Today Is ...

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 7, 2026, at home

Today is National Periodic Table Day.

I have enjoyed chemistry since I was a kid, and I even studied it in high school and at university. I retain an interest in it to this day.

While I ultimately became a journalist, I was quite fortunate in the 1990s to land a job in New York City where I could indulge my love of a topic that has interested me since I was a young kid in the 1960s playing with my chemistry set. From 1992 to 1996, I was a Reporter, Writer, Editor, and Researcher for an international weekly magazine on the financial and technical aspects of the chemical industry. This included oils, fats, and waxes; flavors and fragrances; heavy and agricultural chemicals; petrochemicals; plastics and coatings; pharmaceuticals; and more.

Yes, I'm a nerd ... and proud of it.

I am honored to have worked for one of the oldest publications in the United States. The magazine, initially titled "Oil, Paint, and Drug Reporter" and titled "Chemical Marketing Reporter" ("CMR") when I worked there, was first published in 1871. Shortly after I moved on, it was renamed "Chemical Market Report."

I still laugh at the title of my first position there: Oils, Fats, and Waxes Editor. It was my job to cover such products as castor oil, grease (both yellow AND white), and carnauba wax from an industrial standpoint. I was later promoted to more complex coverage areas: Flavors and Fragrances Editor, then Heavy and Agriculture Chemicals Editor, and then Market Research Editor.

I rank this job as my most favorite job since I became a journalist in 1982 and ended my career in 2017, partly because, as I still sometimes jokingly say, it made me appear smarter than I actually was. 

Also, my groundbreaking (lol 😁) story on tung oil as a natural industrial lubricant in its infancy was cited in USDA and EPA governmental reports. My writings were also cited in a university student's doctoral thesis.

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 7, 2026, at home

I sometimes like Fettuccine Alfredo, but, technically, it isn't Italian.

Today Is ...

February 6, 2026, at home

When I was a kid in the 1960s and 1970s, I loved Bazooka bubble gum with the Bazooka Joe comics. I even saved many comics to send for a small, plastic submarine that ran on baking soda. I never received it because the Bazooka people didn't have it in stock. I received a voucher so that I could send for a different toy, a "premium" as they are called. I think that I just saved it because I don't remember receiving anything from the Bazooka company.

I went through a phase, I think in the 1980s, maybe the late 1970s,  when I really enjoyed chewing the chocolate-mint flavor of Bubblicious bubble gum.

I also have enjoyed Dubble Bubble bubble gum, usually around Halloween when I was a kid.

On Instagram

February 6, 2026, at home

I decided to put myself onto Instagram. Here is the link to my profile. Follow me, if you want. Thanks.

https://www.instagram.com/billsantos3434

Throwback Thursday: "CMR"

February 5, 2026, at home

Throwback Thursday: Here I am enjoying a clove cigarette in 1993 (age 32) outside of my cousins' house in Babylon, Long Island, New York. At the time, I was a reporter, writer, editor, and soon-to-be researcher for "Chemical Marketing Reporter" ("CMR"), a New York City-based international weekly magazine on the financial and technical aspects of the chemical industry. The magazine was first published in 1871.

With my long, dark-blue peacoat, I would humorously pretend to be one of those cool, hot-shot reporters in the "Big City," when, in reality, I was just a nerdy journalist working for a trade publication. While that job was absolutely terrific, and I was certainly elated to have it, I have never been one to take my professional status seriously.

After all, during my four-year stint (1992-1996), I wrote about chemicals and everything related to chemicals: oils, fats, and waxes; flavors and fragrances; heavy and agricultural chemicals; petrochemicals; plastics and coatings; pharmaceuticals; and more.

My life at that time wasn't exactly glamorous, except that I was working in the Financial District of "The City." I absolutely loved that job. It was always interesting, and, as I (still) half jokingly say: It made me appear smarter than I actually was.

I have been interested in chemicals since I was a kid with my chemistry set in the 1960s. I studied chemistry in high school and at university. I remember being extremely excited when I got this gig, and that excitement strengthened throughout my four years there. As you can determine, I still get excited about chemistry.

I am in the midst of writing an autobiographical novel based on this time of my life.

Ranking as my second-favorite gig: American Media Inc. from 2002 to 2011 as a copy editor and page designer with Star, Globe, National Examiner, and National Enquirer magazines ... but that a story for another time.

Today Is ...

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 5, 2026, at home

I first tasted Nutella in Austria in the early 1980s on a vacation to visit my many Austrian cousins and to go skiing in the Austrian Alps. (I have been to Austria seven times.)

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 5, 2026, at home

I have never been an optimist. I thought that I am a lifelong pessimist, but upon further observation, I really am a fatalist. If something is not meant to be, you can't make it happen no matter how hard you try to make it happen.

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 5, 2026, at home

I like chocolate fondue. I also like the savory versions of fondue: cheese, and also beef. (I always avoid strawberries. I don't like their taste or texture.)

Rumours Released In 1977

February 4, 2026, at home

The album "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac was released on February 4, 1977. Many thanks go to the members of my sophomore (10th grade) math class at West Islip High School in West Islip, Long Island, New York, for pooling their money to buy this album for me as a get-well present.

(NOTE: The photo below is not my album. Mine was misplaced or stolen during the early 1980s, while I was studying at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania.)

In May 1977, at the age of 16, I contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on Long Island. I was in Southside Hospital in nearby Bay Shore, initially in the isolation ward for 10 days while doctors tried to determine my affliction. My pediatrician, who was still tending to my health until age 18, knew what it was.

He saved my life. There were about 300 deaths across the United states that year, 40 just on Long Island. My temperature was 104.3 degrees for 10 days. My fever broke on the same day my paternal grandmother passed away while at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip.

I remained in the hospital for several weeks with high blood pressure and reddish-purple scales completely covering both of my legs, with some on my arms, abdomen, thorax, and face. I received lots of intravenous antibiotics.

I wasn't able to return to school. I was only required to take two final exams at home, sitting at our dining room table wearing my dark blue pajamas. Many thanks go to Mr. Rodriguez (R.I.P.) for administering my math test. When I was finished, he graded my test at the table. I got a 96. A couple of days later, I took Mr. Wallace's biology test that was administered by a proctor. I got an 80.

20th Wedding Anniversary

Happy 20th Anniversary to my wonderful wife !!! I love you !!!

February 4, 2026, at home

20th Anniversary Video

February 4, 2026, at home

Today, my wonderful wife and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I love her so much, and I thank her for all that she does for me.

I created and uploaded this video onto my YouTube channel, with photo of us 20 years ago today. (length: 6, minutes, 46 seconds) ... I also included my self-penned wedding vows. The music is "The Blue Danube" (German: "An der schönen blauen Donau"), a waltz written by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II. As per Austrian tradition, of which is part of my heritage, the bride and groom's first dance is to this song. Our regular first dance, after our Austrian first dance, was to the song "From This Moment On" by Linda Eder.

Our 20th Wedding Anniversary (Feb. 4, 2026)

https://youtu.be/SR4dqxIRIi0?si=cjRXV6CjZBeFf9uu

Happy Birthday !!!

February 4, 2026, at home

Happy Birthday to my wife's sister. 🎉🎂🎁

Today Is ...

I occasionally wear a brown Roots (brand) cap partially made of hemp that I purchased on a vacation with my wife to visit her friends and family members in and around Ontario.

February 4, 2026, at home 

My wonderful wife makes delicious homemade soups.

February 4, 2026, at home

HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY !!!

Happy 20th Anniversary to my wonderful wife !!! I love you !!!

Posted from and by husband Bill, February 4, 2026, at home

3rd In Line

February 3, 2026, at home

For those of you who want Trump and Vance thrown out of office, remember, Mike Johnson would then be president.

Today Is ...

From husband Bill, February 3, 2026, at home

I do like carrot cake.

From husband Bill, February 3, 2026, at home

Today is National Take a Cruise Day.

From March 8 to 31, 2017, I was a "Web Content Editor / Proofreader / QA (Quality Assurance)" for a cruise ship called The World. I worked this short-term, freelance gig on weekdays in an office near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Along with another guy, I edited, proofread, and rewrote the ship's Intranet (internal website), as well as checked photos and hyperlinks, for the site's relaunch on April 1, 2017. This particular website is only accessible to the people on board, so I was not able to see the fruits of my labor. 

The vessel (capacity: 150-200 passengers, plus crew) is described as "the largest, private, residential ship on the planet." There are 165 luxury "residences" (apartments) aboard the ship, with many of them used as timeshares. Residents spend their lives cruising around the world, stopping at various ports along the way. 

While I was sad that my brief assignment was over, I left with fond memories of an interesting professional and personal experience. What I miss most are the shots of Cuban coffee made by a staff member in the office breakroom. She served it every morning from a tray filled with small plastic cups. It was a strong, sweet fuel that definitely propelled me through an enormous amount of work in such a short period of time. 

(Due to medical issues, this was my last job ever.)

From husband Bill, February 3, 2026, at home

On February 3, 1959, rock and roll stars Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash shortly after takeoff from Clear Lake, Iowa.

R.I.P. Chuck Negron

R.I.P. Charles Negron II (June 8, 1942 – February 2, 2026) was an American singer-songwriter. He was best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band Three Dog Night.

I remember long ago watching a documentary including interviews with him about how he successfully broke his heroin addiction.

February 2, 2026, at home

Today Is ...

I like Tater Tots, typically dipped in mayonnaise or tartar sauce, which is how I eat french fries. (never ketchup) ... With mayonnaise is the traditional way to eat french fries. (French fries were invented in Belgium. Potatoes are cut using the "frenching" method, hence their name.)

February 2, 2026, at home

I like Heavenly Hash, especially the ice cream flavor.

February 2, 2026, at home

I am somewhat of a fan of Tiny Tim and Don Ho. at home

February 2, 2026, at home