Astronaut's Pictures

 Tonight's finale: Full Moon rising. So near, and yet...

Astronaut's incredible photos from space
Astronaut Chris Hadfield beams back incredible photographs of Earth from aboard the International Space Station.


(Photo by Chris Hadfield/Twitter)


Ref:  http://news.yahoo.com/photos/astronaut-s-incredible-photos-from-space-slideshow/space-photo--1905841131.html

Camouflaged Critters

See if you can spot the hidden creatures.

Peacocks usually do their best to be conspicuous, but not this background artist at Disney World's Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Image by Liz Lawley

See more at: http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/50508/can+you+spot+the+cleverly+camouflaged+critters/

Hypersonic 'SpaceLiner'

Hypersonic 'SpaceLiner' Aims to Fly Passengers in 2050
A hypersonic "SpaceLiner" would whisk up to 50 passengers from Europe to Australia in 90 minutes. The futuristic vehicle would do so by riding a rocket into Earth's upper atmosphere, reaching 24 times the speed of sound before gliding in for a landing.
SpaceLiner passengers would have eight minutes to experience the rocket launch before they reached an altitude of about 47 to 50 miles (75 to 80 kilometers). That falls short of the 62-mile (100-km) boundary considered the edge of space, but even a suborbital flight would allow SpaceLiner to glide back to Earth at hypersonic speeds of more than 15,000 mph (25,200 kph).
The rocket-powered design stands out compared with other proposed hypersonic jets, which feature new air-breathing engine concepts. European aerospace giant EADS previously unveiled a hypersonic jet concept that would rely mainly upon air-breathing ramjets to reach cruising speeds of Mach 4 — faster than the supersonic Concorde's Mach 2 performances but far slower than the SpaceLiner's Mach 24 goal.

SpaceLiner's European project planners say their reliance upon proven rocket technology could allow their vehicle to fly sooner rather than later. They plan to use liquid oxygen and hydrogen rocket propellants so that the rocket engines leave only water vapor and hydrogen in the atmosphere.

Read more at: http://news.yahoo.com/hypersonic-spaceliner-aims-fly-passengers-2050-180537395.html

Tennessee Homecoming King Nominees Give Crown to Another Teen

Three Tennessee homecoming king nominees made a unanimous and touching decision that no matter who won, they would give the crown to a beloved student with a genetic condition.

Students Jesse Cooper, Drew Gibbs and Zeke Grissom were all nominated for homecoming king at Community High School's basketball homecoming ceremony.

The teens got together and decided that the winner would turn over the honor to junior Scotty Maloney, who has Williams Syndrome, a neurological disorder that inhibits learning and speech.

"I've been blessed with so many things," Cooper told ABC News' Nashville affiliate WKRN-TV. "I just wanted Scotty to experience something great in his high school days."

"He's always happy, so he deserves some recognition for who he is," Gibbs said.

Cooper won the popular vote for king, but when the official announcement was made at a Friday ceremony, the principal told the crowd what the nominees had decided to do.

"When they called [Scotty's] name, his eyes got really big and I don't know that he registered exactly what was happening. He knew something was," Maloney's teacher Liz Hestle Gassaway told ABCNews.com. "It was very, very emotional."

The crowd erupted with cheers and Maloney got a long standing ovation, WKRN reported, as he was awarded his "King" medal.

"It was just a ton of emotion from everybody," Grissom told WKRN. "I think I saw Scotty shed a few tears. I know Jesse was pretty emotional. We were all emotional out there on the court."

Maloney is a beloved teen in his school and in the community, Gassaway said.

"Scotty is fabulous. He is a superstar. He knows everybody. There's not one person that Scotty does not know," she said. "To know him and meet him is to love him."

Read more at: http://gma.yahoo.com/homecoming-surprise-tennessee-teen-200343676--abc-news-topstories.html

Ohio Gets Its Coldest Weather in 4 Years

The core of the cold air settled over the region Tuesday, likely giving Bucyrus its coldest day since January 2009. While temperatures are expected to slowly moderate as the week progresses, we’re not likely to warm past 25 degrees until Friday, with Monday probably being our next chance of getting above freezing.

The wind chill advisory that went into effect here Monday night, more for cold temperatures than high winds, is scheduled to expire at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

With north central Ohio experiencing its coldest weather in four years this week, the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department advised residents to watch out for symptoms of hypothermia, which occurs when more heat escapes from your body than it’s able to produce.

“Common signs to look for are shivering, which is your body’s attempt to generate heat through muscle activity, and the umbles: Stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, grumbles,” Reed Richmond, an educator with the department, said.

More specifically, these symptoms include slurred speech, fatigue, lethargy and apathy.

Measures to avoid getting too cold might be self-explanatory, but are often overlooked — wearing gloves and a hat, avoiding overexertion, dressing in layers and, most importantly, staying dry.

Household pets need special attention during cold spells as well, according to the ASPCA.

Cats accustomed to being indoors should be kept indoors. And be aware that outdoor cats have a tendency to sleep under the hoods of cars. Bang on your hood before starting your car if there are cats in your neighborhood.

Ice-melting chemicals and road salt will make your dog or cat sick (although there are pet-safe brands on the market). Even if your pets don’t actively eat it off the ground, it can get lodged in their paws, to be licked up later.

Short-haired dogs will be grateful for a sweater, and puppies, regardless of their breed, are more susceptible to very cold weather than full-grown dogs (and are harder to housebreak in such weather as well).

We don’t like cold drafts. Neither do our pets, and since they’re closer to the floor they feel them far more often. Consider investing in a cat or dog bed, or at least give them a blanket or pillow. Your pets will thank you for it.

Ref: http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130122/NEWS01/301220021/Ohio-gets-its-coldest-weather-4-years

Lions Park

Bucyrus Adult Softball Organizational Meeting

February 17th 5:00 p.m. at Baker's Sport Shack in the small banquet room. If you are going to have a team for Co-Ed or Men's, please plan to attend. For more info call 419-563-5849 or 419-571-7705


For more info see: http://www.cityofbucyrusoh.us/parks.php#Aumiller

National Nothing Day

Today is National Nothing Day

National Nothing Day is an "un-event" proposed in 1972 by columnist Harold Coffin and observed annually on January 16 since 1973, when it was added to Chase's Calendar of Events. Its purpose is: to provide Americans with one National day when they can just sit without celebrating, observing or honoring anything.

There you have it......an excuse to do nothing. :)

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Nothing_Day

Cold Weather Road Trip?

Taking a road trip soon? Here's a few tips for before you go:
1) Check weather and traffic reports; most states have toll-free numbers you can call for both of these.
2) Get a full-service tuneup (recommended at 30,000 miles, 60,000 and so on). Bring your car in for service at least a week or two before you plan to leave - don't wait until the day before.
3) Check your car battery terminals for corrosion. Terminals can be cleaned with a wire brush dipped in baking soda and water.
4) Have the battery "load tested" if it's more than 4 years old. Cold weather greatly decreases a battery's ability to hold a charge - a weak battery may give up in very cold weather.
5) Inspect your tire-tread wear and maintain the proper air pressure indicated in your owner's manual. Replace worn or old tires. Install snow tires or all-weather tires if driving in snow. Some places (such as many mountain passes in the Sierra and Rockies) require tire chains in heavy snow. Purchase chains to keep in your trunk - and know how to install them beforehand.
6) Examine all belts and hoses to make sure there are no cracks or leaks.
7) Check your antifreeze strength in the radiator overflow reservoir with a hydrometer. The antifreeze should be clean, up to the proper level, and strong enough to provide protection at 36 degrees below zero F.
8) Replace the coolant and/or flush the cooling system if this hasn't been done in the last 15,000 miles.
9) Check all the car's fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable), hydraulic clutch fluid (if applicable).
10) Keep your washer-fluid reservoir filled. Use windshield washer fluid that has windshield antifreeze in it, not just water.
11) Replace your windshield wipers if they're split, cracked, streaking or skipping.
12) Be certain your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turning signals work, and replace bulbs as necessary.
13) Pack one or two warm blankets in the trunk of your car.
14) If you're traveling to an area with snow, bring a small shovel and kitty litter in case you get stuck in the snow.

Read more: How to Prepare for a Winter Road Trip | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5240_prepare-winter-road.html#ixzz2HyeXYgdq

Dillinger's Event Center

 
BUCYRUS — A local business owner’s dream that became a reality before he lost his battle with cancer is being carried on by his family and employees.

Harmon Guss renovated the former Julie’s Restaurant and opened Gus’s Grill and Grog in 2009.

Just a few weeks before he lost his battle with cancer, he opened an accompanying facility, called Dillinger’s Event Center, at 144 Washington Square.

“We officially opened in mid-October,” said Rich Edgington, chef and manager of the center.

Edgington said it was Guss’ goal to provide an event center to support the Bucyrus community.

“Harmon was always looking for ways to keep dollars and people local. He created a place where people can hold events such as conventions, wedding receptions, parties and meetings and not have to drive out of town,” Edgington said.
Guss’ wife and owner of Dillinger’s, Julie, is running the business with the help of two of their three daughters.
Dillinger’s disc jockey, Shawn Ridgeway, said the event center will be open to the public from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday unless it is booked for a private event.

“We will have music and a full bar,” Ridgeway said.
Ridgeway said monthly events for the public are planned.
“Saturday we are having an ’80s party with contests, prizes, full bar and plenty of ’80s music,” Ridgeway said. “We may charge a small cover charge in March when we have our country and western theme night due to the expense of a mechanical bull.

“I think it will be a lot of fun to have one available.”

Ridgeway said in February the theme night will be Mardi Gras.

“We want to offer something different for the community,” Ridgeway said.

A marquee at the front of the building will alert the public when a private event is being held on a Friday or Saturday night.

“Otherwise, we are open to the public on those evenings,” Ridgeway said.

Angel Lange, who helps plan events at the center, said a Battle of the Bands event is being planned, along with a Bridal Show in early spring.

“We want to show brides everything we have to offer here,” Lange said.

The event center aims to be a full-service operation for a party, meeting or wedding reception.

Read more at: http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130113/NEWS01/301130019/Owner-s-dream-lives-onDill

Other Ref: http://www.gussgrill.com/dillingers.html

Flu Season & Tips To Avoid it

This flu season is turning out harsh
BUCYRUS — Chances are you or someone you know has been chained to the bed recently with fever, fatigue, sore throat and muscle aches.

That’s because this flu season is turning out to be a bad one, affecting more people than usual, starting earlier and covering a broader geographical area. Locally, Cynda Brause said it has been a concern.

“We’ve had eight cases in the past two weeks,” said Brause, director of nursing at the Crawford County General Health District.

She called it “an alarming number of reports.”
Brause said it is the worst she has seen since the H1N1 virus several years ago.

“We still have flu shots available,” Brause said.

Residents who want to schedule a flu shot can call 419-562-5871 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more info see:http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130109/NEWS01/301090026/Harsh-flu-season-under-way

Whether you think you’ve got a shot at getting a flu vaccine or not, there are still steps you can take to help you avoid getting sick. That’s important, because the influenza virus (flu) affects anywhere from five to 20 percent of Americans every year. In addition, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized from flu complications annually.

The Centers for Disease Control’s web site – www.cdc.gov – offers the following tips on flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

• If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Delayed Diploma

Delayed diploma: Korean War vet recognized at age 83
BUCYRUS — Lawrence R. Frank completed his education Saturday afternoon.

The 83-year-old never finished his studies at Sulphur Springs High School because he left for a two-year stint in the Korean War.

Until this weekend he had not received a diploma. His family and Colonel Crawford Schools Superintendent Todd Martin made it happen with a surprise ceremony at the home of Norma Hoover.
Frank left Crawford County in 1951 for Japan, where he worked as a machinist repairing tanks for the U.S. Army.
Upon returning home, Frank went to work for a manufacturing company. Later he was hired at the Timken Co., where he spent 36 years.
He also worked the fields, continuing to work on the family’s grain farm today.

Read more at:  http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130106/NEWS01/301060007/Veteran-gets-diploma

Car Color?

What Does Your Car Color Say About You?
Conventional wisdom says red cars get more speeding tickets and their owners love being in the spotlight. But what vibes are you giving off if you drive a white, gray or blue car?

Check out the following link to find out: http://www.ivillage.com/what-does-your-car-color-say-about-you/7-b-458744#458743

Time to Recycle Those Christmas Trees!

You are encouraged to take your old Christmas trees to the compost site the Saturday after New Year's Day.

Please note this site is for yard waste of Bucyrus residents only. Please be prepared to provide photo I.D. showing proof of residency. No commercial waste will be accepted. Yard waste to be accepted consists of leaves, grass clippings, brush, garden waste, tree trunks, and stumps, holiday trees, and clippings from trees or shrubs.
The Site will close for the season at noon on January 5, 2013.


Ref:http://www.cityofbucyrusoh.us/news.php