Yes, You Can Still Call For The Time and Temperature. Try It Now!

If you're old enough to remember life before the internet, you probably remember calling the "Time Lady" to hear the current time and temperature. It was a phone number that just about everyone knew by heart, and many people called it every day.

Then came the internet, followed by smartphones and streaming technology. Suddenly, the time, weather, and just about everything else you needed was always right there on your screen. As a result, time-and-temperature phone numbers slowly faded into history, and most people forgot they even existed.

But here's the interesting part—they're still around.

If you're wondering whether you can still call to hear your local time and temperature, the answer is yes. The familiar voice you remember from years ago is gone, though. Today, the recording is most likely generated by artificial intelligence rather than spoken by a real person.

If you live outside of Ohio, you can still find a local time-and-temperature number for your area. Simply visit https://clearlyip.com/free-weather-call/, click Find Your Number, select your state, and choose the phone number closest to your location.

It's a fun little blast from the past—and a reminder that even in the age of smartphones, some old traditions are still hanging on. The great thing about calling these numbers today is that now you'll get a lot more information, more than the basic time and temp of yesteryear.

For us in the greater Akron/Cleveland area we’ll call 330-374-1212 and 216-931-1212.

These numbers give you more detailed weather, extended forecasts, wake up calls, sports schedules and scores, free horoscopes, US Lottery numbers and Free US headline news.

For time and temp only, in the greater akron area of north east ohio these numbers will do (330)762-0111 and (330) 869-8686.

So for fun, you can call one of these numbers like you did back in the old days and relive those moments and then some. Be sure to tuck away this number in the Rolodex of your own mind, because some people prefer to give out this number instead of their own when asked for their phone number, like when you’re in a bar or when you’re filling out useless random forms that are probably just collecting personal info/data. Comes in handy when you don’t wanna give out your real number!

Mill Creek Park - Mill Creek Metro-Parks

Mill Creek Park, now officially known as Mill Creek Metro-Parks, is located in Youngstown, Ohio.

Mill Creek Park was founded in 1891 by Youngstown attorney Volney Rogers. Rogers purchased most of the land, and secured options with the rest, for the purpose of this becoming a state park. Rogers then put forth what he called the "Township Park Improvement Law." After this Law was passed, Rogers turned over all of the land he had secured for park purposes. Rogers then had the area declared a park by the state legislature. It became an official state park in 1893.

Lanterman's Mill was built in 1845–46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly. It was restored during 1982–85 with the financial assistance of the Ward and Florence Beecher Foundations. The Mill operates today just like it did in the 1800s, grinding corn, wheat, and buckwheat.

Inside the Mill is a store where you can buy souvenirs and food products.

Aside from the main attraction of Lanterman's Mill are picturesque trails for riding, jogging or walking. There are Lakes and ponds and garden and a Nature Center.

In all there's quite a lot to experience and see and to do it all would take more than a day.

The Gorge of Cuyahoga Falls

The Gorge of Cuyahoga Falls

The Gorge Metropark

Long ago, in 1759, a 12 year old Mary Campbell was taken in Pennsylvania, by Delaware Indians and brought to the present-day Gorge Metro Park, where she lived as a child of Chief Netawatwees.

Mary Campbell, became the first white child in what was then the wild frontier of the Western Reserve. She later settled with the tribe in a village along the banks of the Cuyahoga River, not far from the cave. She was eventually released in 1764 after a treaty ended the French and Indian War.

Thousands of years prior, the Gorge was formed when glacial debris blocked the route of the Cuyahoga River, and caused the river to find a new course. Today, the water flows over a shale riverbed, between ledges made of Sharon conglomerate sandstone. Oak, black-gum, tulip and yellow birch trees are very common in the woods that covering the valley walls.

This 155-acre Metro Park was made possible in 1930, when the Northern Ohio Traction & Light Company donated the land to Metro Parks.

Summit County Metroparks – The Gorge

1160 Front St Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Farrah Fawcett's Famous Swimsuit Poster – 1976

First of all, to set the record straight, everyone and their brother and all their friends of friends of friends have written about Farrah's iconic red swimsuit poster.

However, from the standpoint of revisiting good ol' 70's Americana I will address the urban legends that have left many of us wondering.

The first myth to dispel is that she used ice cubes to get the desired look. Totally false, absolute balderdash according to Bruce McBroom the photographer. As he puts it...It was all Farrah.

The second fantastic myth is that Farrah Fawcett’s hair spells out the word “SEX” in her curls. The consensus, of opinion on this one is that this story is false. The truth is that it does. I did not see it. Only later, after it was pointed out to me did I actually see it. So, yes that myth is true. You'll have to find it for yourself if you are that curious.

In my opinion, I do not think that it was done intentionally or that it was the reason for the poster's popularity. I believe this famous poster was a combination of the times and happy coincidence.

What most people don't know or remember was that Farrah was still an unknown actress when this poster was made.

The company that made this poster, had heard that many college guys were buying magazines that featured Farrah is advertisements. Learning this they thought that a poster of her would do well, and they were right.

The happy coincidence here is that this poster was made before Charlie's Angels. After her appearance on the show's pilot, people began to take notice. The timing was perfect, and she helped the pilot land a series.

England has their Tennis Girl and we have our Farrah.

It was the bright combination of her smile and those nipples that made this the eye-catching image known the world over.

There's a really good article by the photographer at this link below

Fawcett Photographer Recalls an Iconic Shoot

* The original poster dimensions were 24 x 32. The poster sold for $2.99 and almost every retailer carried it.

As of February 2^nd 2011 Farrah's swimsuit is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute. It was always in her plans to donate this according to her partner Ryan O'Neal.

Niagara Falls - Honeymoon Bridge Collapse January 27, 1938

Here's an FYI Slice of Americana

Niagara Falls - Honeymoon Bridge Collapse January 27, 1938

A wind storm from Lake Erie pushed massive amounts of ice over Niagara Falls. Our friendly tour guide says that more than 90 feet of ice crushed its way through the gorge, and the pressure buckled the girders and mangled the bridge base foundations on both sides. All of the moving ice and pressure caused the bridge to collapse.

Having witnessed this ice movement with the Erie storm in prior days the imminent collapse was predicted, and the spectacle drew thousands of onlookers. This collapse made big news and was filmed for broadcast news.

According to our tour guide the bridge came down in one massive piece at 4:20 PM on January 27, 1938. He said, that the collapse made international news and that it was even filmed. From news archives the following clip was found, and posted on YouTube.

The same video is re-posted here.

The Honeymoon Bridge was also called The Upper Steel Arch Bridge and Fallsview Bridge. It crossed the Niagara River, connecting Canada with the USA, and was located about 500 feet up from the present day Rainbow Bridge.

The original video posting on YouTube was at this link

Niagara Falls Bridge Collapses Under Pressure of Ice - 1938

Here are some old photos of that bridge.

The Drive-In Theaters - Yea, They're still out there!

The Drive-In Theater, like Apple Pie, Hot Dogs, and Baseball represent pure Americana. Fun for the whole family, and for friends and even dates. Movies combined with the outdoors while relaxing in your own car. This idea from long ago that still resonates with many today. Although its heyday has long passed, it is slowly becoming a popular thing to do again.

It all began long ago with the showing of Two White Arms the 1932 British Comedy Classic film that featured Adolphe Menjou in a story about a man who becomes bored with married life and pretends to have lost his memory so he can pursue other women. It had a different title for American audiences, that of, Wives Beware. The significant thing about this film is that it was the first film to be featured at a Drive-in Movie Theater. It was first shown in 1933.

The concept of a drive-in theater was patented by Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. on May 16, 1933. His original drive-in theater opened a month later in New Jersey on June 6, 1933. Although his own drive-in theater only operated for three years, the idea spread across America, and at its peak there were more than 4,000 drive-in theaters in operation. His first advertising slogan was, "The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are." At first, prices for admission was 25 cents for the car and 25 cents per person, but it was quite common to have specials of $1.00 per carload.

The idea of watching movies from your car on a large screen appealed to many. It was a common family night out, thing to do. It was the place to hang out and socialize more than anything else. In fact, the funny wise crack that circulated whenever there was talk of Drive-ins was, 'they show movies there, don't they,' as if to say that the features were not the main point of going. They became especially popular for dates, because of the privacy this setting provided.

If you have never been to one, the theaters are like large parking lots, where you drive in and find an open space in front of a large screen/wall that the film would be projected onto. With each space, you'd drive into, you would park on a small mound, something like a small hill. It put your viewing at an upward angle towards the screen, so that the other cars would not obstruct your view. When parked, there was a speaker for sound on a pole, and you would just hang the speaker from your door window. These drive-in theaters usually had playgrounds for small children and concession stands that sold food and drinks. The fun, food runs, and socializing always takes place between features, and the theaters usually had long breaks between in order to accommodate those at the concession stands.

The theaters usually showed double features, and some even offered triple features for the crowds that liked to stay late. The main feature was often shown first, and that would have been the big Hollywood hits of the day, the other features were the B-movies.

The peak period for drive-in theaters was the 1950's and early '60's, but as color television became more widespread, attendance at these theaters began to decline.

The unique experience of the drive-in theater lives on through classic car enthusiasts, nostalgia buffs, and the curious. It's a slice of vintage Americana personified that can't be missed. Although there are only around 400 of these theaters still in operation, you could probably find one not too far from where you live. These days, they show the modern flicks and the sound is broadcast to your car radio. You can expect to pay somewhere in the area of $20 for a car load today, but the fun and the experience is well worth it.

To my surprise, I recently learned that there may be another 200 theaters opening across the country in the very near future.

Although this experience is mostly associated with America, there are some drive-in theaters in other countries as well, including: Canada - Australia - Germany - India - South Africa & Spain.

Most people prefer indoor theaters with luxury seating, air conditioning, 3D and even 4D, enamored with all of today's technology, and amenities. While some long for the good ol' days of yesteryear, going to a drive-in, is an amazing experience. It's one you'll remember for a lifetime. Here's hoping you'll make some happy memories with your family this coming summer, and find a drive-in near you.

In the comments below, feel free to share your drive-in experiences and be sure to mention the theater, they could use the free mention.

Interesting fact: Shankweiler's Drive-In, in Orefield, Pennsylvania, is the oldest drive-in theater that is still going, and is now beginning its 82 season. So Cool! Long live the Drive-In's

Shankweilers Drive-In Theater

McDonald's Top 10 Slogans

McDonald's has for years been associated with some of the best ad slogans/catch-phrases, in our modern times. Some have endured for years, and others have faded. Over the years, their competitors have tried to do the same, but none have been as successful at delivering a memorable line than McDonald's. Below is probably their 10 most effective ad slogans.

1. You Deserve a Break Today
2. I'm Lovin' It
3. Did Somebody Say McDonald's
4. We Love to See You Smile
5. Have you had your break today
6. It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's
7. What you want is what you get
8. We do it all for you - a.k.a - You, you're the one
9. Look for the Golden Arches
10. The Closest Thing to Home

In the Mid 1970s: Two All-Beef Patties...was a very popular ad campaign, and it has since become synonymous with the 70's.

How fast can you say...

“Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.”

What was groovy then, may seem goofy now, but it was a craze that lives on...baby!

This most unusual ad first appeared in 1974. It became a phrase that everyone would try to

say. Mimicking the television commercial, with this run-on of words became a popular thing to

repeat. The real fun was in, who could say it faster and better than someone else. Admit it,

even you've probably tried to do it yourself-huh?

McDonald's is a well know international phenomenon, and many cities in many places of the world pride themselves as being modern, developed, and up-to date because of their presence. Most of the American ad slogans/campaigns are rolled out the same everywhere, but there may be some slight differences in some places. This short article focuses on the US ads that have been the most successful.

Listed below are most of the ad slogans that McDonald's has used over the past 50 yrs. In the United States. Some were not successful, and most were fairly forgettable, but there were some that were really effective, and some we'll never forget.

• Lets eat out!(1960–1965)
• Look for the Golden Arches! (1960–1967)
• Go for the Goodness at McDonald's (1962–1969)
• The closest thing to home (1966–1969)
• McDonald's is your kind of place (1967 – January 22, 1971)
• You deserve a break today (January 23, 1971 – April 23, 1975)
• Enjoy the best food at McDonald's (1973, concurrent with 1971 slogan)
• McDonald's Sure is Good to Have Around (1974, concurrent with 1971 slogan)
• We do it all for you (also known as You, you're the one) (April 24, 1975 – May 6, 1979)
• Nobody can do it like McDonald's can (May 7, 1979 – January 19, 1983)
• Nobody can say good night like McDonald's can (1979)
• You deserve a break today (August 21, 1981 – January 19, 1983)
• Nobody makes your day like McDonald's can (1980 – January 19, 1983)
• That's My McDonald's (1981, concurrent with 1980 slogans)
• We cook it all for you at McDonald's (1982, concurrent with 1980 slogans)
• McDonald's and you (January 20, 1983 – April 15, 1984)
• It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's (April 16, 1984 – April 10, 1988, this slogan was used on newspapers from April 16, 1984 until March 6, 1990 and in November 1993)
• 30 years of good times and great taste (1985, 30th anniversary)
• It's Mac Tonight (1985, Mac Tonight advertising)
• McDonald's is your place to be (1986, also used by NBC between 1990 and 1992 as NBC is the place to be)
• The good time, great taste of McDonald's (April 11, 1988 – March 6, 1990)
• You Deserve A Break Today (1989–1990, concurrent with 1988 slogan)
• Food, folks and fun (February 1990, March 7, 1990 – March 18, 1991)
• McDonald's Today (March 19, 1991 – March 16, 1992)
• What you want is what you get (March 17, 1992 – October 15, 1997)
• What you want is what you get at RocDonald's today (1994, The Flintstones promotion)
• McDonald's, where what you want is what you get (1994, Sonic the Hedgehog promotion)
• What you want is what you get, delivered from McDonald's today (1994, McDelivery trial)
• Do you believe in magic? (March 17, 1992 – October 15, 1997, Ronald McDonald and Happy Meal McDonald's ads)
• Have you had your break today? (February 17, 1995 – February 18, 1997)
• One Two Three Four... Big Mac burger! (1997)
• My McDonald's (February 19 – October 1, 1997)
• Did somebody say McDonald's? (October 2, 1997 – June 29, 2000)
• We love to see you smile (June 30, 2000 – September 28, 2003)
• Put a Smile On (June 30, 2000 – September 28, 2003)
• Smile (2001 – September 28, 2003)
• I'm lovin' it (September 29, 2003–present)
• It's what I eat and what I do (2005, combined with 2003 slogan to make It's what I eat and what I do...I'm lovin' it)
• What we're made of (2008–present)
• Gimme Back that Filet-O-Fish (2009–present, Filet-O-Fish advertising)
• You want it, need it, you gotta have a taste of McDonald's burgers (December 1, 2010 – present, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Angus Burger advertising)
• The simple joy of McDonald's (2010–2013)
• A whole new way to love McDonald's (2013–present)
• There's something for everyone to love at McDonald's (2013–present)
• Choose Lovin (2015-present)

Did I miss any that you remember? Do you remember any of these? Which one was your favorite? Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below.

Oh yea, I did forget one...and I sure wish the would bring this one back!

Real Good, and Still Only 15 Cents

What does “Bae” Mean?

Bae is the popularly used term that is a contraction / dropped letter version of other words, babe and baby. It has been suggested, but never proven, that bae is an acronym for 'before all others.' The actual origin isn't worth debating. Most likely, the term began being used as a texting dropped letter substitute for 'babe' and 'baby' that became both funny and popular to use.

Bae has a few meanings. In some instances bae is used to describe something as generally good or cool, as in “This video-game is so bae.” The word is also a youthful term of endearment, referring someone's boyfriend or girlfriend, or possibly that prospect who may be in their sights. She's my bae. He's my bae. I love my bae. Or Check out that bae. These are a few examples of the silliness you may hear.

It's usually used in the context of babe or baby, and almost always grammatically incorrect. The term’s usage became popular in 2013 and is still used today.

When words get popular, one of two things tend to happen, they either become synonymous with one very specific thing, or they expand to encompass a wider range of meanings. That latter of which seems to be what's happening today. For sure, it will be used and misused, till something else comes along, so forget about grammatically correct. It's a mad, mad, all-nonsense world out there.

For some sentence examples of how others are using this word follow the link below.

Urban Dictionary – Bae

The Top 10 Board Games Everyone Should Own

The magic of board games is that they draw us closer to each other. There's also a purpose and objective, which is to win the game, but whatever competitive nature, these games inspire, it's a given that the exercise is all in fun. A real family fun night can be yours if you're able to lure your family members away from the boob tube, smart-phone, tablet, Kindle or PC.

It is a good idea to pick at least one night out of the month, choose a weekend night, and spend it sitting around your table with your family and play a few of these games. You'll not only get some bonding time with each other, but you'll also make lasting memories of some family togetherness.

These games below are family favorites

1. Chutes and Ladders aka Snakes and Ladders
2. Monopoly
3. Life
4. Scrabble
5. Connect Four
6. Sorry
7. Jenga
8. Uno
9. Yahtzee
10. Trouble

The games above are fun for a whole family. Other common board games are Checkers and Chess, Battleship, and even Othello, although these are probably not the best choices for family fun as these games are two-player games.

Going a little further back, maybe you remember these games from Milton Bradley

1. Happy Days
2. Flip Your Wig The Beatles

There is a long recent stretch of USA good ol' Americana that is found in, the board games played over the last few decades. The popularity of board games seemed to rise in the 1930's with Monopoly and the success of that game inspired the many others that followed. It is a genre unto itself and one that is not dependent on battery power.

For sure, if you're game enough, family fun awaits you all. The games above are all best sellers even to this day, but what's your favorite? Maybe there is one that's not listed here, feel free to post your ideas in the comments below.

FYI - But, did you know that the Monopoly game we all love and hate was actually stolen? Yep, as it turns out, the game was originally created by Elizabeth Magie and patented in 1904. Her original creation was called “The Landlord's Game.” That game and the more well known Monopoly are nearly identical, to put matters to rest her patent was eventually bought out for a sum of $500. Bum deal there, I think!

WTV - What The Vape- 2014 WOTY

2014 is coming to a close and the (WOTY) Word of The Year is...?

The ever evolving or devolving English language annually proclaims a word of the year. These lists of words reveal what is making news and how we relate to the changing times.

This year Dictionary.com names 'exposure' as their top choice, while Collins English Dictionary has selected 'photobomb' as their number one word. And, ...drum roll... Oxfords Dictionary has crowned 'vape' their winner and interestingly, they've also named 'minion' as their children's word of the year.

The methods used to determine their choices all vary and are questionable.

Of the three main choices, exposure, photobomb and vape I think the better choice and probably most used, possibly overused and misused word has to be photobomb. In hindsight, as I reflect on another passing year, I just didn't see the use of 'vape' as or more often than the other two choices of exposure and the now epic PHOTOBOMB!

This past year, none of the words really registered with us quite like last year's winner of 'selfie' which was an undeniable winner! The word 'selfie' and it's prominence in all, things was indeed unparalleled. Whether you agree or not is a matter of choice and perhaps biased opinions, but none of this year's picks even come close to last years winner.

An up and coming new, sort of, word is bashtag, which is used to describe abusive and critical comments. Have you heard it used yet?

Looking forward to another year I am wondering what might be the big new word in 2015

Let's not be remiss in throwing out some of the most annoying words that make us all cringe and wish would either be replaced or vanquished forevermore!

1.likes

2.twerk

3.tweeps

4.overshare

5.tag

Your lists may differ but, I am certain that these five words are very annoying to everyone and it's only a matter of time before something new will come along and replace them. Until then we suffer on and on.