LightGrams (Page 5)
LightGramsOctober 19, 2023Volume 27, Number 28 Years ago, I was officiating a wedding when a phone started ringing. Phones ringing at inappropriate times is a common phenomenon, but this phone was in the groom’s pocket! I’m not sure how much conversation this later prompted between the man and his new bride, but I’ve made it…
LightGramsOctober 5, 2023Volume 27, Number 27 The Kunsten Museum in Aalborg, Denmark had to take legal action. They had paid artist Jens Haaning over $70,000 to recreate two earlier works of art for display in an upcoming exhibition. Haaning agreed, and just before the show premiered, he delivered two framed empty canvases. He appropriately entitled…
LightGramsSeptember 21, 2023Volume 27, Number 26 It was a carrier pigeon that delivered the news to London that Napoleon had been defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. In both World Wars, carrier pigeons transmitted vital messages between various command posts. These amazing creatures have been utilized throughout history, and their homing instincts have made possible…
LightGramsSeptember 14, 2023Volume 27, Number 25 A fundamental lesson to learn when you begin driving is to pay attention to road signs and markings. One such marking is the solid yellow line painted onto the asphalt; that means “do not cross” or change lanes in that area. Most drivers understand that. Drivers along a 20-mile…
LightGramsAugust 31, 2023Volume 27, Number 23 “The largest search in 50 years” took place recently in Scotland. The search was aimed at capturing evidence that the Loch Ness Monster really exists. Legends of such a monster have been around for centuries. In 1934 a grainy photo was published that certainly fit our expectations of what…
LightGramsJuly 27, 2023Volume 27, Number 21 It’s not uncommon to hear of look-alike contests. Some of the most famous call for people who look like Elvis Presley or Dolly Parton. There’s another that recently took place in Key West, Florida. Just by mentioning the location you may have guessed I’m referring to Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway…
LightGramsJuly 20, 2023Volume 27, Number 20 So many people collect so many different things. Stamp and coin collecting are well known hobbies, but just about anything has become the object of a collection. My mother collected paperweights (we still have a box full!), and one of our sons collected banana stickers. Whatever it is that…
LightGramsJuly 13, 2023Volume 27, Number 19 The Toronto Zoo has posted a new sign on the exhibit where visitors can see gorillas. It asks visitors to please refrain from showing videos on their smartphones to the gorillas “as some content can be upsetting and affect their relationships and behavior within their family.” Nassir is a…
LightGramsJune 29, 2023Volume 27, Number 18 Phil Stringer was no different than the other passengers waiting to board a plane. The flight from Oklahoma City to Charlotte earlier this week was delayed, an announcement that no passenger wants to hear. By the time the flight was ready to board – 18 hours later! – all…
LightGramsJune 22, 2023Volume 27, Number 17 As I write this, the search for the Ocean Gate submersible is at a critical stage. The story has dominated the news this week since the last communication on Sunday. The submersible is a sort of mini submarine designed for a maximum of five people, two of whom are…