Potpourri

Johnny Appleseed (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), born John Chapman, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He became an American legend while still alive, largely because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

Celebrate National Comic Book Day with your favorite superhero or villain

If you love superheroes or masked men wearing tight tights, and who doesn’t, you’re in luck! So move over Batman and hold onto that cape, Superman - September 25th is National Comic Book Day!   Not to be confused with FREE Comic Book Day which is held on the first Saturday in May, this annual holiday is a day dedicated to the millions of comic book lovers across America.  

While the origins of this national holiday are unknown, comic books provide an imaginary journey with amazing characters.   Whether you love vile villains, out-of-this world aliens, incredible creatures or crusaders in spandex, comic books are just plain fun and have been around for decades. It is believed Superman was the first superhero to enter the comic book scene back in 1938. 

Comic Book Resources

• Marvel – This is the official website of more than 5,000 characters including Spider-Man, Hulk, X-Men, Captain America and Iron Man. http://marvel.com/
• Comic Book Movies – Launched in 2002, Comic Book Movies (CBM) provides a plethora of information and news about movies that bring comic book characters to the screen. http://www.comicbookmovie.com/
• Grand Comics Database – This non-profit organization provides information on printed comic publications around the world.  More than 350,000 covers have been uploaded to the site. http://www.comics.org/
•  

It’s National Checkers Day – Game on!

September 23 is National Checkers Day.  If you are thinking about adopting a pet from your local animal shelter, look for a spotted one and name him or her Checkers.  Or why not dust off the old checkers board and play a game or two with the kids or your significant other?   If you don’t happen to have a game at home, why not try your hand at a free game of online checkers?  You can also play a match or two against others online as well.