Monkey Business

In honor of Sock Monkey Day I decided they deserved a post detailing their early years. Stuffed animal toys date back to the Victorian era,but the red lipped sock monkey of today had its humble beginning in Rockford,IL around 1870. John Nelson patented an automatic knitting machine and in September of 1880 the Nelson Knitting Company was formed,producing a seamless sock called the "Nelson Sock". In 1932 the red heel was added to allow customers to know they were buying the original product instead of the many imitations flooding the market. The sock monkey has remained popular throughout the years and are available in many themed configurations in addition to the original. The city of Rockford,IL holds a "Sock Monkey Madness Festival" with various sock monkey festivities in early March.

The Deal With the Dress

I am happy to announce that some good has come from that BLANKING dress that was all over the internet last week. The Salvation Army took advantage of the popularity of  'The Dress' to launch a campaign against domestic violence,the caption reads "Why is it so hard to see black and blue?" According to a poll taken by 3.4 million people 32% saw the dress as its real color,blue and black. 68% saw white and gold. The reason for the color difference was lighting within the photograph and other factors. I first saw white and gold then the colors morphed into blue and a really dark brown,but not actually black. Who knows? maybe we were all on a collective high that day!

 

Primitive Jewelry?

I can't help but think that jewelry made of bones is some kind of bizarre indication that mankind is regressing to the stone age and it doesn't have anything to do with global warming! Actually it looks better than I expected,my mental image of KFC chicken wings made into necklaces was not a pretty picture. The idea behind the design was for hard core KFC fans to keep a piece of their favorite chicken forever,the pieces are also made in Kentucky and sell for $130-$160. I just hope this doesn't lead to a new nose piercing craze!
 

Drive-Thru

I have been a fan of Dave Barry for many decades but until recently I assumed he was exaggerating  at least some of the crazy things that happen in Florida. Today's post is just one example out of many,in fact when I did the search for the details there were about 6 other recent escapades involving drive-thru drunkenness in Florida. The particular one I am targeting is a 23 year old woman who drove her car through a Taco Bell,coming to a stop by the soda machine. She told the police she had only had two beers,however her blood alcohol level was .223,more than double the limit...Maybe they were giant sized beers?  Since today's subject is alcohol it would be a good time to pass on a humorous idea I read about  drunk driving. The man stated it was intrusive to prohibit driving under the influence because the issue wasn't about being drunk,but about being dangerous. So his idea was to administer the driving test under progressively higher blood alcohol levels,then issue a license at the highest level of inebriation at which the driver could still pass the test. I know some of you won't find that the least bit funny,but not everyone has my warped sense of humor so try not to get too worked up over it!

Gephyrophobiacs Beware!

Gephyrophobia is more common than I would have ever guessed,about 6 million Americans or 2.7% of the population has the fear of crossing bridges. I am not one of them and even enjoyed running across the Capilano Suspension Bridge which was no easy feat as it bucks with the motion making it hard to keep your feet,it is pictured below.

With that said,the rest of today's post is pictures of some of the more noteworthy bridges of the world.

Here and Now!

Today's post was a last minute decision,I had a couple of ideas on the back burner then I found what I knew needed my immediate attention. Monopoly is holding a vote for a new edition of the game (in honor of their 80th year) and you can vote for your favorite city,(including Portland,OR) at monopoly.com. Look out Atlantic City,NJ,you may be history! Over the years several versions of the game have been introduced featuring sports teams,televison shows,and cartoons, plus the streets and other spaces vary by the country where the game is purchased. I think it would be undeniably cool to have your own local city on the 80th anniversary edition,so don't waste time,vote now!

Uma the Umbrella

March is National Umbrella Month,we shall see if we need them or not this month. It was very springlike here in February,no telling what March will bring!
3/1 National Horse Protection Day
3/2 Fun Facts About Names Day
3/3 What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
3/4 March Forth-Do Something Day
3/5 National Absinthe Day
3/6 Dress In Blue Day
3/7 Sock Monkey Day (not to be confuse with Sea Monkeys)
3/8 International Women's Day
3/9 Get Over It Day
3/10 Landline Telephone Day
3/11 Dream 2015 Day
3/12 Girl Scout Birthday Day
3/13 K-9 Veterans Day
3/14 Potato Chip Day (also Pi Day)
3/15 Buzzards Day
3/16 No Selfies Day
3/17 Campfire Girls Day
3/18 Kick Butts Day
3/19 Companies That Care Day
3/20 World Storytelling Day
3/21 Memory Day
3/22 As Young As You Feel Day
3/23 National Puppy Day
3/24 National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day
3/25 Manatee Appreciation Day
3/26 Spinach Day
3/27 Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day
3/28 Be Mad Day
3/29 Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day
3/30 I Am In Control Day
3/31 National "She's Funny That Way" Day

Enjoy your month and with any luck we will all have spring soon!