Good news for cheese lovers or those people who believe that cheese can be used for other means than on crackers. Would-be participants are preparing for the annual Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Festival challenge or competition, scheduled to take place this year on Monday, May 27, 2013.
Chasing cheese down a hill - be still my beating heart! There is something about this challenge that is Monty Python-esque, at least in my eyes.
In the way of background information, the event dates back to the 1800's and features an 8lb - give or take a couple of ounces - Double Gloucester cheese, which is rolled down what is described as a very steep hill.
According to the BBC who keep track of these type of stories, cheese rolling could have been initiated by the Phoenicians who lived in the south-western parts of Britain before the Roman invasion of 54BC, by the ancient Britons, or by the Romans themselves. Furthermore, the first evidence of cheese rolling was discovered in a message to the Gloucester Town Crier in 1826.
The procedure is simple in that participants or cheese rollers/roll-ees set off to push the cheese down the hill. The first cheese rolls at noon and there are five downhill races, spaced 20 minutes apart. This begs (or at least makes one - me - wonder) as to the rationale behind the race. The winner(s) get to keep the cheese or what is left of it when it reaches the bottom. One wonders how much falls off along the way.
Just thinking...do participants use a stick to propel their cheese down hill or let gravity do the work?
As a person who hasn't tried this type of challenge (cheese is for eating IMHO - then again...) given that the cheese travels down a grassy surface, wouldn't it require some type of intervention i.e. hand/stick to keep it going?
So picture this: cheese slabs sliding and making their way down hill trailed by screaming humans. What if local mice and rat families who make their home on the hill wait on the side-lines to make their moves.
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
I say, Percy. Do you see what I see?
LOCAL RODENT PERCY
Well bless my stars! Could it be?
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
(sniffing the air)
The aroma is familiar
LOCAL RODENT PERCY
(smelling the air)
Smells like...
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
...cheddar would you say?
LOCAL RODENT PERCY
(still sniffing the air)
It might be, although...it smells more like...
LOCAL RODENTS (PHILIP) & PERCY TOGETHER
...Gloucester !
PERCY
I do like a piece of Gloucestershire in the morning. How about you, Philip?
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
I'm more a cheddar mouse myself but this is an opportunity too good to pass up. Should we?
LOCAL RODENT PERCY
I say we should! Ready?
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
You take a front chunk and I'll take a back bite and we'll meet back for tea at my hole
LOCAL RODENT PERCY
I say, Philip. You are the best host. What type of tea will we be drinking, today?
LOCAL RODENT PHILIP
For Gloucestershire, only Earl Grey will do. Here they come! Free cheese on the way!
Right now, people reading this who are wondering just how this double Gloucester cheese is made might want to watch this: http://www.smartsgloucestercheese.com/making.html
For those people who might want to try their hand in this - well - interesting pastime, here is a video of what to expect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GdVnzDFyLg
Some people like to chase their cheese while others prefer to have it served on a plate with crackers. Different strokes for different folk.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Still more stories that make you say, "huh?"
It's always amazing the interesting stuff one finds while conducting a daily Internet check-in. These are the stories that might be missed by your everyday cyber surfer given the eclectic subject matter. You know - cheese races, interesting scientific experiments, animal artists...that stuff.
Speaking or writing about animal artists, as a person who has taken up painting in the last few years, it's difficult to sell one's artistic output to say the least. Given the competition out there, sales are few and far between at best. However, there's no horsing around for some people - and this term is used loosely- when it comes to selling their art work or art output.
Take for example, artist, Metro Meteor, who used to spend his working days at a race track. The 10 year old never placed a bet in his life but in his former vocation as a thoroughbred bay, made his money racing around a track in Maryland. However, afflicted with bad knees and following his retirement in 2009, he took to relaxing by taking brush in hand, or in the horse's case, to mouth, and is turning out canvases that are being bought by the public. Just what we artists need: more competition.
After being adopted by artist, Ron Krajewski, he decided to give the horse painting lessons to spend more time with him. The rest as they say, is history and in just four short months, Metro is the best-selling artist at Gallery 30, a small shop in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
According to the story, the horse's paintings created by swinging his (Metro's) head, feature "colorful, sweeping brush strokes, complete with specks of sawdust. As an aside and case anybody reading this is interested, my artistic output also has lots of color, interesting brush strokes but no saw dust. Maybe one should consider buying saw dust to add that extra something to one's paintings...
The proverbial icing on the cake is that Metro's output has a waiting list of 120 people waiting to buy his larger paintings measuring 20x20" that sell for $850 at the gallery, while the smaller 5x7" cut-down versions go for $80. Half of Metro’s earnings to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, a charity that seeks homes and rehabilitation for retired racehorses. The owner of Gallery 30 donates a portion of Metro’s profits to a local animal shelter - a nice gesture.
As a celebrity horse, Metro now makes appearances on network TV and has also received requests for endorsements. One wonders how he signs his canvases. One hoof or two...
Moving right along...
For whatever reason, money-saving move springs to mind or just to be different, O'Hare Airport in Chicago, has hired 25 goats to keep 120 acres of airport grass, nice and mowed, or at least mowed, anyway. The goats will arrive and set to their task in a month focusing on hard-to-mow embankments and areas with dense brush. To ensure the job is done properly, a shepherd will watch the flock to avoid runway run-ins. There is no mention of flute accompaniment. Just thought I'd throw that in.
It's a win-win situation with the goat contract worth $20,000 through to the end of 2014, cheaper than using machine lawnmowers. The goats are also happy one presumes, since they are owned by restaurant, "The Butcher and the Burger." Goat burgers aren't on the menu.
And finally...
Most turkeys - the animal type - live out their lives (as short as they may be) on a farm and then there are some, for whatever reason - get their directions mixed up. A couple living in Brookline, Massachusetts, were taken aback when a turkey crashed through their window. A police officer arrived and managed to coax the turkey out of the house through a window. This leads one - me - to ponder what means were used to coax said turkey to leave the premises. Perhaps the turkey was bribed with corn or food.
Although the turkey lost a small amount of blood, it wasn't worse for wear.
This once again leads one - moi - to reflect upon the issue whether turkeys can fly. I mean, how did the turkey under discussion crash through a double-paned window? Out of curiosity, went on a Web search to seek an answer once and for all and came across some interesting turkey-related stats. if anybody is interested. This is an important issue for some people, readers!
According to the site, "Information Please":
- Domesticated turkeys cannot fly. Wild turkeys, however, can fly for short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground.
- Turkeys sometimes spend the night in trees.
- Turkeys can have heart attacks: turkeys in fields near the Air Force test areas over which the sound barrier was broken were known to drop dead from the shock of passing jets
- The ballroom dance known as the Turkey Trot was named for the short, jerky steps a turkey makes.
Speaking of turkeys, remember Les Nessman of "WKRP In Cincinnati" - one of my favorite oldie TV shows - and the infamous turkey drop? If not, here is a refresher. Poor turkeys...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3mgmEdfwg
Speaking or writing about animal artists, as a person who has taken up painting in the last few years, it's difficult to sell one's artistic output to say the least. Given the competition out there, sales are few and far between at best. However, there's no horsing around for some people - and this term is used loosely- when it comes to selling their art work or art output.
Take for example, artist, Metro Meteor, who used to spend his working days at a race track. The 10 year old never placed a bet in his life but in his former vocation as a thoroughbred bay, made his money racing around a track in Maryland. However, afflicted with bad knees and following his retirement in 2009, he took to relaxing by taking brush in hand, or in the horse's case, to mouth, and is turning out canvases that are being bought by the public. Just what we artists need: more competition.
After being adopted by artist, Ron Krajewski, he decided to give the horse painting lessons to spend more time with him. The rest as they say, is history and in just four short months, Metro is the best-selling artist at Gallery 30, a small shop in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
According to the story, the horse's paintings created by swinging his (Metro's) head, feature "colorful, sweeping brush strokes, complete with specks of sawdust. As an aside and case anybody reading this is interested, my artistic output also has lots of color, interesting brush strokes but no saw dust. Maybe one should consider buying saw dust to add that extra something to one's paintings...
The proverbial icing on the cake is that Metro's output has a waiting list of 120 people waiting to buy his larger paintings measuring 20x20" that sell for $850 at the gallery, while the smaller 5x7" cut-down versions go for $80. Half of Metro’s earnings to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, a charity that seeks homes and rehabilitation for retired racehorses. The owner of Gallery 30 donates a portion of Metro’s profits to a local animal shelter - a nice gesture.
As a celebrity horse, Metro now makes appearances on network TV and has also received requests for endorsements. One wonders how he signs his canvases. One hoof or two...
Moving right along...
For whatever reason, money-saving move springs to mind or just to be different, O'Hare Airport in Chicago, has hired 25 goats to keep 120 acres of airport grass, nice and mowed, or at least mowed, anyway. The goats will arrive and set to their task in a month focusing on hard-to-mow embankments and areas with dense brush. To ensure the job is done properly, a shepherd will watch the flock to avoid runway run-ins. There is no mention of flute accompaniment. Just thought I'd throw that in.
It's a win-win situation with the goat contract worth $20,000 through to the end of 2014, cheaper than using machine lawnmowers. The goats are also happy one presumes, since they are owned by restaurant, "The Butcher and the Burger." Goat burgers aren't on the menu.
And finally...
Most turkeys - the animal type - live out their lives (as short as they may be) on a farm and then there are some, for whatever reason - get their directions mixed up. A couple living in Brookline, Massachusetts, were taken aback when a turkey crashed through their window. A police officer arrived and managed to coax the turkey out of the house through a window. This leads one - me - to ponder what means were used to coax said turkey to leave the premises. Perhaps the turkey was bribed with corn or food.
Although the turkey lost a small amount of blood, it wasn't worse for wear.
This once again leads one - moi - to reflect upon the issue whether turkeys can fly. I mean, how did the turkey under discussion crash through a double-paned window? Out of curiosity, went on a Web search to seek an answer once and for all and came across some interesting turkey-related stats. if anybody is interested. This is an important issue for some people, readers!
According to the site, "Information Please":
- Domesticated turkeys cannot fly. Wild turkeys, however, can fly for short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground.
- Turkeys sometimes spend the night in trees.
- Turkeys can have heart attacks: turkeys in fields near the Air Force test areas over which the sound barrier was broken were known to drop dead from the shock of passing jets
- The ballroom dance known as the Turkey Trot was named for the short, jerky steps a turkey makes.
Speaking of turkeys, remember Les Nessman of "WKRP In Cincinnati" - one of my favorite oldie TV shows - and the infamous turkey drop? If not, here is a refresher. Poor turkeys...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3mgmEdfwg
 |
|
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
A shady decision
For some people, the advent of Spring marks the beginning of the gardening season and all things outdoors. It's the season of renewal with longer days and extended periods of sunshine that inspires people to start projects put on hold during winter. Take painting walls for example - somebody please.
Go figure that choosing a color for the bathroom could be such a dilemma. Narrowing down the choices shouldn't be a difficult task given the plethora of colors available in a variety of brands, but it is. The fact that we're painting altogether given that the walls really don't need a sprucing up, is due to a mistake on my part in the selection of the prevailing shade. For whatever reason - temporary insanity springs to mind - the walls are currently a peachy/salmon-y hue that seemed like a good choice at the time. Searching for towels to compliment the shade has been an exercise in futility. In retrospect, somebody should have tried to convince me to think twice, but we've lived with the color for five years now. Five long years of staring at the color and asking myself, "why?"
Paper paint samples have been hanging from the wall tiles for a week now in the hope that it will inspire and narrow down the final choice. Two selections have made the final cut at this moment, but that could change (again) by tomorrow. The "in" colors, according to home decorators and their ilk, is white with grey accents or grey with white accents. While these shades would go with our wall tiles, the rest of the room is in the beige tone. Taupe could be a good option but we'll probably go with a safe-and-no-regrets, beige-y tone. There's a reason why family and friends call us 'the beige family' since the majority of the walls are this shade.
According to a helpful article focusing on bathroom renovation in Better Homes and Gardens, http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/color-schemes/colors/bathroom-paint-ideas/ ,while surfing the cyber highway for ideas, one should determine if the bathroom to be renovated is to be relaxing or energizing? Never really gave much thought to either to be honest. It would depend, one would imagine, on the length of time one plans to stay in the room. I mean, why would one want to linger indefinitely to the point where color would be an important aspect.
Thinking further, there is really no logical reason for angsting over what color to do the bathroom walls. In the end, the bathroom is a place where one washes up and answers nature's call. It's not the type of room in which one would want to linger for a lengthy period of time, or carry on witty conversation among a group of people. It really shouldn't be a difficult decision but it is. Anything but peachy salmon will do.
Go figure that choosing a color for the bathroom could be such a dilemma. Narrowing down the choices shouldn't be a difficult task given the plethora of colors available in a variety of brands, but it is. The fact that we're painting altogether given that the walls really don't need a sprucing up, is due to a mistake on my part in the selection of the prevailing shade. For whatever reason - temporary insanity springs to mind - the walls are currently a peachy/salmon-y hue that seemed like a good choice at the time. Searching for towels to compliment the shade has been an exercise in futility. In retrospect, somebody should have tried to convince me to think twice, but we've lived with the color for five years now. Five long years of staring at the color and asking myself, "why?"
Paper paint samples have been hanging from the wall tiles for a week now in the hope that it will inspire and narrow down the final choice. Two selections have made the final cut at this moment, but that could change (again) by tomorrow. The "in" colors, according to home decorators and their ilk, is white with grey accents or grey with white accents. While these shades would go with our wall tiles, the rest of the room is in the beige tone. Taupe could be a good option but we'll probably go with a safe-and-no-regrets, beige-y tone. There's a reason why family and friends call us 'the beige family' since the majority of the walls are this shade.
According to a helpful article focusing on bathroom renovation in Better Homes and Gardens, http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/color-schemes/colors/bathroom-paint-ideas/ ,while surfing the cyber highway for ideas, one should determine if the bathroom to be renovated is to be relaxing or energizing? Never really gave much thought to either to be honest. It would depend, one would imagine, on the length of time one plans to stay in the room. I mean, why would one want to linger indefinitely to the point where color would be an important aspect.
Thinking further, there is really no logical reason for angsting over what color to do the bathroom walls. In the end, the bathroom is a place where one washes up and answers nature's call. It's not the type of room in which one would want to linger for a lengthy period of time, or carry on witty conversation among a group of people. It really shouldn't be a difficult decision but it is. Anything but peachy salmon will do.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Zombies just wanna smell good
Yet another story that questions our planet and some of those who live on it. Then again, we're referring to "how can we make money and cash in" factor. The fact that this piece stood out and is being shared with blog readers indicates that it's an intriguing concept if somewhat puzzling, especially for none-zombie-types.
A U.S. perfume manufacturer for whatever reason - maybe there are zombies in the family tree or something - has created a perfume specifically geared for zombies. Really. The perfume or zombie essence known as Zombie for Him and Zombie for Her, manufactured by Demeter Fragrance Library in New York, enable the "dead to simply pass without offending."
This leaves one - moi - to ponder a) there are libraries that are making zombie perfumes and b) pass what without offending what or who? I mean, this leads one to contemplate upon the issue of where do zombies go, anyway, when they die before turning into the un-dead-ish? More important, why am I wondering about these things? But I digress.
Zombie for Him is a combination of dried leaves, mushrooms, mildew, moss and earth. An obviously very earthy combination of rot resulting in a delightfully blechy essence of decay. The Zombie for Her, on the other hand, is a slightly lighter version with a touch of wine dregs to give it an aromatic decay smell. Demeter perfume site, www.demeterfragrance.com, targets their ideal purchaser as:
"So you're a Zombie. Or you know a Zombie. And you might become a Zombie. Any way you slice and dice it, you’ll need different kinds of fragrance. Fragrances that can make the dead simply pass by without offending. Because only Demeter Fragrance Library could make a Zombie fragrance eminently wearable."
Not sure what type of budget zombies have at their disposal but the 1oz. cologne spray sells for $20 while the 4oz. cologne spray is $49.50. It can be obtained on-line but there are no outlets mentioned where it can be purchased...yet. Thinking further, can you imagine a zombie entering a perfume outlet to buy the perfume.
Zombie
I'd like a bottle of perfume
CLERK
What type of perfume. We have so many brands...all the big designer names...
Zombie
Gimme Zombie for Him!
CLERK
You mean a fine fragrance for men?
Zombie
I want Zombie for him
CLERK
I see. You're referring to yourself in the third party. So which brand does he want?
Zombie
Perfume for Him!
CLERK
Don't take this the wrong way, sir, but...like...ahem...you do have a odor and your body parts appear to be decaying. Perhaps you should go to the nearest hospital, instead of buying perfume.
Zombie
Maybe I should bite off your arm!
You get the picture. By the way, there's a "100% Money Back Guarantee. No Questions Asked" policy. Wise decision on the part of the perfumerie, given their purchasers.
A U.S. perfume manufacturer for whatever reason - maybe there are zombies in the family tree or something - has created a perfume specifically geared for zombies. Really. The perfume or zombie essence known as Zombie for Him and Zombie for Her, manufactured by Demeter Fragrance Library in New York, enable the "dead to simply pass without offending."
This leaves one - moi - to ponder a) there are libraries that are making zombie perfumes and b) pass what without offending what or who? I mean, this leads one to contemplate upon the issue of where do zombies go, anyway, when they die before turning into the un-dead-ish? More important, why am I wondering about these things? But I digress.
Zombie for Him is a combination of dried leaves, mushrooms, mildew, moss and earth. An obviously very earthy combination of rot resulting in a delightfully blechy essence of decay. The Zombie for Her, on the other hand, is a slightly lighter version with a touch of wine dregs to give it an aromatic decay smell. Demeter perfume site, www.demeterfragrance.com, targets their ideal purchaser as:
"So you're a Zombie. Or you know a Zombie. And you might become a Zombie. Any way you slice and dice it, you’ll need different kinds of fragrance. Fragrances that can make the dead simply pass by without offending. Because only Demeter Fragrance Library could make a Zombie fragrance eminently wearable."
Not sure what type of budget zombies have at their disposal but the 1oz. cologne spray sells for $20 while the 4oz. cologne spray is $49.50. It can be obtained on-line but there are no outlets mentioned where it can be purchased...yet. Thinking further, can you imagine a zombie entering a perfume outlet to buy the perfume.
Zombie
I'd like a bottle of perfume
CLERK
What type of perfume. We have so many brands...all the big designer names...
Zombie
Gimme Zombie for Him!
CLERK
You mean a fine fragrance for men?
Zombie
I want Zombie for him
CLERK
I see. You're referring to yourself in the third party. So which brand does he want?
Zombie
Perfume for Him!
CLERK
Don't take this the wrong way, sir, but...like...ahem...you do have a odor and your body parts appear to be decaying. Perhaps you should go to the nearest hospital, instead of buying perfume.
Zombie
Maybe I should bite off your arm!
You get the picture. By the way, there's a "100% Money Back Guarantee. No Questions Asked" policy. Wise decision on the part of the perfumerie, given their purchasers.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
The Oprah dilemma: narrowing down favorite things
Today was the last today to enter the "Favorite Things" give-away and now it's too late. Having had every intention of entering, somehow something always came up, time passed and I missed my opportunity to meet a well-known celebrity.
Having retired from TV, Oprah, she-who-doesn't-need- her-last-name supplied, is doing the speaking tour circuit. Nothing wrong with that since everyone from former presidents and politicians to lifestyle gurus and media celebrities are doing it. Ms Winfrey will be delivering her take on the world and dispensing advice as only Oprah can, in our corner of the planet.
Have to admit that I watched her TV show regularly in earlier years and on-and-off after that, depending on the subject. Reading the promos for her appearance here, I checked the ticket prices and sort-of tucked away the information in one of those "got lots of time to decide" things. Eleanor, thy name is procrastination.
In order to help promote her arrival and talk, our local newspaper and sponsors ran a "Favorite Things" contest. For the uninitiated and during her reign, Oprah put aside one day per year on her show for a super giveaway with accent on the super. Audience members who were lucky enough to get tickets for her favorite things show, were the recipients of a plethora of products ranging from eletronic goods, clothes...you name it, chances are it was featured on the show at some point.
The promotion for her appearance here includes a "full day VIP experience to an evening with Oprah." Included in the package is the grand prize being a salon experience, a shopping spree, dinner, limo service, meet-and-greet and premium tickets to the show. The only pre-requisite to entering the contest was to send along a photo of one's favorite object(s).
In the way of an excuse, there was the dilemma as to determining and narrowing down my favorite thing. Maybe, a photo of my favorite jeans might have been an option, or my new pair of 'killer' suede shoes so named due to their toe pinching quality, then again there's my large-ish new purse that has the capacity to hold my umbrella and a host of other "must-take-along-and-have-with-me" objects.
As an artist, I could have sent along a photo of my favorite "10-hair-painting-brush"used to paint fine lines for flowers and the like, or even a picture of one of my paintings but narrowing down the one to send would be an issue. If nothing else, maybe she would be interested in owning an Eleanor original. 'masterpiece.' Then again, playwriting rates high on the favorite list so the cover sheet of one of my plays could have been an option.
As I've frequently bemoaned, it's always the could-haves, would-haves and might-have-beens that get you in the end! Ain't that the truth.
Having retired from TV, Oprah, she-who-doesn't-need- her-last-name supplied, is doing the speaking tour circuit. Nothing wrong with that since everyone from former presidents and politicians to lifestyle gurus and media celebrities are doing it. Ms Winfrey will be delivering her take on the world and dispensing advice as only Oprah can, in our corner of the planet.
Have to admit that I watched her TV show regularly in earlier years and on-and-off after that, depending on the subject. Reading the promos for her appearance here, I checked the ticket prices and sort-of tucked away the information in one of those "got lots of time to decide" things. Eleanor, thy name is procrastination.
In order to help promote her arrival and talk, our local newspaper and sponsors ran a "Favorite Things" contest. For the uninitiated and during her reign, Oprah put aside one day per year on her show for a super giveaway with accent on the super. Audience members who were lucky enough to get tickets for her favorite things show, were the recipients of a plethora of products ranging from eletronic goods, clothes...you name it, chances are it was featured on the show at some point.
The promotion for her appearance here includes a "full day VIP experience to an evening with Oprah." Included in the package is the grand prize being a salon experience, a shopping spree, dinner, limo service, meet-and-greet and premium tickets to the show. The only pre-requisite to entering the contest was to send along a photo of one's favorite object(s).
In the way of an excuse, there was the dilemma as to determining and narrowing down my favorite thing. Maybe, a photo of my favorite jeans might have been an option, or my new pair of 'killer' suede shoes so named due to their toe pinching quality, then again there's my large-ish new purse that has the capacity to hold my umbrella and a host of other "must-take-along-and-have-with-me" objects.
As an artist, I could have sent along a photo of my favorite "10-hair-painting-brush"used to paint fine lines for flowers and the like, or even a picture of one of my paintings but narrowing down the one to send would be an issue. If nothing else, maybe she would be interested in owning an Eleanor original. 'masterpiece.' Then again, playwriting rates high on the favorite list so the cover sheet of one of my plays could have been an option.
As I've frequently bemoaned, it's always the could-haves, would-haves and might-have-beens that get you in the end! Ain't that the truth.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Goblin-proofing a chicken coop takes Oddest Book Title
Most writers strive when publishing their book, to draw attention to well-written content, a good story and if they're fortunate, to get on a best seller list. Honors are in the eye of the beholder and the winner of the Oddest Book Title of the Year award is Reginald Bakeley and Clint Marsh, who together wrote the fascinating book, "Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop." Be still my beating heart!
There is no information supplied as to the background for coming up with this story but I would never have thought that chicken coops experience goblin problems. Perhaps a wolf raid or a drop in egg production on occasion, but it's really disturbing to think that chickens fall victim to goblins.
The book attracted 38% of 1,225 on-line votes to beat out a craft manual on "How Tea Cosies Changed the World" which acquired 31% of the vote to win the annual Diagram Prize. As a devoted tea drinker, this is somewhat disappointing. Tea cosies are a very important tool in maintaining a hot pot of tea and one would imagine and even assume that this would be a fascinating subject for tea drinkers world-wide, who would want to create and personalize their very own tea cosie. I know I would!
The third place honors went to Tom Hickman for his book, "God's Doodle: The Life and Times of the Penis." Again, no background information provided but did a search and came accross a review on Amazon.com: "The story of the penis -- a brilliant history of the male member that tells you EVERYTHING you wanted to know but were too shy to ask." Now you know.
In addition, shortlisted for an award was a study of Adolf Hitler's health entitled, "Was Hitler Ill?", "Lofts of North America: Pigeon Lofts" and a guide book about "How to Sharpen Pencils." As a person who at some points in my life has attempted to sharpen a pencil with a knife, or a pencil sharpener that continously broke the lead, the latter could come in handy. Here is a short video by the author, for people reading this who are interested in the art of...pencil sharpening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spMaP-_Cq_8
The Diagram Prize was founded at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 1978, and past winners include "Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Nude Mice" and last year's "Cooking with Poo", a Thai cookbook by Bangkok resident Saiyuud Diwong whose nickname is Poo.
There's still hope for me to write my book detailing the fun and enjoyment of re-using tea bags. This is something the world is waiting to read.
There is no information supplied as to the background for coming up with this story but I would never have thought that chicken coops experience goblin problems. Perhaps a wolf raid or a drop in egg production on occasion, but it's really disturbing to think that chickens fall victim to goblins.
The book attracted 38% of 1,225 on-line votes to beat out a craft manual on "How Tea Cosies Changed the World" which acquired 31% of the vote to win the annual Diagram Prize. As a devoted tea drinker, this is somewhat disappointing. Tea cosies are a very important tool in maintaining a hot pot of tea and one would imagine and even assume that this would be a fascinating subject for tea drinkers world-wide, who would want to create and personalize their very own tea cosie. I know I would!
The third place honors went to Tom Hickman for his book, "God's Doodle: The Life and Times of the Penis." Again, no background information provided but did a search and came accross a review on Amazon.com: "The story of the penis -- a brilliant history of the male member that tells you EVERYTHING you wanted to know but were too shy to ask." Now you know.
In addition, shortlisted for an award was a study of Adolf Hitler's health entitled, "Was Hitler Ill?", "Lofts of North America: Pigeon Lofts" and a guide book about "How to Sharpen Pencils." As a person who at some points in my life has attempted to sharpen a pencil with a knife, or a pencil sharpener that continously broke the lead, the latter could come in handy. Here is a short video by the author, for people reading this who are interested in the art of...pencil sharpening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spMaP-_Cq_8
The Diagram Prize was founded at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 1978, and past winners include "Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Nude Mice" and last year's "Cooking with Poo", a Thai cookbook by Bangkok resident Saiyuud Diwong whose nickname is Poo.
There's still hope for me to write my book detailing the fun and enjoyment of re-using tea bags. This is something the world is waiting to read.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
About obituaries and attending funerals
Just finished reading a fun obituary. You know me - always looking for and seeking out the unusual and this certaily falls into that category.
For most people, an obituary is straight-forward information piece detailing the date of the deceased's passing, names of family members and the date and place of the funeral. However, the family of Harry Weathersby Stamps, noted his death and contribution to the planet with a warm and humorous tongue-in-cheek notice that has gone viral on the Internet.
Eulogized by his daughter, Amanda Lewis, he is described in the opening paragraph as, "ladies' man, foodie, natty dresser, and accomplished traveler, died on Saturday, March 9, 2013." It is obvious in the way that the obit is written that Ms Lewis wanted to share her father's life in a meaningful yet light manner with people who knew Harry and the family.
This got me thinking about obituaries in general and how we will be remembered by family, friends and acquaintances. As a writer, my life and contribution in general to the literary world could be summed up in three sentences, "She lived. She wrote. She croaked."
Have to confess that in addition to reading the news, the obituary page comes a close second. Attending a funeral is a mark of respect for the deceased and their families, especially if you would want them to reciprocate when the time comes, if you get my drift. Not that I specifically seek out a reason to be present at funerals but there are people who are "funeral groupies." Frequently, they don't know the deceased but show up anyway, in case there are people they may know and chat with. In conversation with one of their kind, frequently questions arise as to the cause of death to which my pat answer is, "their heart stopped beating." This is usually enough to quell any further conversation.
It's also not uncommon, unfortunately, to hear the ringing of a cell phone in the middle of everything. I mean, give me a break! If courtesy can't be extended to turning of a cell phone during a funeral ceremony...but I digress.
Ben Franklin sums it up perfectly. "I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not on it, I get up." I hear 'ya, Ben!
Meanwhile, it's worth reading Harry's obituary. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?pid=163538353#fbLoggedOut
For most people, an obituary is straight-forward information piece detailing the date of the deceased's passing, names of family members and the date and place of the funeral. However, the family of Harry Weathersby Stamps, noted his death and contribution to the planet with a warm and humorous tongue-in-cheek notice that has gone viral on the Internet.
Eulogized by his daughter, Amanda Lewis, he is described in the opening paragraph as, "ladies' man, foodie, natty dresser, and accomplished traveler, died on Saturday, March 9, 2013." It is obvious in the way that the obit is written that Ms Lewis wanted to share her father's life in a meaningful yet light manner with people who knew Harry and the family.
This got me thinking about obituaries in general and how we will be remembered by family, friends and acquaintances. As a writer, my life and contribution in general to the literary world could be summed up in three sentences, "She lived. She wrote. She croaked."
Have to confess that in addition to reading the news, the obituary page comes a close second. Attending a funeral is a mark of respect for the deceased and their families, especially if you would want them to reciprocate when the time comes, if you get my drift. Not that I specifically seek out a reason to be present at funerals but there are people who are "funeral groupies." Frequently, they don't know the deceased but show up anyway, in case there are people they may know and chat with. In conversation with one of their kind, frequently questions arise as to the cause of death to which my pat answer is, "their heart stopped beating." This is usually enough to quell any further conversation.
It's also not uncommon, unfortunately, to hear the ringing of a cell phone in the middle of everything. I mean, give me a break! If courtesy can't be extended to turning of a cell phone during a funeral ceremony...but I digress.
Ben Franklin sums it up perfectly. "I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not on it, I get up." I hear 'ya, Ben!
Meanwhile, it's worth reading Harry's obituary. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?pid=163538353#fbLoggedOut
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
To tea or not to tea. The Downton Abbey syndrome
For the last
couple of years and as is the case with many people who indulge in an afternoon beverage break, I find myself thinking
more about the proper way to serve tea. Usually, tea for me consist of a large
mug with the words, “I heart New York” written across the front in large black letters,
the dropping of a tea bag inside followed by the slow pouring (has to be slow
to bring out the full flavor) of boiling hot water and allowing it to steep for
a few minutes, finishing off with a drop of milk (cold – not hot). I’m giving a
lot of thought nowadays to the idea of switching to using a tea cup and teapot.
It’s not difficult to see why the series has caught the imagination of royal watchers and soap opera followers (like me). How many of us wouldn’t like the experience of owning and wearing splendiferous clothes throughout the day and changing them depending on who rings the bell? Dining would always be a special occasion and take place in the various dining rooms, depending on the time of day and importance of thevisitors. Mornings would call for the silver serving pieces and white linen tablecloths and napkins. Place mats and paper napkins would never do.
“Dearest husband, Lord Tylbor...sweetie,” I would or could respond as a servant pours tea from a beautiful bone china designer teacup, adding a touch of milk, two lumps of sugar followed by a quick stir. “As you will recall, we no longer use butter in favor of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” due to your cholesterol problem. Besides, we do have a butler to do those menial things like butter passing.”
There are certain rules and regulations to be followed and as mentioned in previous blogs, my favorite source of etiquette is Debretts. When it comes to doing and knowing the right way to conduct oneself, Debretts has it all.
"It is the responsibility of the person who has invited you to brief you on what you should expect. If in doubt, always ask before you attend as codes of conduct and etiquette are strictly observed.
You should arrive on time and dress appropriately, following the dress code on your invitation. Look particularly to the top table for cues as to when to sit down, start eating, leave the table etc. Refrain from leaving the table during dinner. Table manners should be faultless; this really is the time to be on your best behaviour," Debretts offers in the way of helpful advice.
Advice is also available on bathroom etiquette. "When nature calls, either slip away quietly or excuse yourself from the group. Leave it clean, always flush and never discuss." This leads one - me - to ponder why one would discuss one's bathroom habits. I mean, it's not a dinner topic. Thinking further, one could share toilet flushing techniques but that's about all.
Back to Downton Abbey.
All the series characters are interesting in their own right but the one that has stood out as a favorite is Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her zingers are anticipated as much as the story lines. Here are a few of my favorites accumulated over time.
Having spent
the first six years of my childhood in England, tea has always played an important
role in my life and now with the emergence of Downton Abbey on the TV
screen, I feel a pull back to ye old country customs, be it on a much more
limited scale.
For those of
us who are devoted and confirmed Downton Abbey-ists, we can blame the
BBC and Julian Fellowes for springing Lord and Lady Grantham and the Crawley
family experience on to the TV screen. In essence, it’s a soap opera where the
characters are members of a privileged upper-class aristocratic family and
the internal rivalry of their servants. Viewers like moi, get to share the ups and downs of the various
family members as they live out their lives in ignorant bliss and splendor,
while being served hand-to-foot in the true sense of the word, by servants who
cater to their every need and whim.It’s not difficult to see why the series has caught the imagination of royal watchers and soap opera followers (like me). How many of us wouldn’t like the experience of owning and wearing splendiferous clothes throughout the day and changing them depending on who rings the bell? Dining would always be a special occasion and take place in the various dining rooms, depending on the time of day and importance of thevisitors. Mornings would call for the silver serving pieces and white linen tablecloths and napkins. Place mats and paper napkins would never do.
“Excuse me, Eleanor,” Lord Tylbor would utter while scanning the financial section of the newspaper. “Could you pass me the butter and the marmelade?”
“Dearest husband, Lord Tylbor...sweetie,” I would or could respond as a servant pours tea from a beautiful bone china designer teacup, adding a touch of milk, two lumps of sugar followed by a quick stir. “As you will recall, we no longer use butter in favor of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” due to your cholesterol problem. Besides, we do have a butler to do those menial things like butter passing.”
There are certain rules and regulations to be followed and as mentioned in previous blogs, my favorite source of etiquette is Debretts. When it comes to doing and knowing the right way to conduct oneself, Debretts has it all.
"It is the responsibility of the person who has invited you to brief you on what you should expect. If in doubt, always ask before you attend as codes of conduct and etiquette are strictly observed.
You should arrive on time and dress appropriately, following the dress code on your invitation. Look particularly to the top table for cues as to when to sit down, start eating, leave the table etc. Refrain from leaving the table during dinner. Table manners should be faultless; this really is the time to be on your best behaviour," Debretts offers in the way of helpful advice.
Advice is also available on bathroom etiquette. "When nature calls, either slip away quietly or excuse yourself from the group. Leave it clean, always flush and never discuss." This leads one - me - to ponder why one would discuss one's bathroom habits. I mean, it's not a dinner topic. Thinking further, one could share toilet flushing techniques but that's about all.
Back to Downton Abbey.
All the series characters are interesting in their own right but the one that has stood out as a favorite is Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her zingers are anticipated as much as the story lines. Here are a few of my favorites accumulated over time.
Cora: "Things are
different in America."
Lady Grantham: "I know. They live in wigwams."
Lady Grantham: "I know. They live in wigwams."
(Upon being told the swivel
chair was invented by Thomas Jefferson) "Why does every day involve a
fight with an American?"
"So that’s Mary’s
replacement. Well I suppose looks aren’t everything."Sir Richard:
"I'm leaving in the morning. I doubt we'll meet again."
Lady Grantham: "Do you promise?"
Lady Grantham: "Do you promise?"
Mrs Crawley: “I take that as a
compliment.”
Lady Grantham: “I must have said it wrong.”
Lady Grantham: “I must have said it wrong.”
"I have plenty of friends I don't
like."
"Last night! He looked so well. Of course
it would happen to a foreigner. No Englishman would dream of dying in someone
else's house."
"One can't go to pieces
at the death of every foreigner. We'd all be in a constant state of collapse
whenever we opened a newspaper."
(Struggling with the newly
installed telephone) "Is this an instrument of communication, or
torture?"
Having watched seasons one through three at least twice I’m looking forward
to the next installment. According to “spoiler” reports, Mary, now a widow,
will get a new love in her life, and being treated to the Dowager Countess's bons
mots is something to look forward to. Meanwhile, there’s always tea in the I heart New York
mug with water poured after a full boil – never tepid – accompanied by a scone
and jam. The Crawleys would understand.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Controvery stalks annual squirrel slam hunt
I dunno - some people obviously have nothing better to do with their time.
Every year for the past six years, the volunteer Fire Department of Holley, NY, population 1,802, have held a fundraiser as a means to buy new equipment. Nothing wrong with that, right? However - it's always the howevers' in life that cause problems - they're doing it by sponsoring a hunting competition known as a Squirrel Slam, to bring in the fattest squirrel. Really.
Let me state this for the record that I'm not a squirrel lover having planted a number of flower bulbs that fell victim to these cute rats with bushy tales (that's what they are!) voracious appetites. My philosophy in the end, though, is live-and-let-live and enjoy the flowers that do bloom. But I digress.
The word got out about the hunt via the cyber highway in addition to a social media campaign to stop the hunt. According to news reports, those against the hunt include wildlife rehabilitators, animal activists, a state senator(!), gun opponents and a New Age minister in Texas who heals wounded squirrels through Reiki massage. Squirrels receive free massage? In addition Facebook postings and petitions have elicited 3,000 e-mails per day and hundreds of phone calls urging Holley offcials to shelve the slam. The added incentive for hunters is a $200 prize for the person(s) who bring in the fattest squirrel.
Thinking further, one (me) wonders why squirrels? What was the criteria? This fundraiser or the method thereof, rates at the top of the "what were they thinking" columns, along with the Great Python Hunt of the Everglades.
Most questionable, IMHO, is a special prize to young participants aged 14 and under. Say what? Let's teach children how to use a gun as soon as they can hold one.
In any case and for whatever it's worth, the fundraiser is sold out. Boggles the mind.
So whad'ya think, reader? Should the hunt have been stopped? A photo of a live squirrel munching innocently on a nut: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-squirrel-shoot-holley-new-york-20130215,0,5393261.story
Every year for the past six years, the volunteer Fire Department of Holley, NY, population 1,802, have held a fundraiser as a means to buy new equipment. Nothing wrong with that, right? However - it's always the howevers' in life that cause problems - they're doing it by sponsoring a hunting competition known as a Squirrel Slam, to bring in the fattest squirrel. Really.
Let me state this for the record that I'm not a squirrel lover having planted a number of flower bulbs that fell victim to these cute rats with bushy tales (that's what they are!) voracious appetites. My philosophy in the end, though, is live-and-let-live and enjoy the flowers that do bloom. But I digress.
The word got out about the hunt via the cyber highway in addition to a social media campaign to stop the hunt. According to news reports, those against the hunt include wildlife rehabilitators, animal activists, a state senator(!), gun opponents and a New Age minister in Texas who heals wounded squirrels through Reiki massage. Squirrels receive free massage? In addition Facebook postings and petitions have elicited 3,000 e-mails per day and hundreds of phone calls urging Holley offcials to shelve the slam. The added incentive for hunters is a $200 prize for the person(s) who bring in the fattest squirrel.
Thinking further, one (me) wonders why squirrels? What was the criteria? This fundraiser or the method thereof, rates at the top of the "what were they thinking" columns, along with the Great Python Hunt of the Everglades.
Most questionable, IMHO, is a special prize to young participants aged 14 and under. Say what? Let's teach children how to use a gun as soon as they can hold one.
In any case and for whatever it's worth, the fundraiser is sold out. Boggles the mind.
So whad'ya think, reader? Should the hunt have been stopped? A photo of a live squirrel munching innocently on a nut: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-squirrel-shoot-holley-new-york-20130215,0,5393261.story
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Some thoughts about Valentine's Day
The first thing wrong with Valentine's Day is that it falls at the wrong time of the year when a portion of the world is deep in the throes of winter woes. It would be much better if the holiday fell during late Spring or early summer, for example. Here's a thought: why not switch Valentine's Day, with let's say...Mother's Day, for example? Mothers being blessed with extra-understanding qualities wouldn't mind observing their special day in winter. Right moms?
This holiday aimed at romantics came about a long time ago when the Bishop of Spoleto was martyred on February 14, AD 271. Traditionally, Valentine's Day was celebrated as a lover's feast, hence the reason for restaurants offering special gastronomical banquets. Profit has nothing to do with it, of course.
According to http://www.theromantic.com/, statistically, 110 million Valentine's roses are sold and delivered in a three-day period surrounding February 14th, the vast majority of which are red. Of those 110 million, 73% are purchased by men and a mere 27% are purchased by women. It's intereseting, at least to me that red roses are the number one color choice. Roses do come in other tints including yellow, pink, white and shade mixes. Somehow, the color red is viewed as a passionate hue, implying pasionate undertones, which is probably the reason that men are attracted to this particular tint and stick to giving red roses. Then again, so is black... But I digress.
In as far as the selection of flowers, we look to Debretts once again, "the" guide to social etiquette, for its take blooms.
•Be prepared to spend, and don't economise. Never buy bunches from the supermarket or garage.
Garage? People sell flowers from garages? I thought that was the place one stored trash cans that hold dead rose bushes. Ask me about it. I know.
•Don't overlook the importance of the card that accompanies a delivered bouquet - it is an important part of the present.
Really, if you take the time to select a special assortment of flowers - and money - it seems logical that you at the very least, take credit for it. No? I mean, "guess who?" really leaves it open to speculation.
•Make sure the bouquet suits the occasion and the style of the recipient (e.g. classic or contemporary).
In other words, don't give your special friend a Venus Fly Trap for example, in the way of a card and gift. If someone wants to get rid of insects, they can call an exterminator. Really.
•Avoid white flowers for celebratory bunches (they are often associated with funerals and death).
•Mixed bouquets can look cheap if they aren't substantial and well-styled; instead, consider buying a bunch of all one type of bloom or going for just a single colour.
Personally, I believe in using flowers growing in or around one's garden. When one thinks about it, dandelions fit the bill perfectly and they are virtually...everywhere, plus they are free for the asking. Or for that touch of greenery, add some three (four leaf are hard to find) leafed clover.
•Utilize greenery - it can bulk up the bouquet and complement the flowers - and pick seasonal blooms, which will be in better condition.
Perhaps consider adding some dill or chives to make a bouquet look fuller. They serve a double purpose and can also enhance a home-made pot of soup that can be used as an entree for the Valentine's Day supper. Two gifts for the price of one! Can't go wrong!
That Debrett's has the right answers to suit all occasions. Of course they will be consulted for advice on social dilemmas. But I digress...again.
Thinking back, my first encounter with romance was a somewhat painful experience. We were both nine years old and after our school day ended, we enjoyed sitting on my front stairs discussing life as seen through our eyes. One day for no apparent reason and without any prior warning, he leaned over and kissed me square on the cheek. To say I was aghast was an understatement and reacted instantaneously by making a fist and thrusting it square into his stomach. He groaned while doubling over in pain. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever but was probably no more than a few seconds, as tears welled up in his eyes and spilled on to his cheeks. Clutching his stomach, he took off like a bat out of hell and never looked back. Ever. We never spoke again and he refused all overtures of friendship.
Came accross this quotation, which sums up love and Valentine's Day:
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. (Unknown Author)
Aint't that the truth.
This holiday aimed at romantics came about a long time ago when the Bishop of Spoleto was martyred on February 14, AD 271. Traditionally, Valentine's Day was celebrated as a lover's feast, hence the reason for restaurants offering special gastronomical banquets. Profit has nothing to do with it, of course.
According to http://www.theromantic.com/, statistically, 110 million Valentine's roses are sold and delivered in a three-day period surrounding February 14th, the vast majority of which are red. Of those 110 million, 73% are purchased by men and a mere 27% are purchased by women. It's intereseting, at least to me that red roses are the number one color choice. Roses do come in other tints including yellow, pink, white and shade mixes. Somehow, the color red is viewed as a passionate hue, implying pasionate undertones, which is probably the reason that men are attracted to this particular tint and stick to giving red roses. Then again, so is black... But I digress.
In as far as the selection of flowers, we look to Debretts once again, "the" guide to social etiquette, for its take blooms.
•Be prepared to spend, and don't economise. Never buy bunches from the supermarket or garage.
Garage? People sell flowers from garages? I thought that was the place one stored trash cans that hold dead rose bushes. Ask me about it. I know.
•Don't overlook the importance of the card that accompanies a delivered bouquet - it is an important part of the present.
Really, if you take the time to select a special assortment of flowers - and money - it seems logical that you at the very least, take credit for it. No? I mean, "guess who?" really leaves it open to speculation.
•Make sure the bouquet suits the occasion and the style of the recipient (e.g. classic or contemporary).
In other words, don't give your special friend a Venus Fly Trap for example, in the way of a card and gift. If someone wants to get rid of insects, they can call an exterminator. Really.
•Avoid white flowers for celebratory bunches (they are often associated with funerals and death).
•Mixed bouquets can look cheap if they aren't substantial and well-styled; instead, consider buying a bunch of all one type of bloom or going for just a single colour.
Personally, I believe in using flowers growing in or around one's garden. When one thinks about it, dandelions fit the bill perfectly and they are virtually...everywhere, plus they are free for the asking. Or for that touch of greenery, add some three (four leaf are hard to find) leafed clover.
•Utilize greenery - it can bulk up the bouquet and complement the flowers - and pick seasonal blooms, which will be in better condition.
Perhaps consider adding some dill or chives to make a bouquet look fuller. They serve a double purpose and can also enhance a home-made pot of soup that can be used as an entree for the Valentine's Day supper. Two gifts for the price of one! Can't go wrong!
That Debrett's has the right answers to suit all occasions. Of course they will be consulted for advice on social dilemmas. But I digress...again.
Thinking back, my first encounter with romance was a somewhat painful experience. We were both nine years old and after our school day ended, we enjoyed sitting on my front stairs discussing life as seen through our eyes. One day for no apparent reason and without any prior warning, he leaned over and kissed me square on the cheek. To say I was aghast was an understatement and reacted instantaneously by making a fist and thrusting it square into his stomach. He groaned while doubling over in pain. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever but was probably no more than a few seconds, as tears welled up in his eyes and spilled on to his cheeks. Clutching his stomach, he took off like a bat out of hell and never looked back. Ever. We never spoke again and he refused all overtures of friendship.
Came accross this quotation, which sums up love and Valentine's Day:
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. (Unknown Author)
Aint't that the truth.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Python Challenge update and other unusual but interesting maybe not so thought-provoking pieces
PYTHON HUNT BRINGS IN THE HUNTERS - AND A FEW SNAKES
As an incentive to hunt down the slither-ers, $1500 will be awarded to the person who brings in the most pythons and $1000 for the longest snake caught, plus $750 for runners-up. Given the low number of pythons captured so far, one questions the logic and rationale of the hunt and the end result.
Here's the latest python update: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-python-challenge-flop-20130204,0,1282073.story
Speaking or writing of pythons - not your ordinary baby sitter
Is it just my imagination or are inhabitants of planet earth losing their marbles. This story really takes the proverbial cake.
There are babysitters and then there are babysitters with a difference, accent on the latter. A Chinese family uses - can't believe I'm writing this - a pet snake to babysit their 13-year old son. Not just any old specie like your common garden snake but a 15 foot Burmese python. Really!
According to the article, the snake was introduced to the family as an egg that hatched into the python. The son took to the 220 lb. snake in a big way and a friendship was established. Over time, the snake acquired the role of pseudo-nanny.
According to the boy, she - presumably the snake is a female...not that it makes any difference - is very gentle when the pair are together and doesn't squeeze too hard. Key words here: too hard.
So I'm thinking here, is this not a disaster in the making? I mean, true it's very surprising that the snake hasn't made its move, yet, but then again and most likely, he's being fed well to stave off the pangs of hunger.
According to National Geographic: "Burmese pythons are carnivores, surviving primarily on small mammals and birds. They have poor eyesight, and stalk prey using chemical receptors in their tongues and heat-sensors along the jaws. They kill by constriction, grasping a victim with their sharp teeth, coiling their bodies around the animal, and squeezing until it suffocates. They have stretchy ligaments in their jaws that allow them to swallow all their food whole."
Need one say or write more? Here is a photo of the young boy and his "baby-sitter": http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Giant_python_babysits_for_boy_13
According to Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Minister of Women’s Rights, the ban which came into being on November 17, 1800, was incompatible with modern French values and laws. To say the least! The law stated that females required the permission of local police should they want to “dress like a man” and wear pants. The original law according to Ms Vallaud-Belkacem, had been intended to prevent females doing certain jobs. Modified in 1892 and 1909, it allowed women to wear pants if they were “holding a bicycle handlebar or the reins of a horse.”
There's no bones about it - parking lot reveals more than wheels
Not a regal end for a king but then nobody ever conceived the creation of parking lots centuries ago. Maybe it’s my warped sense of humor but it did cause a chuckle upon reading that the skeleton of King Richard III was found buried beneath a council parking lot in Leicester, England. Also, go figure that there had been a search by archeologists to discover his bones. In any case, now that it has been confirmed that this is indeed King Richard and for whatever reason –curiosity springs to mind – scientists have gone one step further and revealed a 3D reconstruction of his face. I mean, according to the image, he was a good look king but do we really care? Obviously, some people and according to Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society (they even have a society dedicated to him?) who led a 4-year hunt to find the king’s remains, “I hope you can see this face what I see in this face and that’s a man who is three-dimensional in every sense.” Different strokes for different folks…
So how is your world?
Chances are people reading this blog have already read about this
undertaking but it bears further scrutiny. For whatever reason, the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission decided to host a first-ever, “Python
Challenge” in the Florida Everglades. Over the years and due to human
stupidity, the python population in the Everglades has grown to enormous
proportions. Former pet python owners most likely dumped their pythons in
perfect reproductive conditions and the rest, as they say, is history.
The hunt was open to anybody who felt the urge or need to hunt pythons
using any methods that hit their fancy including guns, machetes…whatever. To
date more than 1,500 “hunters” or wanna-be python slayers have registered and
made their way in a section of the Everglades set out by the Commission and to
date – count 'em – a mere fifty pythons
have fallen victim to the slayers. Let’s be realistic: pythons will not/do not
come out of their python dwellings to become a python belt or boots/fashion
accessory. The purpose of the event, according to the FWC, was to raise
awareness about the Burmese python. Like, Floridians didn’t know about the
situation given the publicity in the media! Pythons will be used for
study purposes.
As an incentive to hunt down the slither-ers, $1500 will be awarded to the person who brings in the most pythons and $1000 for the longest snake caught, plus $750 for runners-up. Given the low number of pythons captured so far, one questions the logic and rationale of the hunt and the end result.
Here's the latest python update: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-python-challenge-flop-20130204,0,1282073.story
Speaking or writing of pythons - not your ordinary baby sitter
There are babysitters and then there are babysitters with a difference, accent on the latter. A Chinese family uses - can't believe I'm writing this - a pet snake to babysit their 13-year old son. Not just any old specie like your common garden snake but a 15 foot Burmese python. Really!
According to the article, the snake was introduced to the family as an egg that hatched into the python. The son took to the 220 lb. snake in a big way and a friendship was established. Over time, the snake acquired the role of pseudo-nanny.
According to the boy, she - presumably the snake is a female...not that it makes any difference - is very gentle when the pair are together and doesn't squeeze too hard. Key words here: too hard.
So I'm thinking here, is this not a disaster in the making? I mean, true it's very surprising that the snake hasn't made its move, yet, but then again and most likely, he's being fed well to stave off the pangs of hunger.
According to National Geographic: "Burmese pythons are carnivores, surviving primarily on small mammals and birds. They have poor eyesight, and stalk prey using chemical receptors in their tongues and heat-sensors along the jaws. They kill by constriction, grasping a victim with their sharp teeth, coiling their bodies around the animal, and squeezing until it suffocates. They have stretchy ligaments in their jaws that allow them to swallow all their food whole."
Need one say or write more? Here is a photo of the young boy and his "baby-sitter": http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Giant_python_babysits_for_boy_13
The women in France can now wear pants
Unbelievable as it may seem and read, for the last 200 years there had been a old ban on women wearing pants. Having visited France a few times, can’t say that I noticed whether or not French females wore the pants in the family (weak attempt at humor…very weak). Moving on …
In any case, for whatever reason the French
government has decided to overturn the ban and now French women can legally
wear pants. Why it took them so long is puzzling. Thinking further, there is no
mention of the definition of “pants.” Would it include capris that reach below
the knee or shorts?Unbelievable as it may seem and read, for the last 200 years there had been a old ban on women wearing pants. Having visited France a few times, can’t say that I noticed whether or not French females wore the pants in the family (weak attempt at humor…very weak). Moving on …
According to Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Minister of Women’s Rights, the ban which came into being on November 17, 1800, was incompatible with modern French values and laws. To say the least! The law stated that females required the permission of local police should they want to “dress like a man” and wear pants. The original law according to Ms Vallaud-Belkacem, had been intended to prevent females doing certain jobs. Modified in 1892 and 1909, it allowed women to wear pants if they were “holding a bicycle handlebar or the reins of a horse.”
Actually, thinking further, I wore pants during
my visits and wasn’t arrested or anything. Had I ended up in jail, think of the media headlines: "Une touriste de France who wore de pants ends up in de prison." No mention in the story about the fine for this brazen act.
Seems that during the French Revolution, Parisian
women had requested the right to wear pants and working-class revolutionaries
became known as "sans-culottes" for wearing trousers instead of the
silk-knee breeches preferred by the bourgeoisie. Given the reality that some French beaches allow topless bathing makes the change sensible. There's no bones about it - parking lot reveals more than wheels
Not a regal end for a king but then nobody ever conceived the creation of parking lots centuries ago. Maybe it’s my warped sense of humor but it did cause a chuckle upon reading that the skeleton of King Richard III was found buried beneath a council parking lot in Leicester, England. Also, go figure that there had been a search by archeologists to discover his bones. In any case, now that it has been confirmed that this is indeed King Richard and for whatever reason –curiosity springs to mind – scientists have gone one step further and revealed a 3D reconstruction of his face. I mean, according to the image, he was a good look king but do we really care? Obviously, some people and according to Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society (they even have a society dedicated to him?) who led a 4-year hunt to find the king’s remains, “I hope you can see this face what I see in this face and that’s a man who is three-dimensional in every sense.” Different strokes for different folks…
So how is your world?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Some more random (very) thoughts about Twitter and tweets
Once again my Twitter count has me concerned about its authenticity. Right now people reading this are probably thinking that this is a complaint expressed many times by this blogger. Really, it shouldn't bother or concern me in the grand scheme of things but it does.
Let me clarify that Twitter is a useful communication tool. As a writer, it's a means in which to publicize my blog updates. I mean, there's no sense in sharing one's view if nobody reads it. Right? My philosophy in as far as "following" people/places/things is that it has to mean something to me personally. Being that I'm an aspiring playwright with hopes of having one of my plays produced before I depart this world for that great theatre in the great beyond (feeling very philosophical), I'll follow and tweet theatres and theatre-related people to keep abreast of the business. As an artist, tweets and updates from creative types following me will be reciprocated, as are humor writers/writing blogs and literary matters. Then there's the cornucopia of tweeters who might not be related to my interests but intrigue me on a personal level to follow them.
It's somewhat trivial but there is something annoying upon discovering that my "follower" count has dropped. True it doesn't happen that often but it's disturbing not knowing who dropped me and the reason. So I'm thinking here, perhaps Twitter should provide a category for this very issue. Something to the effect: "Hi blank-blank! Just a short note to tell you that I'm not following you anymore because you didn't follow me back." At least there would be a reason - not that it would make a person feel better. Perhaps another space could be provided where the drop-ee could ask for re-consideration: "Please reconsider following me again because..."
On occasion Twitter does make errors in their tweet updates and in the past, it/they/whatever Twitter is, reversed my followers and following lists. Twitter has this subject covered in their "Help" section under the "My follower count is wrong" section:
Another issue is nowhere is it mentioned how to determine the identity of the drop-per so it's pure speculation at best. In the end it's all a numbers game, anyway, and every tweet counts. To paraphrase a line from an Elvis song: tweet me right.
Let me clarify that Twitter is a useful communication tool. As a writer, it's a means in which to publicize my blog updates. I mean, there's no sense in sharing one's view if nobody reads it. Right? My philosophy in as far as "following" people/places/things is that it has to mean something to me personally. Being that I'm an aspiring playwright with hopes of having one of my plays produced before I depart this world for that great theatre in the great beyond (feeling very philosophical), I'll follow and tweet theatres and theatre-related people to keep abreast of the business. As an artist, tweets and updates from creative types following me will be reciprocated, as are humor writers/writing blogs and literary matters. Then there's the cornucopia of tweeters who might not be related to my interests but intrigue me on a personal level to follow them.
It's somewhat trivial but there is something annoying upon discovering that my "follower" count has dropped. True it doesn't happen that often but it's disturbing not knowing who dropped me and the reason. So I'm thinking here, perhaps Twitter should provide a category for this very issue. Something to the effect: "Hi blank-blank! Just a short note to tell you that I'm not following you anymore because you didn't follow me back." At least there would be a reason - not that it would make a person feel better. Perhaps another space could be provided where the drop-ee could ask for re-consideration: "Please reconsider following me again because..."
On occasion Twitter does make errors in their tweet updates and in the past, it/they/whatever Twitter is, reversed my followers and following lists. Twitter has this subject covered in their "Help" section under the "My follower count is wrong" section:
- If you received a message from Twitter alerting you to a new follower, but don't see that person later in your followers list, it's likely that user was removed for spam activity, unfollowed you, or deactivated their account.
Another issue is nowhere is it mentioned how to determine the identity of the drop-per so it's pure speculation at best. In the end it's all a numbers game, anyway, and every tweet counts. To paraphrase a line from an Elvis song: tweet me right.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Movie version of "Les Mis" a miss for me
Couldn't make up my mind whether to post this in my playwriting forum or here, since it sort-of covers both blogs. Let me preface my remarks before sharing my views on the movie version of "Les Miserables" that I saw the live version of the play, in addition to watching all the PBS specials over and over again. Love it that much.
There was some reservation on my part upon learning that there was going to be a film version of the popular musical play, which has played all over the world to rave reviews. Knowing that music and singing was the main focus, I naturally assumed that professional singers or at the very least actors with voices that could carry a tune, would be used. Unfortunately not. Instead, and it boggles the mind why the producer/director/whoever went in this direction, unknown actors were chosen for the most part. This in itself wouldn't be detrimental if they could carry a song.
For me, Anne Hathaway had the physical gaunt appearance of Fantine and although I've heard her sing and she can carry a tune, in the movie her voice doesn't make the grade. Even more surprising is that she was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category. A big mystery is why Russell Crowe ended up in the movie at all since his presence as Jalvert lent nothing to the role. Perhaps he should limit his vocal abilities to his rock band. The role of Cosette played by Amanda Siefried had the effect, to coin an old phrase, like squeaking chalk on a blackboard. Actually, gritted my teeth at some points. The only performer that was acceptable in my view was Hugh Jackman, nominated for an Oscar in Best Actor category, who seemed to be holding back on his vocals until the mid point of the film. He is a stage and Broadway performer and his experience in this area is obvious in the role of Jean Valjean. Also noted is that Colm Wilkinson, who was in the London and New York production of the play in the role of Jean Valjean, had a cameo role as the Bishop Myriel.
Overall, the movie didn't get started for me until the barricade scene. Until that point, it seemed to drag and plod along and is too long. Loved the chorus and this made the movie somewhat enjoyable as did the visuals. The movie version doesn't even begin to match the stage version and therein lies the problem. Some stories are best left as a play.
There was some reservation on my part upon learning that there was going to be a film version of the popular musical play, which has played all over the world to rave reviews. Knowing that music and singing was the main focus, I naturally assumed that professional singers or at the very least actors with voices that could carry a tune, would be used. Unfortunately not. Instead, and it boggles the mind why the producer/director/whoever went in this direction, unknown actors were chosen for the most part. This in itself wouldn't be detrimental if they could carry a song.
For me, Anne Hathaway had the physical gaunt appearance of Fantine and although I've heard her sing and she can carry a tune, in the movie her voice doesn't make the grade. Even more surprising is that she was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category. A big mystery is why Russell Crowe ended up in the movie at all since his presence as Jalvert lent nothing to the role. Perhaps he should limit his vocal abilities to his rock band. The role of Cosette played by Amanda Siefried had the effect, to coin an old phrase, like squeaking chalk on a blackboard. Actually, gritted my teeth at some points. The only performer that was acceptable in my view was Hugh Jackman, nominated for an Oscar in Best Actor category, who seemed to be holding back on his vocals until the mid point of the film. He is a stage and Broadway performer and his experience in this area is obvious in the role of Jean Valjean. Also noted is that Colm Wilkinson, who was in the London and New York production of the play in the role of Jean Valjean, had a cameo role as the Bishop Myriel.
Overall, the movie didn't get started for me until the barricade scene. Until that point, it seemed to drag and plod along and is too long. Loved the chorus and this made the movie somewhat enjoyable as did the visuals. The movie version doesn't even begin to match the stage version and therein lies the problem. Some stories are best left as a play.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Certain words annoying? Whatever...
“Letitia, dearest friend of mine, do you think it would be socially remiss if I didn’t extend my pinky finger in the air, while sipping a cup of Earl Grey tea?”
“Oh I live in twitterverse.”
“Twitterverse...where?”
“Just...twitterverse. Planet earth. The universe.”
Friday, December 21, 2012
I'm still here - the Mayan apocalypse non-event
So after much hoopla and apocalyptic predictions, I'm still here. I'll go out on a limb here and assume that people reading this are also still in the land of the living. Now that we've established we survived the Mayan 'Long Count' Calendar, what led up to this belief?
According to Wikipedia, "this date was regarded as the end-date of a 5125-year-long cycle in the
Mesoamerican Long Count calendar."
"Now that you've brought it up, what in the world is the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar of which you speak, Eleanor?"
Again, and according to Wikipedia, "The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar is a non-repeating, bigesimal (base-20) and base-18 calendar used by several Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, most notably, Mayan. Using a modified vigesimal tally, the Long Count calendar identifies a day by counting the number of days passed since a mythical creation date that corresponds to August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar."
Furthermore:
the calendar begins in year corresponding to 3114BC
Moves forward in 394-year periods known as Baktuns
Winter solstice in 2012 marks end of the 13th Baktun
Myth of end of the world based on erroneous reading of Mayan tablet carved
1,300 years ago
Archaeologists and Maya experts say text refers to start of a new era
Thank you Wikipedia for your informative background.
To be candid, didn't really give much thought to how to spend the day in 'case-of.' I mean, how does one prepare for an apocalypse, anyway?
Most likely I would have had my usual breakfast of toast and bumbleberry preserves and tea. Somehow, a cup of tea always seems to hit the spot during times of turmoil and an apocalypse would definitely fall into this category. Maybe given the nature of this precursor of doom, perhaps a bowl of cereal would have been in order. My diet most likely would have been forgotten under the circumstances.
Thinking further (again), what would be the correct thing to wear for an apocalypse, anyway? Would casual wear be acceptable or perhaps a more formal look would be proper. Choosing the right accessories would present a problem. Should one wear elbow evening gloves or would that be a fashion faux-pas? What about a/the hat bought in the event that an invitation to the royal nuptials came in the mail, which it didn't? Is it or would it be proper to wear in a doomsday event, instead? Would the royal family care? Would anybody care? The problem is there is no apocalyptic guide to help make these choices easier.
If I had thought about it, which I didn't because it slipped my mind somehow, perhaps the construction of an ark would have been in order. Not that anybody asked me to but one does feel some responsbility for the animals of the planet. Then again, having never had any experience in ark building or any type of construction would have made this difficult. However, should it have been feasible, there would have been the dilemma of whether or not bringing along some species that included snakes, alligators or lions and the like. Snakes do not rate high on my "favorite animal" list. Just can't envision myself rounding up, say...pairs of pythons or cobras or crocodiles.
It wasn't until mid-to-late afternoon that it occurred to me after checking in CNN, Twitter, Facebook and other on-line sources that I, along with the rest of the world, had survived an/the apocalypse. So all the issues of fashion choices, survival equipment has been put on the back burner. At least for now or until another doomsday soothsayer(s) (say that fast after a few drinks) dictates otherwise, at which point I'll sit down and have a cup of tea.
According to Wikipedia, "this date was regarded as the end-date of a 5125-year-long cycle in the
Mesoamerican Long Count calendar."
"Now that you've brought it up, what in the world is the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar of which you speak, Eleanor?"
Again, and according to Wikipedia, "The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar is a non-repeating, bigesimal (base-20) and base-18 calendar used by several Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, most notably, Mayan. Using a modified vigesimal tally, the Long Count calendar identifies a day by counting the number of days passed since a mythical creation date that corresponds to August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar."
Furthermore:
Thank you Wikipedia for your informative background.
To be candid, didn't really give much thought to how to spend the day in 'case-of.' I mean, how does one prepare for an apocalypse, anyway?
Most likely I would have had my usual breakfast of toast and bumbleberry preserves and tea. Somehow, a cup of tea always seems to hit the spot during times of turmoil and an apocalypse would definitely fall into this category. Maybe given the nature of this precursor of doom, perhaps a bowl of cereal would have been in order. My diet most likely would have been forgotten under the circumstances.
Thinking further (again), what would be the correct thing to wear for an apocalypse, anyway? Would casual wear be acceptable or perhaps a more formal look would be proper. Choosing the right accessories would present a problem. Should one wear elbow evening gloves or would that be a fashion faux-pas? What about a/the hat bought in the event that an invitation to the royal nuptials came in the mail, which it didn't? Is it or would it be proper to wear in a doomsday event, instead? Would the royal family care? Would anybody care? The problem is there is no apocalyptic guide to help make these choices easier.
If I had thought about it, which I didn't because it slipped my mind somehow, perhaps the construction of an ark would have been in order. Not that anybody asked me to but one does feel some responsbility for the animals of the planet. Then again, having never had any experience in ark building or any type of construction would have made this difficult. However, should it have been feasible, there would have been the dilemma of whether or not bringing along some species that included snakes, alligators or lions and the like. Snakes do not rate high on my "favorite animal" list. Just can't envision myself rounding up, say...pairs of pythons or cobras or crocodiles.
It wasn't until mid-to-late afternoon that it occurred to me after checking in CNN, Twitter, Facebook and other on-line sources that I, along with the rest of the world, had survived an/the apocalypse. So all the issues of fashion choices, survival equipment has been put on the back burner. At least for now or until another doomsday soothsayer(s) (say that fast after a few drinks) dictates otherwise, at which point I'll sit down and have a cup of tea.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Psssssst - snake round-up and other stories on the cyber highway of life
As is my habit and delight, came across some
interesting and quirky-ish, “huh...what?” pieces in which I felt would or could
be of interest to people dropping by this blog. I mean, these type of pieces
are what makes life interesting. Right?
“Do get on with the content Eleanor, and dispense
with the commentary!”
“You’re boring people, Eleanor! Get to the point!”
On occasion, when humans interfere with the natural
course of nature and introduce species that aren't natural to a particular habitat,
problems arise. In this case - big problems. Take the plethora of pythons (say
that fast after a few drinks), which are slowly overtaking the Florida
Everglades for example, whose presence is due to humans introducing it to a
habitat that is a perfect environment for
python reproduction.
As a means in which to deal with their ever-increasing numbers, Florida wildlife officials are holding a competition to see who can catch the most pythons for cash. Personally, there is no amount of money that anyone could tempt me with, to go within 100 feet of a python, never mind catch one! But I digress.
Not sure how many people would take advantage of this offer. Count me in as not one of them.
Last but not least... The holiday of Christmas is a holiday in which celebrants embellish their homes with holiday decorations in addition to the religious rites. Some people celebrate the holiday in a different manner. On a government-owned piece of property in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are a part of a nativity scene set up at an intersection, for more than twenty years. This year, though, they are being joined by a Festivus Pole which is not to the liking of some people. TV viewers will recall the pretend holiday of Festivus held on December 23, featured in a “Seinfeld” episode.
Activist/blogger, Chaz Stevens, had been trying unsuccessfully to get permission to install it for five years to install it. The Festivus Pole, composed of 23 beer cans stacked 8 feet high, is
located six feet from baby Jesus. In order to make the pole, Stevens and a friend drained (no mentioning of drinking) 23 cans of beer, sawed off the ends of the cans and threaded on to the pole. To each her/own and different strokes for different folk.
Here is the Festivus Pole: http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2012-12-13/news/a-festivus-pole-arises-next-to-jesus-manger-in-deerfield-beach/
How was your week?
Snowbirds, the human variety, who seek out warmer
climates to avoid winter’s chill, frequently choose Florida as a popular
destination. Recently, the state has been dealing with an over-abundance of
interlopers that have made the Everglades their home.
Although I'm not particularly fond of snakes
particularly those that tend to hug excessively, my philosophy in as far as
this creature is concerned is live-and-let-live. I mean, garter snakes are
sort-of cute and they don’t really hurt anyone. Sort-of long-ish worms...
As a means in which to deal with their ever-increasing numbers, Florida wildlife officials are holding a competition to see who can catch the most pythons for cash. Personally, there is no amount of money that anyone could tempt me with, to go within 100 feet of a python, never mind catch one! But I digress.
So, anyway and as an interesting means in which to
cut back on their numbers, a "2013 Python Challenge" will be held
starting on January 12, 2013 and run for a month, for anyone interested
in participating. The slithery action will focus on a marshy area known as the
River of Grass and the competition is open to both professional and non
professional snake hunters. Just thinking here...what type of clothes would one wear to catch snakes? Presumably, boots that would reach the hip level, long, thick rubber gloves for anti-biting purposes but what about a cover for one's head? Do sporting goods stores sell these type of outfits? More importantly, do they come in a variety of shades? But I digress. Does anybody reading this, know?
Just to give you some
type of idea of the rationale behind holding this type of challenge and according
to Wikipedia, “the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is the largest
subspecies of the Indian Python and one of the six largest snakes in the world,
native to a large variation of topic and sub-tropic areas of Southern and
Southeast Asia. They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic
but can also be found in trees.” They can reach sizes up to 19 feet. We’re
talking big – and long – and slithery - and dangerous here.
Pythons are definitely not the type of
creature as pet material although some people raise smaller and non-dangerous snakes. Snakes, though, can’t be trained to do tricks or be taken for a
walk on a leash. They’re just...there.
To return to the snake roundup... The
purpose of the event is to reduce the number of non-native reptiles who have taken
to the local wildlife in a big way. Winners will receive up to $1500 for
the longest snake in addition to $1000 for the snake slayer bringing in
the most snakes. Dead one presumes. As a matter of fact, a Burmese python found
in August last year set a record as the largest python ever captured
measuring 17 feet, 7 inches and carrying - wait for it - 87
eggs! We're
talking here about 87 potential Burmese pythons! A federal ban exists
that encompasses the Burmese python, the yellow anaconda and the northern and
southern African pythons. Good luck to the brave snake hunters who decide to
respond to this challenge. Not moi. I’ll stick to seeing them under glass in a zoo. Not sure how many people would take advantage of this offer. Count me in as not one of them.
A coffin maker from Truskavets, Ukraine, wants to give people the
opportunity to see what it’s like to lay in a coffin – while they’re alive. The
logic behind it is to prepare people for the afterlife. Thinking further about
this opportunity and speaking for myself, I’m in no rush to find out to be
candid.
The creator calls his new service, “coffin therapy.” Coffin loungers/lay-people
can relax if one can actually relax in a coffin, for approximately 15 minutes.
Lid on is optional. Not sure exactly what is meant by this. In any case, as
part of the experience, he has set up a room with several empty coffin from
which to choose. Clients can recline while listening to the sound of a bird
song or waterfall playing in the background. Pass on this offer, thank you very
much. A bit too creepy for me.
FESTIVUS FLOURISHES AT A FLORIDA INTERSECTION
Last but not least... The holiday of Christmas is a holiday in which celebrants embellish their homes with holiday decorations in addition to the religious rites. Some people celebrate the holiday in a different manner. On a government-owned piece of property in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are a part of a nativity scene set up at an intersection, for more than twenty years. This year, though, they are being joined by a Festivus Pole which is not to the liking of some people. TV viewers will recall the pretend holiday of Festivus held on December 23, featured in a “Seinfeld” episode.
Activist/blogger, Chaz Stevens, had been trying unsuccessfully to get permission to install it for five years to install it. The Festivus Pole, composed of 23 beer cans stacked 8 feet high, is
located six feet from baby Jesus. In order to make the pole, Stevens and a friend drained (no mentioning of drinking) 23 cans of beer, sawed off the ends of the cans and threaded on to the pole. To each her/own and different strokes for different folk.
Here is the Festivus Pole: http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2012-12-13/news/a-festivus-pole-arises-next-to-jesus-manger-in-deerfield-beach/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)