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"Why is there something instead of nothing? In other words: Why does the universe exist (and why are we in it)? Philosopher and writer Jim Holt follows this question toward three possible answers. Or four. Or none."

Why does the universe exist? | Jim Holt
 
KFC founder, Colonel Sanders on how JESUS saved him (1979)
"There was a time when a man can speak openly about his faith in Jesus Christ on public TV."
 
Speaking at TED in 1998, Rev. Billy Graham marvels at technology's power to improve lives and change the world -- but says the end of evil, suffering and death will come only after the world accepts Christ. A legendary talk from TED's archives.

Billy Graham: Technology, faith and human shortcomings
 
A 3rd Rock from the Sun Cast Reunion at Vulture Festival
(Speed Bump Alert: A few F-words sprinkled lightly.)
 
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Hollywood Legend Dick Van Dyke Reflects on His Six Decade Career, Sounds Off on Mary Poppins Sequel,
 
Gregory Peck Accepts the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1989
What an elegant and articulate gentleman!
 
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One of the most dangerous toys of all times: The Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab​

By: Rénald Fortier
Ingenium
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A boy and elements of a toy on display at the 1950 edition of the toy fair of New York City, New York: Stefan Olsen and the cloud chamber of a Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab. Anon., “La page des enfants – Initiation atomique.” Photo-Journal, 13 April 1950, 20.


"Let us lighten up the atmosphere a little, my reading friend. Would you care to read the caption of the photograph yours truly used to initiate this issue of our blog / bulletin / thingee? Yes? Wunderbar."

"Stefan Olsen, aged 8, learns the mysteries of atomic energy, by using this small toy atomic laboratory on display at the American toy fair in New York City. Although equipped with a Geiger counter and radioactive ores, this toy is harmless and offers only very peaceful possibilities."

"And no, your mind is not playing tricks on you. The toy in question really included radioactive ore samples. What could possibly go wrong? Said toy was the Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab, and here it is, in all its glory, and…"

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Both exciting and safe, the Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab. Wikipedia.

"Why the shocked look, my reading friend? This thingee is, after all, a toy."

"Said toy was No. 238 or, more precisely, No. U-238 in the long list of products produced by A.C. Gilbert. This unusual descriptor was chosen in reference to the most common form of uranium found in nature, Uranium-238, but I digress."

"Gilbert was seemingly quite proud of the Atomic Energy Lab, his most spectacular educational toy, his words, not mine, and one of the many chemistry- / physics-related toys on the market in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was exciting, it was safe and it was accurate, said this gentleman who was sometimes / often compared to Walter Elias “Walt” Disney, Junior, for his creative genius."

"Indeed, some of the brightest nuclear physicists in the United States, including some from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a world famous institution of higher learning mentioned in July 2019, December 2019 and February 2020 issues of our blog / bulletin / thingee, had graciously agreed to help A.C. Gilbert develop the Atomic Energy Lab. Like many other educational toys of its time, the latter gently directed young Americans, boys really, toward a career in science and technology."

"And yes, my reading friend, the aforementioned Wolowitz had a master’s degree from MIT. Small world, isn’t it?"

"Eager to improve public understanding of nuclear energy and emphasise the positive aspects of our friend the atom, individuals within the American government all but applauded A.C. Gilbert’s efforts toward the development of this new toy." (READ MORE)
 
"George Fabian, a shoe repairman from Madison Wisconsin, Shares his story of growing up in the Italian part of town (The Greenbush Neighborhood) and his life as shoe cobbler and "Mayor" of Park Street."

"By George": The George Fabian Story
 
As you travel through life, whatever your goal, keep your eye on the doughnut, and not on the hole.

"The Mayflower Coffee Shop chain, based in New Jersey and New York in the 1920s and 1930s, had a similar slogan. Word historian Barry Popik has collected other versions, including:

Between optimist and pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist the doughnut sees, the pessimist the hole."

“The hole is so deep and so bad; the Doughnut is a beautiful thing.” ~ David Lynch
 
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American stand-up comedian Jay Leno is this week's guest on the 'Phil In The Blanks' podcast.
 
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