Random Thought of the Day

[Helga]

I couldn't sleep the other night and started reading 'Little Claus and big Claus' by H.C.Andersen. I got nightmares. It's a bad story!! Everybody lie and cheat, the 'good' guy sells his grandmothers dead body, lies to a man that just fed him, switches places with a guy so he will die instead and encourages a man to commit suicide! It's a scary book for childrens literature.

Am I missing something? not understanding the story or what!?

well, that's my random thought...

[Nightshade]

No I dont think so but most fairytales are horrible forinsance andersons little mermaid comits suicide you know?

[AimusSage]

We've all been spoiled by Disney and the happy cheerful worlds where all stories have a happy ending.

Personally I kinda like the 'bad' stories. All this overly happy dogoody stuff tends to be a little to much for my taste.

[Nightshade]

so your a villian at heart then Aimus?
like the dog with the funny laugh from wacky races whats his name muttley?
:D

I like some of the nastier stories a well although the whole king who wantedf to mrry his daughtr stuff is a bit off if you ak me and then there is an awgful children bok in the library called the ugly monster and the stone rabbit about thi monster whowas nice but really so ugly everything that saw him died and how everyone hated him and this is altrighty because he ugly :mad:

[AimusSage]

so your a villian at heart then Aimus?
like the dog with the funny laugh from wacky races whats his name muttley?
:D

I like some of the nastier stories a well although the whole king who wantedf to mrry his daughtr stuff is a bit off if you ak me and then there is an awgful children bok in the library called the ugly monster and the stone rabbit about thi monster whowas nice but really so ugly everything that saw him died and how everyone hated him and this is altrighty because he ugly :mad:

Give that monster a mirror, it would be the merciful thing to do, or maybe give him an extreme makeover on TV, that would solve two problems at once, all the annoying makeover programs end because there is no one left to watch it, and the monster can live happily ever after, with some new face transplantation or something similar.

And as for me being a villan at heart, that is debatable, I have yet to find a heart in my cold evil body. :p

[starrwriter]

I have an anodized grill pans. Are those suppossed to be seasoned like cast iron pans?
I eat my cast iron pans seasoned with salt and a touch of cumin.

[papayahed]

I eat my cast iron pans seasoned with salt and a touch of cumin.

What no hot sauce? How gauch.

[starrwriter]

What no hot sauce? How gauch.
Maybe even gauche.

(PS: Why don't you people download and install the free version of WordWeb? It will teach you how to spell: http://wordweb.info/free/)

[papayahed]

Maybe even gauche.


:lol: :lol: The funny part is that I even looked the word up to make sure I was spelling it correctly. :lol: :lol:

[Nightshade]

Where is baddad??
and Jack and Bong?
and come to mention it scher?!

[Scheherazade]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/umedia/20051214/cp.ef8683c23ebd258ec19179df2ba729e2

http://www.snoopy.com/comics/peanuts/archive/images/peanuts2005152631215.gif

[Pensive]

My Ideal World:

There will be fruits on the trees
And the shore by the sea
There will crumpets on the tea

Arts and music will thrive
Somehow Keats will survive

[Nightshade]

I found out whats giving me scratches its the computer table it has a sharp edge!

[Koa]

Scher that last one is brilliant! You seem to be addicted to the Peanuts these days :D

And Pensive that one is brilliant too!

[Scheherazade]

BBC's English Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4246472.stm)

BBC's Math Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4263590.stm)

BBC's Physics Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4308292.stm)

French (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4338028.stm)

History (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4378648.stm)

Charles Dickens Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4399744.stm)

Classical Music Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4440236.stm)

Shakespeare Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4462964.stm)

Chemistry (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4483212.stm)

Religions (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4506562.stm) Last quiz of this term:

Home Economics (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4528148.stm)

[B-Mental]

There are threetypes of cheese; offensive, inoffensive, and cheese in a can (which personally offends me). Cheese in a can is offensive due to its bravado for even claiming its cheese. The inoffensive cheese is cheese which needn't advertise its presence. Offensive cheese belongs to category: "I can't believe people actually eat that." Its presence is distinctly noted in the olfactories. It is the cheese, which when wrapped in wax paper, sealed in a ziploc container, and then placed in a tin still diffuses its scent into room.

[baddad]

There are threetypes of cheese; offensive, inoffensive, and cheese in a can (which personally offends me). Cheese in a can is offensive due to its bravado for even claiming its cheese. The inoffensive cheese is cheese which needn't advertise its presence. Offensive cheese belongs to category: "I can't believe people actually eat that." Its presence is distinctly noted in the olfactories. It is the cheese, which when wrapped in wax paper, sealed in a ziploc container, and then placed in a tin still diffuses its scent into room.


...and thanky for that little ditty..............no, really........

[Pensive]

Everything:

Everything burns while everyone screams.
Burning their lives burning my dreams.

Bang Bang:

He shot me down
I hit the ground
That awful sound
He used to shoot me down.

Bang
Bang

[Koa]

Everything:

Everything burns while everyone screams.
Burning their lives burning my dreams.



Oh I love that song :nod:

[Pensive]

Oh I love that song :nod:


Me too. :banana:

[samercury]

Why can't I change the fonts?....:confused:

[Riesa]

I am finally getting in the mood for Christmas. The fire in the fireplace helps. I hope we find a good tree.

[starrwriter]

There are threetypes of cheese; offensive, inoffensive, and cheese in a can (which personally offends me).
I like cheese that tastes like the odor of feet or toe jam. Brick cheese is a good one.

[Stanislaw]

cheese? me likes cheese on sandwhiches.

Ahh, no more exams...school...or responsibilities untill january, well still have work, but I be rejoicing at me new found freedom, albeit for a few weeks, still is bressed freedom!

[Taliesin]

Trains are dragons incarnated in steel. They seem innocent, but they are just in disguise.

[Nightshade]

evil penguins evil penguins.
Tal didnt e. nesbit say that ??
:D

[Scheherazade]

http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/peanuts/archive/images/peanuts2005121017517.gif

[papayahed]

Stan, where's Santa Yoda???

[samercury]

Please let it all be a dream, a nightmare from which I'll awake from in the morning.

[rachel]

Santa Yoda has retired. He grew so fat he could only burble and roll about and it made several thousand kids in one country have to go for counselling last Christmas.

[papayahed]

Santa Yoda has retired. He grew so fat he could only burble and roll about and it made several thousand kids in one country have to go for counselling last Christmas.


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Stanislaw]

Stan, where's Santa Yoda???

Santa Yoda, returned he has. Joy bring to forum all he has!

Merry Christmass must all have!

[AimusSage]

I can't keep my mind out of mind, and it is driving me MAD! :rage:

[papayahed]

Whoo Hoo!!Tomorrow is my last day of work then I'm off for christmas vacation!!!

[rachel]

what I thought he died. my mistake. He looks rather uh wrinkly and oh like he hasn't seen a vegetable or piece of fruit for an age. but I like his suit.
what are you going to do,the very first moment of your vacation Papayahed? I can't imagine any time off. seven days a week for me for the last three years. but maybe next year......

[Nightshade]

who??
anyway my random thought.. yesterday I was watching the Test the nation (http://www.bbc.co.uk/testthenation/) and one of the celb guys was some person called Danny WAllace and he was going on about this country he started sooooooo I google and....
found this (http://www.dannywallace.com/) so then I saw this (http://www.join-me.co.uk/) And I sooooooo want to join but the question is should I?
anyway so then there is his country of Lovley (http://www.citizensrequired.com/unit/site/index.shtml) where Frowning is frowned upon and well what more can I say :D :eek:

[papayahed]

what I thought he died. my mistake. He looks rather uh wrinkly and oh like he hasn't seen a vegetable or piece of fruit for an age. but I like his suit.
what are you going to do,the very first moment of your vacation Papayahed? I can't imagine any time off. seven days a week for me for the last three years. but maybe next year......


Well, I'm drving back home (about 12 hours) but the firstt hing I'm doing is having lunch with my old boss (on the way home). When I get home the first thing I'm doing is having dinner with my Mom at my favorite deli.

[samercury]

Found it!!!!

[Nightshade]

*Runs in and hugs the spirt of the forum* Never never again am I going to even think about joining other forums the rest of the cyberworld is scary I had a look and *shudder* never again :bawling: *sniff*

[starrwriter]

*Runs in and hugs the spirt of the forum* Never never again am I going to even think about joining other forums the rest of the cyberworld is scary I had a look and *shudder* never again :bawling: *sniff*
You're right about that. I have belonged to forums and newsgroups where timid posters were verbally eviscerated and their entrails eaten online like a pagan ritual. This group is relatively merciful.

[samercury]

This can't be happening............

[Riesa]

Happy Birthday, Billy Bragg.

[Pensive]

I can not take this anymore
Saying all the things I have said before

All these words, they make no sense
I have found bliss in ignorence

[Kaltrina]

...
Amy, marry me
Promise you'll stay with me
Oh you don't have to ask me
You know you're all that I live for
You know I'd die just to hold you
Stay with you
Somehow I'll show you
That you are my night sky
I've always been right behind you
Now I'll always be right beside you

So many nights I cried myself to sleep
Now that you love me, I love myself
I never thought I would say this
I never thought there'd be
You
(You - Evanescence)

[Nightshade]

Samer, Glady whats wrong??

[Pensive]

Samer, Glady whats wrong??

Hey Night, I just can't take that I have failed my Maths exam.

*singing again*

I can not take this anymore
Saying all the things I have said before

All these words, they make no sense
I find bliss an ignorence :rage:

[Nightshade]

Lots of romance books go out at christmas and were only shut 2 days how strange :nod:

[Stanislaw]

er yesh, romance books...who actually be readin them types?

[Pensive]

Memories Consume
Like opening the wound
I am picking me apart again

You all assume
I am safe here in my room
Unless I try to start again

I don't want to be the one the battle always choose
Cause Inside I realize that I am the one confused

I don't know whats worth fighting for and why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate and say what I don't mean

I am breaking the habbit

*singing*

[Nightshade]

er yesh, romance books...who actually be readin them types?
llots of people :nod: at the library I just noticed I was shelving and issuing alot yesterday considering I was only there for 2 hours.

[Koa]

Hey hey I don't know but I might be quite absent from next week until I dont know when... well lately I'm a bit less on this forum cos I have got involved again on another one... well and cos this one sometimes is slow so I need plenty of time cos I dont like to check forums in a hurry.

On tuesday I am leaving to visit some friends in Finland, if I dont freeze I'll be back on 6th January but I don't know when I'll be back to the forums... So I'll be around in the next 2 days and then bye for a while I guess...

[Weeping Willow]

Good bye.... enjoy Finland.. :cold: don't freeze... :)

[starrwriter]

Good bye.... enjoy Finland.. :cold: don't freeze... :)
And don't become a popsickle for a polar bear.

[Koa]

Nah I'll remain south unless my friends kidnap me and take me north as they threatened to do if they think it's not cold enough there...:rolleyes:
I even bought tights to wear under trousers to keep warm...and I can't stand tights, but I guess survival is a good reason to try and stand them...:D

See, everytime I announce I might be gone, I'm still around... I'll leave on the 27th in the morning, but with packing and stuff I don't know if I'll check here tomorrow or on the 26th...

Incase I freeze, I'll just be back with the thaw :D

[Darlin]

Thank goodness for the Lord of the Rings! Thank goodness for IMAX! Thank goodness for the trilogy shown on a giant IMAX screen! I couldn’t have survived this month without going to see them again! Hurry up Tuesday! :D

[Pensive]

Crawling in my skin, these words, they will not heal
Fear is how I fall, confusing, what is real

There is something inside me that pulls beneath the surface, consuming/confusing
This lack of self-control, fear is never ending, controlling, I can't seem

To find myself again, my walls are closing in
Without a sense of confidence I am just convinced its too much pressure to take

I have felt this way before
So insecure.

[Scheherazade]

http://www.snoopy.com/comics/peanuts/archive/images/peanuts2005121017524.gif

[Pensive]

I would not give up
I would not break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around

And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
Standing in the dark I still believe
Someone is watching over me

[samercury]

Grading policy.....
A= acceptable
B= bad
C= could you do any worse?
D= desperate need for help
F= failure

[adilyoussef]

Trying to give meaning to my life, I strugled with giving a deffinition to the word "happiness." I put as a thesis that my feelings might provide me with an answer, for the word is an abstract feeling of human beings. I tryed to experience it throught personal achievements: getting a job, having a satisfying sexual life, achieving goals, and so on and so forth. But as soon as I reached an objective, I lost all pleasure of being happy. Then I recured to reason to explane what I failed by achievement. I found reason impotent to give reason to what only my heart can understand. I listened to it softly beating in silence. I looked for happiness but found it no where but where I'm and in what I'm. I tried to reason why. Then here I stand, my hand on my cheek, lost in trying to give a meaning to what makes life has a meaning.

[starrwriter]

Then I recured to reason to explane what I failed by achievement. I found reason impotent to give reason to what only my heart can understand ...
"The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing." -- philosopher Blaise Pascal

[Taliesin]

And don't become a popsickle for a polar bear.

There are no polar bears in Finland. Not cold enough.

[smilingtearz]

"darkness" does not exist...its just a state of being without light...
"Cold" does not exist, its just the state of being without ...or with very little...heat

[Pensive]

SHE:

I could not tell you, why she felt that way?
She felt it every day

I could not help her
I just watched her make the same mistakes again

Whats wrong
Whats wrong now

Too many
Too many problems

Dunno where she belongs
Where she belongs

She wants to go home
But nobody's home

Its where she lies
Broken inside

[samercury]

smiling doesn't make the world a better place....

[starrwriter]

smiling doesn't make the world a better place....
Someone woke up on the grumpy side of the bed this morning. I always do, but I have a reputation to uphold.

[rachel]

oh Darlin,
If I do all your housework for a month, will you please take me too. I have not watched the trilogy since last year for the sake of baby Hasia(who can watch it so low you h ave to lip read while she is sleeping).Our city is so small we don't have IMAX
please take me please, I will be no trouble, honest i will sit ten rows away if I must, only don't go with out me.
pleeeeeeeeeeeeze!

[samercury]

Every time he tries to fix something, he makes it even worse :rolleyes:

[starrwriter]

Every time he tries to fix something, he makes it even worse :rolleyes:
That's my job. Logos has a job at this forum and so do I. She tries to keep things civilized and I try to toss in a monkey wrench whenever possible. It's a matter of yin and yang.

[Kaltrina]

a dictionary is the best invention ever.... :D :P

[Pensive]

I like you the way you are
When, where driving in your car

You are trying to be cool
And look like a fool to me

Why you have to go and make things so complicated
I see you are acting like you are somebody else and gets me furstrated

*murmers to herself, my songs are never gonna last, they are always trying to portray my emotions*

[samercury]

I really don't like it when you get a B in a class and the teacher says: "a B is good"
- It isn't....

[samercury]

That's my job. Logos has a job at this forum and so do I. She tries to keep things civilized and I try to toss in a monkey wrench whenever possible. It's a matter of yin and yang.

The world revolves around you, right? ;)
*starr= a real-life Ayame*

[starrwriter]

The world revolves around you, right?
Of course. I've never doubted it for a second.

[samercury]

Of course. I've never doubted it for a second.

You shouldn't :rolleyes:

[Scheherazade]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8219/xmas120mh.jpg

[starrwriter]

You shouldn't.
I know you meant to say I should doubt it. Get your act together, Samemercury.

[samercury]

I know you meant to say I should doubt it. Get your act together, Samemercury.

That's not what I meant at all..... get your act together starr :rolleyes: (If I can't count on you, then whom can I count on?)
I meant that you shouldn't doubt that the world revolves around you because it does...(inside your head) :D...

[Nightshade]

Sometimes, when no other forum members are logged on, I shed my clothes and scamper freely around the forum, naked as a jaybird. I lightly tiptoe through General Lit; skip gracefully through the Religious Texts; scamper happily 'mongst the threads and games of General Chat. Soon, the ghostly spirits of all the authors on the site rise up and join me. Hand in hand, we dance and laugh and sing bawdy songs of not-so-fair maidens and their scheming mothers. We gather up words and fling them into the air as though they were fallen leaves. We spin around and around until, overcome with dizziness, we fall to the ground, laughing and screaming with delight.

Meanwhile,
__________the guests
____________________just stand there,
___________________________________silent,
_________________________________________watching us . . .
Im all alone here except for 172 silent guests it made me think of this post :D

[Kaltrina]

Originally Posted by Basil (in another thread)
Sometimes, when no other forum members are logged on, I shed my clothes and scamper freely around the forum, naked as a jaybird. I lightly tiptoe through General Lit; skip gracefully through the Religious Texts; scamper happily 'mongst the threads and games of General Chat. Soon, the ghostly spirits of all the authors on the site rise up and join me. Hand in hand, we dance and laugh and sing bawdy songs of not-so-fair maidens and their scheming mothers. We gather up words and fling them into the air as though they were fallen leaves. We spin around and around until, overcome with dizziness, we fall to the ground, laughing and screaming with delight.

Meanwhile,
__________the guests
____________________just stand there,
___________________________________silent,
_________________________________________watching us . . .


I've never seen this post before... it is so nicely written... :D

[samercury]

A Furuba fan's dream come true :lol: :D

[Pensive]

http://members.shaw.ca/patricks/marg's%20father's%20day%20cake.jpg

*just a random thought of this time not day* :p

[Scheherazade]

BBC's English Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4246472.stm)

BBC's Math Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4263590.stm)

BBC's Physics Test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4308292.stm)

French (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4338028.stm)

History (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4378648.stm)

Charles Dickens Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4399744.stm)

Classical Music Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4440236.stm)

Shakespeare Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4462964.stm)

Chemistry (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4483212.stm)

Religions (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4506562.stm)

Home Economics (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4528148.stm)A seasonal quiz:

Festive First Aid (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4569024.stm)

[Taliesin]

So, first thing we want to make clear, we do not want any commiserations because of this. Because we do not deserve nor need them. And we mean it.

On 25 of December,in the age of 77 years, between 2 and 3 o'clock in the night, Edgar Krips, our grandfather from our father's side passed away.

Yesterday we drove to his funeral. He and many other relatives lived in a town that's about 300 kilometres from here.
But you see, we were not sad at his funeral nor before it. We didn't feel much anything but a bit of cold and anger and guilt that we didn't grieve. We simply didn't care so much.
We did not know that man. Really, when we think about him, nothing comes to mind but his face. Nothing what he said, did or was. Nothing about him that we could mourn. We really didn't know him. (that was the thing that made us angry) He lived near a town that was 300 kilometres away. We visited the place in summers, but he didn't talk much and in the last years he moved away to a woman who lived in the town. Oh, and he had also an alcohol problem.
We felt sorry for our aunt and her family (six children, four of them grown-up) who knew grandfather well and were sad and grieving. One cousin who had been very close to him was so devastated that she couldn't look at his body. She made a speech later. (as did quite a number of other people) Judging by her speech, grandfather seemed a good man and we would have liked to know him. But there is nothing to grieve for us besides some possibilities that were impossible anyway.
An image of our grandfather evolved in our head when we listened to the speeches, but what if it was just an image? A figment of our illusion put together wrongly? There is no point of grieving such an image.

And now only a bit of guilt and a slight pain in our arms (because we haven't had much exercise and spadework demanded an effort) and, well... nothing special more.
Routine.

[samercury]

:(

"You guys are sooo mean"
"......"
"I'm never coming back to the library again"
"Bye, have a nice life" *yes, glad that I'm never seing that kid again*
"*walks out of the library*"
~Two days later~
"I'm back!...Can you help me with my homework?"
--repeat cycle--

[Outlander]

....................

[Nightshade]

Are you saying library people are mean samer?!
I am an insesitive person, must try and consider others feelings!
My random thought : I am an outsider in my own family, I just dont connect with them the way they all seem to, Im like a spare gear beside a well working clock.
Why?!
:(

[samercury]

Are you saying library people are mean samer?!
I am an insesitive person, must try and consider others feelings!

My random thought : I am an outsider in my own family, I just dont connect with them the way they all seem to, Im like a spare gear beside a well working clock.
Why?!
:(

No, I'm not saying that at all...:eek2:

I feel like that sometimes too.....why? idk

[Dailen]

3-5-9-7-2-8-1-4, get it right! Get it Right!
then the second set
11-11-10-9-9-1, How could you mistake them!

Silly Girl! Who gave you this place on the Red Grid? - Tell Me!

[Themis]

Why, oh why, is it that now that I have lost weight I look even thicker than when I still had a certain amount of what-I-won't-mention-now?! How can anyone have a face like that? It wasn't that round before! Now I look like full moon! :bawling:

[AimusSage]

Why, oh why, is it that now that I have lost weight I look even thicker than when I still had a certain amount of what-I-won't-mention-now?! How can anyone have a face like that? It wasn't that round before! Now I look like full moon! :bawling:

Ow, come on, it's not the weight or your appearance that's the issue, it's all in the way you perceive yourself. Don't obsess over it, just let it go. Be a little more confident about yourself. You're only hurting yourself if you worry about these things. Chin up! :)

[Themis]

I think the trouble is that I am sitting exactly vis-à-vis a mirror and the light isn't very beneficial either.

@AnimusSage: Thank you for your kind words. :)

[Nightshade]

thee, Im sure your mirror is broken :nod:.

[samercury]

:lol: :bawling:......

[Themis]

;) Of course.

[papayahed]

Boy is it tough being back at work after 2 weeks off.

[Darlin]

oh Darlin,
If I do all your housework for a month, will you please take me too. I have not watched the trilogy since last year for the sake of baby Hasia(who can watch it so low you h ave to lip read while she is sleeping).Our city is so small we don't have IMAX
please take me please, I will be no trouble, honest i will sit ten rows away if I must, only don't go with out me.
pleeeeeeeeeeeeze!

Rachel, had I but known! Another Ringer! You sound like me when I found out almost too late that the LotR exhibit and movies were leaving! You could have come without doing any of my housework! Fellow Ringers are hard to find and always to be cherished! The exhibit is now returning to New Zealand. *sigh*

Not so random I guess.

[rachel]

our whole family are Ringers, tried and true. and we have all the books, even Farmer Giles of Ham, an old editon, unfinished tales, you name it and all the movies, regular and extended version. but you just can't subject a baby to orcs or urakii that is not proper. so we wait, wait for one of those rare golden moments when she will be old enough to visit for the day with someone she loves and trusts and we love and trust and then just watch out world. non stop not even for bathroom breaks if we have our way.Oh I am both so jealous and happy for you. if it has to be someone that gets to have those great things happen it might as well be you. sigh...

[Nightshade]

How many layers of clothing can you wear and retain the ability to move???

[Weeping Willow]

How no to eat so much so your tummy hurts..!!!!!!!
God i love South American lunch!!!!

[rachel]

oh Willow,
you funny boy. It MUST have been great to fill up such a big guy to overflowing. do you have any left, I would like to try some.
Night, many people, many great people felt that they were the odd man out in their family and didn't fit in. that may or may not actually be true,but as time goes by and you get older you will feel more comfortable with who you are and that is the time others often instinctively draw closer. I will pray for you.

[Weeping Willow]

Sure rach' For you anything! :p i'm sending you some right away
We'll start with the soup!
http://www.schwartz.co.uk/assets/Med-Seafood-Soup.jpg

And here is the turkey!
http://www.boylesteaks.com/assets/images/Turkey.gif

And some more meat....
http://www.capefood.com.br/Img/home.jpg

and some Salad
http://www.sweet-and-savory.org/archive/images/chez_panisse/lettuce_salad.jpg

And for dessert some chocolate cake and ice cream cakes!
http://www.chocolateheaven.co.uk/images/recip-ultimate-chocolate-cake.jpg
http://www.cabots.com/images/CabotsCake09.jpg

Enjoy the Feast!!!!
:wave:

[rachel]

wow,
and I was only going to have a bit of soup and a salad.
to eat that much a person would have to hire a crane to prop their belly on to the nearest huge pillow!!!!!!!
thank you dear Willow
I promise to reciprocate as soon as I recover from all this delicious repast.
anyone else on this forum want to share, please join me. I think we should save some of the cake for Admin. sure it is a sucking up thing, I don't pretend it isn't. He is a trifle scarey after all. loveable but a trifle scarey. if you don't believe me try sending him a pm. if you get more than ten words I will retract my statement to only partially scarey.
hahahah please don't give me a detention admin. I have an appointment after three.

[Weeping Willow]

Rach' you know we were 16 people! so.. there was a lot of food!...

[emily655321]

Oh... I'm eating the last lebkuchen cookie of the year. Christmas is officially over. *sigh*

[rachel]

sounds scrumptious Em. Hanukkah and Christmas, over....wah but oh well. your boyfriend will be concentrating on valentine's day now.
Willow, you are such a GOOD BOY!!!! I send a box of the finest chocolate to you and mama and auntie with a hug.
I am so full of all that good food. at least for an hour or so!

[rachel]

oooh oooh, is it true that Admin is having a three day fun festival at his house and has invited all of the forum family? It is his way of showing us how special and wonderful we all are. Isn't he sweet.
so what's the address and what day and time Admin? I'll bring the fresh spinach dip and homemade sour dough bread and chocolate flambe.

[Nightshade]

Yay! am party?! Im coming!

sounds scrumptious Em. Hanukkah and Christmas, over....wah but oh well. your boyfriend will be concentrating on valentine's day now.
Our festival/ feast thing is not till next week so Im still looking forward to mine, :p
I wander if I can buy cheap christmas ornamnts and decorate the house while family is out, suprises are always good, no?
YES!!
:D

[rachel]

Go for it you little exotic rose. I'll send a box of money(sorry it will be in small denominations, all I have) to help with the cost.
Do you have the equivalent of a Dollar store where you live. You can get tons of sweet things there. Although at the one nearest our house it's more than the Twenty Dollar store. Still ....

[Nightshade]

yeah we do and they have a sale of xmas ornaments on, this is gong to be fun fun I wonder what happened to the Eid tenet we had??? hummm youll have to count me out of the mumpets- peanuts-sane people Wars till Ive finished though lets see
presnts
wrapping paper
food
ornaments what else do I need??
:D:brow:

[smilingtearz]

ummm....*still deep in thought*

[rachel]

I'm thinking all of us will show up to Admin's house full of happy wishes and presents and party food-only to find guards posted at the gates , ten huge watch dogs and a revolving neon sign that says' admin has moved-to mars. He wants to be alone.
but don't despair we can just knock on the door of the next house and party there. In his illustrious name of course.
bring on the guacamole!

[Stanislaw]

garr, welcome to 06, the year o' the pirate!

oh well, post-holidays is always so depressing, especially since we had almost no snow for christmas here in Edmonton, twas a brown christmas.

[Scheherazade]

Navigating the manners maze
By Anna Browning
BBC News



Eat with your mouth open and we still cannot bear to look

Listen to some people and you might be forgiven for thinking good manners have gone for ever.

People have no respect, they tell us. They barge, they spit, they swear, they make us feel invisible.

This year no fewer than five books dedicated to manners, and our apparent lack of them, have hit the book shops. It appears we are a nation outraged and while we ourselves are always courteous, why is everyone else so rude?


There are two different ways of holding a knife and they are simply a class distinction - the only way you should never hold a knife is as a weapon

Simon Fanshawe, author

Lynne Truss's moan on manners, Talk to the Hand, was a Christmas book bestseller and seems to have struck a chord.



A recent Kentucky Fried Chicken advert, showing a woman eating with her mouth open, achieved a record 1,671 complaints.

According to Simon Fanshawe, author of The Done Thing - Negotiating The Minefield Of Modern Manners, this showed there was a significant number of us out there battling to instil standards in our children.

"Lots of people are trying, but it's jolly hard," he said. "We need more people to talk about it - they want it to happen."

So does this mean we pine for a time when etiquette was everything? A time of rules and rites designed to trip up the unsuspecting and instil class order?

Dare to shovel your peas (like the French) during the Napoleonic wars and it was not just bad form, it was positively unpatriotic.

Hold your knife like a pen and you faced a fall down the pecking order.

TABLE RULES

Chair Always seat and unseat yourself from the right
Napkin Place it - usually folded in half - on your lap shortly after being seated. When finished leave it, unfolded, to the left of the plate
Cutlery Start with the outside fork or spoon and work in. Keep used cutlery on plates - not on the tablecloth - and place your knife and fork side-by-side on your plate when finished
Bread rolls Rolls should be broken in half before buttering. They are not to be used to wipe a plate clean
Soup Soup spoons are moved away from you. Towards the end of a bowl of soup, tilt it slightly away from you and spoon it out
Fork Your fork should be held with the index finger on top of the handle and the "tines" facing downwards
Cutting Food should be cut by moving the wrists, with little or no movement of the elbows
No, says Mr Fanshawe.

"There are two different ways of holding a knife and they are simply a class distinction. The only way you should never hold a knife is as a weapon.

"Table manners are all about flow, so that we can sit around a table and share food. They are all about hospitality, friendship and making time for each other," he said.

"There is a real danger that we are spending less and less time together around a table, without the interruptions of phones, television, whatever, where we just enjoy each other.


"What matters is that we pay attention to people around the table.

"I think what we are seeing is a reaction to that."

Indeed the rules are not always just there to trip you up, they serve a very necessary function, according to psychologist Dr George Erdos of the University of Newcastle.

"Manners are a ritualistic form of behaviour and they inculcate society in ways to enable normal socialising with members of our group," he said.

"They are a form of behaviour control."

There were two aspects to manners, he continued. The first was where their origins were practical, such as how to eat. The other was their use as a "social signalling system".

It's not just countries like Britain who are obsessed with manners and etiquette - Japan is also

Charles Mosley, Debretts
For example, how a fork is used. The more "correct" would not put their index finger on the curvature of the fork.

Others originated from common sense.

How we pick up these rules is in one of three ways. Either from our parents, through observation or being ostracised.

Social lubricant

Charles Mosley, editor-in-chief of Debrett's - the arbiter of etiquette and behaviour - said society needed manners "like an engine needs motor oil". It is the lubricant without which society "seizes up".

As a multicultural society it mattered more and more to know manners and understand our various differences and attitudes, he said.

Another obstacle facing the modern gentleman/woman is technical innovation. When should or shouldn't one switch off one's phone, and when is text acceptable and when is it not?


"That means manners as are conventionally regarded need to be rethought," he said.

Meanwhile, we are confused, he said.


Queuing - we like to do it right

And it's not just Britain.

"The Japanese are incredibly self-disciplined but they keep this social discipline by using elaborate manners," said Mr Mosley.

"The Americans are famously more polite than the British, but they need to be because they are a melting pot."

Even so, we're not that bad, are we?

"My friends' grandchildren are remarkably polite, but the yobbishness of yobs is as bad as it's ever been," said Mr Mosley.


Britain has been famous for its yobbishness for centuries - just look at the way we behaved during the 100 Years War, he said.

"It's just because people can travel more easily now we are more aware of it."

As for that all-too-modern phenomenon road rage?

"Road rage is often because of bad mannered driving. The thing that maddens a lot of people is when people don't signal when they turn left or right, but if you don't do it it's dangerous," he said.


Indeed, the Highway Code is just that - a code - not a law, just good manners.

At the end of the day by being discourteous to someone, you are effectively saying they don't matter. And that is what really annoys us.

Said Mr Mosley: "A gangster would talk about respect a lot. The Kray twins were absolutely obsessed with respect.

"Blofeld always says Mr Bond, not James."

[Scheherazade]

Navigating the manners maze
By Anna Browning
BBC News

Listen to some people and you might be forgiven for thinking good manners have gone for ever.

People have no respect, they tell us. They barge, they spit, they swear, they make us feel invisible.

This year no fewer than five books dedicated to manners, and our apparent lack of them, have hit the book shops. It appears we are a nation outraged and while we ourselves are always courteous, why is everyone else so rude?

Lynne Truss's moan on manners, Talk to the Hand, was a Christmas book bestseller and seems to have struck a chord.

A recent Kentucky Fried Chicken advert, showing a woman eating with her mouth open, achieved a record 1,671 complaints.

According to Simon Fanshawe, author of The Done Thing - Negotiating The Minefield Of Modern Manners, this showed there was a significant number of us out there battling to instil standards in our children.

"Lots of people are trying, but it's jolly hard," he said. "We need more people to talk about it - they want it to happen."

So does this mean we pine for a time when etiquette was everything? A time of rules and rites designed to trip up the unsuspecting and instil class order?

Dare to shovel your peas (like the French) during the Napoleonic wars and it was not just bad form, it was positively unpatriotic.

Hold your knife like a pen and you faced a fall down the pecking order.

TABLE RULES

Chair Always seat and unseat yourself from the right
Napkin Place it - usually folded in half - on your lap shortly after being seated. When finished leave it, unfolded, to the left of the plate
Cutlery Start with the outside fork or spoon and work in. Keep used cutlery on plates - not on the tablecloth - and place your knife and fork side-by-side on your plate when finished
Bread rolls Rolls should be broken in half before buttering. They are not to be used to wipe a plate clean
Soup Soup spoons are moved away from you. Towards the end of a bowl of soup, tilt it slightly away from you and spoon it out
Fork Your fork should be held with the index finger on top of the handle and the "tines" facing downwards
Cutting Food should be cut by moving the wrists, with little or no movement of the elbows

"There are two different ways of holding a knife and they are simply a class distinction. The only way you should never hold a knife is as a weapon.

"Table manners are all about flow, so that we can sit around a table and share food. They are all about hospitality, friendship and making time for each other," he said.

"There is a real danger that we are spending less and less time together around a table, without the interruptions of phones, television, whatever, where we just enjoy each other.

"What matters is that we pay attention to people around the table.

"I think what we are seeing is a reaction to that."

Indeed the rules are not always just there to trip you up, they serve a very necessary function, according to psychologist Dr George Erdos of the University of Newcastle.

"Manners are a ritualistic form of behaviour and they inculcate society in ways to enable normal socialising with members of our group," he said.

"They are a form of behaviour control."

There were two aspects to manners, he continued. The first was where their origins were practical, such as how to eat. The other was their use as a "social signalling system".

For example, how a fork is used. The more "correct" would not put their index finger on the curvature of the fork.

Others originated from common sense.

How we pick up these rules is in one of three ways. Either from our parents, through observation or being ostracised.

Social lubricant

Charles Mosley, editor-in-chief of Debrett's - the arbiter of etiquette and behaviour - said society needed manners "like an engine needs motor oil". It is the lubricant without which society "seizes up".

As a multicultural society it mattered more and more to know manners and understand our various differences and attitudes, he said.

Another obstacle facing the modern gentleman/woman is technical innovation. When should or shouldn't one switch off one's phone, and when is text acceptable and when is it not?

"That means manners as are conventionally regarded need to be rethought," he said.

Meanwhile, we are confused, he said.

Queuing - we like to do it right

And it's not just Britain.

"The Japanese are incredibly self-disciplined but they keep this social discipline by using elaborate manners," said Mr Mosley.

"The Americans are famously more polite than the British, but they need to be because they are a melting pot."

Even so, we're not that bad, are we?

"My friends' grandchildren are remarkably polite, but the yobbishness of yobs is as bad as it's ever been," said Mr Mosley.


Britain has been famous for its yobbishness for centuries - just look at the way we behaved during the 100 Years War, he said.

"It's just because people can travel more easily now we are more aware of it."

As for that all-too-modern phenomenon road rage?

"Road rage is often because of bad mannered driving. The thing that maddens a lot of people is when people don't signal when they turn left or right, but if you don't do it it's dangerous," he said.


Indeed, the Highway Code is just that - a code - not a law, just good manners.

At the end of the day by being discourteous to someone, you are effectively saying they don't matter. And that is what really annoys us.

Said Mr Mosley: "A gangster would talk about respect a lot. The Kray twins were absolutely obsessed with respect.

"Blofeld always says Mr Bond, not James."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4245754.stm

[Stanislaw]

lol...mr bond. whod athunked. :D

[Nightshade]

Hey I can add to that so many people dont have mannersthey spit just in front of you and has anyone told peple public displays of affection is just bad form? And thankyou, please and your welcome dying words.

And I blame the feminists.
;)

[smilingtearz]

paper flowers don't look good always................

[Pensive]

Dil Ke Badle Sanam, Dil ham de chuke.

[Nightshade]

Eid Said and eid mubark and have a great day!!
--- did I do evrythying I need to??--- 30 minutes and theyll be home! yes!

[Stanislaw]

ahh yes, I do believe that it be time for the forums favourite show...The random HiJaCkInGs HoUr!!!

ahh...HiJaCkEd!

[Nightshade]

Well in that case
In the name of my most favourite of all the JIm henson creations
"grouchalot"
The sun never shines in Grouchelot!

Telly: And there's always long lines in Grouchelot!

Stephen: The hot breezes blow
And the flowers don't grow
That's the way that you know ...

Stephen and Telly: It's Grouchelot!

Telly: You won't need my flash in Grouchelot!

Grungetta: And there's great piles of trash in Grouchelot!

Oscar: All night grouches yell!
It's so yucky and swell ...

[Stanislaw]

be that oscar in grouchland?

[Nightshade]

yes...:nod:

[Stanislaw]

:D
Me see you have boom boom sticks...bubbye. :D

[Nightshade]

boom boom sticks?? :confused:

[Stanislaw]

...muppet treasure island, the high priest of boom shukaluka talking to long john silver (tim curey)

[emily655321]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4245754.stmIt's funny, I always think I have really good table manners, and I try so hard. But one evening I went to a dinner party at the house of an incredibly rich person (my boyfriend's mother sold them the house, so now they're friends), and there were other rich people there, and I was so nervous. I suddenly felt very unrefined, and dinner was an agony for me because I still haven't learned how to eat with the fork in my left hand. :p

I suppose it's the same with people who never learn manners like "please" and "thank you." They don't notice they're being rude, because they're breaking rules they didn't know they were expected to follow. It's not that people have become ruder than they used to be, although it may be that as well; but I think fewer children are being taught basic manners, and so they grow up not knowing how to be polite.

[rachel]

It is true, fewer people are being taught simple graces that take life from the mediocre to lofty. I always teach my children manners, stand in the presence of the aged, say pardon me when you walk in front of someone. sit properly at the table and all that.
I did notice most Americans don't put the fork in left hand and cut with the right.
Em you speak as a person that is very respectful of others and I can't imagine you less than mannerly.

[papayahed]

A while ago my best friend made me take an etiquette class with her, don't tell her but I'm glad I did it, we mostly focused on table manners and introductions. It was pretty informative and I still have the book when I need brushing up.

[Stanislaw]

what be this table manners thing ye speak of... and etiwhat? Th dread pirate doesna comprehend such things. :D

[papayahed]

what be this table manners thing ye speak of... and etiwhat? Th dread pirate doesna comprehend such things. :D


don't worry nobodies forcin' any pirates to have manners, but incase a pirate gets invited somehwere fancy, it might be good to know...

[emily655321]

:bawling: Everyone's gone and that means I have to actually go do something productive. *pout*

[Logos]

I can't believe none of you muppetheads haven't used this for your avatar yet :D

http://photobucket.com/albums/a57/c7767/th_70733c40.gif

[Weeping Willow]

What that??? may i ask?
:wave: hallooo..

[Nightshade]

:bawling: Everyone's gone and that means I have to actually go do something productive. *pout*
Im here dont sulk Ill share some left over Vinetta Icecraem if you like and you can Have a christmas cracker, or 2 too.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cb/ChristmasCrackers.jpg/300px-ChristmasCrackers.jpg

[AimusSage]

Random thought: Phew, glad that report is finished. 25 pages of information. :brickwall

[samercury]

Fruits Basket theme song......

[Stanislaw]

ahh, this be relaxin time, starwars return of the jedi, some beer, and a forum.

[smilingtearz]

Dil Ke Badle Sanam, Dil ham de chuke.

@ Pensive....
Dil ke badle dil kis ko diya little girl??... yeh dil ka khel aisi umar mein mat khelo... it would be really risky! :D ;)

[Nightshade]

Hey no fair I cant understand *pounts* you could talk in PM if your going to be secrative.
Oh wait I can play this game.

* Elhub mahoo bil kilmah bil fal wa bil Ihsas
Coon dout wa basma wa nigma wa daleel fe tareeq el nas
Hilmin wa fee Kol le zaman ......
Kol el 7'lafat hat zool we kefah inack insan.*

Ayh raykoon el Ann?
Hahahahahahahaha :lol:

[smilingtearz]

:lol: :lol: Night...that was good, and i understood all of it :lol:
could you please explain what you wrote there, I promise to explain what I wrote, as soon as pensive replies....

[Nightshade]

Its a quote from a song well a ballad maybe thats sung with ochestral instroments
anyway
Elhub mahoo bil kilmah bil fal wa bil Ihsas
Coon dout wa basma wa nigma
wa daleel fe tareeq el nas
Hilmin wa fee Kol le zaman ......
Kol el 7'lafat hat zool we kefah inack insan.*
" Love is not a word, it is an action and a feeling
Be a Light, a smile, a star
and a guide on People's (or humanity's) voyage

Our dream through out all time
......(I skipped a bit)
All the conflicts will fade (maybe pass)
And it is enough that you are a person"
Then I said
Well what do you think now?
:D:D

[smilingtearz]

wow...what language is that?

[emily655321]

Im here dont sulk Ill share some left over Vinetta Icecraem if you like and you can Have a christmas cracker, or 2 too.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cb/ChristmasCrackers.jpg/300px-ChristmasCrackers.jpgAww, thank you, Night. :D I don't know how I missed this yesterday. Christmas crackers have actually always scared me a little. :cold: Ice cream's always good, though! :D

[emily655321]

I didn't open the curtains this morning, and have gotten a lot more drawing and reading done than usual. I haven't done any of the chores I need to, and it's probably costing me a lot in electricity, but... yay, perpetual nighttime!

[Scheherazade]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c359/elizad00little/guilt.jpg

[Stanislaw]

That is My Mother to a T! :D

[Nightshade]

I turn thr tele on and what appears...Ibet you can guess




PENGUINS!
Actually now that I think about dispite the whole they are evil and trying to take over the world thing, those poor poor animals climate change is destroying there habitat faster than any other and theyll all be extinct and that my friends is a sad sad thing.
:( :bawling:

[Stanislaw]

Penguins are just so cute...and they are psychotic...poor penguins.

I turn thr tele on and what appears...Ibet you can guess




PENGUINS!
Actually now that I think about dispite the whole they are evil and trying to take over the world thing, those poor poor animals climate change is destroying there habitat faster than any other and theyll all be extinct and that my friends is a sad sad thing.
:( :bawling:

[adilyoussef]

Sitting in front of the window and gazing to the sky, I wonder why I'm here and why I'm sitting here. I breathe, grow up and think. But still I wonder why and why and why. That famouse why with no answer that I should bear all along my life.

[smilingtearz]

Never FALL in love... you only get HURT when you FALL...

[Stanislaw]

when you reach the top, you realise all roads lead down - stanislaw lem
:D I love that quote it is so stereotypically Polish, and so true!

[Taliesin]

*steps into a bus*
"Does this bus go to hell?"
"No"
*steps out of the bus*

[emily655321]

:lol: :lol: @ Taliesin


http://tinypic.com/k3oc2e.jpg

[Darlin]

I sometimes wonder what happened to all the wonderful people who used to welcome the newbies. I miss that.

[rachel]

That is My Mother to a T! :D


Gar your mother be that albatross that keeps circling round and round the mast callin "stan dastardly stan de ye eat yer kippers today/ then she be flying away lookin fine and the rocks ye throw miss her by a mile.
or maybe agin that be me. I have sores from me pyrate children throwin rocks at me when they be findin vitamins and nicoise salad in their lunches. garr :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Pendragon]

http://pollock.classblogs.net/i/tacky1.gif
http://buy.overstock.com/images/products/muze/books/0395668417.jpghttp://www.bookrackbookstore.com/bookpix/TackyWinterGames.gif

Emily, you should definately read these three crazy little books! Tacky is a non-conformist penguin. He's an odd bird, but a very good bird to have around! ;)

Pen

[smilingtearz]

Everything I do, I do it for you...........

[Basil]

Never FALL in love... you only get HURT when you FALL...
It's not the fall that kills you; it's the sudden stop.

[Jay]

Amen, brother.

[rachel]

yah that is the owy. and then the just laying there numb iin disbelief followed by

MAJOR PAIN

[Koa]

I'm back...anything I should know? How old is Rob? I am going to look for that now...

I was actually back from my trip one week ago, but I have been swallowed by another forum recently...:blush: (of which I'm a member since 2002 - and quite active even)Though I want to stay faithful to here too :)
My trip was great, I might post some pics when I have time...

I have been working this week but I'm quitting the job cos it sucks and pays really bad... I'm still directionless...going to England soon to check out about Unis but who knows...

[emily655321]

Welcome back, Koa! :banana: The banana welcomes you, too.

[Koa]

thanks em! great new avatar though it's not alex...but ive posted about this already in the lit. subforum actually, even though i know it's not the right place... hunt for it please ;)

oh my, so many news tonight it's hard to cope...emily's new av, logos is female, rob's age, starr leaving...what more??? :confused:

[rachel]

thanks em! great new avatar though it's not alex...but ive posted about this already in the lit. subforum actually, even though i know it's not the right place... hunt for it please ;)

oh my, so many news tonight it's hard to cope...emily's new av, logos is female, rob's age, starr leaving...what more??? :confused:

Weeping Willow hates broccoli

[Nightshade]

Family politics *groan*

[emily655321]

Bemused... I've just made the discovery that from where I'm sitting (at my desk) I can see into someone else's bathroom in the apartment building opposite. It must be a man, because he's left the toilet seat up. :lol: He's also very absent-minded, because he's left the light on and the curtains open, and if he decides to make use of the facilities under these conditions I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep myself from staring. :eek: I really wish it was a different room—a kitchen, or a kitten-petting room, perhaps,—because I don't think I want to watch such a thing, but I'm a very staring sort of person, and given the opportunity, I don't know if I'd be able to look away.

[Nightshade]

Emily close YOUR curtains.

How very Friends

[emily655321]

:lol: Night, that's good advice. I think I will.

There, they're closed. :D

[Nightshade]

Good :nod:

:D

[kilted exile]

Yes, it may be distressing for you to think of seeing him....but imagine how he would feel to see some girl staring at him from across the street while he is taking a dump. Or worse still if your b/f happened to be looking out the window and he saw him staring at him.

[emily655321]

Yes, it may be distressing for you to think of seeing him....but imagine how he would feel to see some girl staring at him from across the street while he is taking a dump. Or worse still if your b/f happened to be looking out the window and he saw him staring at him.:lol:

I know, I do consider other people's feelings, and so I feel bad, whether or not he would know he was watched. But that silly man should close his curtains. How rude of him! What if he wants to be seen? :eek2: That would be much worse! Either way, I'm not going to look, so it doesn't matter.

[Nightshade]

but he probably dosnt realise he can be seen so many people forget when you live in buildings.

:D

[Scheherazade]

a kitten-petting roomIs that a kind of euphemism or American way of saying something??

:p

[Outlander]

Naw, but this is.......

"Come in, Come in." Said the masked man on the rotating petrified frog.
"Is this the first time you've ridden the bus?"

I replied without looking at him,
"No Sir., I've ridden before, but never were the seats so full."

"They're beautiful when they're full, the aroma is intoxicating.
Do be careful where your walking;
never, step on smurfs in odd numbers.
Remember, equilibrium is all important when finding a seat."

The petrified frog continued it's rotation as the bus moved foward.

[emily655321]

:lol:

I can't figure out what that's supposed to mean, but it sounds creepy!

Scher — No, I didn't mean it to be a euphemism. I was just trying to think of anything that would be more pleasant to watch than a bathroom! :D

EDIT: I meant this kind of petting:

http://tinypic.com/k9w9kx.jpg

[Logos]

My kitty got brushed today, and she bit me, the little brat :p

[Scheherazade]

One in 10 young people would drop out of education for a shot at TV fame, a survey suggests. And 16% believe they will actually become famous, according to the Learning and Skills Council survey of 777 16-19 year olds in England.

But many young people also said they would prefer to emulate well-known figures such as Prime Minister Tony Blair and cricketer Andrew Flintoff.

The LSC says education should be seen as the most reliable route to success.

'I would drop out'

Many young people do not understand that the odds of being selected for a reality TV show such as Big Brother - and continuing to be famous afterwards - are very slim, the LSC says.

Almost one in ten said they thought celebrity was a great way to earn money without skills or qualifications.

Ruth Bullen, LSC spokeswoman, said research showed that young people without five good GCSEs or the equivalent were more likely to earn low pay in later life.

Top 10 role models

Richard Branson
J K Rowling
David Beckham
Andrew Flintoff
Tony Blair
David Attenborough
Frank Lampard
Stephen Hawking
Ms Dynamite
Alan Sugar
Source: LSC

"If making money is the reason a young person wants to become famous, then by staying on in education or training they can significantly increase their future earning power by gaining these essential qualifications," she said.

More than half of teenagers who said they wanted to become famous cited money and success as the principal reason.

James Pollock, 15, from Unity City Academy Middlesbrough, said: "Although I plan to make something with my life by working hard and going to college, an offer like Big Brother would be too tempting to resist.

"It's the fastest route to fame, and I'd drop out of school or college to have that chance."

Forgotten

Previous research it had undertaken suggested that pupils who stay on at school after their GCSEs could earn up to £4,000 more per year than those without good GCSEs - adding up to £185,000 over their careers.

It says students who gain A-levels or other advanced qualifications can expect to earn an average yearly salary of £20,692.

But those who leave school without obtaining five GCSE passes at grades A*-C or the equivalent can expect an average salary of £16,739.

And it is urging those young people who are banking on a moment of fame to draw in the cash to remember those former Big Brother contestants who have long since been forgotten.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4607332.stm

[samercury]

:cold: scary.......

[Outlander]

I was wondering why I dreamed of wolves last night.
Yeah, Yeah...it's most likely in the wrong place..I know, I need more coffee.
----

Some friends and I found a house, you know the kind; run down and barely holding itself up. Nobody wants to go in but it draws you like a train wreck.

Once we were in, and had seen enough to satisfy our curiousity. I heard a thunder from the hill behind. Wrongfully amused, I ran to the window.
At least a dozen beasts came over the hill, they were aiming strait for the house. Wolves! they were larger than any I'd ever seen. Their fur was far too thick around the neck, and as if the weight were a burden, they held their heads low to the ground like hyenias.
Fear had me unable to run, and pounding of my pulse was soon as loud as the thundering paws. I turned the lock on the window, and noticed no glass.

-Strange, the odd things our protective instincts will make us do in times of painc. - I locked a glassless window against a pack of wolves.

Things moved too quickly to tell you of it all, But, I can tell you; they found themselves quite a feast.

Those of us, who I thought to be lucky; were taken by the throat.
The unfortunate ones, I among them, learned that the harshest pain did not come from the teeth piercing the flesh, but rather, as they shook you to tear off the mouthfull. One would get it's bite and begin the shaking, another would take hold, and tear in competition. I could hear no screams, the shock of all blessedly left me deaf, or was that from blood loss? Sweet Erin, with her strawberry blonde hair, was only a few feet from me. They had torn open her stomach, and one of the things had it's head inside her, under the ribs.
She turned her eyes towards me, and the room went dark.

[samercury]

Penguins are sooo cool

[smilingtearz]

shouldn't I be studying!!

[adilyoussef]

Lost in trying to make up my mind
Lost in trying to looke at your eyes
Lost in trying to divulge my love
Lost in trying to be myself
I'm lost in my thoughts

[emily655321]

Outlander, that's such a vivid dream. Very scary.

[Scheherazade]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/umedia/20060115/cp.ca010b0fe5929d868b6107f0bd3440f8

[Outlander]

emily655321
that's such a vivid dream. Very scary.

I do enjoy a good lucid dream, but when they go in that direction........

Unfortunately, Emily...
I've also learned what my mind thinks would happen in vacuum of space.
I assure you, it's quite pointless to try to hold your eyes in, or anything with an "exit" for that matter. Although horribly inverted, upon full extension the digestive system is rather impressive.

* Never eat a large meal before walking in space.

[Stanislaw]

This reminds me of highschool science, and the disection that I performed, almost no one in the class wanted to participate, but once one actually starts unravelling the intestine (I was working on a pig mind you) it is ammazing how long it actually is, I was quite suprised, we had to use a tape measue to measure the intestine length because the rulers provided were to small, and the eyeball thing also brings back interesting memories...dissecting the cow eye, that was a cool year. Dissecting the eye was difficult though, the scapels they had provided us with were not very sharp to begin with, and after the pig disection, they were even more dull, it was a pain in the butt.


I do enjoy a good lucid dream, but when they go in that direction........

Unfortunately, Emily...
I've also learned what my mind thinks would happen in vacuum of space.
I assure you, it's quite pointless to try to hold your eyes in, or anything with an "exit" for that matter. Although horribly inverted, upon full extension the digestive system is rather impressive.

* Never eat a large meal before walking in space.

[Scheherazade]

An independent college is becoming the first in Britain to make Mandarin Chinese a compulsory subject.
The move at Brighton College, in East Sussex, was said to reflect China's position as the fastest-growing economy in the world.

Mandarin Chinese will join French, Spanish and Latin as a core language for 13 to 18-year-old pupils.

New head teacher Richard Cairns said he would join the first classes in September to learn the subject himself.

"One of my key tasks is to make sure pupils at Brighton College are equipped for the realities of the 21st Century," said Mr Cairns.

Native speakers

"This year China replaced Britain as the world's fourth largest economy.

"We in Britain need to face up to this challenge, see it for the trading opportunity that it is, and ensure that our nation's children are well-placed to thrive in this new global reality."

Mr Cairns said around a dozen native Chinese speakers currently attended the college.

"I very much hope they will be able to help our native Sussex boys and girls get to grips with what I imagine to be a rather challenging experience.

"I have also agreed to join the first Mandarin Chinese class.

"I think it is the best way for me to show the pupils how important I regard this new addition to our core curriculum."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/4616640.stm

[Darlin]

:thumbs_up Scheher, you have the most interesting and informative news plus the cutest cartoons!

[Stanislaw]

I remember in Junior high that there were predictions that mandarin was going to replace english as the language of commerce.

[Darlin]

Intriguingly it's one of the main languages in the sci-fi show Firefly which is based in the future. They actually curse in Chinese on the show and the movie Serenity. Amusing.

[Nightshade]

If people would just occasionall indulge in reading somthing they normally wouldnt life would be so much easier.

According to the Times I have the most sttressful job :eek2:

[Stanislaw]

Ikea song (http://www.jonathancoulton.com/music/Jonathan%20Coulton%20-%20Ikea.mp3)

I came across this song while listening to a podcast, and it is rather funny, its about ikea.

The artists page (http://www.jonathancoulton.com/songs/)
You can check out more of this guys stuff here...he has a remix of baby got back that is so funny. :D

[Koa]

Why do thing always happen together and overlap and I can never choose cos any choice brings some good but also some loss?
I'm in the process of applying for a traineeship I've been wanting to do for ages (only now I meet the requirements). And today I got a great job offer from another place, in a field that is not what I would want to do of my life... But still, it's a very good place and even if it's in the commercial field (not my cup of tea), it does seem interesting and with good prospects... I'm going to have an interview and see what happens, but it makes me wonder... if they choose me, I'll have to put all my dreams aside... the crazy things, the adventures, the things I want to do now that I'm still young and I might not care about when I'll be 40... And I'll have to live here, in the same house, in the same city I've been dreaming of leaving for good since I was 13...
It's weird... It would be foolish to give up on such a job opportunity... I'll take it and see if they want me, and I'll leave it if I get a place at that traineeship (I won't know until late March) or, later on, if I find something related to what I really want.
Though I still don't know what I really want... something more literary than the commercial office of a company, but well... that shouldn't suck either, at least for a few months/years.

The upside is that I was offered that job because I studied Russian. Maybe it's a choice that will eventually pay... and maybe one day I will have a great CV and be able to choose among many great possibilities...

[Themis]

Perhaps I should start reading the ... thing ... "Law of Criminal Process". That sounds strange. "Strafprozessrecht" which means exactly the same sounds way easier. At least it isn't so complicated ... for me. I wonder if there actually IS a law of (the?) criminal process in England or America. Though it isn't really a 'law', it's more a description. A very long one but not really a law. Or maybe it is? Because it's a description?
Or perhaps it's not a real description. Not entirely. One would have to define "description" to know that I guess. Or one could stop thinking such nonsense and just start reading the book!

[adilyoussef]

As I was sitting a few moments ago in front of my desk, my attention was caught by a bird by the window. I gazed at it for a moment watching it flying lifely and jumping from side to side. I wondered why could not I be so having a short life worth living. Each second I spend would have a meaning. But still here I sit writing this post.

[Pensive]

Quik Quack Queek Quaack Quack Quack.

[Taliesin]

It's cold outside.
Minus 23 celsius.
The primary school kids at least get frost holidays, and lucky for them. It would seem quite cruel to send a seven-year-old to school with such weather.
We wouldn't say no to cold holidays either.

[Stanislaw]

Life, in a sense, is a protracted diseased existance, and I suppose our life will ony have meaning in our death, and by how we have crawled along in our meaningless existance.

Lifes a b :mad: then you die. :D

[adilyoussef]

Quik Quack Queek Quaack Quack Quack.

You make me heartly laugh Glady. I like your thought.

[Scheherazade]

:thumbs_up Scheher, you have the most interesting and informative news plus the cutest cartoons!Thank you, Darlin! You are kind!
(Sorry, had to quote you in case anyone missed it! :D:D:D)


It is Winnie the Pooh Day (A.A. Milne's birthday): Winnie the Pooh Quiz (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4623850.stm)

[emily655321]

:bawling: I'm a bear of very little brain. I got 1/10. :eek2: I knew that the Pooh illustrations were based on "Growler" the teddy bear. :D

I may be stupid when it comes to Pooh, but they still have poor grammar:

What did illustrator EH Shepard base his drawings of Winnie the Pooh on?

[Stanislaw]

4/10 a bit of an eeyore...I used to watch it when I was young...I wish they would bring back the old episodes for todays youth!

[Pensive]

Give Thy Thought No Tongue
Give Thy Ears To Every Thought

Note to self: How can I do that? Whenever I brings my ear near to the telephone on which my brother is talking to someone, I nearly gets a slap. I can't even give my ears to the old feeble telephone then how can I give my ears to people's thoughts?

*dropping two tears*

[Koa]

I know nothing about Winnie the Pooh...

anyway the random thought I wanted to post is:
My life is a big IF at the moment... :confused:

[samercury]

:lol:

Random thought: ....scary....

[Taliesin]

Random thought: It is a lovely cold weather around here. About - 28 degrees Celsius. Plus a nice little wind which means that staying outside without some really good protection from cold means frostbites. Or if it goes a bit colder, one can freeze to death.
We wore double wool hats, double mittens, a good coldproof jacket, a long woolly scarf, a pair of long underwear, woolly boots, dog-wool socks and a protective cream, but still we couldn't be outside for longer than ten minutes.

[Koa]

Random thought: It is a lovely cold weather around here. About - 28 degrees Celsius. Plus a nice little wind which means that staying outside without some really good protection from cold means frostbites. Or if it goes a bit colder, one can freeze to death.
We wore double wool hats, double mittens, a good coldproof jacket, a long woolly scarf, a pair of long underwear, woolly boots, dog-wool socks and a protective cream, but still we couldn't be outside for longer than ten minutes.


Now I know what I've been wondering about for ages... how does one (or many, as Taliesin ;)) live in that kind of weather...

[papayahed]

Now that's slightly chilly!!!! Holy Carp!

[Stanislaw]

Reminds me of the traditional northern canadian winter...Humans were never ment to live in that temperature...unless they live ina climate controlled bubble. :D

[Pensive]

Go Go Dessy
Dessy, Please Go

[Scheherazade]

The eBay course is being run by the college's computer department
A college is offering an insight into the workings of a top auction website.
Wirral Metropolitan College in Cheshire is running a pilot course based entirely around the eBay website.

Pupils could earn a college certificate from the course during which they will be trained to put their unwanted goods up for sale and buy bargains.

If the three-hour introductory programme, which takes place on 23 January, is successful, the college hopes to run it once a month.

'Cultural phenomenon'

Students will also be taught basic safety rules to make sure they do not fall for one of the internet scams which can cost shoppers money.

The course, which costs students £25, is being run by the college's computer department which says many people have mastered basic computing skills, but now want to have some fun.

Mike Haxby, who runs the department, said he was sure the 15 places on the course would soon be snapped up.

He said: "eBay is so popular that everyone wants to know how to use it and everyone loves to shop.

"Some people run businesses on it and others have made a lot of money - it's a cultural phenomenon." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4623776.stm

[adilyoussef]

How things seem different when I'm tired!
How things seem different when I'm happy!
How things seem different when I'm dizzy!
And how things seem different when I love you!
Deception, no it's a nother form of love.

[rachel]

lovely Adil.
random thought -I remember when it was so cold in Calgary that my little brother lost a tiny piece of his ear, It froze off. he was rather happy though, he got to stay in the sick room at school and then home to heal. I still have a place on both knees that go numb if it gets the least bit bitter out from those Calgary years. Where is Johnny Chinook when you need him?

[Outlander]

What really made the walls of Jericho crumble?

And, what was the name of the city on the hill, with walls, that the Jews locked themselves in and while 'under seige' and starving, they drew lots to see who would do the killing in order to keep everyone from being captured?

I would like to read of this, but I can't remember it's name.
- Anyone know?

[samercury]

Random thought- :brickwall

[rachel]

What really made the walls of Jericho crumble?

And, what was the name of the city on the hill, with walls, that the Jews locked themselves in and while 'under seige' and starving, they drew lots to see who would do the killing in order to keep everyone from being captured?

I would like to read of this, but I can't remember it's name.
- Anyone know?


I am not sure, Meggido maybe. I will have to check.

[Scheherazade]

http://www.snoopy.com/comics/peanuts/archive/images/peanuts20060112211621.gif

[Nightshade]

Isnt it funny that 1232 Am comes before 1132 am?!
:eek2:

[Outlander]

-Most every can of mixed nuts contain ~Brazil nuts.~
(at least the ones that I purchase)

I had never developed a taste for the oversized Brazilian nut.
But, wasting food (in my opinion) is a crime far worse than
temporarly insulting my taste buds.

Not being a finicky person,
I had come to accept the thought,
that my lack of pleasure from the Brazil nut,
was directly related to my lack of interest in the Brazilian Culture.

However,This morning boredom got the better of me;
And now I know something that I did not know yesterday...
I had been chewing them on the wrong side of my mouth.

Party on Brazil Nut.

[kilted exile]

Who is Larry?and why is he happy?

[Darlin]

Egads, why is hardly any one saying hi to the newbies in the introductions section? Odd.

[Scheherazade]

http://www.snoopy.com/comics/peanuts/archive/images/peanuts20366350060124.gif

[Scheherazade]

A quiz on Mozart (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4646778.stm)

[Themis]

Random thought of the day... because I thought of it all day..


Writing what I think is so much easier than saying it. Also, people can't interrupt all the time. They tend to to that so much, saying that they know what I´m trying to say, that it isn't necessary to actually say it out loud ... but it is.
People don't understand half of the things I´m telling them. I think that's because in a conversation one says more or less the first thin that comes to mind. They don't wait until they see the whole picture and thus miss so many important things.
While writing I can really express what I'm feeling, I can think my arguments over. Writing is just better than talking. At least, with family around. I should probably try it. Though I know we'll end up talking again ... and arguing ..

[emily655321]

8/10

Nae tae shabby. I mistook Mozart for Mendelssohn and Bach a couple of times, but I'm sure they won't be mad.

[adilyoussef]

Sometimes life is unbearable that death is the remedy
Sometimes life is so lovely that nothing else prevails
But life without you is so unbearable that even death is a tragedy
Have you ever been in love? No that's my tragedy

[adilyoussef]

Random thought of the day... because I thought of it all day..


Writing what I think is so much easier than saying it. Also, people can't interrupt all the time. They tend to to that so much, saying that they know what I´m trying to say, that it isn't necessary to actually say it out loud ... but it is.
People don't understand half of the things I´m telling them. I think that's because in a conversation one says more or less the first thin that comes to mind. They don't wait until they see the whole picture and thus miss so many important things.
While writing I can really express what I'm feeling, I can think my arguments over. Writing is just better than talking. At least, with family around. I should probably try it. Though I know we'll end up talking again ... and arguing ..

Absolutly right

[Nightshade]

Just wanted to say I found my purse, thanks everyone who worried/prayed/ said nice things to me :D:D
Oh another random thought
CHampion of the downtrodden!!!:banana:
:D :lol:

[papayahed]

I need to start running again, I just can't get motivated. Every morning I set my alarm for an hour early and every morning when the alarm goes off I reset it and go back to sleep.

[rachel]

:D :nod:
Who is Larry?and why is he happy?

I couldna find where you saw him, Larry I mean.
I assume Larry is the son of his parents. :lol: :D :nod:

[Nightshade]

And Im freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee freeeeeee falling.

(It was playing in a shop this afternoon)
:D

[papayahed]

My lunch looks like baby poop, when in reality it's chicken and white bean chili. It's to bland, the recipe called for green chiles and I bought the mild instead of the hot on accident.

[Nightshade]

Do you have dried chili powder, papya? If you do just tip some in :D

[papayahed]

Thanks Night, for some reason all I have is Ancho chili powder which is pretty mild. I do have 5 bottles of the Taco Bell Hot sauce.. that may spice it up.

[Nightshade]

mustard powder??
what else ??oh yes salt have you forgotten the salt by any chance? becasue salt brings out the flavour, another trick is to microwave it, for some reason thiings get spiceier in the microwave:D

[Scheherazade]

The internet has played an important role in the life decisions of 60 million Americans, research shows. Whether it be career advice, helping people through an illness or finding a new house, 45% of Americans turn to the web for help, a survey by US-based Pew Internet think-tank has found.

It set out to find out whether the web and e-mail strengthen social ties.

The answer seems to be yes, especially in times of crisis when people use it to mobilise their social networks.

New community

In the past, it has been suggested that the internet and e-mail could diminish real relationships.

But the report, entitled The Strength of Internet Ties, found that e-mail supplements rather than replaces offline communications.

"The larger, the more far-flung, and the more diverse a person's network, the more important e-mail is," said Jeffrey Boase, one of the report's authors.

TURNING TO THE NET

21 million Americans use it to get additional career training

Helps 17 million when dealing with major illness

17 million use it for choosing a school for a child

16 million use it to buy a car

16 million use it for a major financial decision

10 million use it for finding new place to live

8 million use it when changing job

7 million use it to cope with family illness

Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project

"You can't make phone calls or personal visits to all your friends very often, but you can 'cc' them regularly with a couple of keystrokes. That turns out to be very important," he said.

The old cliché that times of crisis reveal who your real friends are seems to hold as true in cyberspace as it does in the offline world.

"When you need help these days, you don't need a bugle to call the cavalry, you need a big buddy list," said John Horrigan, associate director for research at the Pew Internet Project.

The internet is providing Americans with a path to resources, whether it be dealing with family crises or finding a new job.

The reliance and accessibility of the web is creating a new social phenomenon according to sociologist Barry Wellman.

Co-author of the report, he identifies what he terms as the rise of networked individualism - where users of modern technology are less tied to local groups and increasingly part of more geographically scattered networks.

"This creates a new basis for community. Rather than relying on a single community for social support, individuals often actively seek out a variety of appropriate people and resources for different situations," he said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4644666.stm

[Nightshade]

The old cliché that times of crisis reveal who your real friends are seems to hold as true in cyberspace as it does in the offline world.
More I say :D

[Pensive]

Bang ! Bang @ Bang # Bang % Bang ^ Bang & Bang * Bang ( Bang ) Bang _ Bang + Bang | Bang

[mono]

Greetings, everyone!
While having a little time off, I thought to drop a little note, saying 'hello,' and changing a few of my options. Still receiving private messages, which I had several, had not crossed my mind until I came lurking this evening, so I opted for e-mail notifications of private messages.
Anyway, despite usual business, I have still read plenty, recently finishing Finnegans Wake by James Joyce . . . at least I think I finished reading it (those who have read it will understand). Take care, everyone, and hopefully I can sign in a little more often if time permits. :)

[Nightshade]

The bad thing about sleeping 12 hours is your still tierd when you get up :yawnb:

[emily655321]

Yay, good to hear from you, Mono! Hope your studies are coming along well.

[rachel]

Greetings, everyone!
While having a little time off, I thought to drop a little note, saying 'hello,' and changing a few of my options. Still receiving private messages, which I had several, had not crossed my mind until I came lurking this evening, so I opted for e-mail notifications of private messages.
Anyway, despite usual business, I have still read plenty, recently finishing Finnegans Wake by James Joyce . . . at least I think I finished reading it (those who have read it will understand). Take care, everyone, and hopefully I can sign in a little more often if time permits. :)


:banana: wow seeing your avy is like somehow standing on top of mount everest-overwhelming.
I don't think you can ever 'finish' Finnegan's wake. I don't know how you wrestled thru that with all your many calls in life. I think it was not so very long ago that you said you were going to try to read it.
thankyou for dropping in, bringing a breath of spring air and new mown grass and the cries of baby birds in their nests into our forum dear Mono :D

I am reflecting on the beauty and wonder of the snowflake. It is incomprehensible to me that each is like a fingerprint, unique and different from it's fellows. And to see them wafting down silently in the dark icy night is otherwordly.

[Scheherazade]

People will believe in anything as long as you compliment/flatter them!!!

[adilyoussef]

Life is too short but we realise it till the end
The wolrd is too vast but people are fighting for a small corner
Your beauty is a shining sun that eyes can't see
Home, there I like to be

[Nightshade]

Mums are usually right, Cheesecake is a faffy and dificult dish to make (espcially at half past midnight :D ) and I appreciate both more than ever :D

[rachel]

floppy disks are rather magical

[Scheherazade]

It is National Salt Awareness Week and here is a quiz on SALT. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4669650.stm)

[papayahed]

7/10 - This quiz was way easier then the french one..