Yum!

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Yum, yum, yummy, yum, yum!!!!!!!   :)))))))))))))

As I’m guessing most will agree, one of the great taste enjoyments in life is that of a red, ripe strawberry.  As a foodie, this time of year I just can’t get enough strawberries – on my cereal, in my morning smoothies, as a quick snack, on a buffet table, on vanilla ice cream, or just out of the container in the fridge as a side dish… (and “maybe” a fresh strawberry shake here and there). There’s something magical about biting into a fresh strawberry. Sweet, juicy, and yummy. Here in Ohio, our peak season for picking is in June. Jackie and I are looking forward to heading out with the grandkids for a day and do some berry picking. We bring home our harvest, clean ‘em up, and get to enjoying the “farm fresh picked” flavor. My only problem is how many I eat while washing!  I thought you’d like to know a bit more about these delectable berries and wanted to share a few great recipes – start with fresh berries and cool whip.  Thx to Wikipedia and You Tube for the input. Enjoy!

Wild strawberries have been around since ancient times and were consumed by the Romans for their medicinal properties. Strawberries symbolized perfection and righteousness and are often served at important functions to ensure peace and prosperity.

In folklore, strawberries have been associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, due to their heart shape and red color. In some cultures, strawberries are considered a symbol of purity, passion, and healing.

Despite being commonly referred to as a berry, the strawberry is technically an aggregate accessory fruit. Each seed on its surface is one of the ovaries of the flower, with a seed inside. The strawberry is the only fruit with seeds on the outside, typically about 200 seeds per berry.

Strawberries are propagated through runners, which are horizontal stems that grow out from the main plant and take root to form new plants. If you’ve had strawberries in your garden, you’ve experienced this growth pattern – and how tough it is to stop them from spreading.

Raw strawberries are 91% water, 8% carbohydrates, 1% protein.

The first garden strawberries were grown in France during the late 18th century. These were hybrids of two wild species from North America and Chile.

Strawberry picking season typically runs from late spring to early summer, depending on the region and climate. Peak strawberry season in the United States varies by region but generally falls between April and June. June is a good time to pick here in northern Ohio.

Strawberries are delicate and require careful handpicking to avoid bruising the fruit.
Pickers must choose ripe strawberries, which are fully red and have a glossy appearance. They should also be firm to the touch.
There are over 600 varieties of strawberries, each differing in flavor, size, and texture.
Some popular varieties include Albion, Seascape, and Chandler.

Many regions celebrate the strawberry harvest with festivals. These events often feature strawberry-themed foods, contests, and entertainment. One of the most famous is the California Strawberry Festival, held annually in Oxnard, California.

In the United States in 2021, the collective commercial production of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries was a $6 billion industry dominated by the California growing and marketing company Driscoll’s. In 2021, strawberries alone were a $3.5 billion market of which 82% was for fresh fruit.

The prior world’s heaviest strawberry was grown in Japan in 2015, weighing 250 grams (8.82 ounces).Click here to see the current record holder.

The longest strawberry shortcake ever made was created in the United States in 2004, measuring 1,368 meters (4,488 feet). Learn more HERE.

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

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Thank You Fathers

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Happy Father’s Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :))))))))))))))

This Sunday is Father’s Day – celebrated to show appreciation and honor to fathers. It is time set aside to salute and express our adoration for every man who has poured his love into the lives of his children, thus positively affecting their lives forever. As a father, and a grandfather, I personally salute each and every father and take this opportunity to highlight and commend you for all you do. To all the “dads” out there, bravo!!  Thanks to cfaith.com for the inspirational words.

Some thoughts:

Fathers, thank you for loving your children and validating their sense of identity through unconditional love and support. Your love demonstrates their value and worth and provides a solid foundation for them to grow.

Fathers, thank you for your kind words, encouragement, discipline, and correction, helping to build character and self-esteem, and instill in children a sense of protection and safety.

Fathers, thank you for loving your children with your presence first and then with the things you provide. Young or old, kids feel important when you alter your busy schedule to make them a priority in your life.

Fathers, thank you for understanding the physical and emotional needs of your children. A father’s open affection toward his sons and daughters lets them know it’s acceptable to openly express their love for each other.

Fathers, thank you for telling your daughters how beautiful they are – it nourishes their souls and It says to her that she is revered as someone quite special!  I have certainly been blessed with my incredible daughters!

And, thanks to my Dad. I greatly appreciate the impact he made in my life., Things he taught me still influence me today. He taught me by example that a man does whatever he has to do, especially when it comes to providing for his wife and children. He taught me the importance of a father taking on the role of protector of the family. He taught me to remain in God’s grace always. And he taught me how to run a business, to guide and respect all those who work for and with me. I am forever grateful for the lessons Dad imparted into my life. I know he is watching down from above.

Finally, to the ultimate FATHER, you continue to play a critical role in my life, keeping me humble, thankful and in awe of your glory. I know fathers are the expression of God’s fatherly love for us all.

Fathers, I honor you. Happy Father’s Day!

 

 

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

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Flag Day

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I love our flag. I really do!! The first official flag is there in the second image. It’s come a long way, baby. And it still resonates as the symbol of Freedom in this crazy world!!!

Next Friday marks a special day in American history – recognition of our American flag. That day, though not a federal holiday, is rich with history and tradition, showcasing the significance of the Stars and Stripes in American culture. We here at KHT Headquarters proudly fly an American flag in recognition of our country, and all those who have and currently serve our great nation. Thanks for Google and nationalflagfoundation.org for the info. Enjoy!

Flag Day in the United States, observed on June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

The idea of celebrating Flag Day was first proposed by Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher from Wisconsin, in 1885. He held an observance of the flag’s birthday at the Stony Hill School.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day. However, it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

June 14th was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the 1777 resolution by the Second Continental Congress, which called for the design of the flag. The resolution read: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”

Each element of the flag holds symbolic meaning. The 13 stripes represent the original colonies, while the 50 stars represent the current states. The colors also carry significance: red symbolizes valor and bravery, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The original flag, known as the “Betsy Ross Flag,” featured 13 stars in a circle representing the original colonies. Over the years, the design of the flag changed to accommodate the admission of new states. The current 50-star flag was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became a state.

The oldest continuous Flag Day parade is held in Fairfield, Washington, since 1909.

In Waubeka, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Bernard J. Cigrand, there are extensive celebrations including parades, music, and speeches. Waubeka is considered the “birthplace of Flag Day.”

Flag Day serves as a reminder of the importance of flag etiquette. The United States Flag Code outlines the proper ways to display and handle the flag. HERE  For instance, the flag should never touch the ground and should be illuminated if displayed at night.

On Flag Day, many American Legion posts and other organizations hold flag retirement ceremonies. When a flag is worn or damaged, it should be retired in a respectful manner, typically by burning in a dignified ceremony.

Throughout history, the American flag has played a pivotal role in national identity and pride. It was famously raised by Marines on Iwo Jima during World War II, an image that became an iconic symbol of American resolve. Flags are also used during burial ceremonies to honor veterans by draping over their caskets.

Colin Powell observance: “The flag represents the greatest nation on earth, and all of its citizens, of every race, creed, and color. It represents our collective belief in the freedoms and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution.”

The largest American Flag is known as The Superflag, created by Thomas “Ski” Demski, who holds the Guinness World Record for making the largest American flag.  Demski, a businessman from Long Beach, California, invested in creating this monumental flag as a symbol of patriotism. It measures 505 feet by 225 feet (total sq ft is approx. 113,625) and weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. It made its first major public appearance at the Hoover Dam on May 1, 1996, where it was unfurled to celebrate the dam’s 60th anniversary. Learn more

The Superflag stands as a testament to the enduring symbolism of the American flag and the lengths to which individuals will go to honor their country. Its sheer size and the logistical challenges involved in its display make it a remarkable feat of patriotic dedication.

Flag Day is a time for Americans to reflect on their history and the values symbolized by the flag. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s enduring principles of freedom, democracy, and unity. Through various celebrations and educational activities, Flag Day continues to foster a sense of national pride and respect for the American flag.
 

Flakey

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Who hasn’t enjoyed corn flakes? I’ve certainly had my share.  :))))))))))  In row six are brothers John & Wil Kellogg. If they could only see the cereal aisle today!!

Rise and shine. Up and at ‘em. Fall in. Giddyap Cowboy. Let’s Do This! So many ways to kick off your morning. And, of course, for so many, it includes a hot cup of Joe and a bowl of cereal.  For me most often I start my day with a smoothie (email me for my recipe skowalski@khtheat.com), but I will indulge in a bowl of cereal every now and then.  Today my favorite go to cereal is Cheerios Oat Crunch Cinnamon (my grandkids like it too!). Growing up, I loved Captain Crunch or Raisin Bran. There was also a special breakfast that consisted of Frosted Flakes, vanilla pudding, and fruit cocktail which to this day is amazing! . Today marks the day one (or two or three) inventors patented a flakey cereal we still enjoy.  I’m a huge fan of inventors – I’m surrounded by them every day, as they tackle your PIA (pain in the @%$) Jobs! Thanks to John, Ella and Will Kellogg, the breakfast cereal was born. Kellogg’s has a rich history, and their flaked cereal is no exception. Here are some fun history and facts about Kellogg’s flaked cereal. Special thanks to Google, Wikipedia and lekkanovaus.com for the info.  Enjoy!

A Million A Day – Cereal Production Video

Corn flakes, or cornflakes, are a breakfast cereal made from toasting flakes of corn (maize). Originally invented as a breakfast food to counter indigestion, it has become a popular food item in the American diet.

The development of the flaked cereal in 1894 has been variously described by John Kellogg, his wife Ella Eaton Kellogg, his younger brother Will, and other family members. There is considerable disagreement over who was involved in the discovery, and the role that they played. According to some accounts, Ella suggested rolling out the dough into thin sheets, and John developed a set of rollers for the purpose while Will said it was his idea from the start. (siblings – ha!).

According to John, he had the idea in a dream, and used equipment in his wife’s kitchen to do the rolling. It is generally agreed that upon being called out one night, John Kellogg left a batch of wheat-berry dough behind. Rather than throwing it out the next morning, he sent it through the rollers and was surprised to obtain delicate flakes, which could then be baked.

Will Kellogg was tasked with figuring out what had happened and worked to recreate the process reliably. Ella and Will were often at odds, and their versions of the story tend to minimize or deny each other’s involvement, while emphasizing their own. Tempering, the process the Kellogg’s had discovered, was to become a fundamental technique of the flaked cereal industry. Tempering is a favorite process here at KHT!!

A patent for “Flaked Cereals and Process of Preparing Same” was filed on May 31, 1895, and issued on April 14, 1896, to John Harvey Kellogg as Patent No. 558,393. Significantly, the patent applied to a variety of types of grains, not just to wheat. John Harvey Kellogg was the only person named on the patent. Will later insisted that he, not Ella, had worked with John, and repeatedly asserted that he should have received more credit than he was given for the discovery of the flaked cereal.

The flakes of grain, which the Kellogg brothers called Granose, were a very popular food among the patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Learn More Years later, Kellogg’s expanded its line of flaked cereals to include various grains, such as rice, wheat, and oats, to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

In 1906, Will Keith Kellogg, who served as the business manager of the sanitarium, decided to try to mass-market the new food. At his new company, Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, he added sugar to the flakes to make them more palatable to a mass audience, but this caused a rift between his brother and him…surprised?

In 1907 his company ran an ad campaign which offered a free box of cereal to any woman who winked at her grocer (imagine that today?). To increase sales, in 1909 he added a special offer, the Funny Jungleland Moving Pictures Booklet, which was made available to anyone who bought two boxes of the cereal. This same premium was offered for 22 years.

At about the same time, Kellogg also began experimenting with new grain cereals to expand its product line. Rice Krispies, his next great hit, first went on sale in 1928. (one of my “go to” favorites!) Snap, Crackle, Pop!

There have been many mascots of Kellogg’s Cornflakes. The most popular one is a green rooster named Cornelius “Corny” Rooster, which has been the mascot since his debut. In early commercials, he would speak the catchphrase “Wake up, up, up to Kellogg’s Cornflakes!” Dallas McKennon and Andy Devine voiced him. Later, he stopped talking and simply crowed.  I personally think that Tony the Tiger is one of the best mascots ever – “ They’re Great”!) Commercials

See list of Top 20 Breakfast Cereals – (see how many you have eaten)

Kellogg’s flaked cereal has come a long way since its accidental invention, shaping not only the breakfast habits of millions but also becoming a part of global culture. Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s) in 2022 had worldwide net sales around 15.3 billion U.S. dollars. Kellanova is a multinational consumer goods company with a focus on breakfast cereals and convenience foods. Learn more

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Memorial Day

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Lovin’ Lucy

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The many faces of Lucy. Three years old and a teen in row two. Then there’s the goofy Lucy we love and the pretty Lucy starting out in the entertainment business. Matel even made a tribute Barbie-Lucy! Man, she certainly was a special force to be reckoned with. Who doesn’t love Lucy?  :)))))

Growing up, I got to see a bunch of the “older” TV shows you are now enjoying on cable or streaming – the ones that my parents would mention referencing  the early days of television – shows like Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, The Honeymooners, The Andy Griffith Show, Leave It To Beaver…and of course I Love Lucy. Watching the reruns, and laughing at Lucille Ball’s incredible timing, slapstick comedy and funny faces, I must agree she was quite the talent.  Friends of mine made a daytrip to the Lucille Dezi Museum in Jamestown NY (her birthplace) and said they had a blast, reliving her skits and memories of her acting career. I decided to do some digging to find out more about her early career and show life, and also share some trivia (cause we all like trivia) about Lucy, Ricky and the gang. Before you start reading, click HERE to get yourself in the “Lucy” mood, and find the interesting trivia about this screen below.  Special thanks to Wikipedia, YouTube and for the info.  Enjoy!!

Classic Lucy and Ethel

Lucille Désirée Ball (1911-1989) was an American actress and comedian, nominated for 13 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning five times, and was the recipient of several other accolades, such as the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She earned many honors, including the Women in Film Crystal Award, an induction into the Television Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Governor’s Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

She was born in Jamestown, NY, the first child and only daughter of Henry Durrell “Had” Ball, a lineman for Bell Telephone, and Désirée Evelyn “DeDe” (née Hunt) Ball.

Her father’s career with Bell Telephone frequently required the family to move during Lucy’s early childhood. Lucy’s father died of typhoid fever at age 27 when Lucy was only three. At that time, her mom DeDe was pregnant with her second child, Fred Ball (1915–2007).

Ball’s mother returned to NY, where her maternal grandparents helped raise Lucy and brother Fred in Celoron, a summer resort village on Chautauqua Lake. Their home was at 59 West 8th Street (later renamed to 59 Lucy Lane).

Ball loved Celoron Park. Its boardwalk had a ramp to the lake that served as a children’s slide, the Pier Ballroom, a roller-coaster, a bandstand, and a stage where vaudeville concerts and plays were presented. Four years after her Dad’s death, DeDe married Edward Peterson.

When Lucy was 12, her stepfather encouraged her to audition for his Shriners organization that needed entertainers for the chorus line of its next show. While Ball was onstage, she realized performing was a great way to gain praise.

In 1925, Ball, then only 14, started dating Johnny DeVita, a 21-year-old local hoodlum. Her mother was unhappy with the relationship. After about a year, her mother tried to separate them by exploiting Ball’s desire to be in show business. Despite the family’s meager finances, in 1926, she enrolled Lucy in the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City. Ball later said about that time in her life, “All I learned in drama school was how to be frightened.” Her instructors felt she would not be successful in the entertainment business and were unafraid to directly state this to her.

In the face of this harsh criticism, Ball was determined to prove her teachers wrong and returned to New York City in 1928. That same year, she began working for Hattie Carnegie as an in-house model. Her acting forays were stalled at an early age when she became ill with rheumatic fever and was unable to work for two years.

In 1932, she moved back to New York City to resume her pursuit of an acting career, where she supported herself by again working for Carnegie and as the Chesterfield cigarette girl. Using the name Diane Belmont, she started getting chorus work on Broadway,

During the 30’s, Lucy moved to Hollywood, and played small movie roles with The Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Katherine Hepburn. In 1940, she appeared as the lead in the musical Too Many Girls where she met and fell in love with Dezi Arnaz, who played on of her character’s bodyguards.

After many movies and radio jobs, Ball was cast in 1948 as Liz Cooper, a wacky wife in My Favorite Husband, a radio comedy for CBS Radio.  The show was successful and CBS asked her to develop it for television. She agreed, but insisted on working with her real-life husband, Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz.

CBS executives were reluctant, thinking the public would not accept an Anglo-American redhead (her new hair color) and a Cuban as a couple. At first CBS was initially unimpressed with the pilot episode, produced by the couple’s Desilu Productions company.

I Love Lucy ran on CBS from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957 and was a smash hit. Not only a star vehicle for Lucille Ball, but also a potential means for her to salvage her marriage to Arnaz, as their relationship had become badly strained, in part because of hectic performing schedules, which often kept them apart, (but mostly due to Desi’s attraction to other women). I Love Lucy dominated U.S. ratings for most of its run.

For the production of I Love Lucy, Ball and Arnaz wanted to remain in their Los Angeles home, but prime time in Los Angeles was too late to air a major network series live on the East Coast. Sponsor Philip Morris pressured the couple into relocating, not wanting day-old kinescopes airing in major East Coast markets. Instead, the couple offered to take a pay cut to finance filming on better-quality 35 mm film, on the condition that Desilu would retain the rights of each episode once it aired.

CBS agreed to relinquish the post-first-broadcast rights to Desilu, not realizing they were giving up a valuable and enduring asset. In 1957, CBS bought back the rights for $1,000,000 ($10.4 million in today’s terms), financing Ball and Arnaz’s down payment for the purchase of the former RKO Pictures studios, which they turned into Desilu Studios.

A scene in which Lucy and Ricky practice the tango, in the episode “Lucy Does The Tango”, (evoked the longest recorded studio audience laugh in the history of the show), so long that the sound editor had to cut that section of the soundtrack in half. Watch

In the grape stomping episode, Lucy later said “I got into the vat with another actress, and she had been told that we would have a fight,” Lucy said on The Dick Cavett Show. “I slipped and, in slipping, I hit her accidentally and she took offense, until she hauled off and let me have it. Now this was supposed to happen — that she got right. But when she hit me, it took the wind out. She had been told that we were to stay down for a while, give me a chance to get my legs way up, so that they’d show in the camera, then up would come an arm and then both of them– my head was supposed to—but, well, my head never popped up. She’d get me down by the throat! I had grapes up my nose, in my ears, and she was choking me, and I’m really beating her to get her off…she didn’t understand that she had to let me up once in a while. I was drowning in these grapes!”

Along the way, Ball created a television dynasty and achieved several firsts. She was the first woman to head a TV production company, Desilu, which she had formed with Arnaz.

On July 17, 1951, less than three weeks prior to her 40th birthday, Ball gave birth to daughter Lucie Désirée Arnaz and a year and a half later, she gave birth to Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV, known as Desi Arnaz, Jr. Before he was born, I Love Lucy was a solid ratings hit, and Ball and Arnaz wrote the pregnancy into the show. Ball’s necessary and planned caesarean section in real life was scheduled for the same date that her television character gave birth.

CBS insisted that a pregnant woman could not be shown on television, nor could the word “pregnant” be spoken on-air. After approval from several religious figures, the network allowed the pregnancy storyline, but insisted that the word “expecting” be used instead of “pregnant”. (Arnaz garnered laughs when he deliberately mispronounced it as “spectin'”.)

The episode aired on the evening of January 19, 1953, with 44 million viewers watching Lucy Ricardo welcome little Ricky, while in real life Ball delivered her second child, Desi Jr., that same day in Los Angeles. The birth made the cover of the first issue of TV Guide for the week of April 3–9, 1953.

And …. One of the most famous episodes of “I Love Lucy” features Lucy Ricardo promoting a health tonic called “Vitameatavegamin” in a television commercial. The scene is remembered for Lucy’s hilarious struggle with the product’s high alcohol content: VIEW HERE

Lucille Ball became the first woman to run a major TV studio. In 1962, Desi Arnaz resigned as the studio’s president, and Lucy bought out his holding in the company.

Four years later, CBS turned down the original “Star Trek” series pilot, fearing the weekly budget to produce it would be too high. But Lucy stood behind it and gave the crew the finances needed, and it was made. So, Trekkies, you’ve got Lucille Ball to thank for your obsession. (Desilu also went on to produce the TV series “Mission: Impossible.” Killer theme song. CLICK HERE

 

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Your Eyes

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When you look into your mother’s eyes,
you know she is the purest love you can find on this earth. 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Your friends at KHT!

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“And They‘re Off”

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Hats. Hats. Hats. Hats. Hats. Hats. RACE!!!!!  Hats. Hats. Hats. Hats. Hats. 

Like most things “spring” – turning of the season, start of baseball, basketball and hockey play-off games galore, spring flower bed clean-up and a trip or two or three to the garden center, cleaning out the garage, and more, one of my favorite traditions is the running of the Kentucky Derby. Often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” due to the race’s approximate duration, the Derby is packed with anticipation and excitement as the horses run 1 1/4 miles, and typically finishes in under two minutes. Like most I love the pageantry, the crazy money invested in horses and of course all of those crazy amazing women’s hats.  I did a bit of digging, and found out May 17th, 1875 was the date of the inaugural race. This year marks the 150th anniversary! Here’s some fun info you can share at your mint julip party.  Thanks to Google, Wikipedia, the chunkychef.com, townandcountrymagazine.com, nbcbayarea.com, and YouTube for the info.  Enjoy!

The Kentucky Derby, known as “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” first ran on May 17th, 1875. The inaugural race was won by Aristides, ridden by Oliver Lewis, and trained by Ansel Williamson. The winning horse was owned by H.P. McGrath. At that first race there were approximately ten thousand spectators that came to watch Aristides win that inaugural race. The purse was $3,050, with first place receiving $2,850 and second place receiving $200. That purse is today’s money would equate to $70,483.28. The purse for 2024, which only goes to first five is over $3 million.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the United States. The first live radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby was in 1925, and the first live television coverage of the race was in 1952.

One of the most iconic symbols of the Kentucky Derby is the twin spires. These spires sit atop the grandstand at Churchill Downs, the venue for the Derby. The Twin Spires were constructed in 1895 and have been an iconic part of the race ever since. Video Here

A starting gate is used to ensure a fair start to the race. It helps in organizing the horses and jockeys before the race begins

The post position from which horses start is crucial. The most successful post position in Kentucky Derby history is post position 5 and 10, with nine wins. Being “on the inside” sometimes forces the horse to hug the rail and get cut off from the front.  Learn More Here

The song “My Old Kentucky Home” has been played at the Kentucky Derby since 1921. It is a tradition for the crowd to sing along as the horses make their way to the starting gate.  Song Here

The mint julep is the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby. This cocktail is made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and water. It has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Recipe Here

The winning horse of the Kentucky Derby is draped with a garland of roses. This tradition began in 1896 when the winning jockey, Ben Brush, was presented with a bouquet of roses. The red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby in 1904, and the garland has been awarded to the winner ever since.

The Kentucky Derby is unique in that it is only open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. This adds to the excitement, as it’s a one-time chance for these horses to compete in the prestigious event. The Kentucky Oaks is a race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies (young female horses) held annually the day before the Kentucky Derby. It’s considered the premier race for fillies in the United States.

In 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby with a record time of 1:59 2/5, a record that still stands today. Secretariat’s performance in the Derby is considered one of the greatest moments in sports history.

Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack hold the record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by a jockey, each with five wins.  The trainer with the most Kentucky Derby wins is Ben A. Jones, who won six times between 1938 and 1952.

The Kentucky Derby is as much about fashion as it is about horse racing. Attendees often wear extravagant hats and outfits, adding to the pageantry and spectacle of the event. See Hats Here  I trust you all realize that this fashion is truly lost on me!

The highest attendance at the Kentucky Derby was recorded in 2015, with over 170,000 people attending the race.  The Kentucky Derby Festival, which precedes the Kentucky Derby, features more than 70 events and is attended by over 1.5 million people annually. Most never get to see the race live due to limited seating

The trophy awarded to the winner of the Kentucky Derby is made of 56 ounces of 14-karat gold and stands 22 inches tall. It has an estimated value of $200,000.

In 1970, Diane Crump became the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby. She rode a horse named Fathom and finished 15th.  African American jockeys dominated the early years of the Kentucky Derby. Between 1875 and 1902, 15 of the 28 derbies were won by African American jockeys.

In 1913, Donerail won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 91-1, making it the longest shot to ever win the race. A $2 winning bet paid $184.90.

During World War II, the Derby was not held due to the war effort. From 1942 to 1945, Churchill Downs was used as a military hospital. The Kentucky Derby in 2020 was also postponed from May 2 to September 5 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2005, Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby at 50-1 odds, resulting in the second-highest payout in Derby history.  On a $2 bet for Win, Place, Show, Giacomo paid $102.60, $45.80, $19.80.

The nickname “The Run for the Roses” originated in 1925 when New York sports columnist Bill Corum first used the term. It refers to the blanket of roses draped over the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

The betting handle for the 2024 Kentucky Derby could exceed previous years. A conservative estimate might put the handle at around $200-250 million. A more optimistic estimate might put the handle closer to $300 million.

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown, with the most recent being Justify in 2018.

After the Kentucky Derby The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. It is hosted at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland, and the horses run 1 3/16 of a mile.

The Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, is held three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. It is hosted at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. If a horse has won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes becomes a highly anticipated event as it is their chance to win the Triple Crown.

The Belmont Stakes is considered the “Test of the Champion” due to its longer distance (1 ½ miles) compared to the Derby and the Preakness.

Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).
..

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

It’s Complicated

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(top to bottom) Sampling of the most expensive (and coolest) watches at auction:
#1 $31.19 million, Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
#3 $17.75 million Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona
#8 $7.259 million Patek Philippe Stainless Steel
#14 $5.48 million Rolex “Paul Newman Big Red” Daytona
#16 $5.48 million Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon
#20 $4.987 million Patek Philippe Stainless Steel
#21 $4.93 million F.P. Journe x Francis Ford Coppola FFC Blue
Full list, and details at the”Top Watches”  link below.

Complications. Just part of business, right.  Comes with the territory we’re told. We all know about them. For manufacturers and servicers, aside from just procuring raw materials and scheduling manufacturing, we face additional issues all the time – like processing time, production, storage, assembly, packaging, delivery, pricing, employees and so much more. At KHT, we revel in all these things, working hard every day to tackle your PIA (Pain in the @%$) Jobs! For each job, we jump in, test – problem solve then develop a solution for our customer’s unique needs – all the while juggling “complications” that may arise. The other night, while out with friends, a buddy of mine used the phrase “just another watch complication”.  I had to look it up when I got in front of a computer and smiled – yep – watch complications are real. And part of being a good steward of the KHT way, it’s what we do all the time.  I found some interesting info on why watch complications are real – adding layers of complexity each time adds just another set of challenges and solutions to get them right. So next time you are out shopping for a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 (sold at Christie’s Auction for over $31M), be sure to check the complications to be sure everything is running smoothly.  Thanks to patek.com, teddybaldassarre.com, youtube.com, and hooinkee.com for the info.  Enjoy!

Top Watches
Click while reading – Time Tunes

The sub-dials on an analog watch aren’t just for show. They have a special purpose. However, to some people, watch complications are (surprise!) – complicated. Apart from taking up real estate on the watch’s dial, some of these watch complications can be difficult to use – and even more difficult to repair.

In layman’s terms, watch complications are features of a watch aside from telling the time. A watch that only shows the hours, minutes, and seconds is dubbed as having a simple movement. Even the day and date windows on the dial of your watch are already considered as watch complications.

The more complicated a watch is, the more difficult it is to assemble, design, and repair. Thus, making the watch more valuable. This makes it very desirable to a lot of watch enthusiasts, called horology lovers. Complications include:

The Day-Date complication is perhaps one of the most basic functions of a watch. As the name implies, it tells both the date of the month and the day of the week. This could come in handy whenever you’re filling out forms that require dates. Some people even find it more convenient than whipping out their phone to check the calendar.  A famous watch that bears this feature is the Rolex Day-Date. And no, the folks from Rolex aren’t too lazy to give it a more creative name. Its name is a reminder that it is the first-ever wristwatch that displayed the full day and date on the dial.

Developed by French-Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, the Tourbillon’s original purpose was to increase a watch’s accuracy. What it does is that it counters the effects gravity has on the small parts of a watch. Watchmakers would pair it with a crystal window on the dial and watch lovers would huddle up and just watch the tourbillon spin. If truth be told, the tourbillon really is mesmerizing to look at.  (show link to a tourbillon)

You do not have to be an astronomer to appreciate the moon phase feature. In fact, it is one of the most highly-desired watch complications by scientists and non-scientists alike.

How many times did you have to adjust your watch’s date just because it couldn’t tell whether a month has no 31st date in it? It can get annoying especially if you’re dealing with a non-quick set date function.  No need to do that when your watch has a perpetual calendar complication. Not only does it know the number of days of each month. It also knows when it’s a leap year.

The Chronograph is used to measure the time elapsed the same way a stopwatch works. (it is a requirement for motorsport watches). It was originally invented to work with astronomical equipment. Soon, people started using it to time horseraces and then sports car races. This contributed to the deep connection between motorsports and horology.

Were you ever trapped on a boring date and want to subtly check your watch for the time without being rude? The Minute Repeater is the way to go, making sounds that tell the wearer what time it is. As an example, it would make two sounds of the same tone to indicate that it’s 2:00. It would then create a sound of a different pitch to indicate the minutes. This way, you wouldn’t have to glance at your timepiece to know what time it is.

GMT means Greenwich Mean Time. Simply put, it tells two different time zones at the same time. One easy way to tell that a watch has a GMT complication is if it has another big hand aside from the seconds and hour hands. This is one of the most common watch complications around.

What if you need to know the time from more than two different time zones? Enter the World Timer. This complication tells the time of multiple time zones of the world. The dial of a watch displays 24 cities as a representation for each time zone. For example, Hong Kong for GMT +8, etc. The user would then have to rotate the bezel to their preferred city. And as the bezel moves, the hour hand automatically jumps with it.

The Alarm is one of the oldest watch complications around and one of the most useful albeit we rarely see them in analogue watches anymore. The alarm complication of a wristwatch works just like your normal alarm clock. There is a separate alarm hand connected to a cam underneath the dial. The wearer then sets it to any time in a 12-hour period. When the desired time is met, it triggers a lever that powers a hammer which in turn hits a bell.

The Annual Calendar is just one step ahead of the Day-Date complication. It is basically a Day-Date with the added function of a monthly calendar. It can tell whether a month has either 30 or 31 days. With that said, the only time you would have to adjust it is in February. When the month only has 28 (or if it’s a leap year, 29) days.

Want to take your love for cosmology to another level? If the moon phase complication of your trusty wristwatch is not enough, you’ll love the Planetarium. This watch complication doesn’t just tell the time – it also tells you the positions of the planets in our solar system! Each of the planets on the dial orbit around the sun in real-time.

The Power Reserve Indicator is one of the most practical watch complications on this list – it tells the wearer if they should already wind their watch (think of it as the battery gauge on your phone).

The Tachymeter is usually paired with a Chronograph. While the latter is a stopwatch, the former measures speed. To put it another way, it calculates the elapsed time over a fixed distance. A rule of thumb is that the Chronograph is on the subdials of the watch and a Tachymeter is placed around the watch’s bezel.

The Jumping Hour is one of the watch complications that is a joy to look at. While the hands of clocks and watches traditionally sweep counterclockwise, the same cannot be said for the Jumping Hour. Instead, the hand jumps directly to the next hour as soon as the minute hand reaches 60. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also more convenient, because the hour hand is always directly pointed at the middle of the current hour lessening confusion when reading the time.

Serious collectors do not buy high-complication watches because they need the features. Instead, they buy those because it is a symbol of excellent engineering. Whether these are outdated or not, watch complications are a mark of watchmaking virtuosity. Think of watch complications as trophies that you can show off to your friends or other watch enthusiasts.

If you think 14 complications on a watch are more than enough, then wait until you see the Vacheron Constantin Reference 57260 . It is heralded as the most complicated watch in the world. Indeed, this timekeeper contains 57 watch complications! The watch contains bells and whistles (quite literally) that you’ve never heard of! Among its watch complications range from the most basic to the most extra such as the date of Yom Kippur and Star Chart.

Plus a couple more cool videos!!
How Automatic Watches work:
Painstaking art of Luxury Watchmaking

 

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

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Yabba Dabba

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I looooooooooove the Flintstones!!!!!  :))))))))))))))))))))

Ah, childhood memories. Most of them are just great. Like most families, many of my childhood memories revolved around the TV.  Afternoon cartoons, westerns, even space themes. Growing up, I can remember my brothers and sisters watching a whole bunch of movies and shows.  One of my favorites was/is The Flintstones.  Who can forget Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty. And the kids. What great names – Peebles and Bamm-Bamm. I can still remember Fred on his tip toes bowling. I have to admit that a group of my friends often remind me of the Flintstones, especially on the golf course! “The Flintstones” went on to become an iconic American animated television series that aired from 1960 to 1966, produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. Here’s some fun trivia, and some memories I hope you’ll enjoy.  And, yes, I had to include a clip of the theme song. Thanks to YouTube, google and interestingfacts.com for the info. Enjoy!

“The Flintstones” holds the distinction of being the first animated series to air during primetime on American television. Premiering on ABC in 1960, it was initially broadcast in the evening, a slot traditionally reserved for live-action programs.

The creators of “The Flintstones,” William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, drew inspiration from the popular live-action sitcom “The Honeymooners,” starring Jackie Gleason. The character dynamics between Fred Flintstone and his best friend Barney Rubble mirror those of Ralph Kramden and his best buddy Ed Norton.

The catchy theme song of “The Flintstones” is instantly recognizable to many. Written by Hoyt Curtin, William Hanna, and Joseph Barbera, the song features the memorable refrain, “Flintstones, meet the Flintstones, they’re the modern Stone Age family.” Video clip: CLICK

Each episode typically ran for about 25 minutes, with a standard animation production process. Unlike modern animation techniques, which often involve computer-generated imagery (CGI), the show relied on traditional cell animation, a technique used prior to computers.

The original voice cast included Alan Reed as Fred Flintstone, Jean Vander Pyl as Wilma Flintstone, Mel Blanc as Barney Rubble, and Bea Benaderet as Betty Rubble. Alan Reed’s gravelly voice perfectly captured Fred’s personality, while Mel Blanc, famous for voicing many Looney Tunes characters, brought Barney to life.

Throughout its six-season run, “The Flintstones” featured numerous guest appearances by celebrities of the era. Notable guests included Ann-Margret (Ann Margrock), Tony Curtis (Stoney Curtis) , Gina Lollobrigida (Gina Loadabricks), James Darren (James Darrock) and even The Beach Boys, who played themselves and performed a concert in Bedrock.

Despite ending its original run in 1966, “The Flintstones” remains popular to this day. It continues to be syndicated worldwide and has been released on various home media formats,

“The Flintstones” became a cultural phenomenon, influencing various aspects of popular culture, including advertising, merchandise, and even language. Phrases like “Yabba Dabba Doo!” (Fred’s catchphrase) and “Bedrock” (a term for something old-fashioned) entered the vernacular.

Extra Trivia:
Harvey Korman: Known for his comedic roles on “The Carol Burnett Show” and in films like “Blazing Saddles,” Harvey Korman voiced various characters in “The Flintstones,” including The Great Gazoo, a little green alien exiled to Earth.

William Hanna and Joseph Barbera met when they were in their late 20s, as new hires in MGM’s fledgling animation department. Discovering that they shared similar comic sensibilities, they teamed up on 15 years of Tom and Jerry antics (clips: HERE ), earning two Oscar nominations for Best Short Subject, Cartoons. When MGM shuttered its animation department in 1957, the duo — intent on segueing into television — formed Hanna-Barbera Productions, and created the first animated half-hour series, The Huckleberry Hound Show. The president of distributor Screen Gems asked Hanna and Barbera if they wanted to collaborate on a primetime television cartoon — even though standalone cartoons had only been successful thus far as morning or afternoon kids’ programming. They accepted the challenge.

To engineer a hit with the viewership potential of Father Knows Best or Leave It to Beaver, Hanna-Barbera decided to focus their show on a suburban family — with some sort of unique twist. They brainstormed central characters who were Romans, Indigenous People, pilgrims, Appalachian people, and nomads. Then, animator Dan Gordon doodled two cavemen dressed in animal skins. His figures flanked a record player that had a live bird’s beak as its needle. Character designer Ed Benedict tried to add more features present in early humans, but at Barbera’s urging, he made the physiques more refined, even giving Wilma a stone necklace that resembled oversized pearls. The series was named after the primary caveman couple, then named The Flagstones.

Once, when asked to say, “Yahoo!” in Fred’s voice, Reed ad-libbed a replacement that became the character’s signature. “Yabba dabba do!” was inspired by the 1950s jingle for men’s hair product, Brylcreem (“A little dab’ll do ya”).

In 1961, Blanc survived a head-on car crash but spent two weeks in a coma and 70 days in the hospital. During this period, Barney was voiced by Daws Butler, the performer who voiced Fred in The Flagstones pilot, as well as Huckleberry Hound and Yogi Bear on The Huckleberry Hound Show. Upon Blanc’s release, he was temporarily confined to a body cast, and series recording sessions relocated to his home for about 40 episodes. Rounding out the core cast was Bea Benaderet, who had been Lucille Ball’s first choice to play Ethel on I Love Lucy. For four seasons, Benaderet took on The Flintstones’ second female lead, Betty Rubble, until she exited to star in Petticoat Junction. Geraldine “Gerry” Johnson portrayed Betty for the remaining seasons.

Despite its laugh track, The Flintstones embarked on nuanced storylines in its middle seasons about routes to parenthood. After Fred and Wilma became U.S. television’s first animated couple to sleep in the same bed, nine episodes were devoted to Wilma’s pregnancy with their daughter, Pebbles. During the following season, with Barney and Betty, the series acknowledged the plight of infertility, a rarely addressed topic on screen or in society at the time. The Rubbles eventually adopted a son, Bamm-Bamm. The Flintstones proved that there was a grown-up audience for animation.  Watching the reruns today with the grandkids certainly brings back great memories.

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::