Morning, noon and night
Three random things I learned, or remembered, todayArchive for November, 2007
Ludwig van Beethoven
NOON
Two things I learned about Beethoven today.
There is some evidence that listening to classical music may raise the mood of depressed patients. Beethoven’s 3rd and 5th piano sonatas were the pieces used in the study.
And, there is a great website for musicians dedicated to Beethoven.
Dropped Scones
MORNING
I came across a local parish recipe collection. The women of the parish submitted recipes and the book was sold to raise funds for church roof repairs.
This little book probably dates from the late 1950’s or early 60’s.
There was a recipe for dropped scones (Scottish pancakes) from a 95 year old. I can remember her grand-daughter.
She was the only contributor whose age appeared after her name. This old lady would be over 150 years old if alive today.
DROPPED SCONES
Ingredients:
4oz self raising flour
1 and 1/2 oz castor sugar
1/2 oz butter
1 small teaspoon syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
(it is emphasized that all the teaspoons should be small)
1 egg beaten with about half a cup of milk according to the size of the egg.
Method:
Mix dry ingredients in a basin.
Melt butter and syrup in a pan and add to dry ingredients with the egg and milk.
Mix to a smooth batter, and bake in a fairly hot greased girdle. (I thought it was griddle!)
Where have the saris gone?
NIGHT
Years ago I had several colleagues who wore saris to work. They always looked so elegant and calm somehow.
Yes, saris and calmness seemed to go together.
It struck me that saris have insidiously disappeared from the workplace. Why?
Then it struck me that it might take ages to get dressed in a sari in the morning, so I found a website explaining how to don a sari. The little pleats at the waist sound challenging first thing in the morning.
Christmas snow
NOON
As well as liking arctic photography, I love snow.
Here is a snow scene to get me in the mood for the Christmas countdown.
This year’s gimmick is to do all my Christmas shopping on the (a) internet and (b) a tiny little craft shop nearby.
If I do it on the internet I have about 38 shopping nights to Christmas, allowing for postage time. And no car parking.
If I go into town, I have only about 11 shopping days to Christmas, allowing for work.
So, the internet wins.
WINTER SCENE
© Ajn | Dreamstime.com
Christmas countdown
MORNING
23 October is the day I start thinking about Christmas.
Or should.
I haven’t.
So this year Christmas will probably be shambolic.
So here’s a Christmas tree to focus my mind.
© Photographer:Elena Elisseeva | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Journey by Starlight
NIGHT
This award winning blog looks fascinating.
“Journey by Starlight” is the untold story of Albert Einstein’s imaginary journey across the universe.
“This is the story of a great journey that started with a great thought. One day in 1895 a boy looked into a mirror and wondered what the universe would look like if he could travel on a beam of light. That sixteen year old boy was Albert Einstein and that one thought started him on the road to discover his Theory of Relativity.”
Fiori di Capri
NIGHT
I ordered some perfume from “Carthusia” in Capri and it arrived today. Cologne rather than perfume. One was “Fiori di Capri” and he other “Aria di Capri.”
Why?
Well, for some time I’ve felt I had a fragrance sensitivity which made me sneeze, caused puffy eyes and a very mild wheeze. Since I’ve never been asthmatic before, it makes me wonder how a truly asthmatic patient might respond to such a perfume sensitivity.
I never wear perfume now and miss it!
Many years ago I bought some “Fiori di Capri” while on holiday on the island and quite liked it. I realise now that this fragrance and “Aria di Capri” are the two that are made to the original monks’ recipe from centuries ago. Assuming this is the case, I reckoned they might be more chemical free than modern perfumes and be less likely to cause symptoms.
So, I’m trying them out to see.
Below is a link to the Carthusia Website (in Italian).
Climate change in the arctic
NOON
“She told me how her mother had taught her to sew skins and make clothing. She told me stories of hunting and fishing, of a happy time when wolves and caribou could be seen from the hamlet.
“You could tell the weather by the smell of the wind. The fragrance of leaves and flowers meant rain from the south; the smell of sea meant rain from the north.”
She looked out of her window at the quad bikes whining down the dusty roads. “The only smell now is petrol”.
Guy Fawkes Day
MORNING
“Remember, remember, the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”
Honey prevents wound infections.
NIGHT
Earlier I mentioned how honey doesn’t spoil. You never see fungus on top of a jar of honey. It has even been found unspoiled after 2000 years.
It therefore seems reasonable to assume it has antibacterial properties and may be useful in treating wound infection.
This seems to be the case.
Below is a link to a 1 minute podcast.
Arctic scenes
NOON
Never having been there, for some reason, I love pictures of the arctic and would love to see it in real life but never will. Well, maybe I will…. Anyway here is an arctic scene which you can click on to see it full size.
ICE FLOATING IN ARCTIC SEA
© Freezingpictures | Dreamstime.com
Dot Earth
MORNING
The New York times runs a fascinating blog……..
“By 2050 or so, the world population is expected to reach nine billion, essentially adding two Chinas to the number of people alive today. Those billions will be seeking food, water and other resources on a planet where, scientists say, humans are already shaping climate and the web of life. In Dot Earth, reporter Andrew C. Revkin examines efforts to balance human affairs with the planet’s limits. Supported in part by a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, Mr. Revkin tracks relevant news from suburbia to Siberia, and conducts an interactive exploration of trends and ideas with readers and experts.”
The trouble with women……
NIGHT
DON’T get angry. But do take charge. Be nice. But not too nice. Speak up. But don’t seem like you talk too much. Never, ever dress sexy. Make sure to inspire your colleagues — unless you work in Norway, in which case, focus on delegating instead.
By LISA BELKIN
Published: November 1, 2007
The New York Times carries an article on why the default image of leadership is still male.
“The maiden” three mummified Inca children
NOON
In September, the New York Times published an article on three Inca children mummified for over 500 years by natural conditions prevailing in the mountains of Argentina. Their frozen bodies were almost completely intact and are regarded as “the best preserved bodies ever found”. They look as if they are asleep rather than dead.
It is a sad story which leaves a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, because these children did not die naturally but were healthy children sacrificed for the sake of a religious ritual.
The Harlequin ladybird
MORNING
The Harlequin Ladybird has landed!
A new ladybird has arrived in Britain. But not just any ladybird: this is the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, the most invasive ladybird on Earth.
And furthermore, it might bite you!
