Monday, November 24, 2008

Who's eats turkey on Thanksgiving?


What did the Pilgrims eat for Thanksgiving?

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Nothing remotely close to what we eat.

While it is possible that the Pilgrims ate turkey, it is more likely that the centerpiece of their Thanksgiving feast was venison, accompanied by duck or goose. The meal may have also included seafood, such as clams, eel, cod or lobster.

Potatoes, apples, pears and cranberries were not commonly available at that time, nor would they have had corn on the cob, as it would have been dried by that time of year.

And pumpkin pie? Forget it. They may have made some sort of dessert with pumpkins, but since sugar and flour were scarce, and there were no ovens for baking, it would not have been pumpkin pie.

The "traditional" Thanksgiving meal most of us eat today is an invention of the Victorian era, composed of foods that were appropriate to celebrate the harvest when Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday in 1863.

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Take Back Your Dinner Hour!



It is 5:00 in the evening. Work was tough, the roads were slippery, and the traffic was about as crowded as it could get today. But the smell of dinner is in the oven as you walk through the door. The kids yell for you and are so thankful you're home. It's a little piece of heaven we all wait for every night.

The conversation at the dinner table is delightful. The kids are telling their stories about the feared spelling test they did so good on. Gym was fantastic, and recess was even better. Then the dreaded screech in the conversation. Like a bad car accident. Ring, ring, ring. Everyone wonders who that could be. Grandma. Grandpa? Neither. Someone on the other end is asking if you would like to refinance your home, or consolidate credit cards.

It absolutely wrecks a great family moment every time. The following is information on how to avoid this. I did it myself, and it lets you register 3 numbers on the do not call list at a time.

Good piece of info.......

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years.. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS..
or go to http://www.donotcall.gov

If you have any questions please give me a call, but not during dinner please!~Joe Koltes

Monday, November 10, 2008

Do you know where your religion is?


As I was reading through my church bulletin this week, I stumbled upon an article written by a favorite priest of mine Fr. Whemann. He borrowed it from Ann Landers. I figured if he thought it was ok, I could too. Although my blog is generally about business, houses, and different trades such as plumbing, electrical, painting, concrete, carpet, and so on, I thought I would share this with you.

WHEN WAS YOUR RELIGION FOUNDED?
The following is taken from an Ann Landers column. (Date unknown)

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DEAR READERS: Do you have any idea when your religion was founded and by whom? I found the following fascinating:

If you are a member of the Jewish faith, your religion was founded by Abraham about 4,000 years ago.

If you are Hindu, your religion developed in India around 1,500 B.C.

If your are Buddhist, your religion split from Hinduism, and was founded by Buddha, Prince Sidhartha Guatama of India, about 500 B.C.

If you are Roman Catholic, Jesus Christ began your religion in the year 33.

If you are Islamic, Mohammed started your religion in what is now Saudi Arabia around 600A.D.

If you are Eastern Orthodox, your sect separated from Roman Catholicism around the year 1,000.

If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk in the Catholic Church, in 1517.

If you belong to the Church of England (Anglican) your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.

If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded when John Knox brought the teachings of John Calvin to Scotland in the year 1560.

If you are Unitarian, your religious group developed in Europe in the 1500s.

If you are a Congregationalist, your religion branched off from Puritanism in the early 1600s in England.

If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1607.

If you are a Methodist, your religion was founded by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.

If you are Episcopalian, your religion was brought over from England, to the American colonies and formed a separate religion by Samuel Seabury in 1789.

If you are a Mormon (Latter-Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your church in Palmyra, N.Y., not Salt Lake City. The year was 1830.

If you worship with the Salvation Army (yes, it’s a religious group, not just an organization that collects money in kettles on Christmas and serves dinners to the homeless), your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.

If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year your religion was founded by Mary Baker Eddy.

If you are a Jehovah’s Witness, your religion was founded by Charles Taze Russell in Pennsylvania in the 1870s.

If you are Pentecostal, your religion was started in the United States in 1901.

If you are an agnostic, you profess an uncertainty or a skepticism about the existence of God or a Higher Being.

If you are an atheist, you do not believe in the existence of God or any other higher power. This country’s best-known atheist, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, has not been seen or heard from in more than a year. According to her son, she has disappeared without a trace.

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Don't fall for it until you check yor list!


The Checklist at a Glance

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Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Most of the tasks listed below are well with-in the average person's ability. But even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it's worth the expense. You'll save money -- and maybe even your life.

Here's the checklist at a glance. See the following pages for more detailed guidance.


  • Get your mind in the gutters. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Button up your overcoat. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.
  • Get on top of roof problems. Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.
  • Walks the walks (and drives). Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
  • Chill out. Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
  • Freshen your filter. Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.
  • Give your furnace a physical. Have a professional inspect your heating system.
  • Gather round the hearth. Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.
  • Keep the humidifier humming. Clean the plates or pads to ensure efficient operation.
  • Head-off gas problems. If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.
  • Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a deadly situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.
  • Keep your family safe at home. A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.
  • We can help with all your fall needs. Just stop by and fill out the request. www.go2joe.com

Get your mind in the gutters. Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls. That's why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.


Button up your overcoat. A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weather-stripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. Because weather stripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically.

If you suspect a problem with weather stripping, you have several options for checking. Close a door or window on a strip of paper; if the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn't doing its job. Or, close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame. (Don't let the flame get near anything flammable!) If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.

While you're at it, also check for missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, gas, and so. Seal any gaps with a suitable caulk.

Get on top of roof problems. Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Here's how: Inspect your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating; expect problems soon. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Note: Roof-mounted television antennas, even if they aren't in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.


Walk the walks (and drives). Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns icy. Fixing problems in the fall is also critical to preventing little problems from becoming expensive headaches.

Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for disintegration of asphalt, or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths.

Most small jobs are well within the ability of a do-it-yourselver, but save major repairs for experienced hands.


Chill out. If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and inground irrigation systems don't freeze and burst.

Here's how: Close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.) If you don't have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not "freezeproof " types, you may benefit from styrofoam faucet covers sold at home centers.

To freezeproof an inground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer's procedure for draining it and protecting it from winter damage.


Heating Systems

Freshen your filter. Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be deposited on your furniture, woodwork, and so on. Clogged filters make it harded to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can serious increase your utility bills. A simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters breathing free and clear.

Here's how: Disposable filters can be vaccumed once before replacement. Foam filters can also be vaccumed, but they don't need to be replaced unless they are damaged. Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.


Give your furnace a physical. Once a year, it's a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins.

Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:

Noisy belts. Unusual screeches or whines may be a signal that belts connected to the blower motor are worn or damaged.

Poor performance. A heating system that doesn't seem to work as well as it once did could be a sign of various problems. Your heating ducts might be blocked, the burners might be misadjusted, or the blower motor could be on its last legs. One check you should be sure to conduct: Make sure your furnace filter is clean.

Erratic behavior. This could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a misadjusted furnace.


Gather round the hearth. Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards.

Inspect your flue for creosote. Creosote is a flammable by-product of burning wood. If it accumulates in a flue or chimney, the result can be a devastating fire. Have your chimney inspected annually for creosote buildup. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.

For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits approaching 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.

Look for flue blockages. Birds love to nest at the top of an unprotected flue. A chimney cap can prevent this from happening. If you don't have a cap, look up the flu to ensure that there are no obstructions.

Exercise the damper. The damper is the metal plate that opens and closes the flu just above the firebox. Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.

Check your chimney for damage. Make certain that the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place. Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints. If access is a problem, use binoculars.


Keep the humidifier humming. You may know that bone dry winter air is bad for your health, but did you also know it can make fine wood more prone to cracking? You and your home will feel more comfortable if you keep your central humidifier in tip-top shape during the months it is running.

Here's how: First, inspect the plates or pads, and if necessary, clean them in a strong laundry detergent solution. Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.


Head-off gas problems. Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew poisons into the air of your home, or it may simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address.

Here's how: First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they are dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's advice for any other needed maintenance. Our best contractors at www.go2joe.com can help you with this.


Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Woodburning stoves are a great way to add atmosphere and warmth to your home. But regular inspections are needed to ensure that these devices don't become a safety hazard. Here's how to check them.

Inspect stovepipes. Cracks in stovepipes attached to wood stoves can release toxic fumes into your home. Throughout the heating season, you should check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints. Clean the stovepipe, and then look for signs of deterioration or looseness. Replace stovepipe if necessary.

Look for corrosion and cracks. Check for signs of rust or cracking in the stove's body or legs.

Check safety features. Make sure that any required wall protection is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and that the unit sits on an approved floor material. If you have young children, be sure to fence off the stove when it is in operation.

Home Safe Home

At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home's safety features. This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan. Here's how to do this:

Smoke and CO detectors. Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven't already, install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Fire extinguishers. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn't a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

Fire escape plans. Every bedroom, including basement bedrooms, should have two exit paths. Make sure windows aren't blocked by furniture or other items. Ideally, each upper-floor bedroom should have a rope ladder near the window for emergency exits. Review what to do in case of fire, and arrange a safe meeting place for everyone away from the house.

General cleanup. Rid your home of accumulations of old newspapers and leftover hazardous household chemicals. (Check with your state or local Environmental Protection Agency about the proper way to discard dangerous chemicals.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep a clear space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.-Joe Koltes courtesey Better Homes and Gardens www.go2joe.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

Who's Your President?

Well it's finally here! A new President? A new Senator? No! The marathon of campaign ads are finally over! The day has come where we can finally turn on the television and watch our favorite shows without listening to all the fighting!

Recently we have been so pounded by political ads many people are afraid to turn on the TV! It's he said, she said, and then some! Hollywood has too much money so they vote for fun. We the working stiffs hope we vote for the person that eases the pain our family and friends feel.

So who do you vote for to change our country? If only we could vote for Fonzie. Aurthur Fonzerelli from Milwaukee Wisconsin. Imagine Fonzie meeting with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the president of Iran. "You got Nukes?" President Fonzie says HEEEEEEEY thats not cool. The peace talks at Arnold's are over with a sock hop and chocolate shake to celebrate!

We all are hoping for the best for everyone as we cast our vote tomorrow. I have heard people complaining they have to get up early and make it to the polls before work to vote. They have to skip lunch or leave work early to vote. As we contemplate this great expense, we need to remember a simple but important point. Thousands and thousands of people have given their lives selflessly for us to stand in line and cast our vote to determine our next leaders. This is a gift most of the world does not get.

If only it was as simple as voting for Fonzie. It's unfortunately not. Vote true to your heart and those that have sacrificed to give us this right, will deam the cost justified. Appreciate this great gift, and get out and vote! Joe Koltes


Saturday, November 1, 2008

Got Pumpkins?


Pumpkin History

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References to pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." "Pepon" was nasalized by the French into "pompon." The English changed "pompon" to "Pumpion." Shakespeare referred to the "pumpion" in his Merry Wives of Windsor. American colonists changed "pumpion" into "pumpkin." The "pumpkin" is referred to in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater and Cinderella.

Native Americans dried strips of pumpkin and wove them into mats. They also roasted long strips of pumpkin on the open fire and ate them. The origin of pumpkin pie occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in hot ashes.

My Favorite Pumpkin 08'

Wandering the streets this year with my son Kooper I wasn't sure what the holiday was. We grew up calling it Halloween, however I was informed by my detailed son that we now call the holiday in our school "Fall Festival". This is done so we don't offend anyone. I have not wrapped my brain around this yet. I am particularly offended there is a St Patricks Day. Everyone dresses up in green, drinking green beer until they fall over, yet there is no St Joseph Day, honoring my patron Saint. I need to stand up for my rights. I wonder if I can sue the school district? Christmas is also called "Winter Holiday". This offends so many people the stores are decorated for 9 months out of the year with Christmas decorations. It surely doesn't seem to offend Walmart when they report the company's 1st quarter earnings which includes the Christmas tradition of "loading up the credit card"! We cannot use the word Christ at school, this too offends too many people. Easter will be next on the list to offend someone to be sure. We can call this holiday in my family "watch Uncle Bill drink so much Makers Mark and eat so much ham he needs a nap" holiday. I don't think this will offend anyone. I digress.

I was on the look out for my favorite pumpkin. Something original that caught my eye. The opposite of anything my talents lead me to every year. Three triangles and a jagged mouth. I used to be the apple of my sons eye until he realized there were other styles and ways to carve a pumpkin. The one pictured above was carved by Megan C. She is a very bright neighbor girl in the 2nd grade at our local Elementary. I happened upon her pumpkin as I had lost track of my son, as usual this night. The kids run wildly down the street, as the parents watch in amazement. Why couldn't he run that fast in our football game last week, someone mumbles. In this game of pumpkins, I found a winner that wouldn't offend anyone, other than her dad who oddly resembles the pumpkin! Sorry John! Nice job Meg!

History of the Jack-o-Lantern

People have been making jack-o-lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o’lanterns.

Source: Parts from The History Channel