**BlueFlu**

Cookie Monster!

Grab a box of cookies and check out five fun facts about Cookie Monster:

Cookie’s real name is Sid.

Cookie Monster’s dad appeared in a “Monsterpiece Theater” sketch promoting energy conservation, water conservation and environmentalism.

The original incarnation of Cookie Monster was created by Jim Henson for a General Foods commercial.

An early version of Cookie Monster appeared in a Frito-Lay potato chips ad and was named Arnold, the Munching Monster.

On a 2008 episode of The Colbert Report, Cookie Monster tried to eat Stephen Colbert’s Peabody Award.

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The Blue Things

A folk-rock and, later, psychedelic band from Hays, Kansas that existed from 1964 to 1968, recording one LP and several singles for RCA Records in ‘66 and ‘67. The RCA recordings remain their best-known material, although they had previously released singles through Ruff Records, a tiny Texas label. Today the Blue Things are remembered as one of the best bands to come out of the Midwest in the 60’s, although they were unheard of outside of the Midwest in their brief lifespan, and remain largely unheard to this day.

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Three Colours: Blue (1993)

The first part of Kieslowski’s trilogy on France’s national motto: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. ‘Blue’ is the story of Julie who loses her husband, an acclaimed composer and her young daughter in a car accident. The film’s theme of liberty is manifested in Julie’s attempt to start life anew, free of personal commitments, belongings, grief or love. She intends to numb herself by withdrawing from the world and living completely independently, anonymously and in solitude in the Parisian metropolis. Despite her intentions, people from her former and present life intrude with their own needs. However, the reality created by the people who need and care about her, a surprising discovery and the music around which the film revolves heal Julie and draws her back to the land of the living.

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Leo with blue bandana

The tactical, courageous leader and devoted student of his sensei. He is the oldest, wisest and most cautious Turtle, the one who always plays by the book. As the most conscientious of the four, he often bears the burden of being the team’s chosen leader, which commonly leads to conflict with Raphael. Leo is dedicated to perfecting his ninjutsu skills and will stop at nothing to defend his brothers and the entire city. Wearing a blue bandana, with katanas holstered on his shell, Leo firmly believes it’s his ninja duty to protect all people. Leonardo was named after the Italian polymath, painter, engineer, inventor, writer, anatomist, and sculptor, Leonardo da Vinci.

Leo is dedicated to perfecting his ninjutsu skills and will stop at nothing to defend his brothers and the entire city. Wearing a blue bandana, with katanas holstered on his shell, Leo firmly believes it’s his ninja duty to protect all people.

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The Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a gentle cat with a somewhat shy nature around strangers. They are devoted to and affectionate with their loved ones. Sensitive to their owner’s moods, the Russian Blue will greet you at the door, find a quiet seat next to you, or fetch a toy at playtime. In fact, “fetching” is a favorite pastime for Russians and their owners! Pull out the vacuum cleaner, and the Russian will find a safer and quieter location. Relatively quiet-voiced (except perhaps at mealtime), the Russian Blue appreciates a pat on the head, a window from which to watch the birds, and, of course, the comforts of home. Minimal grooming is required; regular nail clipping, good nutrition, an occasional combing, and lots of petting keep your Russian Blue pet looking spectacular.

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The Blue Flu

The blue flu is a work stoppage by a group of employees who are prohibited by law from calling a standard labor-union-type strike. Instead of striking, employees conspire to call in sick on the same day or days to voice a protest or win some type of concession. Since this tactic was initially used by uniformed police officers, it was given the label blue flu in reference to the most prevalent color of police uniforms. Other groups of employees who were faced with the same bans on striking as the police eventually adopted the same tactics. As a result, sickouts by employee groups other than police officers are often identified as the blue flu.