Had to share this story that I came accross during my daily search for interesting (read: weird-ish) stories focusing on your ordinary people who for whatever reason, do - well - silly things. In this case, the man paid the ultimate price for his action.
For whatever reason, a guy decided to participate in a cockroach eating contest... Correction: a live cockroach eating contest in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The contest, and why anyone would even consider holding a competition of this nature is also questionable, attracted thirty paticipants who ate roaches and other insects in order to win the prize - wait for it - a python.
So this makes one - me - wonder why the sponsor of the competition, a pet store, would give a potentially dangerous reptile as a prize to people who may not even know anything about the raising and care of pythons. I mean, would you? But I digress.
The contestant who shall remain nameless, became ill very quickly after the contest ended and collapsed outside the store. He was transferred to a hospital and pronounced dead. Amazingly enough and according to the sheriff's office, no other contestants became ill. I dunno - maybe they had pre-pared for the contest by eating roaches at home. Go know!
In any case, the participants signed a waiver "“accepting responsibility for their participation in this unique and unorthodox contest.” To say the least! I've tried deceased chocolate-covered grasshoppers - at least I took a bite out of one - but perhaps it's just me, but live cockroaches are on my not appealing whatsoever list. How about anyone reading this?
According to the story, the bugs were consumed from an inventory of insects deemed safe and domestically raised in a controlled environment of food for reptiles. This statment says a lot in itself. Food for reptiles aren't necessarily good for some humans.
There is no information as to whether a winner was declared and if the prize winner took home the python.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/10/08/man-dies-after-live-roach-eating-contest-in-fl/#ixzz28oVjJRMD
For those with delicate stomachs, the above link features a large-ish photo of a cockroach.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Pickles to go
The arrival of autumn always evokes memories of the past and my grandfather's pickling finesse. Perhaps it was his Russian roots and the era in which he lived, when supermarkets and ready made products were still a century away to being available.
It was an accepted part of
It was an accepted part of
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Shaken - not stirred - 50 years of 007
Just thinking how to go about celebrating this day. In case you weren't aware of it and count me in among those who aren't, October 5, 2012, will be Global James Bond Day. According to a promotional blurb, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who added their two-cents-worth, "We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating James Bond's golden addniversary on film with this special day of events for Bond fans around the world." Especially since another new Bond film is about to be released.
The word, "golden" infers 50 years so one assumes it's a means in which to mark fifty years of Bond films. Personally and in my view, Sean Connery exemplified "the" James Bond. Among my favorite is "You Only Live Twice", where James must find and stop some baaaad dudes from a skyjacking in order to prevent a nuclear war. Also on high on my like list is "Dr. No" where James has to stop SPECTRE from stopping rocket launches. The worst Bond portrayer in my view, was George Lazenby, who merely went through the motions in the film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Just didn't have the necessary Bond qualities. You know - charm, finesse, hero qualities and cocktail mixing know-how. Sorry but Daniel Craig doesn't do it for me, either. Just doesn't have that Bond charm. Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan did fit the bill but Sean still was the best.
The planned events to celebrate the golden anniversary includes a global online and live charity auction event organized by Christie's in London; a global survey in find out favorite Bond films, country-by-country; a Music of Bond Night in Los Angeles. Interesting to note that there are no special new martinis created in which to honor the man.
As Bond aficienodos know, 007 liked his martins, shaken - not stirred. However, recently and for whatever reason, Bond was made to gave up his martini in favor of imbibing in...well...beer. This was a very shocking move - at least for me. James Bond drinking a beer? What next? Maybe out of a bottle no less? Not that there's anything wrong with beer. Love a cold beer on a hot summer's day and enjoy it mixed with an un-cola but somehow and in my eyes, James Bond's personna does not go with beer.
SEDUCTIVE SPY
Make me a drink, James. You know - something cold that willcool down my hot mouth and slide down my throat
007
Got just the thing
SEDUCTIVE SPY
I heard that you're very adept in the liquid refreshment area, among other places
007
Watch me. First I take a bottle opener. Then I slip it under the bottle cap slowly, very slowly, pry the cap off until it gives in. Then I pour the contents into a large glass slowly and carefully and - voila!
SEDUCTIVE SPY
(putting on her clothes and heding for the door)
Sorry James but beer doesn't do it for me. Another time - another place... 'Boris - dahlink...'
But I digress.
Among the celebrations is an auction of Bond-related items to be auctioned off by Christie's on line until October 5 to benefit charities. Here is the coordinates for people who are interested in bidding on a momento: http://www.christies.com/sales/50-years-of-james-bond-september-2012/sale-info.aspx
Here is a clip from another of my favorites, "The Spy Who Loved Me" with Roger Moore as Bond. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgh-SAuT7hs
For those so inclined, here is the recipe for a James Bond Martini as per www.drinksmixer.com:
3 oz. gin
1 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. white wine
Pour gin, vodka and wine into a cocktail shaker half-filled with crracked ice. Shake well (not stirred obviously to get the real Bond feel.) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve.
How do you plan to celebrate?
The word, "golden" infers 50 years so one assumes it's a means in which to mark fifty years of Bond films. Personally and in my view, Sean Connery exemplified "the" James Bond. Among my favorite is "You Only Live Twice", where James must find and stop some baaaad dudes from a skyjacking in order to prevent a nuclear war. Also on high on my like list is "Dr. No" where James has to stop SPECTRE from stopping rocket launches. The worst Bond portrayer in my view, was George Lazenby, who merely went through the motions in the film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Just didn't have the necessary Bond qualities. You know - charm, finesse, hero qualities and cocktail mixing know-how. Sorry but Daniel Craig doesn't do it for me, either. Just doesn't have that Bond charm. Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan did fit the bill but Sean still was the best.
The planned events to celebrate the golden anniversary includes a global online and live charity auction event organized by Christie's in London; a global survey in find out favorite Bond films, country-by-country; a Music of Bond Night in Los Angeles. Interesting to note that there are no special new martinis created in which to honor the man.
As Bond aficienodos know, 007 liked his martins, shaken - not stirred. However, recently and for whatever reason, Bond was made to gave up his martini in favor of imbibing in...well...beer. This was a very shocking move - at least for me. James Bond drinking a beer? What next? Maybe out of a bottle no less? Not that there's anything wrong with beer. Love a cold beer on a hot summer's day and enjoy it mixed with an un-cola but somehow and in my eyes, James Bond's personna does not go with beer.
SEDUCTIVE SPY
Make me a drink, James. You know - something cold that willcool down my hot mouth and slide down my throat
007
Got just the thing
SEDUCTIVE SPY
I heard that you're very adept in the liquid refreshment area, among other places
007
Watch me. First I take a bottle opener. Then I slip it under the bottle cap slowly, very slowly, pry the cap off until it gives in. Then I pour the contents into a large glass slowly and carefully and - voila!
SEDUCTIVE SPY
(putting on her clothes and heding for the door)
Sorry James but beer doesn't do it for me. Another time - another place... 'Boris - dahlink...'
But I digress.
Among the celebrations is an auction of Bond-related items to be auctioned off by Christie's on line until October 5 to benefit charities. Here is the coordinates for people who are interested in bidding on a momento: http://www.christies.com/sales/50-years-of-james-bond-september-2012/sale-info.aspx
Here is a clip from another of my favorites, "The Spy Who Loved Me" with Roger Moore as Bond. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgh-SAuT7hs
For those so inclined, here is the recipe for a James Bond Martini as per www.drinksmixer.com:
3 oz. gin
1 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. white wine
Pour gin, vodka and wine into a cocktail shaker half-filled with crracked ice. Shake well (not stirred obviously to get the real Bond feel.) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve.
How do you plan to celebrate?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Teen makes his point and fights for right to have 16" Mohawk
Chances are that for many people reading this, the option of a hair style is left to the taste of the wear-ee. A 17-year old high school senior, Asher Stonesifer, wants the right to wear his hair as he pleases and he's going all out to make his point.
The point in this case, is his 16-inch Mohawk, which does not please his high school principal, who has banned the senior from wearing it in this style. For the unaware, a Mohawk consists of carefully formed hair spikes that stand on their own. Stonesifer, who has been wearing this style since March 2011, was informed by the principal that his Mohawk was a distraction and health and safety hazard.
So, I'm thinking here, maybe a Mohawk is not to everyone's liking but not sure about the health and safety hazard aspect. Perhaps - pure speculation - if touched it could...I dunno...pierce skin or something and maybe it could block somebody from seeing over his head from the back. But I digress.
The school principal instructed Stonesifer not to wear the Mohawk during school hours, but after discussing it with his mother, Stonesifer defied the order was
The point in this case, is his 16-inch Mohawk, which does not please his high school principal, who has banned the senior from wearing it in this style. For the unaware, a Mohawk consists of carefully formed hair spikes that stand on their own. Stonesifer, who has been wearing this style since March 2011, was informed by the principal that his Mohawk was a distraction and health and safety hazard.
So, I'm thinking here, maybe a Mohawk is not to everyone's liking but not sure about the health and safety hazard aspect. Perhaps - pure speculation - if touched it could...I dunno...pierce skin or something and maybe it could block somebody from seeing over his head from the back. But I digress.
The school principal instructed Stonesifer not to wear the Mohawk during school hours, but after discussing it with his mother, Stonesifer defied the order was
Asher Stonesifer, 17, vowed to continue his “fight for the right to spike,” even after DeLand High School principal Mitch Moyer upheld his decision to ban the senior from wearing his hair in a 16-inch Mohawk, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.
According to Stonesifer, Moyer told the teen this week that the “liberty spikes” he had been sporting sporadically since March 2011 were a distraction and a health and safety hazard. Stonesifer was instructed not to style his hair like that during school hours again.
After discussing with his mother, who believes controlling student hairstyles is “a free speech issue," Stonesifer returned to school on Tuesday boasting his signature spikes as a form of protest. He was promptly sent home for insubordination.
Bay News 9 reports the Volusia County Schools dress code includes no mention of hair, but can be adapted at the principal’s discretion.
"The dress code says that the principal has to determine whether or not it is appropriate for an educational setting, if it's too extreme if it causes a disruption," district spokesperson Nancy Wait said.
On Wednesday, the principal agreed to discuss with school district officials a proposal that would allow the senior to continue wearing his hair spikes in school, provided they were cut to a 10-inch length.
However, on Thursday superintendent Tom Russell informed Moyer the decision rests with the school principal, and Moyer has elected to not budge from his original stance.
Meanwhile, according to the News-Journal, Stonesifer continued to collect signatures for a petition on Thursday in hopes of changing the policy.
Stonesifer told WOFL it takes him about two hours to style his hair every morning, depending on how many spikes he adds. He also said he is seeking a new world record for the tallest “Liberty Spike Mohawk,” which currently stands at 3.6 feet.
According to Moyer, the 17-year-old will be permitted to wear his hair up during the school’s annual Spirit Week, which encourages students to “dress out of the norm” in an effort to boost excitement for the homecoming football game.
According to Stonesifer, Moyer told the teen this week that the “liberty spikes” he had been sporting sporadically since March 2011 were a distraction and a health and safety hazard. Stonesifer was instructed not to style his hair like that during school hours again.
After discussing with his mother, who believes controlling student hairstyles is “a free speech issue," Stonesifer returned to school on Tuesday boasting his signature spikes as a form of protest. He was promptly sent home for insubordination.
Bay News 9 reports the Volusia County Schools dress code includes no mention of hair, but can be adapted at the principal’s discretion.
"The dress code says that the principal has to determine whether or not it is appropriate for an educational setting, if it's too extreme if it causes a disruption," district spokesperson Nancy Wait said.
On Wednesday, the principal agreed to discuss with school district officials a proposal that would allow the senior to continue wearing his hair spikes in school, provided they were cut to a 10-inch length.
However, on Thursday superintendent Tom Russell informed Moyer the decision rests with the school principal, and Moyer has elected to not budge from his original stance.
Stonesifer told WOFL it takes him about two hours to style his hair every morning, depending on how many spikes he adds. He also said he is seeking a new world record for the tallest “Liberty Spike Mohawk,” which currently stands at 3.6 feet.
According to Moyer, the 17-year-old will be permitted to wear his hair up during the school’s annual Spirit Week, which encourages students to “dress out of the norm” in an effort to boost excitement for the homecoming football game.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Ig Nobel awards for people who accomplish cool...stuff
Every year the Ig Nobel Prizes honor achievements, which are supposed to make people laugh and then make them think. The prizes, according to the Ig Nobel site, "are intended to celebrate the unusual, honor the imaginative — and spur people's interest in science, medicine and technology."
It's really interesting to note the imagination and thought process that goes into the creation and conception of the ideas. So without further ado, here is the full list of 2012 Ig Nobel winners and their distinction:
We start out with the Psychology Prize, won by Anita Eerland and Rolf Zwaan of the Netherlands and Tulio Guadalupe (Peru/Russia/Netherlands), who were recognized for their study, "Leaning to the Left Makes the Eiffel Tower Seem Smaller." As a person who has visited the tower, never really gave it much consideration as to whether or not leaning left or right actually made it appear smaller. I mean, the only thing noticeable is that the tower is tall. Period. One - me - wonders the amount of leaning the team did to arrive at this conclusion.
The prize for Accoustics was awarded to Kazutaka Kurihara and Koji Tsukada (Japan), for creating the SpeechJammer, a machine that disrupts a person's speech by making them hear their own spoken words at a very slight delay. Now this just could be something that the world has been waiting for, in that it would be a perfect tool when listening to politician's speeches. More to the point, making the politicians actually listen to the...interesting promises they make. But I digress.
Nothing fishy when it comes to the Neuroscience Prize, which went to Craig Bennett, Abigail Baird, Michael Miller and George Wolford (US), for demonstrating that brain researchers, by using complicated instruments and simple statistics, can see meaningful brain activity anywhere - even in dead salmon. So this makes me wonder: why one would want to see if there is brain activity in a dead salmon. Why not just eat it, don't you think?
Seems that some people really have bad hair days as Johan Pettersson (Sweden/Rwanada) awarded the Chemistry Prize for solving the puzzle of why, in certain hosues in the town of Anderslov, Sweden, people's hair turned green. Maybe - pure speculation - somebody added green coloring to certain people's water as an April Fool's joke or something, or perhaps they just liked green hair. Go know, but Johan Pertersson seems to feel he had the right answer and has been rewarded for announcing it.
The US Government General Accountability Office won the Literature Prize no less, for issuing a report about reports about reports that recommends the preparation of a report about the report about reports about reports. One - me - wonders what was in the report that recommended the report, etc. etc....
This accomplishment is something we all have been waiting to hear. For calculating the balance of forces that shape and move the hair in a human ponytail, Joseph Keller (US), Raymond Goldstein (US/UK), Patrick Warren and Robin Ball (UK) were recognized for noting this. Seems that Prof. Keller was also given an Ig for his work and study on non-drip teapots in 1999, but for which he was wrongly overlooked. Now this is a very important study, people! Non-drip teapots could be a real discovery for tea drinkers everywhere. Imagine pouring a cup of tea and not having to worry whether or not it will stain the table cloth. It's good that Prof. Keller was eventually recognized for his contribution.
Another interesting award, Fluid Dynamics Prize, was given to Rouslan Krechetnikov (US/Russia/Canada) and Hans Mayer (US) for their study of the dynamics of liquid sloshing, to learn the results of what happens while carrying a cup of coffee. Now why would this study focus strictly on coffee and not tea, for example? Or soft drink? Or juice...etc.? This leads one - me - to wonder whether the chemical makeup of coffee has an affect on sloshing? Sloshing by the way, is the what happens to liquids as they move from side-to-side while being carried. Now you know.
The Anatomy Prize was given to Frans de Waal (Netherlands/US) and Jennifer Pokorny (US) for discovering that chimpanzees can identify other chimpanzees individually from seeing photographs of their rear ends.
Last but certainly not least, Emmanuel Ben Soussan and Michel Antonietti was received the Medicine Prize for advising doctors who perform colonoscopies, how to minimize the chance their patients will explode. People who have had colonoscopies will be happy that their odds of exploding. have been minimized. Imagine the mess.
So there we have it, this year's Ig Nobel distinctions. How could we have existed the entire year without knowing about them? Definitely food for thought - or something.
It's really interesting to note the imagination and thought process that goes into the creation and conception of the ideas. So without further ado, here is the full list of 2012 Ig Nobel winners and their distinction:
We start out with the Psychology Prize, won by Anita Eerland and Rolf Zwaan of the Netherlands and Tulio Guadalupe (Peru/Russia/Netherlands), who were recognized for their study, "Leaning to the Left Makes the Eiffel Tower Seem Smaller." As a person who has visited the tower, never really gave it much consideration as to whether or not leaning left or right actually made it appear smaller. I mean, the only thing noticeable is that the tower is tall. Period. One - me - wonders the amount of leaning the team did to arrive at this conclusion.
Following this interesting and thought-provoking conclusion, the Peace Prize was won by the SKN Company (Russia), for converting old Russian ammunition into new diamonds. The word "diamonds" caught my attention. I'm thinking here...what type of ammunition did they use in order to obtain diamonds? Also, who were the recipients of said diamonds and how does one apply to get a free sample?
The prize for Accoustics was awarded to Kazutaka Kurihara and Koji Tsukada (Japan), for creating the SpeechJammer, a machine that disrupts a person's speech by making them hear their own spoken words at a very slight delay. Now this just could be something that the world has been waiting for, in that it would be a perfect tool when listening to politician's speeches. More to the point, making the politicians actually listen to the...interesting promises they make. But I digress.
Nothing fishy when it comes to the Neuroscience Prize, which went to Craig Bennett, Abigail Baird, Michael Miller and George Wolford (US), for demonstrating that brain researchers, by using complicated instruments and simple statistics, can see meaningful brain activity anywhere - even in dead salmon. So this makes me wonder: why one would want to see if there is brain activity in a dead salmon. Why not just eat it, don't you think?
Seems that some people really have bad hair days as Johan Pettersson (Sweden/Rwanada) awarded the Chemistry Prize for solving the puzzle of why, in certain hosues in the town of Anderslov, Sweden, people's hair turned green. Maybe - pure speculation - somebody added green coloring to certain people's water as an April Fool's joke or something, or perhaps they just liked green hair. Go know, but Johan Pertersson seems to feel he had the right answer and has been rewarded for announcing it.
The US Government General Accountability Office won the Literature Prize no less, for issuing a report about reports about reports that recommends the preparation of a report about the report about reports about reports. One - me - wonders what was in the report that recommended the report, etc. etc....
This accomplishment is something we all have been waiting to hear. For calculating the balance of forces that shape and move the hair in a human ponytail, Joseph Keller (US), Raymond Goldstein (US/UK), Patrick Warren and Robin Ball (UK) were recognized for noting this. Seems that Prof. Keller was also given an Ig for his work and study on non-drip teapots in 1999, but for which he was wrongly overlooked. Now this is a very important study, people! Non-drip teapots could be a real discovery for tea drinkers everywhere. Imagine pouring a cup of tea and not having to worry whether or not it will stain the table cloth. It's good that Prof. Keller was eventually recognized for his contribution.
Another interesting award, Fluid Dynamics Prize, was given to Rouslan Krechetnikov (US/Russia/Canada) and Hans Mayer (US) for their study of the dynamics of liquid sloshing, to learn the results of what happens while carrying a cup of coffee. Now why would this study focus strictly on coffee and not tea, for example? Or soft drink? Or juice...etc.? This leads one - me - to wonder whether the chemical makeup of coffee has an affect on sloshing? Sloshing by the way, is the what happens to liquids as they move from side-to-side while being carried. Now you know.
The Anatomy Prize was given to Frans de Waal (Netherlands/US) and Jennifer Pokorny (US) for discovering that chimpanzees can identify other chimpanzees individually from seeing photographs of their rear ends.
Last but certainly not least, Emmanuel Ben Soussan and Michel Antonietti was received the Medicine Prize for advising doctors who perform colonoscopies, how to minimize the chance their patients will explode. People who have had colonoscopies will be happy that their odds of exploding. have been minimized. Imagine the mess.
So there we have it, this year's Ig Nobel distinctions. How could we have existed the entire year without knowing about them? Definitely food for thought - or something.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Santa was a smoker?
Upon first reading that Santa had given up smoking and to be honest, it never occurred to me that the jolly, old elf smoked. Recalling the poem ,"The Night Before Christmas", and checking out the exact wording, a line reads: "The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath." It confirmed as we all know that the man-in-red was a pipe smoker.
The issue of Santa Claus smoking has come up with an edited version of the poem, which has eliminated the referral to a pipe-smoking Santa. A Canadian independent publisher and a smoking cessation advocate, Pamela McColl, has taken it upon herself to edit the poem and eliminate the smoking line in the hope of discouraging young people to smoke. While her goal is admirable, one wonders - me - if this is such a good idea. As mentioned, the line slipped right by me or perhaps I never really gave it much thought. Given the overall vision of the poem as a whole, Santa smoking a pipe didn't strike me as important.
Thinking further, there is no mention in the poem as to how often Santa smoked his pipe. One - me - wonders if he was a regular pipe smoker or an occasional pipe smoker, or a once-in-a-while pipe-smoker, using it once per year when he delivered toys to girls and boys. How do we know whether it was tobacco that Santa smoked or perhaps a non-addictive herb? I mean, there is greenery in the North Pole and Santa being Santa wise and all, he could have known that tobacco was not healthy. Am I right?
Moreover, Frosty the Snowman just could suffer a similar fate. Let's not forget that the popular snowman has/had a corn cob pipe. Could the song incur a similar fate:
"Frosty the Snowman, Was a jolly, happy soul, With a corncob pipe and button nose..."
True there's no mention of whether he at any time actually smoked the pipe but a pipe is a pipe is...and where there's a pipe there could be tobacco and smoke.
As a writer, somehow the tampering with a beloved poem bothers me, even though the intent is honorable. There are some things that should be viewed in the context it was written as Clement Clarke Moore's view of his perfect Christmas.
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/09/18/after-200-years-santa-kicks-a-bad-habit-publisher-activist-update-twas-the-night-before-christmas-take-away-st-nicks-pipe/
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Part deux: spaghetti and oyster slurping how-to
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, there is an accepted etiquette when eating foods that require some expertise. Debrett's - the guide when it comes to eating 'how-to' - covers many of the more challenging food choices, offering advice as to the socially correct way to eat.
Pasta is a particular challenge for many diners. The partaking of pasta can present a particular problem. According to Debrett's, classic pasta should be consumed only with a fork. This action, IMHO, is easier said (or written) than done and can be a tricky feat. It (Debrett's) suggests that spaghetti be twisted into a small presumably round-ish bundle around fork tines by "twirling it clockwise against the side of the dish."
This leads one - me - to wonder the end result if - say - an attempt was made to to perform this action counter-clockwise? Has anybody reading this been daring enough to test this action and does it work as well? Is it an illegal act to twirl pasta anti-clockwise and is a fine involved? But I digress.
For whatever reason and personally it doesn't make sense to me, it's a social faux-pas to cut the pasta threads with the side of the fork. Let me state for the record that - gasp - I cut my pasta with a knife to make the eating easier. Let's be candid: it's not easy to get the hang of pasta twirling. Even when this is achieved, the end result can be a stray pasta strand that adheres itself to the chin, or worse, fall on to a piece of clothing. This leads to the issue of the etiquette of retrieving a pasta strand and whether or not it's an acceptable act to use a fingers or fork retrieval. Does one leave it "as is" or does it require removal? Another point to ponder is whether guests sitting at a table should point out a visible strand pasta.
"Excuse me but you've got spaghetti on your top," a co-diner might remark in the way of being helpful.
"Oh really?" the spaghetti drop-ee might respond, looking down to verify the observation. "Thank you for noticing and bringing it to my attention," the drop-ee could respond, while pondering the next step to take.
It could lead one to wonder whether it would be considered gauche to dip a napkin in the water glass to eliminate a stain. What about the usage of a commercial stain remover stick in public? These are important issues worthy of an answer not mentioned in Debretts! Related to this, is it socially allowable to wear a bib or place a napkin at the chin?
According to another etiquette-ist, Emily Post, who has another point of view: ''Most restaurants (and hostesses) that feature pasta provide guests with a large spoon as well as the knife and fork. The fork is used to spear a few strands of spaghetti, the tips are placed against the spoon, which is held on its side, in the left hand, and the fork is twirled, wrapping the spaghetti around itself as it turns. If no spoon is provided, the tips of the fork may be rested against the curve of the plate.'' '-- The New Emily Post's Etiquette, Elizabeth L. Post, 1975
Moving on to another tricky food option, oysters aren't everyone's cup of tea so to speak. Although they're very tasty in my experience, visually they resemble - well - throat slime. They also require some dexterity in extricating them from their home in their shells and an oyster shucker is used for this purpose. That's the easy part. The difficulty for some people is in the actual eating. On the advice once more of Debrett's, "pick up the shell and bring the widest end to your lips. Tilt, and slide the entire contents of the shell - the oyster and all the juices - directly into your mouth from the shell." Once in the mouth, it can be chewed (blech) or swallow it down whole. On this aspect, Debrett's recommends that chewing is a good option in order to "savour the unique briny, metallic taste of the oyster." Savor the metallic taste? I mean, oysters are...okay but somehow savoring the taste of metal doesn't do it for me, at least.
There is also a section devoted to eating snails. Pass. Somehow eating a food whose relatives I've stepped on in the garden doesn't do it for me.
Pasta is a particular challenge for many diners. The partaking of pasta can present a particular problem. According to Debrett's, classic pasta should be consumed only with a fork. This action, IMHO, is easier said (or written) than done and can be a tricky feat. It (Debrett's) suggests that spaghetti be twisted into a small presumably round-ish bundle around fork tines by "twirling it clockwise against the side of the dish."
This leads one - me - to wonder the end result if - say - an attempt was made to to perform this action counter-clockwise? Has anybody reading this been daring enough to test this action and does it work as well? Is it an illegal act to twirl pasta anti-clockwise and is a fine involved? But I digress.
For whatever reason and personally it doesn't make sense to me, it's a social faux-pas to cut the pasta threads with the side of the fork. Let me state for the record that - gasp - I cut my pasta with a knife to make the eating easier. Let's be candid: it's not easy to get the hang of pasta twirling. Even when this is achieved, the end result can be a stray pasta strand that adheres itself to the chin, or worse, fall on to a piece of clothing. This leads to the issue of the etiquette of retrieving a pasta strand and whether or not it's an acceptable act to use a fingers or fork retrieval. Does one leave it "as is" or does it require removal? Another point to ponder is whether guests sitting at a table should point out a visible strand pasta.
"Excuse me but you've got spaghetti on your top," a co-diner might remark in the way of being helpful.
"Oh really?" the spaghetti drop-ee might respond, looking down to verify the observation. "Thank you for noticing and bringing it to my attention," the drop-ee could respond, while pondering the next step to take.
It could lead one to wonder whether it would be considered gauche to dip a napkin in the water glass to eliminate a stain. What about the usage of a commercial stain remover stick in public? These are important issues worthy of an answer not mentioned in Debretts! Related to this, is it socially allowable to wear a bib or place a napkin at the chin?
According to another etiquette-ist, Emily Post, who has another point of view: ''Most restaurants (and hostesses) that feature pasta provide guests with a large spoon as well as the knife and fork. The fork is used to spear a few strands of spaghetti, the tips are placed against the spoon, which is held on its side, in the left hand, and the fork is twirled, wrapping the spaghetti around itself as it turns. If no spoon is provided, the tips of the fork may be rested against the curve of the plate.'' '-- The New Emily Post's Etiquette, Elizabeth L. Post, 1975
Moving on to another tricky food option, oysters aren't everyone's cup of tea so to speak. Although they're very tasty in my experience, visually they resemble - well - throat slime. They also require some dexterity in extricating them from their home in their shells and an oyster shucker is used for this purpose. That's the easy part. The difficulty for some people is in the actual eating. On the advice once more of Debrett's, "pick up the shell and bring the widest end to your lips. Tilt, and slide the entire contents of the shell - the oyster and all the juices - directly into your mouth from the shell." Once in the mouth, it can be chewed (blech) or swallow it down whole. On this aspect, Debrett's recommends that chewing is a good option in order to "savour the unique briny, metallic taste of the oyster." Savor the metallic taste? I mean, oysters are...okay but somehow savoring the taste of metal doesn't do it for me, at least.
There is also a section devoted to eating snails. Pass. Somehow eating a food whose relatives I've stepped on in the garden doesn't do it for me.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Stories that make you ask, "why?" Of zombies, kitty awards, Rembrandt...and other stuff
It's yet another edition of those interesting and quirky stories that seem to pop up on the cyber highway of life, which make you shake your head with wonder, awe and puzzlement.
A zombie throws his hat in the presidential ring
Given the popularity of zombies these days, it isn't surprising that this didn't happen earlier. Not sure how this will go over with fellow candidates but a Mr. A. Zombie and wife, Patty Morgan-Zombie, made their presence known at the Democratic National Convention to "highlight the plight of the zombie community".
Oh the angst and anonymity of being a zombie!
In providing an explanation as to why he is running, Mrs. Zombie explained that "my husband is running for president, because he could have taken a certain issue issue lying down, well, because he was already lying down, but he decided to stand up and pledge to fight for equal viewing opportunities for all."
Part of his platform included improving the lives of zombies everywhere and get them more jobs. More jobs? Does this mean that unbeknownst to us, there are zombies working among us? Perhaps - pure speculation on my part - this could explain the working philosophy of many politicians.
Mr. and Mrs. or Ms Zombie are using the event to draw attention to their series, "The Walking Dead", on the Dish Network, which dropped the show after a contract dispute. At least that's the claim and they're sticking to it. Blood and guts weren't involed.
Elephant art goes for big bucks
Some of us produce painted masterpieces and hope for the best in finding a buyer. Then there are some artists in the animal world that have ready purchasers. A Czech female Asian elephant, Shanti (love that name) whose studio is in the Prague Zoo, is creating canvases that are selling for £1,000 and expectations are that their value will rise with time. They are being auctioned off for a good cause with the funds being put towards the purchase of veterinary equipment for an elephant zoo in Sri Lanka.
The elephant/artist was handed a brush by her keeper who taught her how to grasp it and the rest, as they say, is history. Her (Shanti) motivation to create elephantine art is food but for whatever reason, possible artistic block (been there - experienced that), she has not produced any new art making the current canvases a limited edition, which could go up in value. In case someone reading this is in the area, Shanti's art is on display at the Marthi Gallery in Prague, Czechoslovakia. No indication on the medium used.
Fowl language gets pet into trouble
Cockatoos are known to have an extensive vocabulary and will pick up words and mimic song lyrics among other tricks. Sometimes, however and depending on who's doing the teaching, it can get a bird into legal trouble.
Willy, a cockatoo, was accused of allegedly and repeatedly calling a neighbor "a whore." The incident is part of a year-long dispute between two neighbors that lead to legal proceedings. The bird and its owner are being accused in Municipal Court of violating the city's animal-noise law. I mean and JMHO, even if the bird did say this, perhaps it was referring to - I dunno - a passing squirrel...another bird... Go know! One - me - wonders if the bird will be called to testify in its own defence.
JUDGE
Willy - did you call Ms Blah-Blah a whore?"
WILLY
(head bobbing up-and-down)
One-two-three-four... Willy can open the door
He could have meant that...
Definitely the cat's meow
Some - most cats actually - do whatever they want, ignoring human presence. Then there are cats that acquire fame and become Internet video stars and become recognized for being a...cat.
A film festival dedicated to cats, recognized its first winner and recipient of the Golden Kitty Award, for being part of the most popular cat-based video that has gone viral on YouTube. The winner, Henri 2, who was the main and only star of Paw de Deux, directed and shot by William Braden, featured Henri doing what cats do best, lay around and look bored.
In the video, Henri (written the french way) is heard to utter phrases while staring out of a window that include, "I am free to go yet I remaiI alone feel this torment. The 15 hours a day I sleep have no effect. I wake to the same tedium." He also opines later, "I alone feel this torment. I am surrounded by morons."
The cat celeb acquired more than 10,000 votes to give him first place. No indication who was in second, third...and subsequent places. The video was filmed in the same manner as the Academy Award film, "The Artist" and the award handed out in the Walker Art Gallery in Minneapolis.
Here is the award winning cat in his starring role: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M
New Jersey mom sleepwalks her way on to YouTube
Not sure how most moms would react but when Nick Foti saw his mom sleepwalking, he decided to catch the moment on video. He then opened up his mom's night time stroll by sharing it with YouTube viewers. In the video, Nick captures mom dancing around and goes into an explanation as to the rationale behind her moves.
Rather than merely relating the story, here is the video. You judge whether mom has all the right moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYT_rOgvIA
Just thinking...not sure if all moms would welcome being highlighted on YouTube. Whad'ya think?
Painting bought in U.S. flea market a $$$ masterpiece
Like many people reading this will agree, it's lots of fun browsing the goods on sale at flea markets. You never know what bargains can be found and sometimes the purchase turns out to be worth big bucks.
A Virginia woman who was looking through the tables at a local flea market saw a doll, part of a box filled with items seemingly of no value, which caught her eye so she bought the box for $50. Presumably pleased with the purchase, she never imagined in her wildest dreams that the box also contained - wait for it - a painting with the signature that read, Renoir. "The" Renoir. Before finding out that her purchase was a real bargain that most of us dream about and liking the frame, she began ripping the back of the painting but stopped on the advice of her mother who thought the painting could be worth a lot of money. That's a real understatement. After checking out the painting, it turned out to be Renoir's, "Paysage Bords du Seine" that is expected to bring $100,000 when auctioned off.
Here is a photo of the painting: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/a-possible-renoir-surfaces-at-a-virginia-flea-market/
As I've frequently said upon reading these articles, mine go for a lot less. What did you find at the flea market, lately?
A zombie throws his hat in the presidential ring
Given the popularity of zombies these days, it isn't surprising that this didn't happen earlier. Not sure how this will go over with fellow candidates but a Mr. A. Zombie and wife, Patty Morgan-Zombie, made their presence known at the Democratic National Convention to "highlight the plight of the zombie community".
Oh the angst and anonymity of being a zombie!
In providing an explanation as to why he is running, Mrs. Zombie explained that "my husband is running for president, because he could have taken a certain issue issue lying down, well, because he was already lying down, but he decided to stand up and pledge to fight for equal viewing opportunities for all."
Part of his platform included improving the lives of zombies everywhere and get them more jobs. More jobs? Does this mean that unbeknownst to us, there are zombies working among us? Perhaps - pure speculation on my part - this could explain the working philosophy of many politicians.
Mr. and Mrs. or Ms Zombie are using the event to draw attention to their series, "The Walking Dead", on the Dish Network, which dropped the show after a contract dispute. At least that's the claim and they're sticking to it. Blood and guts weren't involed.
Elephant art goes for big bucks
Some of us produce painted masterpieces and hope for the best in finding a buyer. Then there are some artists in the animal world that have ready purchasers. A Czech female Asian elephant, Shanti (love that name) whose studio is in the Prague Zoo, is creating canvases that are selling for £1,000 and expectations are that their value will rise with time. They are being auctioned off for a good cause with the funds being put towards the purchase of veterinary equipment for an elephant zoo in Sri Lanka.
The elephant/artist was handed a brush by her keeper who taught her how to grasp it and the rest, as they say, is history. Her (Shanti) motivation to create elephantine art is food but for whatever reason, possible artistic block (been there - experienced that), she has not produced any new art making the current canvases a limited edition, which could go up in value. In case someone reading this is in the area, Shanti's art is on display at the Marthi Gallery in Prague, Czechoslovakia. No indication on the medium used.
Fowl language gets pet into trouble
Cockatoos are known to have an extensive vocabulary and will pick up words and mimic song lyrics among other tricks. Sometimes, however and depending on who's doing the teaching, it can get a bird into legal trouble.
Willy, a cockatoo, was accused of allegedly and repeatedly calling a neighbor "a whore." The incident is part of a year-long dispute between two neighbors that lead to legal proceedings. The bird and its owner are being accused in Municipal Court of violating the city's animal-noise law. I mean and JMHO, even if the bird did say this, perhaps it was referring to - I dunno - a passing squirrel...another bird... Go know! One - me - wonders if the bird will be called to testify in its own defence.
JUDGE
Willy - did you call Ms Blah-Blah a whore?"
WILLY
(head bobbing up-and-down)
One-two-three-four... Willy can open the door
He could have meant that...
Definitely the cat's meow
Some - most cats actually - do whatever they want, ignoring human presence. Then there are cats that acquire fame and become Internet video stars and become recognized for being a...cat.
A film festival dedicated to cats, recognized its first winner and recipient of the Golden Kitty Award, for being part of the most popular cat-based video that has gone viral on YouTube. The winner, Henri 2, who was the main and only star of Paw de Deux, directed and shot by William Braden, featured Henri doing what cats do best, lay around and look bored.
In the video, Henri (written the french way) is heard to utter phrases while staring out of a window that include, "I am free to go yet I remaiI alone feel this torment. The 15 hours a day I sleep have no effect. I wake to the same tedium." He also opines later, "I alone feel this torment. I am surrounded by morons."
The cat celeb acquired more than 10,000 votes to give him first place. No indication who was in second, third...and subsequent places. The video was filmed in the same manner as the Academy Award film, "The Artist" and the award handed out in the Walker Art Gallery in Minneapolis.
Here is the award winning cat in his starring role: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M
New Jersey mom sleepwalks her way on to YouTube
Not sure how most moms would react but when Nick Foti saw his mom sleepwalking, he decided to catch the moment on video. He then opened up his mom's night time stroll by sharing it with YouTube viewers. In the video, Nick captures mom dancing around and goes into an explanation as to the rationale behind her moves.
Rather than merely relating the story, here is the video. You judge whether mom has all the right moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYT_rOgvIA
Just thinking...not sure if all moms would welcome being highlighted on YouTube. Whad'ya think?
Painting bought in U.S. flea market a $$$ masterpiece
Like many people reading this will agree, it's lots of fun browsing the goods on sale at flea markets. You never know what bargains can be found and sometimes the purchase turns out to be worth big bucks.
A Virginia woman who was looking through the tables at a local flea market saw a doll, part of a box filled with items seemingly of no value, which caught her eye so she bought the box for $50. Presumably pleased with the purchase, she never imagined in her wildest dreams that the box also contained - wait for it - a painting with the signature that read, Renoir. "The" Renoir. Before finding out that her purchase was a real bargain that most of us dream about and liking the frame, she began ripping the back of the painting but stopped on the advice of her mother who thought the painting could be worth a lot of money. That's a real understatement. After checking out the painting, it turned out to be Renoir's, "Paysage Bords du Seine" that is expected to bring $100,000 when auctioned off.
Here is a photo of the painting: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/a-possible-renoir-surfaces-at-a-virginia-flea-market/
As I've frequently said upon reading these articles, mine go for a lot less. What did you find at the flea market, lately?
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Nothing fishy about it - Debrett's has it all covered. More advice
As people who follow or at least read this blog are aware, I'm an admirer of Debrett's, "the" guide to everything etiquette. Advice on the 'how-to's" ranging from planning a wedding reception, decorum when meeting and out and about royalty, holiday deportment... basically a guide on the correct way to conduct oneself.
Periodically, it's good to check in with Debrett's for any updates or changes to their offerings. I mean, one should always be prepared in case an opportunity to meet-and-greet or dine with royalty. It wouldn't be acceptable for a social faux pas denoting a lack of savoir faire when it comes to politesse. Feeling very french today. But I digress.
It is for this very reason that a visual cyber consultation was in order lest one make a blunder in etiquette. Being that I'm not a fan of shell fish and my philosophy is this regard is not to eat a food that stares back at you and requires the wearing of a bib, never noted the section focusing on the consuming of these helpless, gourmet food items. According to the guide and to allow easy access to the flesh, it would be acceptable to use one's fork while holding a/the shell steady with one hand in order to make the task easier. A lobster cracker may be required to remove flesh from the large claws. According to wisegeek.com, a lobster cracker is a kitchen tool designed to help people crack open lobsters. Furthermore, "lobster crackers can also be used on crabs and some nuts as well." One assumes they're referring to the crustacean kind and not the human type.
Having eaten shell fish perhaps twice maybe four times in my life, the arrival of the/a crustacean on a plate with its black eyes staring into mine is just to emotionally overwhelming, especially the sound of cracking shells. Guilt thy name is Eleanor.
There is also a section devoted to the preparation and enjoyment of sushi. Debrett's is like... so up-to-date on all the latest food favorites. In as far as this popular delicacy is concerned, raw fish doesn't do it for me although the vegetable sushi is acceptable. Its (sushi) texture on my tongue causes an instantaneous ejection of the consumed particle, if you get my drift. Back to the how-to's of eating, soy sauce should be poured into a saucer (or dish/whatever receptacle is on hand for this purpose) and mix in some wasabi. Debrett's advises that it is socially acceptable and even polite to pour some for your dining partner. Go figure!
"Wasabi my dear?"
"How nice of you to ask. Of course. What exactly is wasabi?"
"The partner for sushi. Here - let me pour for you. Say when."
The way to proceed is to dip sashimi or sliced raw fish, into the sauce with chopsticks and then enjoy. Never mastered the art of using chopsticks but they have a section covering the how-to's of mastering this art. It seems that "sushi rolls and nigiri (blocks of rice with fish on top) should be eaten whole; attempting to bite in two can lead to a scattering of debris across the table."
This leads one - me - pondering the acceptable form of collecting sushi debris from a table. Does one or should one attempt to pick it up with chopsticks, or is a fork acceptable? What about the use of fingers, which would ideally handle the task? Is a verbal apology acceptable or does one smile and concern oneself with the task of removing said sushi debris? These are important questions, people!
In any case and just in case sushi aficenados feel so inclined, came across a site that will help in the step-by-step creation of sushi specialties: http://www.pbs.org/food/fresh-tastes/how-to-make-sushi-with-step-by-step-breakdown/ This leads one - me - to ponder as to the best means in which to eliminate the post-sushi taste and odor following a sushi session.
In as far as learning the art of holding chopsticks, the thumb and forefinger manipulates the top of the stick while the middle finger rests between the sticks, while the bottom stick is motionless. It is the top stick manoeuvered by the thumb and forefinger that is used to grip the food and carry it up to one's mouth. Easier said or written than actually accomplished. Having never mastered this art, my philosophy is a fork handles the job so much easier - and neater. I mean, why torture oneself to manipulate sticks when cutlery is designed for this purpose? Debrett's concludes this subject with the advice never to use chopsticks to pass food to people (when you can pick up the food in the first place) and never use them to point at people. A finger is okay for this purpose but not chopsticks one presumes. Chopstick pointing could be dangerous or something.
Nothing fishy when it comes to Debrett's.
NEXT BLOG: We'll be examining how to eat canapes, oysters and caviar and later on, the art of eating spaghetti, and eating soup
Periodically, it's good to check in with Debrett's for any updates or changes to their offerings. I mean, one should always be prepared in case an opportunity to meet-and-greet or dine with royalty. It wouldn't be acceptable for a social faux pas denoting a lack of savoir faire when it comes to politesse. Feeling very french today. But I digress.
It is for this very reason that a visual cyber consultation was in order lest one make a blunder in etiquette. Being that I'm not a fan of shell fish and my philosophy is this regard is not to eat a food that stares back at you and requires the wearing of a bib, never noted the section focusing on the consuming of these helpless, gourmet food items. According to the guide and to allow easy access to the flesh, it would be acceptable to use one's fork while holding a/the shell steady with one hand in order to make the task easier. A lobster cracker may be required to remove flesh from the large claws. According to wisegeek.com, a lobster cracker is a kitchen tool designed to help people crack open lobsters. Furthermore, "lobster crackers can also be used on crabs and some nuts as well." One assumes they're referring to the crustacean kind and not the human type.
Having eaten shell fish perhaps twice maybe four times in my life, the arrival of the/a crustacean on a plate with its black eyes staring into mine is just to emotionally overwhelming, especially the sound of cracking shells. Guilt thy name is Eleanor.
There is also a section devoted to the preparation and enjoyment of sushi. Debrett's is like... so up-to-date on all the latest food favorites. In as far as this popular delicacy is concerned, raw fish doesn't do it for me although the vegetable sushi is acceptable. Its (sushi) texture on my tongue causes an instantaneous ejection of the consumed particle, if you get my drift. Back to the how-to's of eating, soy sauce should be poured into a saucer (or dish/whatever receptacle is on hand for this purpose) and mix in some wasabi. Debrett's advises that it is socially acceptable and even polite to pour some for your dining partner. Go figure!
"Wasabi my dear?"
"How nice of you to ask. Of course. What exactly is wasabi?"
"The partner for sushi. Here - let me pour for you. Say when."
The way to proceed is to dip sashimi or sliced raw fish, into the sauce with chopsticks and then enjoy. Never mastered the art of using chopsticks but they have a section covering the how-to's of mastering this art. It seems that "sushi rolls and nigiri (blocks of rice with fish on top) should be eaten whole; attempting to bite in two can lead to a scattering of debris across the table."
This leads one - me - pondering the acceptable form of collecting sushi debris from a table. Does one or should one attempt to pick it up with chopsticks, or is a fork acceptable? What about the use of fingers, which would ideally handle the task? Is a verbal apology acceptable or does one smile and concern oneself with the task of removing said sushi debris? These are important questions, people!
In any case and just in case sushi aficenados feel so inclined, came across a site that will help in the step-by-step creation of sushi specialties: http://www.pbs.org/food/fresh-tastes/how-to-make-sushi-with-step-by-step-breakdown/ This leads one - me - to ponder as to the best means in which to eliminate the post-sushi taste and odor following a sushi session.
In as far as learning the art of holding chopsticks, the thumb and forefinger manipulates the top of the stick while the middle finger rests between the sticks, while the bottom stick is motionless. It is the top stick manoeuvered by the thumb and forefinger that is used to grip the food and carry it up to one's mouth. Easier said or written than actually accomplished. Having never mastered this art, my philosophy is a fork handles the job so much easier - and neater. I mean, why torture oneself to manipulate sticks when cutlery is designed for this purpose? Debrett's concludes this subject with the advice never to use chopsticks to pass food to people (when you can pick up the food in the first place) and never use them to point at people. A finger is okay for this purpose but not chopsticks one presumes. Chopstick pointing could be dangerous or something.
Nothing fishy when it comes to Debrett's.
NEXT BLOG: We'll be examining how to eat canapes, oysters and caviar and later on, the art of eating spaghetti, and eating soup
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Monday rant: what happened to the client satisfaction factor?
It's been a while since sharing a rant but most likely many people reading this will relate to the experience.
Today as is my habit since we have to eat, visited the nearest - notice the word "nearest" here - supermarket to buy some groceries. The supermarket is approximately a 5-8 minute drive away and hence my reason for frequenting the store. Once per week the supermarket advertises specials to draw in clients and herein lays or lies the problem: the advertised specials are rarely available.
For example, their stock of the moderately-priced fries were missing. Gone. Nowhere to be found. Now a barbeque without fries is like..pickles without the brine. They just naturally go together. This is the second time this has happened and it took a month before they re-stocked the freezer. It was especially annoying since the fries were on special. I like shopping for specials. Don't we all?
"Okay," I remember calming myself down, "this happens. Perhaps they ran short."
So really, it shouldn't have been such a shock when the same thing occurred but it was an annoyance.
Going up and down the food aisles, there were little notes of appologies to customers that they had run out of such-and-such item and I decided to find out what was going on.
Today as is my habit since we have to eat, visited the nearest - notice the word "nearest" here - supermarket to buy some groceries. The supermarket is approximately a 5-8 minute drive away and hence my reason for frequenting the store. Once per week the supermarket advertises specials to draw in clients and herein lays or lies the problem: the advertised specials are rarely available.
For example, their stock of the moderately-priced fries were missing. Gone. Nowhere to be found. Now a barbeque without fries is like..pickles without the brine. They just naturally go together. This is the second time this has happened and it took a month before they re-stocked the freezer. It was especially annoying since the fries were on special. I like shopping for specials. Don't we all?
"Okay," I remember calming myself down, "this happens. Perhaps they ran short."
So really, it shouldn't have been such a shock when the same thing occurred but it was an annoyance.
Going up and down the food aisles, there were little notes of appologies to customers that they had run out of such-and-such item and I decided to find out what was going on.
Snake bites man - man bites back
According to an article in the Annapurna Post in Nepal, a man who shall remain nameless, chased a snake, the type that most of us would run as fast as our legs would allow us to, in the other direction. We're talking here about a cobra, which the man bit - you read it right - bit as an act of revenge.
Seems that said snake bit him first while he was working in his rice paddy. This act so enraged the man that he physically pursued said snake until he caught it, and exacted revenge by sinking his teeth into said snake.
So I'm thinking here...how did the man know that this was the very same snake that bit him in the first place? I mean, cobras do look alike and what he believed to be the attacker could be another cobra that just happened along. Right? The actual perp cobra could still be out there. Right?
"Eleanor - you've got to get a life!"
Anyway....the man was not charged with the killing of a cobra since cobras aren't endangered species.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Canadians hold annual GI Joe Convention - Barbie is indifferent - Ken goes surfing
Although she was rumored be there, Barbie, the vinyl fashionista, did not attend the yearly Canadian GI Joe Convention. Word had it that (GI) Joe was more than a little upset.
The 10th annual convention held on Saturday, August 11th in Toronto, Canada, was established by GI Joe fan, Michael Heddle, whose store was the impetus for the creation of the event. The toy soldier (he considers himself Barbie's personal toy-boy), who was created by Hasbro in 1964, has been a constant presence in the fashionista's life, much to Barbie's chagrin.
"Like...he doesn't leave my side for a second," Barbie commented when contacted as to the reason for her no-show. "He even stands on guard outside the bathroom when I pee or do - you know - the other thing! I mean, a girl has to have some privacy. I need some alone time!"
The one-day event featured conferences about the toys, which featured a bounty of old and newer Joes.
Seems that Toronto isn't the only location to hold a convention. In the U.S., he will hold center-stage at Coil Con, the mid-west's largest G.I. Joe convention, which has been around for 3 years. The convention will take place in Kokomo, Indiana on September 8th, in case anyone reading this is interested in attending.
"I'm everywhere where there's an enemy that needs taken care of," Joe stated confidently, his eyes darting around the room checking out the faces for signs of an attack.
When asked his feelings about Barbie's not being there, Joe's eyes filled with tears but quickly regained his composure and assumed his knee position.
"Barbie knows I can always be counted on to protect her from the enemy and believe me - she's got a lot of 'em, especially that Blaine dude from Austra-alia-land or wherever the heck he hails from. She needs special protection from him."
When contacted to ascertain the reason for his absence at the convention, Ken, Barbie's ex or current man in her life, seemed vague about the convention, generally.
"Do 'ya like my new surf board?" Ken commented, carressing it from top to bottom. "Is that the ocean I hear? Surf's up! Gotta go!"
The 10th annual convention held on Saturday, August 11th in Toronto, Canada, was established by GI Joe fan, Michael Heddle, whose store was the impetus for the creation of the event. The toy soldier (he considers himself Barbie's personal toy-boy), who was created by Hasbro in 1964, has been a constant presence in the fashionista's life, much to Barbie's chagrin.
"Like...he doesn't leave my side for a second," Barbie commented when contacted as to the reason for her no-show. "He even stands on guard outside the bathroom when I pee or do - you know - the other thing! I mean, a girl has to have some privacy. I need some alone time!"
The one-day event featured conferences about the toys, which featured a bounty of old and newer Joes.
Seems that Toronto isn't the only location to hold a convention. In the U.S., he will hold center-stage at Coil Con, the mid-west's largest G.I. Joe convention, which has been around for 3 years. The convention will take place in Kokomo, Indiana on September 8th, in case anyone reading this is interested in attending.
"I'm everywhere where there's an enemy that needs taken care of," Joe stated confidently, his eyes darting around the room checking out the faces for signs of an attack.
When asked his feelings about Barbie's not being there, Joe's eyes filled with tears but quickly regained his composure and assumed his knee position.
"Barbie knows I can always be counted on to protect her from the enemy and believe me - she's got a lot of 'em, especially that Blaine dude from Austra-alia-land or wherever the heck he hails from. She needs special protection from him."
When contacted to ascertain the reason for his absence at the convention, Ken, Barbie's ex or current man in her life, seemed vague about the convention, generally.
"Do 'ya like my new surf board?" Ken commented, carressing it from top to bottom. "Is that the ocean I hear? Surf's up! Gotta go!"
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Some thoughts about microwaved clothes, Chloe Kardashian and other weird but interesting stuff
It's the dog days of summer on the cusp of autumn and as shared in a previous blog, the silly wind-down of stories that seem to pop up but are worth sharing and maybe a thought or two, at least in my opinion.
Not in the moo-ood for love
It was veally a case of unrequitted love. In order to deflect the advances of an over-amorous bull, a Siberian cow climbed to the top of the stairs in the hope of losing him. The cow was found at the very top of a five storey apartment building in the village of Lesogork, mooing her angst to anyone and everyone within hearing range, including the bull who was waiting patiently bellow at the bottom of the stairs for the object of his affection. Sounds like a scene out of a cartoon. According to a government spokesperson, said bull had heaped a lot of attention on said cow throughout summer, but for whatever reason i.e. perhaps unrequitted bovine love on her part, the cow rejected his amorous advances. The bull for his part must have felt udderly rejected.
In the end and like a scene out of a western movie, firemen roped the cow by the horns and pulled her her down the stairs. No word on whether the bull was waiting. It's a moot point in the end, anyway.
Maybe his clothes dryer wasn't working
So a man living in Weymouth, England, for whatever reason and one presumes he had run out of them, had some (presumably) wet underwear that required drying. No information supplied as to why he didn't use a conventional method or appliance, which would would have handled the job but he didn't. Instead, he decided to use his microwave oven to dry two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear, resulting in a fire. Duh! Obviously, he wasn't aware that microwave ovens are meant to heat up food and underwear doesn't fall into the food category unless...but I digress.
Upon reflection and even if his action hadn't resulted in a fire, it's kind of blechy bordering on gagging to use the same microwave for cooking purposes after having been used as a receptacle for underwear. The man was led to safety by neighbors. No information as to whether he plans to replace the microwave but it's certain he will buy more underwear. Then again - maybe not. Go know.
Attention master - baaaaad wolf nearby!
Swiss sheep (trying say that fast after a few drinks) may soon be texting a message to warn shepherds that a wolf on the prowl, thanks to a new invention worn around their necks. Sheep are a tasty meal enjoyed by wolves (the four-legged type) who enjoy an quick meal caught easily, but this may soon change. The new device created by a Swiss biologist will alert a shepherd if the heart rate of a sheep suddenly increases dramatically. A lurking wolf could definitely cause this type of reaction.
Faced with the increasing threat of wolf attacks that are occurring with frequency, the sheep break through fences to flee for their lives (wouldn't we all?), especially those that are part of a smaller flock without the protection of a sheep dog. The collars will be fitted with a chip alerting the shepherd via text message when sheep are distressed and presumably, the shepherd would take care of the big bad wolf one way or another.Seems that the big, bad wolves travel from Italy where they attack Swiss sheep. If this proves to be a successful deeterrent, other countries including France and Norway would be interested in using the collar.
"Survivor" stripped down
Love that Huffington Post's weird news, where some some really off-beat articles are shared. This caught my eye. People reading this and living in the vicinity of Chesnee, SC, are probably aware that there's a nudist resort in the area. If not - they know now. Hanging out (in the true sense of the word) without clothes sets them apart from regular folk and members of the nudist resort, for the shear fun of doing it, sponsor a challenge with a difference. One could and would say that going clothes-less is a challenge in itself but I digress.
For more than three years, the Carolina Foothills Nudist Resort holds a "Survivor - Nudist Style" in which they outwit, outplay and outlast each other in the nude.
Obviously, word of the games has spread and contestants from all over the U.S. of A compete in challenges that include balancing red balls on square pieces of wood, completing a puzzle underwater, water volleyball and the ever popular, bean-bag toss. These are tough challenges people!
Alas, the stakes are not as lucrative as in the real "Survivior" where the winner gets $1 million, since the victor receives a 2-foot tiki trophy. In case people reading this want to find out more information about the resort and/or the challenge, here are the coordinates to the resort:http://www.carolinafoothills.com/
Just who is Chloe Kardashian, anyway?
Perhaps it's an "age thing" but can anybody reading this explain this public fascination with the Kardashians? Somehow and for whatever reason, this name has become a regular presence in the show-biz reports. This leads one - me - to wonder just who are they and what have they accomplished that makes them newsworthy? Anybody? In any case, this story/report sort-of took me by surprise. Seems that Chloe Kardashian is - wait for it - being considered as a panel judge for this year's U.S. "X-Factor". So...like...what attributes does Ms Chloe have other than a well-known last name, that would make her a good judege? Anybody? At least Britney Spears is a singer as is Mariah Carey but Chloe Kardashian? Strikes me that the judges i.e. Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez et al, are getting paid big bucks to promote their latest albums, after which they leave. Can't say that the show has grabbed my attention but then American Idol is slowly making its way in a downward motion. Maybe it's time to say adieu to these shows?
So how was your week?
Not in the moo-ood for love
It was veally a case of unrequitted love. In order to deflect the advances of an over-amorous bull, a Siberian cow climbed to the top of the stairs in the hope of losing him. The cow was found at the very top of a five storey apartment building in the village of Lesogork, mooing her angst to anyone and everyone within hearing range, including the bull who was waiting patiently bellow at the bottom of the stairs for the object of his affection. Sounds like a scene out of a cartoon. According to a government spokesperson, said bull had heaped a lot of attention on said cow throughout summer, but for whatever reason i.e. perhaps unrequitted bovine love on her part, the cow rejected his amorous advances. The bull for his part must have felt udderly rejected.
In the end and like a scene out of a western movie, firemen roped the cow by the horns and pulled her her down the stairs. No word on whether the bull was waiting. It's a moot point in the end, anyway.
Maybe his clothes dryer wasn't working
So a man living in Weymouth, England, for whatever reason and one presumes he had run out of them, had some (presumably) wet underwear that required drying. No information supplied as to why he didn't use a conventional method or appliance, which would would have handled the job but he didn't. Instead, he decided to use his microwave oven to dry two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear, resulting in a fire. Duh! Obviously, he wasn't aware that microwave ovens are meant to heat up food and underwear doesn't fall into the food category unless...but I digress.
Upon reflection and even if his action hadn't resulted in a fire, it's kind of blechy bordering on gagging to use the same microwave for cooking purposes after having been used as a receptacle for underwear. The man was led to safety by neighbors. No information as to whether he plans to replace the microwave but it's certain he will buy more underwear. Then again - maybe not. Go know.
Attention master - baaaaad wolf nearby!
Swiss sheep (trying say that fast after a few drinks) may soon be texting a message to warn shepherds that a wolf on the prowl, thanks to a new invention worn around their necks. Sheep are a tasty meal enjoyed by wolves (the four-legged type) who enjoy an quick meal caught easily, but this may soon change. The new device created by a Swiss biologist will alert a shepherd if the heart rate of a sheep suddenly increases dramatically. A lurking wolf could definitely cause this type of reaction.
Faced with the increasing threat of wolf attacks that are occurring with frequency, the sheep break through fences to flee for their lives (wouldn't we all?), especially those that are part of a smaller flock without the protection of a sheep dog. The collars will be fitted with a chip alerting the shepherd via text message when sheep are distressed and presumably, the shepherd would take care of the big bad wolf one way or another.Seems that the big, bad wolves travel from Italy where they attack Swiss sheep. If this proves to be a successful deeterrent, other countries including France and Norway would be interested in using the collar.
"Survivor" stripped down
Love that Huffington Post's weird news, where some some really off-beat articles are shared. This caught my eye. People reading this and living in the vicinity of Chesnee, SC, are probably aware that there's a nudist resort in the area. If not - they know now. Hanging out (in the true sense of the word) without clothes sets them apart from regular folk and members of the nudist resort, for the shear fun of doing it, sponsor a challenge with a difference. One could and would say that going clothes-less is a challenge in itself but I digress.
For more than three years, the Carolina Foothills Nudist Resort holds a "Survivor - Nudist Style" in which they outwit, outplay and outlast each other in the nude.
Obviously, word of the games has spread and contestants from all over the U.S. of A compete in challenges that include balancing red balls on square pieces of wood, completing a puzzle underwater, water volleyball and the ever popular, bean-bag toss. These are tough challenges people!
Alas, the stakes are not as lucrative as in the real "Survivior" where the winner gets $1 million, since the victor receives a 2-foot tiki trophy. In case people reading this want to find out more information about the resort and/or the challenge, here are the coordinates to the resort:http://www.carolinafoothills.com/
Just who is Chloe Kardashian, anyway?
Perhaps it's an "age thing" but can anybody reading this explain this public fascination with the Kardashians? Somehow and for whatever reason, this name has become a regular presence in the show-biz reports. This leads one - me - to wonder just who are they and what have they accomplished that makes them newsworthy? Anybody? In any case, this story/report sort-of took me by surprise. Seems that Chloe Kardashian is - wait for it - being considered as a panel judge for this year's U.S. "X-Factor". So...like...what attributes does Ms Chloe have other than a well-known last name, that would make her a good judege? Anybody? At least Britney Spears is a singer as is Mariah Carey but Chloe Kardashian? Strikes me that the judges i.e. Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez et al, are getting paid big bucks to promote their latest albums, after which they leave. Can't say that the show has grabbed my attention but then American Idol is slowly making its way in a downward motion. Maybe it's time to say adieu to these shows?
So how was your week?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Silly, screwy and sappy summer stories
Maybe it's the time of the year in mid-summer when a hot sun beats down and perhaps - pure speculation - affects one's brain and thinking process. I'm a person who seeks out these type of stories and thankful that people get silly once in a while.
As a Monty Python fan forever, I especially loved all their silly pseudo news reports. A personal favorite was/is their Silly Olympics, which just so happens to lead into today's first piece, "The Chap Olympics.".
Unrelated to "the" Olympic Games to be held in London, England, the Chap Olympics ,which take place in the same city celebrates - well - things ("so get on with it, Eleanor, and tell us about this thing of which you speak!") different. Different is good.
The eighth annual (go figure this was an annual event that has such staying power) Chap Olympiad, sponsored by Chap Magazine, which describes these games as celebrating sporting ineptitude. Many of us can relate to that. Actually, chances are many/a lot of people reading this could, if they wanted to and were willing to make their way to London, take part in the activities since it doesn't require any particular physical agility, unless one considers umbrella jousting, ironing board surfing (at last something fun to do with an ironing board) and of course the challenging, cucumber sandwich discus, as physical sports. Additionial events listed include pipeathlon, gentleman's gold club and not playing tennis. Really.
But wait - there's more electrifying events ("Oh do get on with it, Eleanor, and stop beating around the bush.")! Butler Baiting consisting teams of two people, who must assemble a wardrobe nice enough to impress a butler. Winners were judged on the basis of maintenance of panache, perfectly knotted ties and levels of skulduggery. Be still my beating heart!
Meanwhile, here are some photos of the contestants participating in the events:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/magazine_the_chap_olympics/html/1.stm
I'll be sure to mark this Chap Challenge down in my next year's agenda in anticipation of an invitation to any royal event, which all seem to get lost in the mail, somehow.
Moving on...
Problems for the caped crusader if he was real and if he could fly
On a more serious but of no consequence in the scheme of things, someone - a group of British physics students - have calculated what would/could happen if Batman really existed ("you mean he doesn't, Eleanor?"), and would he be able to fly safely. To be candid, this is something that I've never really never thought about. You? Why they (the students) decided to assess the comic heroes odds regarding his flying prowess is not mentioned in the article but as mentioned, it's summer and there's a new Batman movie coming out...
Anyway, the four students involved who attend the University of Leicester and are in their final year of a four year Master of Physics degree that gives them some credibility, calculated that Batman could glide using his cape but his landing would kill him. It's always the landings that get you in the end, isn't it. In their paper entitled, "Trajectory of a Falling Batman", they argued that if he (Batman) jumped from a 150-metre high building, the 4.7 meter wingspan of his cape would allow him to glide 350 meters. However - it's always the howevers in life that get you in the end - he would reach a speed of 68 miles per hour before hitting the ground at a life-threatening speed of 50mph. According to one of the students, the caped crusader would need a larger cape. Thinking further, not sure if a larger cape would fit the heroe's image and most likely - pure speculation on my part - the cape would have to be a lot larger. Moving on...
Got a spare £3m hanging around?
So let's say one has a few dollars (or pounds) that are doing nothing and seeking something in which to invest said spare dollars/pounds. City trader, Christian Siva-Jothy, a former partner in Goldman-Sachs, is looking for a buyer for his island.
In the way of enticing a potential buyer who could be reading this blog right now, the 260 acre King's Island, or Eilaen Righ, is located 350 yard off the Scottish mainland and is accessible only by boat or helicopter. This means real privacy for the new owner.
The island has a four bedroom house, a boat house, observatory and its own helicopter landing pad. There is a lot of wildlife that hang around including a population of deer that swim over from the mainland, dolphins, otters, sea eagles and osprey. Furthermore and for those inclined, the new owner(s) can fish for an endless supply of salmon and lobster. Sounds too desolate for me. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Finally...fun things to do in Finland for tourists
As a tourist visiting or planning a visit to Finland, perhaps you're wondering what type of traditional summer festivals are held throughout the country in order to plan recreational activities around them. Wonder no more - here is a taste of some of the more unusual competitions.
For example:
Wife Carrying World Championship
Never realized this was a world-wide challenge but I digress. The festival, held from July 1 to July 2, in the town of Sankajarvi, is a re-creation of an old Finnish folk tale focusing on local villain, Herkho Ronkainen, who carried away beautiful native girls, married or single. The main aim of the competition is to carry your wife from start to finish.
Contestants must carry wives across a 253.5 metre track of sand, grass and asphalt, and a water obstacle.The prize is a loaf of rye bread, a statuette and the woman's weight in beer. So I'm wondering here what happens if, say, one drops one's wife. Is there some type of penalty or is one out of the running in the true sense of the word? It's a lot of work for a rye bread. At least if they threw in cheese or something.
Mobile Phone Throwing World Championship
This event takes place in August in Riihisaari, Savonlinna in eastern Finland, is quite simple: one throws one's cell phone. That's it - really! Just thinking...the real challenge one (me) would imagine in finding one's cell phone among all the other flung cell phones. But I digress. Again.
Mosquito Killing Contest
This is a summer event when mosquitos are rife (love that word). Thinking further about this, many of us have been practicing without even being having to travel to Finland. The challenge is to kill or swat as many mosquitos as possible in less than 5 minutes. The current world record stands at 21 mosquitoes in 5 minutes. Then again, one wonders if dead or partially squashed bugs are included in the total or whether they have a supply of mosquitoes in a jar or something ready to be released for the swatters to use for...swatting. Another question that springs to mind is do other flying species count in the final total?
The Ant-Nest Sitting Competition
This is a competition that could take place anywhere and/or everywhere in the world should there be an interest (doubt it but who knows). Held in many areas of Finland, winners are decided by competitors sitting on ant nests for the longest duration. Doubtful that participants practice in advance for the event. Just thinking...are participants assigned specific ant nests or do they get to choose? So many questions and issues to contemplate but then I obviously have too much time on my hands.
There are other interesting competitions should one be planning a trip to Finland that can be found here: http://summerofsunfinland.blogspot.pt/2012/04/traditional-finnish-festivities.html
How has your summer been so far?
As a Monty Python fan forever, I especially loved all their silly pseudo news reports. A personal favorite was/is their Silly Olympics, which just so happens to lead into today's first piece, "The Chap Olympics.".
Unrelated to "the" Olympic Games to be held in London, England, the Chap Olympics ,which take place in the same city celebrates - well - things ("so get on with it, Eleanor, and tell us about this thing of which you speak!") different. Different is good.
The eighth annual (go figure this was an annual event that has such staying power) Chap Olympiad, sponsored by Chap Magazine, which describes these games as celebrating sporting ineptitude. Many of us can relate to that. Actually, chances are many/a lot of people reading this could, if they wanted to and were willing to make their way to London, take part in the activities since it doesn't require any particular physical agility, unless one considers umbrella jousting, ironing board surfing (at last something fun to do with an ironing board) and of course the challenging, cucumber sandwich discus, as physical sports. Additionial events listed include pipeathlon, gentleman's gold club and not playing tennis. Really.
But wait - there's more electrifying events ("Oh do get on with it, Eleanor, and stop beating around the bush.")! Butler Baiting consisting teams of two people, who must assemble a wardrobe nice enough to impress a butler. Winners were judged on the basis of maintenance of panache, perfectly knotted ties and levels of skulduggery. Be still my beating heart!
Meanwhile, here are some photos of the contestants participating in the events:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/magazine_the_chap_olympics/html/1.stm
I'll be sure to mark this Chap Challenge down in my next year's agenda in anticipation of an invitation to any royal event, which all seem to get lost in the mail, somehow.
Moving on...
Problems for the caped crusader if he was real and if he could fly
On a more serious but of no consequence in the scheme of things, someone - a group of British physics students - have calculated what would/could happen if Batman really existed ("you mean he doesn't, Eleanor?"), and would he be able to fly safely. To be candid, this is something that I've never really never thought about. You? Why they (the students) decided to assess the comic heroes odds regarding his flying prowess is not mentioned in the article but as mentioned, it's summer and there's a new Batman movie coming out...
Anyway, the four students involved who attend the University of Leicester and are in their final year of a four year Master of Physics degree that gives them some credibility, calculated that Batman could glide using his cape but his landing would kill him. It's always the landings that get you in the end, isn't it. In their paper entitled, "Trajectory of a Falling Batman", they argued that if he (Batman) jumped from a 150-metre high building, the 4.7 meter wingspan of his cape would allow him to glide 350 meters. However - it's always the howevers in life that get you in the end - he would reach a speed of 68 miles per hour before hitting the ground at a life-threatening speed of 50mph. According to one of the students, the caped crusader would need a larger cape. Thinking further, not sure if a larger cape would fit the heroe's image and most likely - pure speculation on my part - the cape would have to be a lot larger. Moving on...
Got a spare £3m hanging around?
So let's say one has a few dollars (or pounds) that are doing nothing and seeking something in which to invest said spare dollars/pounds. City trader, Christian Siva-Jothy, a former partner in Goldman-Sachs, is looking for a buyer for his island.
In the way of enticing a potential buyer who could be reading this blog right now, the 260 acre King's Island, or Eilaen Righ, is located 350 yard off the Scottish mainland and is accessible only by boat or helicopter. This means real privacy for the new owner.
The island has a four bedroom house, a boat house, observatory and its own helicopter landing pad. There is a lot of wildlife that hang around including a population of deer that swim over from the mainland, dolphins, otters, sea eagles and osprey. Furthermore and for those inclined, the new owner(s) can fish for an endless supply of salmon and lobster. Sounds too desolate for me. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Finally...fun things to do in Finland for tourists
As a tourist visiting or planning a visit to Finland, perhaps you're wondering what type of traditional summer festivals are held throughout the country in order to plan recreational activities around them. Wonder no more - here is a taste of some of the more unusual competitions.
For example:
Wife Carrying World Championship
Never realized this was a world-wide challenge but I digress. The festival, held from July 1 to July 2, in the town of Sankajarvi, is a re-creation of an old Finnish folk tale focusing on local villain, Herkho Ronkainen, who carried away beautiful native girls, married or single. The main aim of the competition is to carry your wife from start to finish.
Contestants must carry wives across a 253.5 metre track of sand, grass and asphalt, and a water obstacle.The prize is a loaf of rye bread, a statuette and the woman's weight in beer. So I'm wondering here what happens if, say, one drops one's wife. Is there some type of penalty or is one out of the running in the true sense of the word? It's a lot of work for a rye bread. At least if they threw in cheese or something.
Mobile Phone Throwing World Championship
This event takes place in August in Riihisaari, Savonlinna in eastern Finland, is quite simple: one throws one's cell phone. That's it - really! Just thinking...the real challenge one (me) would imagine in finding one's cell phone among all the other flung cell phones. But I digress. Again.
Mosquito Killing Contest
This is a summer event when mosquitos are rife (love that word). Thinking further about this, many of us have been practicing without even being having to travel to Finland. The challenge is to kill or swat as many mosquitos as possible in less than 5 minutes. The current world record stands at 21 mosquitoes in 5 minutes. Then again, one wonders if dead or partially squashed bugs are included in the total or whether they have a supply of mosquitoes in a jar or something ready to be released for the swatters to use for...swatting. Another question that springs to mind is do other flying species count in the final total?
The Ant-Nest Sitting Competition
This is a competition that could take place anywhere and/or everywhere in the world should there be an interest (doubt it but who knows). Held in many areas of Finland, winners are decided by competitors sitting on ant nests for the longest duration. Doubtful that participants practice in advance for the event. Just thinking...are participants assigned specific ant nests or do they get to choose? So many questions and issues to contemplate but then I obviously have too much time on my hands.
There are other interesting competitions should one be planning a trip to Finland that can be found here: http://summerofsunfinland.blogspot.pt/2012/04/traditional-finnish-festivities.html
How has your summer been so far?
Monday, July 09, 2012
What happened to civility and ?
Every year in mid-July our city throws a big jazz festival that attracts people from all over the world. What makes this festival particularly a fun experience is that many of the musical happenings take place on outdoor stages and are free for the asking. This means that anybody and everybody regardless of their financial or social status can take advantage of the musical events.
Usually, we put aside at least a full day to take in some jazz, blues and other musical offerings during the day and into the evening. Nothing like listening to music under the stars while sipping some liquid, people watching sitting on grass expanses or depending on its availibility, on cement stairs located in the various venues. Therein lies or lay the problem.
Usually, we put aside at least a full day to take in some jazz, blues and other musical offerings during the day and into the evening. Nothing like listening to music under the stars while sipping some liquid, people watching sitting on grass expanses or depending on its availibility, on cement stairs located in the various venues. Therein lies or lay the problem.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Human nature (and blog readers) never cease to amaze
As a person who enjoys blogging about...nearly everything, actually, I enjoy keeping track of which blog pieces continuously surface to the top.
Anything to do with royalty seems to be of interest to everyone world-wide, or at least people who drop by Gimme a Break (this blog) and when I, along with many... Make that a gazillion other people didn't get an invitation to the royal wedding last year, I shared my disappointment and angst with anyone who happened by.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/04/royal-wedding-list-minus-my-name.html
Related to the wedding and even if one (me) had received an invite, one would be required to know how to act in front of royalty and invitees.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/04/royal-behavior-what-are-rules.html
To this end, a consultation with Debrett's, the word when it comes to things societal, as written on their site: "Debrett's is the modern authority on all matters etiquette, taste and achievement. Recognising people of distinction and the finer things in life are true to Debrett's heritage, rooted in publishing chronicles of the great and the good over the past two centuries" was in order in case one (me again) is invited to a royal affair. People appear to enjoy my take on this issue.
Also popular in the royalty-related category or at least something that is still around, is my confession that I missed the Queen's Jubilee Party and celebrations. What can I say - yet another invitation obviously lost in the mail.
These days the most popular topic seems to be a piece written in 2009 focusing on an invention of a dual bra that could if the need be most likely, converted into a gas mask. In fact this unusual invention won a Ig Nobel prize. Actually, when the list of award-ees was released, this particular award stood out among the rest. I mean - think about it - a bra that could also act as a gas mask. This made me think ("oh do share your thoughts, Eleanor!") if - and I say/write, if - this was feasible, the bulkyness of the gas mask would make the wearing of the bra unconfortable, n'est pas? Also, if it became apparent that there was some type of gas in the air, the speed in which one could unhook said bra and place it on one's face would be slow. Just some thoughts that spring to mind. But I digress.
BONUS...BONUS! VIDEO OF DR. BODNAR RECEIVING HER BRA/GAS MASK CONVERSION IG NOBEL AWARD
For those people reading this who are still interested in this interesting...device, did some research and came accross a YouTube video of Dr. Bodnar receiving her award and discussing her invention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxf3HK21BWI
Let it not be said or written that I don't go the extra mile for my blog readers!
Also still on the list are Rufus the Turkey has left the building and a complaint that rates at the top of my...complaint list is the usage of cell phones in places where they shouldn't be used (example: in a bathroom while you-get-the-picture), in a movie theatre.
As long as residents of planet earth continue being who and what they are, I will endeavor to continue to seek out the unusual...the unconventional...the weird-ish stories that make this blog what it is. Whatever.
Anything to do with royalty seems to be of interest to everyone world-wide, or at least people who drop by Gimme a Break (this blog) and when I, along with many... Make that a gazillion other people didn't get an invitation to the royal wedding last year, I shared my disappointment and angst with anyone who happened by.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/04/royal-wedding-list-minus-my-name.html
Related to the wedding and even if one (me) had received an invite, one would be required to know how to act in front of royalty and invitees.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/04/royal-behavior-what-are-rules.html
To this end, a consultation with Debrett's, the word when it comes to things societal, as written on their site: "Debrett's is the modern authority on all matters etiquette, taste and achievement. Recognising people of distinction and the finer things in life are true to Debrett's heritage, rooted in publishing chronicles of the great and the good over the past two centuries" was in order in case one (me again) is invited to a royal affair. People appear to enjoy my take on this issue.
Also popular in the royalty-related category or at least something that is still around, is my confession that I missed the Queen's Jubilee Party and celebrations. What can I say - yet another invitation obviously lost in the mail.
These days the most popular topic seems to be a piece written in 2009 focusing on an invention of a dual bra that could if the need be most likely, converted into a gas mask. In fact this unusual invention won a Ig Nobel prize. Actually, when the list of award-ees was released, this particular award stood out among the rest. I mean - think about it - a bra that could also act as a gas mask. This made me think ("oh do share your thoughts, Eleanor!") if - and I say/write, if - this was feasible, the bulkyness of the gas mask would make the wearing of the bra unconfortable, n'est pas? Also, if it became apparent that there was some type of gas in the air, the speed in which one could unhook said bra and place it on one's face would be slow. Just some thoughts that spring to mind. But I digress.
BONUS...BONUS! VIDEO OF DR. BODNAR RECEIVING HER BRA/GAS MASK CONVERSION IG NOBEL AWARD
For those people reading this who are still interested in this interesting...device, did some research and came accross a YouTube video of Dr. Bodnar receiving her award and discussing her invention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxf3HK21BWI
Let it not be said or written that I don't go the extra mile for my blog readers!
Also still on the list are Rufus the Turkey has left the building and a complaint that rates at the top of my...complaint list is the usage of cell phones in places where they shouldn't be used (example: in a bathroom while you-get-the-picture), in a movie theatre.
As long as residents of planet earth continue being who and what they are, I will endeavor to continue to seek out the unusual...the unconventional...the weird-ish stories that make this blog what it is. Whatever.
Monday, July 02, 2012
Do you believe? World UFO Day
This almost zipped by without me even noticing that it was here but for those interested in knowing, today is/was depending on when and where one is reading it, World UFO Day. Never imagined that a day was put aside to mark the existence of unidentified objects of the non-earth-ly type but it here it is. Some would speculate or at least hypothesize that the Kardashians or maybe Charlie Sheen might be... Just kidding. Maybe. Go know.
So right now you're probably wanting to know a little more, maybe even a lot more, about the origins and raison d'etre of July 2, World UFO Day ("oh yes Eleanor - do give us some background info.")
According to www.WorldUFO.com , which seems to be the originator of the day, the goal of the web site "is to spread the word about World UFO Day and make it known to a bigger audience." Most or at least a large percentage of people reading this are aware of UFO's but obviously there are people out there who might want to know more. To quote Fox Muldaur (remember him?) of "X-Files": the truth is out there...or something. This program happens to be or was my favorite all-time sci-fi series by the way. In addition according to information, another aim is to share factual and helpful information about the subject.
The first World UFO Day was celebrated in 2001 and according to the information blurb, "one of the first and foremost reasons is to raise awareness about the undoubted existence of UFO"s and with that intelligent beings from outer space."
There are a few people I know that could fit into that category, at least the outer-space aspect, but I digress.
Thinking further about aliens, the UFO type, it would seem "normal" that life exists in some form in the universe. I mean, they may not look humanoid (love that word) but it is possible one surmises. Neither, one would surmise that they would walk around muttering to earthlings: "take me to your leader."
Perhaps people reading this would be/could be/might be interested in celebrating this day in special ways and meeting other UFO believers. To this end, suggestions are offered.
- start a World UFO Day group.
- invite some friends or UFO enthusiasts (presumably they're referring to earthlings but then again, who knows) to a UFO party
- wear/create individually designed UFO/alien T-shirts. I have a few t-shirts that would fit the bill the end result of mixing dark colors with light colors without checking the washing instructions. Don't we all? But once again I digress.
- watch the sky in a group and spot strange objects flying around and take photos of said objects in the sky
- watch UFO-type movies. See some of their suggestions here: http://worldufoday.com/10topratedalienufomovies.htm
While on the subject, favorite UFO/alien films?
The existence of aliens or extra-terrestrial life on earth is like the existence of ghosts: either one believes or doesn't believe and no amount of discussion will suffice. Personally, I have my suspicions about Charlie Sheen...and possibly Simon Cowell...maybe JLo... So - do YOU believe in UFOs?
So right now you're probably wanting to know a little more, maybe even a lot more, about the origins and raison d'etre of July 2, World UFO Day ("oh yes Eleanor - do give us some background info.")
According to www.WorldUFO.com , which seems to be the originator of the day, the goal of the web site "is to spread the word about World UFO Day and make it known to a bigger audience." Most or at least a large percentage of people reading this are aware of UFO's but obviously there are people out there who might want to know more. To quote Fox Muldaur (remember him?) of "X-Files": the truth is out there...or something. This program happens to be or was my favorite all-time sci-fi series by the way. In addition according to information, another aim is to share factual and helpful information about the subject.
The first World UFO Day was celebrated in 2001 and according to the information blurb, "one of the first and foremost reasons is to raise awareness about the undoubted existence of UFO"s and with that intelligent beings from outer space."
There are a few people I know that could fit into that category, at least the outer-space aspect, but I digress.
Thinking further about aliens, the UFO type, it would seem "normal" that life exists in some form in the universe. I mean, they may not look humanoid (love that word) but it is possible one surmises. Neither, one would surmise that they would walk around muttering to earthlings: "take me to your leader."
Perhaps people reading this would be/could be/might be interested in celebrating this day in special ways and meeting other UFO believers. To this end, suggestions are offered.
- start a World UFO Day group.
- invite some friends or UFO enthusiasts (presumably they're referring to earthlings but then again, who knows) to a UFO party
- wear/create individually designed UFO/alien T-shirts. I have a few t-shirts that would fit the bill the end result of mixing dark colors with light colors without checking the washing instructions. Don't we all? But once again I digress.
- watch the sky in a group and spot strange objects flying around and take photos of said objects in the sky
- watch UFO-type movies. See some of their suggestions here: http://worldufoday.com/10topratedalienufomovies.htm
While on the subject, favorite UFO/alien films?
The existence of aliens or extra-terrestrial life on earth is like the existence of ghosts: either one believes or doesn't believe and no amount of discussion will suffice. Personally, I have my suspicions about Charlie Sheen...and possibly Simon Cowell...maybe JLo... So - do YOU believe in UFOs?
Thursday, June 21, 2012
At last! Something for the tea drinkers of the world! Bonus: Debretts offers advice on tea drinking
Tea drinkers delight! Finally there is someone who is actually taking the tea imbibers - that's what we are or at least I am - seriously! What makes this story so interesting is that the initiator is none other than Starbucks.
After opening up its first non-coffee outlet three months ago, a fresh juice place in Bellevue Square, Washington, Starbucks will open its tea shop under the Tazo brand, in October. As a committed tea drinker, have to admit I'm not familiar with Tazo but then my tastes in tea are very basic. You know - tea bags of orange pekoe, green (lovvve green tea) and lemon tea, plus an occasional Earl Grey now and then... English Breakfast... Somewhat like James Bond with his martini preference, mine is a little touch of milk - never cream for tea - to lighten the liquid, a sprinkle of sugar, followed by lifting the cup to the lips and experiencing the hot liquid slowly making its way down the throat... Simple but delightful pleasures of life.
In as far as the correct way to serve tea, once again Debretts, "the" guide to everything socially correct, has a guide to cover this subject.
- when serving tea for a group, a pot is preferable and loose leaf tea is most flavorful, Debretts advises. A second pot of hot water should be handy to dilute over-brewed tea (been there - done that). The rule is if a waiter places a teapot on a table without pouring, the person nearest the pot should pour. Or...some type of agreement among everyone at the table is also okay in my opinion. Something to the effect: "let Felicia pour - she's good at tea pouring."
- the handle of the tea cup should be held between your thumb and forefinger. The pinky/little finger is not required to be held in the air. That's a relief. Never could figure out why one would want to hold a pinky finger in the air, anyway. Perhaps because it doesn't fit into a teacup handle or for balance - go know. But I digress. Once again.
- biscuits (or cookies) should not be dunked in tea unless it's a very (Debretts word) informal setting and slurpring noises are a definite no-no. There's nothing worse than seeing a biscuit or cookie or any food item that has been dunked in hot liquid, slowly disentegrate and fall into the cup, or even worse, fall on to a piece of clothing.
To return to Starbucks tea openings... Tea drinkers of the world and we are many, will have more than 80 varieties of loose-leaf tea and tea lattes, iced tea in addition to packaged chocolates, infused sugars and honeys will be sold by the ounce and available to customers. This will allow tea imbibers (love that word) to blend their own mixes with the help of a "tea partner", an employee of the store. Cold tea for me is what happens when a cup is left on the table too long but there are people who enjoy theirs iced.
So I'm thinking here and at least in my mind, tea should be consumed in cozy tea shops. There is also no information as to how their new offering will be served. Tea in paper cups as is the case in many cafes/outlets who shall remain nameless, is abhorrent ("such a strong word, Eleanor!") in my eyes. Tea should be served in china drinking vessels, only. Somehow paper seems to difuse the flavor of tea. Am I right, tea drinkers of the world? Wooden stir sticks are acceptable but real teaspoons are better. Again, IMHO.
So what can Starbucks offer in addition to its new tea option?
I'm thinking here (again) - wait for it - tea leaf readers!
Before scoffing at my suggestion, think about it. You have your loose tea and once the liquid is consumed - the tea leaves remain at the bottom. Having employees available who can read tea leaves seems like a natural progression and think of the publicity value!
Meanwhile, here's an interesting opinion piece focusing on whether tea will overtake coffee in popularity.
http://blog.worldoffineteas.com/2012/06/will-tea-ever-be-as-big-as-coffee-in-us.html
Then again, you can't tell fortunes with coffee.
After opening up its first non-coffee outlet three months ago, a fresh juice place in Bellevue Square, Washington, Starbucks will open its tea shop under the Tazo brand, in October. As a committed tea drinker, have to admit I'm not familiar with Tazo but then my tastes in tea are very basic. You know - tea bags of orange pekoe, green (lovvve green tea) and lemon tea, plus an occasional Earl Grey now and then... English Breakfast... Somewhat like James Bond with his martini preference, mine is a little touch of milk - never cream for tea - to lighten the liquid, a sprinkle of sugar, followed by lifting the cup to the lips and experiencing the hot liquid slowly making its way down the throat... Simple but delightful pleasures of life.
In as far as the correct way to serve tea, once again Debretts, "the" guide to everything socially correct, has a guide to cover this subject.
- when serving tea for a group, a pot is preferable and loose leaf tea is most flavorful, Debretts advises. A second pot of hot water should be handy to dilute over-brewed tea (been there - done that). The rule is if a waiter places a teapot on a table without pouring, the person nearest the pot should pour. Or...some type of agreement among everyone at the table is also okay in my opinion. Something to the effect: "let Felicia pour - she's good at tea pouring."
- the handle of the tea cup should be held between your thumb and forefinger. The pinky/little finger is not required to be held in the air. That's a relief. Never could figure out why one would want to hold a pinky finger in the air, anyway. Perhaps because it doesn't fit into a teacup handle or for balance - go know. But I digress. Once again.
- biscuits (or cookies) should not be dunked in tea unless it's a very (Debretts word) informal setting and slurpring noises are a definite no-no. There's nothing worse than seeing a biscuit or cookie or any food item that has been dunked in hot liquid, slowly disentegrate and fall into the cup, or even worse, fall on to a piece of clothing.
To return to Starbucks tea openings... Tea drinkers of the world and we are many, will have more than 80 varieties of loose-leaf tea and tea lattes, iced tea in addition to packaged chocolates, infused sugars and honeys will be sold by the ounce and available to customers. This will allow tea imbibers (love that word) to blend their own mixes with the help of a "tea partner", an employee of the store. Cold tea for me is what happens when a cup is left on the table too long but there are people who enjoy theirs iced.
So I'm thinking here and at least in my mind, tea should be consumed in cozy tea shops. There is also no information as to how their new offering will be served. Tea in paper cups as is the case in many cafes/outlets who shall remain nameless, is abhorrent ("such a strong word, Eleanor!") in my eyes. Tea should be served in china drinking vessels, only. Somehow paper seems to difuse the flavor of tea. Am I right, tea drinkers of the world? Wooden stir sticks are acceptable but real teaspoons are better. Again, IMHO.
So what can Starbucks offer in addition to its new tea option?
I'm thinking here (again) - wait for it - tea leaf readers!
Before scoffing at my suggestion, think about it. You have your loose tea and once the liquid is consumed - the tea leaves remain at the bottom. Having employees available who can read tea leaves seems like a natural progression and think of the publicity value!
Meanwhile, here's an interesting opinion piece focusing on whether tea will overtake coffee in popularity.
http://blog.worldoffineteas.com/2012/06/will-tea-ever-be-as-big-as-coffee-in-us.html
Then again, you can't tell fortunes with coffee.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Missed the Queen's Diamond Jubilee party
Alas and alack, I missed the Queen's Jubilee but I did catch some of the pomp and circumstance along with the activities and show on TV. Perhaps in retrospect, I should have made a concerted effort given that my invitation to the recent royal nuptials went astray and/or was lost in the mail. It had to be one of those two reasons. Still haven't decided what to do with my tasteful white gloves and hat purchased for the occasion. But I digress.
Came accross some interesting statistics accumulated by The Guardian Datablog ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog+uk/queen-diamond-jubilee) focusing on the overall participation of the people:
- 1,2 million people lined the roya pageant route along the river Thames to watch the flotilla float by. This would have been the perfect opportunity for me to do the royal hand wave that I had practiced for the royal nuptials
- 9,500 street parties were estimated to have taken place throughout England. No invitation extended to moi, once again
- 700 boats made up the flotilla
- 4,200 beacons were lit accross the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Commonwealth and overseas
- 10,000 ballot winners were treated to a picnic in Buckingham Palace's garden. This leads one - me- to wonder if the Debrett's rules of conduct extends to picnic situations. In any case, the menu was certainly celebratory according to reports, consisting of wicker baskets containing tea-smoked Scottish salmon (I simply adore smoked salmon), a modern take on coronation chicken and Sandringham strawberry crumble crunch, two cupcakes and a small cheeseboard with biscuits and chutney, among other items.
It would have been nice to have attended the closing concert given all the s*t*a*r*s present including my favorites, Paul McCartney, and a host of other well-known singers. Sir Paul and I go back to the early Beatle years if only in spirit. My presence was there in spirit and the fireworks display at the end was impressive. There's always next time and at least I'm prepared for future royal occasions. Hint-hint.
Came accross some interesting statistics accumulated by The Guardian Datablog ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog+uk/queen-diamond-jubilee) focusing on the overall participation of the people:
- 1,2 million people lined the roya pageant route along the river Thames to watch the flotilla float by. This would have been the perfect opportunity for me to do the royal hand wave that I had practiced for the royal nuptials
- 9,500 street parties were estimated to have taken place throughout England. No invitation extended to moi, once again
- 700 boats made up the flotilla
- 4,200 beacons were lit accross the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Commonwealth and overseas
- 10,000 ballot winners were treated to a picnic in Buckingham Palace's garden. This leads one - me- to wonder if the Debrett's rules of conduct extends to picnic situations. In any case, the menu was certainly celebratory according to reports, consisting of wicker baskets containing tea-smoked Scottish salmon (I simply adore smoked salmon), a modern take on coronation chicken and Sandringham strawberry crumble crunch, two cupcakes and a small cheeseboard with biscuits and chutney, among other items.
It would have been nice to have attended the closing concert given all the s*t*a*r*s present including my favorites, Paul McCartney, and a host of other well-known singers. Sir Paul and I go back to the early Beatle years if only in spirit. My presence was there in spirit and the fireworks display at the end was impressive. There's always next time and at least I'm prepared for future royal occasions. Hint-hint.
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