Bonds On A Bunk

Don’t worry: I won’t be the mad scientist’s apprentice that disturbs your Sunday with a loud bang, but today two things curl up together, may it be in two different years: 1935 and 1953. Mind the –35- and –53-. Was it 1935, the year that Wallace Carothers invented nylon, it was 1953 that the first aknowledged definition of the chemical structure of DNA was made by James Watson and Francis Crick. Polymer is the magic word that links them together. Being composed of repeating units connected by chemicals, polymers always have been around in natural environments like cellulose (wood and paper), amber and natural rubber, as well as in the synthetic, plastic world of us, such as in, right, an endless list. When you fancy a surprise breakfast in bed for your loved one, think of this, while frying a curling crispy egg in your teflon pan. Go for it, make it snappy: make a chemical bond!

Pen’s Proprietary

This time it’s about what a piece of paper, a pen and a human mind can achieve. Today, in the year 1831, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek got proclaimed. This paper signed with a lethal and double-tongue pen, meant, according with the Indian Removal Act, that tens of thousands of native Americans had to leave their homelands (by force and forge). It’s also today, in the year 1989, that Ayatollah Khomeini placed a 3 million us dollar reward to kill the writer Salman Rushdie. Fortunately, there hasn’t been a pay out. Let me give you this clip, to show another way of thinking and writing.

The Sorcerer’s Spell

Today is the birthday of David Sylvian (1958) English singer-songwriter and former lead singer of pop group Japan. The first time I heard about him was when watching the film ‘Merry Xmas Mr. Lawrence’ and the song ‘Forbidden Colours’ seemed to remain in the brain forever. Being haunting, original and beautiful at the same time, his songs aren’t always that easily to understand and to forget. And like a true sorcerer, he can overplay his hands once in a while, but who cares?

On the waterfront the rain/Is pouring in my heart/Here the memories come in waves/Raking in the lost and found of years/And though I'd like to laugh/At all the things that led me on/Somehow the stigma still remains

Pages That Poach

Today, in the year 1878, the first telephone book got published. It consisted of 1 single page and covered 50 names in New Haven, Connecticut, that got a population of about 60,000 inhabitants by then. Still a hell of a job to find the right person I guess. The first public telephone got installed only 2 years later. The Yellow Pages of today are much more helpful... to some of us.

A Rap On A Raft

With all kinds of inventions and gadgets falling head over heels, it’s almost impossible to keep pace with them. Take television sets for instance. After the (rather recent) introduction of the plasma and lcd, (full) high definition screens followed like their shadow. 100Hz, 200Hz, 600Hz. Getting used to them, led television hardly introduced, there are undeniable signs of a 3d television coming already. Even if my wallet could keep up, my head is spinning. So, having a break, I look backward for a change. Today, the year 1953, the first 3d film was shown in New York City: ‘Bwana Devil’. Meant to get people back into the cinemas and away from their tv’s at home. The film itself seems to be based on a true story about man-eating lions during the 1896 construction of the Uganda Railway. A setting that must have appealed to Huckleberry Finn, when he started his adventures taking place between 1835-1845, written by Mark Twain, published today in the year 1884. Like Huck, spending some time on a raft, is the 3d I prefer to experience right now. Because how many Herz and dimensions can our brain take in?

Modesty Marks Motivation

Something else that moves around freely but within its limitations (somewhere between February 4 and March 10) is Ash Wednesday. It derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of Christian people as a sign of repentance. Nowadays it marks the end of Carnival. Of luxury. And life can continue in all modesty.

Sometimes There’s No Click

People get paid for the most common and uncommon things. As long as it’s a genuine thing, I don’t mind. Selling products presented by some famous name, face or any other body part for that matter, is nothing that worries me as well. It’s all very main stream, something that will move around ‘dressed’ in some kind of modesty. The moment it gets too loud in the face I simply turn my back on it and walk away. If you want to check yourself: click here! Please don’t forget to read some reviews as well. Very revealing.

What’s Wrong With Her (Hair)?

What can happen on a Bad Hair Day shows this clip. Maybe a good reason not to get computers too clever or too human.

Hair That Gets You In Despair

If it’s true that more than 90% of all the lost hair on a human skull is due to passing on the gens, in other words: you’ve got it or you don’t, then why bother? Because I like to think that the remaining 10% might be decisive: if that passing on will get into your hair, or not, in your case. To prevent hair loss you could start with some basics such as to limit yourself the use of not very hair friendly devices, like hairdryers and curling irons. Or skip the fancy colour of the season, because dying the hair is another assault and battery. I can imagine your hair’s raising and you cry out ‘what else can be done?’ It’s the old story I’m afraid, the tops and tail (and bottom): the story of taking care of yourself, from hair to heel.

No Mushy Monday

Yeah, good question in this clip: what’s in your tub? Maybe conjugated linoleic acid? I got the green pasture, cattle and sheep fit in for you here, but sorry, no kangaroos. Happy Beat-The-Mush-Monday!

Eat Them To Beat Them

The one or two times of having a Pastoral Moment: having a grand view of a green and luscious landscape in which cattle and sheep were grazing, never let me realise that this pleasantness, next to pleasing for the mind, also would be beneficial for the body. It turns out that food products coming from these grass-fed animals, like mutton and beef, are far more richer than the ones from grain-fed, in what’s called CLA: conjugated linoleic acid. That’s a mouthful, but ‘keep on chewing’, because this acid, already known for its anti-cancer properties and that it fights inflammations, also reduces body fat and increase lean muscle mass. From 2008 it’s allowed to use these acids in food such as milk, yoghurt and fruit juices. However, it seems that the highest concentration of CLA is to be found in kangaroo meat. I can’t remember I’ve seen them hopping around the sheep and cattle. But I can remember there was a plague of kangaroos in Australia, and that the meat appears on many a menu. And why not: if you can’t beat them eat them! But hey, that doesn’t mean we all can flop down our behinds: keep on working out, nothing’s for free in this world. Except that view perhaps.

A Match With Marzipan

The colour red can’t have escaped your attention these days, can it? To your horror or delight. Could I give this utterly mass celebration for affection a twist, I wondered. Let’s try... Imagine 18-19th century America (this is the real fact part), where the Pilgrims used to send all sorts of deli’s like sugar wafers and marzipan to their loved ones. These gifts were very appreciated because sugar was a rare commodity in those days. Now (and this is the fabricated fun part), watch the clip, and wonder what these ‘creations’ of marzipan would stir in those days, next to a sudden sweet appetite... a Witch Trial? Ok, time-capsule yourself back to our time. Don’t forget the marzipan! Imagine that these sweeties would mean ‘I love you that much, I want to make a baby with you’, a kind of perhaps too direct but original ‘marriage proposal’ if you like. I can’t imagine that someone sets his teeth in these cuties, so they might survive long enough to get the hint ‘settled in’? Oh well, I would settle for the classic box of Belgian chocolates.

Your Skin Is No Sink

Picture an organic, living wall. Something that breathes in and out. Needs oxygen and sunlight. In short: something that’s constantly changing breaking off and building up. Then, one day, that wall gets covered and sealed off. Eventually, that wall will show signs of suffering. That’s what happens to your skin if you apply too much and too often makeup. If nothing’s done appropriately, those signs, like blackheads, get worse and multiplied. The question is: how to get rid of blackheads? To scrub vigerously and excessively makes it even worse: your skin will produce more oil. And more oil means more acne. Not cleaning enough, and the dead skin cells will block the pores, and results in a build up of oil as well. Picture again a living wall: your skin. Prudence is the best policy to keep it alive and well.

A Crash, Cutting And Crunching

Nothing really funny or interesting I could find about cutters, and ‘if it ain’t got that swing’, right? Something that got swing is this clip, maybe it will get you in the mood for whatever you intented to do this weekend, like cutting a rug, or cutting a home made Valentine’s Cake. I prefer the latter, but no good cook has a crash on me, so it could happen it’s going to be the first; I might have found a room. I hope I won’t get my knees crunched.

Control Your Cutter

As diverse as the names for it, a box cutter knows a variety of professions, and the worked with material of each of them where it can cut through. Providing some simple precautions are taken, the safety of such a knife is more than satisfactory. One of the major precautions concerns the blades. Easily switched, snapped or reversed, the ends of the blade, blunt or sharp as hell, require prudence and attention. The segmented, snap-off blade asks for wearing safety glasses. For both counts: be aware of what you’re doing. Believe me, the scar on my thumb and still having the vision in both my eyes remind me of the importance of it.

To Dismiss A Disgust

Since 2002, this day’s initiated as Red Hand Day, and meant to draw the attention of political leaders to the faith of child soldiers. There’s a rough estimation that says that 250,000 or more children of both gender fight, kill and get killed. For obvious reasons, the precise number can’t be given. That armies, governments and sheer bandits make use of children isn’t a new and sad thing under the sun. I challenge anyone who thinks there have been times of conflict in which children weren’t used and sacrificed. Whatever the banner might be to fight under, it’s monstruous and evil.

The Helmsman’s Hostages

Today, in the year 1978, China lifts the ban on works by people like Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. Possibly the writer of the ‘red book’ (who seems to have been a poet, calligrapher and philosopher himself) was partly to blame for that ban? And his death in 1976 was the ouverture of this enlightenment? A lack of refined literature in China can’t be blamed for it. Here’s a clip to show it.

Bit By Bit, Bark By Bark

Wandering through the dense forest of the world wide web, in search of the best seo software, I can’t say I’ve seen the light yet. But there’s been a sign carved in the bark of a tree I bumped into, that might be the beginning of understanding. Like a Tom Thumb leaving a trail of crumbs of bread behind to find his way back home, this sign, saying ‘site analyzer’ gave me the notion it’s possible to trace and get corrected the broken chain of links, images, codes and files. And I got a few. Up to the next tree!

A Bell-Boy’s Short Ballad

Today, in 1933, the first singing telegram was sung somewhere in New York City. Often related to bad news, someone thought it a good idea to change that. Embarrassing as they can pop up like gorillas, clowns, nurses or anything else you can think of (in your worst nightmare), not many of them will get the reception of this one. If you don’t believe me, give it a shot (that’s a clue).

Be Picky To Packages

Are you thinking of taking the family to Florida one of the coming weeks? Keep thinking. And before deciding, wheel your chair to your computer and give the online deals right there some serious thought. There’s no doubt that this destination, with Orlando in its heart, is the ‘candy-store-to-be’ for all fun seeking people of all ages. Like with all temptations that keep on rolling endlessly, the problem is what to choose, and when. Orlando vacation packages is one of the places you have to see to compare all those offers. Keep in mind what you’re looking for, what you need, and pick the right ones for you and your family.

Every Dog Has His Day

Yes, I know: it’s Man’s Best Friend, a dog, again. I can’t help it, nor does the dog. And she obviously loves him. And love makes blind. Hopefully more resistent to bacteria as well.

To Aim At Acne

A lot has been said about acne, and very likely this will never end. To blame is the never ending story of a collision between weakened human defense and the ‘natural’ reaction to that. The variety of what triggers acne makes it inevitable to arrange a number of solutions to fight it off. From acne treatment gel to certain diets, it was known to me. But a very simple way that got me off guard for a second, was the use of a clean towel each night over one's pillow to prevent contamination of the pillow with bacteria that cause acne. Thereupon the ‘charge’ at the face again. For once; at no costs and no side effects.

A Prop To Relieve Pressure

To find something that won’t scare or offend people isn’t always an easy task, especially when body functions or parts are concerned. Here’s one that comes close to ‘relieve the pressure’.

Prevention Pays Off

The life we’re leading, with rushing hours without a clear beginning nor end, or so it seems, can result in a number of unpleasant experiences. A hemorrhoidal treatment for instance. If ‘time is money’, some rather simple precautions could make it possible that part of that precious time won’t be lost. To pay attention to yourself, to pamper yourself a bit more than you’re used to, while doing the things you have to do, will pay off. Prevention is better than cure!

In The Dog’s House

It’s becoming a kind of Doggy Day, but I found another way to fight off wrinkles: indulge yourself a fast car. Not the cheapest option, but perhaps one of the most fun ones.

Wrapping Up Wrinkles

When the subject of conversation starts to become that of wrinkles, I frown my forehead. Being one of the not-done things to prevent them. Next to sun bathing, not using sun blocks or wearing sun glasses, not enough hours of sleep, wrong choice of diet, smoking, straining the eyes too much watching tv or being online too often, not wearing your glasses when you should. This list could be much longer, but maybe making such a list isn’t helping either? Even the best wrinkle cream available can’t be much more than a soothing but temporary cover up of those folds, ridges and creases. Nice, like taking a long bath is, but one has to get out, sooner or later. Now I mention taking a bath: why is it that hands and feet get wrinkled horribly then, but get so smooth and straight again later? Having that kind of skin on the face might give you the looks of a Shar Pei dog when getting out of the water for half an hour, but a straight face the rest of the day. Isn’t that worth to think about? Gosh, now I’m frowning again!

Take A Hair Of The Dog That Licked You

Action speaks louder than words. Imagination can beat reality. Hope is the fuel for tomorrow. Hair splitting is for Fuzzies. Dogs are for making walkies... and a few other things!

Keep Your Hair On

With the average of 100,000 hairs on any human skull, hair loss won’t be noticed instantly. Depending on what type of hair you got, a normal daily loss of hair ranges between 50-150. Those are the ones that can cause panic while brushing and combing. But as long as frustration or fear won’t make you pulling much more hairs out, there’s nothing to worry. Excessive hair loss is another story. It depends on the cause, but there are hair loss treatments. Think of hormonal problems (pregnant women), the use of certain medicines (blood thinners), (fungal) infections or treatments (chemotherapy). It may also be an early sign of a disease. Because stress seems to be another reason, I would say ‘keep your hair on’. Let it all hang out!

A Splash Of Surprise

Human League’s song ‘Don’t You Want Me' got me to this clip: I guess that whole block of apartments ‘don’t want’ this guy to be around anymore when they got themselves ready for the weekend. Like I said in the previous post: details can have such an impact! Have a nice weekend, but be prepared when you still like taking a splash.

A Wee Bit Of Water

Something we don’t think about often enough and take for granted is our daily use of water. And therefor don’t have a real idea of the amount of water that poures out of the taps of our homes. Fair enough; there has been done a substantial lot to grow much more awareness in the last decade or so. Nevertheless, like a cold shower, the term ‘water wars’ splashed over me in the past weeks. Reminding me of the importance of this natural, but unpredictable source of life. The walk through my home with both eyes wide open, a habit of mine to check if everything’s still fine, got me to a corner where a simple but better fitting water filter would be a substantial improvement. A detail, but with impact. That, and having let go my car not that long ago (no more car washes), is my latest contribution to reduce the world’s consumption of water. I even gave back some extra drops of water: shedding some tears waving goodbye to my car.

Frantic Clip, Fingers Crossed

A bit outdated perhaps, this 1998 clip about ‘seo’, but the high expectations and confusion was hanging in the air in those days already. I better have a smile and a deep breath, and keep my high expectations for some good help at a modest level. Nevertheless, I keep my fingers crossed.

SEO: Search Easy Options

Next to some (near and far) future hard work on the content and looks of this site, I need to pay attention to matters I don’t understand much of, but are important. At least, that’s what people are telling me over a cup of tea, or being online. One of the things I’ve to de-mystify (to myself) is seo software. The ones with that cup of tea don’t know much about it as well. The ones online are far too ‘techno-tongued’ to me. So, if there’s someone who can introduce me and won’t make me feel lost instantly, I would be very obliged.

Some Ravishing Rushes

Today, in the year 1919, Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford, among others, launched United Artists. To protect their life as an actor and works. Here are some of the classic Chaplin rushes to give you a smile. To protect you from a bad mood.

Don’t Rush The Rash

The range of persistent skin conditions that makes the lives of millions of people a living hell might be known as ‘eczema’, but has such a variety of causes and symptoms that I rather call it a dermatological minefield. There’s no miraculous eczema treatment, but there are ways to fight the redness, rash, itching, dryness, flaking and cracking of the skin. The very first step should be having a consult with your doctor, and get some steps on paper. With his recommendations, go home and ban all soap except the one with an oil or fat base, use that moderately, and get rid of anything that will abrade the skin, like washcloths and sponges. Take a bath, but don’t rub your skin dry, your skin's moisture will be on the towel and not your body; pat it dry instead. Prepare the next steps; maybe those powders or that perfume overthere should also be avoided. Check out all the little things you can do but take your time, relax; another way to soothe down that skin.

To Designate Destinations

The interesting part of how we define a good place to stay and what’s good food, what’s beautiful or even how we deal with big questions such as what’s important in life, all’s done by comparison. Without enough points of reference the result of the attempt will be, at least, incomplete. And a (nasty) surprise might be on the horizon. For instance, to decide the destination of the annual family vacation, there’s a number of things to reckon with. Some destinations might look very appealing at first. But a bit more of research might show the disadvantages for you, or other members of your family. It won’t harm anyone to spend some extra time with looking around. To be able to compare, one has to have experience. The good thing of the internet is that we all have access to other people’s experiences. Make use of that possibility, and have a good time.

Time Getting Tuned With

Something I wasn’t aware of, but makes sense to me, is that our biological clock isn’t just a fabrication, but a real tool. According some tests we better listen more carefully to its ticking and get it even tuned more refinely. If we do, we benefit during the whole day. And, last but not least: we might have found another road to recovery from illnesses. It seems when chemo-therapy, in a much smaller dose, applied the right moment of the day, and that moment can vary from person to person, makes the destruction of the harmful cancer cells far more successfull, and the healthy cells are more left alone. Isn’t that a nice tune to live by?

Much Ado About Mesothelioma

Asbestos, always having been part of the natural environment, even before humans were walking around, has so many (insulation) qualities, that it was just a matter of time before those same humans would discover and exploit them. With doing that, they also got in a ‘Trojan Horse’. Almost indestructable, but for sure without any smell or taste, it spread through all cultures and times. Despite early calls of warning, it took tens of centuries to label the danger: Mesothelioma cancer. Even in our blessed time of high levelled medical science there’s no cure available. And even if, one day, there will be one, asbestos will remain part of our world. Forewarned is forearmed, right? Let’s not burn our fingers and lungs a third time.

Get Cracking Girl!

This clip shows what can happen when wearing too tight outfits. With the Winter Olympics about to start, I hope she’ll have another choice of clothes by then, and a more comfortable and faster time.

At A Glance, A Gnash

I’m not sure if it’s me, but I’ve to gnash my teeth every now and then walking around some place. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a public space with people working or people at leisure. It could be their manners, but more often it’s what they’re wearing. For some time, a guaranteed gnash were the (very tight) leggings of some women who better should have avoided them. More recently it was the belly-button exposing t-shirts. Not that I can’t stand showing some skin, but frankly, because most women don’t have the belly for it. Again, it might be me who doesn’t have the stomach for it? Is it only women, you might ask? No, most recent object of gnashing is the so-called Nascar jacket. Among men, most of the time, yes. Fortunately the tropics aren’t in favor of leather, so they’re not spotted that often. But, still remembering having loathed walking around in designer’s clothes with their ever-so-present-logo’s or names, I don’t see why one would like to be a walking advertising-pillar.