stepin Fetchit. 

STEPIN FETCHIT IN THE "OUR GANG SERIES"

His name became synonymous with stereotypically Racist Roles, slow-witted, shuffling servility, Stepin Fetchit was a talented comic actor and the first African American movie star to  make a million dollars.  He was in lots of movies and even was in "Charlie Chan in Egypt" in 1935 with Warner Oland. He made almost 50 movies in his career.

Many Happy returns of the Day if it is your birthday and keep back from the Flames

and finally

I AM IN SHAPE....."Round" is a Shape.


mornin' everybody...mornin'

WEDNESDAY MAY 29TH, 2013

Hello there, time for the Yawning of a new  day.  That was quite the storm we had this morning around 5:30 or 6.  The level of Orr Lake will be up quite a bit after that deluge.  I would imagine it will be a bit colder as well but I haven't been in the water yet (except using my chest waders and I went a little over the top, although I think I'm always over the top a bit). Looking over the historical Temps from 1979-2012 there haven't been many really warm days, in fact back in 1985 there was even a touch of frost in a few areas and by the way we were listening to news of Mt. St. Helen's eruptions with Newsman MOLTON ASH (Knowlton Nash). We did hit 27 degrees in 2004 on this date, but last year it was only an 18.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR 

 In 1733 The right of Canadians to keep Slaves (both Blacks and Natives) was upheld by Louis the 14th of France.  In Fact Canadian First Nations even owned and traded Slaves.  Shawnee, Potawatomi, and other western tribes imported slaves from Ohio and Kentucky and sold them to Canadian settlers. Thayendenaga (Chief Joseph Brant) used Blacks he had captured during the American Revolution to build Brant House at Burlington Beach and a second home near Brantford.  In All, Brant owned about 40 black slaves.

 In 1849 Lincoln said those famous words "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time".(sums up politicians pretty well).

In 1900 the Trademark "escalator" was registered by the Otis Elevator Company (who made it to the Top)

In 1912 15 young women were fired by the Curtis Publishing Company for dancing "The Turkey Trot" during their lunch break.  (I could see it if it was the "Chicken Dance" but not the "Turkey Trot".

In 1914 A freighter rammed CP's "Empress of Ireland"  and it went down in 11 minutes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence killing 1,024 people.

In 1942 Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas" which is still as far as I know the biggest selling single of all time.

In 1949 "Candid Camera" the comedy moved to NBC TV from NBC Radio :).

In 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norkay were first to reach the summit of MT. Everest.  (I prefer Mt. Ever-REST myself). I wonder if Hillary Clinton was named after Sir Edmund so she could strive to reach the top as President of the U.S.(although she may have trouble with her party trying to place the blame on her for the Bengazi screw up).

In 1960 The number one song was "Cathy's Clown" by the Brothers Everly.

I used the Karaoke version so you can sing along if you forget the words Like I always do.

In 1968 The first female Presbyterian Minister in Canada was ordained on this date. The first prerequisite is you must be able to spell Presbyterian.:) and then "prerequisite".

In 1985 Steve Fonyo's "Journey for Lives" ended in Victoria B.C. (it took 14 months but he raised $11 Million for Cancer, but was stripped of his Order of Canada award because of many run-ins with the Law.

He is definitely a forgotten Hero

In 1987 The Reform Party was born in Vancouver B.C. and Preston Manning was its first Leader. There has been no one since Preston for the Mimics to Mimic in Canadian Politics although Rob Ford is making a gallant try and has even made it to U.S. late night TV. Yes he's the Latest Toronto "Star".

neither one of these two are Preston Manning by the way:)

In 1993 The Leafs lost to Wayne Gretzky and the Kings in their best and maybe last chance to win the Stanley Cup in My Lifetime.

In 1995 Jacques Villeneuve won the Indy 500

Attention Pauline Marois: This just Out, from Jacques has left Quebec and these are his reasons.

 “Everything bad about France was transferred to Quebec,” he said. “The social ills, the student protests ... The climate is such that people hesitate before investing in Quebec.” 

He blamed government regulations for scaring off investors, and said he didn’t want his three children to live in the “morose ambiance” in Quebec that “blocks its future.” 

In particular, Villeneuve targeted the province’s language laws, which legislate the use of the French language. He said it’s up to parents to teach their children how to speak French.

IT'S A BIG DAY FOR BIRTHDAY PEEPS.

Bob Hope ((1903-2003) Yes he hit the magic 100 years old. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), Beatrice Lillie (born in Toronto 1894-1989), Al Unser Sr is 74, LaToya Jackson is 57 and her sister the Little-known Rebbie Jackson is 63,Carmelo Anthony is 29, Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) is 38, Melissa Etheridge is 52, Riley Keough (Grandaughter of Elvis) is 24, Noel Gallagher (Oasis) is 46, Annette Bening is 55, and Gary Brooker (founder of Procal Harem) is 68.  Their big song of course was "a Whiter Shade of Pale" but my fav is 1972's "Conquitador" with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

and finally,

In the words of Forrest Dump, "a box of chocolates is like the Canadian Senate, full of nuts, soft inside and most times Hard to swallow.

mornin' everybody, mornin'

TUESDAY MAY 28TH, 2013

Time to throw another Blog on the Fire for May Day 28.  I think I have had enough time to recover from my tantrum yesterday of not being able to present Bruce Cockburn singing the Franklin the Turtle Theme song.
We hope for a nice day today. Last year it was 32 degrees for the high. 1981 was pretty warm as well with a 27. As of 8 am we had a temp of 10 C and it's kind of overcast.

In 1533 The Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cramner declared the Marriage of Henry the VIII to Anne Boleyn valid and gave Anne a Validation Sticker to wear for one year. (you never knew with Henry)
In 1818 the first Steam Vessel to ply the Great Lakes was Launched. This Steamer was called "The Ontario" but there is some discrepancies as to the actual date.
In 1897 Pearl B Wait was a cough syrup manufacturer whose business was not going well so he got into the Gelatin business and added fruit syrup to the gelatin and named his product JELLO.  He then sold it to a neighbour Orator Francis Woodward for $450.00.  Around 1900 it  caught on and in 1902 he started to advertise the Jello as "America's Most Favourite Dessert" and the rest is JIGGLE history. I guess Woodward was the first Gigolo.
in 1915 a patent was applied for the Raggedy Ann Doll, by John B Gruelle

There was no mention of Raggedy Andy though. Gruelle created Raggedy Ann for his daughter when she brought him an old hand-made rag doll and he drew a face on it.  He combined the names of two poems "The Raggedy Man" and Little Orphant Annie (later changed of course) and said why don't we call her Raggedy Ann.  Marcella died at the age of 13 when she was vaccinated at school for smallpox without her parents consent.  They blamed the vaccination and the doll was it was used as a symbol for the anti-vaccination movement. They were originally hand-made.
In 1928 the Chrysler corporation and the Dodge Brothers merged.
1934 was a big year for Ontario when the Dionne Quintuplets were born near Callander to Olivia and Elzire Dionne and were given the "High Five" for it.  Unfortunately it turned into a Media Circus (almost like the Rob Ford circus in Toronto now) and the girls suffered badly because of it.  There are only 2 of the original 5 left.



Pretty Scary stuff. It shows what Greed can do to what should have been a great experience.

In 1966 Frank Gallup's parody song "The Ballad of Irving" hit number 34 on the Charts
.  It's really good for a laugh.  Frank Gallop was also Perry Como's announcer if you'll remember and was one of the best parts of Perry's Show for me.

In 1972 The first of the Watergate Break-ins Occurred which made the Clinton Scandal look like "Small Potatoes".....or small Cigars.
iN 1985, David Peterson won a minority in the Ontario Election and signed a pack with Bob Rae of the NDP to bring down 42 years of Tory Rule.
In 1991 In Milan Italy, after 22 years of restoration Leonardo De Vinci's "Last Supper" was put back on display.

PEEPS BORN ON THIS DATE

JOHNNY WAYNE (1918-1990) was born on this date in Toronto, half of the comedy due of Wayne and Shuster who made more appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show than anyone else (except Ed of Course). The Quints of course in 1934. Dr. Joseph Guillotine who was a Head of his time(or maybe a head off his time) in 1738, Gladys Knight is 69 (does she still have her Pips) Ian Fleming (1908-1964) CCR"S JOhn Fogerty is 68, Kylie Minogue is 45, Michelle Collins is 52,(Stella on Coronation Street), Ex-Leaf coach Ron Wilson is 58, U.S. Political Types, Marco Rubio is 42 (anyone for a "Tea Party") and Rudy Giuliani is 69 (he was a Democrat in the 70's and a Republican in the 80's (no Wonder he got nowhere in the Democratic Nomination in which Obama won).

and Finally

how about the fellow who was stealing things in a supermarket while standing on the shoulders of a couple of Vampires. He was charged with "SHOPLIFTING ON TWO COUNTS"

mornin' everybody mornin'

MONDAY MAY 27TH, 2013

Good May 27th to you.  It looks like a lovely morning with sunshine and not much wind for a change.  At 8 am it was 7 C so the weather people really blew the "Frost Warning" issued yesterday for overnight. Back in 1983 the low was near freezing at + 2 and a high of 14.  We have had a couple of Scorchers too with a high of 28 in 1986 and 29.5 degrees in 2004.

Starting back in 1603 Champlain first set foot in Canada.  I wonder what those feet would have looked like. The fancy ones for those with money might have been like these, at least for the men with less money and in the Army.

Champlain being the famous explorer might have had more like these fancy boots.

These boots were made for Walkin' and explorin' I guess.

In 1647 The first recorded execution of a so-called Witch took place in Massachusetts. Her name was Alice Young and she was hanged.

In 1703 Tsar Peter The Great founded the city of St Petersburg on this date (or Leningrad for a while) but now back to St. Petersburg.

In 1813 (During the War of 1812) the Americans captured Fort George). It was basically where Niagara-on-the-Lake is now.

In 1919, Charles Strite patented the POP-UP toaster on this date.  "let's have a Toast to Charles" and not a burnt Toast. Made it a lot easier for Pop-Tarts too. (not to be confused with the Rhianna type of Pop Tart!

In 1936 "the Queen Mary" left England on it's Maiden Voyage.  I got a chance to do a tour when it was in Anaheim with the "Spruce Goose" It turned out to be the best thing that happened on that Honeymoon :)

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was officially opened in 1937 on this date.  Without it where would Tony Bennett be?

This video also features Judy Garland as a bonus.

In 1939 DC COMICS produced it's second Superhero in their "Detective Comics" with BATMAN.

Batman and Robin are camping in the desert, set up their tent and are asleep. Some hours later, Batman wakes his faithful friend. “Robin, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

Robin replies, ” I see millions of stars.”
“What does that tell you?” asks Batman.
Robin ponders for a minute.
“Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.
Chronologically, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.
What does it tell you, Batman?”
Batman is silent for a moment, then speaks:
” Robin, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent.”

In 1941 The British Navy sank the Bismarck off France with a loss of 2300 lives. More than when the Bismarck sank the "Hood" Such horrible Stats.

In 1957 Toronto's 1050 CHUM A.M. became the first Canadian radio station to only broadcast Top 40 Rock and Roll. 

the First song they played was ELVIS' All Shook Up" Al Boliska did the morning show and used his "world's worst Jokes" and there were names such as John Sprague and Mike Darrow etc. and later on of course Bob McAdory Tom Rivers, and even our own areas Jim Van Horne.

Growing up in Midland of course I could not really get it on my little dark Blue transistor radio but I did get 590 CKEY Good Guys with Duff Roman, and JP Finnigan and of course when CKMP went on the air on July 1st 1959 and having the transmitter tower right behind our cottage really stimulated my interest and led to an over 40 year career in radio. here's a little info on CKMP.

1959

Midland-Penetang Broadcasting Ltd. opened CKMP on July 1, with studios at 196 Dominion Street in Midland. CKMP operated on 1230 kHz with a power of 250 watts, full-time (non- directional). The transmitter and single 150 foot tower were located on part of Lot 102, Concession 1, Tay Township. The "MP" in the call letters was for the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene.

1965
R. B. Armstrong was president of Midland-Penetang Broadcasting and manager of CKMP. B. Armstrong was program director. Ken Rowland was morning man. Jim Armstrong was chief engineer.

1967
On April 17, CKMP increased power to 1,000 watts day and 250 watts night, (non-directional), using the existing transmitter site and tower. 

In 1968, Montreal was awarded a National Baseball League franchise and they began to play at Jarry Park in 1969 .  They left Montreal in 2004. 

In 1969, Construction began on Walt Disney World in Florida.  "a People Trap operated by a mouse" It certainly was not a "Mickey Mouse Operation".

In 1977 Pierre and Margaret Trudeau separated.

IN 1991 "Dallas" was cancelled after 13 Seasons but it is back again and even with J.R. (Larry Hagman) dying it looks like it will be re-newed for a 3rd season.

In 1993 NAFTA was approved by the House of Commons.

BIRTHDAY PEEPS FOR today

In 1818 Amelia Bloomer who demonstrated Full Trousers for Women Bloomers). Christopher Lee is 91, Ramsay Lewis (The In Crowd) is 78, Lou Gossett Jr. is 77, Henry Kissinger is 90, Cilla Black is 70, Bruce Coburn is 68 (Wonder where the Lions are) and Franklin the cartoon Turtle theme song. I just spend an hour looking for this tune from Franklin but apparently the Americans have taken over a new series and installed a new voice (bummer).  Just ANOTHER ANNOYING THING THAT THE AMERICANS KEEP DOING "TAKING OVER EVERYTHING" Bruce wrote the theme song as well.

 Peri Gilpin (Frazier) is 52, Scary guy Vincent Price (1911-1993) Sam Snead (1912-2002) Jamie Oliver (The Naked Chef) is 38, Jan Arden is 51, and Wild Bill Hickcock (1837-1876) and the only Cowboy with his own Jingles :). Chris Colfer (Kurt On Glee) is 23, Todd Bridges (Different Strokes) is 48, and one of the Greatest Country Music writers and performers Don Williams is 74.

.

and finally

I don't have anything funny because of the Ugly Americans. It's a good thing I am closing down the Blog on the 31st of May for the summer.  I am THE CURMUDGEON ON CALL.

FRIDAY MAY 24TH,2013

Hey good morning a great day.  4 degrees and a very few light flurries every now and then.  Great winter's morning EXCEPT,,,Oh well, here we go again.  Back in 1985 we had a morning low of 4 but it did manage to climb up to a high of 23 on the day with sunny skies. Back in 82 Fireworks displays had to be postponed because of cloudy foggy weather so things happen.  We are partaking in a "Friends of Milligans' Pond" Garage sale so if you are into that, On Innisfil Street, tomorrow morning, we are raising money to keep the DUCKIES DUCKY.

In 1626 Peter Minuet bought Manhattan Island for a princely sum of $24 worth of trinkets.

In 1779 Canada's Northwest Company was set up to battle against the Hudson's Bay Company for the Fur Trade Etc. this was the coinage they set up.

It was on this date in 1830 "Mary had a Little Lamb" was published by Sarah Hale who actually had taken
her pet lamb to school.   She may have had help writing the story and Thomas Edison recorded it as his first words when he invented his phonograph in 1877.

In 1833 The first Medical  Degree was given out in Canada to Dr. W. Logie.  I guess that's where that "Logie Feeling", commercials used to talk about came from.

In 1844 the first telegraph message was sent by Samuel Morse.  He had that Logie feeling from a Code he had but he pushed ahead and sent his message "What God has Wrought" anyway using his Code to best advantage. After that messages dotted and dashed across the country.

In 1860 the Queens Plate was first held in Canada.  It's so old it now needs Upper and Lower Plates.

In 1883 The Brooklyn Bridge was opened and it connects Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River.  It took 14 years to build and cost 20 lives in the process of building it.  On opening day 150,000 people used it. It is 1.8 Km in length.

On this date in 1902 Victoria Day was first observed (16 months after Victoria died).  it was observed on her birthday but in 1952 in Canada it was changed to the 1st Monday before the 24th.  

In 1918, Robert Laird Borden (1854-1937) passed the Canada Elections Act, giving all Canadian women over 21 the right to vote in federal Elections only.  Manitoba, was the first province to grant women the vote in 1916, The other provinces followed suit between 1918 and 1922, except Quebec which held out till 1940.

In 1921 "Wonder Bread" was introduced from the Oven.

In 1932 A bill was passed establishing a National Broadcasting system for Canada.

In 1935 The first Night-time Ball game was held with Cinci beating Philly 2 to 1.

In 1941 The Bismark sunk the Royal Navy's "HOOD" Here is the song by Johnny Horton.

I guess since the U.S. wasn't in the war at the time there is no way they could have taken credit for the  sinking.

In 1986 The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup for the 23rd time which is a professional sports team record for at least North America.  They won again in 1993 but that is the last time a Canadian team has won the Cup and the way it's going it's still going to be a long time before a Canadian team wins again.

In 1992 Jay Leno took over the "Tonight Show" as permanent host and he will be retiring next year from it (for the 2nd time). He's Already made more CRACKS about Rob Ford than Ford's had Crack (that we Know of). I still love his monologues.

On this date 13 years ago Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz were auctioned off and brought in a Whopping $666,000.

IT'S BIRTHDAY PEEPS TIME

Queen Victoria was born (1819-1901), A fellow by the name of Nathan Nathanson was born in 1886 and became very popular in Toronto by introducing the first Ice Cream Cones to the city (that was a real Scoop for my Blog by the way). Gary Burghoff ("Radar" On Mash and the only regular to make it from the film to the TV series) is 69, Priscilla Presley is 68 (and apparently has had rather an unsuccessful face-lift...maybe her finances were stretched as well), Patty Labelle is 69, Rosanne Cash is 58, Lionel" the Big Train" Conacher, who played all sports successfully (even went 4 rounds with Jack Dempsey), won the Grey Cup, Stanley Cup, not the Minto Cup but played Lacrosse and was chosen Canada's "Male Athlete of the Half Century" in 1950. {He never won a Tim Horton Cup}, but I bought a couple. He was born in 1900 and died in 1954. Artist Robert Bateman is 83 and still creates beautiful work.

Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong was born in Edmonton 75 years ago, Songwriter extraordinaire Bob Dylan was born 72 years ago and still sort of sings like he has a rolling stone in his throat.  Maybe he'll join" Poppin Fresh" as a member of the "Travelling Pillsbury's". (He was in the Travelling Willbury's) 

and finally...

with the anniversary date of the verse "Mary had a Little Lamb" 183 years ago today...the Toronto Star has re-written things.....Robby may have had a little Crack,

                              it's colour was white as snow,

                              and everywhere that Robbie went,

                              The Star was sure to go     (Way too far)

mornin' everybody, mornin'

THURSDAY MAY 23RD 2013

Good day to you on day 23 of May.  It is World Turtle Day to raise awareness of the Plight of the turtle and tortoise on a Global Scale so "take a turtle to lunch" but make sure you don't have the Turtle Soup.  It would be very poor optics and would not make him come out of his shell. I guess we should have the Beatles sing "MeShell" or "The Turtles" to sing a song. It was a cloudy dull day 30 years ago and a scorcher of a day in 1981.

In 1430 Joan of Arc was captured by Burgundians and sold her to the English for their first Week-end BBQ.
1498 saw Savon Arola who preached against the luxury and power of the clergy.  He was burned as a heretic in Florence.  Prior to that he has spent many Florence Nights in Jail.
In 1701 Captain Kidd was hanged for Murder and Piracy (to keep the crowds back they put up a Piracy Fence but everyone was still able to made sure he was "Well Hung".
The U.S. Democratic Party was set up in 1792 and they chose Thomas Jefferson as their spokesman.

Modern Symbol of the Democratic Party

In 1873 The North West Mounted Police was set up by an Act of Parliament. In 1920 it absorbed the Dominion Police and it was re-named the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In 1903 the first Auto Trip was taken across the U.S. from San Francisco to New York.

The first Canadian AIRBORNE Wedding took place over Regina.  The bride wore a lovely white gown with matching parachute while the groom was in a Black Jump-suit with tails.  When asked about having a reception on the ground they booth JUMPED at the chance.

In 1934 Bonnie and Clyde met their "Waterloo" on this day in history when they got caught in their car and were peppered with bullets (Bonnie 50 shots and Clyde 27 shots)  Clyde's last words were," Bonnie the cops always like you best".

Death Car was a 1934 Ford Model 730 Deluxe Sedan

The Car was stolen and when the owner went to pick it up the Sheriff would not give it up except for $15,000.  A Judge later said the Sheriff would be jailed if he did not give it up.  The owner paid $3,000 and rented it out to a Carnival Owner and re-couped the money in a hurry. 

Here is a picture of the Death Car Look-Alike.  (I didn't want there to be ANY HOLES IN MY STORY)

In 1954 CBS gave Johnny Carson a summer TV show called "Earn your Vacation" and the next day sent Ed Mc Mahon to a "How to Laugh  Effectively School"  It worked out!

In 1956 a song by a fellow called Nervous Norman hit the charts.  It was called "Transfusion" and it went Top 13 almost overnight .
he followed that one up with "APE CALL" which also did reasonably well.




In 1981 Canada's Wonderland opened just west of Maple and it has been very successful with Roller Coasters and the like in fact there is one so Scary it's still Called "THE MAPLE GRIEF FOREVER".  Speaking of that in 1993 on this date The Maple Leafs and the L.A. Kings were tied at 2 games apiece in Stanley Cup Play-offs.  In game 6 Wayne Gretzky high-sticked and cut Doug Gilmore in overtime and the referee missed it.  Wayne went on to score the winner in that Game and went crazy scoring in game 7 to take the series. It was the Leafs best chance to win the Cup since 1967. (except maybe this year)

FAMOUS PEEPS BORN ON THIS DATE.

Frederick Messmer was born in 1734, He Mesmerized Patients which became known as Hypnotizing.

"Marvelous Marvin Haggler" was born 59 Years ago today and was the first and most famous Garage Sale shopper. Joan Collins is 80 a famous example of  "BED GIRLS finish First!" Drew Carey is 55, Singer Jewel is 39 today . Singer Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002), Artie Shaw (1919-2004), Baseball's Buck Showalter is 57 and Georges St.-Pierre (Mixed Martial Artist) is 32 and Douglas Fairbanks Senior (1883-1939).  If it's your Day I hope it's terrific.

and finally,  

with all the hullabaloo over Mike Duffy in Ottawa and all the other world news going on etc...why is it all The Toronto Star can do is look for Mayor Rob Ford's CRACK. 

WEDNESDAY MAY 22ND 2013

Hi there...time to check out the Cereal Number of the Wednesday Blog and dispatch Mr. Sandman. for the  22nd of Mayhem.  That was quite the storm yesterday, although here at Orr Lake we had little more than a Hard Rain. Today, way back in 1979 it was federal Election Day with sunny skies and a high near 18.
we had a new Prime Minister by the end of the day.  Joe Clark (known Better as Joe Who) won a Minority  Government but Pierre Trudeau was back in 1980 when Joe Bobbled the Ball.  In 1981 The temperature topped off at 28, 1984  got to 27 and by 1985 we even had a touch of frost in a couple of areas in Simcoe County.  In 1991 we had a lovely sunny day.

ARE YOU CURIOUS?

Let's start off way back in 1570, when the first ATLAS was published.  It had 70 maps in it and was even harder to fold that they are today. Were there even 70 Countries back then?
In 1662 a fellow named Louis de Buade de Frontenac was born in France.  He was a real "Ladies Man", so much so that one wealthy father Locked his daughter in a convent in France to keep him at bay.  Louis did manage to get to her however, so her father dis-inherited the girl and that led to Louis fleeing to New France to escape from his creditors.  He was very extravagant but when he got to the new world he became quite industrious setting up new trading posts and promoting expansion as the Governor-General of New France.  He set up his first trading post in 1673 on the current site of Kingston and called it Fort Frontenac which I guess also became the name of the 1960 Canadian car we discussed yesterday on here.
The year was 1867 on this date and an important date it was!  Queen Victoria gave Royal Assent to the British North America Act and the Dominion of Canada was to come into existance on July 1st of 1867 which it was. The BNA act was set up with 72 Life member in the Senate. 24 each for Ontario and Quebec and 12 each for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (not in a can  apparently)

In 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield invented the Toothpaste Tube in the U.S. I don't know if it  rolled up to get the last drop or not.In 1893 Hockey was the order of the day when the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association Team won the first Stanley Cup game.  It was donated of course by Lord Stanley a former Governor-General from Prescott who's boys had enjoyed playing hockey.
We turn to music in the year 1926, when the song "5 foot 2, Eyes of Blue" hit number one on the music charts of the day. Here's a version from 1925 before it topped the chart.




In 1933 John Mackay made the first reported sighting of the Loch Ness Monster. is the Trewth Out there?


In 1979 Joe Clark  became Canada's Youngest Prime Minister when he won the 31st General Election in a minority government. The voter turn-out was astounding with 76% getting out, but Joe was Out after only 8 months because of a non-confidence vote and some poor judgement.

Trudeau was back in. in February of 1980 JUSTIN time for the referendum vote in Quebec.

In 1987 on this date, 29 year old Rick Hansen ended his Heroic "Man in  Motion Tour" raising at least $15 Million Dollars for spinal research and the disabled.  Hansen pumped his wheelchair 3,600 times an hour for 26 months, travelling 40,000 km through 34 countries.  I think we tend to forget about what a wonderful contribution he made because of the Terry Fox saga.

In 1998 A Judge ruled that the U.S. Secret Service agents could be compelled to testify before a Grand Jury
concerning the Lewinsky Scandal with President Clinton.  It had all the Jokes of course like :

Q: Why was Clinton so interested in events in the Middle East?
A: He thought the Gaza Strip was a topless bar.

and

Q. What is Clinton's codename?
A. 'The Uni-banger'

TO OUR CELEBRITY PEEPS ON  THE 22ND OF MAY

Thespian, Lawrence Olivier (1907-1989), Pianist Peter Nero is 79, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creator of Sherlock Holmes was born on this day in 1859. Doyle was a doctor who wrote part-time but the stories were too good and he actually tried to have more time to himself by killing off Mr. Holmes, but his public would not stand for that and he had to bring him back.  (who were the people in his novels who ate wayyyy tooo much cheese?  The Baker street Irregulars!).  I have a whole bunch of VCR tapes with all the old Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce black and white movies from the 30's and 40's.  I hope they are still ok. (They come with  all the old TV commercials from the 70's when I taped them too.) (Same with Charlie Chan).

Singer Charles Aznavour is 89, Naomi Campbell  a supermodel and super bitch from all indications is 43.

Novak Djokovic (Tennis) is 26, Actress Gennifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time) is 35, Morrissey is 54,

Composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883), Anna Belknap (CSI New York) is 41, T. Boone Pickens is 85 and is a multi Billionaire who announced the 'Pickens Plan' to help the U.S. rely less on Foreign Energy a couple of years ago.  I think it's been Slim Pickens so far with that idea. Victoria Wyndham is 68.  She played Rachel Cory on "Another World" from 1972 to 1999. Hope you have a great day if it's your birthday today.

and finally....

Someone suggested I get the award for PUNNIEST DAILY BLOG, Postumously...but I said....

"OVER MY DEAD BODY"

mornin' everybody. mornin'





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TUESDAY MAY 21, 2013

HI there....May turns 21 today and it's time for me to put in my Trew cents worth, although cents are worth nothing these days. In fact you can't get a Plug Nickel for them now. That was certainly a spectacular Holiday week-end and I hope you had a good time. We certainly had some pretty good weather over the last batch of years.  30 years ago we had a high of 20 degrees and in 1981 a 28 degree day like yesterday which set a record according to CTV News in Barrie.

                                                     THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

The year was 1819 when the first bikes in the U.S. were introduced to The Big Apple.  They were called Swift Walkers. 

 German Inventor Karl von Drais is credited with developing the first bicycle. His machine, known as the "swift walker," hit the road in 1817. This early bicycle had no pedals, and its frame was a wooden beam. The device had two wooden wheels with iron rims and leather-covered tires. As the name suggests, a rider walked on top of the bike with his feet leaving the ground during descents.

In 1871 Alexander Muirs "The Maple Leaf Forever" was first sung in Public.  The song was the unofficial National Anthem of Canada until Oh Canada became our National Anthem in 1967. The words have been changed on it of course too.  It was first sung at a festival in Beaverton in in 1871.We as Canadians always have to change our heritage to include everyone, Just like now there is a group that wants to change Victoria Day and Add a Native component to it. That group which includes Margaret Atwood, singer Susan Aglukark, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Actor Gordon Pinsent wants the name of the 168 year old holiday to be "Victoria and First Peoples Day". Pretty soon we will have no real heritage left, although they certainly are a big part of our heritage but then so are the French so should we call it Victoria, First Peoples, Louis the 16th Day? and so on. I  really like this instrumental of the song.

In the year 1881, The red Cross was organized by Clara Burton who became it's first President.

In 1920 Montreal radio Station XWA broadcast the first regularly scheduled Programs in North America.

In 1925 Canadians were allowed to sell BEER.  UP until that time we could only Borrow Beer and People weren't that good at returning it.

Charles Lindburgh made the first NONSTOP Flight from New York to Paris where he got quite an Eye-Full. (Eiffel).

In 1945 Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall tied the knot in the middle of doing "To Have And To Have Not" They made 5 movies together.

In 1968 Paul McCartney and Jane Asher (sister of Peter Asher, Peter of Peter and Gordon) went to an Andy Williams Concert.  They were together for 5 years.
In 1980 "The Empire Strikes Back" hit the big Screen.
in 1990 The Last episode of "Newhart" was shown on CBS.  It had to be the cleverest TV Finale ever.

IT'S BIRTHDAY PEEPS TIME FOR MAY 21ST

Raymond Burr was born on this date in 1917 in New Westminster B.C.  He started out as a Bad guy in a bunch of movies including Playing the wife-murderer in Hitchcock's "Rear Window" and a bunch of other "heavies" (No pun intended). In 1957 he got to wear the White Hat when he got the part of Perry Mason in a TV series which lasted until 1966, then on to Ironside from 1967 to 1975 and later back to the Perry Mason made for TV movies.  He even got to date Natalie Wood along the way although he was suppose to be gay. He died in 1993 just about the time he was to start some Ironside made for TV Movies. In 1996 he was ranked #44 in the TV Guide's 50 greatest TV stars of all time. He wouldn't go on Johnny Carson though because Johnny made jokes about his size. (good for him). He didn't want to go on the same network and denigrade Johnny for making the Jokes.

Philosopher Plato was born in 427 B.C , writer Harold Robbins (1916-1997), Mr.T is 60 today, Fats "Ain't Misbehavin" Waller (1904-1943) . Also celebrating today Lisa Edelstein of House MD is 46, and actor Judge Reinholt is 55 (Beverley Hills Cop). Singer Dennis Day who appeared  with Jack Benny for 25 years (1916-1988). Leo Sayer (brother of Soothe) is 64 and Poet Alexander Pope was born in 1688.  He wrote the words "Of all the fishes in the sea, I'd like to be a Bass,
                          " I'd climb up high on rocks and trees, and slide down on my Knees" JUST KIDDING!

THIS song was moving up the hot 100 on this date in 1983 and sort of fitting if you had to go back to work today....



and finally....

When camping, a Tuba strategically placed on your picnic table will help keep the campsites on either side of you EMPTY.

mornin' everybody mornin'






Aftermath of horrendous tornado in Moore Oklahoma in 2013 which killed and injured many.  Our Thoughts are with you.