Just for Fun

April 15th - National Tax Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal. 04/15/2024

Trivia question answers for Saturday April 13, 20231. Approximately how many horsepower can one horse produce? 152. In what city did the TV show "Full House" take place? San Francisco3. What was the original name of the game Pac-Man prior to its release? Puck Man4. What is a fairy ring made of? MushroomsTrivia questions for Sunday April 14, 20231. Who was the first Boy Scout to become President in the United States?2. "Old Scratch" is a nickname for whom?3. The middle finger of which famous scientist is on display in a museum?4. What popular children's book did Forrest Gump keep in his briefcase?Enjoy your day..  04/14/2024

My latest version of a corn chowder with clams... I have been a huge fan of fresh corn and other ingredients to make the Chowder. This time I decided instead of the canned minced clams why not go with the Wild For clam meat version.All I can say is once you switch to this you will never go back to the canned minced clams.You can actually taste the clams, and it was a hit. Tonight's easy dinner, since I had a really challenging day. Some day I might post about it. In the mean time enjoy the Clam/Corn Chowder. Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pe... 04/13/2024

Just for fun: I do not mind sharing our oranges with the Squirrels what I mind is if they are wasting the oranges.Well, see for yourself.I make fresh squeezed orange juice every other day and Diane I love drinking it. Now days here to get a quart like I squeeze can cost anywhere from $5.99 to $8.99 and for me it is 20 minutes, worth of work. I hate waste, I guess I grew up with parents who were born before or during the depression and I learned to be frugal about certain things.Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realto... 04/13/2024

Stretching Back in Time: The Origins of the Seventh-Inning TraditionBaseball, America’s beloved pastime, is steeped in tradition. From the crack of the bat to the smell of freshly cut grass, every aspect of the game carries a sense of nostalgia. One such tradition that has endured for over a century is the seventh-inning stretch. But where did it come from, and why is it so ingrained in our baseball experience?The Taft Myth and Brother Jasper’s InfluenceThe most famous origin story involves none other than President William Howard Taft. On April 14, 1910, during an opening-day game in Washington, D.C., Taft—weighing in at a hefty 300 pounds—stood up to stretch his legs in the middle of the seventh inning. The crowd, thinking he was leaving, rose out of respect. And just like that, the s... 04/19/2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world in unprecedented ways. From self-driving cars to smart assistants, AI is enhancing our lives and making us more productive. However, AI also poses some serious ethical challenges that need to be addressed. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common ethical dilemmas of AI and how to solve them. What are the ethical dilemmas of AI? Ethical dilemmas of AI are situations where AI systems or applications may cause harm or conflict with human values or interests. Some examples of ethical dilemmas of AI are: Bias and discrimination: AI systems may learn from biased data or algorithms and produce unfair or discriminatory outcomes. For instance, an AI system may deny a loan application to a person based on their race, gender,... 04/14/2024

Carlsbad Flower Fields Up Close I attended a CRS Networking Event with 25 other Southern California Realtors this past Thursday for a couple of hours at the Carlsbad Flower Fields.  It was fun to see my CRS friends as well as to meet other agents I didn’t know. There was time to talk with each other before taking a tour. After the group photo we split up into small groups to leisurely walk through the gardens, and of course take lots of photos.  While I have often driven by the Flower Fields on Armada Drive on the hill above to the east which offers great panoramic views of the flowers and the ocean, I haven’t seen the flowers and the venue itself up close for years.   It was a sunny day with a cool ocean breeze, although the marine layer moved in before the event was over so it was pre... 04/13/2024

.     The MLB Season is underway and it’s a Weekend Tradition to watch a Ballgame or 2 . My Black Lab ,Tucker, is my shadow. But two others attendees areDuke and Cupcake ( pictured above) . Both Cats loveour finished Basement and it’s very warm Gas Fireplace.Duke ( the larger cat) will stand at the top of the stairs and attempt to get us to go downstairs to his favorite place , the Basement. He has two windows where he can watch birds , squirrels, rabbits and feral cats ( alsotwo glass patio doors). We’ve even seen Mr. Fox and possums.  He loves to watch the wind blow leaves all over the backyard and will watch snowflakes in the Winter . Cupcake demands his 6:00 Dinner starting at 5:15 ( lol) . He is the happy cat who loves company, while Duke hides from company . WellI’ve got to get ba... 04/13/2024

El Arroyo stands as an iconic Austin gem, renowned for crafting the finest hand-squeezed margaritas and serving up delectable Black Angus beef tacos, among a plethora of other Tex-Mex delights, since 1975!Situated at the corner of West 5th and Campbell, this local favorite boasts a quirky marquee that captures attention. Daily, the billboard transforms with a fresh pun—spanning the spectrum of wit and humor—making it a delightful fixture at the heart of Austin's culinary scene. El Arroyo invites you to contribute your own puns on their website, with full permission to showcase them on their marquee. It's a quintessential "Keep Austin Weird" tradition that resonates with the spirit of our vibrant city!The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers... 04/19/2024

Part of the fun of visiting the Pocono Mountains is finding new ways to enjoy the area with friends and family. This can be something as simple and serene as enjoying some quiet time in the abundance of natural spaces in the region. However, some are looking for more fast-paced fun to engage in. For the thrill-seekers among us, look no further than Skirmish in Albrightsville, PA.  Skirmish is the premier paintball facility in the Poconos. With over 50 maps across 700 scenic acres, players have ample room to play and compete: shrouded woods, sprawling fields, structures, bridges, creeks, castles, etc.  Not a paintball pro? No problem! Skirmish welcomes players of all skill levels, including beginners. The staff make sure to pair teams that have similar experience levels. Skirmish welcome... 04/13/2024

My dad grew up in the South. Near Meridian Mississippi. Because of him, even though I grew up in San Diego, when I get tired or sick, I speak with a Southern accent. My grandma would cook me rabbit for lunch (which she killed that morning) and serve it with sweet tea. I learned that RC Cola and a Moon Pie is an acceptable meal. And y’all is a term you hear from people that care about you. But for those that aren’t aware of what it is like to be Southern, take a gander (take a look) at some of these: 04/18/2024

My dad grew up in the South. Near Meridian Mississippi. Because of him, even though I grew up in San Diego, when I get tired or sick, I speak with a Southern accent. My grandma would cook me rabbit for lunch (which she killed that morning) and serve it with sweet tea. I learned that RC Cola and a Moon Pie is an acceptable meal. And y’all is a term you hear from people that care about you. But for those that aren’t aware of what it is like to be Southern, take a gander (take a look) at some of these: 04/16/2024

My dad grew up in the South. Near Meridian Mississippi. Because of him, even though I grew up in San Diego, when I get tired or sick, I speak with a Southern accent. My grandma would cook me rabbit for lunch (which she killed that morning) and serve it with sweet tea. I learned that RC Cola and a Moon Pie is an acceptable meal. And y’all is a term you hear from people that care about you. But for those that aren’t aware of what it is like to be Southern, take a gander (take a look) at some of these: 04/13/2024

April 14th - National Dolphin Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal. 04/14/2024

Let me explain, most of my life I was influenced by the Chesapeake Bay as far as seafood.  Steamed Blue Crabs, Crab Cakes, Oysters and how we prepare most seafood, Old Bay Seasoning!  Problem when I make my seafood in the house the smell I love others not so much, here is what I use to steam seafood, beer, vinegar, Old Bay and water, been around the bay you know the smell.  Decided to move my steamer pot outside but needed a burner, answer GasOne Propane Single Burner Camp Stove with High Temp Paint & Red QCC Steel Braided Regulator with Height Adjustable Legs.Lighthouse Seafood on 466 has a nice selection so started there for Stone Crab Claws, Winn Dixie for corn on the cob, Sprouts for Peewee Dutch Potatoes and Publix for sweet cole slaw.  Total Wine and Spirits for the beer and a gre... 04/14/2024

Trivia question answers for Friday April 12, 20231. In what year were Skittles candy first sold in the US? 19742. What is the world's largest island? Greenland3. In the Southern Hemisohere, summer begins in what month? December4. What name is given rain with a particularly low pH? Acid rainTrivia questions for Saturday April 13, 20231. Approximately how many horsepower can one horse produce?2. In what city did the TV show "Full House" take place?3. What was the original name of the game Pac-Man prior to its release?4. What is a fairy ring made of? Enjoy your day..  04/13/2024

Friday for good Catholic is always fish for dinner... I have grown up as an Altar Boy, Catholic Grammar Schools and Catholic High School. Diane has grown up as a good Italian Catholic so having Fish on Friday is pretty much an understood.Instead of the standard baked/fried fish sticks and baked/fried potatoes I opted for baked Salmon with baked vegies and mashed potatoes. So, what did you have for dinner tonight? Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no on... 04/12/2024

This Week…Birthday Wishes to a President.  My elementary school was Thomas Jefferson Elementary. I have no idea what it’s called now.  Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas JeffersonMy fascination with President Jefferson began on my senior trip when we visited Monticello, his home, and plantation.   In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. Thomas JeffersonEven though our group had to leave, I knew that I would return someday. What held my attention was The Great Clock. He was not just our third President. He was also the author of the Declaration of Independence, the Founder of the University of Virginia, and an inventor.  Ex... 04/13/2024

Our Monarch Caterpillar Nursery The nursery is doing well and so are the 10 Monarch Caterpillars, doing what caterpillars do. The Monarch Butterfly visited our back patio several weeks ago and spent quite a bit of time landing on the milkweed plants repeatedly. We didn't see any eggs left behind but that may simply have been our vision as Monarch eggs are supposedly quite small. A couple weeks ago my wife saw a couple of very small caterpillars on one of the milkweed plants and now there are 10 (there were a couple others but they didn't make it for long). They have grown pretty substantially which we hope will help at least some of them survive and move into the next phase (chrysalis), and not become a tasty meal for one of the many birds in our yard. I suspect the mortality rate for c... 04/12/2024

Earth Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting actions to protect our planet.Throughout April, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are organized to educate people about sustainability, conservation, and the importance of preserving our natural resources. It's an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and take meaningful steps towards creating a greener and more sustainable world. Whether it's participating in clean-up activities, supporting eco-friendly businesses, or learning about renewable energy, Earth Month encourages everyone to make a positive impact on Mother Earth.Taking better care of Mother Earth involves both individual and collective actions. Here are some ways you can help: 1. Reduc... 04/12/2024