Why we forward jokes to our friends....
"A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years.He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like Mother of Pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.
He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?""This is Heaven, sir," the man answered."Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked."Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveller asked."I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed.There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book."Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"
"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there." The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in."
"How about my friend here?" the traveller gestured to the dog."There should be a bowl by the pump." They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.The traveller filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them."What do you call this place?" the traveller asked. "This is Heaven," was the answer."Well, that's confusing", the traveller said, "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too!"
"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell."
"Well, doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?", the traveller asked."No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."`
Soooo...
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word, maybe this could explain: When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.
When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.And to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get?A forwarded joke!
So my friend, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile..."
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
American Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Isn't this interesting and to think this valuable stand of chestnut trees has been discovered so far south is amazing to me. Since I am such a tree lover, this comes as fantastic news . I hate to see blight kill off an entire variety of tree like the chestnut. The dogwood tree, which is native to the south and Georgia, has been experiencing a blight problem. I hope the blight can be controlled before it kills off all the delicate dogwood trees.
"Rare American Chestnut Trees Discovered
By ELLIOTT MINOR, Associated Press Writer ALBANY, Ga.
May 18,2006
"A stand of American chestnut trees that somehow escaped a blight that killed off nearly all their kind in the early 1900s has been discovered along a hiking trail not far from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House at Warm Springs.
The find has stirred excitement among those working to restore the American chestnut, and raised hopes that scientists might be able to use the pollen to breed hardier chestnut trees."
The largest of the half-dozen or so trees is about 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 years old, and is believed to be the southernmost American chestnut discovered so far that is capable of flowering and producing nuts.
"This is a terrific find," said David Keehn, president of the Georgia chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. "A tree of this size is one in a million."
The rugged area known as Pine Mountain is at the southern end of the Appalachians near Warm Springs, where Roosevelt built a home and sought treatment after he was stricken with polio in 1921.
"FDR may have roasted some chestnuts on his fire for Christmas or enjoyed their blooms in the spring," Klaus said.
The chestnut foundation may use pollen from the tree in a breeding program aimed at restoring the population with blight-resistant trees.
"When the flowers are right, we're going to rush down and pollinate the flowers, collect the seeds a few weeks later and collect the nuts," Klaus said. "If we ever find a genetic solution to the chestnut blight, genes from that tree will find their way into those trees."
.
American chestnuts once made up about 25 percent of the forests in the eastern United States, with an estimated 4 billion trees from Maine to Mississippi and Florida.
The trees helped satisfy demand for roasted chestnuts, and their rot-resistant wood was used to make fence posts, utility poles, barns, homes, furniture and musical instruments.
Then these magnificent hardwoods, which could grow to a height of 100 feet and a diameter of 8 feet or more, were almost entirely wiped out by a fast-spreading fungus discovered in 1904.
"There are no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and if they are, they're Chinese," Keehn said."
___
And this background information from last year's National Geographic News references the chestnut before the blight.
"Entire communities in Appalachia depended on the chestnut for everything," said Marshal Case, president of the American Chestnut Foundation of Bennington, Vermont. Chestnut trees were integral to everyday life in Appalachia, Case said, where they were called "cradle to grave" trees: Craftsmen made baby cradles and coffins from the rot-resistant hardwood. The trees were also used to build houses, telephone poles, and railroad ties. Wildlife thrived on the trees, which each year produced bumper crops of nuts."
"Rare American Chestnut Trees Discovered
By ELLIOTT MINOR, Associated Press Writer ALBANY, Ga.
May 18,2006
"A stand of American chestnut trees that somehow escaped a blight that killed off nearly all their kind in the early 1900s has been discovered along a hiking trail not far from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House at Warm Springs.
The find has stirred excitement among those working to restore the American chestnut, and raised hopes that scientists might be able to use the pollen to breed hardier chestnut trees."
The largest of the half-dozen or so trees is about 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 years old, and is believed to be the southernmost American chestnut discovered so far that is capable of flowering and producing nuts.
"This is a terrific find," said David Keehn, president of the Georgia chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. "A tree of this size is one in a million."
The rugged area known as Pine Mountain is at the southern end of the Appalachians near Warm Springs, where Roosevelt built a home and sought treatment after he was stricken with polio in 1921.
"FDR may have roasted some chestnuts on his fire for Christmas or enjoyed their blooms in the spring," Klaus said.
The chestnut foundation may use pollen from the tree in a breeding program aimed at restoring the population with blight-resistant trees.
"When the flowers are right, we're going to rush down and pollinate the flowers, collect the seeds a few weeks later and collect the nuts," Klaus said. "If we ever find a genetic solution to the chestnut blight, genes from that tree will find their way into those trees."
.
American chestnuts once made up about 25 percent of the forests in the eastern United States, with an estimated 4 billion trees from Maine to Mississippi and Florida.
The trees helped satisfy demand for roasted chestnuts, and their rot-resistant wood was used to make fence posts, utility poles, barns, homes, furniture and musical instruments.
Then these magnificent hardwoods, which could grow to a height of 100 feet and a diameter of 8 feet or more, were almost entirely wiped out by a fast-spreading fungus discovered in 1904.
"There are no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and if they are, they're Chinese," Keehn said."
___
And this background information from last year's National Geographic News references the chestnut before the blight.
"Entire communities in Appalachia depended on the chestnut for everything," said Marshal Case, president of the American Chestnut Foundation of Bennington, Vermont. Chestnut trees were integral to everyday life in Appalachia, Case said, where they were called "cradle to grave" trees: Craftsmen made baby cradles and coffins from the rot-resistant hardwood. The trees were also used to build houses, telephone poles, and railroad ties. Wildlife thrived on the trees, which each year produced bumper crops of nuts."
How smart are you?
Quick Intelligence Test
How smart are you?
Read the following sentence:
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.
Now count aloud the F's in that sentence. Count them only once. Do not go back and count them again. Ready?
Look here for the answer*****
*****
Answer to Quick Intelligence Test
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.
Did you find 3 F's in this sentence? Wrong, there are 6 F's in the sentence. Read it again!
The brain cannot process the "F" in "OF." Incredible or what? Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.
I got 3 (normal) :(
How smart are you?
Read the following sentence:
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.
Now count aloud the F's in that sentence. Count them only once. Do not go back and count them again. Ready?
Look here for the answer*****
*****
Answer to Quick Intelligence Test
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.
Did you find 3 F's in this sentence? Wrong, there are 6 F's in the sentence. Read it again!
The brain cannot process the "F" in "OF." Incredible or what? Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.
I got 3 (normal) :(
Monday, May 15, 2006
Afternoon Naps
Like the fog that comes on little cat feet, a good nap has to quietly sneak in and catch you unaware.
Or at least that is what I think.
If I lie down on the bed with the express purpose of napping, I will remain wide awake. If I sit in a comfy chair with my feet up and read I find myself nodding off.
Winston Churchill did not go in for the "sneaky nap.
He wrote:
"You must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner, and no halfway measures. Take off your clothes and get into bed. That's what I always do. Don't think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day. That's a foolish notion held by people who have no imaginations. You will be able to accomplish more. You get two days in one -- well, at least one and a half."--Winston Churchill
As Jane Brody wrote in the New York Times, short naps are restorative and are good for you.
"As a short sleeper who is rarely in bed for more than six hours a night, I'm a strong believer in naps for recharging my batteries. Sir Winston and I are in good company. Napping enthusiasts have included Albert Einstein, Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Edison and at least three presidents: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Besides, sleep researchers have shown that regardless of how long one sleeps at night, the human body is programmed to become sleepy in the early afternoon, even without a big lunch. "
Zzzzzzzz
Zzzzzz.... Mmm? Sorry, I must have nodded off. Not a bad thing, actually - in fact I shouldn't be apologizing at all. Naps are good for us.
Or at least that is what I think.
If I lie down on the bed with the express purpose of napping, I will remain wide awake. If I sit in a comfy chair with my feet up and read I find myself nodding off.
Winston Churchill did not go in for the "sneaky nap.
He wrote:
"You must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner, and no halfway measures. Take off your clothes and get into bed. That's what I always do. Don't think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day. That's a foolish notion held by people who have no imaginations. You will be able to accomplish more. You get two days in one -- well, at least one and a half."--Winston Churchill
As Jane Brody wrote in the New York Times, short naps are restorative and are good for you.
"As a short sleeper who is rarely in bed for more than six hours a night, I'm a strong believer in naps for recharging my batteries. Sir Winston and I are in good company. Napping enthusiasts have included Albert Einstein, Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Edison and at least three presidents: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Besides, sleep researchers have shown that regardless of how long one sleeps at night, the human body is programmed to become sleepy in the early afternoon, even without a big lunch. "
Zzzzzzzz
Zzzzzz.... Mmm? Sorry, I must have nodded off. Not a bad thing, actually - in fact I shouldn't be apologizing at all. Naps are good for us.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Thoughts on Mother's Day
PAUL REVERE'S MOTHER: "I don't care where you think you have to go, young man. Midnight is past your curfew!"
MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY'S MOTHER: "I don't mind you having a garden, Mary, but does it have to be growing under your bed?"
MONA LISA'S MOTHER: "After all that money your father and I spent on braces, Mona, that's the biggest smile you can give us?"
HUMPTY DUMPTY'S MOTHER: "Humpty, if I've told you once, I've told you a hundred times not to sit on that wall. But would you listen to me? Noooo!"
COLUMBUS' MOTHER: "I don't care what you've discovered, Christopher. You still could have written!"
BABE RUTH'S MOTHER: "Babe, how many times have I told you to quit playing ball in the house! That's the third broken window this week!"
MICHELANGELO'S MOTHER: "Mike, can't you paint on walls like other children? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get that stuff off the ceiling?"
NAPOLEON'S MOTHER: "All right, Napoleon. If you aren't hiding your report card inside your jacket, then take your hand out of there and prove it!"
CUSTER'S MOTHER: "Now, George, remember what I told you - don't go biting off more than you can chew!"
ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S MOTHER: "Again with the stovepipe hat, Abe? Can't youjust wear a baseball cap like the other kids?"
BARNEY'S MOTHER: "I realize strained plums are your favorite, Barney, but you're starting to look a little purple."
MARY'S MOTHER: "I'm not upset that your lamb followed you to school, Mary,but I would like to know how he got a better grade than you."
BATMAN'S MOTHER: "It's a nice car, Bruce, but do you realize how much the insurance is going to be?"
GOLDILOCKS' MOTHER: "I've got a bill here for a busted chair from the Bear family. You know anything about this, Goldie?"
LITTLE MISS MUFFET'S MOTHER: "Well, all I've got to say is if you don't get off your tuffet and start cleaning your room, there'll be a lot more spiders around here!"
ALBERT EINSTEIN'S MOTHER: "But, Albert, it's your senior picture. Can't you do something about your hair? Styling gel, mousse, something...?"
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER: "The next time I catch you throwing money across the Potomac, you can kiss your allowance good-bye!"
JONAH'S MOTHER: "That's a nice story, but now tell me where you've really been for the last three days."
SUPERMAN'S MOTHER: "Clark, your father and I have discussed it, and we've decided you can have your own telephone line. Now will you quit spending somuch time in all those phone booths?"
THOMAS EDISON'S MOTHER: "Of course I'm proud that you invented the electric light bulb, Thomas. Now turn off that light and get to bed!"
MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY'S MOTHER: "I don't mind you having a garden, Mary, but does it have to be growing under your bed?"
MONA LISA'S MOTHER: "After all that money your father and I spent on braces, Mona, that's the biggest smile you can give us?"
HUMPTY DUMPTY'S MOTHER: "Humpty, if I've told you once, I've told you a hundred times not to sit on that wall. But would you listen to me? Noooo!"
COLUMBUS' MOTHER: "I don't care what you've discovered, Christopher. You still could have written!"
BABE RUTH'S MOTHER: "Babe, how many times have I told you to quit playing ball in the house! That's the third broken window this week!"
MICHELANGELO'S MOTHER: "Mike, can't you paint on walls like other children? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get that stuff off the ceiling?"
NAPOLEON'S MOTHER: "All right, Napoleon. If you aren't hiding your report card inside your jacket, then take your hand out of there and prove it!"
CUSTER'S MOTHER: "Now, George, remember what I told you - don't go biting off more than you can chew!"
ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S MOTHER: "Again with the stovepipe hat, Abe? Can't youjust wear a baseball cap like the other kids?"
BARNEY'S MOTHER: "I realize strained plums are your favorite, Barney, but you're starting to look a little purple."
MARY'S MOTHER: "I'm not upset that your lamb followed you to school, Mary,but I would like to know how he got a better grade than you."
BATMAN'S MOTHER: "It's a nice car, Bruce, but do you realize how much the insurance is going to be?"
GOLDILOCKS' MOTHER: "I've got a bill here for a busted chair from the Bear family. You know anything about this, Goldie?"
LITTLE MISS MUFFET'S MOTHER: "Well, all I've got to say is if you don't get off your tuffet and start cleaning your room, there'll be a lot more spiders around here!"
ALBERT EINSTEIN'S MOTHER: "But, Albert, it's your senior picture. Can't you do something about your hair? Styling gel, mousse, something...?"
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOTHER: "The next time I catch you throwing money across the Potomac, you can kiss your allowance good-bye!"
JONAH'S MOTHER: "That's a nice story, but now tell me where you've really been for the last three days."
SUPERMAN'S MOTHER: "Clark, your father and I have discussed it, and we've decided you can have your own telephone line. Now will you quit spending somuch time in all those phone booths?"
THOMAS EDISON'S MOTHER: "Of course I'm proud that you invented the electric light bulb, Thomas. Now turn off that light and get to bed!"
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Marley And Me
What are you reading or what have you read recently that you would recommend ?
I recently finished reading "Marley and Me", the book that Maria on "Silver Fox Whispers" recommended. I really enjoyed this story (true) about a misbehaving yellow lab and his owners trials tribulations and joy they found in loving "Marley" the big dumb ox.
After reading about Marley, I felt I wanted to learn more about the author,John Grogan, so I looked him up at the "Philadelphia Enquirer" newspaper where he is a columnist.
I read his "expose" column*** in which he ,"tongue in cheek", compares his book with the James Frey book " A Million Little Pieces" Frey has been accused of plagiarism and exaggaration.
(from John Grogan's column)
***"Marley & Me: The whole truth
In light of the scandal enveloping best selling author James Frey, who now admits his purportedly nonfiction memoir "A Million Little Pieces" is riddled with fabrications and exaggerations, the online accuracy watchdog "SmokingCanine.com "has launched an investigation into another memoir currently topping best-seller lists. We now bring you this shocking expose:. PHILADELPHIA - Credible evidence has surfaced that Inquirer columnist John Grogan might have greatly exaggerated Marley's antics"
My email to John Grogan ,
Subject: Marley And Me Expose Column
Funny I should happen upon your article about the "allegations" regarding you and Marley.
After finishing "Marley And Me" I asked my daughter, who had also read the book, if she really believed that Marley could have done all those wild and crazy things or if the author embellished some of the antics.
She said yes, she did believe every word. And then she reminded me of the black Lab mix that could have been Marley's twin separated at birth as far as behavior is concerned. Daughter tried obedience training but "Georgia" just did not get it. After Georgia ate up a 5 foot long wooden planter and part of the deck, daughter could take it no longer so she gave "Georgia" to a friend who had a farm.
On the other hand our son who had the litter mate to Georgia (he named her Allie since he and his family had found the two pups on the side of the highway on their return trip from Alabama to Georgia,) would not think of giving up his Lab who coexists with the two Jack Russells who were the original dogs in their family. We all think that Allie got more of the Lab DNA than Georgia did. I did not know until then that pups from the same litter can have different Dads.
Anyway I am not quite finished with "Marley And Me" but I know how it will end as Marley is not feeling well and has lost his hearing so I am preparing to cry at the end.
Our last dog was a Springer Spaniel named "Mollie". Smartest dog that ever graced this planet. She must have had a terrific internal clock. Every night she would get up from her favorite spot in the den and put herself to bed in the kitchen at exactly 10pm. When the time changed she went to bed at 9pm until her clock reset itself. Like Marley, our Mollie also went deaf a few years before her death. Sad.
"Mollie" died in our kitchen from smoke inhalation after lightening struck our house while we were out for the evening. Sweet dog. that broke my heart. I still miss her.
Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble but you probably know how grandmothers love to talk. I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for even thinking you might have taken poetic license about Marley.
"Marley and Me" is a great book and a fine tribute to Marley.
You really loved that big guy.
Chancy Gardner
John Grogan's Reply:
Reply: "Thanks for your note, Chancy...and yes, it's ALL true. As any Lab owner knows, these dogs do the darnedest things.
best to you, John"
I recently finished reading "Marley and Me", the book that Maria on "Silver Fox Whispers" recommended. I really enjoyed this story (true) about a misbehaving yellow lab and his owners trials tribulations and joy they found in loving "Marley" the big dumb ox.
After reading about Marley, I felt I wanted to learn more about the author,John Grogan, so I looked him up at the "Philadelphia Enquirer" newspaper where he is a columnist.
I read his "expose" column*** in which he ,"tongue in cheek", compares his book with the James Frey book " A Million Little Pieces" Frey has been accused of plagiarism and exaggaration.
(from John Grogan's column)
***"Marley & Me: The whole truth
In light of the scandal enveloping best selling author James Frey, who now admits his purportedly nonfiction memoir "A Million Little Pieces" is riddled with fabrications and exaggerations, the online accuracy watchdog "SmokingCanine.com "has launched an investigation into another memoir currently topping best-seller lists. We now bring you this shocking expose:. PHILADELPHIA - Credible evidence has surfaced that Inquirer columnist John Grogan might have greatly exaggerated Marley's antics"
My email to John Grogan ,
Subject: Marley And Me Expose Column
Funny I should happen upon your article about the "allegations" regarding you and Marley.
After finishing "Marley And Me" I asked my daughter, who had also read the book, if she really believed that Marley could have done all those wild and crazy things or if the author embellished some of the antics.
She said yes, she did believe every word. And then she reminded me of the black Lab mix that could have been Marley's twin separated at birth as far as behavior is concerned. Daughter tried obedience training but "Georgia" just did not get it. After Georgia ate up a 5 foot long wooden planter and part of the deck, daughter could take it no longer so she gave "Georgia" to a friend who had a farm.
On the other hand our son who had the litter mate to Georgia (he named her Allie since he and his family had found the two pups on the side of the highway on their return trip from Alabama to Georgia,) would not think of giving up his Lab who coexists with the two Jack Russells who were the original dogs in their family. We all think that Allie got more of the Lab DNA than Georgia did. I did not know until then that pups from the same litter can have different Dads.
Anyway I am not quite finished with "Marley And Me" but I know how it will end as Marley is not feeling well and has lost his hearing so I am preparing to cry at the end.
Our last dog was a Springer Spaniel named "Mollie". Smartest dog that ever graced this planet. She must have had a terrific internal clock. Every night she would get up from her favorite spot in the den and put herself to bed in the kitchen at exactly 10pm. When the time changed she went to bed at 9pm until her clock reset itself. Like Marley, our Mollie also went deaf a few years before her death. Sad.
"Mollie" died in our kitchen from smoke inhalation after lightening struck our house while we were out for the evening. Sweet dog. that broke my heart. I still miss her.
Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble but you probably know how grandmothers love to talk. I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for even thinking you might have taken poetic license about Marley.
"Marley and Me" is a great book and a fine tribute to Marley.
You really loved that big guy.
Chancy Gardner
John Grogan's Reply:
Reply: "Thanks for your note, Chancy...and yes, it's ALL true. As any Lab owner knows, these dogs do the darnedest things.
best to you, John"
Time Began In A Garden
We had a sundail that had these words on the dial:
"TIME BEGAN IN A GARDEN"
(click on picture for larger, clearer image)
http://www.typogenerator.net/index.php?new=true
(Typogenerator takes any words you type in and makes a poster from them)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/74/74-h/p1.htmhttp://www.gutenberg.org/files/74/74-h/p1.htm
This site is amazing. Graphically it is extremely plain but the content is awesome. Thousands of books which are no longer under copyright protection are here, ready to be read on line or downloaded. They even have audio books although I have not tried these. I still prefer a book or newspaper that I hold in my hand and read but this Project Gutenberg is a treasure trove of Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and many many others both fiction and non fiction.
For instance I have an ancient book "The White House Cook Book" published in 1898 which I bought in a little antique shop about 15 years ago. It is interesting to dip in and out of especially to read some of the old fashioned health tips. My copy is falling apart. I went to Project Gutenberg and lo and behold there in its entirety was "The White House Cookbook" http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13923/13923-h/13923-h.htm
Check out this site. You will like it.
Main link
http://www.gutenberg.org
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/74/74-h/p1.htmhttp://www.gutenberg.org/files/74/74-h/p1.htm
This site is amazing. Graphically it is extremely plain but the content is awesome. Thousands of books which are no longer under copyright protection are here, ready to be read on line or downloaded. They even have audio books although I have not tried these. I still prefer a book or newspaper that I hold in my hand and read but this Project Gutenberg is a treasure trove of Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and many many others both fiction and non fiction.
For instance I have an ancient book "The White House Cook Book" published in 1898 which I bought in a little antique shop about 15 years ago. It is interesting to dip in and out of especially to read some of the old fashioned health tips. My copy is falling apart. I went to Project Gutenberg and lo and behold there in its entirety was "The White House Cookbook" http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13923/13923-h/13923-h.htm
Check out this site. You will like it.
Main link
http://www.gutenberg.org
Friday, May 05, 2006
Something to think about
I forget where on the internet I read this. A good lesson about anger.
"A BAG OF NAILS"
"Once upon a time there was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he should hammer a nail in the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. But gradually, the number of daily nails dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the first day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He proudly told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry', the wound is still there."
"A BAG OF NAILS"
"Once upon a time there was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he should hammer a nail in the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. But gradually, the number of daily nails dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the first day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He proudly told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry', the wound is still there."
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Forgetfulness
...Nothing to be embarrassed about when you forget something.
We all have spells of time when it is easier to remember the past than the present. I always have thought that someone who is creative has a more selective memory than a primarily left brained person.
For instance, our smoke alarm started malfunctioning last Friday afternoon late. Loud chirping sound like a BIG bird every 5 minutes. It was difficult for my husband to reach the alarm on the ceiling. I called our son. He said he would drop by on his way home from work and check it out. He is real handy with things like this.
We went out to dinner with friends and got back home about 10pm. Darn thing still chirping. We knew we would not sleep all night with the noise. We called son who lives about 5 minutes away.He said "OOPS".... he forgot. Then he came right over and fixed it.
Now if you or I or my husband had "forgotten" we would have said"Elder Moment" but no. He is only 41 but he is extremely creative and his mind is filled with many things.
So don't sweat it if you get to the grocery store and realize you have forgotten the list. Or if you forget a name now and then. No big deal.
However, if you put the cat in the freezer and the ice cream in the back yard you are entitled to worry .:)
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"Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking.
The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:
Left Brain --Logical Sequential Rational Analytical Objective Looks at parts --
Right Brain-- Random Intuitive Holistic Synthesizing Subjective Looks at wholes "
"Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes "
We all have spells of time when it is easier to remember the past than the present. I always have thought that someone who is creative has a more selective memory than a primarily left brained person.
For instance, our smoke alarm started malfunctioning last Friday afternoon late. Loud chirping sound like a BIG bird every 5 minutes. It was difficult for my husband to reach the alarm on the ceiling. I called our son. He said he would drop by on his way home from work and check it out. He is real handy with things like this.
We went out to dinner with friends and got back home about 10pm. Darn thing still chirping. We knew we would not sleep all night with the noise. We called son who lives about 5 minutes away.He said "OOPS".... he forgot. Then he came right over and fixed it.
Now if you or I or my husband had "forgotten" we would have said"Elder Moment" but no. He is only 41 but he is extremely creative and his mind is filled with many things.
So don't sweat it if you get to the grocery store and realize you have forgotten the list. Or if you forget a name now and then. No big deal.
However, if you put the cat in the freezer and the ice cream in the back yard you are entitled to worry .:)
--------------------------------------------------------
"Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking.
The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:
Left Brain --Logical Sequential Rational Analytical Objective Looks at parts --
Right Brain-- Random Intuitive Holistic Synthesizing Subjective Looks at wholes "
"Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes "
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Plain Vanilla
How did I live 75 years without knowing this? One evening about a year ago somehow the subject of conversation turned to Vanilla and its origin.My grown son said that Vanilla comes from orchids. I said no way and don't tease me. He kept on and on so I finally went to the computer and googled "Origin of Vanilla." And lo and behold he was right.
Am I the only one around who was deficient in Vanilla knowledge or are any of you surprised too
------------------------------------------------
"Vanilla originated from an orchid plant native to Mexico called Vanilla Fragrans, also known as Vanilla planifolia. A long slender pod or bean is produced from the flower of the plant. It is picked green and undergoes a curing and drying process before being made into vanilla extract. Vanillin, a crystal-like substance produced during the curing process adds to the flavor and aroma of the extract..
One Internet source mentioned that the explorer Cortez of Spain discovered the vanilla bean in Mexico and brought it back to Spain. Its use spread throughout Europe from there. In 1873 the vanilla plant was introduced to Madagascar. Madagascar and Indonesia are now the world’s leading producers of vanilla beans.Pure vanilla extract is produced when the vanilla bean pods and seeds are chopped and soaked in alcohol. Time enhances the flavor and aroma of pure vanilla extract. "------------------------------------------
I love Vanilla, that and Cinnamon are two of my favorite flavorings.
Cinnamon toast with butter, Vanilla in homemade banana pudding. etc etc Yum Yum.
Am I the only one around who was deficient in Vanilla knowledge or are any of you surprised too
------------------------------------------------
"Vanilla originated from an orchid plant native to Mexico called Vanilla Fragrans, also known as Vanilla planifolia. A long slender pod or bean is produced from the flower of the plant. It is picked green and undergoes a curing and drying process before being made into vanilla extract. Vanillin, a crystal-like substance produced during the curing process adds to the flavor and aroma of the extract..
One Internet source mentioned that the explorer Cortez of Spain discovered the vanilla bean in Mexico and brought it back to Spain. Its use spread throughout Europe from there. In 1873 the vanilla plant was introduced to Madagascar. Madagascar and Indonesia are now the world’s leading producers of vanilla beans.Pure vanilla extract is produced when the vanilla bean pods and seeds are chopped and soaked in alcohol. Time enhances the flavor and aroma of pure vanilla extract. "------------------------------------------
I love Vanilla, that and Cinnamon are two of my favorite flavorings.
Cinnamon toast with butter, Vanilla in homemade banana pudding. etc etc Yum Yum.
Monday, May 01, 2006
So many choices
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: (yesterday)
"General Mills Introduces Cheerios as CheeriOats (1941)The introduction of Cheerios on May 1, 1941, under the name of "CheeriOats," was marked by an aggressive marketing campaign. The cereal's original mascot, "Cheeri O'Leary," was short-lived, but successful advertising and an association with The Lone Ranger led to sales of approximately 1.8 million cases of the cereal in the first year alone. In 1945, the name of the cereal was changed to Cheerios."
-----------------------
I did not realize that "Cheerios" had been around so long. When I was a child I remember Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat and Rice Krispies. Now a stroll down the cereal aisle at the local supermarket reveals box after box and shelf after shelf of all sort of cereals. Some of which exist only to appeal to children with the free small toys inside and the high sugar content
. One of my favorites was and still is, Quaker Oatmeal ,which of course had to be cooked. Toss in some raisins and you had a breakfast fit for a queen.
Now we even have choices of musical rings on cell phones. I hardly ever use my cell phone and I recently changed my ring tone to a plain old fashioned telephone ring. Previously, when the melody I had chosen would start to play I would look around to see where the music was coming from and miss the call. I have come a long way from the old fashioned black party line telephone, the one you see in all the old movies from the 30's and 40's.
And do you remember when you could chose the color of your automobile as long as it was "Black"..
.
Oh yes. And don't forget the 101 choices our government had us wade through in order to make a decision on Medicare RX.
Ok I know what you are thinking. I should be grateful that I am still capable of making good choices. And you are right.
but still I say;
Choices, Choices ,Choices. too many choices.
"General Mills Introduces Cheerios as CheeriOats (1941)The introduction of Cheerios on May 1, 1941, under the name of "CheeriOats," was marked by an aggressive marketing campaign. The cereal's original mascot, "Cheeri O'Leary," was short-lived, but successful advertising and an association with The Lone Ranger led to sales of approximately 1.8 million cases of the cereal in the first year alone. In 1945, the name of the cereal was changed to Cheerios."
-----------------------
I did not realize that "Cheerios" had been around so long. When I was a child I remember Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat and Rice Krispies. Now a stroll down the cereal aisle at the local supermarket reveals box after box and shelf after shelf of all sort of cereals. Some of which exist only to appeal to children with the free small toys inside and the high sugar content
. One of my favorites was and still is, Quaker Oatmeal ,which of course had to be cooked. Toss in some raisins and you had a breakfast fit for a queen.
Now we even have choices of musical rings on cell phones. I hardly ever use my cell phone and I recently changed my ring tone to a plain old fashioned telephone ring. Previously, when the melody I had chosen would start to play I would look around to see where the music was coming from and miss the call. I have come a long way from the old fashioned black party line telephone, the one you see in all the old movies from the 30's and 40's.
And do you remember when you could chose the color of your automobile as long as it was "Black"..
.
Oh yes. And don't forget the 101 choices our government had us wade through in order to make a decision on Medicare RX.
Ok I know what you are thinking. I should be grateful that I am still capable of making good choices. And you are right.
but still I say;
Choices, Choices ,Choices. too many choices.
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