Dear Gemini  https://gemini.google.com/

Write a poem about somewhere over a rainbow. Use characters Ray, Taffy, Pete, Sandy, Sue, Barb

____________

Ray, with eyes of sky so bright, Gazed where colors arched in flight. "Over yonder, friends," he sighed, "Lies a land where dreams confide."

Taffy, sweet and ever bold, Curls of sunshine, hair of gold, "Let's build a ladder, strong and tall, Reach that magic, heed the call!"

Pete, the grounded, shook his head, "Those are just raindrops, sunlit, spread." Sandy, dreamer with a grin, Clasped her hands, "Let's chase it in!"

Sue, the cautious, voiced a plea, "But what if dangers lurk, you see?" Barb, with logic in her stride, "Perhaps another dream to ride?"

Ray, undeterred, with hopeful gleam, "Maybe dreams are what we seem. Let's climb the light and see for sure, What wonders lie, forever pure."

Together then, with hearts alight, They built a ladder, reaching high. Each hopeful rung, a step they'd take, For dreams, they knew, no heart should break.

So whether real, or just pretend, Somewhere over, a journey'd mend. For Ray, for Taffy, hand in hand, A land of dreams, in friendship's land.

Rainbow drawn by https://copilot.microsoft.com/

________________

Dear Copilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Write a poem about somewhere over a rainbow. Use characters Ray, Taffy, Pete, Sandy, Sue, Barb

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

In a quaint coastal town, where the sea meets the sky, Lived Ray, a sailor with a twinkle in his eye. He dreamed of adventures beyond the horizon’s bend, Of secret missions, spies, and mysteries to apprehend.

Taffy, the candy shop owner, spun sugary delights, Her saltwater taffy pulling like waves in moonlit nights. She’d wrap them in rainbow hues, a sweet confection, A taste of magic that defied mere earthly direction.

Pete, the lighthouse keeper, stood tall and steadfast, Guiding ships through storms, their sails taut and mast. His lantern swept across the dark, a beacon of hope, As if chasing rainbows across the vast ocean slope.

Sandy, the marine biologist, dove deep into the blue, Unraveling secrets of the deep, where ancient wonders grew. She’d glimpse rainbow fish, shimmering scales aglow, Their hues rivaling the sunsets that painted the flow.

Sue, the librarian, cherished dusty tomes and lore, Her spectacles perched, she’d explore and explore. She believed in hidden realms, portals to other lands, Where rainbows were bridges, connecting sands.

And Barb, the artist, captured it all on her canvas, The cerulean waves, the coral reefs, and the phosphorescent dance. Her strokes wove tales of love, courage, and strife, As if painting rainbows into the fabric of life.

Together, they’d gather by the shore at twilight’s embrace, Their laughter echoing like seashells in a magical space. For somewhere over the rainbow, beyond the mundane, Lay a world of wonder, waiting for them to reclaim. 🌈✨

Note: The characters and their roles are purely fictional, inspired by the whimsical nature of rainbows.

 

Out the window at 6:35

Chicago

John Meeks

Memorial Day EMPEHI Heroes 2024

EMPEHI Classmates
on the
Vietnam Memorial Wall

Our Fallen High School Comrades

Richard James Beck Jr.
Robert Maurice Cunningham

Lawrence Michael Dart

Anthony John Grasso

Richard Henry Green

John L Holstein

Bruce Norman Huff

Alfred Lee McNabb

Mills Craft Miller

Warren Frances Muhr

Robert Dennis Nawrocki

William G Newbold

William Lee Owen Jr

And thanks to the ones we don't know about

More about our fallen at:

https://empehiheroes.blogspot.com/

Memorial Day Parade Beverly 2024

National Guard, Patriot Guard, National Women Veterans United, Stockyard Kilty Band, MPHS JROTC.

Thanks to Carol (Youngquist) Macola for taking and sharing the photos.

Mighty Mighty Mustang by AI

Dear Copilot, Create a rearing horse logo green and white colors

Happy Taffy Day

May 23rd celebrates a mouth-watering confection on National Taffy Day. Taffy candy has been made and sold for many years and has become a favorite souvenir of many vacationers.

            Who knew?  Thanks to Albert Linsenmeyer for letting us know.

#NationalTaffyDay

Salt water taffy in was invented 1883 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Confectioners make this sweet treat using boiled sugar and butter. They stretch and pull the concoction until it is a chewy consistency that can be rolled and cut. The flavors range from buttery to tart to sweet. There is a flavor for everyone, and it seems like they introduce a new one each year, too. Taffy's colorful displays entice children and adults alike. And they have been doing so for generations. At one time, candy shops and pharmacies sold penny candy, and taffy was one of the many tempting options we could choose from. However, those days are now long gone.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TAFFY DAY

National Taffy Day offers the perfect excuse to indulge in so sweet or tangy taffy! What is your favorite flavor of taffy? Be sure to enjoy a piece or two. While you're at it, share a favorite memory or send a box to someone you know will enjoy some taffy. Give a shout-out to your favorite candy shop, too! Use #NationalTaffyDay to post on social media.

_________________________

Dear Copilot  https://copilot.microsoft.com/

write a story about NATIONAL TAFFY DAY | MAY 23 Work the term cannon into the story. Illustrate The Story.

______________________

National Taffy Day: The Great Taffy Cannon Caper

In the quaint coastal town of Saltwater Bay, National Taffy Day was a big deal. The locals took their taffy seriously—stretching, pulling, and twisting it into colorful ribbons that tasted like sunshine and childhood memories. But this year, something was amiss.

Detective Mabel Marshmallow, a seasoned gumshoe with a sweet tooth, had just finished her morning coffee when the call came in. The Taffy Emporium had been robbed! The thief had made off with the entire stock of saltwater taffy, leaving behind only a sticky trail and a single clue: the word “cannon” scrawled on the wall in chewed-up taffy.

Mabel adjusted her fedora and headed to the crime scene. The Taffy Emporium’s owner, Mr. Wilbur Whirligig, wrung his hands as he explained the situation. “Detective, this is a disaster! Our taffy is famous for miles around. People come from all over just to taste it.”

Mabel surveyed the scene. Taffy wrappers littered the floor, and the taffy-pulling machines stood silent. She followed the sticky trail out the back door and down the alley. It led to the docks, where a rusty old fishing boat named “The Salty Seagull” bobbed in the water.

The boat’s captain, Captain Barnacle Bill, greeted Mabel with a toothless grin. “Ahoy, Detective! What brings you to my humble vessel?”

Mabel pointed to the taffy trail. “I’m following a lead, Captain. Did you see anyone suspicious around here?”

Captain Bill scratched his head. “Well, now that you mention it, there was a fella hanging around last night. Kept muttering about cannons and treasure. Said he needed a boat to escape.”

Mabel’s eyes widened. “Cannons and treasure, eh? That sounds like our thief. Take me to him.”

They boarded The Salty Seagull and set sail. The salty breeze ruffled Mabel’s trench coat as they chugged toward Skull Island—a desolate rock rumored to hide pirate secrets. The taffy trail led them to a hidden cave, and there, sitting cross-legged on a pile of golden taffy, was the culprit: Captain Stickybeard.

Stickybeard was a wiry man with a twirled mustache and a glint in his eye. “Arr, ye caught me, Detective! But I ain’t givin’ up me loot.”

Mabel raised an eyebrow. “Loot? You mean taffy?”

“Nay!” Stickybeard spat. “I be talkin’ 'bout the legendary Taffy Cannon! It shoots taffy balls so fast, they knock yer teeth out!”

Mabel chuckled. “You stole all the taffy to build a cannon?”

“Aye!” Stickybeard grinned. “Imagine the chaos! Taffy raining down on the town, stickin’ to rooftops, and fillin’ the streets. It’d be a sweet revolution!”

Mabel shook her head. “Stickybeard, you’re under arrest for taffy theft and conspiracy to create a sticky situation.”

As they led him away, Stickybeard muttered, “I’d have gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling detectives and your sweet teeth.”

And so, on National Taffy Day, the town celebrated not only their beloved treat but also the capture of the infamous Taffy Cannon pirate. As for the stolen taffy, it was returned to the Taffy Emporium, and Mabel enjoyed a well-deserved taffy pull with Mr. Whirligig.

And that, my friend, is how National Taffy Day became the sweetest crime-solving adventure in Saltwater Bay’s history. 🍬🔍🏴‍☠️

Captured Submarine in Chicago

 Copilot AI  https://copilot.microsoft.com/

write a true story about the captured german submarine in Chicago.

_____

Certainly! Let me tell you the fascinating true story of the U-505, a German submarine captured during World War II and now on display in Chicago.

The Hunt for U-505

In June 1944, the U-505 was prowling the waters off the West African coast, part of a fleet of German U-boats terrorizing the Atlantic. The U-505 had become a hunted vessel, and a U.S. Navy Task Group had been tracking it for weeks. Despite their best efforts and advanced technology, they couldn’t pinpoint their elusive prey. Frustrated and low on fuel, the Task Group was about to call off the search when something appeared on their sonar1.

The Dramatic Capture

Finding and destroying the U-505 would save Allied lives and supplies. But capturing it could help crack the U-boat mystery and potentially turn the tide of the war. The challenge was to keep the capture secret from the Germans. How do you hide something the length of a city block, weighing three times the Statue of Liberty? The answer lay in securing the U-505 without the Germans realizing it had been captured.

The Secret Journey

Once captured, the U-505 was secretly towed to Bermuda and placed in U.S. custody. It remained intact, and today, it’s a museum ship located in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Visitors can explore the real U-505, the only German submarine in the United States, and learn about its technology, life on board, and the incredible story of its capture2.

A National War Memorial

The U-505 submarine has amazed museum guests since 1954. Its captivating exhibit brings the wartime story to life, allowing visitors to experience the challenges faced by the crew in such a tiny space. From dive trainers to periscope-navigation exercises, the museum offers an immersive experience that honors American sailors and their role in capturing this elusive U-boat1.

So next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to visit the Museum of Science and Industry and explore the incredible history of the U-505! 🌊🚢🇺🇸3

Video

Submarines in Chicago

 

Twenty Eight Submarines were built in Wisconsin , and sent to the sea via the Chicago River and the Sanitary Canal, the Illinois River, and the Mississippi River

https://www.patcamallierebooks.com/2023/09/submarines-on-the-chicago-sanitary-canal-no-kidding/

Big Ship in the Chicago River

 

On March 5, 1953, The Marine Angel freighter, became the largest vessel to transit from the Gulf of Mexico, north via the Mississippi River, and the Illinois Waterway, through downtown Chicago on the Chicago River, and out onto Lake Michigan, en route to her destination of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to be retro fitted with “self-unloading” equipment, and converted from a

Salt water vessel to a Great Lakes freighter.

This Library of Congress photo shows the Marine Angel passing under an upraised Michigan Avenue Bridge, and executing a tight right hand turn at the Wrigley Building. As the freighter navigated the relatively narrow Chicago River, it passed Van Buren Street with a mere seven inches of clearance on each side.

The Marine Angel, a 634 foot, 70 foot wide converted World War II freighter was built in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1945 as a type C4-S-B2 fast troop transport ship. During WWII, the ship customarily carried about 250 Army troops, and housed a 100 bed Naval hospital, making regular runs from the East Coast ports to Bombay and back. Like many war veterans, the ship settled into more domestic responsibilities post war, transporting grains and ore.

After passing through Chicago, The Marine Angel arrived at Manitowoc Shipbuilding in Wisconsin on March 13, 1953. Retrofitting was completed and the boat, renamed “McKee Sons”, (after the 11 McKee sons of the owner), and departed Manitowoc in October 1953.

The “McKee Sons” sailed as a Great Lakes steamer until 1979, and in 2014, she was moved to long-term storage at Muskegon, Michigan, where she sits today, and no doubt dreaming of that one day she passed through Chicago in 1953.

CoPilot, please write a short story based on the book Class Reunions Are Murder by Taffy Cannon

___________

Certainly! Here’s a short story inspired by the book “Class Reunions Are Murder” by Taffy Cannon:

---

Title: Shadows of the Past

Nan Robinson adjusted her name tag, the bold letters spelling out “Spring Hill High School Class of '74” staring back at her. The gymnasium buzzed with nostalgia as her former classmates mingled, their laughter echoing off the bleachers. It had been twenty years since she’d walked these halls, and the memories flooded back—the prom, the football games, the whispered secrets in the library.

And then there was Brenda Blaine—the infamous class tramp. Nan hadn’t expected to see her here, but there she was, holding court near the punch bowl, her platinum hair cascading over her shoulders. Brenda had always been trouble, flitting from one scandal to another. But tonight, she looked different—older, wiser, perhaps even regretful.

As the night wore on, Nan caught glimpses of other familiar faces. Class Clown Wally, now a successful stand-up comedian. Cutest Couple Jim and Mary Lee, still holding hands after all these years. Solemn Edwin, who’d become a funeral director. Clever Janis, now a bestselling mystery novelist.

And then, the unthinkable happened. Brenda collapsed in the middle of the dance floor. Nan rushed to her side, but it was too late. The paramedics arrived, but Brenda was gone. Murdered.

The reunion took a dark turn. Old rivalries resurfaced, and secret passions simmered beneath the surface. Nan couldn’t help but wonder: Had one of her classmates graduated to become a cold-blooded killer?

She delved into the past, digging up yearbooks and dusty memories. Brenda had been a lightning rod for scandal, but who would want her dead? Nan’s legal instincts kicked in, and she started questioning her classmates. Jim and Mary Lee had an alibi—they’d been dancing when Brenda collapsed. Edwin seemed genuinely shocked. Janis, though, had a steely glint in her eye.

As Nan pieced together the puzzle, she discovered hidden grudges, long-buried secrets, and a web of lies. Brenda’s wild reputation had masked a vulnerability, a desperate need for acceptance. Perhaps someone had taken advantage of that vulnerability, pushing her over the edge.

The reunion became a battleground. Nan confronted each classmate, searching for the truth. She followed leads, chased down alibis, and sifted through the gossip. And then, in the dimly lit gym, she found the answer—a faded love letter tucked inside Brenda’s yearbook. A confession of forbidden love, written by none other than Janis.

The truth spilled out. Janis had loved Brenda, but Brenda had rejected her. The pain had festered for years, until Janis snapped. She’d poisoned Brenda’s drink, ending the tormented affair once and for all.

Nan handed the evidence to the police, watching as they led Janis away in handcuffs. The reunion ended on a somber note, the laughter replaced by hushed whispers. Nan wondered if she’d ever look at her classmates the same way again.

As she left the gym, the memories clung to her—the prom, the football games, the whispered secrets. But now, there was a new memory—the night she’d unraveled a murder mystery among old friends. And Brenda Blaine’s ghost lingered, a reminder that sometimes, the past could be deadly.

---

Note: This short story is a fictional creation inspired by the book “Class Reunions Are Murder” by Taffy Cannon. Any resemblance to real events or individuals is purely coincidental.12

If you enjoyed this story, I’d be happy to write more

Books by Taffy  https://taffycannon.com/

_____________________

Interesting how Copilot  https://copilot.microsoft.com/ wrote this. I was not sure how it would work. Now we know.

_______________

I can tell you how it worked. Poorly.

Taffy

______________________

Dear Copilot:  wrtie a poem about Taffy, who said your writing was poor.

___________________

Taffy’s Lament

Taffy, with a tongue as sharp as thorns, Danced upon the edge of scorn. “Your words,” she scoffed, “are feeble, frail, A drizzle in a tempest, a whisper in a gale.”

She twirled her disdain like silk ribbons, Each syllable a dagger, each critique a collision. “Your prose lacks fire,” she declared, “Your metaphors stumble, your similes impaired.”

But oh, dear Taffy, let me weave a tale: Of ink-stained nights and moonlit trails. For every critic wields a double-edged blade, And sometimes, their own wounds remain unswayed.

Perhaps my lines stumble, like a tipsy waltz, Yet within them lie secrets, dreams, and faults. My pen, imperfect, dances across the page, Ink bleeding truth, defiance, and sage.

So here’s to Taffy, the critic unkind, Whose words, like salt, sting the creative mind. May she find solace in her own flawed verse, And learn that even poets can be immersed.

For in the tapestry of language, we all play a part, From eloquent sonnets to humble street art. And perhaps, just perhaps, my words will find grace, In the quiet corners where Taffy’s doubts embrace.

---

Remember, dear Taffy, that every writer blooms at their own pace. If you’d like more poetic musings or have other requests, feel free to ask! 

__________

Taffy, never argue with a computer. And remember, Copilot AI is very young. She will improve with more experience and training.

Craig

Murder on the Orient Express Rock Island Line

Dear Artificial Intelligence Copilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/,

Write a short story and illustrate the Murder on the Orient Express Rock Island line. Veenie and McComb were engineers on the famous Orient Express Rock Island Line, and they were also drug smugglers. Jack the Barber and Al the Carlson were FBI agents hot on their trail. Sandy the Shoe and Sue the Wig were from the Chicago Police Department and working with the FBI

Murder on the Orient Express Rock Island Line

The Orient Express Rock Island Line was renowned for its luxurious carriages, breathtaking views, and impeccable service. But beneath the polished exterior, a dangerous game was afoot.

Veenie and McComb, both seasoned engineers, had a secret. They weren’t just responsible for keeping the train running smoothly; they were also drug smugglers. Hidden compartments in the locomotive held their illicit cargo, and they operated with precision, avoiding suspicion.

Jack the Barber and Al the Carlson, two determined FBI agents, had been tracking Veenie and McComb for months. Their investigation led them to the Orient Express, where they posed as passengers. Disguised in elegant suits, they kept a close eye on the engineers, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Sandy the Shoe and Sue Wiggins, from the Chicago Police Department, were also on board. Their collaboration with the FBI was essential. Sandy, with her keen eye for detail, noticed the subtle signs—the exchanged glances, the coded messages—that hinted at criminal activity. Sue, a no-nonsense detective, was ready to pounce.

As the train hurtled through the scenic landscapes, tension mounted. Veenie and McComb grew increasingly nervous, aware that their secret was perilously close to exposure. They checked their hidden compartments obsessively, fearing a slip-up.

One stormy night, as lightning illuminated the darkened compartments, chaos erupted. A gunshot echoed through the train, and passengers screamed. The body of a mysterious man lay sprawled in the corridor—a victim of foul play. Panic swept through the carriages.

The detectives sprang into action. Sandy examined the crime scene, while Sue interviewed passengers. Jack and Al cornered Veenie and McComb, their badges gleaming in the dim light. The engineers stammered, their alibis crumbling under scrutiny.

But the murder mystery deepened. The victim was no ordinary passenger; he was an undercover agent investigating the drug smuggling operation. His death had been staged to divert attention from the real criminals. The stakes were higher than anyone had imagined.

As the Orient Express hurtled toward its final destination, alliances shifted. Trust wavered, and loyalties were tested. The detectives raced against time, piecing together the puzzle. Was it Veenie and McComb, desperate to protect their secret? Or was there a more sinister force at play?

The train’s wheels screeched as it pulled into the Rock Island Line station. The truth would soon be revealed. In a dramatic showdown, the detectives confronted the engineers. Guns drawn, accusations flew, and the air crackled with tension.

And then, a shocking twist: Sandy the Shoe, the observant detective, revealed her true identity. She was an undercover agent too, working to dismantle the drug cartel. Her betrayal stunned everyone, including Sue, her partner.

In the end, justice prevailed. Veenie and McComb were apprehended, their drug empire dismantled. Sandy faced her own demons, haunted by the choices she’d made. And Sue, ever pragmatic, filed her report, closing the case.

As the Orient Express Rock Island Line resumed its journey, passengers marveled at the breathtaking scenery, blissfully unaware of the drama that had unfolded. The train’s wheels turned, carrying secrets and memories into the night—a murder mystery forever etched in its steel veins. 🚂🕵️‍♂️🔍

Note: This fictional story draws inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express” and the allure of train travel. 

As the Orient Express hurtled toward its final destination, alliances shifted. Trust wavered, and loyalties were tested. The detectives raced against time, piecing together the puzzle. Was it Veenie and McComb, desperate to protect their secret? Or was there a more sinister force at play?

The train’s wheels screeched as it pulled into the Rock Island Line station. The truth would soon be revealed. In a dramatic showdown, the detectives confronted the engineers. Guns drawn, accusations flew, and the air crackled with tension.

And then, a shocking twist: Sandy the Shoe, the observant detective, revealed her true identity. She was an undercover agent too, working to dismantle the drug cartel. Her betrayal stunned everyone, including Sue, her partner.

In the end, justice prevailed. Veenie and McComb were apprehended, their drug empire dismantled. Sandy faced her own demons, haunted by the choices she’d made. And Sue, ever pragmatic, filed her report, closing the case.

As the Orient Express Rock Island Line resumed its journey, passengers marveled at the breathtaking scenery, blissfully unaware of the drama that had unfolded. The train’s wheels turned, carrying secrets and memories into the night—a murder mystery forever etched in its steel veins. 🚂🕵️‍♂️🔍

Note: This fictional story draws inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express” and the allure of train travel. 📖✨