JOURNAL

Saturday, April 13th

~ 11:42 PM ~

I was going to pick Neale up tonight but Cleveland is fogged in. She is spending the night in Chicago.

Google has been the mightiest search tool online for years but Teoma is a rising challenger.

~ 10:51 AM ~

I enjoyed reading H.P. Lovecraft a few years ago and the film adaptations of his writings gave been good but a musical was not the best choice.

Today's Friday Five

1. What is your favorite restaurant and why?
:: In Cleveland we have enjoyed Corbo's, Il Circo / Zibibbo, and the Greek Isles. There are also a few other places that were noteworthy, like Don Pablos for margaritas. But, probably one of our favorite places was Moggers in Terre Haute and Puccini's Smiling Teeth in Indianpolis. Yet, I have been visiting Chipotle and Baja Fresh regularly.
2. What fast food restaurant are you partial to?
:: Baja Fresh, Chipotle, and Blimpies. I went to Quizno's last Wednesday and toasted is better. Neale is partial to White Castle and Subway. Subway is 200 yards away so it is convenient.
3. What are your standards and rules for tipping?
:: At least 15%, even a touch more if it is really good service. I briefly worked in retail and I know how it hard to be nice when it is the last thing you want to be. So, if a server does a really good job they deserve to be rewarded.
4. Do you usually order an appetizer and/or dessert?
:: Appetizer most of the time unless there is chips and salsa or bread involved. For example, Romano's Macroni Grill has great bread and we enjoy it instead of an appetizer.
5. What do you usually order to drink at a restaurant?
:: I drink alot of water. I probably have about a gallon or so during the day. Besides, that we drink iced tea, beer, and margaritas when were out.

Friday, April 12th

~ 04:24 PM ~

Things People Were Doing When They Were Your Age

Are Bloggers Journalists?

Wednesday, April 10th

~ 10:49 PM ~

They said I was definitely a woman. They were not kidding. So, that should probably be added to the Musuem of Hoaxes or this.

~ 07:49 PM ~

Sunrise sunset.

The future has spiders, alpha geeks, and more weblogs.

Tuesday, April 9th

~ 11:00 AM ~

I took the What Mythological Creature Are you? test by !

	You are Kermit! Though you're technically the star, you're pretty mellow and don't mind letting others share the spotlight. You are also something of a dreamer.
Take the What Muppet Are You? Quiz!

Monday, April 8th

~ 09:25 AM ~

I dropped Neale off at the airport this morning. She will be in San Diego for a week.

Thank you Mr. Pink Flamingo, a real man of genius. The father of the pink flamingo (the plastic lawn ornament) was Don Featherstone of Massachusetts. Featherstone graduated from art school and went to work as a designer for Union Products, a Leominster, Massachusetts company that manufactured flat plastic lawn ornaments. He designed the pink flamingo in 1957 as a follow-up project to his plastic duck. Today, Featherstone is president and part owner of the company that sells an average of 250,000 to 500,000 plastic pink flamingos a year. Want some Fun and Amusements sent by email FREE! Visit: FREE Newsletters.

The Indians open the Jake today. It is rainy and plenty of folks will realize that new security measures are in effect.

Sunday, April 7th

~ 01:49 PM ~

Neale leaves for San Diego Monday morning. She will be spending a week there for NLRB training. She hopes to see the town and visit a few local sights. At the end of the week, she will be visiting Noel and Cassie in Los Angeles.

Your're wrong, no your're wrong!

I hope you remembered to spring ahead.

I know nobody comes here for sports talk but Neale and I watched the Mets explode all over the Braves' pitching last night. Not since June 30th, 2000 had the Mets put up so many runs, which was also against the Braves.

This guy should be made an honorary Mayor McCheese. But, then again the Mayor is having some hard times.

Saturday, April 6th

~ 12:16 AM ~

Today's Friday Five

1. What are the first things that you do in the morning to start your day?
:: Neale showers and does her morning beauty ritual. I make coffee (for me), check my email, update the webpage, make sure my course materials are in order, and watch The Today Show.
2. What are the last things that you do at night before going to bed?
:: I check the door, fluff the couch, and check my email. Neale sets out her clothes and morning bathroom things.
3. What daily routine have you recently added to your day?
:: I have started to walk outside during the week to enjoy the weather and take a break from the gym. Neale hasn't added any new routines.
4. What routine do you wish you get rid of?
:: Probably the commutes, which are not bad but could be better.
5. What's the one thing that makes you feel like something is missing if you don't do it some point within your day?
:: I enjoy checking my email and reading online material but if I didn't do it I would miss it. Neale needs to prep in the mornings.

Friday, April 5th

~ 11:49 PM ~

Neale checked with the IRS and our return should be here next week. This is important because we are planning our Florida trip.

TechTV's The Screensavers debut their new show "The Big Screen Screensavers" tonight. The first film was "Coma", which was a good thriller. However, a similar film in the same year didn't have the same thrill, enjoy "Parts: The Clonus Horror". Well, at least tolerate it.

Thursday, April 4th

~ 05:49 PM ~

I use to love concert posters. Nowadays, I focus on larger issues like the digital divide.

From so much sadness can come new ways to express ourselves but this too much? Or just plain silly?

Wednesday, April 3rd

~ 10:31 PM ~

An online gaming death makes the news. It seems like people that knew the person knew there was a problem yet did nothing.

Tuesday, April 2nd

~ 10:44 PM ~

This is from a friend: "I am reminded of the words of Robert Hunter poet and lyricist for the Grateful Dead, "Staked my future on a hell of a past, looks like tomorrow is coming on fast. Ain't complaining about what I got, seen better days but who has not?"

Neale has another early start. She has an election at 3AM this morning. Hopefully, the garage door does not stick like before the last early election.

From TechTV, a story about online learning. This result is not surprising: "Researchers found another factor that affects the performance of distance learners: They spend much less time on their studies than classroom students." Oh really?!?! Study less, lower grades. Hmmm...

However, the best part was: "Researchers also found that one group in particular seems to benefit from virtual learning: women. In the classroom setting, Brown says, female students scored 6 percent lower than male students. But in the online course there was no significant gender difference between students' tests scores." Good news.

As I have mentioned recently, the 'February Plant' incident caused some changes in our household. Today, I was in the storage closet to dig out a book for Neale and decided to give the damaged television a try. It works! After two months of rest it is back and an improvement to the second bedroom.

~ 02:46 PM ~

My addition to Darrien's Frig-O-Matic.

Creative Quotations

~ 11:39 AM ~

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF AMERICANS HAVE A SLEEPING PROBLEM?
67 percent of American adults have a sleeping problem, and more than one in three (37 percent) are so sleepy during the day it interferes with daily activities. Americans have reduced the average time asleep by 20 percent in the past century and have added a month to the average annual work/ commute time. Courtesy of Shagmail

During NPR's Morning Edition, there was a report that a third of Americans have reported sleep problems after 9/11/01. In the same study, women reported more problems with sleep than men after 9/11. However, I cannot track down the link to the story. If you find, please pass it along.

~ 06:31 AM ~

I would like to say thank you to everyone that reads the journal and visits our webspace regularly. I hope you enjoy the collection of links, thoughts, poems, and observations that makes up the journal. Although most of the material here is informative or intended to be amusing, I also feel it important to share significant personal news. As some of you may know, I am in a Ph.D. program and have been working on my comprehensive exams for the last 10 months. Unfortunately, I did not pass my last exam. I will keep you informed on my next move and what happens next. I have learned a considerable amount during my time in Ohio and believe I am a much better person due to the people and experiences I have encountered. Goodnight.

Monday, April 1st

~ 02:39 PM ~

I carry a black box that contains all the materials for my courses. It keeps all the papers, exams, and overheads in one convinent place. Admittedly, I do not see too many on campus. In fact, I have yet to any on CSU's campus. It may seem unusual but when I travel between campuses and do not have my own office it helps keeps things organized. Today, I got a compliment on the box and she wanted to know where I got it. Although it is April Fool's Day, I think the person was sincere.

The Spitter

~ 08:45 AM ~

Have a good day and remeber it is April Fools Day. Sorry no wacky humor or internet pranks here. However, I believe I have already spotted one.

Captions can be fun.

Sunday, March 31st

~ 11:55 PM ~

We highly recommend Murder on a Sunday Morning. Well done. Last week, it won the Oscar for Best Documentary and HBO quickly added it to their programming.

~ 04:54 PM ~

Happy Easter.

Ever wonder where you could buy a Grip Wrench or a bottle of Pro Trim?

Saturday, March 30th

~ 04:08 PM ~

Neale got some chocolate covered strawberries from Malley's and their very good. However, she is still looking for a new plant for our living room. She left for Michaels.

Neale's results:
If I was an Autobot, I'd be:

Take the Transformers personality test at android5.com!

~ 01:30 PM ~

This is just plain dark.

Neale is out trying to find a fake plant for our entainment center. A few years ago I would opposed a fake plant within 300 yards of my home but I have changed my views since the "plant incident" back in February. She is trying a silk shop in Lakewood and stopping by Malley's Easter chocolate sale. We hear the strawberries are great. She wants to take a factory tour before we leave Cleveland.

Friday, March 29th

~ 03:22 PM ~

Happy Birthday Cassie.

Today's Friday Five

1. If you could eat dinner with and "get to know" one famous person (living or dead), who would you choose?
:: Werner Heisenberg. Shoeless Joe Jackson is a close second.
2. Has the death of a famous person ever had an effect on you? Who was it and how did you feel?
:: I was very sad the day Allen Ginsberg passed. His work helped me appreciate poetry, beauty, and life.
3. If you could BE a famous person for 24 hours, who would you choose?
:: John Malkovich
4. Do people ever tell you that you look like someone famous? Who?
:: Neale stated that I looked like Ian Ziering, or Steve Sanders from 90210. However, she only said that once or twice.
5. Have you ever met anyone famous?
:: Nope.

Wednesday, March 27th

~ 10:55 PM ~

Just don't sit there, do something.

~ 07:35 PM ~

Neale's results:

take free enneagram test

I occasionally enter my name into Google.com just to see what comes up and I had no idea about this.

~ 05:53 PM ~

I loathe disgusting displays of machismo at my local gym. Why hasn't grunting and posing in front of mirror become a bad fad?

Just one Britney yet so many misspellings.

~ 03:09 PM ~

Frugal? Thrifty? Maybe just plain cheap.

Detail and pattern.

Tuesday, March 26th

~ 10:17 PM ~

So much minutia... Simpsons Personality Test. I scored as Lisa, at least I got that going for me. But, David Gilmour and I see eye to eye on a few things.

Another test? Oh, sure.

take free enneagram test

This is just not good. Could the artist at least donate some proceeds to a victims' rights group?

Ballard would be proud or at least amused.

I was able to confirm my beliefs about myself (Type 4: The Artist. The intuitive, reserved type) once again. So, since I am reserved and intuitive I know I have over stayed my welcome. Goodnight.

~ 03:32 PM ~

I added a mouseover code to the main and intro pages. Let me know what you think.

They said what?

~ 02:19 PM ~

If I was an Autobot, I'd be:

Take the Transformers personality test at android5.com!

The harsh weather may have affected my vehicle. I had another exhaust problem yesterday but it was quickly solved.

There is a growing digital divide at home and abroad. Despite a growth in electronic commerce in the US and Europe, Cuba and Sierra Leone have different answers and continuing problems.

Sunday, March 24th

~ 12:25 PM ~

Just seven days until Opening Day. The Mets play today at 1 on FXNY.

"Big Trouble in Little China" is on and there is more to this movie than I originally thought.

Saturday, March 23rd

~ 01:55 PM ~

We saw E.T. tonight. Neale thanked me for indulging her sentimental desire to see this film again. I hadn't seen it since the original release and seeing it again sparked a few questions, such as: is this the film (besides, "Close Encounters") that helped make aliens our friends (instead of 50's villains)? are E.T. and Elliot subtle Christ figures? is this film critiquing the divorced family? In all, well worth the second viewing. I prefer Peter Coyote in Heart of Midnight over his role in E.T.

I used fandango for the tickets and it worked great.

Thursday, March 21st

~ 10:22 PM ~

What is on Spamradio?

Watching: Kent State v. Pitt.

Courtesy of BrainVista:
At the party there were 19 females, 12 males, 14 adults and 17 children. Then I arrived and the number of different man-woman couples possible became equal to the number of boy-girl couples possible.

Who am I - a man, a woman, a boy or a girl?

Note that if there were 9 boys and 8 girls at the party, then there would have been 72 (9x8) boy-girl couples possible.

Have an idea? Curious? Then check out BrainVista.

Wednesday, March 20th

~ 10:21 PM ~

Lord be with me.

~ 08:02 AM ~

Which HTML tag are you?

I am the HREF tag- I need someone to lean on and take care of me. I can be shy but I shine in difficult situations.

Tuesday, March 19th

~ 01:52 PM ~

Googlewhacking: Search for the One.

"If we did all the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."--- Thomas Edison

Monday, March 18th

~ 12:52 PM ~

Arrghh, spring break is over and back to the usual daily routine. The first lecture back is always a bit tough. I need a day or two to get my rhythm back. But, today was the first half of gender and it went well. Just somewhat tired.

The Mets are playing the Marlins again this afternoon. Just 13 days until Opening Day.

Penne provencal sounds good but not as good as the potato garlic leek soup Neale and I made last night.

If your curious....
Ingredients
2 whole leeks, cleaned, and chopped
1 medium onion
3 cups of stock
3 medium baking potatos
2 heads of garlic
Thyme, savory, salt, and pepper to taste
Equal parts of cream and milk
Olive oil

Directions
1. Sautee onions, garlic, and leeks until soft.
2. Add stock, spices, and potatos. Cook at a simmer until potatos are soft.
3. Puree soup until creamy in a blender or food processor.
4. Add milk and cream. Heat through but do not boil.

Saturday, March 16th

~ 12:37 PM ~

I am making vegetable soup. I really should make my own stock though. I use Maggi Vegetarian Vegetable bouillon since Giant Eagle stopped carrying Knox's veg bouillon.

If your curious....
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Arrowhead Mills barley
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
12 cups water
6 cubes Maggi vegetable bouillon
1 tablespoon garlic
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1 In large stock pot, simmer barley, bay leaf, and vegetable stock at least an hour. Then discard bay leaf.
2 Add oil to large stock pot over medium high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and frozen mixed vegetables until tender. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10-20 minutes. Season with salt and additional pepper to taste.

Listening to: Whadya'Know? on NPR.

~ 11:47 AM ~

Oh, Spring Break is almost over. I managed to get done about 90% of what I wanted to get done. I graded papers and exams, got my application materials together, and thought about the CSU award. I received an application for the CSU LAS part-time teaching award. I fit the requirements so I am going to apply.

Neale is at work and seems to have kicked her cold.

Neale and I have found two areas where the norms of society have yet to be clearly defined. First, the self-checkout at the supermarket. There is personal space at the self-checkout. Yet, people seem to forget this. Ask yourself this: did I come to shop with this person? If the answer is no, then backup. Try about 3 feet. Next, the folks that park in front of the curbside service at the area restaurants that offer this service. Don't block these spots. Spread the word.

Let Him Stay.

Friday Five

1. What's your favorite animal?
:: A very close tie between dogs and woodchucks. However, dogs are usually more sociable.
2. What pets have you had in your lifetime?
:: We had a dog in family. I also had two rabbits and a hamster.
3. Is there any specific pet that you've wanted but never had? Why?
:: We are working on welcoming a corgi to our home. However, we realized there is a bit of a start-up fee involved so we have delayed our decision. My parents are seeing their new dog tomorrow. [jealous]
4. Are you allergic to any animals?
:: Sharks? I don't know. Probably not.
5. Do you have any 'pet' pet peeves (your pets or others')?
:: I really don't like dogs that bark for no real reason. I think the owners should have trained them better.

Friday, March 15th

~ 10:00 AM ~

Neale is sick. It seems like a mild sinus infection. However, she is still keeping up with what she has to do. She is in Youngstown this morning.

WHEN DID THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY CUSTOM COME TO THE U.S.?
The custom of St. Patrick's Day came to America in 1737, which was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in the United States, in Boston. The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and his mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. Courtesy of Shagmail

I'm guessing the Today Show won't be visiting here in 2004.

When was the last you updated your sound and video drivers?

OK, terrific.

Thursday, March 14th

~ 09:37 AM ~

The new verison of High Heat is looking really good.

Wednesday, March 13th

~ 09:30 AM ~

I forgot to mention that when Neale and I were discussing british monarchs, we quickly realized that we had very little to discuss. Our placement of King Arthur was off by a few centuries. Needless to say, it wouldn't be our area of knowledge if either of us got to be the guest geek on Comedy Central's Beat the Geeks.

Learn what new words entered our language last year at the American Dialect Society. I admit I have had impeachment nostalgia but never desk rage.

Tuesday, March 12th

~ 03:52 PM ~

Last night we were watching "First Knight" and started discussing famous British monarchs.

~ 01:17 AM ~

I decided to take a look at what was in the journal about a year ago and the main problem was Mega's meltdown (also known as the eight weeks Gateway lost my trust). However, this Internet fad was also mentioned.

~ 12:52 AM ~

Current WinAmp playist: Clutch "The Elephant Riders", Jill Trynin "February", & Guster "Airport Song".

Write about drugs? The government would like to speak with you. What?

Give it a name.

Monday, March 11th

~ 07:57 AM ~

It has been six months since 9/11.

I have my last comprehensive exam this morning. Wish me luck.

Sunday, March 10th

~ 11:38 AM ~

Our weather continues to change rapidly. Friday's high was in the warm 60s but then a cold front moved through Saturday afternoon and dropped the mercury back to the 30s. Right now it is a chilly 27 degrees outside which feels like 7 due to the very high winds we have had for about 24 hours. We didn't lose power but several areas of Cleveland have no heat or light as of right now.

In better news, the Mets played the Marlins yesterday in spring training and it was broadcast on FoxSports New York. Last year, it was blackedout on DishNetwork. Hopefully, this switch to DirecTV allows for more broadcasts without having to cough up the money for MLB's Extra Innings package.

Saturday, March 9th

~ 11:57 PM ~

Test your knowledge of great film quotes.

Friday, March 8th

~ 08:13 PM ~

Friday Five

1. What makes you homesick?
:: Thoughts of Neale but I really don't travel without her.
2. Where is "home" for you? Is it where you are living now, or somewhere else (ie: Mom & Dad's house, particular state/city)?
:: Home is Cleveland right now. That will probably change in a couple of years.
3. What makes it home for you? People? Things?
:: Sharing a home with Neale.
4. Where is the furthest you've been from home, miles-wise?
:: Hawaii, which is 4558 miles (7335 km) (3960 nautical miles) away from Cleveland.
5. What are your plans for this weekend?
:: Well, I don't have to prep for my courses as it is Spring Break at CSU. But, I do have to look over some notes as Monday is my methods exam. Wish me luck. I will also be spending time with Neale.

~ 04:35 PM ~

Did you ever forget that roll of film you dropped off at the developers? Well, I did. I picked up some photos I dropped off at the end of last year today. It was the photos from our covered bridge trip last November. Good memories. I added the bridge pics to the photos section.

Is there a use for this?

~ 08:46 AM ~

WHICH WEIGHS MORE--A POUND OF FEATHERS OR A POUND OF GOLD?
A pound of feathers weights more than a pound of gold. Feathers are weighed by avoirdupois weight which has 16 ounces to the pound. Gold is weighed by troy weight which has 12 ounces to the pound. So, a pound of feathers weighs four ounces more than a pound of gold. Courtesy of Shagmail

Cruel isn't enough to say about this story.

Thursday, March 7th

~ 06:00 PM ~

I hadn't been to the Mustard Seed Market in a few months and I realized how much I missed the variety of ethnic foods. But, I still needed to go to Giant Eagle for the typical everyday items.

Neale had a hearing today. I hope it went well. She didn't get much notice on this hearing.

Spice up your documents with some new fonts.

Priceline...Star Trek...Hooker....Shatner

The Euphemism Generator can create up to 75,145,760 unique phrases!

It's not Red Red Meat but it is good and overdue.

What does ghost site mean? Or handy mean?

~ 07:08 AM ~

As I mentioned on Monday, in my free time, I am playing Deus Ex. It is not a first-person shooter (FPS) or a role-playing game (RPG). In fact, it is both and the player gets to choose how to act in various situations. I am roughly halfway through and I am very pleased with the great mix of action and storytelling in the game. However, I believe it will have low replay value as the cut scenes will unravel the complex plot of the game the first time through it.

The Vanishing Hitchhiker or the Mexican Pet? How about the new legends around 9/11? Myth maintains its power in our society.

The Rubik's Cube is online and ready to frustrate its users all over again.

Wednesday, March 6th

~ 08:32 AM ~

Rise and shine Chris!....well, it was more like "Chris my garage door won't go up." Neale parks her car in our garage. The door tends to stick during the winter but this morning the right-hand spring broke and jammed the door at about halfway. The story gets more interesting as Neale had an election this morning at 6. Luckily, the election was in the Strongsville Industrial Park, which is only about 15 mins. away. I had to get up earlier than usual on a Wednesday, which isn't too bad.

On this day in history: On March 6, 1857, in its Dred Scott decision, the Supreme Court held that Scott, a slave, could not sue for his freedom in a federal court. Decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott Case: The Ordinance of 1787 and the Missouri Compromise Declared Unconstitutional. Courtesy of the NY Times. Sign up for free and read the Times Online.

More blogs...

Not a happy webmaster. Too bad, his web design was really cool.

Someone has an answer to a very popular question.

Tuesday, March 5th

~ 04:32 PM ~

Tweakers Asylum is the self-proclaimed "Home of the Hardcore" and it has some great information of Nvidia's Detonator drivers.

Dreams of wind? Dreams of a woods? What does it all mean.

~ 06:38 AM ~

We got our Indian v. Mets tickets in the mail yesterday. In the news this morining, the local news is still angry about the Alomar trade. Former Mets Escobar and Riggan have failed to impress anyone in Spring Training. Plus, Esco injured his knee yesterday and may be seriously hurt. Alomar and the Mets play the Indians today in Winterhaven.

It is almost spring break at CSU. My MWF class is getting a steady dose of stratification and my TR class has their second exam on Thursday. It has been a good semester.

Cor blimey, I taste like Tea. I am a subtle flavour, quiet and polite, gentle, almost ambient. My presence in crowds will often go unnoticed. Best not to spill me on your clothes though, I can leave a nasty stain. What Flavour Are You?

Monday, March 4th

~ 09:15 AM ~

A nice reminder that it is still winter morning. It is presently 6 degrees outside. Burr.

WHO IS NOLAN BUSHNELL?
Nolan Bushnell qualifies for the title of "Father of Arcade Video Games". He built an arcade game (Computer Space) in 1969 which used a raster-scan TV monitor display. The game was not a success. Bushnell left Nutting Associates to found Atari, which then produced Pong, the first truly successful commercial arcade video game. He was the first to take a license under Ralph Baer's patents in the 70's. Nolan Bushnell developed PONG after he played a ping-pong game on an Odyssey 1TL200 at a L.A. Magnavox dealership demo in May of 1972. Courtesy of Shagmail

Who Owns What?

In my free time, I am playing Deus Ex. It came bundled with the video card and it is excellent. Read about it here. Later this month the next addition (and hopefully, better) of High Heat will be released. Considering SSHH2K held my interest since June of 2000, I should be happy.

Saturday, March 2nd

~ 12:24 PM ~

Friday Five

1. What's your favorite vacation spot?
:: Hawaii. We went there for our honeymoon and plan to go back in three years.
2. Where do you consider to be the biggest hell-hole on earth?
:: New Orleans. Way too humid for me.
3. What would be your dream vacation?
:: A trip through Europe. We plan to see London, Paris, and Berlin.
4. If you could go on a road-trip with anyone, who would it be and why?
:: Neale
5. What are your plans for this weekend?
:: Prep for my courses, grade papers, and taking a walk with Neale. It is nice here today, should make 50 degrees this afternoon.

Friday, March 1st

~ 02:45 PM ~

HOW DID "LIFE SAVERS" MINTS ORIGINATE?
In 1912, when candy maker Clarence Crane first marketed "Crane’s Peppermint Life Savers," life preservers were just beginning to be used on ships--the kind used for tossing to a passenger who fell overboard. Crane had been a chocolate maker. Chocolates were hard to sell in summer, so he decided to try to make a mint that would boost his summertime sales. At that time most of the mints available came from Europe and they were square in shape. Crane was buying bottles of flavoring in a drug store one day when he noticed the druggist using a pill-making machine. It was operated by hand and made round, flat pills. Crane had his idea. The pill-making machines worked fine for his mints, and he was able to add the life preserver touch by punching a tiny hole in the middle. Later Crane was to sell his rights to his new candy for under $3,000. He may have regretted that decision, for "Life Savers" earned the new manufacturer many millions of dollars. The average age of a video game player is 28 years old. Courtesy of Shagmail

~ 09:34 AM ~

It has been four years for this webspace. It started as an experiment related to my research and became much more.

T O P