Thursday, September 30, 2010

THE FLINTSTONES AT 50

Tonight marks the 50th anniversary of television's first prime time animated program and to celebrate, the Boomerang Channel of the Cartoon Network will be reairing “The Flintstone Flyer”, the very first episode of The Flintstones in its original time slot: 8:30pm Eastern Time.
Although animation veterans at this point in their lives, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were venturing into what was then the foreign territory of television after departing MGM (Tom and Jerry) and formed their own animation studio. The duo slowly established themselves on Saturday mornings (with Ruff and Reddy in 1957) and in syndication (starting with The Huckleberry Hound Show in 1958). But while the studio would go on to become a major player in the Saturday morning market, they took a risky venture in 1960 by daring to go where no animation studio had gone before: prime time.
A pilot episode for what was to be called “The Flagstones” was produced, the ABC television network took a chance on the series, and the rest is prehistoric history.
The show ran for a total of 166 episodes over six seasons, featuring the voices of Alan Reed as Fred, Jean Vander Pyl as Wilma, Mel Blanc as Barney, and Gerry Johnson as Betty. It spawned one theatrical movie: The Man Called Flintstone (1966), saw the birth of their daughter Pebbles during the course of season three, the Rubbles adopting baby Bamm-Bamm during season 4, and a host of guest stars and hijinx.
Subsequent series and specials over the years have shown the “modern Stone Age family” and their friends across the gamut of life, from their own childhoods to Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm marrying and making Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty grandparents.
The original series is available on DVD, including the pilot.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here.
Fall is upon us, so I thought I'd tell some appropriately themed Fall jokes.
I just hope I don't fall flat attempting this.

What does a worm do in a cornfield?
It goes in one ear and out the other.

What resembles half a berry?
The other half after you've sliced it.

What did the beaver say to the tree as it prepared to hibernate?
"It's been nice gnawing you."

What's the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie?
Your teeth!

How did the farmer mend his torn pants?
With cabbage patches.

What kind of car does a farmer drive?
A cornvertible.

It's such a nice, sunny Sunday afternoon, the farmer took his swine on a pignic, and I think I'll join them.
Be back next weekend for more Sunday Funnies and have a good week everybody!-wd.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2010

*TROPICAL STORMS LISA AND MATTHEW HAVE FORMED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, in what has developed into a fairly active hurricane season.
*Admiral Thad Allen of the United States Coast Guard, officially announced that British Petroleum's Macondo oil well of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is sealed.
*General elections in Sweden this past week resulted in the centre-right Alliance government, led by the current Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, winning the most seats but falling short of a gaining a majority.
*Todd Reichert, an engineering student at the University of Toronto in Canada succeeded where the famed inventor Leonardo DaVinci failed, by maintaining (an albeit brief) flight in a man powered ornithopter August 2, 2010; although the feat is just now being declared official.
*September 25-October 2 is National Banned Books week here in the United States, in hopes of raising awareness of the phenomenon that a volume that was considered "socially acceptable" once upon a time is not "politically correct" today and other matters in hopes of enlightening people who still wish to ban books today.

IN SPORTS:
*Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds threw the fastest pitch on record at 105mph in a game Friday night against the San Diego Padres.

IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
*The comic strip Blondie celebrates its 80th anniversary this month.
*This month marks the 40th anniversary of Josie and the Pussycats. How come our esteemed Editor-In-Chief seems to be the only one to remember that?
*Former gym teacher Leonard Skinner, inspiration for the band name Lynyrd Skynyrd passed away at age 77 of natural causes.
*The judge has revoked Lyndsay Lohan's probation after failing a recent drug test.
*Singer Eddie Fisher passed away this week at age 82.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

It's a beautiful weekend, and time for more conundrums. But I'll give you a couple of easy ones so you can spend more time away from the computer with your friends and family.

TRIVIA TIME
What is the average score in the PC game of Solitaire?

FAMOUS FIRSTS
The following is the first line from what book?

"Jim Qwilleran, whose name had confounded typesetters and proofreaders for two decades, arrived fifteen minutes early for his appointment with the managing editor of the Daily Fluxion."

We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now, let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX, for the results from last weekend's Puzzle Corner.

REBUS
Beggars can't be choosers.

COMMON BONDS
1. The Beverly Hillbillies, with Jane Hathaway and Milburn Drysdale.
2. Meadows, for Jayne and Audrey are sisters.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: SEPTEMBER 19, 2010

Avast ye scurvy sea dogs!
Autumn the Puppy here, and believe it or not it's INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!
Aarrgh!
Sorry, had to attack a mangy flea!
Anyway, I thought I'd share with thee a few swashbuckling jokes, as soon as I figure out how to buckle me swash.
There... now then:

Is corn really worth a buccaneer? I thought that's what they paid per ear ring.

A pirate walked into a bar. "Ouch!" said the pirate, before adjusting his eye patch back over his bad eye.

What kind of grades did the young pirate get in school?
High seas.

How do pirates know what they be?
They think, therefore they arrrrr!

Where do ye pirates with wooden legs go for their meals?
IHOP!

What arrr pirates' favorite cookies?
Ships Ahoy!

How does a pirate earn his booty?
By hook or by crook.

Is a pirates favorite socks arrrrrgyles?

Is it true pirates be bad at golf and bowling because they have severe hooks? I know they be great at baseball in Pittsburgh. Of course they swing the bat at everything because no self respecting pirate wants to walk (the plank).

Why do pirates love Apple Products?
Because they invented the Aye Pod and the iPatch!

And why does trying to talk in this gruff, piraty voice make me throat hurt? Think I'll go to me water dish and take a good deep drink. But if I see that Davy Jones fella, I definitely want his autograph! I already have Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork's.

Maybe later I can get some of those pirates to take me for a walk when they finish walking those planks.

Be back with us next weekend for more Sunday Funnies! Until then, calm seas, strong winds, and smooth sailing to ye all!-AtP.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2010

Once again, we start with news from the Gulf of Mexico...
*After visiting Mexico as a hurricane, the remnants of what is now Tropical Storm Karl are working its way up the Texas Coast, bringing heavy but much needed rain to that region.
*Meanwhile, British Petroleum has begun pumping cement into the Deepwater Horizon to hopefully seal it off permanently.

ELSEWHERE...
*Hurricane Igor is approaching Bermuda! Residents have hopefully taken all necessary precautions. Both it and Hurricane Julia are expected to go up the Atlantic Ocean afterwards. The next storm names, if needed, will be Lisa, Matthew, and Nicole.
*Chile celebrates its bicentennial!
*Pope Benedict XVI, on the first ever Papal visit to the United Kingdom, has been addressing Vatican policies, even apologizing to victims of sex abuse by priests, while authorities squashed a potential assassination attempt against the Roman Catholic Church leader.
*The shareholders of Continental and United Airlines have agreed to a proposed merger of the two companies. The move is still waiting Federal Trade Commission approval.

ON THE POLITICAL SCENE...
*Afghan voters are going to the polls today to elect new members of their Parliament, despite Taliban threats and attacks upon polling places.
*The French Parliament has passed what some consider a controversial measure banning the wearing of face veils in public.
*The citizens of Turkey have allegedly passed a referendum to legally make changes to their constitution.
*Although Christine O'Donnell won the Republican Primary in hopes of officially becoming a Congressional Senator from Delaware after the general elections this November, the GOP is NOT happy because Ms. O'Donnell is actually a member of the Tea Party, who are celebrating their first major primary victory ever.
*Despite the fact that North Korea's Worker's Party claims they only canceled their political convention due to Typhoon Kompasu, that still has led some to speculate as to the current health status of Kim Jong-il.
*The Presidential run off election has been temporarily postponed due to the untimely death of Ben Sekou Sylla, the chief of Guinea's electoral commission.

IN SPORTS...
*Joe Torre has announced that he will be stepping down as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of the season. While he has not announced his future plans yet, his assistant Don Mattingly will be overseeing the team for the 2011 season.

IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS...
*Lindsay Lohan failed a court mandated drug test. The judge's ruling on this is pending.
*George Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in prison by a London judge for driving while under the influence of cannabis.
*Paris Hilton has struck a plea bargain agreement with Nevada prosecutors to avoid jail time after drugs were found in her vehicle during a routine traffic stop.
*With Friday's episode, the soap opera As The World Turns concluded a 54 year run on CBS. The network will be replacing the program with a talk show designed to compete with ABC's The View.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: SEPTEMBER 18, 2010

Another weekend is upon us, and all you puzzle fans out there know what that means!

REBUS
What familiar phrase is represented by the image below?

Choice #1 Choice #2 Choice #3
    Beggar # 1  Beggar # 2

COMMON BONDS
What, if anything, do the following groups have in common?
1. {Jane, Milburn}
2. {Jayne, Audrey}

We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now, let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX, for the results from September 11, 2010's Puzzle Corner.

FAMOUS FIRSTS
Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman ever in outer space.

TRIVIA TIME
The Internation Red Cross is the only organization to have won the Nobel Peace Prize three times. In 1917 and 1944 by itself, and sharing the honor with the Red Cross Societies in 1963.

Monday, September 13, 2010

BELATED SUNDAY FUNNIES: SEPTEMBER 12/13, 2010

Okay, did we have a wild weekend here.
I guess everyone got a bit morbid with the 9-11 posts and other related activities that somehow, we forgot to post any Sunday Funnies this week!
Don't feel too bad about that though. Both Ms. Waxy Dragon AND Autumn the Puppy failed to send us anything to begin with!
So to make it up to you fine folks out there, I thought we'd run a few more vintage Burma Shave poems that didn't get used in last weekend's column.
For those who came in late: Burma Shave poetry could be found on road signs up until the early 1960s, featuring a mixture of traffic safety tips or advertising for their products, with the last line always being the company name.
Ready?

He tried to cross as the fast train neared
Death didn't draft him
He volunteered!

Does your husband misbehave?
Grunt and grumble?
Rant and rave?
Shoot the brute some Burma Shave!

A man, a miss
A car, a curve
He kissed the miss
And missed the curve.

Dinah doesn't treat him right
But if he shaved
Dinah might!

Drinking Drivers:
Don't you know?
Big Bangs
From little binges grow!

And on that note
We must go
Hope the next post
Isn't so slow.

Take care, and here's hoping the next Sunday Funnies isn't late!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

"THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN"


Today is the ninth anniversary of the worst unnatural disaster in human history.
To continue our observance of the day, Nancy A. Hansen has contributed the following poem.
THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

All humanity sighed
As their souls left the earth
Innocent lives taken swiftly
Unjustly so
They died not in vain
For tears and remorse
Wash clean the blood
On the crumpled edifices
Of steel and concrete
That makes civilization grand

But buildings do not define us
Within we are human
Warm and alive
Full of stories
Martyrs they became, oh yes
But so much more
Every last one
A living testament
To faith
Hope
Pride
Charity
Accomplishment
And the greatest force on earth
Love

We watched in horror
Over and over again
As the events were replayed
And reactions were given
Stunned looks
Terror in the streets
Angry oaths
Silent sobs
Open weeping
Our brethren were stoic
Or they cried and pleaded
They were dead heroes or victims
But they were all alive
Just moments before
Without any foreknowledge
Of their place in history
Etched on our minds
Engraved on our hearts
For eternity

I wept with them
The ones who died
The living left behind
The shattered hopes and dreams
Like the rubble in the streets
Made us all stop and think
That could be me!
I watched stunned
And vowed as did others
We will overcome this
We are one people
We are humane and caring
This cannot be!

Who dares challenge that right?
To live free and open lives
To send fear into our hearts
And sorrow of the most profound
For after all is said and done
Nevermore will we trust
With the heart of innocents
That we are safe and protected
In this womb of our building
In this fortress of our sovereignty

Will the swords of justice
Smite down the aggressors
And bring us peace and justice?
Or just a sense of revenge
I do not know
But I do know this
They died not in vain
Who gave their lives for freedom
And to help their fellow man
For as the tragedy struck
And lives hung in the balance
Or were snuffed out
I saw birds rise from the buildings
Sun on their wings
Angels of nature
Reminding me that there is a better place
Where there is no grief or pain
And no thoughts of war
May they live there forever
Those poor wretched souls
Till we join them again

And amid all the rubble
The twisted beams of steel and concrete
The dust and the fires
Papers fluttered to earth
A poignant reminder
We once lived and worked here
Do not forget us
We live on in your hearts
Forevermore
We did not die in vain
If the world becomes a better place
Because we once showed you
How to care about your brethren
And to value all you have
No matter how small it is
Or how rude and humble
Life is a gift
Open it and embrace the future!

SEPTEMBER 11 (NEWS THAT MAKES YOU THINK)

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EDITORIAL.


Today is the ninth anniversary of the worst unnatural disaster in human history.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have galvanized the world, drawing reactions from every corner of the globe on every possible aspect surrounding the inhumane cataclysm.

The administration of then United States President George W. Bush failed to get today officially declared a national holiday, although many celebrate Patriots Day now.
There is no denying the ground swelling of national identity and pride, even to the point of altering this country's money, as evident by the back of the new Abraham Lincoln penny replacing the image of that famous president's memorial with the new Union Shield.

Yet have some quickly forgotten the suppression of personal rights and freedoms under the belief of establishing homeland security?
Is going through an airport to catch a flight any easier today than it was five years ago?
Can anyone justify the feasibility of the "no bid" defense contracts?
Have the critics who think the Bush administration seriously mishandled the desert war situation by going after Saddam Hussain instead of pursuing the apprehension of Osama Bin Laden changed their minds?

In the end, does any of the above even matter?

IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON PEOPLE!

They say time heals all wounds, and maybe it is a tad too soon in some respects.
Yet if not now, when?

The Pentagon has been repaired.
New York City is rebuilding.

Should America, or any country, forget the tragedy of this day and let their guard down?
NO!
But should America, or any country, live in the past, ever fearful of what tomorrow might bring?
Again, NO!

In his weekly radio address earlier this Saturday, United States President Barack Obama commented upon the situation.


"This is a time of difficulty for our country. And it is often in such moments
that some try to stoke bitterness — to divide us based on our differences, to
blind us to what we have in common. We do not allow ourselves to be defined by
fear, but by the hopes we have for our families, for our nation, and for a
brighter future."

Or in other words people, IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON!

The terrorists of September 11th never officially represented all of those who practice the Islamic faith.
The people who propose burning books or are against what building goes where do not represent all of Christianity.
Why should those on the fringe making the most noise get all the attention?

Why can't we just all get along peacefully?

We're all individuals.
Race, creed, religion, etc.; vary from one person to the next.
The United States of America was founded upon embracing those differences.
They are an integral part of what makes us strong.
They are what makes us human.
What makes us free.

Or in other words people, IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON!

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 5-11, 2010

As has become our trend the last few months, we begin with the latest from the Gulf of Mexico:
*After exhaustive testing, scientists have determined that the waters affected by the infamous British Petroleum oil spill have been seriously depleted of oxygen, which dramatically impacts upon the marine life in the area. How long the affected area will need to repair itself is uncertain.
*Meanwhile, the results of BP's initial self-probe into the incident is blaming Transocean, the management company that oversaw the day to day workings of the oil well, for initiating cost cutting measures that increased the dangers operating the facility.

ELSEWHERE...
*On Labor Day, President Barack Obama announced a proposal to start repairs to America's infrastructure of roads, airport runways, and railroad tracks. Guess which political party instantly raised objections to this idea?
*The Republic of Moldova failed to get a definitive answer as to whether or not the country should begin electing their president by popular vote due to low voter turnout on the actual referendum.
*Federal authorities have begun looking into the local governments in the state of California after it was revealed that collectively, the city officials of Vernon earn an estimated $1.6 million a year. Interesting figure considering the city has only 90 people!
*A rare copy of John James Audobon's Birds of America is estimated to go for between $6 to 9 million at an upcoming Sotheby's auction.
*Harper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
*Mark David Chapman, the assassin of musician John Lennon, was denied his latest request for early parole.
*The annual Muscular Dystrophy Association raised over $58 million dollars in their 2010 Labor Day telethon, the 45th hosted by comedian Jerry Lewis.

IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS...
*Oprah Winfrey begins the final season of her syndicated television show Monday, September 13th.
*On the same day, the syndicated version of Jeopardy! begins its 27th season, and during the year will celebrate its 6000th episode!

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen image, and for those wondering about why we did not discuss what today is, that is covered in more detail above.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Okay. We're back to what passes for our "regularly" scheduled programming: MORE PUZZLES!

FAMOUS FIRSTS
Who was the first woman in outer space?

TRIVIA TIME
What organization has won the Nobel Peace Prize THREE times, to date?

We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now, let's peek inside THE ANSWERS BOX, to see the results of last weekend's brief EMMY QUIZ.

01. Ed Asner as Lou Grant has won the most Emmys for performing the SAME character on DIFFERENT shows. Although Richard Belzer as Detective John Munch does hold the record for playing the same character amongst different series, with TEN to date, but has yet to win an Emmy for the role.
02. Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show and Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown are tied with 5 wins each for the most Emmys performing the SAME character on the SAME show?
03. At 37, Frasier has won the most Emmys, period (to date).
04. Betty White can claim the TV trifecta with Emmy wins for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy (Life With Elizabeth, Golden Girls), Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy (Susan Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show), and Best Guest Actress in a Comedy (for an appearance on The John Larroquette Show and her recent turn as host on Saturday Night Live).
05. Hill Street Blues, West Wing, and LA Law are tied at 4 for the most Emmy wins as the best drama. But Mad Men has just won their third and is still in production, so who knows?

Friday, September 10, 2010

STAND UP TO CANCER 2010

The first hour of prime time amongst several networks tonight will be dedicated to a one hour special in hopes of raising awareness of and raising money to continue research into the ongoing fight against cancer.
Stand Up To Cancer 2010 has been criticized by some as a 'star fest, sacrificing substance for glamour'.
I'm sure a similar comment can be made about almost any telethon or fund raiser that receives national attention.
Yet cancer is one disease that somehow has touched everyone; whether you know of someone who has suffered through it or are trying to live with one of the many varieties yourself.

In any event, if you can afford to donate to this worthwhile charity, please consider doing so tonight.

A public service message of The Free Choice E-zine.

Monday, September 6, 2010

JERRY LEWIS AT 45

While some of us have today off to celebrate the Labor Day holiday to honor the (poor) working stiff, a category to which most of us belong whether we want to admit it or not, others are not as fortunate, and for them it's business as usual.
But some people work the holiday weekend by choice, and one of those is comedian Jerry Lewis.

This Labor Day weekend marks the 45th anniversary of his annual telethon to raise awareness of and money to find a cure for the various physical and neurological problems that are collectively known as Muscular Dystrophy.
One would hope that by now, a cure had been found and such fund raising efforts would become obsolete. Unfortunately that is not the case. There are over 30 known varieties of this problem that the Muscular Dystrophy Association is actively researching in hopes of finding those much sought after cures, as well as assisting in the treatment of those with the illnesses.

IF you can afford to do so, please donate during the course of today's telethon.

A Public Service message of The Free Choice E-zine, who hopes all its readers have a great day, whether they have to work today or not.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: SEPTEMBER 5, 2010

Hello Everybody. Your Editor-In-Chief of this fine E-zine Lee Houston, Junior here with you today. This is the Labor Day weekend here in the United States, so the ladies on our staff: Ms. Waxy Dragon and Autumn the Puppy both have the weekend off to be with their families.

So I thought I would take this opportunity to once again share a little humorous Americana and relate some of the beloved Burma Shave poems of the past to a new generation of readers.

And for those who came in late, A Burma Shave poem would be a collection of signs along a roadside from the mid 1920's to the early 1960s that all ended with the words BURMA SHAVE.

Some, like the following. were advertisements for the shaving cream products the company produced.

No matter how you slice it
It's still your face
Be humane
Your face do save
Use Burma Shave

Others, like the one below, offered driving advice.

Big mistake
Many make
Relying on horn
Instead of brake.

Sadly, as the presence of Inter-state highways and the speeds upon them increased, the signs decreased until they were just fond memories. But at their height in popularity they were inspiration to others, including this gag from the 1952 Warner Brothers' cartoon Rabbit Seasoning, where Daffy Duck posted the following signs in order to lure Elmer Fudd to Bugs Bunny:

If you're looking for fun
You don't need a reason
All you need is a gun
It's Rabbit Season!

And occasionally, the Burma Shave company even poked fun at itself.

Listen birds
These signs cost money
So roost a while
But don't get funny!

And now, since school is now back in session for the year, here's an appropriate one for all you drivers out there.

At school zones
Heed instructions
Help to save
Our tax deductions!
(A reference to the children)

Sadly, we're out of space
So come back to this web place
For more of The Free Choice E-zine
You readers who are mighty fine!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

As has been our wont of late, we start with the latest from the Gulf of Mexico...
*British Petroleum officials are currently hauling to the surface the damaged blowout preventer that failed for government inspectors to examine.
*The relief well is expected to intersect with the existing well sometime next week at the earliest.
*The oil platform that exploded off the Louisiana coast Thursday was west of the troubled BP platform and owned by Mariner Energy. The rig was off line for routine maintenance at the time of the explosion. The 13 man crew was rescued with only minor injuries.

WEATHER WISE...
*After threatening North Carolina, Hurricane Earl headed northward, dumping rain and winds upon the rest of the upper Atlantic border states of America, but is slowly dying out and is now a dying tropical storm.
*Tropical Storm Fiona is expected to follow a path similar to Danielle and just be a hazard to navigation in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.
*Gaston was unable to maintain tropical storm status, but weather analysts are keeping an eye on the system in case it reforms.
*Typhoon Kompasu hit the coast of South Korea Thursday, leading to 3 deaths and the disruption of local and international travel for a while.

ELSEWHERE...
*A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck New Zealand late Friday night. While there has been a lot of property damage with some injuries, there are no known deaths at this time. A nightly curfew has been established for the affected area as damage assessments and clean up efforts begin in earnest.
*United States military combat troops have pulled out of Afghanistan. The remainder of the peace keeping forces are expected to leave by late Spring of 2011.
*Today marks the 25th anniversary of the molecular phenonemon commonly known as the "Bucky Ball".
*The much awaited video game Duke Nukem Forever will finally be released in 2011 for the XBox 360, PS 3, and personal computers.

IN SPORTS...
*Zach Nash won a Junior Golf Tournament in Wisconsin, but then reported himself for disqualification upon discovering he accidentally had more clubs in his bag during the game than the rules allowed. The Free Choice E-zine applauds his sportsmanship!
*The U.S. Open tennis tournament continues this weekend at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.
It's the Labor Day weekend here in the United States of America, where we celebrate our labor force. But instead of tackling that subject, The Puzzle Corner has decided to let the hard working stiffs of the world keep their much deserved weekend off (for those who actually get to celebrate it) and instead ask a few brief questions about the PRIME TIME EMMY AWARDS.

01. Who has won the most Emmys for performing the SAME character on DIFFERENT shows?
02. Who has won the most Emmys for performing the SAME character on the SAME show?
03. What show has won the most Emmys, period (to date).
04. Who can claim Emmy wins for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, and Best Guest Actress in a Comedy, though obviously not for the same role and/or series. NOTE: Sadly, no Actor can claim the male equivalent of this distinction.
05. What show has the most Emmy wins as the best drama?

We'll open the envelopes and reveal the results next weekend. But for now, let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX and solve the problems from our SCHOOLHOUSE ROCKS! Quiz from last weekend.

01. Although the principles were explained in other songs, Multiplication Rock! never produced songs honoring the numbers 1 and 10.
02. The first lesson of Grammar Rock! aired was "Conjunction Junction".
03. America Rock!, teaching United States history, joined the curriculum in 1975 in time for the bicentennial of the United States?
04. Science Rock! was added to the lesson plan in 1979.
05. Although the shortest subject because of the ever changing technology field, Computer Rock! debuted in 1983 with what two recurring characters? SCOOTER COMPUTER AND MISTER CHIPS.
06. Sadly, the series went off the air for a while starting in 1985, but when it returned in the early 1990s, it gained a mascot to introduce the segment. Who was this character? Schoolhouse Rocky, who was dressed in a modified version of the costume from "My Hero Zero".
07. With the series revival, MONEY ROCK! was introduced amongst the original episodes and new lessons in Grammar Rock!
08. Sadly, the series went off the air again in 1999 and has only been on DVD (and YouTube) since then. What new subject was covered in a straight to DVD release in 2009? EARTH ROCK! about earth sciences.

Friday, September 3, 2010

HURRICANE EARL: UPDATE 3

Although Hurricane Earl never officially made landfall since the eye of the storm never came on shore, the (currently) category 2 hurricane is still off the mid-Atlantic coast and is now beginning to work its way northward.
The remainder of the northern Atlantic bordering members of the United States are on Hurricane Alert, except for the inland portions of Long Island Sound and Connecticut, which are on Tropical Storm Alert at the moment.

Obviously chances are good for at least high winds and heavy rains.
Just how bad those winds and rains will be depend upon how close Earl actually gets to the Eastern shores of the United States.

More information on this situation can be found at:
*The National Weather Service website:
www.noaa.gov
*The Weather Channel website:
www.weather.com
*Or your favorite, reliable news service.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

HURRICANE EARL: UPDATE 2

As Hurricane Earl continues to head towards the mid-Atlantic section of the United States and the evacuation of North Carolina's low lying coastal areas continue, those further up the eastern seaboard wonder what the storm will do.
Potential storm damage will depend upon a number of factors that might influence the path of the storm. Only time will tell what the actual outcome of this situation will be.
Meanwhile, to make matters worse, systems Fiona and Gaston have formed out in open waters and their initial movements seem to be mirroring Earl's.

Further information can be found either here as news develops, or at:
*The National Weather Service website: www.noaa.gov
*The Weather Channel website: www.weather.com
*Or your favorite, reliable news service.