http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog Jody Victor, Leader of Markerman Productions, enjoys his summers at his home on Sandusky Bay en-us Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:05:39 -0500 Main Page Blogware Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/27/3994671.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/27/3994671.html Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0500 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#ff9900>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A>: <FONT color=#666600>Thanksgiving</FONT> - a day to be with family and appreciate what you have. But our idea of <FONT color=#990000>Thanksgiving </FONT>has evolved over a long period of time. It all started way back in the day. The Pilgrims did not hold a true Thanksgiving until 1623, when it followed a drought, prayers for rain, and&nbsp;a subsequent rain shower. Irregular<FONT color=#cc6600> Thandsgivings </FONT>continued after favorable events and days of fasting after unfavorable ones. In the Plymouth tradition, a thanksgiving day was a church observance, rather than a feast day.</P> <P>Gradually, an annual <FONT color=#666600>Thanksgiving </FONT>after the harvest developed in the mid-17th century. This did not occur on any set day or necessarily on the same day in different colonies in America.</P> <P>The Massachusetts Bay Colony (consisting mainly of Puritan Christians) celebrated <FONT color=#ff9900>Thanksgiving </FONT>for the first time in 1630, and frequently thereafter until about 1680, when it became an annual festival in that colony; and Connecticut as early as 1639 and annually after 1647, except in 1675. The Dutch in New Netherland appointed a day for giving thanks in 1644 and occasionally thereafter.</P> <P>Charlestown, Massachusetts held the first recorded<FONT color=#ff6600> Thanksgiving </FONT>observance June 29, 1671 by proclamation of the town's governing council.</P> <P>During the 18th century individual colonies commonly observed days of thansgiving throughout the year. We might not recognize a traditional<FONT color=#cc6600> Thanksgiving Day </FONT>from that period, as it was not a day marked by plentiful food and drink as is today's custom, but rather a day set aside for prayer and fasting.</P> <P>Later in the 1700s individual colonies would periodically designate a day of thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, an&nbsp;adoption of a state constitution or an exceptionally bountiful crop. Such a<FONT color=#990000> Thanksgiving Day </FONT>celebration was held in December 1777 by the colonies nationwide, commemorating the surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga.</P> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>Happy Thanksgiving!</FONT></P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#993300>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A></P> Main Page day Pilgrims america victor thanksgiving prayer jodyvictor jody Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/20/3986950.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/20/3986950.html Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:36:12 -0500 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : American football is a major part of Thanksgiving in our home - how about yours? Professional games are traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day; until recently, these were the only games played during the week apart from Sunday or Monday night. The National Football League has played games on Thanksgiving every year since its creation; the tradition is referred to as the Thanksgiving Classic. The Detroit Lions have hosted a game every Thanksgiving Day since 1934, with the exception of 1939-1944 (due to World War II). The Dallas Cowboys have hosted every Thanksgiving Day since 1966, with the exception of 1975 and 1977 when the then-St. Louis Cardinals hosted (the Cowboys and Cardinals faced each other, in Dallas, in 1976). Since 2006 three games are played on Thanksgiving Day, with the third not having a set host team. The American Football League also had a Thanksgiving Classic since its founding in 1960, with its 8 founding teams rotating one game each year (two games after the AFL-NFL merger).</P> <P>For many college football teams, the regular season ends on Thanksgiving weekend, and a team's final game is often against a regional or historic rival. Most of these college games are played either on Friday or Saturday immediately after Thanksgiving, but usually a single college game is played on Thanksgiving itself. The most well known Thanksgiving holiday weekend games include:</P> <P>* Ole Miss Rebels vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (the Egg Bowl)</P> <P>* BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes (the Holy War)</P> <P>* LSU Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (the Battle for the Golden Boot)</P> <P>* Georgia Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate)</P> <P>* Colorado Buffaloes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers</P> <P>* Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&amp;M Aggies (the Lone Star Showdown)</P> <P>* Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles (the Sunshine Showdown)</P> <P>* Pittsburgh Panthers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (the Backyard Brawl)</P> <P>* Grambling State University Tigers vs. Southern University Jaguars (the Bayou Classic)</P> <P>* Alabama State University vs. Tuskegee University (the Turkey Day Classic)</P> <P>* Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans (The Notre Dame-USC rivalry game has taken place in almost every season since 1926, with the home team alternating from year to year. When USC hosts, the game takes place on Thanksgiving weekend: when Notre Dame hosts, the game typically occurs sometime in October.)</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> <P>&nbsp;</P> Main Page rival football thanksgiving jodyvictor jody Historical day cardinal american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/13/3965409.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/13/3965409.html Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0500 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : November seems to be a month of celebrations and historical events. But while many of them have a specific date, there are those that occur on a specific day during the month. Here's&nbsp;a few of interest.</P> <P><STRONG>First Tuesday</STRONG> - In Australia, the Melbourne Cup horse race is held annually on the first Tuesday in November.</P> <P><STRONG>Tuesday After the First Monday</STRONG> - In the United States, elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. They therefore fall between November 2 and November 8. In even numbered years, members of the House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms, and about one third of the U.S. Senate are elected to six-year terms. The President of the United States is elected in years divisible by four. Most U.S. states, counties, and municipalities have some part of their election cycle coincident with this date.</P> <P><STRONG>Third Wednesday</STRONG> - GIS Day is held the 3rd Wednesday of November during Geography Awareness Week.</P> <P><STRONG>Third Thursday</STRONG> - The Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cance Society occurs on the third Thursday of November, one week before Thanksgiving. Smokers are encouraged to quit smoking for these 24 hours, in hopes that they will quit forever.</P> <P><STRONG>Fourth Thursday in the USA</STRONG> - Americans celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on the fourth Thursday of November.</P> <P><STRONG>The Day After Thanksgiving in the USA</STRONG> - A famous day for shopping known as "Black Friday."</P> <P><STRONG>Monday Immediately Following Thanksgiving Day in the USA</STRONG> - Cyber Monday - the beginning of the online Christmas shopping season.</P> <P>Note : We are very excited about our upcoming release of our new Sports Nutrition product<A href="http://www.quixtar.com/"><STRONG> XS Gold</STRONG></A>. We anticipate the same great success we have experienced with our other<A href="http://www.xsgear.com/"><STRONG> XS</STRONG></A>&nbsp; products.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page USA XSGold XS victor US unitedstates thanksgiving stevevictor steve presidents November jodyvictor jody Historical day american america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/6/3965275.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/11/6/3965275.html Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:36:57 -0500 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#ff6600>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A>: Here are some special dates in<FONT color=#ff9900> November </FONT>for social, historial and religious events.</P> <P>* All Saints' Day (formerly All Hallows Day) , a Christian holy day, is celebrated on<FONT color=#990000> November </FONT>1, the day after Halloween. In Sweden the All Saints' official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of <FONT color=#666600>November</FONT>.</P> <P>* In Ireland,<FONT color=#ff6600> November </FONT>1 is regarded as the first day of Winter.</P> <P>* <FONT color=#cc6600>November</FONT> 1 is called<FONT color=#993300> November </FONT>Day (<EM>La Samhna</EM>) in Celtic tradition and is thus named in the Irish Calendar, where the month is called <EM>Mi na Samhna</EM>.</P> <P>* In the pagan wheel of the year,<FONT color=#666600> November </FONT>begins at or near Samhain in the northern hemisphere and Beltaine in the southern hemisphere.</P> <P>* In the Roman Catholic calendar,<FONT color=#ff9900> November </FONT>2 is All Souls Day. It is known in Mexico as el<EM> Dia de los Muertos</EM> (Day of the Dead), and the whole month of<FONT color=#990000> November </FONT>is especially dedicated to praying for the dead.</P> <P>* Britain and New Zealand celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot, on<FONT color=#ff9900> November </FONT>5.</P> <P>* In Indonesia,<FONT color=#ff6600> November </FONT>10 is known as National Heroes Day.</P> <P>* St. Martin's feast day <EM>(Martinmas</EM>) on<FONT color=#cc6600> November </FONT>11 was formerly considered the start of winter in some places in Europe.</P> <P>* Remembrance Day is celebrated on <FONT color=#993300>November</FONT> 11 in the Commonwealth of Nations and various European countries (including France and Belgium) to commemorate World War I and other wars. It is known as Veterans' Day in the United States.</P> <P>* In India, Children's Day is celebrated on<FONT color=#666600> November </FONT>14, the birthdate of first Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.</P> <P>* The Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak around<FONT color=#990000> November </FONT>17.</P> <P>* Discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus on <FONT color=#ff9900>November</FONT> 19, 1493.</P> <P>*<EM> Dia de la Revolucion</EM>, or Revolution Day, is celebrated in Mexico on<FONT color=#ff6600> November </FONT>20.</P> <P>* On<FONT color=#cc6600> November </FONT>24th each year,<EM> Lachit Divas</EM> is celebrated statewide in Assam, India, to commemorate the heroism of the great general Lachit Borphukan and the victory of the Assamese army over the Mughal army at the battle of Saraighat in 1671.</P> <P>* The United States and Peurto Rico observe Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in<FONT color=#993300> November</FONT>.</P> <P>* For Western Christians, Advent usually begins on a Sunday during the last week of<FONT color=#666600> November</FONT>.</P> <P>* Scotland celebrates St. Andrews Day, its official national day, on<FONT color=#990000> November </FONT>30th. Since 2006 it has been an official bank holiday.</P> <P>We are very excited about the upcoming relaese of our new Sports Nutrition Product<A href="http://www.quixtar.com/"><FONT color=#ff9900> XS Gold</FONT></A>. We anticipate the same great success we have experienced with our other<A href="http://www.xsgear.com/"><FONT color=#663366> XS</FONT></A>&nbsp;products.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#993300>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A></P> Main Page November XSGold XS winter victor unitedstates sunday jodyvictor jody Historical day Columbus Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/30/3954354.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/30/3954354.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:10:27 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#ff6600>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A>: Hard to believe the month of October is coming to a close. Here are some fun facts about one of my favorite snacks.</P> <P>* Americans consume some 16 billion quarts of this whole grain, good-for-you treat every year. That's 54 quarts of popcorn per man, woman, and child.</P> <P>* Compared to most snack foods, <FONT color=#990000>popcorn</FONT> is low in calories. Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories per cup. Oil-popped is only 55 per cup.</P> <P>*<FONT color=#666600> Popcorn </FONT>is a type of maize (or corn), a member of the grass family, and is scientifically known as Zea mays everta.</P> <P>* Of the 6 types of maize/corn - pod, sweet, flour, dent, flint, and <FONT color=#ff9900>popcorn</FONT> - only<FONT color=#990000> popcorn </FONT>pops.</P> <P>*<FONT color=#cc6600> Popcorn </FONT>is a whole grain. It is made up of three components: the germ, endosperm, and pericarp (also known as the hull).</P> <P>*<FONT color=#333300> Popcorn </FONT>needs between 13.5-14% moisture to pop.</P> <P>* <FONT color=#663300>Popcorn </FONT>differs from other types of maize/corn in that it has a thicker pericarp/hull. The hull allows pressure from the heated water to build and eventually bursts open. The inside starch becomes gelatinous while being heated. When the hull bursts, the gelatinized starch spills out and cools, giving it its familiar<FONT color=#cc0000> popcorn </FONT>shape.</P> <P>* Most U.S.<FONT color=#ff9900> popcorn </FONT>is grown in the Midwest, primarily in Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri.</P> <P>* Many people believe the acres of corn they see in the Midwest during growing season could be picked and eaten for dinner, or dried and popped. In fact, those acres are typically field corn, which is used largely for livestock feed, and differs from both sweet corn and<FONT color=#666600> popcorn</FONT>.</P> <P>* The peak priod for <FONT color=#993300>popcorn</FONT> sales for home consumption is in the fall.</P> <P>* Most<FONT color=#990000> popcorn </FONT>comes in two basic shapes when it's popped - snowflake and mushroom. Snowflake is used in movie theaters and ballparks because it looks and pops bigger. Mushroom is used for candy confections because it doesn't crumble.</P> <P>* Popping<FONT color=#cc6600> popcorn </FONT>is one of the number one uses for microwave ovens. Most microwave ovens have a "popcorn" setting.</P> <P>* "Popability" is<FONT color=#993300> popcorn </FONT>lingo that refers to the percentage of kernels that actually pop.</P> <P>* There is no such thing as "hull-less" <FONT color=#666600>popcorn</FONT>. All popcorn needs a hull in order to pop. Some varieties of popcorn have been bred so the hull shatters upon popping, making it appear to be hull-less.</P> <P>* How high can<FONT color=#ffcc00> popcorn </FONT>kernels pop? Up to 3 feet in the air.</P> <P>* On September 29, 2006 a new record was set for the World's Largest<FONT color=#cc0000> Popcorn </FONT>Ball, as measured by the Guinness Book of World Records. Eight feet in diameter and nearly 24.5 feet in circumference, this gargantuan confectionary creation weighed in at a whopping 3,423 pounds. It took two days for employees of The <FONT color=#ff6600>Popcorn </FONT>Factory to create the ball.</P> <P>* If you made a trail of<FONT color=#333300> popcorn </FONT>from New York City to Los Angeles, you would need more than 352,028,160 popped kernels!</P> <P>We are really excited about the upcoming release of our new Sports Nutrition product,<A href="http://www.quixtar.com/"><FONT color=#cc6600> XS Gold</FONT></A>! We anticipate the same great success we have experienced with<A href="http://www.xsgear.com/"><FONT color=#663366> XS</FONT></A>.</P> <P>Have a fun and safe<FONT color=#cc0000> Halloween</FONT>!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#993300>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A></P> Main Page XSGold XS victor US theater popcorn ohio movie jodyvictor jody fall corn american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/23/3943818.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/23/3943818.html Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:57:42 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#cc6600>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A>: Here are some fun historical facts about popcorn.</P> <P>* Popcorn is one of the oldest American foods and has had a significant role in our history. Some of the oldest ears of popcorn were found in 1948 by archaeologists exploring the Bat Cave in west central New Mexico. These ears were proven to be about 4,000 years old.</P> <P>* In South America, kernels of popcorn found in burial grounds in the coastal deserts of North Chile were so well preserved they would still pop even though they were 1,000 years old!</P> <P>* Popcorn was used by the Native Americans as a staple in their diet and for decoration. Sixteenth century Aztec Indians used popcorn in their ceremonies - young women danced a "popcorn dance" and wore garlands of popcorn in their hair.</P> <P>* Popcorn was probably NOT served at the first Thanksgiving. There is no indication that popcorn had made its way East at the time of the earliest settlers.</P> <P>* Early Native Americans threw kernels directly into the fire or into heated sand. Once popped, the corn was sifted and then pounded into a fine, powdery meal and later mixed with water for eating. This was especially handy when traveling, making it a true American "to go" meal.</P> <P>* By the 1840s popping corn had become a popular recreational activity.</P> <P>* Colonists mixed ground popcorn with milk and ate it as a breakfast food. Popcorn pudding - made from ground popcorn - was lauded by the likes of Ella Kellogg, Fannie Merritt Farmer and Mary Hamilton talbott. And shortly after the end of World War II, a shortage of baking flours forced bread makers to substitute up to 25% of wheat flour with ground popped popcorn.</P> <P>* By the 1870s popcorn was a common item sold in grocery stores, and at concession stands at circuses, carnivals, and street fairs.</P> <P>* Charles Cretors, founder of C. Cretors and Company, Chicago, introduced the world's first mobile popcorn machine at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. </P> <P>* During the Depression, popcorn sold for 5 or 10 cents a bag and was considered an affordable luxury for struggling families.</P> <P>* During World War II, sugar was sent overseas for U.S. troops, which meant there wasn't much sugar left in the states to make candy. Thanks to this unusual situation, Americans ate three times as much popcorn as usual.</P> <P>* In 1945, an engineer named Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwave radio signals could be used to cook foods. His experiments with popcorn led, in part, to the development&nbsp;of the microwave oven.</P> <P>Also, we are really excited about the upcoming release of our new Sports Nutrition product -<A href="http://www.quixtar.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#cc6600> XS Gold</FONT></STRONG></A>. We anticipate the same great success we have experienced with our other<A href="http://www.xsgear.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#663366> XS</FONT></STRONG></A>&nbsp;sports drinks.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG><FONT color=#cc6600>Jody Victor</FONT></STRONG></A></P> Main Page XSGold corn XS victor sand popcorn NativeAmerican movie jodyvictor jody Historical american america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/16/3933515.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/16/3933515.html Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:40:12 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Popcorn - one of my favorite treats for as long as I can remember! For more than 25 years, October has been celebrated as National Popcorn Poppin' Month. However, it did not become "official" until 1999, when then Secretary of Agriculture Dan Blickman proclaimed October as National Popcorn Poppin' Month.</P> <P>While every day is a great day for eating and celebrating popcorn, the month of October was chosen because of the popcorn harvest which takes place each fall in the Midwest. Each year when the new crop is harvested, it&nbsp;reminds us that popcorn will always be a naturally fun snack for the entire family.</P> <P>One of my favorite places to eat popcorn is at the movies. But popcorn was not always a movie treat. The "talking picture" solidified the presence of movie theaters in the U.S. in the late 1920s. But many theater owners refused to sell popcorn in their theaters because they felt it was too messy. Industrious vendors set up popcorn poppers or rented storefront space next to theaters and sold popcorn to patrons on their way into the theater. Eventually, theater owners began installing popcorn poppers inside their theaters - those who refused to sell popcorn quickly went out of business. During the Depression, 5 and 10 cent bags of popcorn were one of the few luxuries families could afford. Unlike other confections, popcorn sales increased throughout the Depression. A major reason for this increase was the introduction of popcorn into movie theaters. One businessman actually lowered the price of his theater tickets and added a popcorn machine. And, yes, you guessed it - he soon saw huge profits.</P> <P>My own popcorn machine, given to me by some very good friends, is one of my favorite things. It makes popcorn that smells and tastes just like movie theater popcorn - nothing else like it!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page theater movie popcorn victor US jodyvictor jody fall Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/9/3922028.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/9/3922028.html Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : We all&nbsp;learned that Christopher Columbus discovered America - probably in first or second grade. But what about the man himself? Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451 to Domenico Columbo, a wool weaver. He worked for his father until he was 22 then set out to follow his own dream to become a sea captain. Many of his fellow Genoese had prospered in Lisbon under the Portuguese flag as Captains of sailing ships and he longed to join their ranks.</P> <P>It was to this end that Columbus began to educate himself - learning to read and speak Portuguese, Castilian and Latin. He read many geopraphy books, and sutdied the bible and the writings of Marco Polo, gathering all the information he could about the world. He particularly studied, Pierre d' Ailly's "Imago Mundi," or picture of the world. He became a chart maker himself and because of these studies became convinced that the world was spherical, round instead of flat. This belief later became the basis for his quest of finding a shorter route to Asia.</P> <P>Asia offered many goods Europeans craved but traveling East to get them was difficult and dangerous. However, it was with these countries of the East - India, China, Japan, and the East Indies - that Europeans longed to trade in greater volume. It was for this reason that a sea route around the tip of Africa to the East Indies and Asia was sought. Columbus was just one of many explorers and tradesmen trying to find such a route.</P> <P>Portugal deemed, "the greatest seafaring nation in the world," due in large part to the discoveries, exploits and sponsorship of it's prince, nicknamed "Henry the Navigator," seemed the most likely nation to support Columbus' dream of finding that shorter route to the East. So, it was no surprise that later, he would choose to approach Portugal's King John II for support of his expedition.</P> <P>In 1479 Columbus married Dona Felipa Perestrello, whose father had been one of Prince Henry The Navigator's captains. His wife's social rank opened doors for Columbus. And using his father-in-law's collection of charts and documents he gained more knowledge of Portuguese discoveries and plans. In 1481 he entered the service of King John II of Portugal and voyaged to the Gold Coast of Africa.</P> <P>Columbus wanted to discover the much sought for route to the East that would open up a lucrative trade. He believed there was abetter way to find it than traveling around the tip of Africa. He believed by sailing west 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean that he would come full circle and end up in Asia without having to go south and east. He thought he would sail right into these countries never dreaming he would land on a whole new continent and lay claim to a whole new world.</P> <P>In 1484 Columbus applied for ships and men from King John II of Portugal. He was refused and then his proposal was reconsidered. However, the final rejection of his proposal came when Bartholomew Diaz discovered the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. He had found an eastern sea route to India. The Portuguese were no longer interested in an unproven western route. Columbus was denied once again and returned to Spain.</P> <P>He finally convinced the King and Queen of Spain to finance him under the Spanish flag. He set sail from Palos Harbor in Spain with three ships, the <EM>Nina</EM>, the<EM> Pinta</EM> and the<EM> Santa Maria</EM> at dawn on August 3, 1492. However, problems with the <EM>Nina </EM>and the<EM> Pinta</EM> necessitated a one month delay in the Canary Islands. He then set sail again on September 3, 1492 and thirty-three days later at 2:00 a.m. on October 12, 1492, Rodrigo de Triana, a seaman aboard the <EM>Pinta</EM>, spotted land.</P> <P>Columbus actually landed among the Bahama Islands on an island then called Guanahani Island by the inhabitants, known today as Watling Island. Columbus named this land San Salvador, claiming it in the name of Spain. Discovery of this New World would lead to the settlement by Europeans of the continents of North and South America.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> </P> Main Page Columbus victor ship jodyvictor jody island flag father america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/2/3911612.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/2/3911612.html Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:13:23 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Did you know that each full moon has a name? Every month or season the full&nbsp;moon has been named by&nbsp;different peoples. Here are some of them.</P> <P><FONT color=#000099>January</FONT> - Old Moon (English), Wolf Moon (Native American) Moon After Yule, Ice Moon (Others)</P> <P><FONT color=#cc33cc>February </FONT>- Wolf Moon (English), Snow Moon (Native American), Hunger Moon, Storm Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#3366ff>March</FONT> - Lenten (English),&nbsp;Worm Moon (Native American), Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#33cc00>April </FONT>- Egg Moon (English), Pink Moon (Native American), Sprouting Grass Moon, Fish Moon, Seed Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#009900>May</FONT> - Milk Moon (English), Flower Moon (Native American), Corn Planting Moon, Corn Moon, Hare's Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#ff6666>June </FONT>- Flower Moon (English), Strawberry Moon (Native American), Honey Moon, Rose Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#ff0000>July</FONT> - Hay Moon (English), Buck Moon (Native American), Thunder Moon, Mead Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#ffcc00>August </FONT>- Grain Moon (Englsih), Sturgeon Moon (Native American), Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Lightning Moon, Dog Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#ff9900>September</FONT> - Fruit Moon (Englsih), Harvest Moon (Native American), Corn Moon, Barley Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>October </FONT>- Harvest Moon (English), Hunter's Moon (Natvie American), Travel Moon, dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#993300>November </FONT>- Hunter's Moon (English), Beaver Moon (Native American), Frost Moon, Snow Moon</P> <P><FONT color=#330099>December</FONT> - Oak Moon (English), Cold Moon (Native American), Frost Moon, Long Night's Moon, Moon Before Yule</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page English NativeAmerican victor snow moon jodyvictor jody december american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/25/3900578.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/25/3900578.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:01:18 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Full Moons are traditionally associated with temporal insomnia, insanity (hence the terms lunacy and lunatic) and various "magical phenomena" such as lycanthropy. Psychologists, however, have found that there is no strong evidence&nbsp;for effects on human behavior around the time of a full moon. They find that studies are generally not consistent, with some showing a positive effect and others showing a negative effect. In one instance, the December 23 , 2000 issue of the<EM> British Medical Journal</EM> published two studies on dog bite admissions to hospitals in England and Australia. The study of the Bradford Royal Infirmary found that dog bites were twice as common during a full moon, whereas the study conducted by the public hospitals in Australia found that they were less likely.</P> <P>The term "blue moon" traditionally referred to an "extra" moon in a season: if a season had four full moons (rather than the more common three), then the third of the four moons was known as a<EM> blue moon</EM>.</P> <P>A simpler definition, that the second full moon in a calendar month is known as a<EM> blue moon</EM>, became common in the second half of the twentieth century due to a misinterpretation of the<EM> Maine Farmer's Almanac</EM> in the March 1946<EM> Sky &amp; Telescope</EM> magazine - this was corrected in 1999.</P> <P><STRONG><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/">Jody Victor</A></STRONG></P> Main Page victor moon jodyvictor jody Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/18/3888991.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/18/3888991.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : When you look up at a beautiful full moon, do you ever wonder about it? The full moon for September occured this past Monday the 15th. Full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. More precisely, a full moon occurs when the geocentric apparent longitudes of the Sun and Moon differ by 180 degrees -&nbsp;the Moon is then in opposition with the Sun. At this time, as seen by viewers on earth, the hemisphere of the Moon that is facing the earth (the near side) is fully illuminated by the Sun and appears round. Only during a full moon is the opposite hemisphere of the Moon, which is not visible from Earth (the far side), completely unilluminated.</P> <P>As a lunar month is about 29.531 days long, the full moon falls on either the 14th or 15th of the lunar month in those calendars that start the month on the new moon. In any event, the period between full moons can be either 29 or 30 days.</P> <P>Although it takes only 27.322 days on average for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth (the sidereal month), as a result of the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun it requires about two additional days for the Earth, Moon, and Sun to acquire the same relative geometry. So on average the number of days between two similar phases (e.g., between one full moon and the next full moon) is about 29.531 days. This period is referred to as a lunation, lunar month, or synodic month. The actual number of days in a lunation can vary from about 29.272 to 29.833 because the velocities of the Moon and of the Earth are not constant in their elliptic orbits, and because of gravitational interactions with other bodies in the solar system.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page sun moon victor jodyvictor jody earth day Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/11/3879865.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/11/3879865.html Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:50:57 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : If you will be traveling to a warm area such as Hawaii or the Caribbean soon, snorkeling is a fun activity in these areas. Because of the clear water and beautiful coral reefs, there is lots to see. Be sure to follow these safety tips and have a great time!</P> <P>* Practice in shallow water.</P> <P>* Check the equipment carefully and know how it functions.</P> <P>* Learn how to clear water from the snorkel.</P> <P>* Learn how to put your mask back on when you tread water.</P> <P>* Be careful not to swim or be carried by a current too far from shore or the boat.</P> <P>* Never snorkel alone.</P> <P>* Learn to swim. the best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any water sport. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.</P> <P>* Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.</P> <P>Have fun - be safe!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page snorkeling weather water victor swimming swim safety RedCross jodyvictor jody current boat american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/4/3868784.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/4/3868784.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:56:08 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : With all the tropical storms and hurricanes lately, it is appropriate to talk about ocean safety. If you live near the coast you probably know this already, but for those of us who only see a beach on vacation it is important. And since there is plenty of time for a vacation before cold weather sets in, the time is right. Read on for your safety.</P> <P>* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim - this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.</P> <P>* Stay within the designated swimming area, ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.</P> <P>*<STRONG> Never</STRONG> swim alone.</P> <P>* Check the surf conditions<STRONG> before</STRONG> you enter the water. Check to see if a warning flag is up or check with a lifeguard for water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.&nbsp;Pay attention to&nbsp;posted danger signs.</P> <P>* Stay away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms when in the water.</P> <P>* Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants. Leave animals alone.</P> <P>* Make sure you always have enough energy to swim back to shore.</P> <P>* Don't try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current, by swimming across it.</P> <P>Have fun - be safe!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page current weather water victor swimming swim safety RedCross jodyvictor jody beach Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/28/3858794.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/28/3858794.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:06:21 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Many of you will be celebrating Labor Day weekend with a fun trip to a lake or river with your family. Here are some safety tips before you head out. We'll be at the Bay!</P> <P>* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim - this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.</P> <P>* Select a supervised area. A trained lifeguard who can help in an emergency is the best safety factor. Even good swimmers can have an unexpected medical emergency in the water. Never swim alone.</P> <P>* Select and area that is clean and well maintained. A clean bathhouse, clean restrooms, and a litter-free environment show the management's concern for your health and safety.</P> <P>* Select an area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions. Murky water, hidden underwater objects, unexpected drop-offs, and aquatic plant life are hazards. Water pollution can cause health problems for swimmers. Strong tides, big waves, and currents can turn an event that began as fun into a tragedy.</P> <P>* Make sure the water is deep enough before entering headfirst. Too many swimmers are seriously injured every year by entering headfirst into water that is too shallow. A feetfirst entry is much safer than diving.</P> <P>* Be sure rafts and docks are in good condition. A well-run open-water facility maintains its rafts and docks with no loose boards or exposed nails. Never swim under a raft or dock. Always look before jumping off a dock or raft to be sure no one is in the way.</P> <P>* Avoid drainage ditches and arroyos. Drainage ditches and arroyos for water run-off are not good places for swimming or playing in the water. After heavy rains, they canquickly change into raging rivers that can easily take a human life. Even the strongest swimmers are no match for the power of the water. Fast water and debris in the current make ditches and arroyos very dangerous.</P> <P>Have fun - be safe!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page water victor swimming swim safety RedCross jodyvictor jody day bay Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/21/3849122.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/21/3849122.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:29:54 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : If you are planning a trip where you would like to try Skin or SCUBA diving, read these safety tips. There are tourist/vacation destinations that offer beginner SCUBA diving but for a lengthier dive read below.</P> <P>* Receive instructions/take lessons from qualified divers before participating.</P> <P>* Get a medical examination and take a swim test before learning SCUBA diving.</P> <P>* Once certified, do not dive in rough or dangerous waters or in environments for which you are not trained. Ice, cave, and shipwreck diving require special training. One can easily get lost or trapped and run out of air.</P> <P>* Never dive by yourself.</P> <P>* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.</P> <P>* Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.</P> <P>Have fun and be safe!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page weather water victor swimming swim ship safety jodyvictor jody boat Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/14/3837899.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/14/3837899.html Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:44:55 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : If you will be taking a vacation to an area where water sports are featured, you might want to try sailboarding or windsurfing - both are&nbsp;lots of fun. But before you get out there, check out the safety tips below. </P> <P>* Always wear a coast Guard-approved life jacket.</P> <P>* Wear a wet suit in cold water to prevent hypothermia.</P> <P>* You need good physical strength and swimming ability. The American Red Cross and your loval YMCA have swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. </P> <P>* Take windsurfing lessons from a qualified instructor.</P> <P>* Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.</P> <P>Be safe and have fun!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page wind weather water victor swimming swim safety RedCross jodyvictor jody Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/7/3828505.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/7/3828505.html Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:23:21 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Even though summer is winding down, we can&nbsp;still take advantage of the many warm, beautiful days ahead. If you have a home pool, you probably know most of the safety tips below, but it never hurts to read them again.</P> <P>* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim - this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a course to learn or improve your ability to swim, contact your local Red Cross chapter.</P> <P>* Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.</P> <P>* Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless/cell phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.</P> <P>* Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.</P> <P>* Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.</P> <P>* Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be included as a part of the barrier.</P> <P>* Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.</P> <P>* Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.</P> <P>* Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.</P> <P>* Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.</P> <P>* if a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.</P> <P>Be safe! Have fun!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> <P>&nbsp;</P> Main Page victor swimming swim summer safety RedCross pool jodyvictor jody american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/31/3815097.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/31/3815097.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : During the most recent decades, Kelleys has made major strides at establishing a well-balanced economy, which capitalizes on showcasing its uniqueness, while preserving its beauty, peacefulness, and historic nature. The development of parks and campgrounds by the State of Ohio, the building of excellent marinas, the opening of fine bed and breakfast hostelries, and the upgrading of old and building of new tourist and village-oriented businesses have been a major part of this renaissance. The reopening of a well-financed, state-of-the-art quarry operation helps measurably to support the new economy.</P> <P>Though the year-'round population has grown slowly - now just over 350 - seasonal residents expand the numbers to over 3,000 during the spring, summer, and autumn months. Construction of scores of fine residences throughout the island have noticeably strained public services, but the widened tax base helps to offset the increasing demands upon the village coffers. Both air and water transportation to and from the island have kept up with the growing population needs. Even off-season, when the boat can no longer run, both high school students and other residents regularly use the air lines to attend school, go shopping on the mainland, and for total transport of goods to and from the island.</P> <P>While there is no island doctor, a full-time paramedic is provided by St. Vincent/St. Mary's Hospital of Toledo and well-trained island volunteers serve as 'round the clock EMTs. emergncy health services, throughout the year, depnds mainly on the air connection. Though hunting and fishing remain the principle pursuits of the tourists, more and more camping, hiking, and just rest and relaxation are activities engaged in by island visitors. In 2001 Kelleys was designated as an Important Birding Area. Because of its location the island is an important stopping point for birds migrating to the south or north in the fall and spring. Bird watchers of all skill levels are enjoying the island more each year.</P> <P>The tourist economy has "snowballed" in the past twenty years. On some summer weekends, it is estimated that more than 8,000 persons come to the island to enjoy what it has to offer. Excursion boats arrive daily and visitors wend their way along the tree-lined streets and by-ways, stopping at the geologic, archaeological, and historic sites with which the island abounds.</P> <P>It was in the midst of and because of this rapid growth in tourism that, in 1980, the Kelleys Island Historical Association was organized. Its major purposes from the beginning have been to preserve the significant relics of the past and to inform both island residents and its visiors of the island's unique heritage.</P> <P>The association's first major project was the total restoration of the German Reformed Church, known locally as the "Old Stone Church." This facility served as a museum, gift shop, meeting place, and headquarters for the Historical Association until 2006. It drew visitors and friends quite literally, from around the world. In the next few years, the finishing touches will be made to the association's most proud achievement to date - the all new Historical Museum next to the Old Stone Church. This new facility will house a growing collection of island artifacts.</P> <P>Among the Historical Association's other activities are a lecture series, publication of a newsletter and historical items, design and sale of historically inspired mementoes, and a full schedule of fund-raising and social activities.</P> <P>Most recently, the Historical Association has restarted an annual tour of island homes and buildings. In the last decade, the association has grown from a mere handful of interested residents and friends to a membership of well over 200, from throughout the United States and Canada. Governed by an elected Board of Trustees, the association charts the evolution of the island - to preserve and inform.</P> <P>Kellyes Island began its history uniquely as a refuge for the Erie Indians from their Iroquois adversaries. Today, it is still a refuge for modern man from the hurly-burly of the outside world. Few places can claim such a special and rich heritage!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page Historical victor unitedstates summer spring ohio Kelleys jodyvictor jody island erie Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/24/3808148.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/24/3808148.html Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:02:40 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : The Kelleys Island population, who&nbsp;came from diverse cultures and backgrounds, engaged in an active social, cultural and religious life. The Kelley family's building of the large stone Town Hall in 1860 provided a space for theatrical and other public events, the records of which are found in the island's archives. By the end of the 19th Century, the Himmelein family of theatrical impresarios had established summer homes on the island and counted among their regular guests some of the greatest artists of drama and music, many of whom demonstrated their skills to local audiences.</P> <P>A network of elementary schools was established in various parts of the island and, by 1901, an imposing school building was erected to take care of all grades of the burgeoning school population.Various nationality and ethnic groups formed their own religious organizations: Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox, German Reformed, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Evangelical United Brethern.</P> <P>The "town," on the central south shore, included grocery stores, a butcher shop, a furniture and hardware store, a shoe shop, a bowling alley, various saloons, and private social clubs. Local farmers delivered their produce and milk to the islanders' homes, peach and apple orchards abounded, and a local physician attended to the islanders' health needs.</P> <P>By the 1930s, however, the island had gone into a decline. Prohibition had nearly wiped out the vineyard and wine-making industry. Quarries, opened on the mainland, competed effectively with the island's stone and gravel business. By the late 1940s, the one remaining industry, commercial fishing, fell prey to both changes in the law and lake pollution. With its economy in a shambles, the island population dropped precipitously. By the 1950s, the permanent, year 'round residents, mostly retired persons, numbered less than 100. Most of the schools closed; all of the remaining students - often no more than a dozen - were gathered under the single roof of the Estes School building. Churches closed and many of their buildings were either torn down or used for other purposes.</P> <P>By 1950, there were only two left - one serving the Roman Catholic population and the other the Protestant congregation. Attempts to revive the economy failed miserbly. For a short while, a portion of the quarrying operation was attempted, but, badly financed, it went bankrupt. Even an attempt to establish a mouse-trap factory came to naught.</P> <P>While the other islands of Lake Erie, without the same economic background as Kelleys, thrived on the tourist trade, Kelleys languished. Without a population base to serve the growing tourist industry - or the funds to support this new endeavor - the climb back to prosperity was slow. More on Kelleys Island next time.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page Kelleys victor LakeErie jodyvictor jody island erie Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/17/3797860.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/17/3797860.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:11:45 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Kelleys Island (Erie County, OH), the largest American island in Lake Erie, lies some four miles off the coast of the mainland at Marblehead. First settled by the Erie Indians nearly a millennium ago, the first Anglo-American settlers arrived during the first decade of the 19th Century. However, the "Historic" era did not begin until the 1830s when the entire island was purchased by Datus and Irad Kelley (two brothers from the Cleveland area).</P> <P>Under the guidance and leadership of the Kelleys throughout the 19th and well into the 20th Century, a diversified, productive, and profitable economy was built. General farming, viniculture and wine-making, quarrying, and commercial fishing drew settlers from both the United States and abroad. By the 1880s, a number of summer hotels and boarding-houses dotted the south shoreline, servicing the needs of vacationers from the US, Canada and Europe. Preserved guest registers attest to both famous and infamous visitors to the island.</P> <P>By 1900 the permanent island inhabitants exceeded 2,000, most of whom were employed in the quarrying and vineyards, and wine-making operations dotted throughout the island. Foundations of houses and remnants of once well-traveled roadways lie silent among the second and third growth timber of these areas (southeast and south, west of Division, and on the northwest portion of the island).</P> <P>Well into the 1920s, the island could boast of a thriving, and pretty much self-sufficient economy. For years timbers cut from island forests fueled the steamboats of the Great Lakes. Over 23 wineries, varying in size from family-run enterprises, to large operations, sent their wares throughout the world. Limestone, quarried in the west, north and east quarries, was shipped out to build the break walls of major Lake Erie ports and roads on the mainland. For many years, pelts of mink, fox, squirrel, and raccoon found lucrative markets. Commercial fishermen raised their nets to full catches two or three times a week in the waters around the island, supplying fresh fish to much of Ohio and neighboring states. More on Kelleys Island next time.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page victor US unitedstates ohio LakeErie jodyvictor jody island erie Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/10/3782600.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/10/3782600.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Many of you will be taking vacations soon - probably somewhere close to a beach or pool. Here are some safety rules for the beach - don't spoil your fun by failing to protect yourself.</P> <P>*<STRONG> Protect your skin:</STRONG> Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays - UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor containing a high rating such as 15 or more.</P> <P>* <STRONG>Drink plenty of water</STRONG> regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat's effects on your body worse. </P> <P>*<STRONG> Watch for signs of heat stroke:</STRONG> Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quidkly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure their airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.</P> <P>*<STRONG> Wear eye protection:</STRONG> Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.</P> <P>* <STRONG>Wear foot protection:</STRONG> Many times, people's feet can get burned from the sand or cut from glass in the sand.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page skin water victor temperature sand safety pool jodyvictor jody glass beach Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/3/3774567.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/3/3774567.html Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:19:09 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Here we are at our favorite place in the world, Sandusky Bay! We have lots of fun things to do and plans to get under way. But we still remember where we came from.</P> <P>On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks, and backyard barbecues across the country. And here are some interesting and fun statistics for this day.</P> <P>2.5 million - In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.</P> <P>304 million - The nation's population on this July 4th.</P> <P>More than 1 in 4 - the chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs on March 1, 2008. this represents more than one-fourth of the nation's total. North Carolina (9 million) and Minnesota (6.7 million) were the runners-up.</P> <P>About 4 in 10 - the odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 42 percent of the nation's dry, edible beans in 2007. Another popular fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 60 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2007.</P> <P>Nearly 3 in 4 - The chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from Florida&nbsp;or California, which combined accounted for 73 percent of US tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of processed tomato production in 2007.</P> <P>Georgia - The state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (1 billion pounds). Other leading producers of this popular Fourth of July dessert included California, Florida and Texas, each with more than 400 million pounds.</P> <P>$207 million - The value of fireworks imported from China in 2007, representing the bulk of all US fireworks imported ($217 million). US exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2007, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($3.8 million).</P> <P><STRONG><FONT color=#cc0000>Have </FONT>a great<FONT color=#000099> Fourth!</FONT></STRONG></P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page victor US unitedstates sandusky jodyvictor jody florida bay american america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/26/3763881.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/26/3763881.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:46:10 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : Sandusky is a city in the state of Ohio and the county seat of Erie County. The municipality is located in northern Ohio and is situated on the shores of Lake Erie, half-way between Toledo to the west and Cleveland to the east. If you are a history buff like me, you'll be interested in that of Sandusky.</P> <P>Fort Sandusky was a British trading and military outpost established around 1794. The Native Americans that inhabited the immediate surrounding area were the Seneca, displaced at the outset of the American Revolution. The generally accepted theory is that the name "Sandusky" is an Anglicization of the phrase "San Too Chee," meaning "cold water." A less accepted theory is that the city was named after a Polish fur trader by the name Antoni Sadowski or Jacob Sodowsky.</P> <P>The Greater Sandusky area was a safe haven and a new start for the Firelands refugees of the Revolutionary War in Connecticut. Norwalk, the Huron County seat (just south of Erie County) is named for Norwalk, Connecticut, as is New London, a small town south of Norwalk.</P> <P>Established as Portland in 1816, the name was changed two years later to Sandusky. Norwalk was also established in 1816; at the time, both were growing towns of unified Huron County. Not long after, thanks to the growth of both towns, Erie County, Ohio's second smallest (in land area), came into being. The county encompassed newly-rechristened Sandusky's far west side, Vermilion to the east, and Norwalk's northern line to the south.</P> <P>Prior to the abolition of slavery in the US, Sandusky was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. As depicted in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel <EM>Uncle Tom's Cabin</EM>, many slaves seeking to reach freedom in Canada made their way to Sandusky, where they boarded boats crossing Lake Erie to the port of Amherstburg in Ontario.</P> <P>Downtown Sandusky was designed according to a modified grid plan known as the Kilbourne Plat after its designer. Hector Kilbourne was a surveyor who laid out this grid in downtown Sandusky. He was the first Worshipful Master of the Sandusky Masonic Lodge. The original street pattern featured a grid overlaid with streets resembling the symbols of Freemasonry.</P> <P>Sandusky was the stie of groundbreaking for the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad on September 17, 1835. Currently, Battery Park Marina is located on the original site of the MR&amp;LE Railroad. The tracks that ran through downtown Sandusky have since been removed due to most of the downtown industrial area being re-used for other purposes including mainly marina dockage. The coal docks located west of downtown still use a portion of the original MR&amp;LE lines.</P> <P>Sandusky is one of Ohio's most popular tourist destinations. The city is home to the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, an amusement park and entertainment management company, as well as its flagship amusement park, Cedar Point. Cedar Point features the world's second tallest and fastest roller coaster, Top Thrill Dragster.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page victor US sandusky ohio LakeErie jodyvictor jody freedom erie CedarPoint boat Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/19/3753103.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/19/3753103.html Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:42:17 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : East Sandusky Bay is an extraordinary naturally functioning freshwater marsh located between Cleveland and Toledo. Together with Erie Metro Parks and the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation, the Trust for Public Land protected 1,200 acres along the bay in a series of four phases over a two-year period. East Sandusky Bay is an important stop over point along one of the largest bird migratory routes in the eastern United States and now provides a natural recreation area and sanctuary close to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Under the management of Erie Metro Parks, the area is available for scheduled recreational, educational, and interpretive programming opportunities such as bird watching and observation of the American Bald Eagle; waterfowl, and wildflower identification; and wetland, forest, and meadow ecology.</P> <P>This irreplaceable resource, with its hardwood forest, woodland swamp, cattail marsh, and open-water habitat, is a prime location for bird watching and is home to nesting bald eagles. Within easy access to Cedar Point Amusement Park,&nbsp;this nature preserve along East Sandusky Bay provides a quiet sanctuary for relaxation and recreation.&nbsp;Something different to try when you're at the Bay!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page water victor sandusky LakeErie jodyvictor jody erie CedarPoint birds bay baldeagle american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/12/3740908.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/12/3740908.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:32:05 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : We'll be spending this weekend at our summer house on the Bay - and who knows what Sunday - Father's Day - will bring! I've often wondered just how Father's Day got started. Here's what I found out.</P> <P>In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia or on June 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington. Today, Father's Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June.</P> <P>In West Virginia, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is&nbsp;reported to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Another possible inspiration for the service was Mothers' Day, which had been celebrated for the first time two months prior in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles away.</P> <P>Another driving force behind the establishment of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.</P> <P>Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidancy of Richard Nixon.</P> <P>In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts.</P> <P>According to business researchers, Americans are expected to spend $11 billion on gifts for Father's Day in 2008. Looks like most fathers can expect something nice on Sunday.</P> <P><STRONG><FONT color=#006600>Happy</FONT><FONT color=#3333ff> Father's</FONT><FONT color=#ff6600> Day!</FONT></STRONG></P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page victor unitedstates sunday presidents jodyvictor jody father day bay american america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/5/3730311.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/5/3730311.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:59:43 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : America's fastest growing motorcycle rally - Ohio Bike Week - is being held June 6-15 in Sandusky, Ohio. This event boasts over 100 live free bands, national acts, fireworks, motorcycle parades, block party vendors, the Broken Spoke Saloon, EFC cage fighting, thrill night, world record attempts, and much more. Here's how it all started.</P> <P>The North Coast Thunder Rally idea began with the Ohio State H.O.G. Rally in 1999 and 2000. Follwing the conclusion of the rally in Sandusky, community interest continued and the North Coast Thunder Rally began. In 2006, North Coast Thunder Rally was rebranded as Ohio Bike Week and mass marketed at a wide variety of other biker rallies, motorcycle events, and international motorcycle shows in the area.</P> <P>Ohio Bike Week has become a 10-day venue planned around the dates for the Roeder Harley-Davidson AHDRA Buckeye Nationals. By combining the rally with this racing venue they provide an experience that appeals to motorcyclists, racing fans and the general public.</P> <P>The Thunder Rally offers many days of great activities, entertainment and rides - many at no charge. Rally attendees also receive discount rates at local hotels, free rally guides, and an armband that gets a wide variety of discounts and offers from local businesses, restaurants and destinations. For more info go to <A href="http://www.ohiobikeweek.com">www.ohiobikeweek.com</A>.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page motorcycle victor sandusky ohio jodyvictor jody day buckeyes america Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/29/3719096.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/29/3719096.html Thu, 29 May 2008 13:06:06 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : If you are looking for a 2-to 4-day or even a week trip somewhere close but still near water, try Sandusky, Ohio. With over three million visitors to the city of Sandusky each year, this historic downtown is a beautiful, charming, and enchanting place to visit.</P> <P>Established in 1818, the central business district has one of the most beautiful collections of historic architecture in the medwest. Many buildings can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. You can stroll through this waterfront downtown, leisurely going in and out of the many antiques and collectible stores. Eat at a local restaurant. Shop at a unique gift store. Find almost any service you might need!</P> <P>Downtown Sandusky is also well known for its beautiful parks. Sandusky is an Ohio "Tree City," and has won many competitions for its floral displays. There are many parks located downtown, both on the water and off Washington Street. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening in one of the park picnic areas, or just take a break in one of the park gazebos. Historic Architecture and Downtown Parks Walking Tour brochures are available at venues throughout the Downtown area.</P> <P>Downtown Sandusky also boasts several attractions and museums. The Maritime Museum, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Follett House Museum, Eleutheros Cooke House, and Sandusky Library are all well worth a visit.</P> <P>Fish off the Jackson Street Pier and&nbsp;have lunch at beautiful Shoreline Park on the waterfront. Relax at Schade/Mylander Plaza, or visit the "Boy with the Boot" statue. Marvel at the working floral clock in Washington Park.</P> <P>You can also enjoy all of the sites and attractions aboard the new Downtown Main Street Trolley. The Red Line Trolley does a continuous loop through the downtown area.</P> <P>For a schedule of special events held in the downtown area go to <A href="http://www.ci.sandusky.oh.us">www.ci.sandusky.oh.us</A> and have some fun this summer.</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page ohio water victor trees summer sandusky jodyvictor jody Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/22/3706028.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/22/3706028.html Thu, 22 May 2008 13:31:17 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : If you will be celebrating this Memorial Day weekend on or around water, here are some general safety tips from the American Red Cross that should get you through without mishap.</P> <P>* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never seim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.</P> <P>* Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.</P> <P>* Read and obey all rules and posted signs.</P> <P>* Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PVD) when around the water.</P> <P>* Watch out for the dangerous "too's" - to tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, to much strenuous activity.</P> <P>* Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less that chest deep).</P> <P>* Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth charges, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.</P> <P>* Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.</P> <P>* Use a feet-first entry when entering the water.</P> <P>* Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.</P> <P>* Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.</P> <P>* Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.</P> <P>Have a great Memorial Day!</P> <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A></P> Main Page water victor US swimming swim safety memorial jodyvictor jody day boat american Jody Victor http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/15/3690907.html http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/5/15/3690907.html Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:00 -0400 <P><A href="http://www.jodyvictor.com/"><STRONG>Jody Victor</STRONG></A> : This Saturday, May 17th is Armed Forces Day. Here's what it's all about. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department - the Department of Defense. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. Here is what some former presidents and other individuals have said about our men and women in uniform over the years.</P> <P>"Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."&nbsp; Former Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson</P> <P>"The heritage of freedom must be guarded as carefully in peace as it was in war. Faith, not suspicion, must be the key to our relationships. sacrifice, not selfishness, must be the eternal price of liberty. Vigilance, not appeasement, is the byword of living freedoms. Our Armed Forces in 1950 - protecting the peace, building for security with freedom - are "Teamed for Defense..."&nbsp; General Omar N. Bradley - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff</P> <P>"Armed Forces Day this year should serve to emphasize the practical application of unification in action, and to remind us of the continued need for unity in our Armed Forces and among all of our citizens in the interests of security and peace." Robert D. Lovett - Former Secretary of Defense</P> <P>"...Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard." President John F. Kennedy, 1962</P> <P>"Armed Forces Day, above all, honors the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of their country. Each serviceman, wherever he may be, whatever his task, contributes directly and importantly to the defense of the nation. the task of each one is the task of all the Armed Forces: to protect the freedoms which underlie the greatness of America." General Earle G.