In “A View from the Zoo,” Gary Richmond, a former zookeeper wrote, “Raccoons go through a glandular change at about twenty-four months.  After that they often attack their owners.  Since a thirty-pound raccoon can be equal to a one hundred-pound dog in a scrap, I felt compelled to mention the change coming to a pet raccoon owned by a young friend of mine, Julie.  She listened politely as I explained the coming danger.  I’ll never forget her answer: ‘It will be different for m

The expression “face the music” is said to have originated in Japan.  According to the story, many years ago there was a man in the imperial orchestra who couldn’t play a note.  But being a person of great influence and wealth, he had demanded that he be given a place in the group because he wanted to “perform” before the emperor.             The conductor agreed to let him sit in the second row of the orchestra, even though he couldn’t read music.  He was given a flute, and

Author Roy B. Zuck writes: “According to legend, there was once a young Christian who lived in ancient Rome.  Like so many of the early Christians, Valentine had been imprisoned because of his faith.  Often and longingly he would think of his loved ones and wanted to assure them of his well-being and his love. “Beyond his cell window, grew a cluster of violets.  So, he picked some heart-shaped leaves and pierced them to spell the word, “Love,” and then sent them with a note