Wacky Hawaii

Longtime Miami Springs resident Francis S. (Franny) Taylor -1924-1982- “was the founder and President of the Airboat Association of Florida and a member of many other conservation organizations. He was a tireless conservationist known as the “Johnny Appleseed of the Everglades”. He dedicated his time, effort, and money to save the Everglades for future generations to enjoy.
He sought no fame or recognition for his work (which he called a labor of love); however, many posthumous honors have been bestowed in his name, including the Florida Wildlife Federation’s annual “Outdoorsman of the Year” award given in his honor. The single greatest tribute, was the renaming of the “Everglades and
Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area” throughout the State. What an honor and joy it is to drive throughout the Everglades and see signs honoring his hard work and selfless dedication to wildlife conservation.
Franny was considered to be the father of the modern day Airboat. He designed and built the first aircraft aluminum Airboat in the world. Franny’s many innovative design concepts are still the most widely imitated; and, if you own a Taylor Hull, you know the quality that is unsurpassed, as each boat was custom built by hand with great precision.
Franny was a “flag waving patriot” and a decorated WWII Veteran, serving in Europe as a Combat Engineer under the great General George Patton. He deeply loved and honored this great Country and instilled that patriotism in his family."
Information published in the Miami Herald Sept 20, 2007 ”

On 11-11 at exactly 11:11 am, every Veterans Day, the sun aligns perfectly with the Anthem Veteran’s Memorial in Arizona to shine through the ellipses of the five marble pillars representing each branch of the Armed Forces, illuminating The Great Seal of the United States!

It took a second for it to register. But I’ve been laughing ever since.

The history of how the overland highway to Key West, Florida came to be! Read here... https://www.wackyexplorer.com/history-of-the-overland-highway-to-key-west/

It's hot and I've got to go out and cut grass. Wish someone would invent an air-conditioned lawnmower. Oh. That's right! They did! Way back in 1958! Read about it here...

The Simplicity "Air-Conditioned Lawnmower" 1957 - Wacky Explorer This futuristic “Air-Conditioned Lawnmower” was built by the Simplicity Manufacturing Company, a U.S. company founded in 1922 by William J. Niederkorn. They built the contraption in 1957 and called it the Wonderboy X-100. The mower was featured on the 1958 cover of Mechanix Illustrated and was c...

July 2nd is the Real "Independence Day!" Read why here... and please share. https://www.wackyexplorer.com/independence-day-aint-july-4th/

A cool ride!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1589269658233134?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=9imq16

This is a story written over 10 years ago about William "Bill" Lancaster, the most faithful sailor I've ever known, and the legend of the USS Yorktown. I post it every year and it generally gets a modest number of reads. It's never gone viral. I post it anyway. It reminds me of the sacrifice men have made allowing us to enjoy the freedoms we have in America. The story ends on a positive note, something our most faithful sailor -- Bill Lancaster -- would certainly have approved. For you see, he's the one who originally shared it with me. It's the best advice anyone has ever shared with me. And once again, I'm sharing it with you. https://www.wackyexplorer.com/the-faithful-sailor-uss-yorktown/

Everybody is moving to Florida these days. Bet you won't find a sign like this today. Back in the early 1960's, this was one of the most notorious Realtor signs in Florida. The Realtor's name was George Smith located in New Port Richey. The city currently famous for being featured on the "LivePD" TV show.

We are still wandering around Panama City Beach and ran across this Top Secret research laboratory today. As legend has it, the world’s greatest scientists – led by Professor Wonder – were given the task of creating a man-made tornado and harnessing the POWER of it. During this experiment, something went awry and the power of the tornado was unleashed throughout the laboratory. This created a swirling vortex that was strong enough to rip the laboratory from its foundation. It was carried thousands of miles away and landed upside-down on the top of a surf shack in Panama City Beach, Florida. That's the legend anyway.

Found another old Dino in Panama City Beach, Florida yesterday on the mini golf course! Not many of these miniature golf courses still exist as they are slowly going the way of the dinosaur. Also got an interesting shot of the moon last night while walking around the campground.

April Fool's Joke Gone Wild! Do you remember when two Florida DJ's panicked the community over "Dihydrogen Monoxide?" Learn more about this and the biggest April Fool's pranks ever! https://www.wackyexplorer.com/historys-biggest-april-fools-pranks-ever/

Six of the most successful April Fool's Day Pranks in History! Like BMW's "Magnetic Tow Technology." "Why burn your fuel when you can burn someone else's?" Plus, enter your best idea for a viral April Fool's prank and Win Cash!
https://www.wackyexplorer.com/historys-biggest-april-fools-pranks-ever/

At one time, this was the fastest Indian motocycle in the world. The year was 1920 and the man sitting atop this machine broke the world record in Daytona Beach, Florida with a top speed of 115.79 Miles Per Hour. Learn more https://www.wackyexplorer.com/alabama-flash-indian-motocycle/

129 Years Ago, Coca-Cola Introduced Bottled Coke - Learn more here https://www.wackyexplorer.com/date-coca-cola-bottles-first-appeared/

Dang time change. Had to go around and fix all my clocks today.

Hey guys!

He was the greatest Yankee of all time. Where did he hit his longest home run? A 611 foot blast!
https://www.wackyexplorer.com/tag/facts-about-babe-ruth/

Here’s a memory a kid will never forget — and a Florida tradition. My friend Chris let the folks at Gatorland put his son Nathan on a live gator a couple weeks ago. Fun fun fun….

The first car in Brooksville, Florida. In the car are J.C. and Sallie Burwell. Lucy and Grace Burwell are on the porch of their home located at 24 Olive Street.

President Roosevelt signing the 1902 Thanksgiving Proclamation!

These cousins, Don Hoover & Joe Sistrunk, from Starke, Florida during the 1918 Spanish Flu. The photo was taken by Don's father, Frank Hoover as they were headed out to sell the weekly paper, "Grit," and then on to school. A year later, Don's younger brother died from the flu.

My signed print of the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” cult classic starring Ricoh Browning as the creature and Julia Adams as the beautiful ichthyologist (scientist studying fish) Kay Lawrence. In 2003, both were together again at a “Creature” reunion in Tallahassee, Florida.

Oh, so true!

Only in Iceland. I find it hard to believe this ever happened. And I have to wonder if the same would happen here. Anyone want to try it? Let me know how it turns out if you do. http://ow.ly/ZSBP50G30O3

"Anything Is Possible In Iceland" - Post Delivered with No Name - No Address - Wacky Explorer Anything is possible in Iceland

Man leaves $10,000 tip at Gainesville, Florida Diner. http://ow.ly/HJA350FXf2c

On this date in history - Washington was captured and occupied by a foreign power and the White House set ablaze.

Washington Occupied - White House Set Ablaze! - Wacky Explorer White House set ablaze

A Boise, Idaho man -- David Rush breaks a Guinness World Record by balancing 101 rolls of toilet paper on his head. Rush is a serial Guinness World Record holder with more than 200 records to his name.
http://ow.ly/iQ7j50FSS3w

David Rush Breaks Toilet Paper Guinness World Record - Watch Video! - Wacky Explorer The Weird, The Wacky, The Just Plain Bizarre

A Boise, Idaho man -- David Rush breaks a Guinness World Record by balancing 101 rolls of toilet paper on his head. Rush is a serial Guinness World Record holder with more than 200 records to his name.

You may think politics is confusing today ------ but wait until you read this. The true story of Independence Day!

The Truth is - Independence Day Ain’t July 4th - Wacky Explorer Independence Day Ain't July 4th - Learn why John Adams argued against July 4th being Independence Day.

Small Florida town accidentally sells their water tower to a local businessman!

Florida Town Inadvertently Sells Water Tower To Local Businessman! Social Media Outrage Explodes! - Wacky Explorer The Weird, The Wacky, The Just Plain Bizarre

7 foot gator walks into Florida post office!

7 Foot Alligator Scares Customer Inside Florida Post Office - Wacky Explorer The Weird, The Wacky, The Just Plain Bizarre

My memories of William "Bill" Lancaster raising his flag every single day still brings a tear to my eye. Learn more about Bill and others like him who have given so much for our country. Remember them and their sacrifices. And, enjoy your Memorial Day!

The Unbelievable Saga of the USS Yorktown - Wacky Explorer The Weird, The Wacky, The Just Plain Bizarre

Today in History! 25 years before the O.K. Corral Shootout --- there was an infamous shootout in the former State Capitol of Alabama involving a Judge, two Doctors, and a Colonel along with his sons.

Gunfight On Vine Street - Wacky Explorer The Weird, The Wacky, The Just Plain Bizarre

173 years ago, Niagara Falls fell silent and dried up. Yes, we're talking about the great honeymoon destination. Local residents said the silence was eerie. Read more about that most unusual day.
https://www.wackyexplorer.com/the-day-niagara-falls-dried-up/

The Day Niagara Falls Dried Up Niagara Falls dried up one time, that we know of, due to natural causes