Saturday 28 January 2012

Word Count

LUCK requires 7 pen strokes

HOURS IN A DAY requires 24 pen strokes

See full list at http://www.futilitycloset.com/2011/06/25/word-count

Thursday 26 January 2012

Worzel Gummidge

“A cup o’ tea an’ a slice o’ cake”

Worzel Gummidge was definitely a relation of Catweazle – another bizarre kids programme that I loved but sadly can remember little about. I just remember the beard and the name. Worzel however is still fresh in my mind. Jon Pertwee brought the scarecrow with many heads to life with great gusto. Children John and Sue Peters befriend Worzel when they move to the countryside and the series is about their adventures along with wooden Aunt Sally who is the love of Worsel’s life. Aunt Sally however is most certainly not impressed as she is far to upper class to got out with the likes of him! I can still hear Una Stubbs who played Aunt Sally in my head when I think about the show. My favourite memories however are Worzel changing heads to suit the occassion and the robin he kept in a nest in his chest.

From http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/discussion/top-ten-childrens-programmes/330811/

Saturday 21 January 2012

Henrik Vanger on Enemies

“I’ve had many enemies over the years. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s never engage in a fight you’re sure to lose. On the other hand, never let anyone who has insulted you get away with it. Bide your time and strike back when you’re in a position of strength—even if you no longer need to strike back.”

"The enemies of my friends, are my enemies."

From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Fair Copy

A handwritten document that has been corrected and written neatly.

From http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fair_copy

Sunday 15 January 2012

Mind tricks to try and use

On Reddit, a wonderful thread where redditors detail their favorite "mind tricks."

Here's a smattering:

When I walk through large crowds of people, to avoid walking into anyone, I simply stare at my destination. I look no one in the eyes. People actually will watch your eyes and they avoid the direction you are going. If I look into people's eyes as we are walking into each other, we are sure to collide. You have to let people know where you intend to go with your eyes. It always works for me, try it! (Poo_Smudge)

See full list at http://boingboing.net/2011/12/04/mind-tricks-to-try-and-use.html

Friday 13 January 2012

Duct, duck & gaffer tape

Duct tape, or duck tape, is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure sensitive tape often sealed with polyethylene. Duct tape is commonly used in situations that require a strong, flexible, very sticky tape.

It is very similar to gaffer tape but differs in that gaffer tape was designed to be cleanly removed, while duct tape was not. It comes in matte black, and is more easily torn into thin strips for precise application.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duct_tape

Monday 9 January 2012

What is a Dress Shirt?

A proper dress shirt is a button-up shirt with a collar, long sleeves, and wrist cuffs.

It is usually made from a cotton fabric woven and dyed into various, non-obtrusive patterns and colours.

By altering these characteristics, a dress shirt can either send the message its wearer is ready for sport or ready to meet the president.

From http://artofmanliness.com/2009/04/12/understanding-the-dress-shirt-custom-shirt-giveaway/

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Tall Words

In 1973 Darryl Francis sought “tall” words made up entirely of letters that ascend above the mean line or descend below it.

He discovered if, hip, glib, lipid, ...

See full list at http://www.futilitycloset.com/2011/12/13/attenuated-language/