Paw Prints TidBits - January 2010

Paw Prints TidBits for January

Ready or not, 2010 has arrived. The beginning of a new year provides the opportunity to make a fresh start. Rather than make brand new resolutions, though, I'm sticking with last year's since I don't seem to have perfected that one yet. How about you?

Our anecdote for January is about Will Rogers, U.S. humorist, broadcaster, and writer. Some words of wisdom to start the year make up this month's slideshow. And the sidebar contains a short tribute to mathematicians everywhere. Hope you and your loved ones have a happy and successful new year.

If you have any comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Anecdote of the Month

Will Rogers (1879-1935)

A n e c d o t e . . .

Will Rogers Rogers, having paid too much income tax one year, tried in vain to claim a rebate. His numerous letters and queries remained unanswered. Eventually the form for the next year's return arrived. In the section marked "DEDUCTIONS," Rogers listed: "Bad debt, US Government--$40,000."

B i o g r a p h i c a l . N o t e . . .

U.S. humorist, broadcaster, and writer. Rogers was the star of Broadway and 71 movies of the 1920s and 1930s and wrote more than 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns. During his lifetime he befriended Presidents, Senators and Kings. Known as the "Indian Cowboy" from the Cherokee Nation, his trick roping skills won him jobs in wild west shows and in vaudeville. But his wise cracks and folksy observations quickly became more prized by audiences than his expert roping. He became recognized as being a very informed and smart philosopher--telling the truth in very simple words so that everyone could understand. His forte was political observations: "I don't make jokes; I just watch the government and report the facts."

M o r e . I n f o r m a t i o n . . .

Visit the official Will Rogers Homepage to find out more about this American legend.