WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
In last week’s column, I gave some interesting facts about Canada, our neighbors to the north. Lo and behold, someone complained and said that I should give equal to the our home-state of Michigan. So as not to ruffle any more feathers, here are some things you might not know about “Pure Michigan”:
Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and magnesium compounds, and second in gypsum and iron ore.
Although Michigan is known as the “Wolverine State”, there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. However, one was spotted in 2007, so there must be a few. There are definitely more than just a few wolverines in and around Ann Arbor. They can be found in the Big House.
Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.
The painted turtle is Michigan’s state reptile.
The Dwarf Lake Iris is the official state wildflower and can be found among the sand dunes located along the shores of Lake Michigan.
This is the time of year when many enjoy walking outside for exercise. I know several people who walk or run year around, no matter what kind of weather we are experiencing. Someone once said that if you take good care of your feet, they’ll take good care of you. Our feet are often taken for granted until we are bothered with any one of many foot maladies. Here are some hints that might enable you to get more mileage from your precious feet:
Keep your feet fit with an exercise that improves flexibility and strength. You can do this anytime you’re standing up. Simply rise up on your tiptoes 20 to 30 times in succession.
Rubber soles are best for protecting your feet from the shock of walking on city streets, but thick leather also works quite well.
Get relief from achy soles after a long jog or tennis session by spending 15 minutes with your feet resting on ice packs.
Soften your feet by soaking them for 20 minutes in a pan of hot water mixed with a cup of warm olive oil and the juice of a lemon. Then dry your feet and rub in some moisturizing cream. This really feels great if your significant other assists with the rubbing. It’s been known to bond a relationship.
Please bear with me as I bring up one of my favorite subjects once again. You guessed it. I’m referring to “Public Restrooms”. I thank God almost everyday for their existence. Without them, we’d all be in a state of inconvenience, yet most of us take them for granted. They are made available for our very personal needs at no charge. Someone is responsible for keeping them clean and orderly. The only thing we, the public, are expected to do is to make sure we leave the facility in pretty much the same condition as we found it. In other words, don’t leave it messier than it was when we entered the room. Let me stress the point of toilet paper. I don’t care which way the paper rolls off the roll, but it does concern me a little when a wrapped roll of toilet paper is left on top of the empty roll. For those who ignore this empty roll, the metal tube inside the roll is spring loaded. By depressing the metal roll, it can be removed and the empty roll can be discarded and the fresh roll can be put in place. It’s a very simple procedure. If you want to go the extra mile, you may remove the wrapper first. The person waiting on the other side of the restroom door will be pleased.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
