The Lighter Side

Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Announces First of Its Kind Avian Patrol Division

Publisher — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Announces First of Its Kind Avian Patrol Division

Publisher Sat, 09/06/2025 - 10:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office spread its wings this week with the announcement of a brand-new Avian Patrol Division.

While K9 teams are the standard in most law enforcement agencies, the sheriff’s office said it wanted to think outside the box and introduce a feathered partner program.

Deputy Jason Black, described as an ornithological enthusiast, has been working closely with the division’s first recruit, a raven named Beowulf. “He’s my pal,” Black said during a training exercise at the courthouse. “I should probably get him more pretzels.”

The office explained that with the rising costs of drones and the impact of statewide budget cuts, the avian division could provide an innovative way to maintain airborne support while saving taxpayer dollars.

In a follow-up, the sheriff’s office admitted the announcement was meant in jest. “Please know this post is just for fun!” the statement read. “While Deputy Black did in fact make a new friend at the courthouse the other day, we do not have an avian patrol division. Yet.”

For now, Beowulf remains more courthouse companion than crime-fighter, but if the sheriff’s office ever does decide to make birds official deputies, Carbon County can at least say it saw the idea take flight first.

And if you hear a mysterious “caw” above the courthouse, don’t panic, it’s probably just Beowulf keeping an eye on things. Either that, or he’s stolen someone’s pretzel.

International Moment of Laughter Day Reminds Us to Lighten Up and Laugh a Little

Publisher — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

International Moment of Laughter Day Reminds Us to Lighten Up and Laugh a Little Publisher Sat, 04/12/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

On April 14, the world is invited to pause, breathe deeply—and laugh out loud. International Moment of Laughter Day is more than just a quirky celebration. It’s a reminder that laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the body and mind, too.

Created by “humorologist” Izzy Gesell, this unofficial holiday encourages people to let go of stress, embrace joy, and reconnect with the lighter side of life. For Gesell, laughter is no small matter. “Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do,” he says. “It relieves stress, instills optimism, raises self-confidence, defuses resistance to change, and enhances all your relationships.”

Science backs up what Gesell preaches. Medical studies have shown that laughter lowers stress hormones, increases blood flow, and even reduces blood sugar levels. People who laugh regularly report better sleep, improved mood, and stronger immune function.

But the benefits of laughter go beyond the physical. Socially, a good sense of humor helps people connect. Laughter breaks the ice, smooths over awkward moments, and helps build lasting relationships. It’s a natural mood booster that’s hard to resist—especially in group settings.

Celebrate with a smile

Whether you’re naturally jovial or need a little help finding your funny bone, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

• Watch your favorite comedy or sitcom

• Read a joke book or follow a funny account on social media

• Share a few puns with coworkers or tell silly stories with friends

• Attend a comedy show or improv night

The key? Make space for a genuine laugh—even if it’s just for a moment.

Laughter, like exercise or eating well, is most effective when practiced regularly. And yes, there’s even a science to the sound of it. Did you know humans can laugh with a “ha-ha-ha” or “ho-ho-ho,” but not a mixed “ha-ho-ha-ho”? That’s because laughter has a specific acoustic structure, designed by evolution to signal friendliness and safety.

So this April 14, take a moment. Crack a smile. Let out a giggle—or a belly laugh. Your body, mind, and relationships will thank you.

And don’t forget: it’s okay to laugh for no reason at all. Sometimes, that’s the best kind.

2/8/2025 The Lighter Side

Publisher — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

2/8/2025 The Lighter Side

Publisher Sat, 02/08/2025 - 07:00

Christmas Punches from the Times of Dickens

Publisher — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Christmas Punches from the Times of Dickens

Publisher Sat, 12/21/2024 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

There is probably no other writer who is remembered for his Christmas story than Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol is as famous a story as any during the holiday season.

It was during Dickens time, that many great Christmas punches were seen at parties and events celebrating the season.

I have always enjoyed looking at old drinks from different periods of time and I am fortunate to have a book I found some years back on the foods and drinks that gave recipes during Dickens time. On top of having many old recipes, the “Convivial Dickens, The drinks of Dickens and his times have a section on only Christmas libations and food.

The Bishop Punch is one of those punches.

I can’t say it is the easiest punch I have ever made, but its unique taste worth it. Port wine is not as common in present times as it was in the past in drinking culture, but it is still easy to find. I got acquainted with port from an ex, and she taught that there a few types out there. Any port will do for this recipe, but I am fond of Tawny Port.

The ingredients needed will be:

One unpeeled orange, 12-18 whole cloves, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of powder cloves, pinch of mace, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger (3 or 4 pieces of dried ginger will work), strip of lemon peel, 1 cup of water, 1 quart of port wine, 1/4 cup of brandy heated.

Now comes the labor intensive part. I am not really sure who came up with the idea of studding the orange, but I believe there was a real effort to make punches festive.

Stud the orange with whole cloves and pack it thickly with brown sugar. Put in oven and cook at 350 degrees until the sugar forms a crust on the orange. It is going to be a little messy as you cut the orange in quarters. Then place it in a punch bowl you have out ready to serve in.

Next, simmer the remaining spices and lemon peel until the cup of water is reduced to half. Once done with making a syrup, heat wine in saucepan until hot, but do not let it boil. Combine spice syrup, wine and some heated brandy (microwave works fine for this) in the punch bowl.

Serve hot. In cups sprinkle a little nutmeg. The warmth of the punch probably took the chill out of the weather that was dominate in England at Christmas time.

It makes 8-10 servings.

Another old time warming holiday drink is mulled wine.

It is an acquired taste, but it is popular today during the holiday season, but probably not as popular as back in Dickens times.

The Ingredients needed:

One and a 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 2 dozen whole cloves, 2 sticks of cinnamon, 2 crushed nutmegs, peels of 2 lemons and 2 oranges. If you buy pre-made lime or lemon juice, you will need 4 cups and then heat it. If you are doing the juice fresh from the fruit, be prepared it takes a lot of limes or lemons to make 4 cups. I opt for already squeezed juice. Also required is 2 bottles port or sherry. For those who don’t want an alcoholic punch, a gallon of apple cider can be substituted in a no liquor version.

To make the syrup, boil sugar, water, spices, and peels together for 5 minutes. Add hot lemon juice. Heat well, but be careful not to let it boil, then add the spirit of cider. Serve very hot with slices of lemon, orange and pineapple floating on top.

It is another punch to warm up the bones.

Serves about 16.

An interesting drink I have tried from recipe is Lamb’s Wool.

I was told there are variations, but I am using the recipe from Dickens time and the one that I was exposed to.

The ingredients needed:

A quart of dark beer; 4 ounces of brown sugar, 1 inch stick of cinnamon; 6 whole cloves, 2 eggs; and some grated ginger to taste-I don’t use much-maybe a teaspoon.

Heat the beer, sugar and spices together in a pot. Separately, beat eggs well in another bowl. When the sugar has dissolved and the beer is hot, not boiling, pour into a pitcher. Then rapidly pour the contents of the pitcher into the bowl of whisked eggs. As quickly as possible, pour the contents back and forth until a thick froth is raised. Then serve in small drinking cups.

Makes from 4 to 6 cups.

When drinking any of these warm punches, know this was what Dickens could have been drinking when writing the Christmas Carol.

A funny message from a Christmas past

Publisher — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

A funny message from a Christmas past Publisher Sat, 12/07/2024 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

I came across this old email from a friend I had known since high school. When I say the message is old, I mean it. It came November 26, 2001, back in the days when the internet was still fairly new.

KC , my awesome friend, passed away due to cancer about five years ago after putting up a brilliant 10 year fight. She was truly an inspirational person to be around.

What she sent me, I have seen in many forms and words. The common thread is the title, “It’s great to be a man!

KC is the first person to send it to me and as said, this list has grown and has been added and changed over the years by different folk. I have seen some which are way more politically correct, but none quite so light hearted as this one. It is definitely one of the originals that started circulating, just by its age. It is a touch dated, but she sent this to me at Christmas for a reason. The last two lines explained it all to me why she had sent it.

It’s great to be a man!

1. Low hair maintenance and you don’t give a darn if someone notices your new haircut.

2. Low cosmetic budget.

3. Pregnancy is not an option.

4. The world is your urinal.

5. The garage is all yours.

6. Be able to do “the art of writing” in the snow.

7. Wedding plans take care of themselves.

8. You can kill your own food.

9. No monthly mood-swings

10. Car mechanics tell you the truth.

11. No one stares at your chest while talking to you.

12. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

13. You get credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

14. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.

15. One wallet, and one pair of shoes; one color, all seasons.

17. You can do your nails with a pocketknife.

18. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack..

19. You whip off and walk around without your shirt.

20. A five day vacation needs only one suitcase.

21. You are not expected to know the names of more than five colors.

22. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

23. If you are 34 and single, nobody notices.

24. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

25. Dry cleaners and hair stylists don’t rob you blind.

26. You never have to go to another gas station because this one’s just too icky.

27. Wedding dress $5,000; Tux rental $150

28. Grey hair and wrinkles add character.

29. Chocolate is just another snack.

30. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.

31. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

32. You know stuff about tanks.

33. You can quietly enjoy a car ride from the passenger’s seat.

34. You don’t have to clean your apartment, if the maid is coming.

35. You almost never have strap problems in public.

36. Same work… more money.

37. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

38. Nobody stops telling a good dirty joke when you walk into a room.

39. Old friends don’t care whether you’ve lost or gained weight.

40. You don’t have to wrap your presents because you do it badly so others will do it for you.

41. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives, on December 24th, in 45 minutes.

I was incredibly lame (more or less still am) at wrapping presents. Especially at Christmas. KC wrapped my presents from when I was 15 until almost 30, then I got married. Fortunately I had a wife who was a talented wrapper. Now that I think about it, I bet I roped my sister into doing my packages for some Christmases. All I can say now, I am very thankful for the Christmas gift bag. Its worth every cent.

KC was also horrified how I could put off Christmas until the last minute. On that trait, I have changed. She would be proud of how I look for presents all year round.

Anyway, Christmas is a time of thinking of loved ones and KC was loved by me and a lot of others. Discovering this old email from her, reminded me how lucky I was she was in my life and how great her sense of humor was.

It made me smile and laugh a little and take a moment to reflect on all the good times we had together.

A good way to start appreciating the holidays to come.

6/15/24 Lighter Side

Publisher — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

6/15/24 Lighter Side

Publisher Sat, 06/15/2024 - 07:00

Opening at the New Factory

Publisher — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 19:52:57 +0000

Opening at the New Factory

Publisher Sat, 03/02/2024 - 20:52

March Forth and Do Something

Publisher — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 19:50:18 +0000

March Forth and Do Something

Publisher Sat, 03/02/2024 - 20:50

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

March 4th marks an unusual but empowering holiday: March Forth and Do Something Day. This unofficial observance encourages individuals to take action and pursue their aspirations. Derived from a play on words with the homonyms forth and fourth, the holiday urges people to seize the day and make meaningful strides in their lives.

The concept is simple—use March 4th as a catalyst for personal growth and/or community impact. Whether it’s volunteering, initiating long-delayed projects, or tending to the garden, the day beckons individuals to embrace forward momentum. It serves as a reminder to break free from inertia and embrace new challenges.

Historically, March Forth and Do Something emerged as a response to tales of deferred dreams and lost opportunities. It stands as a beacon of encouragement for those grappling with procrastination or self-doubt. The holiday’s timing, following significant national observances like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, underscores its potential for promoting unity and reflection.

Throughout the years, March Forth has garnered attention through various mediums. From books chronicling personal triumphs to online articles sparking discussions, the holiday continues to resonate with individuals seeking inspiration and direction.

The Urban Dictionary defines March Fourth as a day dedicated to pursuing dreams and defying obstacles. It’s a day marked not by passive reflection, but by active engagement—a day to strive, create, and connect.

As March 4th approaches, let us heed the call to March Forth—to embrace the journey toward our aspirations and contribute to a world brimming with possibility.

1/27/24 Lighter Side

Publisher — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

1/27/24 Lighter Side

Publisher Sat, 01/27/2024 - 07:00