Wondering what to write about.

I just wasted (depends how you look at it) the entire morning trying to find something new and exciting to write about in today's blog.  I got my Weird History 101 book out and read about pirates, I read about Indians, I read about the Earps and Tombstone, I read about the Red Barren, I read about past presidents, I read about atomic bombs, I read about a lot of things.  So, what do you want to hear about?

How about the "duck and cover" era when we all worried about missiles carrying an atomic or hydrogen warhead.  A lot of people had dug fall out shelters and stocked them with food and water.  I guess those same people today would be called "preppers", right?  And the Cuban missile crises?  So, what did we who lived through that time learn about those terrible weapons?  About the only thing I remember was when we see a flash of bright light, duck and cover; but what happens if it happens during a thunder and lightning storm?  David Miller, department of Energy spokesman said: "All you have to do [to protect yourself form radiation] is go down to the bottom of your swimming pool and hold your breath".  OK??  For how long?  A couple of hours or days or???  I think he said that with his tongue in his cheek.

When it comes to an atomic explosion, distance is our friend.  The further away from ground zero the better off.  The size of the bomb is important but not as much as one would think.  If you double the size it only extends the damage a quarter more.  If you increase the size by 100 times it will only extend the damage 4.5 times.

OK, if this upsets you, here is another thing that may be worse!!  In the Internal Revenue Service Handbook (1976) it says, "During a state of national emergency resulting from enemy attack, the essential functions for the Service will be as follows: (1) assessing, collecting, and recording taxes. . . ."

Now, if you can, have yourselves a great day, you hear?