Mario V. Farina
Born: June 11, 1923 Schenectady, NY. Veteran, U.S. Army serving during World War II. Graduate College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY. Employed American Locomotive Company, General Electric Company, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York State Labor Department. Computer pioneer, programmer and educator beginning 1959. Author of several computer textbooks. Self-published several books in mathematics and language. Interested in designing easy-to-use perpetual calendars.
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Bachelor s degree, Business, College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY.Interests
Interests: writing, mathematics, vintage autos, English language. Never retired. Still working at full-time job at age 88, mathematics, paranormal, ghosts, Hitchcock Presents, Twilight Zone, spelling, vocabulary, numbers lore, shorthand, natural languagFavorites
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Displaying Results 1 - 105 (of 105) for Yahoo! Voices
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My Smart CarMy Smart Car came with a Ph.D. for servicing and pleasing me. Now it's attending grad school to become smarter still.
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Take Me to Your LiterIf a group of Martians were to land on Planet Earth, what would their primary interests be? Here are four Martians who have just arrived. What do they want to do immediately?
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A Simple Task Gone ArySometimes one can make a mess of a simple task. It's funny later on but, while it's happening, it's a horrible ordeal. Here is an example.
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A Chopper for a Famous GeneralThere was to be a formal ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for an American hero. A risk for a disaster in planning was averted by the quick thinking of a U.S. Marine.
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The Ghost Town TrapButcher Beale had been given extraordinary freedom to roam Ghost Town without restriction, but the town harbored a trap waiting to be sprung. Would he fall victim to it?
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The Magic VaseIn India Abdul told me that this was a magic vase. I was a skeptic and did not believe. Today, sixty-six years later, I know that what he told me was true.
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Love Had Passed Her ByWhen one accepts a fate that cannot be changed, sometimes fate, itself, takes control.
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A Perpetual Calendar for 2012In 2012, you may need to know the day of the week for any date up to and including December 31. Here is a method you can use.
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The Unanswered PrayerSome bad situations can only be salvaged with fervent prayer. Was there any hope for this one?
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How to Determine What is Real and What is NotMr. Morrison thought it possible he was the only real person in the world; everything else was fake. The openness with which he revealed this believe to his employer required that he get an OK from a psychiatrist in order to retain his job.
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The Value of the Surprise in Television StoriesOne of the objectives of a story skillfully told is to present a surprise at the end of a television story. This can be a source of much enjoyment for the viewer.
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A Voyage to MarsA voyage to Mars requires a great deal of detailed planning. Here is what might happen if insufficient planning takes place.
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My 1957 Volvo 544 Two-Door SedanI purchased a 1957 Volvo 544 brand new in 1957 for $1,995. It was the best auto purchase I ever made.
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Lady Fantastica, Eighty Percent AccuracyWhen a psychic has a reputation of being eighty percent accurate, you can depend upon her prophesies. Right? Well, maybe not all the time.
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The Ouija Board Lie DetectorLie detectors require a lot of setup time and skilled operators to utilize them. Is it possible that an Ouija Board can be used for the same purpose with less folderol?
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The Invention of InfinityIs infinity merely an invention of mathematics? In this story you'll find out where the word came from.
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HeartlessWhat you you mean the word "heartless" means? You'll find a new meaning in this story.
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The Black Hole on Erie BoulevardThe black hole was threatening the lives of many on and around Erie Boulevard in Schenectady. The welfare of the entire world might be in jeopardy. Instant action needed to be taken.
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My Bones Are BrittleWhen cold attacks, movement becomes fraught with hazzard.
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When Opportunity KnockedWould you recognize an opportunity when it knocks? In this story, it knocked loudly. What would you have done?
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Thou Art a Witch!You should never say "Thou Art a Witch!" to a bad witch. You might be turned into a coffee cup. This story tell about the time this happened to me.
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Mr. Underwood's Special ProjectMr. Gordon lied about his computer knowledge and experience. But it was for a good cause.
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How the Solar System was Spared by the Black HoleThe entire Solar System was doomed to be swallowed by a black hole in three days. Would it actually happen? Could anything stop it?
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How to Be a Poet and Invent Your Own Ryhme FormHere are examples of Rhyme-O-Grams. Creating a Rhyme-O-Gram of your own can be a challenging exercise. Do try.
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Fifteen Minutes of FameAndy Warhol said we all get fifteen minutes of fame. Are you ready to ask for the right kind?
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Stay Away from Hammers and SawsI received some good advice while serving in the U. S. Army: stay away from hammers and saws.
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A Ride in an Austin Healey SpriteIt was during this ride that Robert learned what's important about hair on your head.
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The Death of Andy RooneyWas he really a curmudgeon? Well, maybe. But that was part of his charm. Basically, he was a truly lovable person.
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Creator of UniversesOnly one Universe? Why couldn't there be many?
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Hello Courageous BugSometimes a bug hangs on to your windshield for many miles before flying off. Have you ever wondered how it solves a resulting problem?
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The Unfinished PoemWhen only a word is added in creating a beautiful poem, will there be time to finish it in a lifetime?
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The One Great MomentEvery life has a purpose. Most of it may seem humdrum. But all this is really preparation for one great moment.
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Woman of MysteryMaryellen was only thirteen but she was a Woman of Mystery. Read how she foiled a kidnapping plot.
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The 1937 Chevrolet Four-Door SedanHave you ever had the feeling that an auto you owned was like a member of the family. Here is one, a 1937 Chevrolet Four-Door Sedan. Read how it returned home after 74 years.
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A Christmas Eve WishA little girl needs to be home on Christmas Eve. But this little girl had been separated from her mother and the weather was awful.
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The Singular ClockCan a clock know you? Here is the story of one that may keep you wondering.
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A Gift from a GhostGhosts are famous for wanting to scare people. This is not necessarily always true. Here is a story of a ghost who yearned for something else.
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Making Your Objective Priority OneDo you have an objective that desperately needs to be met? See whether my experience with mine can help you succeed with yours.
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An Infinite Number of Decimal Places for PiYou'll often hear about the greatest wonders of the world. I think another should be added. See if you agree that it's a wonder that there is an unlimited number of digits to the value of Pi.
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The Rule of 72The rule of 72 will allow you to estimate how long it will require for a given amount of money invested at a given compound rate to double in value. The rule will give you a very good estimate in just a few seconds. Here's how{
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No Such Thing as a High IQI believe there is no such thing as a high IQ. Everyone has the same level of intelligence as everyone else. Why is it, then, that we believe some individuals appear to have much more intelligence than others?
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Learning Inline SkatingIn theory, one should never hesitate to try something new. At age 75, I thought I'd try to learn. Read about my "failure-proof" method that didn't work.
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Time After TimeImagine what it would mean to you to be able to see events several before they actually happen. This story gives you an idea.
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Like Lorenzo JonesLorenzo Jones was a soap opera on radio a long time ago. Each show began, "We all know couples like lovable, impractical Lorenzo Jones and his devoted wife, Belle. Ann says I'm like Lorenzo Jones.
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Life on Saturn's Moon TerahLife on Earth has become much more interesting since stories have been arriving almost daily from the newly discovered moon, Terah. Stories abound in magazines and newspapers. They one may be the first you'll read.
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Thank You for Being My Friend!I sent this poem to a friend. It came from the heart. I would have no objections if you do the same with your friend. You can even sing it to a tune you invent yourself. Any tune will work if it comes from your heart.
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My Career as a Computer PioneerComputers have been with us so long that we take them for granted. But it wasn't always so. There was a time when computers were known to only a few. I was one of the few but did not realize that I was a computer pioneer. Here is my story.
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Education, Education, EducationThe education level of the American people is not anywhere near at the level it should be. One of our most critical needs at this time is to improve this level. To ignore this need is tantamount to placing our way of life at risk.
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The CommendationGuardian angels stand ever ready to assist you as you wend your path through life. In this story, Angie earns a commendation.
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A Nationwide Creativity ContestHow many great ideas are there that never come to fruition? Why not develop a means that allows these ideas to be studied for feasibility? How about a Nationwide contest to discover which of these ideas can actually be used?
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What is a Pun?If you like to play with words, you would enjoy creating puns. Here are fourteen ways to do this. I could wish you to have fun reading this article. I won't do this but will suggest you have pun.
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A Gnat's Knowledge of the UniverseScientists use profound terms to describe our complex Universe. But how much do they really know. I think it can be compared to what a gnat knows.
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Remaining Contemporary on the JobIf you are working a few more years on the job than most others, it's important that your appearance remains contemporary. Here are some hints on how to accomplish this.
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Making Your Goal Job OneIf you want or need something badly, make attaining it Job One. Here is an example of Job One helped me.
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A Good VocabularyA good vocabulary can be a great asset in business and in human relationships. But you need to be careful how you use it. If it is used unwisely, it can cause more harm than good.
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Happy Birthday, DearWe've all known someone who made our hearts skip a beat. Here is a poem I wrote to one who was having a birthday in June.
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Fun at the American Locomotive CompanyMy first real job was a good deal of fun. There was a lot of joking and kidding around in the shop. Here are some examples.
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The Use of Foul LanguageThe English language is rich enough to allow even the strongest thoughts to be elegantly expressed. This piece encourages the use of English for this purpose, not foul language.
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How Are the Seats?This is a story of how I met Sally, my first wife who, unfortunately, died at too young an age. -
At Last, They Were the Same AgeWhen they were married, one person was half the age of the other. With the passage of time, they became the same age. How did this happen? Read thie story.
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My Service in the U. S. Army During WW IIMy three years in the U. S. Army during World War II had a favorable impact on my life. I feel the beneficial effects to this very day, 65 years later.
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The Surprise Savings AccountDoes it appear that in your home it does not matter how much money comes in; by the end of the week it's all gone? The reason may be that you're not taking care of the savings amount first. Here is a plan that worked.
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Ten Good Reasons for Staying on the Job at Retirement TimeYou may have been looking forward to retirement time for a long time. But do you really want to do this? Here are ten good reasons for staying on the job. Consider these before you make that fateful decision.
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Time, a Non-Renewable CommodityHow do you spend time? Do you squander it or use it wisely? Knowing the answer to this question is important. Squandered or used wise, once spent, it is going forever. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
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Falling Into a JobSometimes what seems like a tragic situation may turn out OK. Here is an example of one that did.
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Betting on the NumbersWhat you might believe is good logic when it comes to betting on the numbers could be entirely wrong. Here is an example of where logic led me astray.
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ONE SMALL STEP in TIMEThose who worry about traveling in time mention that this kind of adventure must be very carefully controlled. There is the possibility that history can be changed. This story explores this possibility.
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TROY, the HOME of UNCLE SAMThe name Samuel Wilson is synonymous with United States. The residents of Troy, New York are proud of the fact that Uncle Sam made his home in Troy and is buried here. A visit to the Oakwood Cemetery makes for an awe-inspiring experience. -
THE INHERITANCEAre you a classic car aficionado? If yes, you're not alone. In this story we have one from way back.. This is a story about this car fan a photo of the car! -
GET OUT of THIS HOUSE!Old Houses are fascinating. Have you ever thought of the people who lived in very old houses. Would they object if someone tried to modernize them? In this story we may meet some of those people.
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THE ASTOUNDING PREDICTIONS of PARROTOMASThe predictions of Nostradamus tend to be vague and difficult to interpret. Contrast these with those of Parrotomas which are easy to understand and may have fearsome meanings.
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I Love PunsPuns have received a bad rap for being bad humor. This is not true at all. When creating a pun, one plays with words. If you are a pun fan, there is no better fun play than to play with words. These puns are my creation.
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Flying Over the HumpDuring World War II, many American soldiers were stationed in China. Getting there was not easy. One way was to get on a plane in Assam, India and fly over the Himalayan Mountains. This article is a recounting my voyage there.
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I GAVE HER a SINGLE RED ROSEIn the language of flowers, a red rose stands for love, especially if it's a single red rose. But what if a suitable vase is not readily available? Would an empty orange juice can suffice? -
OUR NEW 2011 SUBARU IMPREZAWe needed to purchase a new car in a hurry. We had good memories from a Subaru Justy we had once owned. This influenced our decision to invest in a new 2011 All-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza. -
Ten Rules for Effective TeachingDo you aspire to teach? Here are ten rules I formulated after many years of teaching computer science. See if they apply to what you'd like to teach.
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Words of ConfusionHere are some words that confuse many concerning their use. In this article, Jim and Mary discuss the purchase of a memo and in so doing, help you avoid using these words incorrectly
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Playing a Joke on JeffHave you ever wanted to change your appearance so much you wanted to fool someone? Here is one instance when I had done this and had some fun with my friend, Jeff.
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Four Sets of Words Often ConfusedWith texting these days, the correct usage of words is not as important as it once was. But everyone should be careful with formal writing. Here are four sets of words often confused.
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Miracles with Only 15 Minutes a DayEveryone has a book inside them. This article encourages you to get yours published before a year has gone by.
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My SonA son is a precious thing. We see his life as it ought to be. Sometimes we see his life as it might have been.
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Buying a Classic PackardThe opportunity to buy a classic automobile at a bargain price does not present itself very often. Here is one time when opportunity knocked and the door was opened.
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THE UTOPIA PLANSupercomputers are marvelous devices. The do their work so quickly and effortlessly. Have you ever wondered how people would react if they began making demands?
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AN END to the CAPE COD BASEMENT MENACEPutting an end to this menace could take all afternoon. A lucky find saved the day.
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The Infamous Auto Defects Lists of Bygone DaysToday the purchase of a new car is a pleasant experience, but it wasn't always so. This is the story of the infamous Auto Defects Lists of Long ago.
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Visualizing the National DebtThe national debt at the time of this writing is over 14 trillion dollars. Do you have any mental concept of how much this amount really is? This article attempts to help you.
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DEADWOOD REVISITED AUGUST 1, 1876What happened on August 2, 1876 in Deadwood, Dakota Territory made Wild Bill Hickok famous. But what would happen to that fame with the passage of a different time line?
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MY FRIEND CALLEDMy friend called on three separate days and everything was looking so good. Then came Thursday.
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The Huge UmbrellaThis is an ode to an umbrella. At times umbrellas can be our best friend. When it rains, for example.
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When First We Closed with LoveAt the end of a note, sometimes you don't know what word or words to place ahead of your name. You may simply type your name. As our friendship grows, we may decide to close with words that show more affection like fondly and love.
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Hold my HandThere arrives the magical moment when you and the other person realize that you were meant for each other. This poem is the recitation of one of them.
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My Dear, I'm Glad it Was YouThese words may express how you feel about that girl or guy who was there when you needed a special someone in your life.
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Road Testing Our Classic 1972 Fiat 500We imported this lovely little car from a nice Italian family in 1999. We enjoy taking short trips with it. I use it now and then for back and forth driving to work. -
AN ACCEPTANCE of the UNKNOWNMany of us believe in only what we can see, smell, and hear, but there is more to what exists than what can be detected. The character in this story learned this in a mysterious way. -
A Road Test of My 1956 Renault 4CVThis 1956 Renault 4CV has been in the author's possession since 2003. It was purchased from its then-owner in Greenwich, New York. There are other details in the article. -
Tell Me About God, MotherQuestions about the nature of God must occur to most people. Here is an example of a mother's response to her child''s questions about God.
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HAIKU - TAXI DRIVERThis is a Haiku that describes a scene you may have witnessed, not once but many times.
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THE BEST MOTORCYCLE I HAVE EVER OWNEDThis article describes my 1980 Honda CM400a which I purchased new in 1980 and still owned. It has given me what I have valued most in a motorcycle and that is ease of use. -
The IQ TestReturning from WWII, I was hired by General Electric. You might be interested in hearing how the IQ test went. GE thought I had done well but they wanted to give me another one.
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The Fun of a Smart CarA Smart Car is not for everyone. I've owned a Smart Car for three years and enjoy it for three reasons; it's cute, attracts attention, and is fun to drive.
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STAY AWAY from that MILL!Stay away from that mill! There is much to be fearful about going there. This poem is a severe warning. Do not go near that mill! Stay away from that mill!
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A Tiny Nail and a Rusty BoltI have a superstition that so long as a tiny nail and a rusty bolt do not move from where they are located, I'll be OK.
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Remembering the AnniversaryBen had forgotten his first wedding anniversary. He must not make the same mistake for the second. He devised the perfect reminder. What happened when the reminder almost failed, became an event that both he and his wife will laugh about forever.
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Purchasting Gold to Help Protect Personal WealthEveryone should consider whether a stake in gold should be used to help protect the personal wealth they have built over the years.
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My Best PunsThese are puns that I created. They are the form of humor I like best.
