tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304058659884370502024-02-20T03:45:01.831-05:00Did You Ever Wonder?David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-85814797494840834772011-06-26T06:47:00.001-04:002011-06-26T06:47:39.385-04:00Did you ever wonder which sport is the most difficult to play well?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder which sport is the most difficult to play well?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you are a player or a fan of a particular sport, you may consider that sport to be the most difficult one to play well. If you are a hockey fan, for example, I'm bet that you feel that hockey is the most difficult sport to play well. Hockey players must have great ability to play well. The same goes for many other sports. They all take certain, highly-developed skills to play them well.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I haven't played or even watched all of the many sports played around the world, but, to me, golf is the most complex and difficult sport to play well of those I have seen. It has the largest and most complex playing areas, by far the smallest target, the greatest variety of clubs with which to hit the ball, etc. Every golfer may carry up to 14 different golf clubs on the course and the golfers need them all, at one time or another, for various shots from the tee, from various locations on the course, from the sand traps and, finally, on the greens.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Which is the most valuable club that a golfer carries? I think that there is no question that it is one used for the most strokes, the putter. On an average round, the putter may be used about 36 times. That is about half of all the strokes. Each hole has a "par" posted; i.e., the number of strokes that it should take you to put the ball in the cup, assuming that you are an accomplished player. They call those players, "scratch golfers," because if the par for the course is 72, that player would shoot about 72 on the average. Contained within that par number on each hole are two strokes just for putts. If it is a par 3 hole, it is assumed that you can drive the ball onto the green and take just two putts. For pars of 4 and 5, the last two strokes are allotted for putting. Being a scratch golfer is much easier said than done. Most play a lifetime of golf without ever coming close.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are huge financial rewards in professional sports today and more golf players have big paydays every week than in most other sports, even though golfers don't have playing contracts assuring them of that income. All pro golfers really have to do is to "make the cut" each week to have a nice payday. Those that do that consistently become wealthy. You can see them most weekends on TV.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For the weekend golfer, the game is great with only four disadvantages. Golf is way too time consuming. It may take about 6 or more hours from portal to portal to play 18 holes of golf. It is way too expensive. On most courses, especially on the weekends, it can cost upwards of $100 to play a full round, even on a public course. I think the game is way too difficult. Finally, golf is way too addictive. Otherwise, it is a great game.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you have a game that you feel is more difficult than golf, you may be right, or you may never have played golf and may now want to give golf a try.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-19584243591593985602011-06-23T06:51:00.000-04:002011-06-23T06:57:45.887-04:00Did you ever wonder if you would enjoy playing the card game, duplicate bridge?<div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder if you would enjoy playing the card game, duplicate bridge?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>This blog is intended for only those who do not now play duplicate bridge.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Those who do play duplicate will already know all that is contained herein.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To my way of thinking, there are only two card games that share national and international popularity. They are poker and bridge. I play poker twice a year at a fundraiser and enjoy it. What makes it fun is that you are betting on every hand. In fact, you have to put money into the middle of the table, the ante, just to have your hand dealt to you. However, unless you are a really good bluffer, you won't win many poker hands, and certainly will not be the big winner of the night, unless you are dealt good cards on a fairly regular basis. The better your poker hands, the more often you win and the more fun it is to play poker.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have also played duplicate bridge since my college days and believe it to be even more fun than poker. Why? Because, it doesn't matter how good or how bad the hands are that you are dealt. You are competing against only the other players who are dealt the exact same hands as yours. This is by design. At the beginning of the game, all hands to be played in that game are dealt and placed into the 4 sides of a "duplicate board" so that each and every time that hand is played, the East player, for example, will have the exact same cards as every other East player who plays that hand. Say the game consists of 32 boards, or hands. Each player in each of the four positions, (N, S, E & W) will play the same cards as every other player in their relative position. The N/S players stay at the same table all game and the E/W players move from table to table and the cards/boards move in the other direction.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think you can see why it makes no difference on a given hand, whether you get a strong, average or weak hand. It is the exact same hand the players you are competing against will hold when it is that player's turn to play that board. That is why skill is more important than the cards which you are dealt to you in bridge.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some people think bridge is just too difficult to learn. I don't buy into that idea. You are dealt 13 cards and must first evaluate your hand. That isn't too hard. The bidding process is more difficult, but not overly so. It just takes practice to learn the game. The play of the hand by the successful bidder is challenging and makes the game and fun to learn. Then, when you begin to play duplicate, it is even more<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>fun.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are bridge books aplenty to assist the beginner and I urge you to try the game.The American Contract Bridge League has an online service to assist you. Go to:<a href="http://www.acbl.org/Learn">www.acbl.org/Learn</a>ToPlayBridge. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-53294717521357689582011-06-19T06:49:00.001-04:002011-06-19T06:49:41.108-04:00Did you ever wonder just how faithful the geyser, "Old Faithful," is?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder just how faithful the geyser, "Old Faithful," is?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our National Parks began in 1872 with the opening of Yellowstone which covers portions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and is a massive 2,219,790.71 acres. This Park has 4 mountain ranges and 60 mammal species. There are hot springs and geysers with Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring being the best known. The next two National Parks to open were Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890 in California. New National Parks must be approved by an act of the U.S. Congress. The newest National Park is Great Sand Dunes, established in 2004 in Colorado.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As stated above, Old Faithful is the best known of the geysers at Yellowstone. It is a cone geyser located in Wyoming. It was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and was the first geyser in the park to receive a name.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The geyser, as well as nearby Old Faithful Inn, is part of the Old Faithful Historic District. I've been told by a friend who visits Yellowstone every year, without fail, that staying at Old Faithful Inn is a most memorable and enjoyable experience. The beauty of the entire park is amazing and it could take many visits to see it all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Old Faithful's eruptions can shoot up to 8,400 gallons of boiling water to heights averaging 145 feet and last from 1.5 to 5 minutes each time. The highest recorded eruption was 185 feet. How faithful is it? The intervals between eruptions range from 45 minutes to 125 minutes. So, as you can see, you can't set your watch by Old Faithful, but if you visit the park, you are sure to witness this famous geyser's eruption at least once and you may watch it for about 45 minutes each time. It is an experience you won't soon forget.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Old Faithful is not the tallest or largest geyser at Yellowstone. That title belongs to the less predictable, Steamboat Geyser, but a geyser still worth seeing on you visit. Grand Prismatic Spring is the other great attraction you won't want to miss.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One other piece of the Yellowstone history. It appears that the park got its name from the Yellowstone River which flows some 670 miles from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Wyoming to the Montana/North Dakota border. The sandstone along the way is yellow in appearance.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To learn more about Yellowstone and Old Faithful and to actually watch this geyser erupt, visit "A day in the life of Old Faithful Geyser, a timelapse video" at <a href="http://YouTube.com">YouTube.com</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-80088944351303499542011-06-16T07:01:00.001-04:002011-06-16T07:01:42.739-04:00Did you ever wonder what Pickleball is?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder what Pickleball is?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the Nation !!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Three years ago, most people hadn't even heard of Pickleball. Today, there are more than 40,000 players and that number is growing every month according Bill Booth, President of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). It is a favorite sport of seniors nationwide.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What is Pickleball? It is a game a lot like tennis and is played indoors on gym floors and outdoors on tennis courts. The ball is a wiffle ball (a plastic, poly baseball with holes) and short-handled, solid wooden paddles are used. The court is a downsized tennis court and is 20 feet wide by 44 feet deep, with colored tape to define the court, the serving box and the "kitchen", which is an area 7 feet deep on each side of the net.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The serve must be underhand with the paddle below the wrist. The ball must bounce once on receiver's side of the net (beyond the kitchen) and the server or the receiving team, in the case of doubles, must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it back. After that, the players may move to the net (but not encroach into the kitchen) and the speed of the game increases dramatically. Points are awarded only to the serving team. Games are played to 11, 15 or 21 depending on the event. It is great fun to play.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Why is it called Pickleball? The creator of the game had a dog named Pickles which kept stealing the ball during play. Pickleball was created during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Its creators were U.S. Congressmen Joel Pritchard, William Bell and Barney McCallum. Initially, families played Pickleball in their backyards on a hard surface, on driveways and on residential, dead end streets. Since the mid-70's, the sport has expanded and is now played in thousands of educational institutions, parks and recreation centers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Where can you learn more about the game and begin to play? We in Oakland County are in very fortunate because there are several venues. For example, we can learn about the game and play it at the Auburn Hills Community Center (AHCC) every Monday and Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30. Instruction is available. You can also log onto www/usapa.org to learn much more about Pickleball and see videos of the action.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-7662861260332022572011-06-12T15:37:00.001-04:002011-06-12T15:37:41.940-04:00Did you ever wonder how cold and how hot it has ever been?<div><br></div><div>Did you ever wonder how cold and how hot it has ever been?</div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We have experienced some very hot weather in Michigan already this year. I wondered what the record temperatures were. All temperatures herein are expressed in Fahrenheit. It turns out that the hottest it has ever been in Michigan was recorded in Mio on July 13, 1936 when it was 112 degrees. Yes, that was indeed a hot one.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Where has it been even hotter? Many places. The hottest ever in the USA was on July 10, 1913 at Greenland Ranch, Colorado. It was 134 degrees that day. Glad I missed it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">How about the coldest on record in Michigan? My research revealed that, on February 9, 1934, it was -51 degrees in Vanderbilt, Michigan. Wow!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My first duty station in the U. S. Air Force was in Duluth, Minnesota in the early '60's. It routinely reached -30 at night and once was -54 degrees. I never thought I would be colder than that. Later, while on a mission in Alaska, I experienced -65 in Clear, Alaska. I couldn't believe it could get colder than that, but I learned that the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States was in Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska, when on January 30, 1966 it was -80 degrees. Talk about cold! Brrrr!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Can you recall your coldest and hottest days on this Earth? Think about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-91636833717122974892011-06-08T15:59:00.001-04:002011-06-08T15:59:47.581-04:00Did you ever wonder which are the oldest and newest of our National Parks?<div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder which are the oldest and the newest of our National Parks?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The United States has 58 National Parks, operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. Each National Park is established by the U.S. Congress. 27 states have National Parks as do American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Alaska and California have the most National Parks with eight each, followed by Utah with five and Colorado with four. The largest National Park is Wrangell-St. Elias (Alaska) with over 8,000,000 acres. The smallest is Hot Springs (Arkansas) at less than 6,000 acres. The total area protected by the National Park Service is approximately 51,900,000 acres. The most visited National Park is Great Smokey Mountain with over nine million visitors a year, followed by Grand Canyon, with over four million visitors.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The first National Park, Yellowstone (Montana) was established in 1872, followed by Sequoia and Yosemite (California) in 1890.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The newest National Park is Great Sand Dunes (Colorado), established in 2004. Did you remember that? The next newest National Parks are Congaree (South Carolina) in 2003 and Cuyahoga Valley (Ohio) in 2000.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is interesting that that we have been establishing National Parks for nearly 140 years and the newest one just seven years ago. It appears that we may not be done yet. Can you think of a new candidate?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-2799446407105099352011-06-04T13:58:00.001-04:002011-06-04T13:58:37.668-04:00Did you ever wonder how pills know where to go and what to do?<div>Did you ever wonder how pills know where to go and what to do?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This question has always puzzled me. I just never could understand how the pharmaceutical companies made all those "smart" pills that would always reach their intended destinations within our bodies and, once there, are able to do their intended tasks. It was truly a mystery to me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Over the last year, I researched this question on the internet, but couldn't fully understand what I found there. I tried the direct approach and questioned doctors and pharmacists. I could never get an answer from them in layman's terms or that satisfied me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">From what all of them told me, I have pieced together an answer with which I am reasonably comfortable, within limits.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Here is what I think I now know about the pills. We need to use an example to make sense out of this. Let's keep it simple and use a pain-killer. Let's say you have an ache or pain at one specific place in your body and you resort to an over-the-counter medication that is supposed to provide pain relief for several hours. The instructions on the package say to take one pill with a full glass of water and your follow the instructions. What happens next? As best as I can understand it, the pill dissolves in your stomach and its contents get into your blood stream and travel all throughout your body. As the medicated blood passes the place where the pain originates, there are receptors there that absorb this particular type of medicine. I think of the receptors as being like tiny "smart" sponges. If all goes well, the medicine in the pill reaches its intended destination and goes to work and the pain subsides until the medication wears off in approximately the time promised on the package. Then, you must take another pill to again find pain relief. I have been advised that you should take the second pill an hour before the first one wears off so as not to be in pain between pills.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm sure a medical expert would find the above an overly simplistic explanation and it probably is, but it is the best I can do. I couldn't begin to understand the medications for more serious diseases and how they work, but I have been told that receptors are at work there too.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you know of a better explanation, in laymen's terms, please let me know.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-91404555015821100852011-06-01T15:08:00.001-04:002011-06-01T15:08:15.662-04:00Did you ever wonder what your worst habit may be?<div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder what your worst habit may be?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There may be no doubt in your mind about the answer to this question. Most of us have at least one bad habit. We usually make peace with it or, if it really bugs us, we may make a New Year's resolution to unload that particular habit. Even then, breaking a bad habit permanently is not an easy task.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The June/July issue of <u>Reader's Digest</u> (RD) has an article on this subject and they discussed four of the most common bad habits; i.e., overeating, procrastinating, smoking and complaining. Of course, there are many more. I'll bet that you add to this list.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Let's first look at overeating. The majority of people in 9 out of the 16 countries surveyed said overeating was their worst habit. It is clearly the hardest of the four to hide. If one tends to overeat, it usually shows and can be unhealthy. However, if one gets enough exercise, he or she may be able get away with moderate overeating, at least in the short-term. One thing is for sure, even an active person should get on the scale every morning to be sure that pounds aren't being added.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They say that the cure to this bad habit is just to do three push-ups each day. Just push yourself up from the table at breakfast, at lunch and again at dinner, <u>before</u> you have overeaten.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eating between meals is another contributor. One must be very disciplined to maintain one's diet and ideal weight. It is a constant struggle for many.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think procrastinating may be one of the most common of the bad habits. There is an old expression: "Don't do today what you can put off until tomorrow, you may not have to do it at all." That could be the procrastinator's motto. The RD article states that procrastinating is the No. 1 bad habit in Russia with 50% of those surveyed admitting to it. In the United States, 40% said it was their worst habit. Remember what Scarlett O'Hara said in <u>Gone with the Wind</u>, "Tomorrow is another day." Today, you frequently hear people say, "I'll think about that tomorrow."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think enough has been written about smoking and I won't add to that here.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Complaining is the final bad habit discussed in the RD article. I think that we are all guilty of complaining at one time or another. Hopefully, most of us don't overdo it. Scott Lee, 32, is quoted as saying, "I hate when I complain. It makes me feel so out of control." If you don't like to listen to those who complain, you will want to avoid many of the current TV talk shows and political programs. Complaining is a large part of their content. I think complaining about Michigan weather is one of the most common complaints here. Whether the complaint is about the long, hard winters, too much rain in the spring or the long, hot summers, I think most of us have participated in that type of complaint. For my money, it is the most harmless of all complaints. If your worst habit is that you complain about the weather, I think that you are in good company and are still a good person. We could all make up our minds to complain less and mean it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What is your worst habit? If you are able to define it, was it your worst habit last year too? If so, it may time to address it in a meaningful way. After all, you recognize it as a <u>negative</u> about yourself. This certainly gives one food for thought?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-7327850931555376592011-05-28T08:47:00.001-04:002011-05-28T08:47:19.162-04:00Did you ever wonder if we in Michigan have an inexhaustible supply of water?<div>Did you ever wonder if we in Michigan have an inexhaustible supply of water?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One would think that Michigan is in about the best location to live in the United States to have a more than adequate supply of fresh water. Most of us probably never give this subject much thought, let alone have concern about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The May, 2011 issue of the <u>Michigan Bar Journal</u> has an interesting article on this subject entitled, <u>Water Withdrawals in Michigan</u>, which I read with interest. I would like to share some of what I learned here.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">First, the author, Sara R. Gosman, stated many interesting facts and observations. First, she stated what we all know, that Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes. She stated that the Great Lakes contain 84 percent of the fresh water in North America and 21 percent of the fresh water in the world, more than any other source on earth except for the polar ice caps. She also points out that Michigan is fortunate to also have about 11,000 inland lakes and streams as well as plentiful groundwater. We also have 3, 177 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. It is no wonder that Michigan leads the nation with approximately 1 million registered pleasure boats.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">She then points to some areas of concern. Less that 1 percent of the water from the Great Lakes is renewable through precipitation, surface water runoff and groundwater recharge. The rest, if consumed or diverted, is lost. Even if water uses remain at that 1 percent, local shortages may affect users and degrade a natural environment that relies on plentiful fresh water.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ms. Gosman points out that, in the future, the available fresh water in the region may decrease as a result of climate change. Scientific models predict lower levels in the Great Lakes – as much as 4.5 feet in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now that she has our attention, she informs us that, in 2005, the governors of the Great Lake States and the premiers of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec unveiled a plan for management of our water resources. The Plan manages our water supply in three ways. First, they limit new or increased uses of water. Second, each jurisdiction is to oversee water conservation programs for all users. Third, all jurisdictions shall work together to improve water management by sharing information on water uses and collaborating with regional partners on a science strategy to strengthen a basis for action. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Michigan enacted legislation to manage Michigan's water supply and require all large water users to seek approvals at the state level. Ms. Grosman cautions that, although the Plan appears to be sound, it faces sever underfunding. She said that the program is at risk unless adequate funding is restored. This gives us much to think about.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-73283408336619121882011-05-25T16:16:00.000-04:002011-05-25T16:17:03.201-04:00Did you ever wonder dandelions are good for anything?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder if dandelions are good for anything?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Every spring, we see dandelions everywhere. Many put weed killer on their lawns to prevent dandelions and other wild plants from populating their lawns. Hard as they try, some dandelions pop up anyway around the edges and in the plantings. As you probably know, the flower heads are open during the day and closed at night. They spread rapidly if their seeds are left to dry and blow around the property.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Are they just weeds and good for nothing or do they have beneficial uses? My research revealed that the technical name is Taraxacum Officinale and they are native to Eurasia (Greece) and North America. They are entirely edible and contain vitamins A, B and C. They have been used medicinally since the 11<sup>th</sup> century. German lore of the 16<sup>th</sup> century tells us that the roots were used as a sedative. Dandelion leaves contain high levels of potassium and are said to be a powerful diuretic. The leaves contain 7,000 units of vitamin A per ounce.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Traditional uses: The root has been used as a detoxifier, working principally on the liver and gall bladder. The dandelion has been touted as beneficial for treating skin problems such as acne and eczema, as well as improving arthritic conditions.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">All of the above are interesting facts and they may all be very true, but for most of us, dandelions are still a nuisance. Dandelion wine is another use of the flower. Recipes for making this wine abound on the internet. I haven't tried it. Have you?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-3522075554841629342011-05-21T18:46:00.001-04:002011-05-21T18:46:20.399-04:00Did you ever wonder why spiders and snakes cause such fear and loathing?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder why spiders and snakes cause such fear and loathing?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Let's face it, spiders and snakes are not our favorite creatures. They are not creatures that one normally wants to get close to. My mother was deathly afraid of snakes and tried hard to avoid them. Even a picture of a snake caused her to turn away. A lot of people share her phobia. She didn't like spiders either, but her dislike of spiders didn't amount to a phobia.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I did some research and learned that some people's phobia's concerning these creatures create havoc in their daily lives. Some can't leave home without wearing protective clothing against spiders. Others develop elaborate coping techniques, such as sending someone ahead of them into an unfamiliar environment to make sure the dreaded creatures aren't lurking there. For some, their phobias can cause a panic attack. Their fear disrupts their ability to function normally in their daily routines.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Where these fears come from is still debated. There is the "ick" factor. Spiders and snakes make some people's skin crawl. If you have such a phobia, it is very real to you and you aren't likely to be talked out of it by reasoning.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some writers believe that parents, who fear one or both of these creatures, may pass that fear along to their young children. Others conclude that such fears are innate.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I did not inherit my mother's fears. I do have what I believe to be a rational fear of poisonous snakes and avoid them at all costs, but I don't fear spiders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">How about you? Do you have a real fear of either spiders or snakes? If so, is your fear rational and how do you cope?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-38621087847932988462011-05-19T07:11:00.001-04:002011-05-19T07:11:43.303-04:00Did you ever wonder what was the most fun you have ever had?<div>Did you ever wonder what was the most fun you have ever had?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I asked that question of many people and some could not come up with an answer on the spot. Could you, right now, decide what was the most fun you have ever had? It is a question upon which we should each reflect. After all, it is a <u>good</u> memory!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I surveyed 100 people with that question and eventually got answers from most of them. As you might imagine, the responses were quite varied and most were quite interesting. I will share some of the more interesting responses with you here.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cindy Ramon (2 ½ years old) – Detroit, "Being with my mommy."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carolyn Johnson – Oakland Township, "Scuba diving off the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles west of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean. The turtles there are huge."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Rod Carpenter – Clinton Township, "White water rafting on the New River in W.V."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jim Carron – Ann Arbor, "Being in the 1989 Rose Bowl Parade and attending the Rose Bowl game where Michigan beat USC. Go Blue!"<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Christine Childers – Brown City, "Going to Disneyland in 1999 and having my picture taken with "The Beast." You know, "Beauty and the Beast."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Natalie Wordlaw – Metamora, "When I danced in 'The Nutcracker'. I loved it."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paul Abromatis – "Playing hockey against the Red Wings alumni in Joe Louis Arena."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carol Gonzales – Dearborn Heights – "Finding my biological parents."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A lady who wished to remain anonymous – "Making love in a row boat."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Have you now decided what was the most fun you've ever had? You should.</p><p class="MsoNormal">For fun, ask each member of your family about they most fun they ever had.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-59814120534123549812011-05-15T08:24:00.001-04:002011-05-15T08:24:45.836-04:00Did you ever wonder if you would find volunteering rewarding?<div>Did you ever wonder if you would find volunteering rewarding?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My wife and I decided to become volunteers after we retired. We had a neighbor who was an active volunteer at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac and we applied there. Soon, we were working there every week. My wife worked one day in the Gift Shop and a second day in the Coffee Shop and I worked one day each week at the Front Desk.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That was about 6 years ago and we are both still at it. What has changed is that my wife now works the one day a week that I do, but on the 5<sup>th</sup> floor in the Mother-Baby area taking care of the needs of new mothers and, sometimes, their babies, whatever those needs may be. We both enjoy our one-day a week of volunteer work at SJMO.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My job entails assisting visitors who want to know what rooms the patients they want to visit are in. I also respond to calls from Nurses Stations all over the Hospital who need wheelchair transportation in order to complete the discharge of patients.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I take a wheelchair to the patient's room and transport them to the front lobby and wait with them until their family member or friend brings the vehicle to the front entrance. I then wheel the patient to the vehicle and assure they are strapped in and have all of their possessions before departing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The majority of hospitals in SE Michigan are non-profit and depend heavily on volunteers to fill many jobs. At SJMO, there are about 500 volunteers and more than 200 of those are high school or college students. Volunteers have jobs all over the hospital from the Front Desk to the Emergency Room. We are everywhere. You can identify the men by their red jackets and vests and the ladies by their pink smocks.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you would like to know more about volunteer opportunities, you may visit:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.serve.gov">www.serve.gov</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.voluntermatch.org">www.voluntermatch.org</a><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-82771313713310677322011-05-12T08:33:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:29:58.307-04:00Did you ever wonder how airplane "black boxes" survive devastating crashes?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder how airplane "black boxes" survive devastating crashes?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Again and again, we learn of horrible airplane crashes which are so bad that there are few, if any, survivors. Yet, in every case of which I am aware, the "black box" always remains intact, providing valuable information for investigators. The real name of the box is the Flight Information Data Recorder (FIDR) and it is painted orange, not black, for visibility.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some wonder why they don't make the entire airplane out of the same material. The answer to that question is that it would make the aircraft too heavy. The FIDR is made of three boxes. The first is made of hardened stainless steel or titanium. The second is an insulation box. The third is a thermal block. The manufacturers put the boxes together with its "brain" inside the first box, which is placed inside the second and the second inside the third.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They make FIDR's to last. Each must survive a plane crash and function almost forever after that.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The "brain" of the box is the data storage unit, which is a magnetic tape or a memory board similar to that in your computer. Technicians mount the memory board in a thick thermal board, which sits inside an insulating box, which sits inside an armored capsule. The exterior of FIDR typically measures 5 x 6 x 9 inches, a little larger than a six-pack of Coke, and weighs about nine pounds.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What about heat and salt water? The manufacturers make the boxes so that they will withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The box will also withstand being in salt water 20,000 feet deep for up to 30 days. The box also sends out a "pinging" signal to make it easier to find.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finally, what data is recorded? The audio environment of the cockpit is recorded; i.e., every word spoken and every word received over the headsets of the cockpit crew, as well as ambient sounds. The FIDR also records all electronic instructions sent to the aircraft and the performance parameters of the aircraft. All of this data can be invaluable to investigators tasked with determining the cause(s) of the crash. This analysis can identify changes that are required in future aircraft design.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-1709910824688135262011-05-10T10:37:00.001-04:002011-05-10T10:37:16.728-04:00Did you ever wonder which country has the most visitors?<div>Did you ever wonder which country has the most visitors?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I see so many foreign tourists here that I had assumed that the United Sates (US) got more visitors than other countries. My research revealed that I was incorrect. The most recent tourist figures are for 2009 when France had the most visitors, about 74 million. The US was 2nd with almost 55 million. Spain was 3rd with just over 52 million and China was 4<sup>th</sup> with almost 51 million.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To round out the top ten countries that attract tourists: Italy was 5<sup>th</sup> with 43 million, the United Kingdom 6<sup>th</sup> with 28 million, Turkey 7<sup>th</sup> with 25 million, Germany 8<sup>th</sup> with 24 million, Malaysia 9<sup>th</sup> with 23.6 million and Mexico 10<sup>th</sup> with 21.5 million.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In just the top ten tourist countries, visitors totaled over 397 million in 2009. In France, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is its most famous sight and the largest tourist attraction.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I found several of the countries in the top ten to be surprising. I know that China is attracting more and more attention each year, but to learn that Turkey was the 7<sup>th</sup> most visited and that Malaysia was 9<sup>th,</sup> were unexpected. I also thought that Canada would make the Top 10 list. Were there any surprises in the Top 10 List for you? <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-23089661236069806352011-05-09T08:41:00.001-04:002011-05-09T08:41:28.946-04:00Did you ever wonder which is the most popular sport in the world?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder which is the most popular sport in the world?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you would ask that question to my brother-in-law, who is from Ecuador, he would just smile and say, "No question. It is soccer."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There really is no question as to which is the most popular sport in Central and South American countries and in Europe as well. Soccer is king. It is often called football in those countries. Many countries have big soccer clubs that play internationally.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When I was young, my friends and I had never heard of soccer. It wasn't until my grandchildren began to play it in community leagues here that I really became familiar with the game. The "offside" call was always a difficult one for me to detect and someone else will have to explain it to you or you can find it online.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our grandson, Josh Prantera, was on the 2008 State Championship team for Oakland Christian School and we didn't miss a game. To win, they had to play 2 games each in the Districts, the Regionals and the States. In those six critical games, they never gave up a goal. Pretty amazing! Their goalie, Kramer Everett, had 57 shutouts in his four years as the OCS goalie. I think you can see why that team kept our interest.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In professional soccer, The World Cup in the pinnacle. It has been played every four years since 1930, except for the War years of 1942 & 1946. Italy has won it the most, at four times. Spain is the current champion and won in 2010. The "Cup" is made of solid gold!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the United States, soccer has become a far more popular sport and is played at every level. It is often the first sport that children play here now. There are professional teams in 16 U.S. cities. Most of those cities have built large soccer stadiums. If you haven't been to a soccer game yet, it would be more enjoyable for you if you took the time to learn the rules of the game before you go and it would also help if you knew at least one of the players. Enjoy!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-81345510284555501682011-05-06T15:14:00.001-04:002011-05-06T15:14:59.617-04:00Did you ever wonder how children who live too far from schools are educated?<div>Did you ever wonder how children who live too far from schools are educated?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">While serving in the United States Air Force, I was stationed in Australia for 28 months during 1971 - 1973. We were in the outback and learned about some unusual programs backed by the Australian government. One was the Flying Doctor Service where a sick or injured person in the outback is treated by a doctor who flies in and provides emergency treatment and, if necessary, transports the patient to the closest hospital.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Children whose families live too far from towns with the closest schools must take advantage of the School of the Air, which began in 1951 and continues today. These are correspondence schools catering for the primary and early secondary education of children in remote and outback areas of Australia.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">These Schools were conducted via shortwave radio from 1951 through 2003 and then converted to wireless internet technologies to deliver lessons which include live, one-way video feeds and clear, two-way audio. Each student has direct contact with the teacher in a major inland town such as Broken Hill, Alice Springs or Meekatharra. Each student spends approximately one hour each day receiving group or individual instructions from the teacher, and the rest of the day working through the assigned materials with a parent, older sibling or a hired home-stay tutor.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The School of the Air is frequently the isolated children's first opportunity to interact with children outside of their own families. This is supplemented by 3 or 4 annual gatherings where the children travel to the school to spend a week with their teachers and classmates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you visit Australia, you may visit one such school in Alice Springs in Central Australia. The visitor's center is set up to enable tourists the opportunity to observe live classes and be shown recorded lessons. With so much of Australia considered to be in the outback, The Flying Doctor Service and The School of the Air are essential.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-21288576582086047282011-04-30T09:04:00.000-04:002011-04-30T09:05:03.282-04:00Did you ever wonder if there is a program that brings pets to shut-ins?<div>Did you ever wonder if there is a program that brings pets to shut-ins?</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I really never thought there could be such a program until I was volunteering at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital recently and, when an elevator door opened, two adults and a young girl got off, each being led by a dog on a leash. Each dog had a red neckerchief with these words printed in white, "Pet the Pet."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I asked the adults about Pet the Pet and they told me they were also volunteers and this program allowed them to bring pets to visit children in hospitals and adults in local area nursing homes and senior housing facilities to boost their spirits.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The program was founded in 1998 for the purpose of providing pet therapy to children and adults using dogs rescued from puppy mills and high skill shelters. Although the rescued animals are wonderful, gentle, loving animals, not all enjoy the intensity of therapy work and these have, over the years, been adopted to homes that are more appropriate to the individual temperament of the animals. Because the supply of animals is greater than the need for therapy purposes, the Pet the Pet Program has chosen to take additional dogs for placement. All dogs have been neutered, wormed, vaccinated, heartworm tested and have loving dispositions. The cost for adopting a dog is $250.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you are interested in more details, visit their e-mail: <a href="mailto:reverence@fltg.net">reverence@fltg.net</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-46269908594654478142011-04-24T06:56:00.001-04:002011-04-24T06:56:05.493-04:00Did you ever wonder just how much material is recycled each year and where it all goes?<div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder just how much material is recycled each year and where it all goes?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I dutifully place all our recyclables in our Blue and White Recycle Bin in each week and haul it out to the curb on Tuesday mornings for pick-up. I always wondered where it went and what it amounted to, nationally.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle recently published statistics which it obtained from Consumer Energy's website for the period from 1992 – 2007. You need to divide the following numbers by 16 to get approximate annual figures.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Antifreeze – More than 300,000 gallons</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Used oil – About 4 million gallons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fuel – 150,000 gallons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paint – 12,000 gallons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Batteries – 430,000 pounds<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Mercury equipment – 21,000 pounds<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Metals – 29,000 tons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Corrugated materials – 50,000 yards<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paper – Almost 117,000 yards<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Wood and wood products – 189,000 tons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Toner cartridges - 16,000 tons<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lamps – 408,000 pounds<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Electronics – 108,000 pounds<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lighting ballasts – Roughly 50,000 pounds <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">None of the above goes into landfills. Consumers Energy states that, in the last 20 years, there has been enough recycled material to fill 168 Olympic size swimming pools and conserved 551,000 cubic yards of land fill space. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In 2010, there was more than one million pounds of universal waste and it all got recycled in one form or another. That is good news for Planet Earth and for you if you are at all "green."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now, we both know more about our recycled material.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-26629382610124711432011-04-21T15:10:00.001-04:002011-04-21T15:10:11.398-04:00Did you ever wonder how the Braille system for the blind was created?<div><br></div><div>Did you ever wonder how the Braille system for the blind was created?</div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Louis Braille was born in 1809 near Paris, France. He became blind at age three (3) after an accident when he accidently poked himself in the eye with his father's leather awl. Both of his eyes became infected and he lost the sight of both eyes. As he became older, he desperately wanted to be able to read. At age 10, he was sent to a school for the blind in Paris where children were taught to read and write using a system of raised letters. The system was difficult to use as it was hard to tell the letters apart. One day, in 1921, a soldier, Charles Barbier, visited the school. He had devised a system of raised dots to form the alphabet. Braille saw the potential.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">At age 15, and three years of experimenting with proposed systems, he devised a simpler system whereby he used just six (6) dots arranged in two vertical columns of three. With just those six dots, he was able to design the 26-letter alphabet, all ten numbers and eleven other symbols representing punctuation marks. The system even has several short words. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When he grew up, he became a teacher in that same school for the blind.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It wasn't until after Braille's death in 1852 that his system was widely adopted and is now used in virtually every country. It has been adapted to every known language. Braille contracted tuberculosis and died in Paris at age 43. His system was officially adopted in France two years after his death and became widely used thereafter.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">An example of the Braille system follows. Using two, vertical columns of three dots each, an "a" has one raised dot in the upper left corner. A "b" has the top two dots in the left column raised and a "c" has the top two dots raised, one in each column. Braille reached his goal of having many books of all kinds printed in Braille.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you want to know more about Braille's life, Margaret Davidson's 1971 book, <u>Louis Braille</u>, the Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind, is a good read. Of course, you can also google "Braille" for a vast amount of information. Now, you know how Braille's system was created.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-50819567597011811162011-04-16T07:07:00.001-04:002011-04-16T07:07:56.190-04:00Did you ever wonder who Sir Isaac Newton was and what he accomplished?<div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder who Sir Isaac Newton was and what he accomplished?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the third in a three-blog series about historical figures. The first two were on Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sir Isaac Newton lived from 1642 – 1727. He was an English mathematician and physicist. He was one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. He was born weeks too early and the woman helping with the birth predicted an early death for the weak boy. However, he survived and grew up with his grandmother on the family farm.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Newton was elected a "Fellow" at Trinity College in Cambridge in 1667 and became the "Lucasian Professor of Mathematics" in 1669. He lectured at Cambridge in most years until 1696. Of those years, at which Newton was at the height of his creative powers, he singled out 1665 – 1666 as "the prime of my age for invention." During those two to three years of intense mental effort, he prepared "Philosophic Naturalis Principia Mathematics," commonly known as the Principia, although this was not published until 1687. Newton is credited with inventing calculus. He did experiments with prisms and was the first to determine why the separate colors appear when sunlight passes through a prism. He worked with optics and he was the first to develop a reflecting telescope, which proved to be more powerful than Galileo's refracting telescope, and was quickly accepted.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Newton has been regarded as the founder of modern physical science. His achievements in scientific investigation were as innovative as those in his mathematical research.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is a popular story that Newton, while observing an apple fall on his head, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>suddenly thought of the Universal Law of Gravitation. As in all such legends, this is almost certainly untrue in its details, but the story contains elements of what actually happened. Probably the more correct version of the story is that Newton, upon observing an apple fall from a tree, began to think along the following lines: the apple's velocity was at zero when it was hanging on the tree and, when it fell, it accelerated as it moved toward the ground. Thus, by Newton's 2<sup>nd</sup> Law, There must be a force which acts upon the apple to cause this acceleration. Let's call the force "gravity," and the associated acceleration, "the acceleration due to gravity." Then, imagine the apple tree is twice as high and, as the apple falls, it picks up speed in its decent. Newton concluded that the force of an object is equal to its mass times acceleration.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Newton's 1<sup>st</sup> Law – An object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. Newton's 3<sup>rd</sup> Law – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Newton died on March 27, 1727 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, a great honor. Now, we all know more about Sir Isaac Newton as well.<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-43026930968942994652011-04-14T10:18:00.001-04:002011-04-14T10:18:11.784-04:00Did you ever wonder just who Leonardo da Vinci was and what he accomplished?<div><br></div><div>Did you ever wonder just who Leonardo da Vinci was and what he accomplished?</div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the second in a three-part blog series about historical figures. The last blog covered Galileo and the final one will be on Sir Issac Newton.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Leonardo da Vinci, hereafter called "da Vinci," lived from 1452 – 1519, or for 67 years. He was a Renaissance painter, architect, engineer, mathematician and philosopher; a genius, the likes of which the world may not see again. In addition to being just about the most intelligent person ever, da Vinci is reported to have been an incredibly handsome man with great strength and a beautiful singing voice. He was a vegetarian and followed a very strict diet. In fact, he loved animals so much that he would often buy caged animals at the market just to set them free.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In an era when left-handedness was considered the devil's work and those afflicted were often forced to use their right hands, da Vinci was an unashamed left-handed writer. It has been suggested that this "difference" was an element of his genius, since his detachment allowed him to see beyond the ordinary. He even wrote backwards and his writings are easily deciphered only with a mirror.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The illegitimate son of a 25 year-old notary, Ser Piero, and a peasant girl, Calerina, da Vinci was born on April 5, 1452 in Vinci, Italy, just outside Florence. His father took custody of the little fellow shortly after his birth, while his mother married someone else and moved to a neighboring town. They kept on having children, although not with each other, and they eventually supplied him with 17 half-sisters and half-brothers. Da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 in Clos Luce', France.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Da Vinci's genius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance humanist ideal. His paintings, <u>Last Supper</u> (1495 – 97) and <u>Mona Lisa</u> (1503 – 1506) are among the most widely popular and influential paintings of the Renissance era. The <u>Mona Lisa </u>is now in The Louvre in Paris, France. <u>The Last Supper</u> is in the Santa Marie delle Grazzie Abby in Milan, France. His notebooks reveal a spirit of scientific inquiry and a mechanical inventiveness that were centuries ahead of his time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now, we both know more about the incredible accomplishments of da Vinci.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-44828058181018178292011-04-10T23:53:00.001-04:002011-04-10T23:53:26.692-04:00Did you ever wonder just who Galileo was and what he accomplished?<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">Did you ever wonder just who Galileo was and what he accomplished?</p><p class="MsoNormal">By David McClelland</p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the first of a three-part blog series about historical figures. They will cover the lives of Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci and Sir Issac Newton.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I began to wonder about these important historic men while sailing aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, <u>The Freedom of the Seas</u>, two weeks ago on a family vacation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There were over 4,000 passengers and we took our evening meals in three huge dining rooms named after these men. Let's look first at Galileo.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Galileo Galilei<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>was born in Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564. His father was a musician and his family belonged to the nobility, but they were not rich. Galileo never married. However, he had a brief relationship with Marina Gamba; she lived in his house in Padua, where she bore him three children. In 1610, Galileo moved from Padua to Florence, where he took a position at the court of Medici family.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Galileo made his first telescope in 1609, modeled after other telescopes produced in other parts of Europe that could magnify objects by three times. He created a telescope later that same year that would magnify objects by twenty times. With this telescope, he was able to look at the moon, discover the four satellites and Jupiter, observe a supernova, verify the phases of Venus, and discover sunspots. His discoveries proved the Copernican system, which states that the Earth and planets revolve around the sun. Prior to the Copernican system, it was thought that a universe was geo centric, meaning that the sun revolved around the Earth.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Galileo's belief in the Copernican system eventually got him in trouble with the Catholic Church. The inquisition was a permanent institution in the Catholic Church, charged with the eradication of Heresies. The inquisition had decreed that the Copernican proposition was heresy. In 1624, Galileo was informed by Pope Urban 0111 that he could write about the Copernican theory as long as he treated in as a mathematical proposition. However, with the printing of Galileo's book containing dialogue concerning the two chief world systems, Galileo was called to Rome in 1633 to face the inquisition again. Galileo was found guilty and was sent to his home near Florence, where he was to be under house arrest for the remainder of his life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In 1642, he died in his home outside Florence.<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-7371832811400938212011-04-04T15:47:00.001-04:002011-04-04T15:47:37.852-04:00Did you ever wonder what happens to a diamond from the mine to the jewelry store?Did you ever wonder what happens to a diamond from the mine to the jewelry store?<br> <br>By David McClelland<br> <br>We just returned from a Caribbean Cruise where the on-board shopping gal told us something of the journey of a diamond from the mine to the jewelry store. I just did the research and I thought<br>it was interesting. I will share what I learned here with you. You won't believe how long and complex the diamond's journey is.<br> <br>A diamond's journey began deep within the earth – 100 to 200 miles below the surface. Diamonds were formed up to 3.3 billion years ago as a result of unimaginable heat and pressure that were placed upon carbon crystals there.<br> <br>Powerful volcanic activity formed what are known as "pipes" – openings in the earth – and the immense pressure forced the diamonds up through the pipes to the surface, along with other minerals such as kimbertite. Some of these diamonds made their way into streams, rivers and seas; however, these are considered to be only secondary deposits. Most of the diamonds forced up through the earth settled back into the kimbertite pipes – and it is these primary sources that have been the basis of the world's diamond mines. Only one in 200 kimbertite pipes contains diamonds in economically viable quantities.<br> <br>Once discovered, diamonds can be difficult to mine. Estimates are that it takes over 250 tones of ore to produce just one carat of rough diamond. The ore goes through many stages of blasting, crushing and processing, including advanced x-ray techniques, to release the diamond. More that 120 million carats are mined each year, but only about 30 million, or about ¼ of the stones mined, are considered gem quality.<br> <br>Although diamonds are found in numerous locations around the world, about 80% come from Australia, Botswana, Canada, Namibia, South Africa and Russia.<br> <br>Once the diamonds have been mined and processed, the next step is to sort, classify, and value them according to their size, shape, quality and color. De Beers' marketing arm, DTC, sorts some two-thirds of the world's diamonds by value and then into more than 16,000 categories. They are then sold ten times a year at regular, invitation-only, sales called "sights" to the world's leading diamond cutters, polishers and manufacturers. Sightholders may choose to cut the rough they buy themselves or may sell some percentage to smaller manufacturers or wholesalers.<br> <br>The next step for the rough diamond is cutting and polishing. This takes great skill, with meticulous techniques that have been practiced for generations. The main diamond cutting and trading centers are based in Antwerp, Belgium; Mumbai, India; Tel Aviv, Israel; New York; and Johannesburg, South Africa. China and Thailand have most recently developed their own centers.<br> <br>Although some of the polishing process is computerized, most of the work is still performed by hand. Initially, the cutter uses cleaving, sawing or laser cutting to separate the original rough into smaller, more workable pieces. Then, the girdler uses a process called bruting that grinds away the stone's edges and provides its outline shape. Faceting follows, usually in two steps. The first 18 facets (table, culet, bezel, and pavilion of a stone) are cut and polished by a blocker. The brillianteer cuts and polishes the final 40 facets, including the star, upper girdle and lower girdle. Finally, the cut gem is boiled in acids to remove dust and oil. Once polished, most diamonds are sold and traded in the 24 registered diamond bourses around the world.<br> <br>At this point, the polished gems are ready to be set into finished pieces of jewelry, which is the manufacturer's responsibility. The pieces are then sold to either a wholesaler, who works as a middleman to sell the manufacturer's goods to the retailer, or directly to the retailer by the manufacturer.<br> <br>Now, the finished diamond goes on display in a jewelry store near you. Then comes the part where you walk by the jewelry store window and a beautiful diamond grabs your eye and you either shrug and keep on walking or your enter the store to take a closer look. Did you ever guess that a diamond's journey was so far and took so long? Whew!!!David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-730405865988437050.post-32609261779175669292011-03-17T13:37:00.001-04:002011-03-17T13:37:08.802-04:00Fwd: Did you ever wonder about the history of ball point pens?> Did you ever wonder about the history of ballpoint pens?<br>> <br>> By David McClelland<br>> <br>> I can't think of many of my possessions that I use more often than my huge assortment of ballpoint pens. They are everywhere around my house, in my vehicles, the garage, etc.<br>> <br>> I wondered about their history and, you guessed it, I did the research. The first patent was issued on October 30, 1888 to John Loud's. That design was improved dramatically and by 1946, the type of pen we use today was already being manufactured.<br>> <br>> I found a neat little book, Ball-Point Pens by Bernie Zubrowski and illustrated by Linda Bourke, publishede by Little, Brown and Company in 1979, that calls itself "A Children's Museum Activity Book" and has many amazing facts as well.<br>> <br>> Since it is a book written for children, I figured I would be able to understand most of what it contained. For example, it asks whether the reader thought a ball-point pen is good only for writing. The answer, "Wrong. With a little imagination and a little information, you can do a variety of things with your pen." Mr. Zubrowski said that you can turn you pen into a part of a scale, make it a simple pump or use it as a thermometer.<br>> He went on to say that, by taking a pen apart, you can construct other tools such as a balance, an eye dropper or a prism.<br>> <br>> It turns out that a ballpoint pen is more complicated than it looks. Its tip is designed to take advantage of the properties of liquids. The ink is not just colored water, but a liquid especially selected for properties that result in uniform writing. The design of the pens had to take many issues into account, like the weight and spreading of the ink, the type, size and material of the ball used for the point, the type and amount of ink to be stored in the tube and the quick drying time of the ink. We take all of that for granted now.<br>> <br>> The pen won't write upside down because the weight of the ink will pull it away from the ball. I found that my pens won't even write in the horizontal position for more than a couple seconds. There is a good story about the huge amount of time and money that NASA expended to develop a ballpoint pen that would write in space in any and every position, whereas the Russian astronauts just use a pencil. Should tax payers revolt?<br>> <br>> There is much more to say, but I tried to cover the basics and, I think you know that you should never leave home without your ballpoint pen and a pad of paper.David McClellandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636978362066756792noreply@blogger.com0