Think back...when was the last time you, or anyone in your family, baked a cake from scratch?...meaning NOT from a box!
Again, grandmothers are always a wealth of knowledge. My maternal granny lived on a farm in Rockingham County in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, with little 'book learning' but much common sense learning. She baked in an old-fashioned wood stove! She knew, of course, the secrets of baking that more 'primitive' way.
Every Saturday she baked for the rest of the week...pies with flaky crusts...break...cookies...and those poundcakes to live for.
There was a bread box for storage...walnut pie safe in one corner of the kitchen...and that special huge tin for cookies! And, when I came to visit, this grandson knew the combination to the cookie tin lid.
"Grandma...how do you always know when your poundcake is done?"
"The smell! I can smell 'done' every time. One day Grandma will teach you some of her secrets...."
She passed away before this grandson learned those secrets.... But my learned memory bank can conjure up quickly the 'done' cake smell. I also remembered to pick fresh wild strawberries, small, cap, slice and settle for a spell with sugar sprinkled about. She taught me to 'whup' up a bowl of homemade heavy cream, sweetened, toast a slice of thick poundcake, spoon the sweetened berries over it and dollop on some of that 'whupped' cream on top. She didn't have to teach her grandson to dig in...that seemed to come naturally...know what I mean?
(And the answer to the Green M&Ms' poser is: college/university students started, back in the last part of the 20th century, the 'rumor' that eating Green M&Ms would make one 'lusty'...'seductive'...'sensuous'...'horny'....you decide!)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
96- ....TO THE REC CENTER WE GO!...
NO excuses accepted!
It is definitely noteworthy that our American society has, for a number of years, supported public and private centers for us wanting to exercise in concentrated places, meaning centers with numerous machines. Pools are often there, including relaxing, therapeutic hottubs and unloosening steam rooms.
Visit your local Rec Center, soon, and you will see individuals, not teams in other sports, challenging themselves to 'reps' on machines or minutes on the 'ski' machine. It's, therefore, an indivdual affair. Many keep tabs on 'score sheets' only for themselves. The 'rowing machine' keeps account of the time and calories (and more), and it is matched by the next visit. And what is neat? There is NO ONE edging someone else on to accomplish more, or poking fun at how 'slow' they were proceeding. Most participants respect a fellow exerciser, with pleny of room given and shared. When you come for a visit, you will see how remarkable the system works and flows even during the busy times of 5pm to 7pm come. I must admit, though, when that rare once in a blue moon 'selfish' person does come to exercise, the rest expect proper etiquette!!
Yes, you have no excuse for not at least visiting...no matter what! Hey, I'll bet that you come back and...and brag to a friend about how much better you feel after doing so.
It is definitely noteworthy that our American society has, for a number of years, supported public and private centers for us wanting to exercise in concentrated places, meaning centers with numerous machines. Pools are often there, including relaxing, therapeutic hottubs and unloosening steam rooms.
Visit your local Rec Center, soon, and you will see individuals, not teams in other sports, challenging themselves to 'reps' on machines or minutes on the 'ski' machine. It's, therefore, an indivdual affair. Many keep tabs on 'score sheets' only for themselves. The 'rowing machine' keeps account of the time and calories (and more), and it is matched by the next visit. And what is neat? There is NO ONE edging someone else on to accomplish more, or poking fun at how 'slow' they were proceeding. Most participants respect a fellow exerciser, with pleny of room given and shared. When you come for a visit, you will see how remarkable the system works and flows even during the busy times of 5pm to 7pm come. I must admit, though, when that rare once in a blue moon 'selfish' person does come to exercise, the rest expect proper etiquette!!
Yes, you have no excuse for not at least visiting...no matter what! Hey, I'll bet that you come back and...and brag to a friend about how much better you feel after doing so.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
95- GIVING BACK...PAYING FORWARD.....
As a Philosophy major, it still is important to give back to the parts and people in American society who have and do honestly value what has been shared with them. When someone or ones have a sincere interest, desire and instinct to creatively write or advance their talents in photography and art in general, I will help, encourage and support. Often, there was no one around over the years to encourage me, but the will to learn and succeed continued to burn brightly. I admire that character in others, then! And especially admire the courage of an individual NOT to fall through the sieve and become like an average artist or writer or creator or inventor.
There is a developing and growing small town publication located in historic Toano...in James City County, Virgina, who is standing by its convictions to be a really LOCAL "town" newspaper---Toano-Norge Times (TNT). Rosemary Van Houten is the publisher and creator of TNT. Google TNT!
There is a developing and growing small town publication located in historic Toano...in James City County, Virgina, who is standing by its convictions to be a really LOCAL "town" newspaper---Toano-Norge Times (TNT). Rosemary Van Houten is the publisher and creator of TNT. Google TNT!
94- THE SERPENTINE BOND!...MY PROGRESS.....
This novel's first draft has been completed, with 550 pages. And the last draft is, currently, being carefully worked over and placed into WORD. The entire process of creating a novel has been and continues to be exhilarating, and taking time. After, over the years, furthering my artistic talents, photography, and other explorations, creative writing stands at the summit of self-fulfillment. Writing , and rewriting, an essay or magazine article, and now that first novel, has convinced me to continue on with another novel. Researching is laborious, but the personal satisfaction of uncovering "new" old material as resources for future compositions makes all of the hours spent reading and digging through a library worth the efforts!
The seven characters in TSB! have become real to me, especially after going back and reading over my earlier chapters. As I do, the process conjures up more and more ideas and thoughts to tweak what already was created...making the novel better and better!
People will ask me what the unusual title means...that's fair. After studying in the summer at the University of Virginia, I did fall in like with the campus, the Lawn. Within the original Academic Village, there are gardens that are surrounded by brick walls one brick wide and following a serpentine design. My seven characters, studying at a large and historic Southern university, by chance(?), meet and evolve into a strong friendship...a bond.
During their four years on campus, adventures that develop that bond, take them into a unique plot.
I feel that characters, plot and the five senses in detailed paragraphs make for a novel that will transcend the average to become a bestseller. Whoops...forgot to mention the importance of turns and twists and an eventual mystery that will shock America!
Marketing, now, is most important. Even before completing the last draft, The Serpentine Bond! is being presented and discussed around the World...really. No more clues for now. There's a bit of mystery to maintain for a spell...
Have changed the working title for the 2nd novel, a romance, to Meet Me at the Wild Cherry Tree!
The seven characters in TSB! have become real to me, especially after going back and reading over my earlier chapters. As I do, the process conjures up more and more ideas and thoughts to tweak what already was created...making the novel better and better!
People will ask me what the unusual title means...that's fair. After studying in the summer at the University of Virginia, I did fall in like with the campus, the Lawn. Within the original Academic Village, there are gardens that are surrounded by brick walls one brick wide and following a serpentine design. My seven characters, studying at a large and historic Southern university, by chance(?), meet and evolve into a strong friendship...a bond.
During their four years on campus, adventures that develop that bond, take them into a unique plot.
I feel that characters, plot and the five senses in detailed paragraphs make for a novel that will transcend the average to become a bestseller. Whoops...forgot to mention the importance of turns and twists and an eventual mystery that will shock America!
Marketing, now, is most important. Even before completing the last draft, The Serpentine Bond! is being presented and discussed around the World...really. No more clues for now. There's a bit of mystery to maintain for a spell...
Have changed the working title for the 2nd novel, a romance, to Meet Me at the Wild Cherry Tree!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
93- OK, HOW DO YOU EAT AN OREO COOKIE?....
a- Twist it and lick all of the white stuff off, one side at a time, then eat the cookie, one at a time!
b- Break the morsel in half and eat one half at a time!
c- Plunk the entire Oreo into your mouth and crunch away!
d- Pour a glass of COLD 'moo juice'...and then daintily dip half into the milk and eat...then the
other half!
e- Prepare a cup of hot tea....then dip part of the Oreo into the hot tea and eat...don't forget
to finish off the other portion!
f- Give the last Oreo that you have left in your Superman lunchbox to your bestest friend...and
watch them eat that one that you craved!
g- Crumble up your Oreo cookie and drop onto a bowl of your fave ice cream!
h- Stop buying the regular bag of Oreo cookies and, instead, buy the Double Stuf Oreo cookies
and forget the heck about the calories listed in Arabic on the side of the package!
i- Got one I didn't think of?
b- Break the morsel in half and eat one half at a time!
c- Plunk the entire Oreo into your mouth and crunch away!
d- Pour a glass of COLD 'moo juice'...and then daintily dip half into the milk and eat...then the
other half!
e- Prepare a cup of hot tea....then dip part of the Oreo into the hot tea and eat...don't forget
to finish off the other portion!
f- Give the last Oreo that you have left in your Superman lunchbox to your bestest friend...and
watch them eat that one that you craved!
g- Crumble up your Oreo cookie and drop onto a bowl of your fave ice cream!
h- Stop buying the regular bag of Oreo cookies and, instead, buy the Double Stuf Oreo cookies
and forget the heck about the calories listed in Arabic on the side of the package!
i- Got one I didn't think of?
92- "A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT"...FLY-FISHING!....
In 1992 Robert Redford directed this beautiful and haunting film that was adapted from a novella. Two fly-fishing brothers, one reserved and the other rebellious, grew up in Montana, with their father, a Presbyterian minister. The fly-fishing scenes were filmed along the Big Black Foot River. Redford is outstanding as a narrator throughout the film and, in the background, creates a philosophical feel second to none.
Trout fishing, and later learning the fine art of fly-fishing, has helped me in my appreciation for this film and for the films of Redford over the years. Once, one summer, was chosen, all expenses paid, to travel to Montana to study and help write a plan for teaching American government. Since it was my first trip to Big Sky Country, I left early and drove across country. I fell in like with America even more by seeing, on the ground, all of those neat and different states. But Montana, and Wyoming, really did it for me, the in like more part!
Fly-fishing along the Gallatin Valley, exploring, when time was available, towns like Bozeman was thrilling. But, though, driving through the middle of Yellowstone National Park in the middle of the night on my way to Big Sky, Montana was the ADVENTURE!
Yes, life is full of adventures for some of us, especially the squire!
Trout fishing, and later learning the fine art of fly-fishing, has helped me in my appreciation for this film and for the films of Redford over the years. Once, one summer, was chosen, all expenses paid, to travel to Montana to study and help write a plan for teaching American government. Since it was my first trip to Big Sky Country, I left early and drove across country. I fell in like with America even more by seeing, on the ground, all of those neat and different states. But Montana, and Wyoming, really did it for me, the in like more part!
Fly-fishing along the Gallatin Valley, exploring, when time was available, towns like Bozeman was thrilling. But, though, driving through the middle of Yellowstone National Park in the middle of the night on my way to Big Sky, Montana was the ADVENTURE!
Yes, life is full of adventures for some of us, especially the squire!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
91- CHOCOLATIZING BACON...A FAD?.....
Probably, but who cares when anything winds up chocolatized. This wordsmith created a new word...'chocolatizing'. Means 'laying on of a deep, dark layer of warmed melted chocolate'.
Seems like the 'makin' bacon dipped in warm chocolate' originated at a country fair out and about our American society. So, how does it happen?
Nice wide strips of fresh bacon are slowly fried, using two forks, and turning each one carefully over a few times, maintaining a flat look. Set aside, with forks, on a plate covered with a couple of paper towels.
Heat up that old fondue pot with intense dark chocolate.
Next, using those two trusty forks, very slowly dredge one strip of bacon at a time through the warmed dark chocolate, lift up and lay onto that same plate with a paper towel. Place plate in the fridge for a bit. Ready, try just one 'Makin' Bacon Chocolatized' tidbit. Makes a different and unique taste!
Seems like the 'makin' bacon dipped in warm chocolate' originated at a country fair out and about our American society. So, how does it happen?
Nice wide strips of fresh bacon are slowly fried, using two forks, and turning each one carefully over a few times, maintaining a flat look. Set aside, with forks, on a plate covered with a couple of paper towels.
Heat up that old fondue pot with intense dark chocolate.
Next, using those two trusty forks, very slowly dredge one strip of bacon at a time through the warmed dark chocolate, lift up and lay onto that same plate with a paper towel. Place plate in the fridge for a bit. Ready, try just one 'Makin' Bacon Chocolatized' tidbit. Makes a different and unique taste!
90- RESOCIALIZATION!....
A break from the past....
One can think in terms of, like everything in society, at least two approaches. I'll take the upside that involves changing an individal's personality and social behavior.
One breaks up with someone special...changes jobs or positions...divorces...friendships change...depressed.... You can accomplish the goal by altering that style of dress...a different hairstyle or speech...internalizing more freedom of movement. To many, conforming in society is a norm...to others, conformity is not acceptable to an individual's sense of self.
I noticed someone recently who changed that sense of self with a hairstyle and color. She had a smile more often at her workplace, and accomplished more on the job. Going off to college is an excellent resocialization tool. One can get away from that high school 'character' that's been around for four years by creating a different personna with different friends in a different setting, and it's all normal and not deceptive.
One can think in terms of, like everything in society, at least two approaches. I'll take the upside that involves changing an individal's personality and social behavior.
One breaks up with someone special...changes jobs or positions...divorces...friendships change...depressed.... You can accomplish the goal by altering that style of dress...a different hairstyle or speech...internalizing more freedom of movement. To many, conforming in society is a norm...to others, conformity is not acceptable to an individual's sense of self.
I noticed someone recently who changed that sense of self with a hairstyle and color. She had a smile more often at her workplace, and accomplished more on the job. Going off to college is an excellent resocialization tool. One can get away from that high school 'character' that's been around for four years by creating a different personna with different friends in a different setting, and it's all normal and not deceptive.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
89- WA...."HARMONY...PEACE...SPIRIT Of UNITY!"
'Wa' is a term that is growing on me as a unique cultural concept indelibly imprinted upon the history of Japan! 'Wa' is the oldest recorded name for Japan. It is said that Japanese scribes wrote the word 'Wa' or 'Yamato' (Japan) with the Chinese character for it until the 8th century. For whatever reason, the Japanese decided it had faults and replaced it with a character meaning "harmony; peace."
That's the term and definition that I feel has the most significance.
The character and term was imported originally from the Chinese. The English translation is "spirit of unity" and is akin to the "harmony and peace" one.
Reminds me of what #41 (Former Pres. George Herbert Walker Bush) once said during his administration...he said that America needed a 'kinder and gentler Nation!' You know, I believe he was correct!
'Wa'......
That's the term and definition that I feel has the most significance.
The character and term was imported originally from the Chinese. The English translation is "spirit of unity" and is akin to the "harmony and peace" one.
Reminds me of what #41 (Former Pres. George Herbert Walker Bush) once said during his administration...he said that America needed a 'kinder and gentler Nation!' You know, I believe he was correct!
'Wa'......
Monday, September 29, 2008
88- THE UPSIDEDOWN STAMP?....
When we really LISTEN to our older generation, especially grandparents, a wealth of neat stuff is learned about our early society. Once again, I learned from way back, when my grandmother Willie was a young lady, about the 'secret' of sending a letter in the 'post' by positioning a stamp upsidedown. Was a 'secret' message to the sendee that the sender loved them, the romantic kind! Now you know how to send a romantic 'secret' to someone 'spacial'....go for it!
Let's see...2008...computers...can anyone figure out how to stick a stamp on the monitor screen, upsidedown, and send it along?
I have the solution! Write a letter the old-fashioned way. And apply that stamp upsidedown. You don't even have to lick anymore, right!
Let's see...2008...computers...can anyone figure out how to stick a stamp on the monitor screen, upsidedown, and send it along?
I have the solution! Write a letter the old-fashioned way. And apply that stamp upsidedown. You don't even have to lick anymore, right!
87- chocolate...choCOLATE...EXTREME DARK CHOCOLATE!!...'FAD' or 'FASHION'?...
Hmmmmm...the elixor of the, uh, mind! And EXTRA-DARK chocolate is leading the way. Have you found and tried that Intense Orange-Dark Chocolate, yet? American society loves this stuff. Is it, though, a 'fashion' or a 'fad'? A 'fashion' rises up in society and sticks around, like blue jeans. A 'fad' enters and fades away, like that hula hoop 'craze'. Anyone remember those 'Mood Rings'?
a) 1920s/1930s/1940s---Miniature golf...Betty Boop...Drive-in theatres...Peter Pan PB...soda fountains...Hokey Pokey...Monopoly...bright red lipstick....
b) 1950s---Fins on cars...Teenyboppers...the Bunny Hop...flat tops...TV dinners...Silly Putty...Sideburns...the Chicken Dance...Scrabble....Mr. Potato Head...Paint-by-number...Disneyland...3D Movies...neon signs....
c) 1960s---American Bandstand...the Woodstock Festival...GI Joe...Mood Rings...hair ironing...the Twist dance...Granny dresses...Laugh-In...Bond, James Bond...Hippies...Jell-O...Smiley faces...the Peace sign...Yo-yos...the flower child...Barbie!...Twiggy...
d) 1970s---Star Wars...Rocky Horror Picture Show...Mopeds...do the Hustle...polyester...Pong...Happy Days...that Disco music...Amway...Lava Lamps...Toga parties...View-Master....Denim...Hello Kitty...California Raisins...Hacky-Sack...Pop Rocks...Tupeprware parties....
e) 1980s---Jelly Shoes...Care Bears...Spandex...Brat Pack...Atari...Chuck E. Cheese...Valley Girls...Weird Al...Penny Loafers...Garfield...Jud Blume...charm necklaces...Swatches...mullets...ripped jeans...Smurfs..."Where's the beef?"...WWF Wrestling...goatees....
f) 1990s---Pokemon..."Saved by the Bell" TV...Push Pops..."WWJD"..."I've fallen and I can't get up!"...Tickle Me Elmo...Girl Power...the Macarena!...Grunge...Koosh Balls...Pogs...Hip-Hop stuff...SUV's...Clackers....
g) 2000s---High School Musical...iPod...YouTube...Texas Hold-em Poker...Vanilla Cokes...Ring Tones...The Da Vinci Code...Text messaging...Red Bull...Tivo...Mentos..."That's Hot"...American Idol...thongs...Hybrid cars...U.S. and college flags on cars...the Bratz Dolls...Sudoku puzzles...Craiglist...Botox...MySpace...FaceBook...Hi5...skinny jeans..."mounted fish that sing!"...Webkinz...Hanna Montana....
h) 2010s---hmmm, I can only guess, and that's why my "social commentary" is fun!
a) 1920s/1930s/1940s---Miniature golf...Betty Boop...Drive-in theatres...Peter Pan PB...soda fountains...Hokey Pokey...Monopoly...bright red lipstick....
b) 1950s---Fins on cars...Teenyboppers...the Bunny Hop...flat tops...TV dinners...Silly Putty...Sideburns...the Chicken Dance...Scrabble....Mr. Potato Head...Paint-by-number...Disneyland...3D Movies...neon signs....
c) 1960s---American Bandstand...the Woodstock Festival...GI Joe...Mood Rings...hair ironing...the Twist dance...Granny dresses...Laugh-In...Bond, James Bond...Hippies...Jell-O...Smiley faces...the Peace sign...Yo-yos...the flower child...Barbie!...Twiggy...
d) 1970s---Star Wars...Rocky Horror Picture Show...Mopeds...do the Hustle...polyester...Pong...Happy Days...that Disco music...Amway...Lava Lamps...Toga parties...View-Master....Denim...Hello Kitty...California Raisins...Hacky-Sack...Pop Rocks...Tupeprware parties....
e) 1980s---Jelly Shoes...Care Bears...Spandex...Brat Pack...Atari...Chuck E. Cheese...Valley Girls...Weird Al...Penny Loafers...Garfield...Jud Blume...charm necklaces...Swatches...mullets...ripped jeans...Smurfs..."Where's the beef?"...WWF Wrestling...goatees....
f) 1990s---Pokemon..."Saved by the Bell" TV...Push Pops..."WWJD"..."I've fallen and I can't get up!"...Tickle Me Elmo...Girl Power...the Macarena!...Grunge...Koosh Balls...Pogs...Hip-Hop stuff...SUV's...Clackers....
g) 2000s---High School Musical...iPod...YouTube...Texas Hold-em Poker...Vanilla Cokes...Ring Tones...The Da Vinci Code...Text messaging...Red Bull...Tivo...Mentos..."That's Hot"...American Idol...thongs...Hybrid cars...U.S. and college flags on cars...the Bratz Dolls...Sudoku puzzles...Craiglist...Botox...MySpace...FaceBook...Hi5...skinny jeans..."mounted fish that sing!"...Webkinz...Hanna Montana....
h) 2010s---hmmm, I can only guess, and that's why my "social commentary" is fun!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
86- THINKING PHILOSOPHY!....
"Tell me, and I will Forget...
Show me, and I will Remember...
But, Involved me, and I will Understand!"
(Very early Chinese philosopher)
Show me, and I will Remember...
But, Involved me, and I will Understand!"
(Very early Chinese philosopher)
Friday, September 26, 2008
85- THE DUMBING-DOWN of OUR AMERICA SOCIETY!...MY ADEPTING-UP!!
a- Try calling for a missed newspaper delivery? First, you'll get a recording..."Let's see...punch in your telephone #"...after listening to the list of 7 options, have you forgotten the one you think you want? Next, "we're sorry, but our automatic system this morning is not working...please yell, in Spanish or English, what do you need?...sorry, we cannot understand your reply...please speak slowly and enunciate clearly....sorry, we still cannot understand your request. Please hang up and try again next week!" This message is coming from India. Dumbing down?
b- It's Friday evening...usually that means eating out for me, and a sit down restaurant is just too costly and time consuming. That left, for the first time in many months, a trip to Dave's place, for chili, a small salad and a baked potato. After sitting down, with only three other diners in the entire dining room, on a Friday evening, I began to notice the food selected. Let's see...the lid came off the chili to find a mass of thick goo (OLD!). The sealed two-pack of crackers were Ok. Off the cover for a small salad found a handful of green leaves lining down on the bottom of the plastic container...my salad? And the baked potato?...also goo, burnt potato stuck to peel! I liked the small cup of iced water. Dave, I sure wish you were still around to clean up this dumbing down of our American society of eateries. In the meantime, NO MORE dining at Dave's.
c- My last time having business at a DMV: "Ma'am, I would like to explain what I need...", I politely said to the woman everyone has to 'go through' for anything at the DMV front desk.
"I don't have time to sit here and listen to you...I'm busy...."
I sent a letter back to the DMV "Customer Service" in Richmond, Va. Two weeks later received a reply, stating that "they" checked with that person at the front desk and that nothing like that occurred!...hmmm. By the way, a letter is being sent to the Governor's office!
d- "Tell him that I'm in a meeting." That was a LIE! I had stopped to ask someone in charge of a construction project when a certain feature would be hoisted on top of a building and overhead that person say that to a secretary down the hall. That was a dumbing-down offense! That was an insult and, again, a lie. I, instead, went to another source later in the week and got an answer.
e- So, squire has created a new term...ADEPTING-UP!, making it the opposite of dumbing-down. When I, you, observe someone conscientiously going the extra kilometer and adroiting, too, please pause a moment in time to thank them in person or write a LETTER to a CEO or e-mail with praise of their character. Here's where I'll mention Whitney, a cashier at the Williamsburg, Va. Walmart*. I did write a letter of praise to the manager there and to a CEO at the corporate office in Arkansas!
For the record, this sociologist creates words when the one in the dictionary is not available...therefore, 'ADEPTING-UP' was created to mean moving up with highly skilled abilities!
b- It's Friday evening...usually that means eating out for me, and a sit down restaurant is just too costly and time consuming. That left, for the first time in many months, a trip to Dave's place, for chili, a small salad and a baked potato. After sitting down, with only three other diners in the entire dining room, on a Friday evening, I began to notice the food selected. Let's see...the lid came off the chili to find a mass of thick goo (OLD!). The sealed two-pack of crackers were Ok. Off the cover for a small salad found a handful of green leaves lining down on the bottom of the plastic container...my salad? And the baked potato?...also goo, burnt potato stuck to peel! I liked the small cup of iced water. Dave, I sure wish you were still around to clean up this dumbing down of our American society of eateries. In the meantime, NO MORE dining at Dave's.
c- My last time having business at a DMV: "Ma'am, I would like to explain what I need...", I politely said to the woman everyone has to 'go through' for anything at the DMV front desk.
"I don't have time to sit here and listen to you...I'm busy...."
I sent a letter back to the DMV "Customer Service" in Richmond, Va. Two weeks later received a reply, stating that "they" checked with that person at the front desk and that nothing like that occurred!...hmmm. By the way, a letter is being sent to the Governor's office!
d- "Tell him that I'm in a meeting." That was a LIE! I had stopped to ask someone in charge of a construction project when a certain feature would be hoisted on top of a building and overhead that person say that to a secretary down the hall. That was a dumbing-down offense! That was an insult and, again, a lie. I, instead, went to another source later in the week and got an answer.
e- So, squire has created a new term...ADEPTING-UP!, making it the opposite of dumbing-down. When I, you, observe someone conscientiously going the extra kilometer and adroiting, too, please pause a moment in time to thank them in person or write a LETTER to a CEO or e-mail with praise of their character. Here's where I'll mention Whitney, a cashier at the Williamsburg, Va. Walmart*. I did write a letter of praise to the manager there and to a CEO at the corporate office in Arkansas!
For the record, this sociologist creates words when the one in the dictionary is not available...therefore, 'ADEPTING-UP' was created to mean moving up with highly skilled abilities!
84- WEEKEND PONDERABLE....."WHISPER IN THE DARK!"...
One night this weekend?...whisper in the dark, anything, to anyone, even to yourself. Why?...creates an absolutely unique subtle and refreshing feeling...go for it....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
83- AMERICA NEEDS A BIT OF SILLINESS and ABSURDITY, EH?....
A) What if we changed the names of our virile and tough sports teams: ...to the Detroit Butterflies?
B) ...to the New York Kitty Cats?
C) ...to the Dallas Flapjacks?
D) What if every driver in America suddenly remembered where their car's turn signals were located, and they used it to properly turn?
E) Wouldn't it be rather neat if everyone in American society looked out for our 'elderly' as if they were their own respected grandparent?
F) Could we move the Eiffel Tower to Navarre, Ohio?
G) Will the WORLD finally realize that China pulled some unethical stunts this summer by lying about some of the gymnasts being 16?...the girls are not to blame, though, they were told to participate. But it appears as if China will get away with the cheating at the Olympics...how do we, Americans, tell our young people that the World let China cheat and our youth played by the rules?...eh?
H) Does an 'egg cream' have an egg and ice cream in it?
I) When observing an aquarium, why do some elite poke at the fish?
J) What if you ordered a Big Mac at a drive-thru...and asked them to delete the two patties...also delete the cheese and the sauce...and then to scrape off all of the sesame seeds on the top of the roll?.....well?
K) Paint the Golden Gate Bridge a soft purple color?...or a bold paisley?
L) Has a 'boogieman' ever lived under your bed?
M) What if they gave a WAR and nobody came?
N) Do you spread on the peanut butter first or the Smucker's for your 'wich?
O) Have you ever chased a rainbow...and found one of the ends?
P) Do you remember your absolute fave Halloween costume as a kid?...why does it seem like the kids have all of the fun on October 31st?
Q) Is our national icon, the Statue of Liberty, located in New York City?.....(nope, New Jersey!).
R) How do you pronounce the capital of Kentucky...Louieville or Louisville?....(sorry, it's pronounced Frankfort).
S) Should a S'MORE be officially voted in by billions of Americas as our fave
finger lickin', lip smackin' snack?...e-mail any camper you've ever known!
T) Aha...what do we call that little dot over an "i"? (Try a "tittle"....)
U) I forgot...when we reached New Year's Day in the year 2000, did all of our computers crash or what?
V) When was the last time you experienced a "brain freeze" from eating ice cream too fast?...or slurping a Slurpee too quickly?
W) An ice cream cone....do you always lick around the edges with your tongue OR bite into it?...or an equal amount of licks and bites?
X) How many noodles, average, are in a can of regular-size Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup? The company years ago actually counted them!
Y) At a Baskin-Robbins, when you order a sundae, do you get a half red cherry or a whole one on the summit?
Z)
B) ...to the New York Kitty Cats?
C) ...to the Dallas Flapjacks?
D) What if every driver in America suddenly remembered where their car's turn signals were located, and they used it to properly turn?
E) Wouldn't it be rather neat if everyone in American society looked out for our 'elderly' as if they were their own respected grandparent?
F) Could we move the Eiffel Tower to Navarre, Ohio?
G) Will the WORLD finally realize that China pulled some unethical stunts this summer by lying about some of the gymnasts being 16?...the girls are not to blame, though, they were told to participate. But it appears as if China will get away with the cheating at the Olympics...how do we, Americans, tell our young people that the World let China cheat and our youth played by the rules?...eh?
H) Does an 'egg cream' have an egg and ice cream in it?
I) When observing an aquarium, why do some elite poke at the fish?
J) What if you ordered a Big Mac at a drive-thru...and asked them to delete the two patties...also delete the cheese and the sauce...and then to scrape off all of the sesame seeds on the top of the roll?.....well?
K) Paint the Golden Gate Bridge a soft purple color?...or a bold paisley?
L) Has a 'boogieman' ever lived under your bed?
M) What if they gave a WAR and nobody came?
N) Do you spread on the peanut butter first or the Smucker's for your 'wich?
O) Have you ever chased a rainbow...and found one of the ends?
P) Do you remember your absolute fave Halloween costume as a kid?...why does it seem like the kids have all of the fun on October 31st?
Q) Is our national icon, the Statue of Liberty, located in New York City?.....(nope, New Jersey!).
R) How do you pronounce the capital of Kentucky...Louieville or Louisville?....(sorry, it's pronounced Frankfort).
S) Should a S'MORE be officially voted in by billions of Americas as our fave
finger lickin', lip smackin' snack?...e-mail any camper you've ever known!
T) Aha...what do we call that little dot over an "i"? (Try a "tittle"....)
U) I forgot...when we reached New Year's Day in the year 2000, did all of our computers crash or what?
V) When was the last time you experienced a "brain freeze" from eating ice cream too fast?...or slurping a Slurpee too quickly?
W) An ice cream cone....do you always lick around the edges with your tongue OR bite into it?...or an equal amount of licks and bites?
X) How many noodles, average, are in a can of regular-size Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup? The company years ago actually counted them!
Y) At a Baskin-Robbins, when you order a sundae, do you get a half red cherry or a whole one on the summit?
Z)
Monday, September 22, 2008
82- MIGRATORY SMALLER BIRDS Are In DANGER IN OUR SOCIETY!.......
Never thought about it? Most of us take for granted the smaller birds that live around our neighborhoods a portion of your year, depending in which region you live. You should know that many of the species migrate!
And did you realize that they usually get their flight bearings at night from the skies?...honest. And did you know that, with more and more urban areas out and about, really large urban areas, that tens of thousands of the smaller birds are becoming disoriented when the night lights throughout those urban areas are confused with the stars? Thought you didn't know that. Neither did I for some time. And what happens when just one little bird becomes confused and disoriented? They will tire quickly, trying to get their bearings....and die. How do we solve the massive problem? I need your help!!!!!
And did you realize that they usually get their flight bearings at night from the skies?...honest. And did you know that, with more and more urban areas out and about, really large urban areas, that tens of thousands of the smaller birds are becoming disoriented when the night lights throughout those urban areas are confused with the stars? Thought you didn't know that. Neither did I for some time. And what happens when just one little bird becomes confused and disoriented? They will tire quickly, trying to get their bearings....and die. How do we solve the massive problem? I need your help!!!!!
81- WANT SWEET DREAMS AT NIGHT?....
Latest studies point out that one who sleeps with REAL flowers in the bedroom have 'sweet dreams' during the night!...'sweet' interprets as meaning, I believe, positive dreams.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
80- EARLY COCA-COLAS at the OLD-FASHIONED SODA FOUNTAINS!...
When my grandmother, Willie, was a young girl, she told me about going to the old drugstore in her small town and to its soda fountain area. The soda 'jerk' would jerk back the large handle up on the fountain to mix the syrup with the phosphates. (fizz). The Coca-Cola syrup was squirted in the bottom of the Coke glass, and then the soda jerk would jerk the lever to add the fizz...mix with a long spoon and add more fizz. Then he would squirt, from another nozzle, the cherry syrup, mix up that original Cherry-Coke and add ice!
She also, as a child, liked Chocolate Cokes. They were popular, too. Soda fountains jerks could mix up Lime Cokes, Lemon Cokes, Vanilla Cokes and even 'Amonia Cokes', too.
And you thought Cherry Cokes were modern and came in a can or plastic bottle?
You've just experienced another 'social commentary'.
She also, as a child, liked Chocolate Cokes. They were popular, too. Soda fountains jerks could mix up Lime Cokes, Lemon Cokes, Vanilla Cokes and even 'Amonia Cokes', too.
And you thought Cherry Cokes were modern and came in a can or plastic bottle?
You've just experienced another 'social commentary'.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
79- MoonPies...and a RC....!
So, what is a MoonPie, you ask?...and a RC?
It's a southern cultural thing! The Chattanoog Bakery in 1917 baked the very first MoonPie. It consists of two cookies, each originally about four and a half inches in diameter, tasting like graham crackers. Between the two cookies is a layer of marshmallow about one-fourth thick. The flavor is then drenched with a generous coating and you usually have a choice of chocolate, vanilla, banana or cocout flavoring. Then they're wrapped in a clear cellophane to show you which flavor you want.
Can you believe that those first MoonPies cost you a nickel?
Double Decker MoonPies came out in 1969. Today, they're sold in packages of twelve. "Moon Pie' is a registered name!
One famous person in history is purported to have said, "Let them eat MoonPies..." Another famous person is thought to have uttered, "The only thing to fear...is running out of Moon Pies."
RC Cola was a popular soda back in the '50s, especially because it was a large soda in a glass bottle, larger than others and was a quick snack. In 1934, Chero-Cola was reformulated and became Royal Crown Cola...and a hit! Both teamed up for a snack deal for a whopping cost of a dime. An RC was a full 16 ounches of soda.
In the 1950s "Gimme an RC and a Moonpie" and "Moonpie" by Edwin Hubbard came out. Ron Dickson's "The Great American Moon Pie Handbook" was published in 1985, and several children's books with Moon Pie in the title helped.
For the record...those popular early sodas, like RC and Dr Pepper, are different today! Amounts of carbonation have been taken out and "sugar" added to make them sweeter and more like that OTHER soda...well, go figure.
It's a southern cultural thing! The Chattanoog Bakery in 1917 baked the very first MoonPie. It consists of two cookies, each originally about four and a half inches in diameter, tasting like graham crackers. Between the two cookies is a layer of marshmallow about one-fourth thick. The flavor is then drenched with a generous coating and you usually have a choice of chocolate, vanilla, banana or cocout flavoring. Then they're wrapped in a clear cellophane to show you which flavor you want.
Can you believe that those first MoonPies cost you a nickel?
Double Decker MoonPies came out in 1969. Today, they're sold in packages of twelve. "Moon Pie' is a registered name!
One famous person in history is purported to have said, "Let them eat MoonPies..." Another famous person is thought to have uttered, "The only thing to fear...is running out of Moon Pies."
RC Cola was a popular soda back in the '50s, especially because it was a large soda in a glass bottle, larger than others and was a quick snack. In 1934, Chero-Cola was reformulated and became Royal Crown Cola...and a hit! Both teamed up for a snack deal for a whopping cost of a dime. An RC was a full 16 ounches of soda.
In the 1950s "Gimme an RC and a Moonpie" and "Moonpie" by Edwin Hubbard came out. Ron Dickson's "The Great American Moon Pie Handbook" was published in 1985, and several children's books with Moon Pie in the title helped.
For the record...those popular early sodas, like RC and Dr Pepper, are different today! Amounts of carbonation have been taken out and "sugar" added to make them sweeter and more like that OTHER soda...well, go figure.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
78- HAVE YOU HUGGED A TREE TODAY?.....
I previously mentioned creating a program named T.A.T.---"Trees Are Timeless!" T.A.T., one by one, congratulates businesses, companies and individuals for intelligently saving individual and stands of beautiful trees from the sawmill. Nature takes, slowly, time to create any tree on Earth. And how long does it take to saw through it and yell "TIMBER!"....?
Does anyone realize just in the Amazon region of South America how, daily, thousands of acres of trees are being slaughtered for wood AND to raise crops or cattle? AND how this affects the rest of our World in terms of weather?
So...have you hugged that old tree that's been around for decades in your neighborhood? It just may be history tomorrow, guys! And, if it takes a handful of you holding hands to reach around the tree, you've got a BIG, really LARGE tree! Then, why cut it...does anyone have an ethical right to do so?...well?
Does anyone realize just in the Amazon region of South America how, daily, thousands of acres of trees are being slaughtered for wood AND to raise crops or cattle? AND how this affects the rest of our World in terms of weather?
So...have you hugged that old tree that's been around for decades in your neighborhood? It just may be history tomorrow, guys! And, if it takes a handful of you holding hands to reach around the tree, you've got a BIG, really LARGE tree! Then, why cut it...does anyone have an ethical right to do so?...well?
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