"Unbroken". If you have not heard this word lately you surely do not live in the USA. It is a movie that has just been released.  It is a true story about an Italian American boy, Louis Zamperini. Dave and I spent the afternoon last week at the theatre viewing this movie.  I think I told you all before, but just as a reminder, if you go to the first showing in the afternoon, it only costs $5.00. I think I had the opportunity to meet Zamperini at an Italian function several years ago. I got the book for Dave for Christmas. First, I am going to share with you some of the descriptions that appear on the back of the book. The book was written by Laura Hillenbrand.  It says this is a one in a billion story.  It is amazing, gripping, harrowing, chilling and inspiring. It says, in boyhood he was an incorrigible delinquent. He channeled his defiance into running, discovering a talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics. When World War II began he became an airman that embarked him on an unimaginable journey. Through all that happened he was driven to the limits of endurance.  His fate would   be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.  His brother told him as a kid "If you can take it you can make it." This phrase stayed with him throughout his life.  This movie will certainly stir your emotions.  I urge you to go see this movie.  If will be worth your time and it is certainly a good way to spend a cold winter afternoon.  There are several other good movies on or coming soon that you might want to attend.

 

We have spent time watching some basketball games especially the WVU men and women.  I ran across this interesting information.  The first basketball game was played in January 1892.   James Naismith, a physical education teacher, invented the game so people could play a team game inside during the winter.   There were 13 original rules to the game, which has not changed much.  The player dribbled a soccer ball down the floor.  Points were earned when the ball landed     in a peach basket.  Each time the ball landed in the basket a player had to climb a ladder to remove it. I retrieved this information from a daily calendar prepared by the WV Department of Education.

 

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and since January has a special day, National Popcorn Day, why not enjoy some during the game?  Try popping a batch of popcorn and then sprinkling Parmesan cheese on the warm popcorn. Delicious and low calories treat.

 

It is also time to start thinking about Valentine's Day.

 

Flu season is upon us and this is an especially bad strain. I speak from experience.  Remember to stay away from crowds, to drink plenty of fluids, get medication if you think it is coming on and to wash your hands often with hot, soapy water.

 

Keep healthy, keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It through the Grapevine."