A Change Of Pace


Mullet Over
Oreo cookies first introduced in 1912

By James K. White | November 26, 2008

For anyone who does not have a lot to do, a person can easily test this next bit of information. The standard Oreo cookie is said to have exactly 90 notches or indentions around each wafer. That variety of delectable cookie was first introduced to the public in 1912. Snack on!

The human animal has been destructive to many other species. Two bear populations come to mind as examples. The California grizzly is featured on the state’s flag, yet the last live California grizzly was seen in 1924. The last Mexican silver grizzly was shot by ranchers in 1964.

Do you know someone who is or has been a Navy Seal? If so, you are quite fortunate. It is not well understood as to why so many claim to have been Navy Seals when in fact, they were not. However, one agency estimates that for each actual ex-Seal, there are close to 300 impostors.

A group of amateur environmentalists may have come up with a great new weapon to be used against oil spills. In November of 2007 fifty-eight thousand gallons of oil were leaked into the waters near San Francisco Bay. Large hair mats were laid upon the mess and spores from oyster mushrooms were generously sprinkled about. Hair soaked up much of the oil and the growing mushrooms digested most of the dangerous chemicals leaving only mushrooms and reusable compost behind. The process seems to be very simple and very promising.

Do you still have a wooden tennis racquet? I do, but I find that I can double fault much more efficiently using the newer more elastic racquet materials. The wooden tennis racquet was last used in the famous Wimbledon tournament in 1987.

The Packard Automobile Company ceased making vehicles on August 19, 1958.

It was in 1945 that the last of the larger (greater than $100) denomination bills were legally printed in the United States. All of the larger bills were officially withdrawn from circulation in 1969. However, it is deemed possible by some local sages that the $500 bill may have to be re-issued in order for us to have currency worth $100.

In 1903 Topsy the elephant went wild and killed her trainer. Some say that the trainer had needlessly and cruelly incited Topsy by sticking a lit cigarette into her sensitive trunk. However, it was determined that Topsy should be executed and none other than Thomas Edison agreed to oversee the deed. Supposedly, Edison wanted to demonstrate how dangerous the alternating current advocated by his rival Tesla could be to animal life.

Whatever the reasons, Topsy was electrocuted and Edison filmed the incident. You can likely go to the Internet and observe the 1903 episode should you choose to do so. I do not.

The last U.S. president not born in the United States was William Henry Harrison. He was born in Virginia in 1773. The United States did not exist in 1773.

Well, good luck with your Oreo investigations and enjoy this week.

GBA

Five Finger Prayer


1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a ‘sweet duty.’

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president no matter how you voted, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need our prayers day and night. We cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger – the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.