Thank you so much Vivian for sharing your history of the jokes and all things Norwegian. I know I love the jokes Carol in Kentucky -----Original Message----- From: Vivian Gullickson White via <norway@rootsweb.com> To: 'Steve' <snatvig@midstatesd.net>; norway <norway@rootsweb.com> Sent: Mon, Mar 9, 2015 6:12 pm Subject: Re: [NOR] Today's Jokes Commentary The jokes have been a tradition on the list since at least 1998, if not before. Captain Lou Halsan started the "Daily Joke" way back then and did it until his passing. At that time I took over and I wasn't as diligent as Cap'n Lou and it became "Today's Joke". Due to distractions and things in my own life which pre-empted me from putting on jokes in a timely fashion, I asked John Ferman to take over which he graciously did. I digressed to the "Today's Joke" format as I seemed to upset a number of people with the jokes. Unfortunately I don't have a thick skin and the barbs hurt. I had a number of calls with Karla, our illustrious list-owner who encouraged me to "toughen up" and keep the tradition of the jokes coming. A year or so ago I put out a question on the list on whether the time for Ole and Lena jokes had come to an end in this age of political correctness. The overwhelming response both on and off the list was to continue. This list is not just for genealogy but all things Norwegian. We have discussed history, culture, habits, foods, traditions, and jokes; along with the genealogy. Heck, Karla even loses her mind now and then and gives us a free for all weekend. We have stories by Kneel of his adventures with wild Norwegians aboard the busses touring the great land of America and how can we forget the wooden leg? There are many Ole and Lena books published and that is where many of my jokes came from. I didn't write them, I only shared them by a voice of the majority of listers. John, as well; only shares what has already been published. I think it would be a shame to lose this light hearted look at life. Just think, it has been a tradition on this list for 17 years. Can we make 20? 25? If you don't like the jokes perhaps you can whisper a loud UFF DA and press delete and go with your day. Don't flame John, he is only doing the job he was asked to do and it is impossible to please everyone at the same time. He is doing a great job on what can sometimes feel like a thankless job. Come on Norway Listers, where have we put our giggles? I don't want Cap'n Lou sending down any lightning strikes from his lofty perch above if the jokes should cease to be part of our day. One of the very first jokes: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/norway/1998-04/0893440431 Vivian Retired Jokestress! ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NORWAY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message