Piny the Elder (A.D. 23-79) named the sea horse “hippus,” Today the generic name of the seahorse has been retained. Hippocampus mans horse-caterpillar.

The alleged medicinal properties range from a supposed aphrodisiac effect when used in a love potion to more prosaic uses as a cure for baldness and pains in the side; or when a living sea horse has been dipped into oil of roses, for chills and fever.

There are approximately two dozen species of seahorses. Seahorses are strictly marine in habitat.

The female actually deposits the eggs in the brood pouch of the male, who, in turn, incubates them for a minimum of eight to ten days

The jackknife contortions of the male seahorse, not to mention the female’s depositing eggs in the males brood pouch, are rarely observed..

In watching seahorses one will be impressed by the independent movement of the eyes, one eye may be looking in one direction and the other roving elsewhere.

Since they are unable to move rapidly enough to chase their prey, they have had to develop their own method of capture. This secret weapon consists of a netlike suction of pinpoint accuracy. A brine shrimp or other planktonic organism swimming with the 1 ½ inch range of the elongated snout is sucked into the opened mouth so rapidly that the observer cannot follow the movement of the hapless creature.

Create a plan of action in maintaining your dwelling. Here are some typical tasks to to tackle for the fall and early winter:

# Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement, or safety hazards.
# Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
# Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
# Clean wood decks and reseal as needed.
# Check the grade of the land around the house: it should encourage water to flow away from the foundation.
# Turn off the shut-off valve on your outdoor water pipes before the first freeze and remove outside hoses and store away.
# Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
# Look for obvious gaps around doors and windows and replace worn weather-stripping and caulking.
# Have the heating, cooling, and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
# Review the location of all of the shut-off valves in your home with all your family members so you’ll be prepared for emergencies.
# Reset automatic light timers for the longer nights ahead.
# Replace smoke detector batteries.
# Create a plan in the event of a fire in your home. Ensure that there is an operable window or door in every room of the house.

Baskin Robbins was created by two brothers-in-law Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin. They were each running Ice Cream Stores in Glendale a suburb of Los Angeles. Beginning in 1946 their first store under the name of Baskin Robbins was opened and in two years they had six stores.

Fast forwarding to today we discover that with more than 5,00 locations globally this chain is the world’s largest ice cream specialty store. Each year more than 150 million ice cream cones-not counting sudaes ,banana splits, shakes, smoothies and other treats are sold.

Over a 1,000 flavors have been created over the years with many having whimsical names. Beatle Nut was named for the Beatles and Lunar Cheese cake commemorated the landing on the moon. The practice of offering free tastes on small spoons was made even more popular by this chain.

Baskin Robbins has a line of frozen beverages that includes real fruit smoothies and a line of frozen blended coffee drinks. Ice Cream and cake creations are offered in a wide range of styles.

In more than 50 countries, there are now more than 5,000 stores.

Today Baskin-Robbins is franchised around the world by Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants, headquartered in Randolph, Massachusetts, USA.

Have to make a quick trip to pick up milk, mail a letter, or return a DVD? The NEV, or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, is a small environmentally-friendly vehicle. A new “plug and go” solution, NEVs are lightweight and enclosed against inclimate weather. This ideal alternative accelerates up to a 25mph speed, perfect for those daily rides around town. Beware, however. The batteries are heavy and expensive, and the cars don’t drive far enough between recharges to make them a long-distance commuter’s choice. However, for commuting longer distances, many models do include the built-in charger to plug in and recharge upon reaching destination. The driver can then start again, fresh with a full battery to return home. The NEV industry is still new and growing; accordingly, it is still difficult to locate a dealer. But, while conserving energy, a driver can also conserve cash! For those considering purchase, there are rebates available for the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. Safe and legally allowed on streets posted at 25mph, (do check local restrictions), cruising down the road in one of these new vhicles is sure to turn more than a few pedestrian heads.