Whale Vomit & Beaver Anal Gland Secretions

Who would've thought that such "delicacies" are so sought after in our world?!  A British man walking with his dog along the beach found his dog dug up a rather smelly and large "rock." It ended up being rare whale vomit, worth $68,000. Someone offered him $50,000, as it's apparently used in the production of some perfumes.

Consider that the next time you spritz on some of your perfume.  You might be dousing yourself with whale vomit.  Nice.

I shared this little nugget with my officemate, Chris Callaway.  He proceeded to tell me about artificial raspberry flavoring (called castoreum) and how it comes from beaver anal gland secretions.  True story.  Mind you, my favorite flavor is... was... raspberry.  No longer, obviously.

I read through a list of a half dozen nasty things we ingest, and I'm about ready to vomit.  I wonder if someone could create a perfume out of that too?

~Jacklyn   

Stamp of Approval

God bless the U.S. Postal Service.  While more and more people are doing their bill paying and correspondence online, the USPS continues to try to find ways to create interest and desire/need for their products.  Specifically with their collector series of stamps.

My grandpa was a philatelist, or stamp collector.  He used to work for the postal service for many years when he returned from the war, even retiring from the occupation.  I can remember him sitting in his den, pouring over his extensive collection and being fascinated by the designs and little pictures.

This year the USPS is coming out with another "Music Icons" series of stamps.  The first of the series was of Lydia Mendoza, a famous Tex-Mex performer, known as the "Lark of the Border" in the 1930's.  I have to admit, I'm not familiar at all with her or her music, although I may have heard it at some point when I lived in El Paso years ago.

The new stamp that will be coming out in the series is Johnny Cash. (pictured above) It will be available later this year.  There are two more in the series to follow, but I haven't heard a peep about who they will be.  I guess the government can actually keep a secret.

Do you still send much via the postal service?  Will you buy the Johnny Cash stamp--to collect or use?  Drop us an email!

Pentagon Ok's Women In Combat

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is lifting the ban on women serving in combat roles. The change in policy enables women to serve in front-line combat patrols and elite military units. The Pentagon is being sued by four servicewomen who claim the no combat policy stunted their career opportunities.  In a statement, Senator Carl Levin applauds the move and says it reflects the reality of 21st Century military operations. The Michigan Democrat chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee. Secretary Panetta plans to retire as soon as his replacement is confirmed by the Senate.  President Obama has nominated former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to replace Panetta. It's hard to argue with this. Women have been basically on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan due to the nature of the war, with insurgents striking bases, convoys, etc. where women have already been serving. What do you think? Is it time this happens? We're taking a poll on our Facebook page, click here to get in on it: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cc1063/214177441950240?ref=hl

Rascal Flatts To Team With Journey

How cool is this? Legendary rock band Journey will join Rascal Flatts in headlining the Super Bowl XLVII CMT Crossroads concert in New Orleans. The show will air live, February 2nd at 8 p.m. our time. The two bands will play together, swap stories and share their common love of music. Will we hear Flatt's Gary LeVox sing, "Don't Stop Believing"? Very cool! Set your DVR for this one!

Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer Engaged!

According to People magazine, Brantley rented out Nashville's Ryman Auditorium this past Sunday for the entire day -- which just so happened to be his 28th birthday -- and popped the question there. "I was so surprised!" Jana told People. "He asked my mom for permission before he proposed, which meant a lot to me." This will be the "Whiskey" singer's second marriage. She divorced "That Thing You Do" actor Johnathon Schaech in 2010 after one month of marriage. Earlier this month, the "More Than Miles" singer and his new fiancée revealed that they are sharing a home in Nashville, with Jana joking that since she is technically the owner, Brantley "is paying his little monthly rent." Odds are, she'll knock a few bucks off now. "We could not be happier!" the couple told People. "We are so excited to share this special time with our loved ones and cannot wait to start the rest of our lives together."

Brad Paisley and the "Ballad of Honey Boo Boo"

Brad Paisley appeared on Jimmy Kimmel last night and in case you missed it, he debuted his new "theme song" for Honey Boo Boo.  If you couldn't stay up that late, here it is for your viewing pleasure:

Luke Bryan To Co-Host ACM's

Ever since Reba announced she was stepping down as co-host for the ACM awards, we've been wondering who would get tapped to replace her. Well, now the secrets out! Luke Bryan is on board to co-host this spring's Academy of Country Music Awards.  Bryan, a former ACM Top New Artist of the Year winner, will be joining Blake Shelton in overseeing the upcoming show. Blake will be marking his third year as host with the upcoming ceremony, which will air live on CBS from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 7th.  Meanwhile, Brad Paisley has been tapped to host the 3rd annual ACM Fan Jam, taking place simultaneously at The Orleans Arena.  Additional Fan Jam performers as well as ACM Awards participants will be revealed soon, along with  the nominees for the event.