Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Top 50 Mystery Books 41- 50 Black Book Bingo
Books, books, book recommendations from a fellow bingo player on Black Book Bingo sponsored by B2KBINGO
41. Firewall by Henning Mankell
Seemingly unrelated acts of violence in the town of Ystad, southern Sweden are part of a conspiracy in cyber terrorism targeted to collapse the world's financial system.
42. Donnie Brasco by Joseph D. Pistone
A thrilling account of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone working undercover in the Mafia for six years. The book reveals that nothing is honorable or glamorous in the mob. Pistone's extremely dangerous undercover work resulted in over 100 convictions. Amazing that he survived his assignment!
43. A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell
Teddy obsessed with Francine after meeting her at art school, equally vile Julia, Francine's stepmother, a psychologist of such immense and malevolent ineptness, and a bright red, lovingly restored Edsel, which becomes a hearse.
44. Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Inspired by a real-life drug trafficking case. While Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Allegretti is interviewing an informant, he and her partner are shot. Vicki's gutsy investigation of the two deaths leads her to "Devil's Corner", a drug-riddled neighborhood in Philadelphia.
45. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall / Per Wahloo
Written from a left-wing political perspective, the novel portrays the
social and political climate of Sweden in the late 1960s and 1970s. Fortunately, the political propaganda is packaged in intelligent suspense and a plot populated by authentic characters.
46. The Locked Room by Maj Sjowall / Per Wahloo
In this crime novel the police force is understaffed, incompetent and poorly motivated. Their investigation of a series of bank burglaries ends in a pathetic disaster, typical for the social condition in Sweden during the late 1960s.
47. The Bone is Pointed by Arthur W. Upfield
Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte investigates in a world defined by social and cultural tensions between white ranchers and aborigines.
48. The House of Stairs by Barbara Vine
Both Vetch and Sanger became part of the same Sixties clique of young Londoners, centered around an older, wealthy, and foolishly generous woman who was looking for lost youth (and young men). There is an ominous undertone here.
49. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
In a sardonic but gentle tone, with great humor, Death conveys the life of Liesel Meminger, a child of 9 years, living in a foster family with her sarcastic step mother and loving step father. Set in Nazi Germany Liesel is saved by the books she is stealing - and, ultimately, by the one she is writing herself.
50. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A brutal murder and an unexpected blizzard bring in the vacationing Hercule Poirot. When he determines that the corpse was a renowned child kidnapper/killer, he begins to wonder about connections between the passengers and the victim.
41. Firewall by Henning Mankell
Seemingly unrelated acts of violence in the town of Ystad, southern Sweden are part of a conspiracy in cyber terrorism targeted to collapse the world's financial system.
42. Donnie Brasco by Joseph D. Pistone
A thrilling account of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone working undercover in the Mafia for six years. The book reveals that nothing is honorable or glamorous in the mob. Pistone's extremely dangerous undercover work resulted in over 100 convictions. Amazing that he survived his assignment!
43. A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell
Teddy obsessed with Francine after meeting her at art school, equally vile Julia, Francine's stepmother, a psychologist of such immense and malevolent ineptness, and a bright red, lovingly restored Edsel, which becomes a hearse.
44. Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Inspired by a real-life drug trafficking case. While Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Allegretti is interviewing an informant, he and her partner are shot. Vicki's gutsy investigation of the two deaths leads her to "Devil's Corner", a drug-riddled neighborhood in Philadelphia.
45. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall / Per Wahloo
Written from a left-wing political perspective, the novel portrays the
social and political climate of Sweden in the late 1960s and 1970s. Fortunately, the political propaganda is packaged in intelligent suspense and a plot populated by authentic characters.
46. The Locked Room by Maj Sjowall / Per Wahloo
In this crime novel the police force is understaffed, incompetent and poorly motivated. Their investigation of a series of bank burglaries ends in a pathetic disaster, typical for the social condition in Sweden during the late 1960s.
47. The Bone is Pointed by Arthur W. Upfield
Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte investigates in a world defined by social and cultural tensions between white ranchers and aborigines.
48. The House of Stairs by Barbara Vine
Both Vetch and Sanger became part of the same Sixties clique of young Londoners, centered around an older, wealthy, and foolishly generous woman who was looking for lost youth (and young men). There is an ominous undertone here.
49. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
In a sardonic but gentle tone, with great humor, Death conveys the life of Liesel Meminger, a child of 9 years, living in a foster family with her sarcastic step mother and loving step father. Set in Nazi Germany Liesel is saved by the books she is stealing - and, ultimately, by the one she is writing herself.
50. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A brutal murder and an unexpected blizzard bring in the vacationing Hercule Poirot. When he determines that the corpse was a renowned child kidnapper/killer, he begins to wonder about connections between the passengers and the victim.
Top 50 Mystery Books 31 - 40 Black Book Bingo
Books, books, book recommendations from a fellow bingo player on Black Book Bingo sponsored by B2KBINGO
31. Gaudy Nights by Dorothy L. Sayers
Academic life, mixed with vitriolic hate. Harriet Vane, mystery writer and alumna of the College, comes back for the annual Gaudy night, where she receives a note full of hatred. Some time later she is called back by the Dean because the unpleasant events have intensified.
32. The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson
Probably the most chilling and believable first-person story of a criminally warped mind I have ever encountered.
33. Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver
Army Lt. Manion has obviously killed tavern owner Barney Quil, the man who allegedly raped his wife. A cunning prosecutor and a determined defense attorney are battling out the convoluted case, with a surprising end.
34. Dark Eyes Of London by Edgar Wallace
Mr. Gordon Stuart has been found drowned in suspicious circumstances. The investigation leads Inspector Holt into a string of exciting adventures and romance.
35. The Rainmaker by John Grisham
The Rainmaker is about a rooky lawyer named Rudy Baylor who just graduated from law school. Not as fast as "The Firm", but much funnier. Grisham's cynical portrayal of big firm lawyers is an excellent look into the real world of law. Also an excellent film by Francis Ford Coppola.
36. The Last Juror by John Grisham
More than a courtroom drama, the Last Juror is the portrait of a small town in Mississippi and its people - including the renegade Padgitt family who is terrorizing the region. Willie Traynor, a long-haired college dropout, launches a crusade in the local newspaper to bring a murderer from the Padgitt family to justice.
37. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
Two Supreme Court justices are assassinated. Darby Shaw, a second year law student, finds out why. In a brief she points out a possible suspect to her professor. As he gets killed with a car bomb that was obviously intended for her, Darby is on the run.
38. Those Who Walk Away by Patricia Highsmith
Ed, his father-in-law, blames Ray for his daughter's death and tries to kill him. But Ray survives and follows Ed to places all over Venice trying to explain his wife's suicide to the outraged father - seemingly unaware of Ed's unforgiving hate.
39. Absolute Friends by John Le Carré
LeCarré is mad about what he sees as a fraudulent and unnecessary war in Iraq. Ted Mundy is hired by a mysterious benefactor to counter the widespread propaganda on behalf of an Iraqi war. Even if you don't like LeCarré's political slant, his writing is first class.
40. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
Jason Bourne is dragged from the sea. His identity is unknown, his body is peppered with bullets and his face altered by plastic surgery. He is running for his life, targeted by professional assassins. No other writer comes even close to Ludlum's kaleidoscope of puzzles within puzzles.
31. Gaudy Nights by Dorothy L. Sayers
Academic life, mixed with vitriolic hate. Harriet Vane, mystery writer and alumna of the College, comes back for the annual Gaudy night, where she receives a note full of hatred. Some time later she is called back by the Dean because the unpleasant events have intensified.
32. The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson
Probably the most chilling and believable first-person story of a criminally warped mind I have ever encountered.
33. Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver
Army Lt. Manion has obviously killed tavern owner Barney Quil, the man who allegedly raped his wife. A cunning prosecutor and a determined defense attorney are battling out the convoluted case, with a surprising end.
34. Dark Eyes Of London by Edgar Wallace
Mr. Gordon Stuart has been found drowned in suspicious circumstances. The investigation leads Inspector Holt into a string of exciting adventures and romance.
35. The Rainmaker by John Grisham
The Rainmaker is about a rooky lawyer named Rudy Baylor who just graduated from law school. Not as fast as "The Firm", but much funnier. Grisham's cynical portrayal of big firm lawyers is an excellent look into the real world of law. Also an excellent film by Francis Ford Coppola.
36. The Last Juror by John Grisham
More than a courtroom drama, the Last Juror is the portrait of a small town in Mississippi and its people - including the renegade Padgitt family who is terrorizing the region. Willie Traynor, a long-haired college dropout, launches a crusade in the local newspaper to bring a murderer from the Padgitt family to justice.
37. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
Two Supreme Court justices are assassinated. Darby Shaw, a second year law student, finds out why. In a brief she points out a possible suspect to her professor. As he gets killed with a car bomb that was obviously intended for her, Darby is on the run.
38. Those Who Walk Away by Patricia Highsmith
Ed, his father-in-law, blames Ray for his daughter's death and tries to kill him. But Ray survives and follows Ed to places all over Venice trying to explain his wife's suicide to the outraged father - seemingly unaware of Ed's unforgiving hate.
39. Absolute Friends by John Le Carré
LeCarré is mad about what he sees as a fraudulent and unnecessary war in Iraq. Ted Mundy is hired by a mysterious benefactor to counter the widespread propaganda on behalf of an Iraqi war. Even if you don't like LeCarré's political slant, his writing is first class.
40. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
Jason Bourne is dragged from the sea. His identity is unknown, his body is peppered with bullets and his face altered by plastic surgery. He is running for his life, targeted by professional assassins. No other writer comes even close to Ludlum's kaleidoscope of puzzles within puzzles.
Top 50 Mystery Books 21- 30 Black Book Bingo
Books, books, book recommendations from a fellow bingo player on Black Book Bingo sponsored by B2KBINGO
21. A Dark-adapted Eye by Barbara Vine
A gripping tale of family madness. Vera Hillyard is a domineering and possessive woman who strives for obsessive control over a malicious older son, a youngest son who is--or isn't--illegitimate, and a daughter who is a devoted sister to her younger brother. The daughter secretly seeks to escape Vera's grasp and instead provokes a murder.
22. A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
Dimitrios' corpse has just been fished out of the Bosporus by the police. As the writer sets out to discover Dimitrios' past, someone is stalking him on his trail from Smyrna to Athens to Sofia.
23. Psycho by Robert Bloch
The novel, originally published in 1959, describes the events surrounding the profoundly disturbed motel proprietor Norman Bates.
24. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Philip Marlow. works a case of blackmail in the underbelly of San Francisco, populated by con men, weird ladies, mobsters, cheap sluts, pornographers, gamblers, drunks, and other despicable characters. In this tough world, Marlow is the straight and loyal guy.
25. The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon
In Condon's 1959 Cold War thriller Sgt. Raymond Shaw is brainwashed during his captivity in North Korea. He returns to America programmed to assassinate a U.S. presidential nominee.
26. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
Realistic spy fiction. Forsyth didn't bother with fantasy espionage (a la James Bond), but depicted a brutal and nasty world of evildoers. The plot is about an attempt to murder General DeGaulle of France.
27. The Firm by John Grisham
About a law firm controlled by the Mafia. Fast-paced, smart, with believable characters. One of the best legal thrillers on the market.
28. Before the Frost by Henning Mankell
Atmospheric thriller about a religious fanatic on a murder spree. The secret world of religious extremists in peaceful southern Sweden, who are bent on punishing the world's sinners.
29. The French Connection: A True Account of Cops, Narcotics, and International Conspiracy by Robin Moore
Detectives Edward Egan and Salvatore Grosso almost stumble into a case of heroin smuggling that ultimately leads to the seizure of the largest cache of heroin ever picked up in New York. Crime syndicate heads in Canada and France are involved. Movie won 5 Academy Awards.
30. A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell
A researcher studying psychopathic personalities who doesn't recognize that his seemingly shy, harmless neighbor is a total nut job. Judgment finds a police investigator trying to discern why a housekeeper slaughters her employer's entire family on Valentine's Day.
21. A Dark-adapted Eye by Barbara Vine
A gripping tale of family madness. Vera Hillyard is a domineering and possessive woman who strives for obsessive control over a malicious older son, a youngest son who is--or isn't--illegitimate, and a daughter who is a devoted sister to her younger brother. The daughter secretly seeks to escape Vera's grasp and instead provokes a murder.
22. A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
Dimitrios' corpse has just been fished out of the Bosporus by the police. As the writer sets out to discover Dimitrios' past, someone is stalking him on his trail from Smyrna to Athens to Sofia.
23. Psycho by Robert Bloch
The novel, originally published in 1959, describes the events surrounding the profoundly disturbed motel proprietor Norman Bates.
24. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Philip Marlow. works a case of blackmail in the underbelly of San Francisco, populated by con men, weird ladies, mobsters, cheap sluts, pornographers, gamblers, drunks, and other despicable characters. In this tough world, Marlow is the straight and loyal guy.
25. The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon
In Condon's 1959 Cold War thriller Sgt. Raymond Shaw is brainwashed during his captivity in North Korea. He returns to America programmed to assassinate a U.S. presidential nominee.
26. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
Realistic spy fiction. Forsyth didn't bother with fantasy espionage (a la James Bond), but depicted a brutal and nasty world of evildoers. The plot is about an attempt to murder General DeGaulle of France.
27. The Firm by John Grisham
About a law firm controlled by the Mafia. Fast-paced, smart, with believable characters. One of the best legal thrillers on the market.
28. Before the Frost by Henning Mankell
Atmospheric thriller about a religious fanatic on a murder spree. The secret world of religious extremists in peaceful southern Sweden, who are bent on punishing the world's sinners.
29. The French Connection: A True Account of Cops, Narcotics, and International Conspiracy by Robin Moore
Detectives Edward Egan and Salvatore Grosso almost stumble into a case of heroin smuggling that ultimately leads to the seizure of the largest cache of heroin ever picked up in New York. Crime syndicate heads in Canada and France are involved. Movie won 5 Academy Awards.
30. A Judgment in Stone by Ruth Rendell
A researcher studying psychopathic personalities who doesn't recognize that his seemingly shy, harmless neighbor is a total nut job. Judgment finds a police investigator trying to discern why a housekeeper slaughters her employer's entire family on Valentine's Day.
Top 50 Mystery Books 11 - 20 Black Book Bingo
Books, books, book recommendations from a fellow bingo player on Black Book Bingo sponsored by B2KBINGO
11. Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems by .Edgar Alan Poe
This Collection of 73 short stories and 48 poems includes such masterpieces as The Fall of the House of Usher, The Purloined Letter, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and Murders in the Rue Morgue.
12. The Lake of Darkness by Ruth Rendell
The seemingly normal benefactors of Martin Urban's altruistic impulses are vicious nut cases. His good intentions become fatally distorted. One of Rendell's best novels.
13. The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
P.I. Philip Marlowe, tries to help war veteran Terry Lennox, whose sex-obsessed wealthy wife has been murdered. When Terry is also murdered, Marlowe becomes entangled in his friend's dirty family secrets. A gripping tale of moral corruption.
14. Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith
Dashing murderer Tom Ripley is playing a nasty game of manipulation on an inconspicuous man, leading to murder and revenge. A dark tale.
15. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
With Don Vito Corleone's violent struggle to control the underworld of New York we glimpse into an ancient world of honor and vendetta, Italian family tradition, friendship and loyalty were betrayal is punished with merciless vengeance.
16. The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Ted Bundy, a most violent sociopath, murderer, and mutilator of women, is the subject of this true-crime book. Ann Rule's chilling account, from the time she unsuspectingly met and worked with the savage slayer to the moment of his death by electrocution in Florida, is one of the greatest books in the true crime genre.
17. Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader
As a taxi driver on night shift he is longing for true love and beauty, which he thinks he has found in Betsy. But their relationship is doomed. In a state of psychotic rage, Travis goes on a murdering rampage.
18. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Turow's first courtroom thriller is one of the best legal fiction novels. A dark twist of events transforms prosecutor Susty Sabich from the accuser to the accused.
19. Murder Down Under by Arthur W. Upfield
Napoleon (Bony) Bonaparte investigates a murder while on vacation in the wheat town of Burracoppin of Western Australia. In the fascinating scenery of the Australian Outback quirky characters will drag you into a complex puzzle.
20. The Bachelors of Broken Hill by Arthur W. Upfield
When elderly bachelors are being poisoned one by one, Bony is sent to Broken Hill to get to the bottom of it. Upfield and Hosking keep listeners guessing until the last minute of this oddly fascinating mystery.
11. Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems by .Edgar Alan Poe
This Collection of 73 short stories and 48 poems includes such masterpieces as The Fall of the House of Usher, The Purloined Letter, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and Murders in the Rue Morgue.
12. The Lake of Darkness by Ruth Rendell
The seemingly normal benefactors of Martin Urban's altruistic impulses are vicious nut cases. His good intentions become fatally distorted. One of Rendell's best novels.
13. The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
P.I. Philip Marlowe, tries to help war veteran Terry Lennox, whose sex-obsessed wealthy wife has been murdered. When Terry is also murdered, Marlowe becomes entangled in his friend's dirty family secrets. A gripping tale of moral corruption.
14. Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith
Dashing murderer Tom Ripley is playing a nasty game of manipulation on an inconspicuous man, leading to murder and revenge. A dark tale.
15. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
With Don Vito Corleone's violent struggle to control the underworld of New York we glimpse into an ancient world of honor and vendetta, Italian family tradition, friendship and loyalty were betrayal is punished with merciless vengeance.
16. The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Ted Bundy, a most violent sociopath, murderer, and mutilator of women, is the subject of this true-crime book. Ann Rule's chilling account, from the time she unsuspectingly met and worked with the savage slayer to the moment of his death by electrocution in Florida, is one of the greatest books in the true crime genre.
17. Taxi Driver by Paul Schrader
As a taxi driver on night shift he is longing for true love and beauty, which he thinks he has found in Betsy. But their relationship is doomed. In a state of psychotic rage, Travis goes on a murdering rampage.
18. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
Turow's first courtroom thriller is one of the best legal fiction novels. A dark twist of events transforms prosecutor Susty Sabich from the accuser to the accused.
19. Murder Down Under by Arthur W. Upfield
Napoleon (Bony) Bonaparte investigates a murder while on vacation in the wheat town of Burracoppin of Western Australia. In the fascinating scenery of the Australian Outback quirky characters will drag you into a complex puzzle.
20. The Bachelors of Broken Hill by Arthur W. Upfield
When elderly bachelors are being poisoned one by one, Bony is sent to Broken Hill to get to the bottom of it. Upfield and Hosking keep listeners guessing until the last minute of this oddly fascinating mystery.
Top 50 Mystery Books 1 - 10 Black Book Bingo
Books, books, book recommendations from a fellow bingo player on Black Book Bingo sponsored by B2KBINGO
1. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
A masterpiece. Capote invented a new genre.
2. And Then There Were None: A Novel by Agatha Christie
10 strangers are trapped, where the sinister Mr. Owen is accusing them of murder. One by one is found dead, until ... (the resolution of the novel is very different from that of the movie versions).
3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In a process of moral decline, the impoverished intellectual robs and kills his pawnbroker. A surprisingly fast-paced story, full of moral dilemmas and psychological thrill. A masterpiece.
4. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
The story is a complex web of betrayal and deception, in which everyone tries to get the gold statuette of a falcon. Sam's masculine strength is refreshing. Also an excellent movie with Humphrey Bogart.
5. Strangers on a Train Patricia Highsmith.
A subtle, murderous, sociopath who lives unsuspected for years, the book is one of the great classics of psychological crime fiction.
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The chameleon-like Tom is sent by a rich American to retrieve his dilettante son, Dickie Greenleaf, from Italy. When Tom cannot win Dickie over, he kills him and assumes his identity. This is one of the best psycho-thrillers - ever!
7. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
The arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman, told through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.
8. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
The story of Frank, a tramp, who is attracted to Cora, the young wife of brutally violent Nick. When Frank and Cora start an affair behind her older man's back, the story is heading for disaster.
9. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels. Includes: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle
Many illustrations, some from the novels' original appearances. A must-have for any serious mystery fan.
9. Our Man in Havana: An Entertainment Graham Greene
Mr. Wormold, a vacuum cleaner salesman in a city of power brokers becomes a spy to earn extra income. Unbearable tension, satirical parodies and absurd plot. A masterpiece!
10. The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell
A series of seemingly unrelated, brutal killings in southern Sweden. Kurt Wallander uncovers the ties that bind these murders to killings in Algeria, many years ago.
1. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
A masterpiece. Capote invented a new genre.
2. And Then There Were None: A Novel by Agatha Christie
10 strangers are trapped, where the sinister Mr. Owen is accusing them of murder. One by one is found dead, until ... (the resolution of the novel is very different from that of the movie versions).
3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In a process of moral decline, the impoverished intellectual robs and kills his pawnbroker. A surprisingly fast-paced story, full of moral dilemmas and psychological thrill. A masterpiece.
4. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
The story is a complex web of betrayal and deception, in which everyone tries to get the gold statuette of a falcon. Sam's masculine strength is refreshing. Also an excellent movie with Humphrey Bogart.
5. Strangers on a Train Patricia Highsmith.
A subtle, murderous, sociopath who lives unsuspected for years, the book is one of the great classics of psychological crime fiction.
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The chameleon-like Tom is sent by a rich American to retrieve his dilettante son, Dickie Greenleaf, from Italy. When Tom cannot win Dickie over, he kills him and assumes his identity. This is one of the best psycho-thrillers - ever!
7. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
The arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman, told through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.
8. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
The story of Frank, a tramp, who is attracted to Cora, the young wife of brutally violent Nick. When Frank and Cora start an affair behind her older man's back, the story is heading for disaster.
9. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels. Includes: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle
Many illustrations, some from the novels' original appearances. A must-have for any serious mystery fan.
9. Our Man in Havana: An Entertainment Graham Greene
Mr. Wormold, a vacuum cleaner salesman in a city of power brokers becomes a spy to earn extra income. Unbearable tension, satirical parodies and absurd plot. A masterpiece!
10. The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell
A series of seemingly unrelated, brutal killings in southern Sweden. Kurt Wallander uncovers the ties that bind these murders to killings in Algeria, many years ago.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
'The Driver's Seat Bingo player network
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Tangents News and Tips
SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Put Listeners in 'The Driver's Seat' With Exclusive Access to NASCAR Drivers The Driver's Seat, an exclusive daily talk show hosted by veteran broadcaster John Kernan and a roster of current and former NASCAR drivers, debuts on January 1. The Driver's Seat will feature Kernan and a different driver taking calls from listeners, interviewing special guests and discussing the latest news from the world of NASCAR.
Tangents News and Tips
SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Put Listeners in 'The Driver's Seat' With Exclusive Access to NASCAR Drivers The Driver's Seat, an exclusive daily talk show hosted by veteran broadcaster John Kernan and a roster of current and former NASCAR drivers, debuts on January 1. The Driver's Seat will feature Kernan and a different driver taking calls from listeners, interviewing special guests and discussing the latest news from the world of NASCAR.
Computer Aided Surgery? Bingo Player network
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Tangents News and Tips
Computer Aided Surgery? After watching surgeons using robotic systems for a while, computer scientists at Johns Hopkins University have decided to borrow ideas from speech recognition research to build what they're calling a 'Language of Surgery'. In speech recognition, basic sounds are called phonemes. For surgery tasks, such as suturing, dissecting and joining tissue, the basic steps have been named 'surgemes.' The mathematical models used by the researchers have several goals: evaluate a surgeon's work and help doctors to improve their operating room skills. They also want to 'enable robotic surgical tools to perform with greater precision.'
Tangents News and Tips
Computer Aided Surgery? After watching surgeons using robotic systems for a while, computer scientists at Johns Hopkins University have decided to borrow ideas from speech recognition research to build what they're calling a 'Language of Surgery'. In speech recognition, basic sounds are called phonemes. For surgery tasks, such as suturing, dissecting and joining tissue, the basic steps have been named 'surgemes.' The mathematical models used by the researchers have several goals: evaluate a surgeon's work and help doctors to improve their operating room skills. They also want to 'enable robotic surgical tools to perform with greater precision.'
Queen to podcast Christmas Bingo player network
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Tangents News and Tips
Queen Elizabeth II is to podcast her traditional Christmas message to the Commonwealth for the first time, Buckingham Palace said. The decision to release a podcast version, alongside the traditional television and radio broadcasts, is an apt illustration of the theme of the 80-year-old's message this Christmas. "The queen's broadcast this year focuses on the relationship between different generations, what old and young have to offer each other, how all faiths highlight the need to nurture and guide young people, and to encourage respect for elderly people," her Buckingham Palace official residence said Thursday. Despite her age, Queen Elizabeth is no stranger to modern technology -- she bought an iPod last year and her second son Prince Andrew gave her a mobile phone and taught her how to use it in 2001.
Tangents News and Tips
Queen Elizabeth II is to podcast her traditional Christmas message to the Commonwealth for the first time, Buckingham Palace said. The decision to release a podcast version, alongside the traditional television and radio broadcasts, is an apt illustration of the theme of the 80-year-old's message this Christmas. "The queen's broadcast this year focuses on the relationship between different generations, what old and young have to offer each other, how all faiths highlight the need to nurture and guide young people, and to encourage respect for elderly people," her Buckingham Palace official residence said Thursday. Despite her age, Queen Elizabeth is no stranger to modern technology -- she bought an iPod last year and her second son Prince Andrew gave her a mobile phone and taught her how to use it in 2001.
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1. What are the colors of the U.S. flag?
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
3. Independence Day celebrates independence from whom?
All the questions and answers!
Test your U.S. IQ
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
See how well you would do on the current citizenship test with these sample questions. And for an added challenge, try some questions from the pilot test.
1. What are the colors of the U.S. flag?
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
3. Independence Day celebrates independence from whom?
All the questions and answers!
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Why kiss under mistletoe? Bingo Player Network
Why kiss under mistletoe? Bingo Player Network
Why we kiss under mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have evolved from the Roman winter solstice festival of Saturnalia and marriage rites. The plant was said to bestow the gift of fertility. In Scandinavia mistletoe was regarded as a plant of peace that would help enemies resolve their conflict or warring spouses kiss and settle their differences. Tradition also has it that mistletoe should be burned on the twelfth night in case all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. Those who want to ensure they get the etiquette correct should remember that men are meant to pluck berries when they kiss a woman under mistletoe and once the last one is gone the frolics should stop.
More Pagan roots of the winter solstice: What is a Yule Log? Why holly? Why Christmas trees?
Why we kiss under mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have evolved from the Roman winter solstice festival of Saturnalia and marriage rites. The plant was said to bestow the gift of fertility. In Scandinavia mistletoe was regarded as a plant of peace that would help enemies resolve their conflict or warring spouses kiss and settle their differences. Tradition also has it that mistletoe should be burned on the twelfth night in case all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. Those who want to ensure they get the etiquette correct should remember that men are meant to pluck berries when they kiss a woman under mistletoe and once the last one is gone the frolics should stop.
More Pagan roots of the winter solstice: What is a Yule Log? Why holly? Why Christmas trees?
ebay Holiday News Bingo Player Network
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eBay Watch: Holiday Online Shopping
US Holiday Shopping Hits $20.65 Billion ComScore Networks has revealed that holiday online spending reached $20.65 billion as of Monday night, a full 25% growth Y/Y. This is up from previous estimates because this past weekend saw a surge of shopping procrastinators lured with extended shipping guarantees.
Unwanted Gifts Sold On EBay First, more than 57% of us will receive at least one unwanted gift. Second, 69% percent of us think re-gifting is socially acceptable. Third, 34% of us actually plan to rid ourselves of unwanted gifts this year. Finally, 14% of us will actually get rid of unwanted gifts on EBAY. If this survey is accurate and assuming a US population of 300 million, does this mean that 42 million additional items are coming EBAY's way in January?
eBay Watch: Holiday Online Shopping
US Holiday Shopping Hits $20.65 Billion ComScore Networks has revealed that holiday online spending reached $20.65 billion as of Monday night, a full 25% growth Y/Y. This is up from previous estimates because this past weekend saw a surge of shopping procrastinators lured with extended shipping guarantees.
Unwanted Gifts Sold On EBay First, more than 57% of us will receive at least one unwanted gift. Second, 69% percent of us think re-gifting is socially acceptable. Third, 34% of us actually plan to rid ourselves of unwanted gifts this year. Finally, 14% of us will actually get rid of unwanted gifts on EBAY. If this survey is accurate and assuming a US population of 300 million, does this mean that 42 million additional items are coming EBAY's way in January?
Elvis for sale? Bingo player network
Elvis for sale? Bingo player networksponsored by B2kBingo free online bingo tournament
Elvis Piano Expected To Sell For Millions What would it take to have the King's piano on your parlor? Jelladian said he expects the instrument to fetch more than $2 million. Elvis in 1957, the year he bought a piano – now on the auction block – with an already impressive pedigree, having been played by W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway. Presley's piano is being auctioned by FreeSell.com and the new owner will be announced on Christmas Eve. "We're getting people contacting us from all over the world," Jelladian said. "We've gotten e-mails from Japan."
Elvis Presley's Last Remaining Song to Be Auctioned on eBay Jan. 19th, 2007 Songwriter Paul Terry King (co- author of the last known song composed but never released by Elvis) is now auctioning off his copyrighted interest to the song titled, "Just Like Rollin' Up Hill" (registered under Elvis Presley's BMI work number 7600186 on BMI.com). The song will be available to the public for auction on eBay Jan. 19th, 2007. Bid opens at $10,000 at 5 PM PST. To listen to song, press inquiries, etc., go to http://www.elvissong.info/ or contact eBay powerseller Mike Waters.
Elvis' Wedding Ring up for Auction. The diamond and platinum wedding ring is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder when it goes under the hammer in Hollywood. The wedding ring, which is decorated with eight baguette-cut diamonds within a border of 16 diamonds, is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000.
Elvis Piano Expected To Sell For Millions What would it take to have the King's piano on your parlor? Jelladian said he expects the instrument to fetch more than $2 million. Elvis in 1957, the year he bought a piano – now on the auction block – with an already impressive pedigree, having been played by W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway. Presley's piano is being auctioned by FreeSell.com and the new owner will be announced on Christmas Eve. "We're getting people contacting us from all over the world," Jelladian said. "We've gotten e-mails from Japan."
Elvis Presley's Last Remaining Song to Be Auctioned on eBay Jan. 19th, 2007 Songwriter Paul Terry King (co- author of the last known song composed but never released by Elvis) is now auctioning off his copyrighted interest to the song titled, "Just Like Rollin' Up Hill" (registered under Elvis Presley's BMI work number 7600186 on BMI.com). The song will be available to the public for auction on eBay Jan. 19th, 2007. Bid opens at $10,000 at 5 PM PST. To listen to song, press inquiries, etc., go to http://www.elvissong.info/ or contact eBay powerseller Mike Waters.
Elvis' Wedding Ring up for Auction. The diamond and platinum wedding ring is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder when it goes under the hammer in Hollywood. The wedding ring, which is decorated with eight baguette-cut diamonds within a border of 16 diamonds, is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism articles: Casino Player Network
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Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism articles:
Mysterious rings found at tomb of Chinese only empress Chinese archaeologists have found a group of huge rings at the site of the 1,300-year-old tomb of Wu Zetian, China's only empress, but they are unable to explain their existence. At least 10 rings appeared on aerial photographs
Pagan roots run deep beneath our Christmas rituals It is not clear exactly when the celebration of Advent was first introduced into the Church, but some theories suggest it is related to the feast of the winter solstice that was dear to our pagan ancestors.
Two chimpanzees return to sanctuary Two chimpanzees who have appeared on numerous movies and TV shows have been removed from a San Bernardino ranch and will be retired to Florida. The chimps named Sable and Cody should arrive in New Mexico today. A third chimp, Angel, will be directly shipped to Florida.
Too Mellow For Our Predatory World: Flight Behavior Of Marine Iguanas Marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands live without predators - at least this was the case up until 150 years ago. Since then they have been confronted with cats and dogs on some islands of the Archipelago. For scientists, they are therefore a suitable model of study in order to discover if such generally tame animals are capable of adapting their behavior and endocrine stress response to novel predation threats.
Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism articles:
Mysterious rings found at tomb of Chinese only empress Chinese archaeologists have found a group of huge rings at the site of the 1,300-year-old tomb of Wu Zetian, China's only empress, but they are unable to explain their existence. At least 10 rings appeared on aerial photographs
Pagan roots run deep beneath our Christmas rituals It is not clear exactly when the celebration of Advent was first introduced into the Church, but some theories suggest it is related to the feast of the winter solstice that was dear to our pagan ancestors.
Two chimpanzees return to sanctuary Two chimpanzees who have appeared on numerous movies and TV shows have been removed from a San Bernardino ranch and will be retired to Florida. The chimps named Sable and Cody should arrive in New Mexico today. A third chimp, Angel, will be directly shipped to Florida.
Too Mellow For Our Predatory World: Flight Behavior Of Marine Iguanas Marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands live without predators - at least this was the case up until 150 years ago. Since then they have been confronted with cats and dogs on some islands of the Archipelago. For scientists, they are therefore a suitable model of study in order to discover if such generally tame animals are capable of adapting their behavior and endocrine stress response to novel predation threats.
Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism news: Casino Player Network
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Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism news:
First Ladies Will Be Golden For the first time, the U.S. Mint is dedicating a series of coins to the accomplishments of women -- the nation's first ladies.
Bomb hoax rocks Christian radio Staff at Radio Pelita Kasih, which airs religious songs and Christian teachings, received a bomb threat early Saturday morning via a text message from an unknown number. The police and bomb squad swept the station's building, located inside the Suara Pembaruan office in Jl. Dewi Sartika, East Jakarta.
Teenager jailed for killing to impress his friends Care worker Charles Anokye was knifed at a Brixton nightclub A member of a notorious street gang has been jailed for life after stabbing a care worker to death in an attempt to impress his friends. Anwar Hussain, 17, part of the Muslim Boys gang, knifed care worker Charles Anokye at a Brixton nightclub after the victim had accidentally hit another gang member with his drink bottle, the Old Bailey heard.
Trafficking in human beings US State Department data “estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children (are) trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors. The data also illustrate that the majority of transnational victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.” Due to the illegal nature of trafficking and differences in methodology, the exact extent is unknown.
Human Rights, Conspiracy Theory and Environmentalism news:
First Ladies Will Be Golden For the first time, the U.S. Mint is dedicating a series of coins to the accomplishments of women -- the nation's first ladies.
Bomb hoax rocks Christian radio Staff at Radio Pelita Kasih, which airs religious songs and Christian teachings, received a bomb threat early Saturday morning via a text message from an unknown number. The police and bomb squad swept the station's building, located inside the Suara Pembaruan office in Jl. Dewi Sartika, East Jakarta.
Teenager jailed for killing to impress his friends Care worker Charles Anokye was knifed at a Brixton nightclub A member of a notorious street gang has been jailed for life after stabbing a care worker to death in an attempt to impress his friends. Anwar Hussain, 17, part of the Muslim Boys gang, knifed care worker Charles Anokye at a Brixton nightclub after the victim had accidentally hit another gang member with his drink bottle, the Old Bailey heard.
Trafficking in human beings US State Department data “estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children (are) trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors. The data also illustrate that the majority of transnational victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.” Due to the illegal nature of trafficking and differences in methodology, the exact extent is unknown.
PLIGHT OF Marine Iguanas Casino Player Network
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Too Mellow For Our Predatory World: Flight Behavior Of Marine Iguanas
Science Daily — Marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands live without predators - at least this was the case up until 150 years ago. Since then they have been confronted with cats and dogs on some islands of the Archipelago. For scientists, they are therefore a suitable model of study in order to discover if such generally tame animals are capable of adapting their behavior and endocrine stress response to novel predation threats.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, the University of Ulm Tufts University and Princeton University were able to show that the stress response induced by corticosterone (CORT) is absent in predator-naïve animals but can be fully restored with experience. However, as the researchers found out, the flight distance of the reptiles does not sufficiently increase, which limits their ability to successfully escape from newly introduced predators (Proceedings of the Royal Society B, FirstCite Early Online Publishing December 2006).
Who of us has not dreamt of living on an island? Apparently, island life has certain advantages. This is also true for the marine iguanas. For millions of years they have lived without natural predators. In the course of evolution they have become excessively tame. Hundreds of reptiles doze, spread-eagled, on black lava rocks, soaking up the sun - behavior that would be unthinkable in an environment with predators, where reptiles are persistently exposed to the threat of being devoured by others.
full article
Too Mellow For Our Predatory World: Flight Behavior Of Marine Iguanas
Science Daily — Marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands live without predators - at least this was the case up until 150 years ago. Since then they have been confronted with cats and dogs on some islands of the Archipelago. For scientists, they are therefore a suitable model of study in order to discover if such generally tame animals are capable of adapting their behavior and endocrine stress response to novel predation threats.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, the University of Ulm Tufts University and Princeton University were able to show that the stress response induced by corticosterone (CORT) is absent in predator-naïve animals but can be fully restored with experience. However, as the researchers found out, the flight distance of the reptiles does not sufficiently increase, which limits their ability to successfully escape from newly introduced predators (Proceedings of the Royal Society B, FirstCite Early Online Publishing December 2006).
Who of us has not dreamt of living on an island? Apparently, island life has certain advantages. This is also true for the marine iguanas. For millions of years they have lived without natural predators. In the course of evolution they have become excessively tame. Hundreds of reptiles doze, spread-eagled, on black lava rocks, soaking up the sun - behavior that would be unthinkable in an environment with predators, where reptiles are persistently exposed to the threat of being devoured by others.
full article
Two chimpanzees return to sanctuary Casino Player Network
Casino Player Network, free online casino game,internet casino gaming
Two chimpanzees return to sanctuary
Two chimpanzees who have appeared on numerous movies and TV shows have been removed from a San Bernardino ranch and will be retired to Florida.
The chimps named Sable and Cody should arrive in New Mexico today. A third chimp, Angel, will be directly shipped to Florida.
The trio have appeared in numerous productions, including T-V's "That 70s Show" and "The Craig Kilborn Show" and the upcoming movie "Evan Almighty."
The chimps were raised from a young age by trainer Sid Yost, who runs Amazing Animal Productions.
Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and other groups sued Yost in federal court. They allege Yost beat the chimps with sticks, used an electric shock stick on them and punched, taunted and intimidated the animals.
Yost did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement. He says he can't reveal details of the settlement, but has denied abusing the animals.
Sable and Cody will live in New Mexico, where they have relatives, for a period of adjustment.
The plan eventually is for them to rejoin Angel in a Florida sanctuary that houses dozens of primates on a series of islands.
Two chimpanzees return to sanctuary
Two chimpanzees who have appeared on numerous movies and TV shows have been removed from a San Bernardino ranch and will be retired to Florida.
The chimps named Sable and Cody should arrive in New Mexico today. A third chimp, Angel, will be directly shipped to Florida.
The trio have appeared in numerous productions, including T-V's "That 70s Show" and "The Craig Kilborn Show" and the upcoming movie "Evan Almighty."
The chimps were raised from a young age by trainer Sid Yost, who runs Amazing Animal Productions.
Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and other groups sued Yost in federal court. They allege Yost beat the chimps with sticks, used an electric shock stick on them and punched, taunted and intimidated the animals.
Yost did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement. He says he can't reveal details of the settlement, but has denied abusing the animals.
Sable and Cody will live in New Mexico, where they have relatives, for a period of adjustment.
The plan eventually is for them to rejoin Angel in a Florida sanctuary that houses dozens of primates on a series of islands.
Our Pagan roots run deep Casino Player Network
Casino Player Network, free online casino game,internet casino gaming
Pagan roots run deep beneath our Christmas rituals
It is not clear exactly when the celebration of Advent was first introduced into the Church, but some theories suggest it is related to the feast of the winter solstice that was dear to our pagan ancestors....a remnant from our sun-worshipping past.
In fact, all the religious feasts around the winter solstice seem to combine elements of the sacred and “profane” – even Christmas itself...
Linguists agree that Karácsony comes from the Slavic word korcun, which means “passage” and refers to the passing of the winter solstice, and the beginning of a new cycle.
Ancient midwinter festivals may well have guided the choice of the December date: in the late Roman Empire, people marked Natalis Invicti or Sol Invuctus (“the Unconquered Sun”) at the winter solstice, to celebrate the fact that the darkest days were over and the hours of sunlight were again increasing.
For Romans, Dec 17 also marked the start of the great Saturnalia festival, commemorating the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn....the Yule feast celebrated at this time by Norse and German pagans.
The most important evidence of these relics from the old sun-worshipping religions is to be found nowadays in Luca’s Day. Celebrated in many cultures all over the world, Luca’s Day in Hungary is known as the most important feast of the witches, after St George’s Day.
It cannot be accidental the Church set the Day of St Lucia, or St Lucy, on Dec 13. Before the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, it fell on Dec 21, the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year... St Lucia was a virgin martyr who, according to one legend, withstood such extremes of torture that she was suspected of being a witch, and so was ultimately burnt to death – but perished only after completing a final prayer.
HUNGARIAN FOLK CUSTOM
There is also a tradition of starting to build a so-called Luca’s Chair on Dec 13, and to add a little bit each day so that it is ready in exactly 12 days, on Dec 25. At Christmas midnight mass, the person who sits on the chair can supposedly see through disguises and reveal the witches that are hiding in the community.
Besides revealing witches – who tradition warns might “steal” the cow’s milk, the chicken’s eggs, or put a spell on people – it is very common on Luca’s Day to start trying to guess the identity of one’s future husband.
Girls make 12 cakes, with a man’s name in each, and they eat one every day – their future husband’s name will be the one contained in the last remaining cake.
Luca’s Day symbolizes the rebirth of nature: the partial end of the old world, and the beginning of the new. Very similar to the old pagan solar rituals, it is a feast that holds the promise of new life. The 12 days from Luca’s Day to Christmas can even be seen as a micro-year: from the events of these days, Hungarians forecast how the following year’s months will be.
Pagan roots run deep beneath our Christmas rituals
It is not clear exactly when the celebration of Advent was first introduced into the Church, but some theories suggest it is related to the feast of the winter solstice that was dear to our pagan ancestors....a remnant from our sun-worshipping past.
In fact, all the religious feasts around the winter solstice seem to combine elements of the sacred and “profane” – even Christmas itself...
Linguists agree that Karácsony comes from the Slavic word korcun, which means “passage” and refers to the passing of the winter solstice, and the beginning of a new cycle.
Ancient midwinter festivals may well have guided the choice of the December date: in the late Roman Empire, people marked Natalis Invicti or Sol Invuctus (“the Unconquered Sun”) at the winter solstice, to celebrate the fact that the darkest days were over and the hours of sunlight were again increasing.
For Romans, Dec 17 also marked the start of the great Saturnalia festival, commemorating the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn....the Yule feast celebrated at this time by Norse and German pagans.
The most important evidence of these relics from the old sun-worshipping religions is to be found nowadays in Luca’s Day. Celebrated in many cultures all over the world, Luca’s Day in Hungary is known as the most important feast of the witches, after St George’s Day.
It cannot be accidental the Church set the Day of St Lucia, or St Lucy, on Dec 13. Before the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, it fell on Dec 21, the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year... St Lucia was a virgin martyr who, according to one legend, withstood such extremes of torture that she was suspected of being a witch, and so was ultimately burnt to death – but perished only after completing a final prayer.
HUNGARIAN FOLK CUSTOM
There is also a tradition of starting to build a so-called Luca’s Chair on Dec 13, and to add a little bit each day so that it is ready in exactly 12 days, on Dec 25. At Christmas midnight mass, the person who sits on the chair can supposedly see through disguises and reveal the witches that are hiding in the community.
Besides revealing witches – who tradition warns might “steal” the cow’s milk, the chicken’s eggs, or put a spell on people – it is very common on Luca’s Day to start trying to guess the identity of one’s future husband.
Girls make 12 cakes, with a man’s name in each, and they eat one every day – their future husband’s name will be the one contained in the last remaining cake.
Luca’s Day symbolizes the rebirth of nature: the partial end of the old world, and the beginning of the new. Very similar to the old pagan solar rituals, it is a feast that holds the promise of new life. The 12 days from Luca’s Day to Christmas can even be seen as a micro-year: from the events of these days, Hungarians forecast how the following year’s months will be.
Mysterious rings at tomb of Chinese empress Casino Player Network
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Mysterious rings at tomb of Chinese empress
Chinese archaeologists have found a group of huge rings at the site of the 1,300-year-old tomb of Wu Zetian, China's only empress, but they are unable to explain their existence.
At least 10 rings appeared on aerial photographs taken by experts from the Xi'an Preservation and Restoration Center of Cultural Relics and Qianling Museum in a survey of Qianling.
Most of the rings were 30 to 40 meters in diameter and were in a zone four kilometers long from east to west and two kilometers from south to north, said Qin Jianming, a researcher with the center.
The most eye-catching was the largest ring, with the diameter of 110 meters sited in fields, he said.
Qin said the foundation of the largest ring was three meters thick, and the color was distinctly darker than the fields. Three quarters of the ring were clearly visible, despite being broken by a footpath.
"At first we believed the rings were atmospheric phenomena caused by lights, but after analysis and comparison with previous aerial photos, we are sure they are historic remains," he said.
Located 80 kilometers northwest of the ancient city of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Qianling is the joint tomb of Wu Zetian, who ruled for 50 years, and her husband, Emperor Li Zhi of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
It is the only tomb in China which contains the bodies of two rulers. Wu Zetian was buried in the tomb 22 years after her husband.
Qianling is the best preserved ancient tomb in China and has not been looted.
The researchers conducted a ground search for the rings three to five kilometers from Lianshan mountain range, which was the territory of Qianling, and they were difficult to see from the ground.
"The layout of the rings seems irregular and some are no longer intact. We are assuming there were more rings in the past, but they have eroded due to geographical conditions and human activities," said Qin.
Despite searches of historical records, the researchers still have no idea of the purpose of the rings or their relation with the tombs.
"Based on our experience, we assume they were tunnels built in ancient times," said Qin.
However, the center of the largest ring was an excavated tomb belonging to a ruler of the Yan State in the Tang Dynasty, which was a subsidiary tomb of Qianling, but it was uncertain if the ring was part of the tomb, said Fan Yingfeng, head of the Qianling Museum.
"Human activities in that area began in New Stone Age. Emperor Qin Shihuang built a palace there and rebellious forces in late Tang Dynasty occupied the area as well," he said.
Experts said the discovery indicated there might be more historic relics yet to be discovered in the Qianling area.
Mysterious rings at tomb of Chinese empress
Chinese archaeologists have found a group of huge rings at the site of the 1,300-year-old tomb of Wu Zetian, China's only empress, but they are unable to explain their existence.
At least 10 rings appeared on aerial photographs taken by experts from the Xi'an Preservation and Restoration Center of Cultural Relics and Qianling Museum in a survey of Qianling.
Most of the rings were 30 to 40 meters in diameter and were in a zone four kilometers long from east to west and two kilometers from south to north, said Qin Jianming, a researcher with the center.
The most eye-catching was the largest ring, with the diameter of 110 meters sited in fields, he said.
Qin said the foundation of the largest ring was three meters thick, and the color was distinctly darker than the fields. Three quarters of the ring were clearly visible, despite being broken by a footpath.
"At first we believed the rings were atmospheric phenomena caused by lights, but after analysis and comparison with previous aerial photos, we are sure they are historic remains," he said.
Located 80 kilometers northwest of the ancient city of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Qianling is the joint tomb of Wu Zetian, who ruled for 50 years, and her husband, Emperor Li Zhi of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
It is the only tomb in China which contains the bodies of two rulers. Wu Zetian was buried in the tomb 22 years after her husband.
Qianling is the best preserved ancient tomb in China and has not been looted.
The researchers conducted a ground search for the rings three to five kilometers from Lianshan mountain range, which was the territory of Qianling, and they were difficult to see from the ground.
"The layout of the rings seems irregular and some are no longer intact. We are assuming there were more rings in the past, but they have eroded due to geographical conditions and human activities," said Qin.
Despite searches of historical records, the researchers still have no idea of the purpose of the rings or their relation with the tombs.
"Based on our experience, we assume they were tunnels built in ancient times," said Qin.
However, the center of the largest ring was an excavated tomb belonging to a ruler of the Yan State in the Tang Dynasty, which was a subsidiary tomb of Qianling, but it was uncertain if the ring was part of the tomb, said Fan Yingfeng, head of the Qianling Museum.
"Human activities in that area began in New Stone Age. Emperor Qin Shihuang built a palace there and rebellious forces in late Tang Dynasty occupied the area as well," he said.
Experts said the discovery indicated there might be more historic relics yet to be discovered in the Qianling area.
B directory Good Time Bingo
B directory Good Time Bingo
B Directory
Dress the dinner table to impress -The more gold you introduce, the more sumptuous the look will be.
10 Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
Create a glam illusion by piling on fabulously wrapped packages under the tree, on chairs against the wall or on a sideboard.
How to decorate your home Decorate to a theme.
Christmas color combinations help you create a beautiful, festive space
B Directory
Dress the dinner table to impress -The more gold you introduce, the more sumptuous the look will be.
10 Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
Create a glam illusion by piling on fabulously wrapped packages under the tree, on chairs against the wall or on a sideboard.
How to decorate your home Decorate to a theme.
Christmas color combinations help you create a beautiful, festive space
Impressive table dressing B directory Good Time Bingo
Impressive table dressing B directory Good Time Bingo
Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
1. Grab some colored candles. Red and green are always ideal choices, but you also can never go wrong with classic ivory. Floating candles are also great for the holidays. Fill a glass bowl with water (add green food coloring for a festive effect) then simply float these special candles right on top!
2. Large bows never fail to impress.
3. Hang a wreath on the door. Making your own
4. Grab some decorative knickknacks from your local discount store. A well-chosen decorative piece or three can add an instant dash of color, personality and style.
5. Display Christmas plates/dishes. Dining has never been more festive or fun!
6. Place glass bowls or jars filled with candies around your home for a cute look and something for your guests to enjoy.
7. Make a quick table centerpiece with a chunky, tall candle wrapped with evergreen garland at the base.
8. Display Christmas cards on a shelf or even hang them on the wall as artwork.
9. Toss a seasonally themed fancy throw over the arm of a chair or sofa. A pillow with a holiday needlepoint motif lends a festive note.
10. Natural greenery, decorated bare boughs, flowers and pot plants, fruit and nuts, suitably presented, take a lot of beating.
Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
1. Grab some colored candles. Red and green are always ideal choices, but you also can never go wrong with classic ivory. Floating candles are also great for the holidays. Fill a glass bowl with water (add green food coloring for a festive effect) then simply float these special candles right on top!
2. Large bows never fail to impress.
3. Hang a wreath on the door. Making your own
4. Grab some decorative knickknacks from your local discount store. A well-chosen decorative piece or three can add an instant dash of color, personality and style.
5. Display Christmas plates/dishes. Dining has never been more festive or fun!
6. Place glass bowls or jars filled with candies around your home for a cute look and something for your guests to enjoy.
7. Make a quick table centerpiece with a chunky, tall candle wrapped with evergreen garland at the base.
8. Display Christmas cards on a shelf or even hang them on the wall as artwork.
9. Toss a seasonally themed fancy throw over the arm of a chair or sofa. A pillow with a holiday needlepoint motif lends a festive note.
10. Natural greenery, decorated bare boughs, flowers and pot plants, fruit and nuts, suitably presented, take a lot of beating.
Last Minute Christmas Ideas B directory Good Time Bingo
Last Minute Christmas Ideas B directory Good Time Bingo:
Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
1. Grab some colored candles. Red and green are always ideal choices, but you also can never go wrong with classic ivory. Floating candles are also great for the holidays. Fill a glass bowl with water (add green food coloring for a festive effect) then simply float these special candles right on top!
2. Large bows never fail to impress.
3. Hang a wreath on the door. Making your own
4. Grab some decorative knickknacks from your local discount store. A well-chosen decorative piece or three can add an instant dash of color, personality and style.
5. Display Christmas plates/dishes. Dining has never been more festive or fun!
6. Place glass bowls or jars filled with candies around your home for a cute look and something for your guests to enjoy.
7. Make a quick table centerpiece with a chunky, tall candle wrapped with evergreen garland at the base.
8. Display Christmas cards on a shelf or even hang them on the wall as artwork.
9. Toss a seasonally themed fancy throw over the arm of a chair or sofa. A pillow with a holiday needlepoint motif lends a festive note.
10. Natural greenery, decorated bare boughs, flowers and pot plants, fruit and nuts, suitably presented, take a lot of beating.
Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas
1. Grab some colored candles. Red and green are always ideal choices, but you also can never go wrong with classic ivory. Floating candles are also great for the holidays. Fill a glass bowl with water (add green food coloring for a festive effect) then simply float these special candles right on top!
2. Large bows never fail to impress.
3. Hang a wreath on the door. Making your own
4. Grab some decorative knickknacks from your local discount store. A well-chosen decorative piece or three can add an instant dash of color, personality and style.
5. Display Christmas plates/dishes. Dining has never been more festive or fun!
6. Place glass bowls or jars filled with candies around your home for a cute look and something for your guests to enjoy.
7. Make a quick table centerpiece with a chunky, tall candle wrapped with evergreen garland at the base.
8. Display Christmas cards on a shelf or even hang them on the wall as artwork.
9. Toss a seasonally themed fancy throw over the arm of a chair or sofa. A pillow with a holiday needlepoint motif lends a festive note.
10. Natural greenery, decorated bare boughs, flowers and pot plants, fruit and nuts, suitably presented, take a lot of beating.
Add GLAM B directory Good Time Bingo
Add GLAM B directory Good Time Bingo
PILE ON THE GLAM
Create a glam illusion by piling on fabulously wrapped packages under the tree, on chairs against the wall or on a sideboard.
Even the simplest ideas can be carried off with a flourish. A metallic sheer embossed ribbon, snaked through a woven wicker pet basket, is a thoughtful decoration.
Dazzling materials might include a table skirt, one you might easily make yourself. Choose a sequined or glittery fabric, enough to cover a table. A no-sew option is to cut it to size (allowing for a little puddle), drape it over the tabletop and turn under the raw edges.
Check out wearable velvet or embellished scarves, which might double as runners or throws for small tables.
PILE ON THE GLAM
Create a glam illusion by piling on fabulously wrapped packages under the tree, on chairs against the wall or on a sideboard.
Even the simplest ideas can be carried off with a flourish. A metallic sheer embossed ribbon, snaked through a woven wicker pet basket, is a thoughtful decoration.
Dazzling materials might include a table skirt, one you might easily make yourself. Choose a sequined or glittery fabric, enough to cover a table. A no-sew option is to cut it to size (allowing for a little puddle), drape it over the tabletop and turn under the raw edges.
Check out wearable velvet or embellished scarves, which might double as runners or throws for small tables.
Decorate home B directory Good Time Bingo
Decorate home B directory Good Time Bingo
How to decorate your home
Decorate to a theme. Take a color or shape and build your decorations around it. Baskets can look stunning filled with seasonally flowers or fruit, hung in groups from corners, light fittings or in front of windows.
If you are short on ideas, have a look at what the department stores are doing this year. Generally, these professional displays look very expensive.
Look closer, however, and you'll probably find they have been made from inexpensive materials put together with flair.
To decorate fruit bowls cover some fruit with foil or colored tissue. If you don't have sufficient bowls, cover an old flower pot or box, with wrapping.
Candles have a festive quality, especially red and green ones. Make your own candle displays on a saucer with the candle and other decorations set in oasis.
Include sprigs of holly or pine, artificial or dried flowers and the odd ribbon, assembled round the base of the candle so both oasis and saucer are concealed. They can look professional and expensive, as well as attractive.
In all your displays, don't overlook the usefulness of pine cones, grasses, bare branches and drift wood. But do remember to be careful with lit candles.
Choose your Christmas tree with care. Natural trees are lovely but the needles will start to drop in the warmth of the home. Artificial trees last for ever and retain their built-in good looks.
How to decorate your home
Decorate to a theme. Take a color or shape and build your decorations around it. Baskets can look stunning filled with seasonally flowers or fruit, hung in groups from corners, light fittings or in front of windows.
If you are short on ideas, have a look at what the department stores are doing this year. Generally, these professional displays look very expensive.
Look closer, however, and you'll probably find they have been made from inexpensive materials put together with flair.
To decorate fruit bowls cover some fruit with foil or colored tissue. If you don't have sufficient bowls, cover an old flower pot or box, with wrapping.
Candles have a festive quality, especially red and green ones. Make your own candle displays on a saucer with the candle and other decorations set in oasis.
Include sprigs of holly or pine, artificial or dried flowers and the odd ribbon, assembled round the base of the candle so both oasis and saucer are concealed. They can look professional and expensive, as well as attractive.
In all your displays, don't overlook the usefulness of pine cones, grasses, bare branches and drift wood. But do remember to be careful with lit candles.
Choose your Christmas tree with care. Natural trees are lovely but the needles will start to drop in the warmth of the home. Artificial trees last for ever and retain their built-in good looks.
Christmas Color Combinations B directory Good Time Bingo
Christmas Color Combinations B directory Good Time Bingo
Christmas color combinations to help you create a beautiful, festive space:
* Timeless Elegance - create a luxurious, elegant space using the warm combination of ivory and gold accents.
* Dramatic - combine black, red and silver to create a bold look. Black candles with silver accents make a dramatic statement. Use a metal cardholder to elegantly and neatly display your holiday cards.
* Handcrafted Christmas - classic holiday colors like red, green and gold mixed with vintage style characters and natural elements create a country theme.
* Whimsy - Start with a berry topiary for the table and feature snowmen and other holiday characters throughout the house. Oversized stockings add some merriment to your holiday decor.
* Mrs. Wonderland - turn your home into a winter wonderland using white and silver. Add pink accents, such as flowers and butterflies and feathered decorations.
* King's Jewels - combine burgundy and gold to create a majestic space. Add rich textures by choosing a dark tree skirt and stockings. Oversized gold tree decorations and exotic shapes, like jeweled elephants and crowns, bring the eye to your grand Christmas tree.
* Ice Fantasy - create a contemporary look using a non-traditional accent colour. Use cool blue and silver to bring the magic of Christmas into your home and add violet accents to complete the look.
* Focal point - Create a centerpiece by placing a variety of silver and purple-hued holiday decorations in a clear bowl.
Christmas color combinations to help you create a beautiful, festive space:
* Timeless Elegance - create a luxurious, elegant space using the warm combination of ivory and gold accents.
* Dramatic - combine black, red and silver to create a bold look. Black candles with silver accents make a dramatic statement. Use a metal cardholder to elegantly and neatly display your holiday cards.
* Handcrafted Christmas - classic holiday colors like red, green and gold mixed with vintage style characters and natural elements create a country theme.
* Whimsy - Start with a berry topiary for the table and feature snowmen and other holiday characters throughout the house. Oversized stockings add some merriment to your holiday decor.
* Mrs. Wonderland - turn your home into a winter wonderland using white and silver. Add pink accents, such as flowers and butterflies and feathered decorations.
* King's Jewels - combine burgundy and gold to create a majestic space. Add rich textures by choosing a dark tree skirt and stockings. Oversized gold tree decorations and exotic shapes, like jeweled elephants and crowns, bring the eye to your grand Christmas tree.
* Ice Fantasy - create a contemporary look using a non-traditional accent colour. Use cool blue and silver to bring the magic of Christmas into your home and add violet accents to complete the look.
* Focal point - Create a centerpiece by placing a variety of silver and purple-hued holiday decorations in a clear bowl.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I directory Good Time Bingo
I directory Good Time Bingo
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE Makes 10 to 12 servings 8 medium baking potatoes, about 4 pounds
2006 Cookie Book features favorite recipes from books dating back to 1939 and includes helpful energy efficiency and safety tips.
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE Makes 10 to 12 servings 8 medium baking potatoes, about 4 pounds
2006 Cookie Book features favorite recipes from books dating back to 1939 and includes helpful energy efficiency and safety tips.
Twice-Baked Casserole I directory Good Time Bingo
Twice-Baked Casserole I directory Good Time Bingo
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
Makes 10 to 12 servings
8 medium baking potatoes, about 4 pounds
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pint sour cream
2 cups (1/2 pound) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped chives, for garnish
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pierce potatoes and place on baking pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until very soft.
Peel and mash potatoes in large bowl with potato masher or back of fork. Add cream cheese, butter, sour cream and 1 cup of cheddar. Stir well. Add garlic, salt and pepper, and stir again.
Spray a 13- by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato mixture in dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate casserole until ready to bake.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees, remove plastic wrap and bake casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until hot. Sprinkle remaining 1cup cheddar over casserole and return to oven for about 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped chives and crumbled bacon before serving.
Each serving contains approximately 446 calories (59 percent of calories from fat), 30 grams total fat (18 grams saturated fat), 81 milligrams cholesterol, 615 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 36 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams protein..
Paula Deen must love holidays. In her new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
Makes 10 to 12 servings
8 medium baking potatoes, about 4 pounds
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pint sour cream
2 cups (1/2 pound) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped chives, for garnish
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pierce potatoes and place on baking pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until very soft.
Peel and mash potatoes in large bowl with potato masher or back of fork. Add cream cheese, butter, sour cream and 1 cup of cheddar. Stir well. Add garlic, salt and pepper, and stir again.
Spray a 13- by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato mixture in dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate casserole until ready to bake.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees, remove plastic wrap and bake casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until hot. Sprinkle remaining 1cup cheddar over casserole and return to oven for about 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Garnish with chopped chives and crumbled bacon before serving.
Each serving contains approximately 446 calories (59 percent of calories from fat), 30 grams total fat (18 grams saturated fat), 81 milligrams cholesterol, 615 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 36 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams protein..
Paula Deen must love holidays. In her new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
Cookie Book I directory Good Time Bingo
Cookie Book I directory Good Time Bingo
2006 Cookie Book
We Energies is releasing its 2006 Cookie Book in time for the holiday season.
For nearly 80 years, the company's Cookie Book has been a holiday season tradition.
The first Cookie Book was published in 1928.
"We hear countless stories from people who have a history of collecting the Cookie Book and include the recipes in their family celebrations," said Joan Shafer, vice president of customer service for We Energies. "We are delighted to publish the Cookie Book this year so our customers will be able to continue these rich traditions."
The 2006 edition features favorite recipes from books dating back to 1939 and includes helpful energy efficiency and safety tips. Customers can pick up a free copy of the book at several distribution events throughout the area. For additional information, visit www.we-energies.com/recipes
.
2006 Cookie Book
We Energies is releasing its 2006 Cookie Book in time for the holiday season.
For nearly 80 years, the company's Cookie Book has been a holiday season tradition.
The first Cookie Book was published in 1928.
"We hear countless stories from people who have a history of collecting the Cookie Book and include the recipes in their family celebrations," said Joan Shafer, vice president of customer service for We Energies. "We are delighted to publish the Cookie Book this year so our customers will be able to continue these rich traditions."
The 2006 edition features favorite recipes from books dating back to 1939 and includes helpful energy efficiency and safety tips. Customers can pick up a free copy of the book at several distribution events throughout the area. For additional information, visit www.we-energies.com/recipes
.
N directory Good Time Bingo
N directory Good Time Bingo
N Directory
Fun Creative New Year's invitations Are you thinking about New Year's already?
Decorating your home with candles Insert tall, slim tapers in a window box filled with herbs or other greenery.
N Directory
Fun Creative New Year's invitations Are you thinking about New Year's already?
Decorating your home with candles Insert tall, slim tapers in a window box filled with herbs or other greenery.
Creative New Years Invitations N directory Good Time Bingo
Creative New Years Invitations N directory Good Time Bingo
Fun Creative New Year's invitations
Are you thinking about New Year's already?
Print out strips of paper that say something clever like, "Come to our New Year's Eve party." Uncurl one of those iconic paper noisemakers and glue your message on the inside. You can put more party details on the back of the noisemaker or on a separate card.
Fun Creative New Year's invitations
Are you thinking about New Year's already?
Print out strips of paper that say something clever like, "Come to our New Year's Eve party." Uncurl one of those iconic paper noisemakers and glue your message on the inside. You can put more party details on the back of the noisemaker or on a separate card.
Candle Creativity N directory Good Time Bingo
Candle Creativity N directory Good Time Bingo
Creative ideas for decorating your home with candles
Insert tall, slim tapers in a window box filled with herbs or other greenery. By day, the box in a sunny window is a reminder of warmer months to come. By night, the tapers add a glow for all the neighborhood to see. (Watch to make sure the candles don't burn too low.)
Create an arrangement on a table or mantel by putting candles inside unusual bottles and jars. Votives shine in canning jars, for example, while narrow-necked bottles make ideal stands for tapers. Mixing up the bottle shapes and colors adds interest.
Light a stairway by putting a pillar candle in a glass container on each stair. Use kitchen string to attach an autumn leaf or clump of bittersweet to the outside of each jar, but you could do the same thing with paper snowflakes, simple ornaments and other holiday stuff.
Creative ideas for decorating your home with candles
Insert tall, slim tapers in a window box filled with herbs or other greenery. By day, the box in a sunny window is a reminder of warmer months to come. By night, the tapers add a glow for all the neighborhood to see. (Watch to make sure the candles don't burn too low.)
Create an arrangement on a table or mantel by putting candles inside unusual bottles and jars. Votives shine in canning jars, for example, while narrow-necked bottles make ideal stands for tapers. Mixing up the bottle shapes and colors adds interest.
Light a stairway by putting a pillar candle in a glass container on each stair. Use kitchen string to attach an autumn leaf or clump of bittersweet to the outside of each jar, but you could do the same thing with paper snowflakes, simple ornaments and other holiday stuff.
G directory Good Time Bingo
G directory Good Time Bingo
G Directory
Safety Tips for Cooks Preparing the Holiday Table When you're entertaining guests this holiday season, remember the two-hour rule to help prevent food-borne illnesses.
Home fires December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
G Directory
Safety Tips for Cooks Preparing the Holiday Table When you're entertaining guests this holiday season, remember the two-hour rule to help prevent food-borne illnesses.
Home fires December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
Food Safety G directory Good Time Bingo
Food Safety G directory Good Time Bingo
Safety Tips for Cooks Preparing the Holiday Table
When you're entertaining guests this holiday season, remember the two-hour rule to help prevent food-borne illnesses.
"Two hours is really about as long as any kind of food needs to be setting out. After that, it should be refrigerated," Laura Palmer, a registered dietitian and cooperative extension service specialist in food and nutrition at Purdue University, said in a prepared statement.
"I think people make the food and then get so involved with their families that they forget to clean up and put things away," she said.
Palmer offered the following holiday food safety tips:
Be careful at buffets. Certain foods, such as deli meats, seafood, and cheeses and dips made with dairy products, need to be chilled. If you believe a food item isn't being served or stored properly, don't eat it.
When preparing food, avoid cross contamination. Wipe down countertops and other surfaces with hot water and detergent or bleach after preparing any type of raw meat. Don't chop no-cook items, such as raw vegetables or cheeses, near preparation areas for meats.
Be aware that many cutting boards have porous surfaces that can harbor germs.
Use food thermometers to cook food to proper internal temperature.
When reheating leftovers, be sure food is heated to 165 degrees F.
Wash your hands often during food preparation and when eating. Something as seemingly harmless as answering the phone can spread germs that can make people ill.
Safety Tips for Cooks Preparing the Holiday Table
When you're entertaining guests this holiday season, remember the two-hour rule to help prevent food-borne illnesses.
"Two hours is really about as long as any kind of food needs to be setting out. After that, it should be refrigerated," Laura Palmer, a registered dietitian and cooperative extension service specialist in food and nutrition at Purdue University, said in a prepared statement.
"I think people make the food and then get so involved with their families that they forget to clean up and put things away," she said.
Palmer offered the following holiday food safety tips:
Be careful at buffets. Certain foods, such as deli meats, seafood, and cheeses and dips made with dairy products, need to be chilled. If you believe a food item isn't being served or stored properly, don't eat it.
When preparing food, avoid cross contamination. Wipe down countertops and other surfaces with hot water and detergent or bleach after preparing any type of raw meat. Don't chop no-cook items, such as raw vegetables or cheeses, near preparation areas for meats.
Be aware that many cutting boards have porous surfaces that can harbor germs.
Use food thermometers to cook food to proper internal temperature.
When reheating leftovers, be sure food is heated to 165 degrees F.
Wash your hands often during food preparation and when eating. Something as seemingly harmless as answering the phone can spread germs that can make people ill.
Home Fires G directory Good Time Bingo
Home Fires G directory Good Time Bingo
Home fires
It’s nice to keep the home fires burning during Christmas, but during the season there is an increased risk for potentially fatal fires, according to the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Each year, holiday related fires injured nearly 2,600 people nationwide, causing more than $930 million in damage.
December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
Christmas tree fires account for more than 200 fires annually, resulting in an average of six deaths, 25 injuries and $6 million in damages.
Virginia State Fire Marshal Ed Alitzer encourages the public to use caution to prevent fires caused by Christmas trees, lights, decorations and candles.
“Just cut” trees, which are less flammable, should have fresh, green needles and a trunk that is sticky to the touch. Once home, cut an additional two inches off the trunk to allow for optimal water absorption.
Trees should be kept away from fireplaces and heating vents and in tree stands filled with water.
The fire marshal also recommends inspecting lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, insulation gaps, broken or cracked sockets or excessive wear. It is unsafe to link more than three light strands together or to leave lights plugged in when leaving the house or going to bed.
Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace, the fire marshal advises, and make sure candles are placed in stable holders and set in places where they cannot easily be knocked down.
Finally, after holiday parties, it’s a good idea to check on, between and under couch cushions for smoldering cigarettes.
According to the fire marshal, December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
Home fires
It’s nice to keep the home fires burning during Christmas, but during the season there is an increased risk for potentially fatal fires, according to the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Each year, holiday related fires injured nearly 2,600 people nationwide, causing more than $930 million in damage.
December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
Christmas tree fires account for more than 200 fires annually, resulting in an average of six deaths, 25 injuries and $6 million in damages.
Virginia State Fire Marshal Ed Alitzer encourages the public to use caution to prevent fires caused by Christmas trees, lights, decorations and candles.
“Just cut” trees, which are less flammable, should have fresh, green needles and a trunk that is sticky to the touch. Once home, cut an additional two inches off the trunk to allow for optimal water absorption.
Trees should be kept away from fireplaces and heating vents and in tree stands filled with water.
The fire marshal also recommends inspecting lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, insulation gaps, broken or cracked sockets or excessive wear. It is unsafe to link more than three light strands together or to leave lights plugged in when leaving the house or going to bed.
Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace, the fire marshal advises, and make sure candles are placed in stable holders and set in places where they cannot easily be knocked down.
Finally, after holiday parties, it’s a good idea to check on, between and under couch cushions for smoldering cigarettes.
According to the fire marshal, December, January and February are the three most dangerous months for fire deaths.
O directory Good Time Bingo
O directory Good Time Bingo
O Directory
Hot Chocolate with a kick: chili for a sharp spark on your tongue, ginger for a slow burn in your throat, and even wasabi for a little tingle in your nose.
In Paula Deen's new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
Celebrate Christmas in Style! - Click here to Download FREE Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine. Packed with illustrated articles on holiday recipes, crafts, home decor, party planning tips, gift ideas and family fun activities for Christmas.
O Directory
Hot Chocolate with a kick: chili for a sharp spark on your tongue, ginger for a slow burn in your throat, and even wasabi for a little tingle in your nose.
In Paula Deen's new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
Celebrate Christmas in Style! - Click here to Download FREE Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine. Packed with illustrated articles on holiday recipes, crafts, home decor, party planning tips, gift ideas and family fun activities for Christmas.
Hot Chocolate with a kick O directory Good Time Bingo
Hot Chocolate with a kick O directory Good Time Bingo
Chocolates with a kick: chili for a sharp spark on your tongue, ginger for a slow burn in your throat, and even wasabi for a little tingle in your nose. Add to cocoa the warming effects and other health benefits of spices, and you come up with an surprisingly healthy ancient brew.
Central and South Americans began adding chiles to liquid chocolate thousands of years ago, when the so-called "food of the gods" was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests to promote vitality and wisdom, and for use as an aphrodisiac.
And recent research seems to uphold these old beliefs. Capsaicin, the chemical in chiles that makes them spicy, also acts as a pain reliever by increasing the production of endorphins and even boosts metabolism, according a July article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Ginger, which can be found in crystallized form in dark or white chocolate, is also used to get blood pumping.
The root, which is often used in herbal preparations for digestive aids and cold treatments, may also have blood-thinning and cholesterol-lowering properties, as well as antibacterial, analgesic and sedative effects.
Wasabi, hailing from Japanese horseradish, kills ulcer-causing stomach bacteria and may even prevent tooth decay, according to a South Korean study.
Chocolate for your health
Plain old cocoa, which is derived from dried and fermented cacao tree beans, is shown to boost energy and mood. It also kicks up levels of endorphins, the body's stress-relieving hormones, and the mood-regulating neurotransmitter serotonin.
In addition, some of the roughly 380 different chemicals found in chocolate even benefit the digestive system, researchers claim.
Phytosterols -- found in chocolate as well as a number of plants -- help reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. And according to the National Institutes of Health, other ingredients in dark chocolate can lower blood pressure in the elderly and may even reduce insulin sensitivity.
Recent studies have also showed that flavonoids (which are found in dark chocolate as well as red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables) support cardiovascular health by keeping cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reducing overall levels of bad cholesterol associated with hardening of the arteries; and lower the risk of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke, according to researchers at the University of California in San Francisco.
Chocolates with a kick: chili for a sharp spark on your tongue, ginger for a slow burn in your throat, and even wasabi for a little tingle in your nose. Add to cocoa the warming effects and other health benefits of spices, and you come up with an surprisingly healthy ancient brew.
Central and South Americans began adding chiles to liquid chocolate thousands of years ago, when the so-called "food of the gods" was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests to promote vitality and wisdom, and for use as an aphrodisiac.
And recent research seems to uphold these old beliefs. Capsaicin, the chemical in chiles that makes them spicy, also acts as a pain reliever by increasing the production of endorphins and even boosts metabolism, according a July article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Ginger, which can be found in crystallized form in dark or white chocolate, is also used to get blood pumping.
The root, which is often used in herbal preparations for digestive aids and cold treatments, may also have blood-thinning and cholesterol-lowering properties, as well as antibacterial, analgesic and sedative effects.
Wasabi, hailing from Japanese horseradish, kills ulcer-causing stomach bacteria and may even prevent tooth decay, according to a South Korean study.
Chocolate for your health
Plain old cocoa, which is derived from dried and fermented cacao tree beans, is shown to boost energy and mood. It also kicks up levels of endorphins, the body's stress-relieving hormones, and the mood-regulating neurotransmitter serotonin.
In addition, some of the roughly 380 different chemicals found in chocolate even benefit the digestive system, researchers claim.
Phytosterols -- found in chocolate as well as a number of plants -- help reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. And according to the National Institutes of Health, other ingredients in dark chocolate can lower blood pressure in the elderly and may even reduce insulin sensitivity.
Recent studies have also showed that flavonoids (which are found in dark chocolate as well as red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables) support cardiovascular health by keeping cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reducing overall levels of bad cholesterol associated with hardening of the arteries; and lower the risk of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke, according to researchers at the University of California in San Francisco.
Paula Deen Celebrates! G directory Good Time Bingo
Paula Deen Celebrates! G directory Good Time Bingo
Paula Deen must l-o-o-o-ve holidays
In her new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
Take Elvis Presley's birthday, which is Jan. 8. The main dish here is Country-Fried Steak With Gravy, White Rice, Country Cabbage and Buttermilk Biscuits. Dessert is, of course, good ol' Nanner Puddin'. And as a bonus, Paula throws in a recipe for the King's fave, a Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich.
How many of us whip up a special meal for Presidents Day? Paula does, but mostly her menu featuring Oyster-Stuffed Quail is just a good excuse to celebrate her friendship with former president and fellow Southern-food fan Jimmy Carter, who has twice been a guest on her Food Network cooking show.
St. Patrick's with Paula brings us Irish Lamb Stew, Parmesan Scones and Green Grits Pie ("a taste very similar to chess pie"). This meal is served with a side dish consisting entirely of two cans of LeSueur peas, half a stick of melted butter, and salt and pepper.
Paula's Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is part of her Christmas dinner menu, which starts with a beef main course.
Paula Deen must l-o-o-o-ve holidays
In her new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life", she dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.
Take Elvis Presley's birthday, which is Jan. 8. The main dish here is Country-Fried Steak With Gravy, White Rice, Country Cabbage and Buttermilk Biscuits. Dessert is, of course, good ol' Nanner Puddin'. And as a bonus, Paula throws in a recipe for the King's fave, a Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich.
How many of us whip up a special meal for Presidents Day? Paula does, but mostly her menu featuring Oyster-Stuffed Quail is just a good excuse to celebrate her friendship with former president and fellow Southern-food fan Jimmy Carter, who has twice been a guest on her Food Network cooking show.
St. Patrick's with Paula brings us Irish Lamb Stew, Parmesan Scones and Green Grits Pie ("a taste very similar to chess pie"). This meal is served with a side dish consisting entirely of two cans of LeSueur peas, half a stick of melted butter, and salt and pepper.
Paula's Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is part of her Christmas dinner menu, which starts with a beef main course.
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Codependent No More:
How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself
Everyone can see your downward spiral - but you. For weeks, months, you've been pulling back from family and friends, lying to protect your loved one, putting on a brave face, all the while silently raging at the emotional, psychological and financial toll your partner has had on you; you've become a caretaker, a control freak, obsessive, whiny, distrusting, manipulative, bitter and implacable. You feel empty and wonder, perhaps, if you're losing your mind. It's hard to do simple things, like get out of bed. Life once held so much hope, but now it's gone. You wonder where the love went, but you're too weak, and hurt, to let go and move on. Your staying only making things worse.
Beattie says your partner may be a substance abuser, gambler, sex addict, or any other kind of troubled or needy person, it doesn't matter. There's no question their behavior is highly destructive - but so is yours. Your habits and reactions to your situation are allowing it to persist while sabotaging the most important person in your life, the only person you can change - you.
Beattie helps readers identify the characteristics of codependency. Her advice
includes, for example, how to care for yourself by redefining boundaries of respect and giving, refusing to participate in the drama your partner creates, seeking counseling and taking action to change your situation, not just talking about it.
She offers thoughtful, much-needed insight and a path to healing, to help restore faith in the power of love - which begins with self-love.
link to read excerpts
Beattie, Melody
Codependent No More:
How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself
Everyone can see your downward spiral - but you. For weeks, months, you've been pulling back from family and friends, lying to protect your loved one, putting on a brave face, all the while silently raging at the emotional, psychological and financial toll your partner has had on you; you've become a caretaker, a control freak, obsessive, whiny, distrusting, manipulative, bitter and implacable. You feel empty and wonder, perhaps, if you're losing your mind. It's hard to do simple things, like get out of bed. Life once held so much hope, but now it's gone. You wonder where the love went, but you're too weak, and hurt, to let go and move on. Your staying only making things worse.
Beattie says your partner may be a substance abuser, gambler, sex addict, or any other kind of troubled or needy person, it doesn't matter. There's no question their behavior is highly destructive - but so is yours. Your habits and reactions to your situation are allowing it to persist while sabotaging the most important person in your life, the only person you can change - you.
Beattie helps readers identify the characteristics of codependency. Her advice
includes, for example, how to care for yourself by redefining boundaries of respect and giving, refusing to participate in the drama your partner creates, seeking counseling and taking action to change your situation, not just talking about it.
She offers thoughtful, much-needed insight and a path to healing, to help restore faith in the power of love - which begins with self-love.
link to read excerpts
vWhen It Comes to a Search for a Spouse, Supply and Demand Is Only the Start Bingo Personals Network
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Author Article: Frank, Robert
When It Comes to a Search for a Spouse, Supply and Demand Is Only the Start
...A friend of his had complained about the inherent perversity of the relationship scene. “Why is it,” she wondered, “that the men I fall in love with are never interested in me, whereas I never feel attracted to the ones who fall for me?” Because my colleague knew this woman well, he felt free to respond candidly. “It’s simple,” he explained. “You’re an 8 constantly chasing after 10s and constantly being chased by 6s.” His friend later confessed that this one-sentence analysis had proved more useful than several years of expensive psychotherapy.
click here for the whole column
Author Article: Frank, Robert
When It Comes to a Search for a Spouse, Supply and Demand Is Only the Start
...A friend of his had complained about the inherent perversity of the relationship scene. “Why is it,” she wondered, “that the men I fall in love with are never interested in me, whereas I never feel attracted to the ones who fall for me?” Because my colleague knew this woman well, he felt free to respond candidly. “It’s simple,” he explained. “You’re an 8 constantly chasing after 10s and constantly being chased by 6s.” His friend later confessed that this one-sentence analysis had proved more useful than several years of expensive psychotherapy.
click here for the whole column
Featured Experts Frank, Robert H. Bingo Personals Network
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Frank, Robert H. “Passions Within Reason: The Strategic Role of the Emotions.”, an economist at the Johnson School at Cornell University.
Frank asks: why to people help others, and retaliate against others who harm them, even when they can expect no future personal, material gain from so doing? His answer is that there are emotional rewards to helping those who deserve our aid and hurting others who deserve our ire. Our behavior towards others is regulated by the passions: empathy, spite, shame, remorse, guilt, compassion, and the other social emotions.
link to read excerpts
Frank, Robert H. “Passions Within Reason: The Strategic Role of the Emotions.”, an economist at the Johnson School at Cornell University.
Frank asks: why to people help others, and retaliate against others who harm them, even when they can expect no future personal, material gain from so doing? His answer is that there are emotional rewards to helping those who deserve our aid and hurting others who deserve our ire. Our behavior towards others is regulated by the passions: empathy, spite, shame, remorse, guilt, compassion, and the other social emotions.
link to read excerpts
Featured Experts: Katz, Elliott Bingo Personals Network
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Katz, Elliott Being the Strong Man A Woman Wants
This is a beautiful story of a man in a rocky marriage who seeks advice from his grandfather, a wedded man of 50 years. It may appear to subscribe to old notions of manhood and chivalry, with chapters like "Leadership," "Being manly" and "Making decisions." But, really, what man - sensitive New Age guy or not - doesn't want to be a hero to his partner?
This book offers timeless wisdom about what it means to be a real man: One who has a backbone, knows what he wants, can make decisions and take charge (without controlling), has high moral standards, is a model for his children, and someone his mate can look up to. I think it applies equally to women.
"When you believe you're entitled to being treated well, you won't accept anything less. If you wait until things are very bad, it means you've set the limit too low."
And that's true strength, the kind that leads love into the light, into a soul-affirming dance of life.
Links to read the excerpts
Katz, Elliott Being the Strong Man A Woman Wants
This is a beautiful story of a man in a rocky marriage who seeks advice from his grandfather, a wedded man of 50 years. It may appear to subscribe to old notions of manhood and chivalry, with chapters like "Leadership," "Being manly" and "Making decisions." But, really, what man - sensitive New Age guy or not - doesn't want to be a hero to his partner?
This book offers timeless wisdom about what it means to be a real man: One who has a backbone, knows what he wants, can make decisions and take charge (without controlling), has high moral standards, is a model for his children, and someone his mate can look up to. I think it applies equally to women.
"When you believe you're entitled to being treated well, you won't accept anything less. If you wait until things are very bad, it means you've set the limit too low."
And that's true strength, the kind that leads love into the light, into a soul-affirming dance of life.
Links to read the excerpts
Making Friends in a New Place? Bingo Personals Network
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Making Friends in a New Place?
Try starting a "Friendly Neighbors Club"
For the past 50 years, a group of women have converged at each others' homes to visit, play games such as bingo and eat homemade sandwiches and sweets.
click here for the whole column
Making Friends in a New Place?
Try starting a "Friendly Neighbors Club"
For the past 50 years, a group of women have converged at each others' homes to visit, play games such as bingo and eat homemade sandwiches and sweets.
click here for the whole column
Stressed This Christmas? Bingo Personals Network
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Stressed This Christmas?
advice from www.relate.org.nz a relationship service from New Zealand
Make time to relax with those you love. That's one of the suggestions from
Relationship Services to reduce the stresses of the Christmas season...In some instances tension turns to violence. Over December and January last year the police attended nearly 11,000 instances of reported family violence in New Zealand.
click here for the whole
Stressed This Christmas?
advice from www.relate.org.nz a relationship service from New Zealand
Make time to relax with those you love. That's one of the suggestions from
Relationship Services to reduce the stresses of the Christmas season...In some instances tension turns to violence. Over December and January last year the police attended nearly 11,000 instances of reported family violence in New Zealand.
click here for the whole
To send cards or not to send cards? Bingo Personals Network
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To send cards or not to send cards?
It's a labor of love. The pleasant little thud of holiday mail Today, the exchange of Christmas cards is an annual affirmation of important personal connections.
click here for the whole column
To send cards or not to send cards?
It's a labor of love. The pleasant little thud of holiday mail Today, the exchange of Christmas cards is an annual affirmation of important personal connections.
click here for the whole column
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
New pages digest on Bingo Classified Network
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Generous and Big-Hearted People
US businessman honors country's fallen with Christmas wreaths Every December for the past 14 years, Morrill Worcester loads a truck with thousands of Christmas wreaths and drives to Arlington National Cemetery near the US capital to honor the country's fallen. With the help of volunteers he lays some 5,000 of the ornaments decorated with a simple red bow on the headstones of war heroes buried in an older part of the cemetery that receives few visitors. "It's the least I can do because of what they've all done for us," Worcester, 56, who owns a wreaths company in the eastern state of Maine told AFP in a telephone interview. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Claus and the nasty rumor
I hope this is a true story. I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generous and Big-Hearted People
Retired teacher serves coffee and a smile If commuters board NJ Transit trains at Little Silver's rail station with a bit of a smile on their faces in the morning, it could be due to the work of Mary Ann Ferrara. Ferrara, a retired school teacher from Sea Bright who commuted by train daily to Hoboken, feels their pain. For the past three years, she's served up coffee, a friendly remark, trivia questions, seasonal decorations and sometimes a little therapy at Java Junction, the coffee stand she runs inside the station.
Her patrons aren't passing customers — she calls them her "commuter family" and "commuter friends." If riders here are a family, Ferrara might be their den mother. Commuters said Ferrara's shop puts some levity in their day. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solstice a time to reflect on winter gardens - winter reading
Observe the winter solstice. This day marks the beginning of winter and has the shortest period of daylight. In the northeast they seem to be experiencing global warming first hand, perhaps there should be a change in our attitudes toward this fourth season and what, as gardeners, we should expect and attempt, perhaps the landscape should no longer be ignored for four months out of every year. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generous and Big-Hearted People
Heir to oil fortune spreads Christian teaching via her own radio show
June Hunt talks to callers Five times a week, June Hunt goes to a Dallas broadcast studio, staying until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night. As an heir to the Hunt Oil Co. fortune, June Hunt could be doing almost anything she wants, or nothing at all. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MOST AND THE GREATEST The most destructive habit.........Worry
The greatest joy..........Giving
The greatest loss.........Loss of respect
more
Generous and Big-Hearted People
US businessman honors country's fallen with Christmas wreaths Every December for the past 14 years, Morrill Worcester loads a truck with thousands of Christmas wreaths and drives to Arlington National Cemetery near the US capital to honor the country's fallen. With the help of volunteers he lays some 5,000 of the ornaments decorated with a simple red bow on the headstones of war heroes buried in an older part of the cemetery that receives few visitors. "It's the least I can do because of what they've all done for us," Worcester, 56, who owns a wreaths company in the eastern state of Maine told AFP in a telephone interview. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Claus and the nasty rumor
I hope this is a true story. I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generous and Big-Hearted People
Retired teacher serves coffee and a smile If commuters board NJ Transit trains at Little Silver's rail station with a bit of a smile on their faces in the morning, it could be due to the work of Mary Ann Ferrara. Ferrara, a retired school teacher from Sea Bright who commuted by train daily to Hoboken, feels their pain. For the past three years, she's served up coffee, a friendly remark, trivia questions, seasonal decorations and sometimes a little therapy at Java Junction, the coffee stand she runs inside the station.
Her patrons aren't passing customers — she calls them her "commuter family" and "commuter friends." If riders here are a family, Ferrara might be their den mother. Commuters said Ferrara's shop puts some levity in their day. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solstice a time to reflect on winter gardens - winter reading
Observe the winter solstice. This day marks the beginning of winter and has the shortest period of daylight. In the northeast they seem to be experiencing global warming first hand, perhaps there should be a change in our attitudes toward this fourth season and what, as gardeners, we should expect and attempt, perhaps the landscape should no longer be ignored for four months out of every year. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generous and Big-Hearted People
Heir to oil fortune spreads Christian teaching via her own radio show
June Hunt talks to callers Five times a week, June Hunt goes to a Dallas broadcast studio, staying until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night. As an heir to the Hunt Oil Co. fortune, June Hunt could be doing almost anything she wants, or nothing at all. more
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MOST AND THE GREATEST The most destructive habit.........Worry
The greatest joy..........Giving
The greatest loss.........Loss of respect
more
Retired teacher serves coffee / smile *Bingo Classified Network
Bingo Classified Network Where to play online bingo!
Retired teacher serves coffee and a smile
If commuters board NJ Transit trains at Little Silver's rail station with a bit of a smile on their faces in the morning, it could be due to the work of Mary Ann Ferrara.
Ferrara, a retired school teacher from Sea Bright who commuted by train daily to Hoboken, feels their pain. For the past three years, she's served up coffee, a friendly remark, trivia questions, seasonal decorations and sometimes a little therapy at Java Junction, the coffee stand she runs inside the station.
Her patrons aren't passing customers — she calls them her "commuter family" and "commuter friends." If riders here are a family, Ferrara might be their den mother.
Commuters said Ferrara's shop puts some levity in their day.
"She's a little more than cheerful, she's a very upbeat person," said commuter Rey Montalvo of the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township. "It makes the day nice."
After three years, Ferrara said, she knows her customers by name and, like a trusted bartender, by the kind of coffee or tea they drink.
"You need to be pleasant, have good coffee and you have to be quick," said Ferrara, who opened her shop after successfully bidding for the concession from the borough.
No one has ever missed a train on account of her, said Ferrara, who's even managed to get a cup to a conductor or two.
Among her favorite things is planning activities to break up the daily routine for riders.
"We have a lot of fun. We celebrate the holidays. On Mardi Gras, I gave out beads. For St. Patrick's Day, we had Irish soda bread," she said. "We have an egg hunt on Easter, and we play the dreidel game on Hanukkah. There isn't a holiday we're not willing to celebrate."
She even honored one rider's a request to observe St. David's Day, in honor of the patron saint of Wales on March 1. Music and movie trivia is another activity she holds and a CD is usually playing.
"The summer solstice, the winter solstice, anything to make a commuter's day easier," Ferrara said. "People at 5 a.m. need a little levity. We serve coffee and context."
Adelaide Sousa of Newark is a reverse commuter, who arrives in Little Silver for work as most residents are traveling northbound on the train. Ferrara asks her if she's doing the cooking for Thanksgiving as she serves her coffee.
Sousa said the station has improved since Ferrara opened her shop.
"The atmosphere brightens the day; it's a nice place," Sousa said.
more
Retired teacher serves coffee and a smile
If commuters board NJ Transit trains at Little Silver's rail station with a bit of a smile on their faces in the morning, it could be due to the work of Mary Ann Ferrara.
Ferrara, a retired school teacher from Sea Bright who commuted by train daily to Hoboken, feels their pain. For the past three years, she's served up coffee, a friendly remark, trivia questions, seasonal decorations and sometimes a little therapy at Java Junction, the coffee stand she runs inside the station.
Her patrons aren't passing customers — she calls them her "commuter family" and "commuter friends." If riders here are a family, Ferrara might be their den mother.
Commuters said Ferrara's shop puts some levity in their day.
"She's a little more than cheerful, she's a very upbeat person," said commuter Rey Montalvo of the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township. "It makes the day nice."
After three years, Ferrara said, she knows her customers by name and, like a trusted bartender, by the kind of coffee or tea they drink.
"You need to be pleasant, have good coffee and you have to be quick," said Ferrara, who opened her shop after successfully bidding for the concession from the borough.
No one has ever missed a train on account of her, said Ferrara, who's even managed to get a cup to a conductor or two.
Among her favorite things is planning activities to break up the daily routine for riders.
"We have a lot of fun. We celebrate the holidays. On Mardi Gras, I gave out beads. For St. Patrick's Day, we had Irish soda bread," she said. "We have an egg hunt on Easter, and we play the dreidel game on Hanukkah. There isn't a holiday we're not willing to celebrate."
She even honored one rider's a request to observe St. David's Day, in honor of the patron saint of Wales on March 1. Music and movie trivia is another activity she holds and a CD is usually playing.
"The summer solstice, the winter solstice, anything to make a commuter's day easier," Ferrara said. "People at 5 a.m. need a little levity. We serve coffee and context."
Adelaide Sousa of Newark is a reverse commuter, who arrives in Little Silver for work as most residents are traveling northbound on the train. Ferrara asks her if she's doing the cooking for Thanksgiving as she serves her coffee.
Sousa said the station has improved since Ferrara opened her shop.
"The atmosphere brightens the day; it's a nice place," Sousa said.
more
Santa Claus and the nasty rumor *Bingo Classified Network
Bingo Classified Network Where to play online bingo!
Santa Claus and the nasty rumor
I hope this is a true story……
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars.
That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it I'll wait for you in the car."
Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but I never had I shopped for anything all by myself.
The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
more
Santa Claus and the nasty rumor
I hope this is a true story……
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. On the way my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars.
That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it I'll wait for you in the car."
Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but I never had I shopped for anything all by myself.
The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
more
Christmas Wreaths for fallen heros *Bingo Classified Network
Bingo Classified Network Where to play online bingo!
US businessman honors country's fallen with Christmas wreaths
Every December for the past 14 years, Morrill Worcester loads a truck with thousands of Christmas wreaths and drives to Arlington National Cemetery near the US capital to honor the country's fallen.
With the help of volunteers he lays some 5,000 of the ornaments decorated with a simple red bow on the headstones of war heroes buried in an older part of the cemetery that receives few visitors.
"It's the least I can do because of what they've all done for us," Worcester, 56, who owns a wreaths company in the eastern state of Maine told AFP in a telephone interview.
Several hundred people are expected to turn out for this year's wreath-laying event December 14 at Arlington, the second-largest national cemetery in the country with more than 300,000 war veterans are buried, along with two US presidents, explorers and other dignitaries.
Worcester this year is also spreading his goodwill gesture nationwide by donating six wreaths to each of the 230 state cemeteries or veterans' monuments across the United States.
He said the ritual that began in 1992 was born of a boyhood trip to Washington that left him awestruck by the majesty of the Arlington National Cemetery and overwhelmed by the thousands of white headstones lined in its neat rows.
It was also the result of an over-abundance of wreaths he had that year and that would have gone to waste.
"I had about 5,000 too many wreaths and I thought of Arlington and made arrangements to drive down there," he said.
John Metzler, the superintendent of the cemetery, said he never thought Worcester would keep coming back every December after that first year.
"I thought it would be a one-time donation and then he would go on to other things," Metzler told AFP. "But this has been taken on a life of its own and it's to the point now where he will never get away from this.
"This is a legacy now." more
US businessman honors country's fallen with Christmas wreaths
Every December for the past 14 years, Morrill Worcester loads a truck with thousands of Christmas wreaths and drives to Arlington National Cemetery near the US capital to honor the country's fallen.
With the help of volunteers he lays some 5,000 of the ornaments decorated with a simple red bow on the headstones of war heroes buried in an older part of the cemetery that receives few visitors.
"It's the least I can do because of what they've all done for us," Worcester, 56, who owns a wreaths company in the eastern state of Maine told AFP in a telephone interview.
Several hundred people are expected to turn out for this year's wreath-laying event December 14 at Arlington, the second-largest national cemetery in the country with more than 300,000 war veterans are buried, along with two US presidents, explorers and other dignitaries.
Worcester this year is also spreading his goodwill gesture nationwide by donating six wreaths to each of the 230 state cemeteries or veterans' monuments across the United States.
He said the ritual that began in 1992 was born of a boyhood trip to Washington that left him awestruck by the majesty of the Arlington National Cemetery and overwhelmed by the thousands of white headstones lined in its neat rows.
It was also the result of an over-abundance of wreaths he had that year and that would have gone to waste.
"I had about 5,000 too many wreaths and I thought of Arlington and made arrangements to drive down there," he said.
John Metzler, the superintendent of the cemetery, said he never thought Worcester would keep coming back every December after that first year.
"I thought it would be a one-time donation and then he would go on to other things," Metzler told AFP. "But this has been taken on a life of its own and it's to the point now where he will never get away from this.
"This is a legacy now." more
Reflect on winter Gardern *Bingo Classified Network
Bingo Classified Network Where to play online bingo!
Solstice a time to reflect on winter gardens - winter reading
Observe the winter solstice. This day marks the beginning of winter and has the shortest period of daylight. In the northeast they seem to be experiencing global warming first hand, perhaps there should be a change in our attitudes toward this fourth season and what, as gardeners, we should expect and attempt, perhaps the landscape should no longer be ignored for four months out of every year.
Adrian Bloom, an English nurseryman, writer, gardener and introducer of new plant cultivars, is known to gardeners in the U.S. as a talented designer and principal of Blooms of Bressingham. One of his books, “Winter Garden Glory, How to get the Best from your Garden from Autumn through to Spring,” is a jewel! Using the plants and landscape design of “Foggy Bottom,” his home property, Bloom shows by word and picture just how foliage form and color used properly can enliven any winter scene.
Can we safely make use of all the plants he uses and recommends? No, not yet, anyway, but even if we were to incorporate 10 percent of his recommendations into our landscape, we would raise the interest of our landscapes by several hundred percent. Also look for the companion volume, “Summer Garden Glory.”
By obtaining both, you will save time later when you realize you desire more views of Foggy Bottom and more wisdom from Bloom.
A second book is “Color in the Winter Garden” by Graham Stuart Thomas. As an aside, if you value your time and your garden, spend some time this winter with Thomas. Read and enjoy “Three Gardens, The personal odyssey of a great plantsman and gardener,” then perhaps “The Manual of Shrub Roses” or “Roses as Flowering Shrubs” and on to “Treasured Perennials,” in which he discusses more than 200 perennials.
But I digress. We need to look at “Color in the Winter Garden” a book so exhaustive it has been called the most comprehensive book on the subject. To receive the greatest value from this work, do not consider it as a laundry list of plants but rather an eye-opening experience as to what a winter garden can be, if you will make the effort.
Get ready. Get set. Get reading!
Solstice a time to reflect on winter gardens - winter reading
Observe the winter solstice. This day marks the beginning of winter and has the shortest period of daylight. In the northeast they seem to be experiencing global warming first hand, perhaps there should be a change in our attitudes toward this fourth season and what, as gardeners, we should expect and attempt, perhaps the landscape should no longer be ignored for four months out of every year.
Adrian Bloom, an English nurseryman, writer, gardener and introducer of new plant cultivars, is known to gardeners in the U.S. as a talented designer and principal of Blooms of Bressingham. One of his books, “Winter Garden Glory, How to get the Best from your Garden from Autumn through to Spring,” is a jewel! Using the plants and landscape design of “Foggy Bottom,” his home property, Bloom shows by word and picture just how foliage form and color used properly can enliven any winter scene.
Can we safely make use of all the plants he uses and recommends? No, not yet, anyway, but even if we were to incorporate 10 percent of his recommendations into our landscape, we would raise the interest of our landscapes by several hundred percent. Also look for the companion volume, “Summer Garden Glory.”
By obtaining both, you will save time later when you realize you desire more views of Foggy Bottom and more wisdom from Bloom.
A second book is “Color in the Winter Garden” by Graham Stuart Thomas. As an aside, if you value your time and your garden, spend some time this winter with Thomas. Read and enjoy “Three Gardens, The personal odyssey of a great plantsman and gardener,” then perhaps “The Manual of Shrub Roses” or “Roses as Flowering Shrubs” and on to “Treasured Perennials,” in which he discusses more than 200 perennials.
But I digress. We need to look at “Color in the Winter Garden” a book so exhaustive it has been called the most comprehensive book on the subject. To receive the greatest value from this work, do not consider it as a laundry list of plants but rather an eye-opening experience as to what a winter garden can be, if you will make the effort.
Get ready. Get set. Get reading!
June Hunt talks to callers *Bingo Classified Network
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Heir to oil fortune spreads Christian teaching via her own radio show
June Hunt talks to callers
Five times a week, June Hunt goes to a Dallas broadcast studio, staying until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night.
As an heir to the Hunt Oil Co. fortune, June Hunt could be doing almost anything she wants, or nothing at all.
But five times a week, she's in a Dallas broadcast studio until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night.
One night, not long ago, she advised a cab driver who had lost purpose, a grandmother distraught over her violent grandson, and a woman whose conversion to Christianity had rocked her marriage.
Another woman called, upset that a male colleague who dresses as a woman was allowed to use the ladies' restroom at work.
"OK, has there been a sex change? Is he a transsexual?" Hunt, 61, asked with the same earnest concern she uses for the occasional suicidal caller.
"I don't know," the woman said. "There's some hair on his chin. You can still tell it's a man."
Shake the family tree of legendary Dallas oil baron H.L. Hunt and an intriguing story is bound to fall. Few beat that of daughter June.
Deep faith and the emotional trauma of her youth (including struggles with Dad) have led her to feel others' pain and try to lessen it. For 20 years, she has devoted her time and much of her wealth to her nondenominational counseling ministry Hope for the Heart.
Through lectures, books, advice sheets, tapes, and radio programs, she pours forth "God's truth for today's problems," addressing everything from eating disorders to salvation.
Her basic message is that those who align their will with God as revealed in Jesus Christ will have not just eternal life but the power to change in this one -- and she is there to help, offering action steps and key Bible verses.
Hunt's ministry employs ordained ministers and licensed counselors, but she is neither, having majored in music at Southern Methodist University.
more
Heir to oil fortune spreads Christian teaching via her own radio show
June Hunt talks to callers
Five times a week, June Hunt goes to a Dallas broadcast studio, staying until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night.
As an heir to the Hunt Oil Co. fortune, June Hunt could be doing almost anything she wants, or nothing at all.
But five times a week, she's in a Dallas broadcast studio until 1 a.m., taking calls from troubled souls across America on her Christian radio program, Hope in the Night.
One night, not long ago, she advised a cab driver who had lost purpose, a grandmother distraught over her violent grandson, and a woman whose conversion to Christianity had rocked her marriage.
Another woman called, upset that a male colleague who dresses as a woman was allowed to use the ladies' restroom at work.
"OK, has there been a sex change? Is he a transsexual?" Hunt, 61, asked with the same earnest concern she uses for the occasional suicidal caller.
"I don't know," the woman said. "There's some hair on his chin. You can still tell it's a man."
Shake the family tree of legendary Dallas oil baron H.L. Hunt and an intriguing story is bound to fall. Few beat that of daughter June.
Deep faith and the emotional trauma of her youth (including struggles with Dad) have led her to feel others' pain and try to lessen it. For 20 years, she has devoted her time and much of her wealth to her nondenominational counseling ministry Hope for the Heart.
Through lectures, books, advice sheets, tapes, and radio programs, she pours forth "God's truth for today's problems," addressing everything from eating disorders to salvation.
Her basic message is that those who align their will with God as revealed in Jesus Christ will have not just eternal life but the power to change in this one -- and she is there to help, offering action steps and key Bible verses.
Hunt's ministry employs ordained ministers and licensed counselors, but she is neither, having majored in music at Southern Methodist University.
more
THE MOST AND THE GREATEST *Bingo Classified Network
Bingo Classified Network Where to play online bingo!:
THE MOST AND THE GREATEST
The most destructive habit.............Worry
The greatest joy.......................Giving
The greatest loss.....................Loss of respect
The most dangerous pariah.............A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer....The brain
The worst thing to be without...........Hope
The most satisfying work...............Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.........Selfishness
The most endangered species...........Dedicated leaders
The deadliest weapon.....................The tongue
The two most power-filled words.......'I Can'
The greatest asset......................Faith
Our greatest natural resource............Our youth
The greatest 'shot in the arm'.......Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome............Fear
The most worthless emotion.....................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire........................SMILE!
The most prized possession.....................Integrity
The most effective sleeping pill........Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease........Excuses
The most powerful force in life............Love
The most powerful channel of communication.......Prayer
The most contagious spirit......................Enthusiasm
THE MOST AND THE GREATEST
The most destructive habit.............Worry
The greatest joy.......................Giving
The greatest loss.....................Loss of respect
The most dangerous pariah.............A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer....The brain
The worst thing to be without...........Hope
The most satisfying work...............Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.........Selfishness
The most endangered species...........Dedicated leaders
The deadliest weapon.....................The tongue
The two most power-filled words.......'I Can'
The greatest asset......................Faith
Our greatest natural resource............Our youth
The greatest 'shot in the arm'.......Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome............Fear
The most worthless emotion.....................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire........................SMILE!
The most prized possession.....................Integrity
The most effective sleeping pill........Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease........Excuses
The most powerful force in life............Love
The most powerful channel of communication.......Prayer
The most contagious spirit......................Enthusiasm
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sunday gambling ban to be lifted ...B2kSlots
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Sunday gambling ban to be lifted
The government has announced plans to allow bookmakers and bingo halls in Northern Ireland to open on Sundays. Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom where these premises have to close on Sundays. The changes would allow bookmakers' offices to open between 1030 GMT and 1830 GMT and bingo clubs to open between 1400 GMT and 2300 GMT. There are also plans for new employment rights to protect staff who do not want to work on Sundays. "Some betting and bingo club workers may not wish to work on a Sunday," he said. He said any relaxation of the Sunday restrictions would be accompanied by "important new employment rights for such workers".
Sunday gambling ban to be lifted
The government has announced plans to allow bookmakers and bingo halls in Northern Ireland to open on Sundays. Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom where these premises have to close on Sundays. The changes would allow bookmakers' offices to open between 1030 GMT and 1830 GMT and bingo clubs to open between 1400 GMT and 2300 GMT. There are also plans for new employment rights to protect staff who do not want to work on Sundays. "Some betting and bingo club workers may not wish to work on a Sunday," he said. He said any relaxation of the Sunday restrictions would be accompanied by "important new employment rights for such workers".
Scotland - Bingo behind bars turns jail into 'Butlins' B2kSlots
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Scotland - Bingo behind bars turns jail into 'Butlins'
BOSSES at Edinburgh's Saughton prison have sparked controversy by putting on bingo nights for prisoners. The weekend treat, which started last month in a remand hall at the jail, has proved so popular that bosses are understood to be considering spreading it out across other wings in the jail. The prison has even bought a bingo machine for warders to pull out the numbers at the Friday night events, where lucky prisoners are rewarded with chocolate, hair gel and cigarettes. However, some warders are reported to have criticized the move, which they say is turning the prison into a "fun park" for criminals. Some warders have said that the prison is "getting like Butlins", while others have argued that there should be more focus on educational programs for prisoners rather than bingo nights. The Scottish Prison Service said: "We're looking to provide a range of activities for prisoners."
Scotland - Bingo behind bars turns jail into 'Butlins'
BOSSES at Edinburgh's Saughton prison have sparked controversy by putting on bingo nights for prisoners. The weekend treat, which started last month in a remand hall at the jail, has proved so popular that bosses are understood to be considering spreading it out across other wings in the jail. The prison has even bought a bingo machine for warders to pull out the numbers at the Friday night events, where lucky prisoners are rewarded with chocolate, hair gel and cigarettes. However, some warders are reported to have criticized the move, which they say is turning the prison into a "fun park" for criminals. Some warders have said that the prison is "getting like Butlins", while others have argued that there should be more focus on educational programs for prisoners rather than bingo nights. The Scottish Prison Service said: "We're looking to provide a range of activities for prisoners."
Online Bingo unlike Land Based Bingo... B2kSlots
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Online Bingo unlike Land Based Bingo
Although Bingo played at land based casinos is fair and square, fun and pleasing, its online casino versions are operated by the most advanced and trusted technologies. This way it has improved its already high reliability features. But perhaps the greatest advantage that online casino Bingo has over land based casinos, which is also a claim about the difference between the entire two industries and venues, is the prizes. New players at the online casino Bingo games can enjoy a welcome bonus and other promotions. It can only be compared to walking into a Bingo hall at a land based casino and receiving a few bills to take home just for coming to the place.
Online Bingo unlike Land Based Bingo
Although Bingo played at land based casinos is fair and square, fun and pleasing, its online casino versions are operated by the most advanced and trusted technologies. This way it has improved its already high reliability features. But perhaps the greatest advantage that online casino Bingo has over land based casinos, which is also a claim about the difference between the entire two industries and venues, is the prizes. New players at the online casino Bingo games can enjoy a welcome bonus and other promotions. It can only be compared to walking into a Bingo hall at a land based casino and receiving a few bills to take home just for coming to the place.
Odd News on BingoRater
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No holiday humor in radio pair’s jollies over degrading homeless
Any Mummers allowed?
LARGE-sized clothing should carry tags with an obesity helpline number
Elvis' porcelain crown to go on eBay
skyscraper sale for $1.8B
Fifty turkeys rescued
bomb-sniffing bees
Christmas trees from ancient nature lovers
Dickens bah humbug Christmas Letter
No holiday humor in radio pair’s jollies over degrading homeless
Any Mummers allowed?
LARGE-sized clothing should carry tags with an obesity helpline number
Elvis' porcelain crown to go on eBay
skyscraper sale for $1.8B
Fifty turkeys rescued
bomb-sniffing bees
Christmas trees from ancient nature lovers
Dickens bah humbug Christmas Letter
Polls on BingoRater
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Should cockfighting in New Mexico be banned?
How much of a problem is racism today?
How healthy are you?
Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
'Do you use instant messaging?
Is Christmas an important holiday?
Merry Christmas' versus 'Happy Holidays'?
Holiday season: stressful or joyful?
How much of your holiday shopping will you do online this year, compared with last year?
Should cockfighting in New Mexico be banned?
How much of a problem is racism today?
How healthy are you?
Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
'Do you use instant messaging?
Is Christmas an important holiday?
Merry Christmas' versus 'Happy Holidays'?
Holiday season: stressful or joyful?
How much of your holiday shopping will you do online this year, compared with last year?
Poll: Should cockfighting in New Mexico be banned? BingoRater
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Poll: Should cockfighting in New Mexico be banned?
The informal poll showed that 62 percent of responses supported some sort of ban on cockfighting, with the vast majority of those responses supporting making holding cockfighting a felony.
That’s despite the poll making its way onto pro-cockfighting message boards around the country.
The remaining 38 percent of responses were against a ban, and were extremely vocal about it.
“Go to a commercial poultry farm,” wrote one respondent. “There you will see far more cruelty than a few minutes at a cockfight.”
Many respondents who supported some sort of ban used the word “barbaric.”
Poll: Should cockfighting in New Mexico be banned?
The informal poll showed that 62 percent of responses supported some sort of ban on cockfighting, with the vast majority of those responses supporting making holding cockfighting a felony.
That’s despite the poll making its way onto pro-cockfighting message boards around the country.
The remaining 38 percent of responses were against a ban, and were extremely vocal about it.
“Go to a commercial poultry farm,” wrote one respondent. “There you will see far more cruelty than a few minutes at a cockfight.”
Many respondents who supported some sort of ban used the word “barbaric.”
Odd News: No holiday humor in radio pair’s jollies over degrading homeless BingoRater
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Odd News: No holiday humor in radio pair’s jollies over degrading homeless
Some people may have giggled at the idea of a gaggle of homeless men taking over the upscale Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, a stunt staged by radio shock jocks Opie and Anthony and heard by WBCN listeners all weekend. It was tantamount to bringing a bus filled with the bedraggled from Boston Common to sit on Santa’s lap at the Chestnut Hill Mall.
“This so-called ‘shopping spree’ is a sick and twisted exercise that degrades the most vulnerable members of our society. This is an outrage. This is wrong, and we need the public and our partners who care about the homeless and about basic human decency to stand up and tell them so,” Menino said, adding that the broadcast came on the same day that the city began counting the Hub’s homeless.
“The homeless people who will be used for this event are human beings who may have been struggling for years with the adversity and problems that come with alcoholism and addictions, or with mental illness and other disabilities,” Menino said.
“The fact that WBCN has chosen the homeless and the holidays to present this humiliating and shameful attempt at humor is inhumane and shameful.”
Odd News: No holiday humor in radio pair’s jollies over degrading homeless
Some people may have giggled at the idea of a gaggle of homeless men taking over the upscale Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, a stunt staged by radio shock jocks Opie and Anthony and heard by WBCN listeners all weekend. It was tantamount to bringing a bus filled with the bedraggled from Boston Common to sit on Santa’s lap at the Chestnut Hill Mall.
“This so-called ‘shopping spree’ is a sick and twisted exercise that degrades the most vulnerable members of our society. This is an outrage. This is wrong, and we need the public and our partners who care about the homeless and about basic human decency to stand up and tell them so,” Menino said, adding that the broadcast came on the same day that the city began counting the Hub’s homeless.
“The homeless people who will be used for this event are human beings who may have been struggling for years with the adversity and problems that come with alcoholism and addictions, or with mental illness and other disabilities,” Menino said.
“The fact that WBCN has chosen the homeless and the holidays to present this humiliating and shameful attempt at humor is inhumane and shameful.”
Poll: How much of a problem is racism today? BingoRater
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Poll: How much of a problem is racism today?
Most Americans see lingering racism -- in others
Most Americans, white and black, see racism as a lingering problem in the United States, and many say they know people who are racist, according to a new poll.
But few Americans of either race -- about one out of eight -- consider themselves racist.
Asked if they know someone they consider racist, 43 percent of whites and 48 percent of blacks said yes.
But just 13 percent of whites and 12 percent of blacks consider themselves racially biased.
Poll: How much of a problem is racism today?
Most Americans see lingering racism -- in others
Most Americans, white and black, see racism as a lingering problem in the United States, and many say they know people who are racist, according to a new poll.
But few Americans of either race -- about one out of eight -- consider themselves racist.
Asked if they know someone they consider racist, 43 percent of whites and 48 percent of blacks said yes.
But just 13 percent of whites and 12 percent of blacks consider themselves racially biased.
Poll: How healthy are you? BingoRater
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Poll: How healthy are you?
Most Rate Their Physical & Mental Health "Good" or "Excellent"
Of those polled, included 1,004 adults, 79% rated their physical health as "excellent" or "good," while 21% said it was "only fair" or "poor."
Self-ratings for mental health were even higher: 86% said their mental health was "excellent" or "good," while 14% rated it "only fair" or "poor."
Results from the annual poll haven't changed much since 2001.
Poll: How healthy are you?
Most Rate Their Physical & Mental Health "Good" or "Excellent"
Of those polled, included 1,004 adults, 79% rated their physical health as "excellent" or "good," while 21% said it was "only fair" or "poor."
Self-ratings for mental health were even higher: 86% said their mental health was "excellent" or "good," while 14% rated it "only fair" or "poor."
Results from the annual poll haven't changed much since 2001.
Odd News: Any Mummers allowed? BingoRater
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Odd News: Any Mummers allowed?
Long before Santa, Bing Crosby and toy companies stole the occasion, even before Christianity itself kidnapped it, the Winter Solstice was celebrated with seasonal ritual. One ancient solstice custom is Mummering.
The word Mummer is said to derive the from the Middle English word 'mum' which means silent; or perhaps the German 'Mummerspiel ' meaning 'masked play' or masquerade.
Mummer's plays have been performed since the Middle Ages to celebrate the triumph of life over death and resurrection.
Pre-Christian pagan rituals, like the Roman Saturnalia, celebrated the rebirth of the Sun god on the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.
In England, the Mummer's plays follow the same basic plot. A hero returns from a distant land. The hero is challenged and killed. A doctor is called and revives the hero. All hostilities are ceased. In the Tudor period, the hero was often Saint George battling evil in the form of a dragon.
Mummers may be friends or complete strangers, and unless you can guess their identities you cannot be sure who is behind the mask. They are certain to track muddy boots across your carpet, play lively music, demand drink and perform outrageously
Odd News: Any Mummers allowed?
Long before Santa, Bing Crosby and toy companies stole the occasion, even before Christianity itself kidnapped it, the Winter Solstice was celebrated with seasonal ritual. One ancient solstice custom is Mummering.
The word Mummer is said to derive the from the Middle English word 'mum' which means silent; or perhaps the German 'Mummerspiel ' meaning 'masked play' or masquerade.
Mummer's plays have been performed since the Middle Ages to celebrate the triumph of life over death and resurrection.
Pre-Christian pagan rituals, like the Roman Saturnalia, celebrated the rebirth of the Sun god on the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.
In England, the Mummer's plays follow the same basic plot. A hero returns from a distant land. The hero is challenged and killed. A doctor is called and revives the hero. All hostilities are ceased. In the Tudor period, the hero was often Saint George battling evil in the form of a dragon.
Mummers may be friends or complete strangers, and unless you can guess their identities you cannot be sure who is behind the mask. They are certain to track muddy boots across your carpet, play lively music, demand drink and perform outrageously
Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year? BingoRater
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Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
60% Will Celebrate Holidays at Home
The final holiday countdown is on and of all of the arrangements to be made, travel plans are not high on the list this year. Sixty percent (60%) of American adults plan to spend the holidays at home. Just 34% have out-of-town travel on their holiday agendas.
Nearly two-thirds of all Americans (63%) say that attending a religious service will be part of their holiday plans this year. Twenty-nine percent (29%) have no plans for organized religious observances.
Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
60% Will Celebrate Holidays at Home
The final holiday countdown is on and of all of the arrangements to be made, travel plans are not high on the list this year. Sixty percent (60%) of American adults plan to spend the holidays at home. Just 34% have out-of-town travel on their holiday agendas.
Nearly two-thirds of all Americans (63%) say that attending a religious service will be part of their holiday plans this year. Twenty-nine percent (29%) have no plans for organized religious observances.
Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year? BingoRater
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Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
60% Will Celebrate Holidays at Home
The final holiday countdown is on and of all of the arrangements to be made, travel plans are not high on the list this year. Sixty percent (60%) of American adults plan to spend the holidays at home. Just 34% have out-of-town travel on their holiday agendas.
Nearly two-thirds of all Americans (63%) say that attending a religious service will be part of their holiday plans this year. Twenty-nine percent (29%) have no plans for organized religious observances.
Poll: Where will you celebrate Christmas this year?
60% Will Celebrate Holidays at Home
The final holiday countdown is on and of all of the arrangements to be made, travel plans are not high on the list this year. Sixty percent (60%) of American adults plan to spend the holidays at home. Just 34% have out-of-town travel on their holiday agendas.
Nearly two-thirds of all Americans (63%) say that attending a religious service will be part of their holiday plans this year. Twenty-nine percent (29%) have no plans for organized religious observances.
Odd News: 'Put obesity number on clothes' BingoRater
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Odd News: 'Put obesity number on clothes'
LARGE-sized clothing should carry tags with an obesity helpline number, a British Medical Journal report has said.
The report, compiled by a group of public health professionals, has recommended the phone numbers be placed on tags on women's garments sized 16 and above, and on those with a waist measurement of more than 100 centimeters for men.
Clothes with waist measurements of more than 92cm for boys and 79cm for girls should also have the helpline number, the report has said.
Odd News: 'Put obesity number on clothes'
LARGE-sized clothing should carry tags with an obesity helpline number, a British Medical Journal report has said.
The report, compiled by a group of public health professionals, has recommended the phone numbers be placed on tags on women's garments sized 16 and above, and on those with a waist measurement of more than 100 centimeters for men.
Clothes with waist measurements of more than 92cm for boys and 79cm for girls should also have the helpline number, the report has said.
Poll: Do you use instant messaging? BingoRater
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Poll: Do you use instant messaging?
Nearly half of teens use instant messaging, fyi
Almost half of teens, 48 percent of those ages 13-18, use instant messaging. That's more than twice the percentage of adults who use it.
Almost three-fourths of adults who do use instant messages still communicate with e-mail more often. Almost three-fourths of teens send instant messages more than e-mail.
More than half of the teens who use instant messages send more than 25 a day, and 1 in 5 send more than 100. Three-fourths of adult users send fewer than 25 IMs a day.
Teen users (30 percent) are almost twice as likely as adults (17 percent) to say they can't imagine life without instant messaging.
When keeping up with a friend who is far away, teens are most likely to use instant messaging, while adults turn first to e-mail.
About a fifth of teen IM users have used IM to ask for or accept a date. Almost as many, 16 percent, have used it to break up with someone.
A bow to the traditional: When sharing serious or confidential news, both teens and adults prefer to use the telephone, the poll said.
Poll: Do you use instant messaging?
Nearly half of teens use instant messaging, fyi
Almost half of teens, 48 percent of those ages 13-18, use instant messaging. That's more than twice the percentage of adults who use it.
Almost three-fourths of adults who do use instant messages still communicate with e-mail more often. Almost three-fourths of teens send instant messages more than e-mail.
More than half of the teens who use instant messages send more than 25 a day, and 1 in 5 send more than 100. Three-fourths of adult users send fewer than 25 IMs a day.
Teen users (30 percent) are almost twice as likely as adults (17 percent) to say they can't imagine life without instant messaging.
When keeping up with a friend who is far away, teens are most likely to use instant messaging, while adults turn first to e-mail.
About a fifth of teen IM users have used IM to ask for or accept a date. Almost as many, 16 percent, have used it to break up with someone.
A bow to the traditional: When sharing serious or confidential news, both teens and adults prefer to use the telephone, the poll said.
Odd News: Elvis' porcelain crown to go on eBay BingoRater
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Odd News: Elvis' porcelain crown to go on eBay
The family of a Memphis dentist is putting the King of Rock and Roll's porcelain crown up for auction on eBay next month.
A press release from the family of Dr. Henry Weiss, who was Elvis Presley's dentist until 1971, said the model of Presley's teeth and the porcelain crown will be offered -- along with a letter of authenticity signed by Joe Esposito, Elvis' longtime road manager.
The eBay auction will begin Jan. 8, 2007, which would have been Presley's 72nd birthday.
The letter from Esposito says Weiss always kept an extra crown on the model of Elvis Presley's teeth in case he chipped or cracked his crown. In February 1971, Elvis cracked his crown on a microphone while performing in Las Vegas.
Esposito said Weiss' son, S. Lewis Weiss, flew a replacement crown to Las Vegas.
Odd News: Elvis' porcelain crown to go on eBay
The family of a Memphis dentist is putting the King of Rock and Roll's porcelain crown up for auction on eBay next month.
A press release from the family of Dr. Henry Weiss, who was Elvis Presley's dentist until 1971, said the model of Presley's teeth and the porcelain crown will be offered -- along with a letter of authenticity signed by Joe Esposito, Elvis' longtime road manager.
The eBay auction will begin Jan. 8, 2007, which would have been Presley's 72nd birthday.
The letter from Esposito says Weiss always kept an extra crown on the model of Elvis Presley's teeth in case he chipped or cracked his crown. In February 1971, Elvis cracked his crown on a microphone while performing in Las Vegas.
Esposito said Weiss' son, S. Lewis Weiss, flew a replacement crown to Las Vegas.
Poll: Is Christmas an important holiday? BingoRater
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Poll: Is Christmas an important holiday?
71% Rate Christmas Most Important Holiday
Seventy-one percent (71%) of Americans consider Christmas one of the nation's most important holidays. That figure is higher than for any other holiday (prior to this survey, the Fourth of July was on top at 61% and Thanksgiving was second at 46%.
A survey of 1,000 adults found that only 7% consider it one of the least important.
Nearly nine-out-of-ten Americans celebrate Christmas and a Christmas dinner is in most of their plans. Eighty-five percent (85%) of those who celebrate Christmas will have a special dinner with family and friends to honor the occasion.
Seventy-five percent (75%) of the celebrants open their presents on Christmas morning. Sixteen percent (16%) do so on Christmas Eve.
Poll: Is Christmas an important holiday?
71% Rate Christmas Most Important Holiday
Seventy-one percent (71%) of Americans consider Christmas one of the nation's most important holidays. That figure is higher than for any other holiday (prior to this survey, the Fourth of July was on top at 61% and Thanksgiving was second at 46%.
A survey of 1,000 adults found that only 7% consider it one of the least important.
Nearly nine-out-of-ten Americans celebrate Christmas and a Christmas dinner is in most of their plans. Eighty-five percent (85%) of those who celebrate Christmas will have a special dinner with family and friends to honor the occasion.
Seventy-five percent (75%) of the celebrants open their presents on Christmas morning. Sixteen percent (16%) do so on Christmas Eve.
Odd News: Skyscraper sales for $1.8B BingoRater
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Odd News: Skyscraper sales for $1.8B
A New Jersey real estate family, the Kushners, will buy 666 Fifth Ave. from Tishman Speyer Properties for $1.8 billion, beating a $1.72 billion record that Tishman Speyer set in buying the MetLife Building a few streets over.
Occupying a high-profile block in midtown, the tower rubs shoulders with such Fifth Avenue landmarks as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
The family says the office tower will raise their profile in New York City. The company also owns a smaller building downtown, but the bulk of its holdings are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Tishman Speyer broke another real estate record last month. It bought a massive Manhattan apartment complex, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, for $5.4 billion, in the biggest real estate deal of any kind in the country.
Odd News: Skyscraper sales for $1.8B
A New Jersey real estate family, the Kushners, will buy 666 Fifth Ave. from Tishman Speyer Properties for $1.8 billion, beating a $1.72 billion record that Tishman Speyer set in buying the MetLife Building a few streets over.
Occupying a high-profile block in midtown, the tower rubs shoulders with such Fifth Avenue landmarks as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
The family says the office tower will raise their profile in New York City. The company also owns a smaller building downtown, but the bulk of its holdings are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Tishman Speyer broke another real estate record last month. It bought a massive Manhattan apartment complex, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, for $5.4 billion, in the biggest real estate deal of any kind in the country.
Poll: 'Merry Christmas' vs 'Happy Holidays'? BingoRater
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Poll: 'Merry Christmas' vs 'Happy Holidays'?
Americans are ready to put "Merry Christmas" back into holiday shopping, a new poll shows.
An overwhelming majority of Americans surveyed - 95 percent - said they were not offended by a "Merry Christmas" in stores.
However, 32 percent of respondents said they took offense at "Happy Holidays," the religiously neutral alternative promoted over the last few years as inclusive and inoffensive.
Along partisan lines, 8 percent of the Democrats polled said they were offended at a "Merry Christmas" greeting, compared to less than 1 percent of the Republicans surveyed.
Poll: 'Merry Christmas' vs 'Happy Holidays'?
Americans are ready to put "Merry Christmas" back into holiday shopping, a new poll shows.
An overwhelming majority of Americans surveyed - 95 percent - said they were not offended by a "Merry Christmas" in stores.
However, 32 percent of respondents said they took offense at "Happy Holidays," the religiously neutral alternative promoted over the last few years as inclusive and inoffensive.
Along partisan lines, 8 percent of the Democrats polled said they were offended at a "Merry Christmas" greeting, compared to less than 1 percent of the Republicans surveyed.
Odd News: Turkeys saved from Christmas chop BingoRater
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Odd News: Turkeys saved from Christmas chop
Fifty turkeys have been rescued from the chop, just weeks before they were due to reach their final end on Christmas dinner plates.
USPCA spokesman Stephen Philpott said workers at the charity were now looking after the animals.
"The conditions were absolutely appalling, animals living in their own filth," he said.
The future of the animals will now be decided by a magistrate, but the USPCA will recommend to the police that the farmer is again charged with cruelty.
Odd News: Turkeys saved from Christmas chop
Fifty turkeys have been rescued from the chop, just weeks before they were due to reach their final end on Christmas dinner plates.
USPCA spokesman Stephen Philpott said workers at the charity were now looking after the animals.
"The conditions were absolutely appalling, animals living in their own filth," he said.
The future of the animals will now be decided by a magistrate, but the USPCA will recommend to the police that the farmer is again charged with cruelty.
Poll: Holiday season: stressful or joyful? ~ BingoRater
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Poll: Holiday season: stressful or joyful?
51% Say Holiday Season is Joyful
Although they've been doing battle at the shopping malls to find the perfect gifts, 51% of respondents to a Rasmussen Reports survey about holiday shopping say they find this time of the year joyful. Thirty-nine percent (39%) say it's stressful.
Poll: Holiday season: stressful or joyful?
51% Say Holiday Season is Joyful
Although they've been doing battle at the shopping malls to find the perfect gifts, 51% of respondents to a Rasmussen Reports survey about holiday shopping say they find this time of the year joyful. Thirty-nine percent (39%) say it's stressful.
Odd News: Bees Can Find Explosives ~ BingoRater
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Odd News: Bees Can Find Explosives
Here's the latest buzz on detecting explosives: bomb-sniffing bees. Honeybees can be trained to detect explosives, even in tiny quantities. "These bees really perform," said bee biologist Timothy Haarmann, the study's leader.
Bees stick out their tongues when they smelled explosives. The bees even underwent field trials, successfully sniffing out explosives in a simulated roadside bomb, in a vehicle, and on a person rigged like a suicide bomber.
The insects have a phenomenal sense of smell, rivaling that of dogs, Haarmann said.
"The beauty of the bee is that when it has a sugar water reward, it sticks out its proboscis," the scientist said. "It's not a little tiny tongue. It's bigger than the antennae."
Odd News: Bees Can Find Explosives
Here's the latest buzz on detecting explosives: bomb-sniffing bees. Honeybees can be trained to detect explosives, even in tiny quantities. "These bees really perform," said bee biologist Timothy Haarmann, the study's leader.
Bees stick out their tongues when they smelled explosives. The bees even underwent field trials, successfully sniffing out explosives in a simulated roadside bomb, in a vehicle, and on a person rigged like a suicide bomber.
The insects have a phenomenal sense of smell, rivaling that of dogs, Haarmann said.
"The beauty of the bee is that when it has a sugar water reward, it sticks out its proboscis," the scientist said. "It's not a little tiny tongue. It's bigger than the antennae."
