My Scoop

Happy Birthday to Smurfs! 50 years old!!!

Got it from www.answers.com  I loved and still love Smurfs ever since I was a kid.  I cannot believe that Smurfs turned 50 today!  Smurfette rules!  8-)

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Today's Highlights October 23, 2008 

Smurfs, Having a Smurfy Day

Spotlight: In German, they're called "Schlümpfe"; In Hebrew, they're known as "Dardassim"; the Spanish call them "Pitufos"; and Italians call them "Puffi." In English, they're called Smurfs, and they're

celebrating their fiftieth birthday. Smurfs first appeared on Oct. 23, 1958, as guest stars of the Belgian cartoon Johan and Peewit, drawn by Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo). The little blue creatures lived in a forest somewhere in Europe, and no non-Smurf could find them without a Smurf guide. The first — and for a long while, only — female in the group, Smurfette, was created by their archenemy, Gargamel, who hoped she would cause jealousy and dissension in the group.

Quote: "No casting spells on your own." — Papa Smurf, stating the first rule of Smurfdom

AAA's National Gas Price Average

I got this msg via CNN  Break News yesterday.  Gee!!!  We are part of this history.  How lovely!  8-)

The AAA's national gas price average has reached $4 a gallon for the first time in history.

Sleepy Hollow

On nightfall of 27-October, Sveta and I went to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" tour at Philipsburg Manor (historical Dutch farm) in Sleepy Hollow, New York.  It was wonderful tour as we got to see variety of characters mingling....goblins, gypsies, ghosts, pirates, several other characters and even the best of all, infamous headless horseman riding on white horse and holding pumpkin in his hand!!!!!  Awesome!  Ellie mentioned to me about this annual event, so a big thank to her from me.  8-)

All photos were taken by Sveta.  Many thanks to her.  :)

Photo of gypsies dancing in the barn

Bonfire

Jack O'Lantern with Full Moon in background

Skeleton in torture cage

Full Moon!  Aaaawwwooooooooooo!!!!!!

Patriots, Then and Now

Vinny sent me this....interesting long article to read about our country throughout the history.

The Views From the Top

Good stuff from FYI section in The New York Times.  1) view of Manhattan from buildings, 2) Info about the ancient power plant and 3) name origin of Maiden Lane

FYI - White building on Governors Island and Queens street grid system

Cool section to read via The FYI section in The New York Times....exactly the same question that Jase and I asked when we visited Governors Island this month.  :)

A Whole Lot of ‘Love'

Interesting info from FYI section via The New York Times - 1) "Love" sculpture, 2) The Fourth Ward and 3) parking ticket.

City of Angles

Interesting article from The New York Times on how the street grid of New York City was created.

Twain's Magical Mystery Tour

Interesting info about early life of Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) in New York City, Flatbush Avenue and drivers who drive for-hire vehicles in public transportation in NYC are exempted from seat belts.

When the Village Was French

Interesting info from FYI section via The New York Times - 1) Is there a French Quarter in NYC?, 2) history of Hebrew Technical Institute and 3) Ground Zero surveying.