Bring Catfish Home
According to a recent article in Iowa Farmer Today, fish farming has diminished in recent decades. Imports such as catfish have dramatically homed in on U.S. production. U.S. imports are about 90% of fish and seafood consumed here. Of course, you know who, China, including Southeast Asian countries, have made it economically wise to move our aquaculture over there! Just my opinion, but through the years so many American businesses have moved their production lines across-the-pond. We have only ourselves to blame! A friend told me the other day that we should put a 15% tax on all goods made in China. Not a bad idea, but I’m sure there’s a downside, too. One area concerning fish farming is the U.S. soybean growers. Soy meal is a component in many fish rations. Aquaculture is a big user of soybean meal so the market is there for businesses to act. There are no fish production Midwestern states in the top 10 of aquaculture states. Mississippi is the top-producing aquaculture state. Much of it are catfish raised in ponds. In fact, we’re having catfish next Friday. Hope I don’t see a tag on its tail, “Made in China.”
Just a Pint
That’s all it takes to donate blood. It’s easy and it only takes about 45 minutes or less. Whether you donate once in a while or schedule an appointment every few months, please consider doing it. Lorna donates through the American Red Cross in Geneseo and I donate at the Moline Impact Life Donor Center. In fact, one more pint and I’ll hit the 18 gallon mark. (Maybe I’ll celebrate and make myself a “Bloody Mary”). Either location is excellent so please consider giving blood.
Laika
If you are a dog lover, read no further. The space race started on October 4, 1957, between the Soviet Union and the USA. I remember we rushed out of our house in Moline to see Sputnik 1 in the sky. The entire neighborhood came out to see it. On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 launched and carried a dog named, Laika. The dog was never met to return to earth. A Russian scientist said the dog died only hours into the mission due to the cabin overheating and stress. In March, 2005, a patch of soil on Mars was named in Leika’s honor.
Fishy Humor
Most people admire fishermen. They are “reel” men! The reason fish know how much they weigh is they have their own built-in set of scales. Did you hear about the brawl at the meat and fish counter in the grocery store? Many fish were apparently battered. I used to look for clams along the Green River until one day I pulled a mussel.
“Dan D" and his wife, Lorna, are holding her five trout caught last Sunday at Rock Falls, IL. It was cold, but the fishing was good and they came home with 10 rainbows.
Smart
Best to clean your smartphone once and awhile! According to a recent article in the Consumer Reports “On Health” magazine, scientists have found worrying levels of germs, drug-resistant bacteria, viruses, etc. on smartphones. In 2020 there were a total of 56 studies that indicate that mobile phones should be cleaned. Clean with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Do not use a spray or household cleaners. When starting, make sure you unplug and turn off your phone.
Two Local Fishermen
Gene Stees and Dale Tanis rented a row boat to go fishing on the Rock River. Within a few minutes, Dale caught a giant catfish. He then got out his pen and put a great big “X” on the bottom of the boat. Dale said, “Now we’ll know where to catch a big fish the next time!” Gene said, “You idiot! Next time we’ll probably get a different boat!”
Two Brothers
Thanks to that last “wet & heavy” snow, it took down one of our large evergreens. It just missed our neighbor’s house and ours. In the past, at one time or another, 4 other houses in our court had to use Two Brothers. Nice job!
“HAPPY EASTER!”
Preview for next week: Civil War Days, Fishing Fallacies & more