Just for Fun

Trivia question answers for Wednesday November 12, 20251. The Clio award is an award given in what field? Advertising2. Adlai Stevenson was Senator in what US state? Illinois3. What is the largest. island in the Indian Ocean? Madagascar4. Most flowers have an odd number of what? PetalsTrivia questions for Thursday November 13, 20251. What city has the busiest subway system in Europe? 2. Which sex has the shorter vocals?3. The Latin term "ad lib" translates literally to what?4. In which country was Nicole Kidman born?Enjoy your day! 11/13/2025

Every year on November 13th, and this year on Wednesday November 13, 2025 we celebrate National World Kindness Day.The National World Kindness Day started in 1998 and spread to 28 countries.We can celebrate the National National World Kindness Day to spread kindness, help others, stay positive, spread joy, and make the extra effort to be kind to everyone.Kindness is the quality of being friendly and considerate. Showing kindness goes a long way. Kindness helps others feel valued. Kindness also has benefits for the person being kind.I want to wish to everyone at Active Rain community a Happy National World Kindness Day. 11/13/2025

Celebrating World Kindness Day We’re all ready for this day because we need more of it (KINDNESS) in the world. Today is World Kindness Day.  What does it mean to be kind?  Or, to show an act of kindness? It isn’t just being friendly to someone or generous. It’s also being considerate and thoughtful.  When I was staffing offices, we had a remarkable motivational speaker. When we left, all of us were pumped up to try what she suggested. Something she said, though, stayed with me. It takes a lot of thought to be thoughtful.  How often have we slapped our forehead and said, “Why didn’t I think of doing that?” when we hear that someone took a meal, for example, to a friend recovering from an illness.   It isn’t that you aren’t kind or would not have done it, but more likely, you didn’t thin... 11/13/2025

Trivia question answers for Tuesday November 11, 20251. What is the NATO phonetic word for "H"? Hotel2. How many time zones in the contiguous United States? 43. Which US President called the Super Bowl to suggest a play? Richard Nixon4. What was the first cash crop in America? TobaccoTrivia questions for Wednesday November 12, 20251. The Clio award is an award given in what field?2. Adlai Stevenson was Senator in what US state?3. What is the largest. island in the Indian Ocean?4. Most flowers have an odd number of what?Enjoy your day! 11/12/2025

I was AWOL yesterday. I had intended to submit a blog post yesterday, but got so wrapped up in Veterans' Day that I never got around to it. Thus, I am submitting the speech I wrote for the occasion. But, before I do, HOOAH to all AR members who are veterans and their families. The following picture is of my father, a United States Marine. He served in the South Pacific and ChinaGood morning. Fellow veterans, families, friends —Today we gather to honor a truth that binds us all: service changes lives. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are distinct, but both ask the same of us — to remember, to thank, and to carry forward what our service members gave for this nation.To the families who carried the weight while their loved ones served: your sacrifice is the quiet backbone of our freedom. You ... 11/12/2025

Wow what a week for folks reading my articles!  We hit two all-time highs since I started writing an article a day back in September of 2022.  When I write these articles I have no idea if a winner or will be barely read.  Here we go with the top three for the week.Guessing due to the government shutdown and all the attention to flying my number three article was not an article but an update on Michelle and I flying to Reagan National Airport.  I mentioned in a video we were flying the next day and I guess people wanted to see how it went.  Non-stop flight from Orlando, 2 ½ hour delay.  Next Fenney Grill came in second setting the second highest read article, not all positive but I left people discuss.The big news was the number one article which is the all-time most read, as of writing... 11/12/2025

Indulge in pumpkin oatmeal cookies with cozy spices, hearty oats, and sweet pumpkin puree. Perfect for fall baking or anytime you crave a comforting treat.Ingredients 1 can (15 ounces) canned pumpkin 3 cups old-fashioned oats 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Directions Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two 15x10x1-in. baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Line a shallow bowl with a double layer of paper towels. Scoop pumpkin into the bowl; top with another paper towel. Gently press to dr... 11/12/2025

1888 Advertisement for Coca-Cola!  Look at this interesting advertisement for Coca-Cola.  My blog buddy, Don Thompson, from way back sent it to me after he read the blog I wrote about the Coca-Cola Mailbox holder.  Read it if you'd like.   Click this.  https://activerain.com/droplet/JFgK     Then go to google and search the history of Coke. The history says this Mr. Pemberton died in 1888 and sold all his interest in Coca-Cola and from then on it gradually became the national treasure as it is now.This ad makes me remember my going to a tiny movie house and seeing western movies with the traveling salesman coming through a town and pushing a miracle drink as this one sounds like it was.I think you will enjoy reading some of the history.  Than you for sharing, Don! 11/11/2025

Nothing seems to have the power to keep me awake.I can drink an entire pot of coffee in an hour and then go take a nap... until I have to pee. 😬I am convinced that everyone has their own normal when it comes to sleep and nap times. Mine varies on occasion due to a need to heal from an injury and an occasional bout with depression.A special note on depression. When it does hit me I allow myself to take a nap BUT there was a time I thought it important to fight that feeling off (the feeling I needed a nap). My brother, Dr. Stephen Timm (psychologist), corrected me and said that it was not only okay to take a nap when depressed but it is a natural way for your body and brain handle it.Disclaimer: I am not an expert in this area and when it comes to mental health issues you may not get two ... 11/13/2025

“Home of the free because of the brave.” — Unknown“Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.” — Charles B. Rangel“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” — Winston Churchill“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran doesn’t have that problem.” — Ronald Reagan“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” — Unknown“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: their courage nerves a thousand living men.” — Minot J. Savage“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.” — Eleanor Roosevelt“To those in uniform serv... 11/11/2025

Did you know that you can order copies of military service records of your family and loved ones at https://vetrecs.archives.gov/s/ You need to create an account, and provide identifying info about the veteran.  It takes a few weeks, and there is a fee.  After payment, they email you a PDF file.I paid $70 to get 43 pages comprising my Dad's Naval service records (from 1917 to 1919).  And as far as I am concerned, having these few pages is absolutely priceless. 11/11/2025

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:7Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13Dear Veterans,Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. Your service is deeply appreciated, and your legacy continues to inspire us all. Today, we honor you with gratitude and respect.With sincere thanks,Katina Hargrove   11/11/2025

Trivia question answers for Monday November 10, 20251. Who is Bugs Bunny's archenemy? Elmer J. Fudd2. What is the world's fastest growing plant? Bamboo3. What did the "itsy bitsy spider" climb up? Waterspout4. A group of sharks is called what?  A shiverTrivia questions for Tuesday November 11, 20251. What is the NATO phonetic word for "H"?2. How many time zones in the contiguous United States?3. Which US President called the Super Bowl to suggest a play?4. What was the first cash crop in America?Enjoy your day! 11/11/2025

Every year on November 10th, and this year on Monday November 10, 2025 we celebrate National U.S. Marine Corps Birthday.We can observe the National U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Day, thank the Marine for their service. Attend Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. You can use Marine Corps Birthday to post on social media.In 1925, the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel hosted the first formal Marine Ball. The ball honored the 150th birthday of the Marine Corp. General Lejeune and Secretary of War Dwight Davis attended.I want to wish to everyone at Active Rain community a Happy National U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Day. 11/10/2025

Senior moments can be scary, frustrating and an endless  supply of jokes. I remember a female comedian  once saying: "at least when I have a senior moment in the bathroom I can usually figure it out". I think it may have been Phyllis Diller. My parents really liked Phyllis and I believe she came to Fargo a couple of times where they got to see her live.At my age I've accepted that I am occasionally going to forget why I entered a room, fortunately I usually figure it out. More concerning for me is running an errand at night and becoming disorientated. Again, fortunately, It's only momentary and in the dark of night.I wrote this post in response to Timmothy's cartoon but as long as I'm on the subject let me ask you: Do you, or have you used any of the memory improvement drugs or suppleme... 11/11/2025

Spending the Holiday Season in Santa Cruz: A Coastal Winter WonderlandIf you’re dreaming of a holiday season with ocean views instead of icy streets, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination. This laid-back surf town turns festive in its own beach-town way — with lights on palm trees, holiday trains through redwoods, and sunsets that glow like Christmas candles. From seaside strolls to cozy local markets, here’s how to make the most of your Santa Cruz holiday escape. Downtown Santa Cruz: Local Cheer and Holiday Lights Downtown Santa Cruz comes alive in December, lined with twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, and the scent of espresso and fresh pastries from local cafés. The Downtown Holiday Parade, a local favorite for over 60 years, fills Pacific Avenue with marching bands, floats, d... 11/10/2025

Book Recommendation: The Last Hitman by Robin YocumThe Last Hitman (Expected publication date: December 2, 2025, Crooked Lane Books) is an interesting new novel by crime writer Robin Yocum. I enjoyed this book and recommed it for your reading list. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and his books.Marked for death, a hitman must figure out how to save himself and extract a final revenge before his past catches up to him.Perfect for fans of Eli Cranor and Tulsa King, this thrilling mafia tale shows what happens when loyalty isn’t a two-way street.Once upon a time, being a “made man” meant something. Angelo Cipriani was a member of the inner circle of the Fortuna Crime Family, one of the biggest mafia families in the Ohio Valley. Not that Angelo would eve... 11/12/2025

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. - Abraham LincolnEndurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory. -William BarclayUnity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. - Mattie StepanekStand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have. - Norman Vincent PealeOnly by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment you can grow more surely toward the stars. - Brian TracyWith the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. - Elanor Roosevelt  11/10/2025

Come on, it may be Monday, but you could use an extra smile today, right? So, how about a look at the humor of the hilarious John Crist?  Sit back, make it look like you are working hard on some research, and enjoy! And now this is the latest installment of Mayhem Merriment Monday. 11/10/2025

Exploring the annals of history is always a fascinating journey, offering glimpses into the significance of various dates. Here are a few intriguing historical tidbits to dive into this week.♦ 2018: On November 13 the Camp Fire in Butte County, California, one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in state history, had its death toll reported at 48.   THIS WEEK IN HISTORY   ♦ 2006: Google acquires YouTube Nov. 13 for $1.65 million in Google stock. ♦ 1994: On November 14, the first paying passengers traveled through the Channel Tunnel linking England and France, a milestone in European transit. ♦ 1987: The Iran-Contra report issued Nov. 18 blames President Reagan for wrongdoing. ♦ 1973: On Nov. 17, President Richard Nixon tells journalists, "I am not a crook." ♦ 1972: On Nov. 1... 11/13/2025