A Little Friday File Fun (07/11)

Well, here’s a couple of thousand….

It’s Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A!   Show up dressed like a cow, and get a free meal – and they offer tips for making your own cow costume.  MORE at http://www.cowappreciationday.com/

With 53 U.S. markets and 11 Canadian markets under study, a Colliers’ International survey shows that over the past 12 months, the cost of parking has increased by 2.8% (monthly rates) in the U.S., in response to ongoing demand and only limited new supply (a familiar chorus). Daily rates also moved higher — increasing 4.3% over the past year.   The median monthly parking rate is now $153.79 in the United States. Rates range from a high of $750.00 in midtown Manhattan to a low of $20.00 in Memphis, Tennessee.  MORE at http://www.colliers.com/Markets/USA/News/2007ParkingRelease

– – – In Patterson, California , Jaime Garcia was working on a construction site when he says he found something that he claims has changed his life – – – Jaime claims that he found a rock that has in it the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe – – – MORE at http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/22/2008/07/08/320×240/thumb_1215478028164_0p46095211287893095.jpg

– – – In Stewartstown, New York , Kim Taylor called her neighbor Melissa Campasino, who was vacationing in Florida at the time – – – and, by the sound of Kim’s voice, Melissa knew that something was up – – – Kim started by saying that something had happened – – – but no one was hurt – – – then noted that a car had gone into Melissa’s yard – – – and then mentioned that she thought she had put her emergency brake on – – – and then something about a car hitting her fence – – – and then something about her pool – – – you can see what Kim was having trouble explaining at http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site515/2008/0704/20080704__070408-sub-Car-in-Pool-1_500.jpg

You won't believe this high-stepping cockatiel!

Here's a couple thousand more (more)...

Last week we offered a nostalgic look back at what were termed the "10 best car ads of the 1970s."   Well, the cars perhaps weren't as awesome - but the ads are worth another look:  MORE at http://jalopnik.com/397695/top-ten-best-car-ads-of-the-1980s

Places that people with a fear of heights (or cliffs) should stay away from:   MORE at http://deputy-dog.com/2008/07/03/living-on-the-edge-2-stunningly-scary-clifftop-communities/

Last week we mentioned a rendition of the signing of the Declaration of Independence carved out of 2000 lbs of cheese.   Now we have a picture:   http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20080703/2008_07_03t162220_450x295_us_odd_cheese.jpg?x=400&y=262&sig=GO5.r.UO4VTA0jPOnVJCaA--

Never underestimate cheap, easy or stupid in home maintenance.   Here's a home with a problem - a flooded basement.   Not so unusual you say?   Well, check out the reason:   http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/07/02/2008029449.jpg

It has been said that "only Nixon could go to China" (a reference to the fact that, with a reputation as a staunch anti-Communist, he was largely immune to any criticism of being "soft on Communism" for deciding to reach out to the leaders of that nation).   But an occurrence just nine days before that February 1972 trip could have had a dramatic impact on that visit.   What happened?    

From February 21 - 28, then-President Nixon traveled to Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.   Almost as soon as the American president arrived in the Chinese capital he was summoned for a meeting with Chairman Mao who, unknown to the Americans, had almost died nine days earlier...but was at that point feeling strong enough to meet Nixon.