Snowy Morning

On the Way to Work Wednesday Morning

I Am Legend

The 1954 novel I Am Legend by Scott Matheson has spawned three feature films ...

The Last Man on Earth (1964)
The Omega Man (1971)
I Am Legend (2007)

Preview the book, I Am Legend, at Google Books.


Last summer, I watched all three movies and, in my opinion, found the most recent iteration, Will Smith's 2007 film, I Am Legend, to be the best effort. Naturally, the effects were better, but I felt the story was more believable. I could better identify with the central character, Robert Neville. I hope to read the book this winter.

The King Of Dental Hygiene

This afternoon, on my way home from work, I was stopped at a traffic light and glanced into my rearview mirror. The driver of the car behind me appeared to be chewing on a pen. However, as I watched him I realized that he was really brushing his teeth! He continued brushing for the duration of the light. As for spitting, I lost sight of him when the light changed so I don't know how he resolved that issue.

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Mixed Messages

I was struck by the rather curious juxtaposition of these two billboards on a local street.

First you see this ad for a nearby drugstore featuring two giant drug-filled capsules ...
... then, less than 100 yards farther along, you see this ad encouraging the public to report drug dealing.

Rationing in World War 2

Recently my mother, who is now 76, came across a couple of her World War 2 ration books that she had as a young child. I was fascinated to see these artifacts which are still in very good condition despite being more than 60 years old. I wanted to share these rare items with you.

During World War 2, American citizens at home were asked to conserve everything. The government found it necessary to ration food, gasoline, rubber, and many more commodities, even clothing.

In the spring of 1942, the Food Rationing Program was introduced with the goals of preventing public pique at shortages and to preclude people with more means from acquiring an unfair portion of scarce goods.

Rationing controlled the amount of commodities that persons could buy. Not all items required rationing, however. All meats, butter, fat, and oils, and most cheese were regulated with "Red Stamp" rationing. Each individual was allowed a number of points weekly. "Blue Stamp" rationing controlled the distribution of canned, bottled, and frozen fruits and vegetables, plus juices and dry beans; and such processed foods as soups, baby food and ketchup.

Rationing also employed a point system. But many Americans grew frustrated and confused trying to decide what coupons went with which items, how many points they needed to purchase them, and that some coupons did not require points at all.

Rationing also controlled the distribution of clothing, shoes, coffee, gasoline, tires, and fuel oil. With each new coupon book came new rules and deadlines. Rationing of gas and tires depended on the distance to a person's job. X stickers on cars permitted their owners unlimited supplies and were obviously highly prized.

An unintended and serious side effect of the rationing programs was the rise of a "black market" dealing in the illicit sale of rationed goods at inflated prices. Meat, sugar, and gasoline were the staples of the black market trade in the US.

In 1944, ration coins were introduced. These pressed cardboard coin-like tokens allowed vendors to make change on purchases made with ration stamps.

For more images of World War 2 rationing items, visit this site World War II Rationing.









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Wooly Caterpillar

A sure sign that autumn is approaching winter!

October Friday Night

The sun sets through the tree tops between the goalposts at the Bellwood-Antis HS stadium

Sarah Palin, My Humble Opinion

People who believe Sarah Palin did well in last night's vice-presidential debate think that because their expectations of her performance had been so low to begin with.

You could compare her to your local high school football team playing Rutgers and managing to score a few points and not lose by 75. Nobody expected them to have a great game, anyway. She succeed in the sense that she didn't thoroughly embarrass herself, but she didn't display any depth of understanding or insight. She adhered faithfully to the party line.

As for her folksiness, we've had eight years of a good old boy presidency. We don't need a Joe Sixpack or a Hockey Mom as a leader of the nation. We should want a smart, articulate, insightful leadership.

Joe Biden exhibited so much more comprehension and understanding of the critical issues facing America. He appeared confident, knowledgable, and poised leaving no doubt which of these two people I would want in the White House should the need ever arise.