Sep 21, 2012

USA Today

The Gannett media empire published USA Today for the first time on September 15, 1982. The paper was called 'The Nation’s Newspaper'. Critics called the satellite-transmitted, colorful, splashy publication, 'News McNugggets', and 'The Nation’s Comic Book', but it has withstood the test of time while many others have failed.

Several books have been written about the newspaper that is read by millions each day. USA Today has editions throughout the world and has changed the game for newspapers everywhere. Many have imitated the fast-reading format pioneered by USA Today.

Top Ten Toys of All Time

There is minimal agreement on the top toys of all time among many adults. Some are obviously biased, such as the first poll which includes Star Wars Figures. They have not been in existence long enough to even be considered by others.

Poll 1 Poll 2 Poll 3
1. Hula Hoop 1. Bike 1. G.I. Joe
2. Barbie 2. LEGO 2. Transformers
3. LEGO 3. Teddy Bear 3. LEGO
4. G.I. Joe 4. Crayons 4. Barbie
5. Mr. Potato Head 5. Slinky 5. View-Master
6. Monopoly 6. Ball 6. Bike
7. Star Wars figures 7. Etch A Sketch 7. Cabbage Patch Kids
8. Yo-Yo 8. Yo-Yo 8. Crayons
9. Slinky 9. Barbie 9. Play-doh
10. Wiffle ball, bat 10. Hula Hoop 10. Monopoly


The only 2 toys included on all three lists, in order are LEGO (introduced in 1947) and Barbie (introduced 1959).

I tend to agree with the following list according to another source, which lists the best 5 toys of all time. They are: Stick, Cardboard Box, String, Cardboard Tube, and Dirt. I would add rocks, water, and snow. All have withstood the real test of time, are played with around the world, provide for endless enjoyment and evoke magnificent flights of imagination.

Print a Book While You Wait

Here is a concept that has been bubbling for a while and might be soon at a store near you. On Demand company has signed an agreement with Kodak that could make CVS, and other retailers into instant bookstore as well.

On Demand Books said it hopes to begin wrapping its Espresso Book Machine into Kodak's retailer-based photo kiosks. The unit can print, bind, and trim a softbound book within a couple of minutes. By adding in Kodak picture kiosks, the Espresso would also be able to turn out other photo-related merchandise like photo books. No word on pricing, but this is great technology.

Sep 19, 2012

False Folding Paper Fact Debunked

The statement that "you can’t fold a piece of paper in half more than 7 times has been around for a long time." Many still believe it.

However, in 2002 a US high school student Britney Gallivan bought a large roll of toilet paper on the internet and along with her family took it to the local mall, where they toiled for seven hours and folded it into 12 folds. She also folded a piece of thin gold leaf more than 7 times with the use of tweezers.

Download vs. Upload

These words seems to confuse many people when discussing computer usage.

Download is taking something on the Web/Internet or a main company computer and putting it on your personal computer, such as programs or updates. Think of the Web/Internet as the big computer in the sky that drops stuff down to your device.

Upload is taking something on your computer and putting it on the Web/Internet or company computer, such as photos or files.

Donut Bacon Burger Breakfast

This is a great twist on an old idea. Southern Californian burger chain Slater’s 50/50 now offers a Donut Burger on its weekend breakfast menu during regular season football.

It consists of two glazed donuts which sandwich their 50/50 half bacon, half beef burger with a sunny side up egg and cheese. It comes with a side of strawberry jelly. Mmmm.

Welcome

Greetings to all my new best friends from Poland. I have seen many new people sign up recently.

Am interested in how you found my blog. Please comment below to tell me the source that sent you.

Thank you and welcome. I hope you continue to enjoy my posts.

The Butler Did It

The phrase "the butler did it" is commonly attributed to Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876-1958). Mary was a very popular writer who authored over 50 books, many of which became best-sellers. Mary (also a playwright) at one point had three plays running simultaneously on Broadway.

She also created a super-criminal called The Bat in 1920, who was cited by Bob Kane as one of his inspirations for Batman. Mary's first book The Circular Stairs was published in 1908.

In 1930, her book The Door was published and in the story the butler really did it. Although Mary Roberts Rinehart is generally credited with the origin of the expression, the words "the butler did it" do not actually appear in the book. Mary used the "butler as criminal" device in other novels as well. After that, the bit became so popular it was considered a cliche and spawned many satirical jabs.

Sep 14, 2012

Happy Friday

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

You cannot fail when you have the courage to have another successful Happy Friday!