Tuesday, November 29, 2011

There Are Easy Riddles, Hard Riddles And Those Difficult Brain Teasers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot]Jason Bacot
Today, thanks to those little evil writers that are always trying to mess with your mind, there are all kinds of riddles. When you first start working on them, you want to begin with the easy riddles. After you are able to come up with the answers to them rather quickly, then it is suggested that you move onto the hard riddles. Unless you ever become an expert in the activity, you might just as well stay away from the brain teasers though, because they can drive you crazy.
There are many reasons that so many people all over the world get their kicks daily working on riddles. First, it is challenging. In fact, some people say it is the most difficult thing that they have ever done in their entire lives. Second, it keeps your mind sharp. When you are forced to concentrate on something so deeply that you forget about everything else, it helps your brain to improve its capacity.
There are many people that are utterly fantastic at solving tricky riddles. They were able to get so good, because they have been practicing it for so long. In addition, they have taught themselves all the skills required to become a successful riddle solver. They also, after many years of working on it, have created their own style and techniques that help them greatly.
If you ever have a chance to speak to one of these people, you will quickly understand why they are so good at solving riddles. They always totally love what they are doing, and will talk to you for hours about why they appreciate it so much.
If you are nice to them, and are willing to sit and listen to their war stories for hours on end, they might even pass along a few helpful tips. Each and every one of them will tell you that learning how to read a riddle is an art form of its own.
You will quickly learn that if you ever hope to get good at it, you will need to read them very slowly. Next, you will need to read them over and over, before you ever try and come up with an answer. The specialist will tell you, that they try and get into the writers head, and figure out where they are attempting to lead them. They want to know that, because it will be the wrong way, and more than likely the correct path, will be totally in the opposite direction.
Make sure you start with the easy riddles. Only after you are quickly coming up with the correct answers, should you move on to the hard riddles. As for the brain teasers, well that is a completely different category all together and very few people ever get good enough to take them down all of the time. Of course, you can try them if you want to, but do not be surprised when you are failing much more than you are succeeding.
Are the [http://www.iriddles.org]Riddles you're used to solving a little too easy for you? If so, I suggest you check out our newer and harder [http://www.iriddles.org/riddles/]Riddle List online at iRiddles.org, where they are much harder.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?There-Are-Easy-Riddles,-Hard-Riddles-And-Those-Difficult-Brain-Teasers&id=6536585] There Are Easy Riddles, Hard Riddles And Those Difficult Brain Teasers

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Trying To Solve Tricky Riddles Is A Great Activity For The Elderly

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot]Jason Bacot
It is a proven medical fact that as we get older, our brains begin to slow down and not function as well as they once did. It is also a proven medical fact that if you keep your brain engaged working on difficult projects; you can maintain a high level of thinking capacity for much longer period of time. For that very reason, it is recommended that the elderly work daily on trying to solve tricky riddles.
Regardless of a person's age, when you first start trying to solve riddles, you want to begin with easy riddles. If you start with the real brain teasers, it will be almost impossible for you to come up with even one correct answer.
Most of the experts that practice this activity have developed their own techniques for solving hard riddles. While each and everyone are a little different, they do have certain principles that they utilize which are very similar.
Most great riddle solvers will tell you that the most important thing that they do when they first sit down and try to come up with an answer is to read the riddle extremely carefully. They also tend to read a riddle many times, before they even start trying to think about an answer for it.
They do this for many reasons, one of which is that they try and get into the writers head and figure out where the riddle is heading. These professionals already fully realize that the obvious response is always going to be wrong. They know that the author is trying to push you in one direction, but you really need to be heading down a much different path.
They will ask themselves many questions, such as "Why did the writer use this word, instead of that one"? Or, "What are all of the possible not so obvious alternatives that I should to consider"?
Being able to consistently come up with correct riddle answers is not easy, but it can be done. The longer you practice at it, the better you get. It is kind of like sitting down and doing a crossword puzzle for the first time. Very few, if any people ever succeed at getting all of the words correct, until they have been doing them for a while.
Solving riddles for people that are in their twilight years is a fantastic way for them to have some fun, while at the same time forcing them to use their brains in an intense fashion. Some of them will get frustrated when they first start because they cannot come up with the answers, but if they stick at it for a while, most of them will eventually get the hang of it.
If you have a friend, loved one, or an associate that needs something to do with their spare time, learning how to solve riddles is a great way to occupy it. Please remember to start with the easy ones, and then gradually work your way up to tricky riddles.
Are the [http://www.iriddles.org]Riddles you're used to solving a little too easy for you? If so, I suggest you check out our newer and harder [http://www.iriddles.org/riddles/]Riddle List online at iRiddles.org, where they are much harder.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Trying-To-Solve-Tricky-Riddles-Is-A-Great-Activity-For-The-Elderly&id=6536617] Trying To Solve Tricky Riddles Is A Great Activity For The Elderly

Friday, November 25, 2011

Solving Riddles Can Be Fun and Excruciating All At The Same Time

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot]Jason Bacot
Have you ever tried to sit down and figure something out, but could never quite come up with the correct answer? You knew that you were close, after all, it was right on the tip of your tongue, but you just could never get it out. If you can relate to that, then you should be able to fully understand what it is like trying to solve tricky riddles.
These brain teasers can have you totally baffled one minute thinking about starting to pull your hair out. Then just a few moments later, you finally come up with the answer, and you are jumping for joy with excitement. When this happens, all you can think about doing is trying some of the more harder riddles, which will twist your mind all over the place.
If you have never worked on them before, but you would like to start, it might be a good idea to begin by working on easy riddles. They are much simpler than the hard ones, but for a novice in this highly competitive field, you will find them more than challenging enough.
The key to solving them, and coming up with the right riddle answers all of the time, is slowing down. You did read that correctly, you need to slow down everything that you do. The first thing you need to slow down is your reading. To solve riddles you need to read each and every word in them extremely carefully.
Then, you need to ask yourself the following question, "Why did the writer use each word in the riddle". After all, there are more than likely many other words that they could of used in each word's place, but they chose not to. Only when you can totally understand this concept at the highest level, will you truly become a first class riddle solver.
When you first start out, more than likely you will never be able to come up with even one correct answer. This is exactly the point where most people just give up and quit. However, to the millions of people that participate in this activity each and every day, they just knew that they could not stop, and had to figure out a way to start getting the correct answers very quickly.
Solving riddles is an excellent activity for almost any age group. For children, it helps to teach them problem solving skills, and the ability to do deductive reasoning. For the elderly, it makes them think about things very deeply, and keeps their minds sharp. For the rest of us, it is just fun to do, and it never gets any better than when you come up with an answer to a really, but really difficult riddle faster than you ever have before in your life.
If you have never tried solving riddles, but enjoy other activities like this, such as doing crossword puzzles, you should really get pleasure from it. There are many websites that you can use to help perfect your skills, while having the time of your life simultaneously.
Are the [http://www.iriddles.org]Riddles you're used to solving a little too easy for you? If so, I suggest you check out our newer and harder [http://www.iriddles.org/riddles/]Riddle List online at iRiddles.org, where they are much harder.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Solving-Riddles-Can-Be-Fun-and-Excruciating-All-At-The-Same-Time&id=6536579] Solving Riddles Can Be Fun and Excruciating All At The Same Time

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Batmanning - The New Craze Sweeping The Internet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_J_Stevenson]Paul J Stevenson
The newest craze sweeping right across America, Batmanning is soon to hit the UK and other parts of the world. Photographs and videos featuring people hanging "bat-like" are the newest craze following on from planking, owling and horsemaning.
Essentially these photographic fads are a game, the aim of which is to take the best picture in the most unusual location. Planking is one of the most popular internet trends of the past few years. As with any game there are rules to be adhered to in planking. Participants must be laid down voluntarily whilst arms should be stretched out alongside the body, palms up and faces pointing down expressionless.
There are hundreds of photos out there of people acting like "planks" and though seemingly pointless are highly amusing. Kicking off in June 2011, planking's fan based facebook page now has more than 700 thousand followers. Unfortunately planking hit its height of popularity after an Australian man fell seven storeys to his death whilst trying to plank on a 5cm balcony railing outside his home. The news spread across the internet like wild fire boosting the reputation of this new game.
Following this began owling, where players are required to hunch their legs whilst perching on their chosen subject and staring like an owl. This led to the next photo mania of horsemaning, nothing taxing again like owling only this time it's a deed for two people. Basically it's a pose in which it appears like one of your heads has come off.
But none of these copy-cat crazes compare to the superiority of batmanning. This requires a person to hang from their subject using just their feet. Finally a photo meme which involves some skill and agility. Michael Keaton or Christian Bale will be so proud.
At first glance these photos could look idiotic, foolish and extremely dangerous. However it is an extremely accomplished talent and makes planking look very tedious and tiresome. Batmanning is set to become an art form within itself and will prove itself as more than just a passing craze, hopefully not losing credibility as planking did when celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey posted a picture of himself as a "plank".
It's hard to tell as yet who started the ball rolling on batmanning, all that is true is that it's sweeping America at the moment and rapidly making its way to a computer screen near you.
To find out more about [http://www.batmanning.org/]Batmanning the new craze sweeping the world, visit the [http://www.batmanning.org/]Batmanning website today.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Batmanning---The-New-Craze-Sweeping-The-Internet&id=6546381] Batmanning - The New Craze Sweeping The Internet

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Boy Scout Saga: Proof You Can Survive Childhood Shenanigans

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mac_McGovern]Mac McGovern
When my brother and I joined the Boy Scouts, it was thought by everyone who knew us that this was a good thing. If only they had known how very wrong they were. We were far from innocent little boys, we went out of our way to stay out of trouble; in this endeavor, we were total failures. It was the going out of our way that caused most of the problems. We know because our family did not know a hair brush was used on the head, not on the butt. We received the back end of that brush so often, we checked ourselves daily to see if hair was growing. We finally succumbed to the fact hair would grow there someday, just not today.
All our troubles began shortly after joining the scouts. Our troop decided to hike to the cities founding father memorial and gravesite. It was a beautiful summer morning when we gathered to begin our hike; a hike of about 5 miles through woods and along the railroad tracks.
We were enthusiastic about this hike because it would be our first chance to earn a coveted scouting badge, if we are correct, it would have been for cooking or backpacking.
We do not remember much about our scout leader or other fellow scouts other than there was about six of us on the hike. Once we got started, we soon found ourselves walking along the railroad tracks. We discovered a Hobo Town of cardboard dwellings scattered all along the tracks. In the late 1950's, this was not an uncommon site. As we passed through, we saw several Hobo's down by the river. They did not appear to be too happy about us tracking through their town and I really cannot blame them. We considered it was great fun to knock down and trample the cardboard boxes. Or, it was great fun until they started to chase after us. We escaped with nothing more than our pride tarnished at being run off and continued our hike to the memorial.
Along the river, the scenery was breathtaking. Upon arriving at the memorial, a first for us, we discovered it overlooked the river and we could see for quite a distance from the bluff upon which the memorial rested. There was a small log cabin about 200 years old, the original home of our founding father, and a field stone tower erected over the remains of this great man. Actually, even then, we thought it was a meager dedication and was not well kept. The grass all around was about knee high and very dry.
We decided as good scouts to clean up around the area, you know spruce things up a bit. We set to clearing away some of the grass only to discover this was not going to be an easy task, so we decided to clear some of the area by fire. The intention was good; the execution would soon prove disastrous. We have no idea who lit the match that set off one of the biggest grass fires in the county's history, but I always suspected my brother. In reliving the events, I only know it was not I and I promise the scar on my thumb and forefinger was caused when I tried to remove my finger prints.
We did however recognize we were in deep trouble and would in all probability get blamed. We were always guilty, if not directly, then by association. In this case it was most definitely by association. It was one of those facts of life we had come to accept.
As the situation quickly turned critical, all of us began to beat the fire with our shirts in a futile attempt to put it out. As the fire spread, the heat began to fan the flames even higher and increase the speed at which the grass was being consumed. We were worried, but also knew, burning the grass would cause no major problems, posed no threat to dwellings or life, and would eventually burn itself out. What we did not count on was what happened next.
That old cabin was dry and lit off as to say "this is not going to sit well with the city fathers." and it was right. When that cabin lit up, all bets were off as to our future. Even though the property was a mess and needed to be cleansed, you would have thought we burned their houses to the ground instead of one that belonged to a guy dead for 200 years.
As the fire grew completely out of control, sirens could be heard in the distance. Sirens were something we had some experience with from prior experience. These sirens belonged not only to the police but, more important, the fire department
The Fire Department did a fantastic job putting out the fire. We looked on the bright side, fire renews. I bet a month later, the monument was a beautiful site; the cabin was gone forever.
The City Fathers were beyond ticked off, they were livid. We knew this by how far the veins stuck out on  necks; these veins were out there. They disbanded the troop; actually, they kicked us out of the Scouts. Shortly thereafter, we were place in an orphanage. We always believed we were put there because mom could not control our behavior and we needed to be in a place where we had direct supervision around the clock. As usual, we were right.
45 years later I returned to the site with my wife and mother. I do not believe my wife was sold when I told her the story of how we got kicked out of the Boy Scouts. Reality is a great sales tool. Upon the site of the cabin rests a plaque that reads, "Upon this site stood the original cabin of __________destroyed by fire in _____." Simple, effective and most important to me, there were no names listed. After reading the plaque, my mother said to my wife, "you just cannot make this stuff up."
This story actually occurred. Some of the facts may not be in the correct order of events and have been rearranged to not cause undue stress to others who were involved; names and dates have been removed to protect against litigation, and having matured over the years, my responsibility in writing this story is to protect the guilty.
No matter what you write, someone will love it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Boy-Scout-Saga:-Proof-You-Can-Survive-Childhood-Shenanigans&id=6547287] The Boy Scout Saga: Proof You Can Survive Childhood Shenanigans

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Funny Jokes, Problems While Sharing and The Best Solutions

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bhawna_K_Kapoor]Bhawna K Kapoor
Funny jokes make our life good. Life is good when we keep on laughing. Our laughter ensures another's laughter. It is very infectious kind of thing. It breaks the silence and helps everyone to express. People get closure while having fun and laughter. There is an element of sense of humor in everyone. Some people feel shy in expressing and some do not realize it. Just think for a while and ask to yourself that why do we do lots of work and efforts? The answer is to make ourselves and our families happy and satisfied. So why not to share some funny jokes to make everyone smiling. Laughter is inevitable for everybody. It keeps us healthy.
Each one of us wants to have fun and enjoyment but there are some barriers which stop us. So here I would like to share those problems with best solution.
Problem #1: You may feel that you are not capable of making others laugh. The fear of rejection is there. You think that if you crack a joke and no one laugh than you will get insulted.
Solution: Yes, you are right but it doesn't mean that you are not capable of making others laugh. The thing you should do, is practice. Take care of your body language and notes on your voice. Try to share pranks with your family first. They will not react like others. When you feel that you are able to make people laugh than go ahead. First share some funny things with less friends than start gossiping in group. It is as simple as that.
Problem #2: No one listens to me. Whenever I start sharing something, my friends get bored. Sometimes they laugh on me.
Solution: You feel that people are not interested in listening you. Sometimes we do not know what to share with whom. Your selection of right audience matters a lot. People are not interested in listening you because you do not share what they want to listen. For example, You can not share adult jokes at home and religious jokes at college. So please think about people's interest and present yourself in that way. Try to match your skills with their interest and you will gain their trust.
Problem #3: Whenever I try to share fun material, I feel that lines might have been shared by someone else. So it stops me.
Solution: Yes, People don't like repeated pranks but always remember there is way to share the things. You often see your favorite movie again and again, why? It is simply because you like the way stars have acted. It really matters how you express. Many people share repeated funny stuff but that result laughter. So be confident, go ahead and spread fun wherever you go. Try to grab fresh one liner jokes from different sources.
This is how you can be the best and people will love you for that. [http://shortjokes4u.blogspot.com]Funny Jokes and [http://www.knockknockjokes4u.com/]Knock Knock Jokes - Your real destination of humor world.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Funny-Jokes,-Problems-While-Sharing-and-The-Best-Solutions&id=6360159] Funny Jokes, Problems While Sharing and The Best Solutions

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Reasons Why Laughter Is the Best Medicine

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Waz_Zaman]Waz Zaman
You must have heard since your childhood that "Laughter is the best medicine". But in the modern competitive world, man people hardly care about the saying and believe that laughter has no major role in their health. But such people do not realize that they are making a grave mistake until simple moments of life make them realize the same. Laughter has got a major role in maintaining good health including a healthy mind. Many believe that laughter only acts as a temporary source of happiness. But laughter not only provides us with a source of happiness but also keeps away many diseases. There are many diseases and adverse conditions such as stress, fatigue etc. where laughter works better than any actual medicine. Here are a few points to show how laughter is the best medicine:
1. A recent study by cardiologists proved that a person who has a habit of laughing frequently has a lesser chance of facing a heart attack. Laughter might not be directly related to prevention of heart attack but it reduces mental stress. And mental stress results in impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This in turn results in a series of reactions that result in building of fat and cholesterol in the arteries leading to heart attack. So, laughter indirectly also prevents heart attack.
2. Laughter decreases the chances of a stroke. This is because of the blood vessel expansion during laughing keeps away the possibility of stroke.
3. Laughing is believed to be a good cardio workout which increases flow of blood by about 22%. Watching a comedy movie resulting in a good dose of laughter is believed to give body the same effect provided during a 15-30 minutes workout.
4. The respiratory system acquires more air during laughter which is good for the body. This is due to the expansion of respiratory valves during laughter. It also helps our respiratory tract clean. Thus, laughter is a very good medicine for our breathing mechanism.
5. It is proved that laughing helps to control sugar level in the blood. So, if you have diabetes then try to enjoy life and laugh everyday. Because only medicines cannot control these sugar levels at times. Laughter and happiness have also been proven to helpful for diabetes patients.
6. It is believed that a stress free body will have less diseases. Laughing helps to create a stress free mind. It is said that there is no tension during laughter. And a relieved and stress free body results in a healthy body more often than not. So, it is not easy for diseases to affect a person who is happy and laughs everyday. So, laughter tends to be a cost free medicine for all kinds of ailments.
7. Laughter has no side effects for sure whereas all modern-day medicines have got some side effects. So, we can laugh without worrying about any harm caused to us. Laughter can never harm us but only help us all the time.
8. Laughter is also proven to enhance the facial beauty of a person. Laughter results in movements of the lips and the facial muscles. It has been observed that people who have a good sense of humor and who laugh everyday also have a beautiful face. Due to the amount of facial exercise in laughter there is good amount of blood circulation in the face resulting in a glowing face.
A happy mind leads to a happy body and soul. And there are hardly many things that can result in more happiness than a genuine dose of laughter. So, try to be happy and laugh every day of your life. It will release all the pressure and make this world a lot better place to live in for you as well as for others.
The author is a webmaster who loves fun and funny websites. He also owns ohmagif.com where he updated [http://ohmagif.com/]animated gif including but not limited to [http://ohmagif.com/]funny gif.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Reasons-Why-Laughter-Is-the-Best-Medicine&id=6557328] Reasons Why Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Funny Jokes

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tosin_Abdulazeez]Tosin Abdulazeez
Sometimes it is good to have a bank load full of jokes to keep you relieve and reduce tension.
Firstly, On a ship, an American man, an English man, and a Nigerian were sailing.
Suddenly the Devil appeared and said, "Drop something in the sea, if I find it I will eat you, If I can't, then I will be your slave!" The American dropped a diamond, the Devil found it and ate him.
The English man dropped a small platinum piece, the Devil found it and ate him too.
Now its the Nigeria's turn. The Nigerian opened a bottle of water and poured it in the sea and said:
"Na today???, find am nah!!!"
Secondly, three Contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House,
one from India, one from Chinese, the third a Nigerian. They went to White House official to examine the fence.
The Indian takes out a tape and does some measuring, works some figures, he said, the job will cost $900 (material $400, labour $400 & $100 profit). The Chinese does the same & said I can do it for $700 (material $300, labour $300 and $100 profit). The Nigerian doesn't measure or figure, but whispers, $2700 to the official.
The White House official say, you didn't even do any measurement, how did you come up with such a high figure? The Nigerian replied $1000 for me, $1000 for you & $700 to hire the Chinese to do the job. DEAL or NO DEAL? White man smiles, it's a DEAL
Thirdly, as we begin this new year 2011; remember.Time waits for no one. In view of this, i made these prayers for you, As u begin this second quarter, may all your dreams and forecast for this year becomes "DIVINELY" achievable, Every enemy dancing "YAHOOZEE" in your life will begin to "KOLOMENTAL", they will "JASI KANGA" and shout "WHY ME O", because "GONGO ASO" and u will sing "MOBOLOWON" at the end the day.
Forthly,Hello," Na wa for you self, you sabi waka ooooooo. I hear say U and Grace comot for morning and
you came back with Joy. you spent your night with Peace and woke up with Blessing discussing about the Favour waiting for you at the office, while Happiness and Prosperity are waiting for you in the car. Make you carry go cos na so dem go follow U thru out this year. GOD has Blessed U and it cannot be Reversed". Have a lovely day!! Your Dreams will not die, Your Plans will not Fail, Your Destiny will not be Aborted, the Desires of your Heart will be Granted. Say a Big AMEN. Money will know your name and address from now on.(.A BIG AMEN..).
Thus,You cannot tailor make the situations in life, but you can tailor make the attitudes to fit those situations before they arise. Moreso, Always know that challenges do not come to stay but they come to pass.
Finally, these mathematical calculations are sometimes true.
1. Smart Man + Smart Woman = Romance
2. Smart Man + Dumb Woman = Pregnancy
3. Dumb Man + Smart Woman = Affair
4. Dumb Man + Dumb Woman = Marriage
5. Smart Boss + Smart Employee = Profits
6. Smart Boss + Dumb Employee = Production
7. Dumb Boss + Smart Employee = Promotion
8. Dumb Boss + Dumb Employee = Overtime
9. A man will pay N2.00 for a N1.00 item he needs.
10. A woman will pay N1.00 for a N2.00 item that she does not need.
11. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
12. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
13. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
14. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
15. To be happy with a man, you must love him a little and understand him a lot.
16. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.
17. Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
18. Women somehow deteriorate overnight.
19. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
20. A man marries a woman expecting she won't change, but she does.
21. Married men live longer than single men, but married men are more willing to die.
22. Any married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing.
23. A woman has the last word in any argument.
24. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument
Hi, my name is Tosin. I enjoy discussing intellectual facts and ideas that serve the general populace. Thus, i cherish inspirational, emotional, intellectual discussions among other things.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Funny-Jokes&id=6550874] Funny Jokes

Sunday, November 13, 2011

In The Beginning There Were Snow Shovels

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mac_McGovern]Mac McGovern
This is the tale of two boys. We call it a tale because as boys, there is the truth, stretching of the truth, and just a little fiction to add flavor. We are brothers Bob and Jim, whose birthday is the same day, exactly one year apart.
Our story begins at an age we can barely remember, but do, because of Newton's Third Law which preceded most of our antics. In fact, most of our vivid memories are based on the aftermath of our actions always causing an equal and opposite reaction.
We have a very large family which eventually grew to ten children peppered with a wide array of uncles, and aunts. Christmas, a time of joyous celebration was eagerly awaited by us all. Even at the young age of 4 and 5, we already knew what our presents held. We figured out how to sneak a peek and it was so successful a ploy, we used for years. We will not however, disclose our secret procedure here because we are still trying to decide if we want to file for a patent.
The hardest part of knowing what we got for Christmas was having to act surprised when we opened our presents. Yes, we were that good; nobody suspected the genius and mischief behind those innocent eyes. Today, and due to popular belief, or disbelief, within the family, we vehemently defend our genius.
This Christmas, we were old enough to get snow shovels, parents are not always as incompetent as we like to believe, why not shovels? Living in the cold, snowy north, we got a lot of snow, and this year was no exception. Looking back on those snow shovels, we figure we really got the worst of the deal because if we shoveled the snow, under the guise of fun, the adults could sit back and laugh at the two young idiots doing all their shoveling.
A scam that would not be forgotten by us and one that would carry over to future generations.
Shoveling snow however, turned out to be a short-lived adventure. We were, from the beginning very competitive. At this young age you would have thought we would simply throw a few shovels of snow, get bored and quit.
Not us, we divided the sidewalk in half. As the oldest, I got the biggest half. At 5 years, neither of us knew, especially Jim, what a bigger half was, but as a visionary, I had a pretty good Idea.
It was cold, but it was not snowing. If we remember correctly, and we do, since there is no one to dispute our recollection, there was about 4" of snow on the sidewalk.
We received several gifts besides those snow shovels, but neither of us can remember any of them. We probably would not even remember those silly little shovels if it had not been for little brother's violation of our terms of agreement pertaining to what was his and what was my half of the sidewalk.
Granted, if was both a verbal and visual agreement, but an agreement none the less. In our early years, I was the meticulous brother; Jim was the one who charged full boat into just about anything he did. We would experience a shift in this behavior, as we grew older. Anyway, we got all bundled up in our coats, boots, scarves, and hats; then headed out to try out our new snow shovels.
After careful measuring and equal division of the sidewalk area by me, we began to shovel the walk. Remember, Jim was the hurry up and get it done boy, and boy, did he get it done. He finished his half of the sidewalk before I finished about a third of mine. Jim's side was haphazardly shoveled with splotches of snow everywhere; mine was scrapped clean and shoveled the way a sidewalk should be shoveled.
Now, here is where Jim made his first major mistake in his relationship with me.
Up to now everything was shared equally. There were no disputes either of us can recall occurring prior to this cold winter night. However, now that we think about it, we were very young and since no memory shaking event happened up to this fateful night, we are confident we did not quarrel or fight, but lived in harmony.
When Jim decided to help me shovel my side of the sidewalk, our first ever memory shaking event materialized. It was over fifty-five years ago yet, it was as if it happened yesterday.
As Jim began to shovel on my side, I became furious he violated my sanctuary and was shoveling my side in the same haphazard fashion he had done on his own side, not that it would have made a difference if he had been respectful and meticulous. Without thinking, because if I had thought, I would not have reacted as I did, raising the shovel above my head, I let Jim have a whack on the top of his head. To this day, I swear I never intended to hurt Jim, but only to scare him into returning to his half of the sidewalk. Remembering, for every action, although unknown to me until this night, there is always an equal and opposite reaction, fate was set in motion.
The action of hitting Jim on the head was immediate. Initially, came the blood curdling scream, in this case it was not faked, then came the blood, it was a lot of blood. I thought it was funny and deserved...at first, and have no recollection of Jim disappearing into the house. He moved that quick, only his bloodied body being thrown into the car and raced to the hospital alerted me that Jim was not hurt as bad as I was going to be.
Now, we said we had a lot of family. Unfortunately for me, Jim got the sympathy and I got the wrath of all the relatives producing an equal, or should we say unequal reaction, which turned out in my case to be prophetic, and excessive in relationship to the few stitches Jim received.
When Jim got back, he thought it was funny that I got a licking and had no clue how lucky he was the shovels had been taken away. Jim survived and would develop a trusting, one-sided relationship with me, one-sided because I was always the giver and Jim was always the receiver.
This was the first of many scars Jim would receive throughout his developmental childhood which he attributes to me. On the other hand, I received none. He did, as his actions came to dictate, come to hate Sir Isaac Newton and his law, "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." At least, as it pertained to me.
No matter what you write, someone will love it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?In-The-Beginning-There-Were-Snow-Shovels&id=6564135] In The Beginning There Were Snow Shovels

Friday, November 11, 2011

The Tingler Incident: A Boy's First Movie Adventure

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mac_McGovern]Mac McGovern
I guess I was about 9 when "The Tingler" was showing on the big screen in my hometown. I have an aunt about six years older. She decided to take me to see this movie. Why she thought this was a good idea is beyond me. I had never been to a movie theatre or seen a scary movie and had no idea what to expect or how to act. I guess this was just another one of those learn as you go experiences.
Two things happened, I did learn and I did go.
At the time "The Tingler" was made, there were not a whole lot of special effects so to make things more interesting, the managers of theaters had to be creative to make these low-budget movies scarier and attract more customers. I do not believe I was their target audience, quite the opposite, I believe my aunt, a teenager of about 15 at the time thought of me as her target to scare the daylights out of, and give her something to laugh about with her friends.
She was the aunt that had such a significant impact on my life as a babysitter. The one who punished us for misbehaving by making us stand with our nose in the corner as punishment. The only accomplishment of this punishment was to establish our growth rate by measuring the height of where the paint was worn away in the crack of the corner of the wall. I spent so much time with my nose in the corner I had to start wearing glasses when I was 8 years old.
Being so young, I was not expected to know better and looked forward to experiencing my first movie, but with this aunt's track record, I should have known better.
My aunt was not a malicious person, only inexperienced in learning my ways, and I do not believe she intended to cause me irreparable harm by simply taking me to a movie. Quite the contrary, today, scary movies are my favorite.
We arrived at the theater and took our seats on the end of the aisle. Or should I say, I took the aisle seat at my aunt's insistence. I should have suspected something was not right, but being the trusting soul that I am, I did not give it a second thought...at least that is until "The Tingler" appeared for the first time.
For you who have no clue what "The Tingler" was and to demonstrate the imaginative genius of film producers in the 50's, 'The Tingler' was a creature that feeds on fear, lives inside the human body and looks like a disgusting centipede. Really no imagination involved other than trying to devise a creature that was scary and believable. Did I say believable? I meant credible. The early movie creatures had to have a gimmick to make them seem real and a story line that movie goers could understand. This movie did not meet the basic qualification of a scary movie other than it was not meant for an impressionable 9-year old to see. I probably could have been alright with the movie if I had known what to expect. Of course, for my aunt to tell me what to expect would have ruined all her fun.
The movie was full of eerie music that built to a crescendo just as "The Tingler" appeared. At the same time, a totally unexpected event happened. My seat began to vibrate and move back and forth. The mind of a 9-year old already frightened by the music and "The Tingler," itself had reached its limit when the seat was set in motion. The theater management thought rigging the aisle seats to move at a specific time in the movie would heighten the effect of "The Tingler." They exceeded their greatest expectation when this little 9 year old jumped up and yelled as loud as he could, "I am out of here," and on that note, disrupted the entire theater trying to escape as fast as possible. There was just no way "The Tingler" was going to get this kid.
I was well on my way to escaping the theater when my aunt finally caught up to me. I think she was a little embarrassed and mad, because my reaction was not what she expected. As a stark raving lunatic, I was more believable than the actors and even "The Tingler" on the screen. You might say I succeeded where the movie failed. Yep, to this day, I think I stole the show and was the real star. My aunt would never recover and would eventually escape her embarrassment by joining the Air Force.
I would get to the point where I love horror movies and to this day, the only thing I look forward to is having her take me to another movie. I guess I will keep looking.
No matter what you write, someone will love it.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Tingler-Incident:-A-Boys-First-Movie-Adventure&id=6564226] The Tingler Incident: A Boy's First Movie Adventure

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Rise of the Comedy Podcast

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jarod_K_Anderson]Jarod K Anderson
Long, long ago (maybe eight months) my friend Adam introduced me to a great new way to while away the hours - the comedy podcast. Now, I find this new pastime racing up the ranks my geek hierarchy, nipping at the heels of such unassailable giants as videogames and cartoons. So, what the heck happened? I've never been much of a fan of talk radio, aside from a love/hate relationship with NPR during some long commutes. Moreover, I've really never been more than a casual fan of standup comedy. So... lately, it has struck me as kinda odd how much time I've been spending with standup comedians. And that's the feeling. The podcasts that really draw me in feel more like having intimate talks with friends than hearing a performance. What I'm learning seems to be that some of the most irreverent people in show business can also be the most sincere, the most vulnerable, the most genuine. All of which, is a refreshing change of pace for the entertainment industry.
Oh, also they're hilarious.
For me, it all started with Never Not Funny, the Jimmy Pardo podcast. That was my gateway podcast. I listened to a few episodes with Adam, then I bought a few individual episodes, and before I knew it I was buying up back seasons. Now, I've listened to hundreds of episodes and every Monday morning I'm excited for new content. Never Not Funny is engaging on a lot of levels. Again, it's hilarious, but it's more than that. The show often veers toward the personal, especially towards the self-identified faults and insecurities of the host. What I'm learning is that some- maybe most -of the best comedy is born from a variety of personal issues. (Ok... maybe I already had some inkling of that.) There is some real artistry to finding the funny in all of this sincere introspection, but Jimmy Pardo and Matt Belknap (the producer and co-host) are real masters of coaxing the humor out of any topic. Plus, they're just good company.
Some of my other favorites these days are WTF with Marc Maron, Paul F. Tompkins' Pod F. Tomkast, and Walking the Room with Dave Anthony and Greg Behrendt. WTF is a little more introspective than silly. The Pod F. Tomkast is more silly than introspective. And Walking the Room... is often a little more manic than anything else.
Ah well, I guess I'm doomed to add comedy nerd to my other nerd credentials. Don't worry other nerd-loves; there's room in my heart for one more. On a related note, comedy podcasts and videogames are two great things that go great together. Try it. You'll see. http://www.maybetoometal.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rise-of-the-Comedy-Podcast&id=6561349] The Rise of the Comedy Podcast

Monday, November 7, 2011

Humor: Top 10 Things I Want Most

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tyra_LaRocca]Tyra LaRocca
This is an exciting topic. I generally like to think of myself as an idea person, so I choose to address this in terms of things I want most that do not currently exist. Think outside the box, so to speak. Others have called me a dreamer, or a round peg in a square hole, or just shake their heads. That's OK, being different is my mantra.
Here are the Top 10 things I want most (off the top of my head):
1. One of those microwave-type magic meal makers, like in the Jetson's.
It would make life so much easier to walk over to it and say, "Lobster Newburg for 3" and have it pop out in a flash. And then, Creme Brulee for dessert. Not to mention, our menu would then have more than the present 7 choices.
2. A retractable roof above my bathroom and bedroom.
Like my very own superdome. A 'homedome'. Now, on starry summer evenings I can watch for shooting stars to wish upon from the comfort of my own bed. Or from my bathtub, complete with candles, music, a glass of fine wine, and maybe my own special McDreamy.
3. A device that allows me to flawlessly speak and understand any language known to man at the press of a button.
It would be such fun to wander aimlessly around the world and fit in like a native. It would also be interesting to eavesdrop on conversations others feel sure you don't follow-just because.
4. Chocolate that won't melt, until I want it to.
Beyond the M&M, it would be the richest milk chocolate mixed with my favorite flavors which I could take with me anywhere, even in my pocket, to enjoy at my leisure.
5. A debit card that works like my kids think it does.
They seem convinced that just because I have the card with me, it should be able to purchase anything, any time. I remember thinking the same thing as a kid, "Just write a check, Mom". If only it were true.
6. To be able to pause real life.
Ever have those moments, when you look back and wish, "If only I had said/done this?" Well, this would prevent those. Provide the extra time to formulate the perfect action or response to the situation. Or, to take a cat nap without missing anything exciting happening in your life. Or, to brush your teeth before that kiss. The possibilities are endless.
7. To dance on stage with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Or front row seats to a tennis match between John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, or between Roger Federer and, well, anyone.
I know, both of these things may have been possible- at some time. That is, of course assuming I can dance well enough to share the stage with Baryshnikov (oh well, we are talking about things that don't exist yet).
8. Kids who do their own laundry, and cooking (unless we have a Jetson-wave).
I have actually heard of such kids existing, but never personally met any.
9. Cats who learn how to use the toilet.
The one chore that everyone seems to want to hand off to someone else is cleaning the cats' litter box. I have always lived in households with cats, and love them to death because they are self-sufficient in so many areas. If they would just learn to use the toilet, I'm pretty sure they would be the perfect pet.
10. A camera that automatically takes off 10 years and 20 pounds.
You've heard how the camera adds 10, 20, even 30 pounds (depending on who you ask, and how much less they wish they weighed). Well, this miraculous camera would do just the opposite. Imagine fantastic photos all the time, looking your best, and 10. 20 or 30 pounds lighter (depending on how much less you wish you weighed). I might actually update my family portrait from the 10 year old one on the wall. Oh, to look younger and skinnier. Almost as good as feeling younger and skinnier (that would be number 11).
Well, that's my wish list for today. Tomorrow I may dream up a new one. These will be so yesterday by then.
Tyra LaRocca
Life Coach
Outside the Box Life Coach
Get outside your box and expand your life to fit your dreams!
I'd love your feedback or article suggestions at  [mailto:Tyra@outsidetheboxlifecoach.com]Tyra@outsidetheboxlifecoach.com
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Humor:-Top-10-Things-I-Want-Most&id=6564620] Humor: Top 10 Things I Want Most

Saturday, November 5, 2011

A Swimming Pool Story

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kashif_Ali]Kashif Ali
Chubby was my bosom girlfriend since the time she was a virgin. I love cats and my exquisite and loftiest adorable cat was one best creature I discerned since my birth. She loves water and would have been a fish for sure. When she lost virginity to me, we became lovers and she used to call me Hubby and my instant answer was always Chubby.
Once we broke into a house and were making love in the swimming pool, well, because she wanted to do everything in water, the irony is sky rocketed when I learnt that she wanted to have her first baby in an aquatic atmosphere. Chubby was kissing me wildly and like most men my eyes were closed and suddenly I heard her scream. A loud, earth-breaking scream and I hurriedly opened my eyes and saw her face all white with fear.
"Look at this Hubby! She hardly completed the sentence.
"Whaaa- What? I was shocked.
"This" She put that thing outside water and showed it to me. It was a soaked all wet dead body of a cat.
"Yeww! Poor creature" she was about to vomit.
"Be patient honey!" I solaced her, with a filthy feeling I took it and as I was about to throw it outside the water she ceased me by holding my hand. I was surprised and looked at her in an inquiring way.
"Hubby" Her scary voice was tender and sweet and very melodious now.
"Huh? I did not know what the hell is going on.
"Do you remember my love for water? She continued," I want everything near water, under water, above water and what best place than a swimming place is to do this?
"Do what Chubby? I exclaimed with fury now. She smiled widely and kissed on my neck. Her wet lips whispered in my ears," Tear it apart Hubby! Do it for me"
"What! Say again? I almost cried with astonishment and uncertainty as she was referring to the dead body of the cat I was still holding. That cat looked so familiar and it resembled mine and it had the same dark scar on its tail. I had emotions for it.
"Do it Love!
I did it and for my surprise the dead body was an artificial one and it contained a box. As I opened it, while Chubby was watching with a glowing smile, there was a ring, a beautiful diamond ring."
Will you marry me? She splashed the water and cried out loud.
"A proposal made in a swimming pool? I giggled and laughed hysterically.
"Do you?
"I do" I said it a thousand times. I knew she made sure that we broke into this house for perfect execution of her naughty plan.
Even the cupid smiled at us making love in the swimming pool. The swimming pool turned out to be a heaven on earth, a majestic royal land for us to build our palace of love.
Author Notes
Chubby - a sweet and very beautiful young girl
Hubby - a young man with romantic soul
Cat - Hubby's pet
Dead cat - A stuffed one, artificial toy
Thanks
K
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Swimming-Pool-Story&id=6571501] A Swimming Pool Story

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Humorous Speakers - The End Of The World Is At Hand, Maybe!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Milton_Crabapple]Milton Crabapple
Well, maybe the end is near...and maybe it ain't. Fact is, nobody really knows. Surely not me. And I don't believe anybody else does either. I don't believe we're supposed to know.
Why, ever since Bible days, folks have been declaring that the last days are at hand. Didn't the Apostle Paul believe that he was living in the last days?
Seems like every time there's a major event somewhere in the world, fanatical folks start bellowing and squawking about he end of the world. They say it's prophecy. It's in The Bible.
You just let a volcano erupt some place and start spewing fire and brimstone...or a new comet appear off in the distant sky...and see what happens. It brings out the nut cases like buzzards to a road kill. Yes sir.
Now, I don't mean to cast doubt on what The Scriptures say. Not me. No sir. Who am I to go challenging stuff that was written thousands of years ago? After all, I weren't around in those days. If I was, I don't remember it.
I just try to keep my nose clean and worry about what's going on in my own life today. I get down on m knees and pray every morning for the Good Lord to help me make it through another one. I ask for His help. And I ask Him to put me in touch with somebody I can help. I try to leave my mark, in a positive way, on everybody I come in contact with.
I try not to complain, whine, bellyache, moan, groan, or sing the blues. I do my best to maintain a positive mental attitude at all times. I try to be honest in everything I do. I try to treat folks the way I want to be treated. I don't blame other folks for my own problems or setbacks.
I try to always give more than what I'm paid for. I thank folks for a job well done. I don't look to get something for nothing. I don't mind paying a fair price for the goods and services I receive.
I try to never lie, cheat or sass old folks (unless it's absolutely necessary).
What I'm trying to say is this: We really should live each and every day as if it actually is the last one...even thought it probably ain't!
Get FREE ACCESS to more Milton Crabapple humor at   rel=nofollow [http://www.MiltonCrabapple.com]http://www.MiltonCrabapple.com. Book Milton to speak at your next banquet, convention or luncheon!
Get FREE ACCESS to more Milton Crabapple humor at [http://www.MiltonCrabapple.com]http://www.MiltonCrabapple.com. One of America's funniest humorous speakers. Book Milton to speak at your next banquet, convention or luncheon!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Humorous-Speakers---The-End-Of-The-World-Is-At-Hand,-Maybe!&id=6575941] Humorous Speakers - The End Of The World Is At Hand, Maybe!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Asking for Help Could Save You From Your Underwear

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bekki_Sayler]Bekki Sayler
Asking for help is contrary to our culture and our modern society. As a woman, I can struggle with pride and the whispering voices telling me "I must be self-sufficient". Imagine my horror as I found myself hopelessly tangled in my own underwear.
There I was standing alone in the bathroom. My dominant arm neatly bound in a cast and locked at a right angle. I had successfully completed the complicated effort of showering and I now tackled the new skill of getting dressed one-handed. I had facilitated this "season" of healing by investing in tank tops with built-in bras, since I refused to ask anyone for help fastening my traditional undergarments.
This was a brilliant solution to living without my very dominant right arm. Or so I thought.
I managed to get said tank top over my bad arm and slipped my head through the neck opening.
Honestly I don't know what went wrong.
In the blink of an eye my top had come to life and captured my only good arm- trapping me helplessly in my own "solution" to maintaining independence.
I hollered for help from my husband (who made matters worse by finding my predicament not only amusing, but irresistible as well).
In less than a minute I was freed from my own shirt and as angry as a disturbed wasps nest. My husband smiled, told me he loved me and wisely left me to relish the fruit of my efforts to maintain my self-sufficiency. Stupid me.
Lesson learned: it's best to see myself as I really am. Right now, I am temporarily disabled, yet surrounded by a family who is more than willing to help me through this time. The truth is that it takes humility to ask for and accept assistance. But considering the humiliating alternative, I will be much quicker to let others come alongside.
Life is funny. One day we walk around in full health and strength. Without warning we can find ourselves on our backs, stuck in bed, or bound by a sling. We can choose to go it alone and wind up like me- mummy wrapped and trapped by our own underwear. Or, we can recognize we are not perfect and ask for and accept help when necessary.
Learn from my mistake. Ask for help. Smile when it comes. Look for opportunities to assist others. And for Petes sake don't try to put on an athletic style shirt unless you have use of both hands! http://www.pennythoughtsfrombekki.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Asking-for-Help-Could-Save-You-From-Your-Underwear&id=6574531] Asking for Help Could Save You From Your Underwear