Robin Williams' divorce

I have always been a huge fan of Robin Williams. I watched him first on Mork & Mindy then his several appearances on Johnny Carson, then on David Letterman and hearing about his childhood and his own experiences. One of the greatest pleasures was his descriptions was that of his own children's birth's and their development. It was with surprise and dismay that I read about the Williams' divorce and Marcia Williams suing for full custody of their two children Zach and Cody.

We can only wish the best of luck to the two parties involved although somehow in a divorce there is no winner or no loser, especially where kids are involved. They will be the biggest losers. The only thing you can somehow do is take them out of the equation and with two loving parents that has to be next to impossible. It will be a tug of war with emotions no matter how you slice it.

I will not end my blog with Cheers as usual, because there is nothing to be happy about in this summary. I will simply end with a so long...

On this day in 1989...

The Exxon Valdez an oil tanker bound for Washington, USA and captained by Joseph Hazelwood; hit Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef. There it spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil. This has been recorded as the largest oil spill in U.S. history and one of the largest ecological disasters ever.

The cleanup of the spill started in April of 1989 and went until September when winter moved in although clean up continues to this day.

The NTSB that investigated after the accident found 5 faults leading up to the disaster:

1. The third mate failed to properly maneuver the vessel, possibly due to fatigue and excessive workload.

2. The master (Joe Hazelwood) failed to provide a proper navigation watch, possibly due to impairment from alcohol.

3. Exxon Shipping Company failed to supervise the master and provide a rested and sufficient crew for the Exxon Valdez;

4. The U.S. Coast Guard failed to provide an effective vessel traffic system.

5. Effective pilot and escort services were lacking.

I'd say the blame was pretty well spread out, but just who's going to explain the destruction of the environment to the wildlife left behind?

Bananas in History

The banana is mentioned for the first time in history in Buddhists texts 600 years BC.

Alexander the Great discovered the taste of the banana in the Indian valleys in 327 BC . The existence of an organized banana plantation could be found in China back in the year 200 AD. In 650 AD, Islamic conquerors brought the banana back to Palestine. The Arabic merchants finally spread the bananas all over Africa.

Only in 1502 the Portuguese start the first banana plantation in the Caribbean and in central America.

Bananas are also nutritious. Did I mention that they are low in fat and are full of protein? Just remember the old adage of an apple a day-change it to a banana a day, it's the new thing!

Cheers!

This Day in History-1942

Guess what? In 1942 the U.S. Army launched something new. On March 13, 1942 they started the 1st K-9 Unit. After 8 weeks of basic training, thousands of dogs were sent off to war where they performed admirably. To this day dogs still continue to serve in not only the armed forces but have made their talents well known in just about every field possible. Not only do they act as guide dogs, but also help those with limited mobility. And let's not forget the special trips made to hospital and nursing homes by dogs. Why I've even heard of a pony that makes these visits!

After World War II ended the dogs were sent home with honorable discharges, and had the papers to prove it!

Woof!

Mary Ann busted!

Who would have believed it? Dawn Wells, little Mary Ann herself got busted last October on a marijuana charge. it seems she was driving home from a surprise birthday party given her by friends when an officer stopped Ms. Wells for weaving and slowing then speeding up again. The excuse given was that she was trying to find the heat controls in her new car. I'll buy that.

But unfortunately the cop smelled something funny wafting from the interior and gave Dawn a sobriety test, which she did not pass. Hmmmmm......

The former actress pleaded guilty to one count of reckless driving. So, as part of her plea bargain, additional counts of driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and just plain possession were dropped.

Oh, by the way, Ms. Wells was fined $410.50 and sentenced to 5 days in jail.

Where's Gilligan when you REALLY need him?

Cheers!

"Iron Man"

Has anyone seen the trailers for the new "Iron Man" movie? I have to say, I'm usually not easily impressed, but this one has me interested! I haven't really liked any of Robert Downey Jr. films since Air America, and when I saw that he was starring in Iron Man I thought, 'Oh brother, there goes a waste of good film-if it has a chance at all!" But I was totally wrong when I saw the trailers. Downey adds just the right amount of everyday-man to the role that I can appreciate and he brings a sullenness that even my dry witted hubby will like.

Not only is his acting up to par, but the special effects are not to be missed!

So to all movie goers, here's to more good times!

Oh, and I did see 'Definitely, Maybe' over the weekend; cute, but definitely or maybe rent the DVD.

Cheers!

A Horsey Tip!

A.D. Carroll a waitress at Wheezy's in Houston, TX was just doing her job when a gentleman was in with a friend having a cup of coffee and he offered her a horse. Not just any horse, but a four year-old thoroughbred. A.D is even keeping his name, Mailman Express. She says she's already seen him a couple of times and he's a very sweet horse.

The gentleman first offered Ms. Carroll the thoroughbred and returned two days later with the paperwork. A.D. was completely surprised but gratefully accepted the beautiful animal as I've already mentioned she said he has a great personality!

Tally Ho!

Brett Favre's Retirement

I've said in earlier blogs that I always respected Brett Favre. It came down that he had decided to retire today. I again have to give that man all the credit in the world. He is not retiring the game of football because of any injury or because anyone asked him to. He is just plain mentally tired. And that's almost a straight quote! I also heard on the radio on the way home, a wonderful message from Lovey Smith, coach of DA BEARS, who gave a very warm hearted send-off to Mr. Favre and wished him all the best.

May I add the same, Brett, take care and God Bless and enjoy the time you have off the gridiron as much as you did on!

(If you wish to read further on Brett Favre's retirement please click:

http://www6.comcast.net/sports/articles/nfl/2008/02/27/Packers-Favre/ )

Cheers!