Top-selling German daily Bild invited its readers on Friday to take part in a competition to paint the best portrait of Princess Diana to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.
"Ten years ago, on August 31, Lady Diana died in Paris," the paper said on its front page. "She lives on in millions of hearts ... Dear readers, paint Diana, how she was, how she is remembered."
Diana died in 1997 as she was being driven with her boyfriend Dodi al-Fayed at high speed through a tunnel in Paris.
Editors will choose the three best paintings and announce the winner on the anniversary. The artists can win a trip to London and a helicopter flight over Diana's grave at Althorp Park north of the city.
A selection of portraits will be printed in the paper, Bild said.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
You're fired! Worst sacking stories.
# "I went to a work function, drank too much, fell down the stairs, knocked myself unconscious, ambulance was called, taken to hospital. Woke up the next day in hospital with a roaring hangover/headache and a fractured skull. Got sacked Monday! Such is life."
# "My boss came to work wearing straight legged black jeans with RM Williams. Turns out he was going to some investment seminar. This is a man who was pushing 60. Anyway I sent an email to my friend telling her that my boss looked like he was entering a Johnny Cash line dancing competition. His daughter who was the receptionist intercepted the email, told her dad about it, I got called into his office the day after the seminar and was fired."
# "My boss was an insane Irish git who, after he heard me use the phrase ‘bang for your buck’, called me into his office and closed the mini vertical blinds (something he never did) and proceeded to tell me that he had no idea what that phrase meant only that it was surely offensive and that he was sick and tired of me using phrases designed to belittle him and that I was free to leave as soon as I could find another job."
# "I was fired for attending my grandfather’s funeral. I gave them four days notice of the funeral but they said I didn’t give them enough notice. How much notice did they expect? He passed away five days before the funeral."
# "I was sacked once for having an affair with the fiancee of my boss and once for having an affair with the wife of my boss … not bad for a tubby bald bloke."
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS
You may, perhaps, already know that the word ‘honeymoon’ stems from the old Germanic custom of drinking hydromel or liquid honey for 30 days following the wedding feast. But would it ever have occurred to you that the unlikely source of the word ‘school’ is ‘schole’ – the Greek word for leisure? Or that the word ‘tee-total’ was literally spoused by a stammer? The stutterer being one Joseph Turner of Preston, who, at an anti-alcohol rally in 1833 vowed, with more conviction than coherence that “nothing but t-t-t-t-t-total abstinence will do…”
Some of the words and phrases we use originated in the oddest ways. Take, for example, the story of why a Hollywood Motion Picture Academy Award is called an Oscar. The term Oscar was coined by a secretary’s stray remark that the expression of the bronze-gilt statuette, annually awarded since 1927 for outstanding performance in the motion picture industry, reminded her of her uncle Oscar. Immortal words, these, and undoubtedly the stuff of which history is made.
The phrase “to steal someone’s thunder” is not meteorological in origin, but was coined from bitter experience by John Dennis, major 18th century critic, very minor playwright, and inventor of the theatrical thunder sheet. Dennis was understandably angry at the fact that while the theatres belittled his plays, “they steal my thunder”. And thereby hangs a phrase.
India has contributed a lot to the growth of the English language. There are numerous words and concepts in the language of Indian origin, adapted (primarily during the zenith of the British Raj) from the languages and customs of the country to expand and supplement everyday English speech. The word ‘pariah’, for instance, with its current implication of an outcast, is derived from the Tamil ‘pariyar’ or drummer, one of the hereditary callings of those beyond the pale of the Hindu social structure. The prevalent custom in British India of shunting wives and families off to the cool hills during the hot season engendered the epithet ‘grass widow’ for a woman temporarily separated from her spouse. The original juggernaut – a word now used to evoke images of some titanic, irresistible force, crushing everything in its path – was the Hindu God Vishnu (Jaggannath) whose image was installed in a chariot 45 feet high, borne aloft on 16 massive wheels, each nearly 7 feet in girth. And as this vast structure rumbled by, devotees would cast themselves beneath its wheels, in the belief that such a death would ensure their going to heaven.
The word ‘peccavi’ also has an Indian connection – though in a different way. ‘Peccavi’ is Latin for “I have sinned’. And when General Charles Napier seized the Indian state of Sind in 1843 and reported his victory in a terse communiqué, this unfortunate word became the subject of one of history’s most outrageous puns. The communiqué said: ‘Peccavi’ – ‘I have Sind.’
Some of the words and phrases we use originated in the oddest ways. Take, for example, the story of why a Hollywood Motion Picture Academy Award is called an Oscar. The term Oscar was coined by a secretary’s stray remark that the expression of the bronze-gilt statuette, annually awarded since 1927 for outstanding performance in the motion picture industry, reminded her of her uncle Oscar. Immortal words, these, and undoubtedly the stuff of which history is made.
The phrase “to steal someone’s thunder” is not meteorological in origin, but was coined from bitter experience by John Dennis, major 18th century critic, very minor playwright, and inventor of the theatrical thunder sheet. Dennis was understandably angry at the fact that while the theatres belittled his plays, “they steal my thunder”. And thereby hangs a phrase.
India has contributed a lot to the growth of the English language. There are numerous words and concepts in the language of Indian origin, adapted (primarily during the zenith of the British Raj) from the languages and customs of the country to expand and supplement everyday English speech. The word ‘pariah’, for instance, with its current implication of an outcast, is derived from the Tamil ‘pariyar’ or drummer, one of the hereditary callings of those beyond the pale of the Hindu social structure. The prevalent custom in British India of shunting wives and families off to the cool hills during the hot season engendered the epithet ‘grass widow’ for a woman temporarily separated from her spouse. The original juggernaut – a word now used to evoke images of some titanic, irresistible force, crushing everything in its path – was the Hindu God Vishnu (Jaggannath) whose image was installed in a chariot 45 feet high, borne aloft on 16 massive wheels, each nearly 7 feet in girth. And as this vast structure rumbled by, devotees would cast themselves beneath its wheels, in the belief that such a death would ensure their going to heaven.
The word ‘peccavi’ also has an Indian connection – though in a different way. ‘Peccavi’ is Latin for “I have sinned’. And when General Charles Napier seized the Indian state of Sind in 1843 and reported his victory in a terse communiqué, this unfortunate word became the subject of one of history’s most outrageous puns. The communiqué said: ‘Peccavi’ – ‘I have Sind.’
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pizza history
Basic pizza most likely began in prehistoric times with the 'dough' or bread cooked outdoors on hot flat stones. Roughly 1,000 years ago herb-and-spice-covered circles of baked dough grew exceptionally popular in Naples, Italy. Known as focaccia, these rounds were served as an appetizer or a snack. (Source: Smithsonian)
Pizza developed in Italy in pre-refrigerator times. After focaccia, its most direct ancestor was "Casa de nanza," which means "take out before." Housewives would pound out dough into a thin crust and place leftovers to bake. Pizza was a peasant food designed to be eaten without utensils and, like the French crepe and the Mexican taco, was a way to make use of fresh produce available locally and to get rid of leftovers.
Pizza as we know it could not have evolved until the late 1600s when Old World Europeans overcame their fear of a New World discovery - tomatoes. Native to Peru and Ecuador, a plant which produced yellow or red fruit (later called tomatoes) was introduced to Europe in the early 1500s. Brought back by Conquistadors to Spain, the tomato was thought to be poisonous and was viewed with suspicion. It wasn't until the late 1600s that Europeans began to eat the tomato. (Source: Smithsonian and PIZZA TODAY)
The peasants of Naples, Italy, who lived mostly off of bread and little else, were the first to add tomatoes to their focaccia bread rounds. In 1830 pizza truly began with the opening of the world's first pizzeria. Named Port'Alba, the pizzas were cooked in an oven lined with lava from Mount Vesuvius, a volcano located on the Bay of Naples. (Source: Smithsonian)
Modern pizza was born in 1889 when Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanni, the consort of Umberto I, King of Italy, visited Naples. Don Raffaele Esposito, who owned a tavern-like place called Pietro Il Pizzaiolo, was asked to prepare a special dish in honour of the Queen's visit. Esposito developed a pizza featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese (a never before used ingredient made from the milk of water buffalo) and basil - ingredients bearing the colors red, white and green for the Italian flag. He named it the Margherita Pizza, after the guest of honour. Thus, the modern-day tomato-and-cheese pizza was born. (Source: Smithsonian and PIZZA TODAY)
Shops in the volcano-devastated city of Pompeii bear the characteristics of a pizzeria. Marie Antionette's sister, Marie Carolina, wife of Ferdinand I of Sicily and Naples, had ovens built in the forest so she could enjoy pizza while the Royal Hunting Party feasted on wild ducklings and pigs killed in the hunt.
The popularity of pizza exploded throughout the country when World War II servicemen returning from Italy began opening pizzerias and raving about that "great Italian dish."
In 1905, Gennaro Lombardi opened the first licensed American pizzeria, Lombardi's Pizzeria Napoletana, at 53-1/2 Spring Street in New York City.
America is the new pizza renaissance leader in the world and is exporting technology of pizza production and promotion on an ever-increasing basis.
Pizza restaurants are opening in such unlikely locations as the Caribbean islands of Curacao and Bonaire; the South Pacific atoll of Palau; and in most Arab countries. The deep-dish pizza was invented in Chicago by pizza entrepreneur Ike Sewell; his restaurant Pizzeria Uno, is still going strong today.
Pizza developed in Italy in pre-refrigerator times. After focaccia, its most direct ancestor was "Casa de nanza," which means "take out before." Housewives would pound out dough into a thin crust and place leftovers to bake. Pizza was a peasant food designed to be eaten without utensils and, like the French crepe and the Mexican taco, was a way to make use of fresh produce available locally and to get rid of leftovers.
Pizza as we know it could not have evolved until the late 1600s when Old World Europeans overcame their fear of a New World discovery - tomatoes. Native to Peru and Ecuador, a plant which produced yellow or red fruit (later called tomatoes) was introduced to Europe in the early 1500s. Brought back by Conquistadors to Spain, the tomato was thought to be poisonous and was viewed with suspicion. It wasn't until the late 1600s that Europeans began to eat the tomato. (Source: Smithsonian and PIZZA TODAY)
The peasants of Naples, Italy, who lived mostly off of bread and little else, were the first to add tomatoes to their focaccia bread rounds. In 1830 pizza truly began with the opening of the world's first pizzeria. Named Port'Alba, the pizzas were cooked in an oven lined with lava from Mount Vesuvius, a volcano located on the Bay of Naples. (Source: Smithsonian)
Modern pizza was born in 1889 when Queen Margherita Teresa Giovanni, the consort of Umberto I, King of Italy, visited Naples. Don Raffaele Esposito, who owned a tavern-like place called Pietro Il Pizzaiolo, was asked to prepare a special dish in honour of the Queen's visit. Esposito developed a pizza featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese (a never before used ingredient made from the milk of water buffalo) and basil - ingredients bearing the colors red, white and green for the Italian flag. He named it the Margherita Pizza, after the guest of honour. Thus, the modern-day tomato-and-cheese pizza was born. (Source: Smithsonian and PIZZA TODAY)
Shops in the volcano-devastated city of Pompeii bear the characteristics of a pizzeria. Marie Antionette's sister, Marie Carolina, wife of Ferdinand I of Sicily and Naples, had ovens built in the forest so she could enjoy pizza while the Royal Hunting Party feasted on wild ducklings and pigs killed in the hunt.
The popularity of pizza exploded throughout the country when World War II servicemen returning from Italy began opening pizzerias and raving about that "great Italian dish."
In 1905, Gennaro Lombardi opened the first licensed American pizzeria, Lombardi's Pizzeria Napoletana, at 53-1/2 Spring Street in New York City.
America is the new pizza renaissance leader in the world and is exporting technology of pizza production and promotion on an ever-increasing basis.
Pizza restaurants are opening in such unlikely locations as the Caribbean islands of Curacao and Bonaire; the South Pacific atoll of Palau; and in most Arab countries. The deep-dish pizza was invented in Chicago by pizza entrepreneur Ike Sewell; his restaurant Pizzeria Uno, is still going strong today.
Pizza statistics
Pizza Hut is the largest pizza purveyor in the world, with 12,583 total restaurants and combination delivery/takeout units in 90 countries; 6,590 units are company-owned.
Domino's Pizza is the world leader in delivery, with 5,500 stores in 46 international markets.
Papa John's is considered the fastest growing franchise in the USA, with 1,160 units generating £383 million in sales in 1996. (source: "Chain Store Guide".)
Of 31,386 pizza franchise units in the United States, roughly 83 percent (24,381 stores) offer delivery, 91% offer takeout, and 51% offer dine-in service.
Domino's Pizza is the world leader in delivery, with 5,500 stores in 46 international markets.
Papa John's is considered the fastest growing franchise in the USA, with 1,160 units generating £383 million in sales in 1996. (source: "Chain Store Guide".)
Of 31,386 pizza franchise units in the United States, roughly 83 percent (24,381 stores) offer delivery, 91% offer takeout, and 51% offer dine-in service.
Pizza trivia
October is National Pizza Month in America. It was first so designated in 1987. Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza each day, or 350 slices per second. Pizza is a £30 billion per year industry
There are approximately 10,000 pizzerias in the UK and 61,269 in the United States. (Source: American Business Lists). Each man, woman and child in America eats an average of 46 slices of pizza a year.
Over 5 billion pizzas are sold worldwide each year. According to a recent Gallup Poll, kids between the ages of 3 to 11 prefer pizza over all other food groups for lunch and dinner
There are approximately 10,000 pizzerias in the UK and 61,269 in the United States. (Source: American Business Lists). Each man, woman and child in America eats an average of 46 slices of pizza a year.
Over 5 billion pizzas are sold worldwide each year. According to a recent Gallup Poll, kids between the ages of 3 to 11 prefer pizza over all other food groups for lunch and dinner
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The creation of Mickey Mouse
Walt Disney got his start in Kansas City, where, beginning in 1922, he produced animated advertisements and small vignettes for a local movie house. “Newman's Laugh-O-Grams” (named after the theater where they were shown) soon grew to be full-length (four to seven minutes) animated shorts. The people who worked with Disney on this series included Ub Iwerks, Hugh Harman, Rudolf Ising, and Isadore "Friz" Freleng, all of whom would later achieve fame in animation. Very few of the cartoons in this series survive today.In 1923, Disney moved to Hollywood, taking his crew with him, and started producing shorts for national distribution. His first series there was the "Alice" Comedies, about a live-action little girl's adventures with animated cartoon characters. Only Fleischer's Out of the Inkwell series is better remembered as an early example of mixing live action with animation. For financing, and getting the Alice series into theaters, Disney teamed up with distributor M.J. (Margaret) Winkler.
Disney produced Alice shorts at an average rate of about one every three weeks from 1923-27. After a few dozen, however, they grew stale, and were replaced in 1927 by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Oswald was a big hit, but the cost to produce his cartoons rose sharply — driven largely by Disney's constant efforts to improve his studio's output. In 1928, Disney asked Charles Mintz (Winkler's husband, who was by then running her business) for a budget increase, but Mintz had what he thought was a better idea. Disney must accept a cut in his budget, or Mintz would assign Oswald (which the distributor legally controlled) to another studio — and he'd already secured agreements from most of Disney's key employees to man it.
Disney let Oswald go, and returned to a studio that consisted only of himself, his brother Roy, and Ub Iwerks, vowing never again to let anyone else own his work.
According to the official legend, Mickey Mouse was the result of a brilliant burst of inspiration, which struck Walt Disney during the train ride from New York to Los Angeles -- having left New York in a huff after he'd just seen his popular character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, hijacked by his distributor and farmed out to another animation outfit. By the time he arrived in Hollywood, he was ready to roll with Oswald's replacement. A more realistic story might be that he and key staff members, particularly Ub Iwerks, labored long hours to craft a gag vehicle incorporating various characteristics they'd seen work in popular cartoons — particularly Felix the Cat, who functioned as a template for many characters of the time whose design varied mainly in their ears.
Whether Mickey was more a result of inspiration or perspiration, he first appeared in Plane Crazy (1928) — and for the very first time, a Disney series failed to become an instant hit. He had trouble getting distributors interested in a character that looked more-or-less like Oswald with round ears.
However, very soon, Mickey eclipsed Oswald. (The latter was the subject of a series of second-rate cartoons by animation director/producer Walter Lantz, who is more famous for his work on Woody Woodpecker, and is virtually forgotten today.)
When movies started talking, Disney couldn't wait to bring the new technology to cartoons. Steamboat Willie (1928) was the first synchronized sound cartoon, and from then on, there was no stopping The Mouse. (Though it wasn't, as commonly thought, the first sound cartoon altogether — that honor went to a 1924 Max Fleischer "Song Cartune".) Mickey acquired supporting characters, including a girlfriend, Minnie; an arch-enemy, Pegleg Pete; a bunch of pals such as Horace Horsecollar and Goofy; and a dog, Pluto. He switched to color with The Band Concert (1935), and never looked back. Mickey was launched as a comic strip star by King Features Syndicate, in 1930. Within a few weeks, Floyd Gottfredson, the plotter and artist who would make Mickey his life's work, took it over. There followed a long series of well-remembered stories, including "Blaggard Castle" (1933) (scripted by Webb Smith), "The Bat Bandit of Inferno Gulch" (1934) (scripted by Ted Osborne), "The Seven Ghosts" (1936) (scripted by Osborne) and "The Phantom Blot" (1939) (scripted by Merrill de Maris). This era ended in the 1950s, as the strip switched to a gag-a-day format. Gottfredson retired in 1975 and died in 1986. Today, comic book stories about Mickey are written and drawn by dozens of people, and are published all over the world.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Funny laws in Alaska
• A law in Fairbanks does not allow moose to have sex on city streets.
• Even though it is legal to hunt a bear, it is illegal to wake a bear and take a picture for photo opportunities.
• Fairbanks: It is considered an offense to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose.
• In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someone's ear while they are moose hunting.
• It is considered an offense to push a live moose out of a moving airplane.
• Kangaroos are not allowed in barber shops at any time.
• Moose may not be viewed from an airplane.
• State policy states that emergencies are held to a minimum and rarely found to exist.
• Even though it is legal to hunt a bear, it is illegal to wake a bear and take a picture for photo opportunities.
• Fairbanks: It is considered an offense to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose.
• In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someone's ear while they are moose hunting.
• It is considered an offense to push a live moose out of a moving airplane.
• Kangaroos are not allowed in barber shops at any time.
• Moose may not be viewed from an airplane.
• State policy states that emergencies are held to a minimum and rarely found to exist.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
GLOBAL WARMING
Global warming was once an uncommon term used by a few scientists who were growing concerned over the effects of decades of pollution on long-term weather patterns. Today, the idea of global warming is well known, if not well understood. It is not unusual to hear someone complaining about a hot day or a freak storm and remark: "It's global warming."
Well, is it?
What actually is "global warming"?
What actually is global warming? What causes it? What are its effects? Is it something we need to worry about?
Even small changes in climate can have major effects. When scientists talk about "the Ice Age," you probably envision the world frozen, covered with snow and suffering from frigid temperatures. In fact, during the last ice age (ice ages recur roughly every 50,000 to 100,000 years), the earth's average temperature was only 5 Celsius degrees cooler than modern temperature averages [Source: NASA].
Is the earth warming up?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of over 2,500 scientists from countries across the world, convened in Paris in February, 2007 to compare and advance climate research. The scientists determined that the Earth has warmed 0.6 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2000. When the time frame is advanced by five years, from 1906 to 2006, the scientists found that the temperature increase was 0.74 degrees Celsius.
Any concrete evidence of this temperature increase?
Yes, lots of evidence. The IPCC has observed:
# Of the last 12 years, 11 have ranked among the warmest years since 1850.
# The warming trend of the last 50 years is nearly double that of the last 100 years, meaning that the rate of warming is increasing.
# The ocean’s temperature has increased at least to depths of 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet); the ocean absorbs more than 80 percent of all heat added to the climate system.
# Glaciers and snow cover have decreased in regions both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, which has contributed to the rise of sea levels.
# Average Arctic temperatures increased by nearly twice the global average rate over the last 100 years (the IPCC also noted that Arctic temperatures have are highly variable from decade to decade).
# The area covered by frozen ground in the Arctic has decreased by approximately 7 percent since 1900, with seasonal decreases of up to 15 percent.
# Precipitation has increased in eastern regions of the Americas, northern Europe and parts of Asia; other regions such as the Mediterranean and southern Africa have experienced drying trends.
# Westerly winds have been growing stronger.
# Droughts are more intense, have lasted longer and covered larger areas than in the past.
# There have been significant changes in extreme temperatures – hot days and heat waves have become more frequent while cold days and nights have become less frequent.
# While scientists have not observed an increase in the number of tropical storms, they have observed an increase in the intensity of such storms in the Atlantic correlated with a rise in ocean surface temperatures.
The Greenhouse Effect
Global warming is caused by an increase in the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is not a bad thing by itself -- it's what allows Earth to stay warm enough for life to survive.
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When the sun's rays hit the Earth's atmosphere and the surface of the Earth, approximately 70 percent of the energy stays on the planet, absorbed by land, oceans, plants and other things. The other 30 percent is reflected into space by clouds, snow fields and other reflective surfaces [Source: NASA].
But even the 70 percent that gets through doesn't stay on earth forever (otherwise the Earth would become a blazing fireball). The Earth's oceans and land masses eventually radiate heat back out. Some of this heat makes it into space. The rest of it ends up getting absorbed when it hits certain things in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane gas and water vapor. After these components in our atmosphere absorb all this heat, they emit energy (also in the form of heat).
The heat that doesn't make it out through Earth's atmosphere keeps the planet warmer than it is in outer space, because more energy is coming in through the atmosphere than is going out. This is all part of the greenhouse effect that keeps the Earth warm.
Earth Without the Greenhouse Effect
What would Earth look like if there weren't any greenhouse effect at all? It would probably look a lot like Mars. Mars doesn't have a thick enough atmosphere to reflect enough heat back to the planet, so it gets very cold there.
Global Warming: What's Happening?
The greenhouse effect happens because of certain naturally occurring substances in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been pouring additional huge amounts of those substances into the air.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas that is a by-product of the combustion of organic matter. It makes up less than 0.04 percent of Earth's atmosphere, most of which was put there by volcanic activity very early in the planet's life. Today, human activities are pumping huge amounts of CO2 into the at.jpg)
mosphere, resulting in an overall increase in carbon dioxide concentrations.
What is the consequence of this increase in carbon dioxide concentrations?
These increased concentrations are considered the primary factor in global warming, because carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation. Most of the energy that escapes Earth's atmosphere comes in this form, so extra CO2 means more energy absorption and an overall increase in the planet's temperature.
The Worldwatch Institute reports that carbon emissions worldwide have increased from about 1 billion tons in 1900 to about 7 billion tons in 1995. The Institute also notes that the average surface temperature of Earth has gone from 14.5 degrees C in 1860 to 15.3 degrees C in 1980.
The IPCC says that the pre-industrial amount of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere was about 280 parts per million (ppm), meaning that for every million molecules of dry air, 280 of them were CO2. In contrast, 2005 levels of CO2 were measured at 379 ppm [Source: IPCC].
Any other problem causing pollutant?
Nitrous oxide (NO2) is another important greenhouse gas. Although the amounts being released by human activities are not as great as the amounts of CO2, nitrous oxide absorbs much more energy than CO2 (about 270 times as much). For this reason, efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions have focused on NO2 as well [Source: Soil Conservation Council of Canada]. The use of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer on crops releases nitrous oxide in great quantities, and it is also a by-product of combustion.
The danger from global warming:
What will actually happen if the entire planet warms up a few degrees?
We have seen that an average drop of just 5 degrees Celsius over thousands of years can cause an ice age; so what will happen if the Earth's average temperature increases a few degrees in just a few hundred years?
Glaciers and ice shelves around the world are melting [Source: Guardian Unlimited]. An immediate resu
lt of melting glaciers would be a rise in sea levels. Initially, the rise in sea level would only be an inch or two. Even a modest rise in sea levels could cause flooding problems for low-lying coastal areas. However, if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet were to melt and collapse into the sea, it would push sea levels up 10 meters (more than 32 feet), and many coastal areas would completely disappear beneath the ocean [Source: NASA].
What are the dangers to humans?
The human cost of global warming is hard to quantify. Thousands of lives per year could be lost as the elderly or ill suffer from heat stroke and other heat-related trauma. Poor and underdeveloped nations would suffer the worst effects, since they would not have the financial resources to deal with the problems that come with an increase in temperature. Huge numbers of people could die from starvation if a decrease in precipitation limits crop growth and from disease if coastal flooding leads to widespread water-borne illness.
The Carnegie Institution estimates that around $5 billion in crop losses per year are due to global warming. Farmers see a decrease of about 40 million metric tons of cereal grains like wheat, barley and corn each year. Scientists discovered that an increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit in average temperature results in a 3 to 5 percent drop in crop yields [Source: Science Daily].
Can We Stop Global Warming?
Though scientists warn that global warming will likely continue for centuries because of the long natural processes involved, there are a few things we can do to decrease the effects. Basically, they all boil.jpg)
down to this: Don't use as much of the stuff that creates greenhouse gases. On a local level, you can help by using less energy. The electricity that operates many of the devices in our homes comes from a power plant, and most power plants burn fossil fuels to generate that power. Turn off lights when they're not in use. Take shorter showers to use less hot water. Use a fan instead of an air conditioner on a warm day.
Any other ways to help decrease greenhouse-gas emissions?
Here are some other specific ways you can help decrease greenhouse-gas emissions:
# Make sure your car is properly tuned up. This allows it to run more efficiently and generate fewer harmful gases.
# Walk or ride your bike if possible, or carpool on your way to work. Cars burn fossil fuel, so smaller, more fuel-efficient cars emit less CO2, particularly hybrid cars.
# Turn lights and other appliances off when you're not using them. Even though a light bulb doesn't generate greenhouse gas, the power plant that generates the electricity used by the light bulb probably does. Switch from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.
# Recycle. Garbage that doesn't get recycled ends up in a landfill, generating methane. Recycled goods also require less energy to produce than products made from scratch.
# Plant trees and other plants where you can. Plants take carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen.
# Don't burn garbage. This releases carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
The need for non-fossil fuel energy sources
To really stem the emission of greenhouse gases, we need to develop non-fossil fuel energy sources. Hydro-electric power, solar power, hydrogen engines and fuel cells could all create big cuts in greenhouse gases if they were to become more common.
The Kyoto treaty
At the international level, the Kyoto treaty was written to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Thirty-five industrialized nations have committed to reducing their output of those gases to varying degrees. Unfortunately, the United States, the world's primary producer of greenhouse gases, did not sign the treaty.
Well, is it?
What actually is "global warming"?
What actually is global warming? What causes it? What are its effects? Is it something we need to worry about?
Global warming is a significant increase in the Earth's climatic temperature over a relatively short period of time as a result of the activities of humans.
In specific terms, an increase of 1 or more degrees Celsius in a period of one hundred to two hundred years would be considered global warming. Over the course of a single century, an increase of even 0.4 degrees Celsius would be significant.
What are the effects of climate change?
Even small changes in climate can have major effects. When scientists talk about "the Ice Age," you probably envision the world frozen, covered with snow and suffering from frigid temperatures. In fact, during the last ice age (ice ages recur roughly every 50,000 to 100,000 years), the earth's average temperature was only 5 Celsius degrees cooler than modern temperature averages [Source: NASA].
Is the earth warming up?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of over 2,500 scientists from countries across the world, convened in Paris in February, 2007 to compare and advance climate research. The scientists determined that the Earth has warmed 0.6 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2000. When the time frame is advanced by five years, from 1906 to 2006, the scientists found that the temperature increase was 0.74 degrees Celsius.
Any concrete evidence of this temperature increase?
Yes, lots of evidence. The IPCC has observed:
# Of the last 12 years, 11 have ranked among the warmest years since 1850.
# The warming trend of the last 50 years is nearly double that of the last 100 years, meaning that the rate of warming is increasing.
# The ocean’s temperature has increased at least to depths of 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet); the ocean absorbs more than 80 percent of all heat added to the climate system.
# Glaciers and snow cover have decreased in regions both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, which has contributed to the rise of sea levels.
# Average Arctic temperatures increased by nearly twice the global average rate over the last 100 years (the IPCC also noted that Arctic temperatures have are highly variable from decade to decade).
# The area covered by frozen ground in the Arctic has decreased by approximately 7 percent since 1900, with seasonal decreases of up to 15 percent.
# Precipitation has increased in eastern regions of the Americas, northern Europe and parts of Asia; other regions such as the Mediterranean and southern Africa have experienced drying trends.
# Westerly winds have been growing stronger.
# Droughts are more intense, have lasted longer and covered larger areas than in the past.
# There have been significant changes in extreme temperatures – hot days and heat waves have become more frequent while cold days and nights have become less frequent.
# While scientists have not observed an increase in the number of tropical storms, they have observed an increase in the intensity of such storms in the Atlantic correlated with a rise in ocean surface temperatures.
The Greenhouse Effect
Global warming is caused by an increase in the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is not a bad thing by itself -- it's what allows Earth to stay warm enough for life to survive.
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When the sun's rays hit the Earth's atmosphere and the surface of the Earth, approximately 70 percent of the energy stays on the planet, absorbed by land, oceans, plants and other things. The other 30 percent is reflected into space by clouds, snow fields and other reflective surfaces [Source: NASA].
But even the 70 percent that gets through doesn't stay on earth forever (otherwise the Earth would become a blazing fireball). The Earth's oceans and land masses eventually radiate heat back out. Some of this heat makes it into space. The rest of it ends up getting absorbed when it hits certain things in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane gas and water vapor. After these components in our atmosphere absorb all this heat, they emit energy (also in the form of heat).
The heat that doesn't make it out through Earth's atmosphere keeps the planet warmer than it is in outer space, because more energy is coming in through the atmosphere than is going out. This is all part of the greenhouse effect that keeps the Earth warm.
Earth Without the Greenhouse Effect
What would Earth look like if there weren't any greenhouse effect at all? It would probably look a lot like Mars. Mars doesn't have a thick enough atmosphere to reflect enough heat back to the planet, so it gets very cold there.
Global Warming: What's Happening?
The greenhouse effect happens because of certain naturally occurring substances in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been pouring additional huge amounts of those substances into the air.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas that is a by-product of the combustion of organic matter. It makes up less than 0.04 percent of Earth's atmosphere, most of which was put there by volcanic activity very early in the planet's life. Today, human activities are pumping huge amounts of CO2 into the at
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mosphere, resulting in an overall increase in carbon dioxide concentrations.What is the consequence of this increase in carbon dioxide concentrations?
These increased concentrations are considered the primary factor in global warming, because carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation. Most of the energy that escapes Earth's atmosphere comes in this form, so extra CO2 means more energy absorption and an overall increase in the planet's temperature.
The Worldwatch Institute reports that carbon emissions worldwide have increased from about 1 billion tons in 1900 to about 7 billion tons in 1995. The Institute also notes that the average surface temperature of Earth has gone from 14.5 degrees C in 1860 to 15.3 degrees C in 1980.
The IPCC says that the pre-industrial amount of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere was about 280 parts per million (ppm), meaning that for every million molecules of dry air, 280 of them were CO2. In contrast, 2005 levels of CO2 were measured at 379 ppm [Source: IPCC].
Any other problem causing pollutant?
Nitrous oxide (NO2) is another important greenhouse gas. Although the amounts being released by human activities are not as great as the amounts of CO2, nitrous oxide absorbs much more energy than CO2 (about 270 times as much). For this reason, efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions have focused on NO2 as well [Source: Soil Conservation Council of Canada]. The use of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer on crops releases nitrous oxide in great quantities, and it is also a by-product of combustion.
The danger from global warming:
What will actually happen if the entire planet warms up a few degrees?
We have seen that an average drop of just 5 degrees Celsius over thousands of years can cause an ice age; so what will happen if the Earth's average temperature increases a few degrees in just a few hundred years?
Glaciers and ice shelves around the world are melting [Source: Guardian Unlimited]. An immediate resu
lt of melting glaciers would be a rise in sea levels. Initially, the rise in sea level would only be an inch or two. Even a modest rise in sea levels could cause flooding problems for low-lying coastal areas. However, if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet were to melt and collapse into the sea, it would push sea levels up 10 meters (more than 32 feet), and many coastal areas would completely disappear beneath the ocean [Source: NASA].What are the dangers to humans?
The human cost of global warming is hard to quantify. Thousands of lives per year could be lost as the elderly or ill suffer from heat stroke and other heat-related trauma. Poor and underdeveloped nations would suffer the worst effects, since they would not have the financial resources to deal with the problems that come with an increase in temperature. Huge numbers of people could die from starvation if a decrease in precipitation limits crop growth and from disease if coastal flooding leads to widespread water-borne illness.
The Carnegie Institution estimates that around $5 billion in crop losses per year are due to global warming. Farmers see a decrease of about 40 million metric tons of cereal grains like wheat, barley and corn each year. Scientists discovered that an increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit in average temperature results in a 3 to 5 percent drop in crop yields [Source: Science Daily].
Can We Stop Global Warming?
Though scientists warn that global warming will likely continue for centuries because of the long natural processes involved, there are a few things we can do to decrease the effects. Basically, they all boil
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down to this: Don't use as much of the stuff that creates greenhouse gases. On a local level, you can help by using less energy. The electricity that operates many of the devices in our homes comes from a power plant, and most power plants burn fossil fuels to generate that power. Turn off lights when they're not in use. Take shorter showers to use less hot water. Use a fan instead of an air conditioner on a warm day.Any other ways to help decrease greenhouse-gas emissions?
Here are some other specific ways you can help decrease greenhouse-gas emissions:
# Make sure your car is properly tuned up. This allows it to run more efficiently and generate fewer harmful gases.
# Walk or ride your bike if possible, or carpool on your way to work. Cars burn fossil fuel, so smaller, more fuel-efficient cars emit less CO2, particularly hybrid cars.
# Turn lights and other appliances off when you're not using them. Even though a light bulb doesn't generate greenhouse gas, the power plant that generates the electricity used by the light bulb probably does. Switch from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.
# Recycle. Garbage that doesn't get recycled ends up in a landfill, generating methane. Recycled goods also require less energy to produce than products made from scratch.
# Plant trees and other plants where you can. Plants take carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen.
# Don't burn garbage. This releases carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
The need for non-fossil fuel energy sources
To really stem the emission of greenhouse gases, we need to develop non-fossil fuel energy sources. Hydro-electric power, solar power, hydrogen engines and fuel cells could all create big cuts in greenhouse gases if they were to become more common.
The Kyoto treaty
At the international level, the Kyoto treaty was written to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Thirty-five industrialized nations have committed to reducing their output of those gases to varying degrees. Unfortunately, the United States, the world's primary producer of greenhouse gases, did not sign the treaty.
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Story Of Coffee
Today, the 'coffee culture' has spread all over the world. To those countries with great coffee traditions of their own, such as Italy, Germany, and Scandinavia, have been added new converts to the pleasures of good coffee. Today it is possible to find good coffee in every major city of the world, from London to Sydney to Tokyo; tomorrow the world will drink more - and more importantly, better - coffee. The story of how coffee growing and drinking spread around the world is one of the greatest and most romantic in history. It starts in the Horn of Africa, in Ethiopia, where the coffee tree probably originated in the province of Kaffa. There are various fanciful but unlikely stories surrounding the discovery of the properties of roasted coffee beans. One story has it that an Ethiopian goatherd was amazed at the lively behaviour of his goats after chewing red coffee berries. What we know with more certainty is that the succulent outer cherry flesh was eaten by slaves taken from present day Sudan into Yemen and Arabia, through the great port of its day, Mocha, now synonymous with coffee. Coffee was certainly being cultivated in Yemen by the 15th century and probably much earlier than that.
Mocha was also the main port for the one sea route to Mecca, and was the busiest place in the world at the time. But the Arabs had a strict policy not to export any fertile beans, so that coffee could not be cultivated anywhere else. The coffee bean is the seed of the coffee tree, but when stripped of its outer layers it becomes infertile. The race to make off with some live coffee trees or beans was eventually won by the Dutch in 1616, who brought some back to Holland where they were grown in greenhouses.
Initially, the authorities in Yemen actively encouraged coffee drinking as it was considered preferable to the extreme side effects of Kat, a shrub whose buds and leaves were chewed as a stimulant. The first coffeehouses were opened in Mecca and were called 'kaveh kanes'. They quickly spread throughout the Arab world and became successful places where chess was played, gossip was exchanged, and singing, dancing and music were enjoyed. They were luxuriously decorated and each had an individual character. Nothing quite like the coffeehouse had existed before: a place where society and business could be conducted in comfortable surroundings and where anyone could go, for the price of coffee.
The Arabian coffeehouses soon became centres of political activity and were suppressed. Coffee and coffeehouses were subsequently banned several times over the next few decades, but they kept reappearing. Eventually a solution was found when coffeehouses and coffee were taxed.
COFFEE COMES TO ASIA
The Dutch were also growing coffee at Malabar in India, and in 1699 took some to Batavia in Java, in what is now Indonesia. Within a few years the Dutch colonies had become the main suppliers of coffee to Europe. Today Indonesia is the fourth largest exporter of coffee in the world.
COFFEE COMES TO EUROPE
Venetian traders first brought coffee to Europe in 1615. This was a period when the two other great hot beverages also appeared in Europe. Hot chocolate was the first, brought by the Spanish from the Americas to Spain in 1528; and tea, which was first sold in Europe in 1610.
At first coffee was mainly sold by lemonade vendors and was believed to have medicinal qualities. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1683, with the most famous, Caffe Florian in Piazza San Marco, opening in 1720. It is still open for business today.
The largest insurance market in the world, Lloyd's of London, began life as a coffeehouse. It was started in 1688 by Edward Lloyd, who prepared lists of the ships that his customers had insured.
At first coffee was mainly sold by lemonade vendors and was believed to have medicinal qualities. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1683, with the most famous, Caffe Florian in Piazza San Marco, opening in 1720. It is still open for business today.
The largest insurance market in the world, Lloyd's of London, began life as a coffeehouse. It was started in 1688 by Edward Lloyd, who prepared lists of the ships that his customers had insured.
COFFEE COMES TO THE AMERICAS
The first reference to coffee being drunk in North America is from 1668 and, soon after, coffee houses were established in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and other towns. The Boston Tea Party Of 1773 was planned in a coffee house, the Green Dragon. Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Bank of New York started in coffeehouses, in what is today the financial district known as Wall Street.
It was in the 1720s that coffee first came to be cultivated in the Americas, through what is perhaps the most fascinating and romantic story in the history of coffee. Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu was a French naval officer serving in Martinique who in 1720, went to Paris on leave. With assistance and no little personal charm he acquired a coffee tree which he took with him on the ship back. The plant was kept in a glass case on deck to keep it warm and prevent damage from salt water. The journey was eventful, or at least Mr. Mathieu de Clieu's journal of the voyage was. Pirates from Tunis threatened the ship, there was a violent storm and the plant had to be tied down. Our hero faced an enemy on board who was jealous and tried to sabotage the plant. There was a violent struggle in which a branch was torn off, but the plant survived this horror.
Then the ship was becalmed and drinking water was rationed. De Clieu had his priorities right and gave most of his allowance of precious water to the coffee plant. It survived, as did he.
Finally, the ship arrived in Martinique and the coffee tree was re-planted at Preebear, where it was surrounded by a thorn hedge and watched over by slaves. It grew, and multiplied, and by 1726 the first harvest was ready. It is recorded that by 1777, there were between 18 and 19 million coffee trees on Martinique, and the model for a new cash crop that could be grown in the New World was in place.
It was the D
utch who first started the spread of the coffee plant in Central and South America, where today it reigns supreme as the main continental cash crop. Coffee first arrived in the Dutch colony of Surinam in 1718, to be followed by plantations in French Guyana and the first of many in Brazil at Para. In 1730 the British introduced coffee to Jamaica, where today the most famous and expensive coffee in the world is grown in the Blue Mountains. By 1825, South and Central America were on track towards their coffee destiny. That date is also important as it was when coffee was first planted in Hawaii which produces the only US coffee, and one of the finest.
utch who first started the spread of the coffee plant in Central and South America, where today it reigns supreme as the main continental cash crop. Coffee first arrived in the Dutch colony of Surinam in 1718, to be followed by plantations in French Guyana and the first of many in Brazil at Para. In 1730 the British introduced coffee to Jamaica, where today the most famous and expensive coffee in the world is grown in the Blue Mountains. By 1825, South and Central America were on track towards their coffee destiny. That date is also important as it was when coffee was first planted in Hawaii which produces the only US coffee, and one of the finest.COFFEE - AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
The impor
tance of coffee in the today's world economy cannot be overstated. It is one of the most valuable primary products in world trade, in many years second in value only to oil as a source of foreign exchange to developing countries. Its cultivation, processing, trading, transportation and marketing provide employment for millions of people worldwide. Coffee is crucial to the economies and politics of many developing countries; for many of the world's Least Developed Countries, exports of coffee account for a substantial part of their foreign exchange earnings in some cases over 80%. Coffee is a traded commodity on major futures and commodity exchanges, most importantly in London and New York.
tance of coffee in the today's world economy cannot be overstated. It is one of the most valuable primary products in world trade, in many years second in value only to oil as a source of foreign exchange to developing countries. Its cultivation, processing, trading, transportation and marketing provide employment for millions of people worldwide. Coffee is crucial to the economies and politics of many developing countries; for many of the world's Least Developed Countries, exports of coffee account for a substantial part of their foreign exchange earnings in some cases over 80%. Coffee is a traded commodity on major futures and commodity exchanges, most importantly in London and New York.
Fashion Flashback - Wigs
Queen Elizabeth-I of England was completely bald as she lost her hair early after suffering from small pox at the age of twenty nine. To disguise her loss she created and always wore a wig - thus creating a fashion for wigs in Europe that lasted several hundred years.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
THE INVENTION OF TELEVISION: THE EARLY PIONEERS
Although the Scotsman John Logie Baird is generally considered to be the creator of television, this would of course be an over simplification of the truth, and to accept it as such would be to ignore the contributions of many others, whose names deserve to be preserved in the history of its development and ultimate inception. The most difficult decision to make in writing about television history is exactly where to begin.
Most inventions begin with a vision and so for the sake of argument we can begin our story as far back as 1869. For that was the year that the French artist Albert Robida, a contemporary of Jules Verne, published a picture of a man, reclining in an armchair in the comfort of his own home, whilst watching a 'televised' performance of Faust. And this more than two decades before the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison had caught one of his assistants, Fred Ott, sneezing on camera, which was then copyrighted as 'Record of a Sneeze', on 7th January 1894. But whilst scientists and photographers the world-over had been trying to invent the movies for years, television had its own definite requirements, and these were not the result of a single discovery, but of successive and independent developments.
In 1817 the Swedish scientist Berzelius discovered selenium, a metalloid in the oxygen group with electrical properties. But it wasn't until 1873 that a telegraph operator named Joseph May, working at the Velentia Cable Station in the West of Ireland, accidentally discovered that some selenium rods which were used as resistances, altered in value under the influence of strong sunlight. The photosensitive properties of selenium led to the possibility of converting light waves into electrical impulses. In between these discoveries Alexandre Edmond Becquerel (in 1839) had discovered the electrochemical effects of light. In 1875 George R. Carey of Boston, Mass. outlined a suggestion for television based on the functioning of the human eye, but it wasn't until 1881 that another American, Shelford Bidwell, demonstrated a method for transmitting silhouettes. There were many attempts and suggestions for transmitting moving pictures through the ether before the end of the century, Paul Nipkov's disc scanner made use of the selenium cell, but like other inventors and demonstrators around that time his equipment lacked the means of amplifying the impulses.
Karl Ferdinand Braun introduced the first cathode-ray tube for commercial use in 1897 and four years later Dr Ambrose Fleming patented the two-diode thermionic valve. After this there was little in the way of public recognised progress until 1923 when a number of scientists in the US, France and England had progressed to the point where they were able to transmit shadows. This was also the year that Vladimir Zworkin, a Russian who had moved to the USA in 1919, patented his Iconoscope -the first practical television transmission tube. It's at this point, (or rather the following year), that Baird came onto the scene in a big way. Although he had been developing his own methods of televised images for many years it was in 1924 that he first demonstrated a mechanically scanned television system which transmitted objects in outline and went on the following year to show the head of a dummy, not just in outline but as a real image.
Since the time of Baird, the dizzyingly rapid development of the medium of television has taken many of the disperate elements chanced upon by those early, far-sighted, pioneers and consolidated them into a unified whole which has arguably become one of the key cornerstones of modern society.
Most inventions begin with a vision and so for the sake of argument we can begin our story as far back as 1869. For that was the year that the French artist Albert Robida, a contemporary of Jules Verne, published a picture of a man, reclining in an armchair in the comfort of his own home, whilst watching a 'televised' performance of Faust. And this more than two decades before the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison had caught one of his assistants, Fred Ott, sneezing on camera, which was then copyrighted as 'Record of a Sneeze', on 7th January 1894. But whilst scientists and photographers the world-over had been trying to invent the movies for years, television had its own definite requirements, and these were not the result of a single discovery, but of successive and independent developments.
In 1817 the Swedish scientist Berzelius discovered selenium, a metalloid in the oxygen group with electrical properties. But it wasn't until 1873 that a telegraph operator named Joseph May, working at the Velentia Cable Station in the West of Ireland, accidentally discovered that some selenium rods which were used as resistances, altered in value under the influence of strong sunlight. The photosensitive properties of selenium led to the possibility of converting light waves into electrical impulses. In between these discoveries Alexandre Edmond Becquerel (in 1839) had discovered the electrochemical effects of light. In 1875 George R. Carey of Boston, Mass. outlined a suggestion for television based on the functioning of the human eye, but it wasn't until 1881 that another American, Shelford Bidwell, demonstrated a method for transmitting silhouettes. There were many attempts and suggestions for transmitting moving pictures through the ether before the end of the century, Paul Nipkov's disc scanner made use of the selenium cell, but like other inventors and demonstrators around that time his equipment lacked the means of amplifying the impulses.
Karl Ferdinand Braun introduced the first cathode-ray tube for commercial use in 1897 and four years later Dr Ambrose Fleming patented the two-diode thermionic valve. After this there was little in the way of public recognised progress until 1923 when a number of scientists in the US, France and England had progressed to the point where they were able to transmit shadows. This was also the year that Vladimir Zworkin, a Russian who had moved to the USA in 1919, patented his Iconoscope -the first practical television transmission tube. It's at this point, (or rather the following year), that Baird came onto the scene in a big way. Although he had been developing his own methods of televised images for many years it was in 1924 that he first demonstrated a mechanically scanned television system which transmitted objects in outline and went on the following year to show the head of a dummy, not just in outline but as a real image.
Since the time of Baird, the dizzyingly rapid development of the medium of television has taken many of the disperate elements chanced upon by those early, far-sighted, pioneers and consolidated them into a unified whole which has arguably become one of the key cornerstones of modern society.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
A list of funny laws in Washington, USA
•"It shall be unlawful for a candidate for office or for nomination thereto whose name appears upon the ballot at any election to give to or purchase for another person, not a member of his or her family, any liquor in or upon any premises licensed by the state for the sale of any such liquor by the drink during the hours that the polls are open on the day of such election."
• A law to reduce crime states: "It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town."
• All lollipops are banned.
• All motor vehicles must be preceded by a man carrying a red flag (daytime) or a red lantern (nighttime) fifty feet in front of said vehicle.
• An old Washington law sent duelists to jail for ten years, assuming they didn't lose the duel.
• A proposed Washington law protects sports referees from civil suit unless their actions were "willful, wanton, reckless, malicious or grossly negligent."
• Auburn: Men who deflower virgins, regardless of age or marital status, may face up to five years in jail.
• A Washington state law offers the presumption that youngsters will read comic books.
• Bremerton: You may not shuck peanuts on the street.
• Everett: It is illegal to display a hypnotized or allegedly hypnotized person in a store window.
• In Electric City, WA, it is illegal to "keep or permit to remain, in any location . . . anything whatsoever in which flies or rats may breed or multiply."
• In Olympia, Wash., minors are prohibited from frequenting pool halls.
• In Seattle, Washington, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.
• In Spokane, Wash., it used to be illegal to interrupt a religious meeting by having a horse race.
• In the state of Washington, there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances.
• In the state of Washington it's illegal to catch a fish by throwing a rock at it.
• In Washington state it's illegal for a candidate to buy anyone a drink on Election Day.
• In Washington state it's illegal to sleep in an outhouse without the owner's permission.
• In Washington state it's illegal to sell to minors comics that might incite them to violence or depraved or immoral acts.
• In Washington it's illegal to pretend you're the child of a rich person and entitled to his estate.
• In Washington, anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission to throw a tear gas canister.
• In Washington state, until quite recently, you could have been fined up to $500 for removing or defacing the label on a pillow.
• It is illegal to deflower a virgin even on their wedding day.
• It is illegal to paint polka dots on the American flag.
• It is illegal to pretend that one's parents are rich.
• It's illegal in Wilbur, Washington, to ride an ugly horse.
• Lynden: Dancing and drinking may not occur at the same establishment.
• People may not buy a mattress on Sunday.
• A law to reduce crime states: "It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town."
• All lollipops are banned.
• All motor vehicles must be preceded by a man carrying a red flag (daytime) or a red lantern (nighttime) fifty feet in front of said vehicle.
• An old Washington law sent duelists to jail for ten years, assuming they didn't lose the duel.
• A proposed Washington law protects sports referees from civil suit unless their actions were "willful, wanton, reckless, malicious or grossly negligent."
• Auburn: Men who deflower virgins, regardless of age or marital status, may face up to five years in jail.
• A Washington state law offers the presumption that youngsters will read comic books.
• Bremerton: You may not shuck peanuts on the street.
• Everett: It is illegal to display a hypnotized or allegedly hypnotized person in a store window.
• In Electric City, WA, it is illegal to "keep or permit to remain, in any location . . . anything whatsoever in which flies or rats may breed or multiply."
• In Olympia, Wash., minors are prohibited from frequenting pool halls.
• In Seattle, Washington, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.
• In Spokane, Wash., it used to be illegal to interrupt a religious meeting by having a horse race.
• In the state of Washington, there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances.
• In the state of Washington it's illegal to catch a fish by throwing a rock at it.
• In Washington state it's illegal for a candidate to buy anyone a drink on Election Day.
• In Washington state it's illegal to sleep in an outhouse without the owner's permission.
• In Washington state it's illegal to sell to minors comics that might incite them to violence or depraved or immoral acts.
• In Washington it's illegal to pretend you're the child of a rich person and entitled to his estate.
• In Washington, anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission to throw a tear gas canister.
• In Washington state, until quite recently, you could have been fined up to $500 for removing or defacing the label on a pillow.
• It is illegal to deflower a virgin even on their wedding day.
• It is illegal to paint polka dots on the American flag.
• It is illegal to pretend that one's parents are rich.
• It's illegal in Wilbur, Washington, to ride an ugly horse.
• Lynden: Dancing and drinking may not occur at the same establishment.
• People may not buy a mattress on Sunday.
Monday, July 23, 2007
ANATOMY OF A COLD
A BLOW-BY-BLOW ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF THE COMMON COLD...
7:58 A.M.
The victim steps into an empty lift which takes her up to her office.
Moments before, the night watchman had got off the same lift. On the ride down he had been singing one of his favourite film songs when he was interrupted by a sneeze.
7:59 A.M.
The air in the lift has attracted several million drops of moisture, spewed into the air by the watchman’s singing and sneezing. And clinging to each drop are thousands of millions of infinitesimal specs of dust - each particle a rhino, or “nose” virus.
While the victim travels up to her office in the lift, a quarter of a million of the moist, dust-laden particles lodge themselves in the minute hills and valleys of her nose and began drifting along the membrane lining towards her throat.
10:00 A.M.
Drifting randomly, several of the dust particles begin to bump into cells. The attraction is irresistible and, shortly, hundreds of thousands of viruses have fastened tightly to the cells.
12:00 NOON.
Feeling the tickle, perhaps, of the virus clinging to the skin, the cell puckers up, surrounds the rhinovirus and drinks it in. Having admitted a visitor to its inner sanctum, the host errs again and obligingly removes the virus’s coat of armour, dissolving it with an enzyme. This unleashes its deadly essence - a harmless looking bit of translucent jelly; viral nucleic acid.
Uncloaked, the virus is nothing but pure potential, containing an “inaccurate” genetic programme of reproduction. Its single purpose - to multiply.
2:30 P.M.
The virus, which brought with it none of the machinery or materials necessary to the task of reproduction, begins to wrest control of the cell’s manufacturing centre.
8:00 P.M.
In 900,000 cells in the victim’s nose, the manufacturing centres are now in the control of the invading viruses.
2:34 A.M.
Reproduction of new viruses is almost complete.
7:00 A.M.
Assembly of the young, freshly produced, viruses begins. The progeny- 100, perhaps, in each cell- gather together.
8:16 A.M.
Twenty-four hours after entering the victim’s body, the new viruses make their triumphant escape, massing towards the edge of the cells and bursting like silent fireworks through the cell walls. Fatally wounded, the cells soon die. Within the hour, progeny from each of 900,000 cells - 90 million strong - drift down the throat towards healthy cells.
8:25 A.M.
Arriving at her office on the second morning, the victim clears her throat. She realizes that she may be getting a sore throat. She decides to have tea with lemon instead of her usual black coffee.
10:00 A.M.
A contingent of viruses, in their drifting, run into trouble in the tonsils and adenoids, where they set off an alarm in the victim’s immune system. Patrolling lymphocytes cells hunt and kill many rhinoviruses, and transport others back to lymph node headquarters for scrutiny. Based on observation of the pattern of the invader’s coat of armour, the immune system begins production of antibodies that will kill them.
11:00 A.M.
There are, however, far more of the enemy than the lymphocytes can combat, and several thousand rhinoviruses gain a hold. The victim finds that her sore throat refuses to go away.
DAY THREE
Forty-eight hours after the victim inhaled the contaminated air in the lift, the second generation of viral progeny - 9 thousand million of them - floods into circulation. In the nose, dead cells begin to accumulate by the millions and the body secretes fluid to wash them from the field. The victim notices a runny nose.
DAY FOUR
At 72 hours, the third generation of young viruses pours into the victim’s system. There are now close to a million million, and for every virus the lymphocytes manage to kill, 10,000 take its place.
That morning, the victim awakes feeling miserable. Her eyes and nose are rivers. Her head aches. Her throat is dry and sore. She reports ill, stays in bed, drinks about two litres of orange juice and swallows a handful of aspirin and vitamin C. But the virus continues to proliferate and cell losses rise higher.
DAY FIVE
At 96 hours, something happens. Suddenly the virus stops infecting new cells and the body begins to wash away the dead cells and rhinoviruses. But exactly what happens is a mystery. Why a cold stops short, instead of persisting for weeks or months, scientists cannot say. Most of the factors involved in colds are simply not understood by virologists despite much research.
DAY SIX
Our victim is back in office, refreshed after her enforced bed rest. While entering the lift, she had greeted the night watchman, who was stepping out, little knowing what connection he had with her recent illness!
7:58 A.M.
The victim steps into an empty lift which takes her up to her office.
Moments before, the night watchman had got off the same lift. On the ride down he had been singing one of his favourite film songs when he was interrupted by a sneeze.
7:59 A.M.
The air in the lift has attracted several million drops of moisture, spewed into the air by the watchman’s singing and sneezing. And clinging to each drop are thousands of millions of infinitesimal specs of dust - each particle a rhino, or “nose” virus.
While the victim travels up to her office in the lift, a quarter of a million of the moist, dust-laden particles lodge themselves in the minute hills and valleys of her nose and began drifting along the membrane lining towards her throat.
10:00 A.M.
Drifting randomly, several of the dust particles begin to bump into cells. The attraction is irresistible and, shortly, hundreds of thousands of viruses have fastened tightly to the cells.
12:00 NOON.
Feeling the tickle, perhaps, of the virus clinging to the skin, the cell puckers up, surrounds the rhinovirus and drinks it in. Having admitted a visitor to its inner sanctum, the host errs again and obligingly removes the virus’s coat of armour, dissolving it with an enzyme. This unleashes its deadly essence - a harmless looking bit of translucent jelly; viral nucleic acid.
Uncloaked, the virus is nothing but pure potential, containing an “inaccurate” genetic programme of reproduction. Its single purpose - to multiply.
2:30 P.M.
The virus, which brought with it none of the machinery or materials necessary to the task of reproduction, begins to wrest control of the cell’s manufacturing centre.
8:00 P.M.
In 900,000 cells in the victim’s nose, the manufacturing centres are now in the control of the invading viruses.
2:34 A.M.
Reproduction of new viruses is almost complete.
7:00 A.M.
Assembly of the young, freshly produced, viruses begins. The progeny- 100, perhaps, in each cell- gather together.
8:16 A.M.
Twenty-four hours after entering the victim’s body, the new viruses make their triumphant escape, massing towards the edge of the cells and bursting like silent fireworks through the cell walls. Fatally wounded, the cells soon die. Within the hour, progeny from each of 900,000 cells - 90 million strong - drift down the throat towards healthy cells.
8:25 A.M.
Arriving at her office on the second morning, the victim clears her throat. She realizes that she may be getting a sore throat. She decides to have tea with lemon instead of her usual black coffee.
10:00 A.M.
A contingent of viruses, in their drifting, run into trouble in the tonsils and adenoids, where they set off an alarm in the victim’s immune system. Patrolling lymphocytes cells hunt and kill many rhinoviruses, and transport others back to lymph node headquarters for scrutiny. Based on observation of the pattern of the invader’s coat of armour, the immune system begins production of antibodies that will kill them.
11:00 A.M.
There are, however, far more of the enemy than the lymphocytes can combat, and several thousand rhinoviruses gain a hold. The victim finds that her sore throat refuses to go away.
DAY THREE
Forty-eight hours after the victim inhaled the contaminated air in the lift, the second generation of viral progeny - 9 thousand million of them - floods into circulation. In the nose, dead cells begin to accumulate by the millions and the body secretes fluid to wash them from the field. The victim notices a runny nose.
DAY FOUR
At 72 hours, the third generation of young viruses pours into the victim’s system. There are now close to a million million, and for every virus the lymphocytes manage to kill, 10,000 take its place.
That morning, the victim awakes feeling miserable. Her eyes and nose are rivers. Her head aches. Her throat is dry and sore. She reports ill, stays in bed, drinks about two litres of orange juice and swallows a handful of aspirin and vitamin C. But the virus continues to proliferate and cell losses rise higher.
DAY FIVE
At 96 hours, something happens. Suddenly the virus stops infecting new cells and the body begins to wash away the dead cells and rhinoviruses. But exactly what happens is a mystery. Why a cold stops short, instead of persisting for weeks or months, scientists cannot say. Most of the factors involved in colds are simply not understood by virologists despite much research.
DAY SIX
Our victim is back in office, refreshed after her enforced bed rest. While entering the lift, she had greeted the night watchman, who was stepping out, little knowing what connection he had with her recent illness!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Fashion Flashback - Pyjamas
Pyjamas have gone to the world from India.
The people of Europe and America did not have a suitable night dress up to the middle of the nineteenth century. They wore shoulder to ankle garments, which made women look foolish and men look ridiculous.
Luckily for them, in the 1870s, British colonials brought back a new type of nightwear from India called “pajamas” or leg clothes, which became so popular, both among men and women, that it was used as a summer party dress.
In 1920 when Valentino, the hero of the early Hollywood movies, appeared in several films in pyjamas, it became a craze among young boys and girls all over the western world.
The people of Europe and America did not have a suitable night dress up to the middle of the nineteenth century. They wore shoulder to ankle garments, which made women look foolish and men look ridiculous.
Luckily for them, in the 1870s, British colonials brought back a new type of nightwear from India called “pajamas” or leg clothes, which became so popular, both among men and women, that it was used as a summer party dress.
In 1920 when Valentino, the hero of the early Hollywood movies, appeared in several films in pyjamas, it became a craze among young boys and girls all over the western world.
Some famous quotes about marriage...
A good marriage is at least 80 percent good luck in finding the right person at the right time. The rest is trust.
Nanette Newman
A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.
Michel Eyquem De Montaigne
A man in love is incomplete until he has married -- then he's finished.
Zsa Zsa Gabor
A marriage without conflicts is almost as inconceivable as a nation without crises.
Andre Maurois
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
Mignon McLaughlin
All marriages are happy it's living together afterwards that causes all the problems.
Raymond Hull
All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner.
Red Skelton
All tragedies are finished by a death, all comedies by a marriage.
Lord Byron
Always get married in the morning. That way if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted the whole day.
Mickey Rooney
Before marriage a man yearns for a woman. Afterward the ''y'' is silent.
W. A. Clarke
By all means marry. If you get a good wife you will become happy, and if you get a bad one you will become a philosopher.
Socrates
Nanette Newman
A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.
Michel Eyquem De Montaigne
A man in love is incomplete until he has married -- then he's finished.
Zsa Zsa Gabor
A marriage without conflicts is almost as inconceivable as a nation without crises.
Andre Maurois
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
Mignon McLaughlin
All marriages are happy it's living together afterwards that causes all the problems.
Raymond Hull
All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner.
Red Skelton
All tragedies are finished by a death, all comedies by a marriage.
Lord Byron
Always get married in the morning. That way if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted the whole day.
Mickey Rooney
Before marriage a man yearns for a woman. Afterward the ''y'' is silent.
W. A. Clarke
By all means marry. If you get a good wife you will become happy, and if you get a bad one you will become a philosopher.
Socrates
The ghost of Athens
Ghost stories date back to ancient times, and can be found in many different cultures.
One of the earliest known ghost "sightings" in the west took place in Athens, Greece. Pliny the Younger (c. 63 - 113 AD) described it in a letter to Licinius Sura: Athenodoros Cananites (c. 74 BC – 7 AD), a Stoic philosopher, decided to rent a large, Athenian house, to investigate widespread rumors that it was haunted. Athenodoros staked out at the house that night, and, sure enough, a dishevelled, aged spectre, bound at feet and hands with rattling chains, eventually "appeared". The spirit then beckoned for Athenodoros to follow him; Athenodoros complied, but the ghost soon vanished.
The philosopher marked the spot where the old man had disappeared, and, on the next day, advised the magistrates to dig there. The man's shackled bones were reportedly uncovered three years later. After a proper burial, the hauntings ceased.
One of the earliest known ghost "sightings" in the west took place in Athens, Greece. Pliny the Younger (c. 63 - 113 AD) described it in a letter to Licinius Sura: Athenodoros Cananites (c. 74 BC – 7 AD), a Stoic philosopher, decided to rent a large, Athenian house, to investigate widespread rumors that it was haunted. Athenodoros staked out at the house that night, and, sure enough, a dishevelled, aged spectre, bound at feet and hands with rattling chains, eventually "appeared". The spirit then beckoned for Athenodoros to follow him; Athenodoros complied, but the ghost soon vanished.
The philosopher marked the spot where the old man had disappeared, and, on the next day, advised the magistrates to dig there. The man's shackled bones were reportedly uncovered three years later. After a proper burial, the hauntings ceased.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Interesting Inventions
You’ve just walked in the door after a long day at work. Exhausted from the commute home, you turn on the TV and flip through a few channels. You don’t find anything to watch, so you turn off the TV and turn on the overhead light and begin reading a book.
After reading a few chapters, you turn off the light and head into the kitchen for a snack. You find a slice of pizza in the freezer which you proceed to place in the microwave. After eating you head upstairs and listen to your new CD while you do some research on the internet. This day is not any different than most days—but have you ever stopped and wondered where all of these things that you use everyday came from (the light bulb, CD player, microwave, TV remote, computers, etc.). Here are a few stories behind some extremely useful inventions that we take for granted while going about our daily lives.
Bicycle -
An early version of the bicycle called the Celerifere, was built in 1791 by a French man named Comte Mede de Sivrac. It was basically a scooter with a high seat attached to the top. But the Celerifere did not have any pedals.
In 1816, Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun of Germany, invented a model with a steering bar attached to the front wheel-but still no pedals. This new machine became known as the Draisienne or hobby horse. It was popular, but only as a fad since it was not very practical on grounds other than a park or garden.
In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to enable him to get up hills. His peers thought he was crazy, but it was this innovation that made the bicycle popular and a serious form of transportation.
Crayons -
Crayons were invented by Edwin Binney and Harold Smith who owned a paint company in New York City. These new “crayons” were made by combining wax with different pigments (chemicals that make colors). In 1903, Binney and Smith released the first box of eight “Crayola Crayons”. These new crayons were an overnight success.
Microwave -
As is the case with many inventions, the microwave was invented by accident.
In 1946, Dr. Percy LeBaron Spencer was touring one of his laboratories when he stopped in front of a magnetron (vacuum tubes that produce microwave radiation). While standing in front of this machine, he noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Next he tested popcorn kernels which to his amazement popped if placed next to the machine. He soon discovered that these microwaves could cook and heat food much quicker than ovens and stoves that use heat.
The Sandwich -
The sandwich was invented by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
Around 1762, John Montagu reportedly was too busy to sit down and eat a full meal, so he asked his cook to just place some meat between two slices of bread – the rest is history!
TV Remote Control -
Remote control technology has been around since the early 1900s (the Germans used remote control boats during WWI), but the TV remote control did not make its first appearance until 1950.
Zenith Radio Corporation created the first TV remote control called “Lazy Bone” that could turn the TV on and off and could change channels (this remote was not wireless - it was attached to the TV by a cable). Many improvements have been made to this invention during the last 50 years.
After reading a few chapters, you turn off the light and head into the kitchen for a snack. You find a slice of pizza in the freezer which you proceed to place in the microwave. After eating you head upstairs and listen to your new CD while you do some research on the internet. This day is not any different than most days—but have you ever stopped and wondered where all of these things that you use everyday came from (the light bulb, CD player, microwave, TV remote, computers, etc.). Here are a few stories behind some extremely useful inventions that we take for granted while going about our daily lives.
Bicycle -
An early version of the bicycle called the Celerifere, was built in 1791 by a French man named Comte Mede de Sivrac. It was basically a scooter with a high seat attached to the top. But the Celerifere did not have any pedals.
In 1816, Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun of Germany, invented a model with a steering bar attached to the front wheel-but still no pedals. This new machine became known as the Draisienne or hobby horse. It was popular, but only as a fad since it was not very practical on grounds other than a park or garden.
In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to enable him to get up hills. His peers thought he was crazy, but it was this innovation that made the bicycle popular and a serious form of transportation.
Crayons -
Crayons were invented by Edwin Binney and Harold Smith who owned a paint company in New York City. These new “crayons” were made by combining wax with different pigments (chemicals that make colors). In 1903, Binney and Smith released the first box of eight “Crayola Crayons”. These new crayons were an overnight success.
Microwave -
As is the case with many inventions, the microwave was invented by accident.
In 1946, Dr. Percy LeBaron Spencer was touring one of his laboratories when he stopped in front of a magnetron (vacuum tubes that produce microwave radiation). While standing in front of this machine, he noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Next he tested popcorn kernels which to his amazement popped if placed next to the machine. He soon discovered that these microwaves could cook and heat food much quicker than ovens and stoves that use heat.
The Sandwich -
The sandwich was invented by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
Around 1762, John Montagu reportedly was too busy to sit down and eat a full meal, so he asked his cook to just place some meat between two slices of bread – the rest is history!
TV Remote Control -
Remote control technology has been around since the early 1900s (the Germans used remote control boats during WWI), but the TV remote control did not make its first appearance until 1950.
Zenith Radio Corporation created the first TV remote control called “Lazy Bone” that could turn the TV on and off and could change channels (this remote was not wireless - it was attached to the TV by a cable). Many improvements have been made to this invention during the last 50 years.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well - let 'em wait.
In response to an attending doctor who attempted to comfort him by saying, "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you."
~~ Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary General, d. 1789
Am I dying or is this my birthday?
When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside.
~~ Lady Nancy Astor, d. 1964
Nothing, but death.
When asked by her sister, Cassandra, if there was anything she wanted.
~~ Jane Austen, writer, d. July 18, 1817
How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?
~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891
I can't sleep.
~~ James M. Barrie, author, d. 1937
Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.
~~ John Barrymore, actor, d. May 29, 1942
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
~~ Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, d.1170
Now comes the mystery.
~~ Henry Ward Beecher, evangelist, d. March 8, 1887
Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.
~~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, d. March 26, 1827
I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis.
~~ Humphrey Bogart, actor, d. January 14, 1957
Josephine...
~~ Napoleon Bonaparte, French Emperor, May 5, 1821
I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct.
~~ Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, d. 1702
Ah, that tastes nice. Thank you.
~~ Johannes Brahms, composer, d. April 3, 1897
Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.
Spoken to her husband of 9 months, Rev. Arthur Nicholls.
~~ Charlotte Bronte, writer, d. March 31, 1855
Beautiful.
In reply to her husband who had asked how she felt.
~~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning, writer, d. June 28, 1861
Now I shall go to sleep. Goodnight.
~~ Lord George Byron, writer, d. 1824
I'm bored with it all.
Before slipping into a coma. He died 9 days later.
~~ Winston Churchill, statesman, d. January 24, 1965
I know you have come to kill me. Shoot coward, you are only going to kill a man.
Facing his assassin, Mario Teran, a Bolivian soldier.
~~ Ernesto "Che" Guevara, d. October 9, 1967
Yes, it's tough, but not as tough as doing comedy.
When asked if he thought dying was tough.
~~ Edmund Gwenn, actor, d. September 6, 1959
God will pardon me, that's his line of work.
~~ Heinrich Heine, poet, d. February 15, 1856
Turn up the lights, I don't want to go home in the dark.
~~ O. Henry (William Sidney Porter), writer, d. June 4, 1910
In response to an attending doctor who attempted to comfort him by saying, "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you."
~~ Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary General, d. 1789
Am I dying or is this my birthday?
When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside.
~~ Lady Nancy Astor, d. 1964
Nothing, but death.
When asked by her sister, Cassandra, if there was anything she wanted.
~~ Jane Austen, writer, d. July 18, 1817
How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?
~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891
I can't sleep.
~~ James M. Barrie, author, d. 1937
Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.
~~ John Barrymore, actor, d. May 29, 1942
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
~~ Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, d.1170
Now comes the mystery.
~~ Henry Ward Beecher, evangelist, d. March 8, 1887
Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.
~~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, d. March 26, 1827
I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis.
~~ Humphrey Bogart, actor, d. January 14, 1957
Josephine...
~~ Napoleon Bonaparte, French Emperor, May 5, 1821
I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct.
~~ Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, d. 1702
Ah, that tastes nice. Thank you.
~~ Johannes Brahms, composer, d. April 3, 1897
Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.
Spoken to her husband of 9 months, Rev. Arthur Nicholls.
~~ Charlotte Bronte, writer, d. March 31, 1855
Beautiful.
In reply to her husband who had asked how she felt.
~~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning, writer, d. June 28, 1861
Now I shall go to sleep. Goodnight.
~~ Lord George Byron, writer, d. 1824
I'm bored with it all.
Before slipping into a coma. He died 9 days later.
~~ Winston Churchill, statesman, d. January 24, 1965
I know you have come to kill me. Shoot coward, you are only going to kill a man.
Facing his assassin, Mario Teran, a Bolivian soldier.
~~ Ernesto "Che" Guevara, d. October 9, 1967
Yes, it's tough, but not as tough as doing comedy.
When asked if he thought dying was tough.
~~ Edmund Gwenn, actor, d. September 6, 1959
God will pardon me, that's his line of work.
~~ Heinrich Heine, poet, d. February 15, 1856
Turn up the lights, I don't want to go home in the dark.
~~ O. Henry (William Sidney Porter), writer, d. June 4, 1910
THE CUP THAT CHEERS – ALSO CURES
From the dawn of tea drinking, the brew has been acclaimed as a divine remedy for various ailments.
The Chinese used green tea to treat rheumatism, stimulate blood circulation, cure colds, digestive and liver problems. In paste form it was applied externally to heal wounds and skin tumors.
Tea has a refreshing effect and relaxes the nerves. The caffeine in tea increases alertness and a capacity for sustained intellectual effort apart from inducing a more rapid and clear flow of thought and a more perfect association of ideas. Caffeine also reduces drowsiness and fatigue.
Tea also contains appreciable amounts of vitamin ‘E’ and ‘K’. The fluoride content of tea has shown to be effective in preventing dental cavities.
Tea can assist in reducing weight, lowering cholesterol, preventing coronary heart diseases, resisting cancer and reducing hypertension.
So, go ahead and drink the brew – the beverage of the man who dares to think…
The Chinese used green tea to treat rheumatism, stimulate blood circulation, cure colds, digestive and liver problems. In paste form it was applied externally to heal wounds and skin tumors.
Tea has a refreshing effect and relaxes the nerves. The caffeine in tea increases alertness and a capacity for sustained intellectual effort apart from inducing a more rapid and clear flow of thought and a more perfect association of ideas. Caffeine also reduces drowsiness and fatigue.
Tea also contains appreciable amounts of vitamin ‘E’ and ‘K’. The fluoride content of tea has shown to be effective in preventing dental cavities.
Tea can assist in reducing weight, lowering cholesterol, preventing coronary heart diseases, resisting cancer and reducing hypertension.
So, go ahead and drink the brew – the beverage of the man who dares to think…
7 words WOMEN use...
FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means 'something,' and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in 'Fine'.
GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.
LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A 'Loud Sigh' means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over 'Nothing'.
THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. 'That's Okay' means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.
WHATEVER
It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ You.
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means 'something,' and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in 'Fine'.
GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.
LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A 'Loud Sigh' means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over 'Nothing'.
THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. 'That's Okay' means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.
WHATEVER
It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ You.
Laws on work...
# The first 90% of a project takes 10% of the time, the last 10% takes the other 90% of the time.
# Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
# You can go anywhere you want, if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
# Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
# You can go anywhere you want, if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
Monday, July 16, 2007
More laws on work...
# If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it.
# To err is human, to forgive is not company policy.
# In case of an atomic bomb attack, the company will close for half day.
# To err is human, to forgive is not company policy.
# In case of an atomic bomb attack, the company will close for half day.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Some more laws on work...
# Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing.
# The last person that quit or was fired will be the one held responsible for everything that goes wrong - until the next person quits or is fired.
# If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are real good, you will get out of it.
# The last person that quit or was fired will be the one held responsible for everything that goes wrong - until the next person quits or is fired.
# If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are real good, you will get out of it.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
And some more laws on work...
# People don't make the same mistake twice. They make it three times, four times, or five times.
# When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.
# Success is just a matter of luck - as any failure will tell you.
# When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.
# Success is just a matter of luck - as any failure will tell you.
Friday, July 13, 2007
NOISE MAKERS
Many animals who live together in groups have special ways of warning each other when danger approaches. Everyone knows what the danger signals mean - and they run away fast when they see them!
Beavers slap the water with their flat tails. Rabbits thump with their hind legs - and quails drum with their wings!
Beavers slap the water with their flat tails. Rabbits thump with their hind legs - and quails drum with their wings!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Humans remember four things at a time
Psychologists that the University of Oregon say that the capacity of short-term memory is a strong predictor of an individual's IQ level and scholastic achievement.
A study conducted by them has shown that an average person can think only about four items at a time, but people with high IQ levels can remember more articles.
Professor Edward Awh and Professor Edward Vogel of the university conducted laboratory experiments to test their hypothesis that the memory capacity might be influenced by the complexity of items being stored, something that might cause a four-item limit for most people.
The study showed that even when very complex objects had to be remembered, the participants who ranged in age from 18 to 30 years still were able to hold four items in active memory. However, the clarity of those items was not always perfect.
A study conducted by them has shown that an average person can think only about four items at a time, but people with high IQ levels can remember more articles.
Professor Edward Awh and Professor Edward Vogel of the university conducted laboratory experiments to test their hypothesis that the memory capacity might be influenced by the complexity of items being stored, something that might cause a four-item limit for most people.
The study showed that even when very complex objects had to be remembered, the participants who ranged in age from 18 to 30 years still were able to hold four items in active memory. However, the clarity of those items was not always perfect.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!
I don't do windows because ... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.
I don't wax floors because ... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible (plus they may sue me).
I don't mind the dust bunnies because ... they are very good company; I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.
I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own.
I don't Spring Clean because ... I love all the seasons and don't want the other seasons to get jealous.
I don't pull weeds in the garden because .. I don't want to get in God's way. HE is an excellent designer!
I don't put things away because ... my husband will never be able to find them again.
I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because ... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.
I don't iron because ... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press" on the labels of the clothes I buy.
I don't stress much on anything because ... "A Type" personalities die young andI want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!
REMEMBER . . . .
A clean house is a sign of a broken computer (since I can't go on-line, I might as well kill time doing some housecleaning!).
I don't wax floors because ... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible (plus they may sue me).
I don't mind the dust bunnies because ... they are very good company; I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.
I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own.
I don't Spring Clean because ... I love all the seasons and don't want the other seasons to get jealous.
I don't pull weeds in the garden because .. I don't want to get in God's way. HE is an excellent designer!
I don't put things away because ... my husband will never be able to find them again.
I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because ... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.
I don't iron because ... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press" on the labels of the clothes I buy.
I don't stress much on anything because ... "A Type" personalities die young andI want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!
REMEMBER . . . .
A clean house is a sign of a broken computer (since I can't go on-line, I might as well kill time doing some housecleaning!).
KARATE - Mighty Weapon Of The Empty Hand
Today, the techniques of Karate (pronounced Kah-rahte), for 15 centuries a closely guarded secret of the Orient, are being taken up world-wide, as a combination of recreation, exercise and self-defence.
Karate is a good deal more than the mere forceful, open-handed chop that it appears to the untrained eye. Karate’s unequalled power comes form a repertoire of more than 50 basic techniques that thwart any known tactic of an assailant and provide a stunning counter attack as well. No movement is wasted. Karate has a purposeful strategy from the first shrill yell which unnerves the attacker to the tightly clenched fist that starts out swinging with the fingers spread apart to obstruct the attacker’s view.
Never trying to out-muscle an assailant, the highly skilled practitioner, called a Karateka, uses rapid, coordinated feints that make the assailant vulnerable. For example; an attacker punches at a woman’s head. Knees bending slightly, she tosses her head back just enough to pull the man’s driving fist several centimeters farther than he intended. Eighty percent of the man’s body weight is now tilted forward. With her foot the woman merely taps a certain muscle in his ankle to unbalance him. Gravity jerks his feet out from under him. To keep him down, the woman can strike the “knee side” of a hand into a specific place on his neck that will momentarily stop blood flow to his head, stunning him. No wonder karate has become so popular, as a remarkable art of self-defence that enables even a 40 kilo girl to subdue a much stronger attacker.
The body has more than 40 sensitive “vital points”. One such “vital point” – on the neck – has been mentioned in the example given in the previous paragraph. If the same woman hits a certain muscle, to cite another example, the man loses control of his limbs for a few seconds. If certain nerves are struck, he is temporarily paralyzed. Anyone who has endured the numbing sensation in the elbow after striking the exposed “funny bone” knows what the reaction is like.
It takes up to eight months to learn the mechanics of Karate and three years to excel. The occasional bully who starts to learn usually lacks the discipline to continue; if he becomes proficient, he loses his aggressiveness, experts claim.
The colour of the practitioner’s belt denotes one of the eight levels of proficiency from the white worn by the beginner to the black awarded to those who have passed a test before a committee of accomplished black belts. But a reminder comes with each legitimate black belt: “You’ve only come of age in Karate.” Traditionally, there are ten levels of black belt, but only a few honoured champions ever seem to advance past the eighth.
Karate’s potentially lethal techniques began as peaceful exercises in 520 A.D. when an Indian monk, Bodhidharma, travelled to China and founded the Zen sect of Buddhism. He taught the monks to cultivate their minds and bodies with a strenuous exercise combining breathing and meditation, the slashing fist of the Indian warrior, and Chinese shadow boxing. Eventually called Kung-fu, the exercise also provided self-defence against bandit attacks. As Zen spread through China, Kung-fu was taught to trusted followers who vowed never to reveal its techniques. Kung-fu’s secretive growth was dramatized during the uprising against foreigners in Peking in 1900. Guarded consulates were surrounded by so many unarmed men with their fists in Kung-fu positions that Westerners called the uprising the Boxer Rebellion.
Karate’s present style evolved when Japan invaded Okinawa in 1609 and seized every conceivable weapon. In response, practitioners revealed how the weapon of “(kara) empty (te) hand” could block spears and paralyze warriors. The bent shields and swords in Okinawa’s museums attest to Karate’s efficiency.
Karate was taught only by fathers to sons, and men denied having the knowledge of Karate even to their neighbours.
Some of Karate’s methods, however, were learnt by American servicemen befriending Karateka in Japan, Okinawa, Korea and Indo-China during the American occupation. During the 1960s, a few experts, seeing ex-servicemen demonstrate their techniques, began to relax their code and teach “pure” Karate to anyone interested and disciplined enough. Since then, Karate has spread across every continent.
Karate is a good deal more than the mere forceful, open-handed chop that it appears to the untrained eye. Karate’s unequalled power comes form a repertoire of more than 50 basic techniques that thwart any known tactic of an assailant and provide a stunning counter attack as well. No movement is wasted. Karate has a purposeful strategy from the first shrill yell which unnerves the attacker to the tightly clenched fist that starts out swinging with the fingers spread apart to obstruct the attacker’s view.
Never trying to out-muscle an assailant, the highly skilled practitioner, called a Karateka, uses rapid, coordinated feints that make the assailant vulnerable. For example; an attacker punches at a woman’s head. Knees bending slightly, she tosses her head back just enough to pull the man’s driving fist several centimeters farther than he intended. Eighty percent of the man’s body weight is now tilted forward. With her foot the woman merely taps a certain muscle in his ankle to unbalance him. Gravity jerks his feet out from under him. To keep him down, the woman can strike the “knee side” of a hand into a specific place on his neck that will momentarily stop blood flow to his head, stunning him. No wonder karate has become so popular, as a remarkable art of self-defence that enables even a 40 kilo girl to subdue a much stronger attacker.
The body has more than 40 sensitive “vital points”. One such “vital point” – on the neck – has been mentioned in the example given in the previous paragraph. If the same woman hits a certain muscle, to cite another example, the man loses control of his limbs for a few seconds. If certain nerves are struck, he is temporarily paralyzed. Anyone who has endured the numbing sensation in the elbow after striking the exposed “funny bone” knows what the reaction is like.
It takes up to eight months to learn the mechanics of Karate and three years to excel. The occasional bully who starts to learn usually lacks the discipline to continue; if he becomes proficient, he loses his aggressiveness, experts claim.
The colour of the practitioner’s belt denotes one of the eight levels of proficiency from the white worn by the beginner to the black awarded to those who have passed a test before a committee of accomplished black belts. But a reminder comes with each legitimate black belt: “You’ve only come of age in Karate.” Traditionally, there are ten levels of black belt, but only a few honoured champions ever seem to advance past the eighth.
Karate’s potentially lethal techniques began as peaceful exercises in 520 A.D. when an Indian monk, Bodhidharma, travelled to China and founded the Zen sect of Buddhism. He taught the monks to cultivate their minds and bodies with a strenuous exercise combining breathing and meditation, the slashing fist of the Indian warrior, and Chinese shadow boxing. Eventually called Kung-fu, the exercise also provided self-defence against bandit attacks. As Zen spread through China, Kung-fu was taught to trusted followers who vowed never to reveal its techniques. Kung-fu’s secretive growth was dramatized during the uprising against foreigners in Peking in 1900. Guarded consulates were surrounded by so many unarmed men with their fists in Kung-fu positions that Westerners called the uprising the Boxer Rebellion.
Karate’s present style evolved when Japan invaded Okinawa in 1609 and seized every conceivable weapon. In response, practitioners revealed how the weapon of “(kara) empty (te) hand” could block spears and paralyze warriors. The bent shields and swords in Okinawa’s museums attest to Karate’s efficiency.
Karate was taught only by fathers to sons, and men denied having the knowledge of Karate even to their neighbours.
Some of Karate’s methods, however, were learnt by American servicemen befriending Karateka in Japan, Okinawa, Korea and Indo-China during the American occupation. During the 1960s, a few experts, seeing ex-servicemen demonstrate their techniques, began to relax their code and teach “pure” Karate to anyone interested and disciplined enough. Since then, Karate has spread across every continent.
Snow in Buenos Aires after 89 years!
Thousands of Argentines cheered and threw snowballs in the streets of Buenos Aires on July 9 as the capital city’s first snowfall since 1918 spread a thin white mantle across the region.
Wet snow fell for hours in the Argentine capital on Monday, July 9, accumulating in a mushy but thin white layer late in the evening, after freezing air from Antarctica collided with a moisture-laden low pressure system that blanketed higher elevations in western and central Argentina with snow.
“Despite all my years, this is the first time I’ve seen snow in Buenos Aires,” said Juana Benitez, an 82-year-old to newspaper reporters – before joining children celebrating in the streets.
Argentina’s National Weather Service said it was the first snowfall in Buenos Aires since June 22, 1918, though sleet or freezing rain have been periodically reported in the decades since. One man stripped to his shorts to welcome the snow. Children scraped snow from cars and threw snowballs. Motorists honked horns in celebration – some had small snowmen on their hoods. Some fender benders were reported on slick suburban streets.
The snowstorm struck on Argentina’s Independence Day holiday, adding to a festive air and prompting radio stations to play and old tango song inspired by the 1918 snowfall – “What a night!”
“This is the kind of weather phenomenon that comes along every 100 years,” forecaster Hector Ciappesoni told La Nacion newspaper. “It is very difficult to predict.”
The snow followed a bitter cold snap in late May that saw subfreezing temperatures, the coldest in 40 years in Buenos Aires. That cold wave contributed to an energy crisis and 23 deaths from exposure.
Wet snow fell for hours in the Argentine capital on Monday, July 9, accumulating in a mushy but thin white layer late in the evening, after freezing air from Antarctica collided with a moisture-laden low pressure system that blanketed higher elevations in western and central Argentina with snow.
“Despite all my years, this is the first time I’ve seen snow in Buenos Aires,” said Juana Benitez, an 82-year-old to newspaper reporters – before joining children celebrating in the streets.
Argentina’s National Weather Service said it was the first snowfall in Buenos Aires since June 22, 1918, though sleet or freezing rain have been periodically reported in the decades since. One man stripped to his shorts to welcome the snow. Children scraped snow from cars and threw snowballs. Motorists honked horns in celebration – some had small snowmen on their hoods. Some fender benders were reported on slick suburban streets.
The snowstorm struck on Argentina’s Independence Day holiday, adding to a festive air and prompting radio stations to play and old tango song inspired by the 1918 snowfall – “What a night!”
“This is the kind of weather phenomenon that comes along every 100 years,” forecaster Hector Ciappesoni told La Nacion newspaper. “It is very difficult to predict.”
The snow followed a bitter cold snap in late May that saw subfreezing temperatures, the coldest in 40 years in Buenos Aires. That cold wave contributed to an energy crisis and 23 deaths from exposure.
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