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      Newsletter
      February 17, 2004
      Published by Steve Klusmeyer
      Distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com
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      In This Issue

      • By Steve: A Stitch in Time
      • Quotes to Remember: by Andrew Jackson and Michael
      • By Someone Else:
        • Top Ten Signs the Star of Lethal Weapon Directed The Passion of the Christ Jim Watkins
        • Bargain Airfares by Karen Rinehart
        • Flight Humor
        • The Creation of Pets
      • From the Bible: 1 Timothy 2:6
      • Useful Information: Credits, Subscribe/Unsubscribe, etc

      If you haven't read the Useful Information at the end of this newsletter or if it's been a while, please take a few minutes to check it out.

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      By Steve

      A Stitch in Time
      -by Steve Klusmeyer - 2/17/2004

      animated image of Thinking Scientist's Head - Graphic provided by Animation Factory As Advertised

      I'm not sure of the origin of "A stitch in time saves nine." But the basic premise is if you do something now, it will save you time later. That's also the idea behind many so-called time saving inventions. New ideas, especially in technology, usually result in one of two reactions. Either the idea is scoffed at and resisted or it is promoted as the answer to all the world's problems. Following are just a few examples of such thinking:

      • "Good enough for our transatlantic friends, but unworthy of the attention of practical or scientific men." (Electric Light) -British Parliament report on Thomas Edison's work, 1878

      • "That's an amazing invention, but who would ever want to use one of them?" (Telephones) -USA President Rutherford Hayes, 1876

      • "No longer tied down by housework" - "she spring cleans with electricity" - "available at the flip of a switch." -Caption from a 1928 ad featuring a fashionably dressed woman leaving to play golf in the middle of the day.

      • "People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night." (Television) -Darryl F. Zanuck, head of Twentieth Century-Fox, 1946

      • "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home." -Ken Olson, President of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

      • "640K ought to be enough for anybody." (Computer Memory) -Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, 1981

      • "The popular mind often pictures gigantic flying machines speeding across the Atlantic and carrying innumerable passengers . . . it seems safe to say that such ideas are wholly visionary." -Harvard Astronomer, William Henry Pickering, 1908

      • "Nuclear powered vacuum cleaners will probably be a reality within 10 years." -Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturer, Alex Lewyt, 1955

      • "The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will be forever shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon". -Leading British Surgeon, Sir John Erichsen, 1837

      Back in the Day

      The promise of the 20th Century was that new labor saving devices would free us from the shackles of the workplace. There would be more time to relax or just goof off. The arts, sports, and hobbies could be pursued. More time could be spent with friends and family. Many claim that just the opposite happened. When asked, most people say they do not have enough time. They are busier than ever.

      Modern inventions and new technology have helped me to be a better manager of my time. For example:

      • Back in the day, I only had time to watch three major networks and PBS. Now I can surf through almost 100 channels thanks to my local cable company. (Quantity does not equal quality!)

      • Back in the day, I was way to busy to write letters or even send a postcard. Now I can spend 2 or 3 hours reading and answering my e-mail. (At least I have new friends all over the world.)

      • Back in the day, it took forever to fix a midnight snack in a conventional oven. Now I stand in front of the microwave for two minutes waiting for the ding. (Too little time to do anything else.)

      • Back in the day, I had to depend on my mind to remember appointments, phone numbers, and even doing simple math. Now I just pull out my personal handheld. (Mind Aerobics?)

      Ok, so the advantages and promises fall a little short. We don't really have more time. We just replace one thing with another. And that has to be programmed, adjusted, installed, or cleaned regularly.

      Are you tired of looking for the next best thing? Some needs just aren't satisfied by the newest technology. Needs such as a purpose for living, love and security, contentment and peace. These needs can only be met from within. Learn more

      Lots of inventions have changed the way we live. Learn more

      Also check out timelines of famous inventions.

      Read more writings by Steve.

      Go to the link above to read previous Writings by Steve. Photos are included with many of the writings. Follow other links in this newsletter to read additional Writings by Others, Quotes to Remember, and Pictures with a Story.


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      Quotes to Remember:

      None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.
      -Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) USA Seventh President

      When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him.
      -Michael (age 14)

      Read more Quotes to Remember.


      By Someone Else:

      Top Ten Signs the Star of Lethal Weapon Directed The Passion of the Christ

      MONDAY'S COLUMN (February 16, 2004)

      image of The Passion poster - Click to visit the official web site of The Passion of The Christ Mel Gibson's 'Lethal Passion'

      I have in my right hand, direct from my home office, top ten signs the star of "Lethal Weapon" directed "The Passion of the Christ"

        10. The disciple Peter is played by Danny Glover.

        9. Donkey cart chase scene on the way to Bethany

        8. Before Christ called Peter, James, and John to be his disciples, they were smuggling illegal Chinese immigrants in their fishing boats.

        7. Tax collector Matthew is just six months from retirement when called to partner with Jesus.

        6, As Jesus invites Peter to walk out on the waves with him, he calls out,

          "On 3, what do ya say?"
          "Okay."
          "1 . . . 2 . . . "
          "Wait, wait, wait!"
          "What?"
          "Do we do it on 3? Or 1, 2, 3 then do it?"

        5. Donkey cart chase scene on the way to Jerusalem.

        4. Judas betrays Jesus for one million stolen South African Krugerrands

        3. The Roman procurator Pilate keeps muttering, "I'm too old for this dung!"

        2. Donkey cart chase through the streets of Jerusalem.

        1. Jesus survives a bloody attack.

      Okay, just kidding, about 10-2!

      Mel Gibson, who is best known as psychotic cop Martin Riggs in the bloody "Lethal Weapon" films, has turned his directing skills to producing what many are calling the most accurate (and no question bloodiest) retelling of Christ's death and resurrection.

      Gibson explains the change. "I started to investigate the roots of my faith [shortly after the first 'Lethal Weapon' opened]. I had always believed in God, that he existed, and I was brought up to believe in a certain way."

      "But in my middle years, I kind of drifted, and other things took center stage. At that point, I realized I needed something more if I was going to survive. A closer investigation of the Gospels, of the story, of the whole piece, was demanded of me."

      While Gibson, now a conservative Catholic, may have changed since "Lethal Weapon," his passion for powerful film-making has not. "I'm doing what I've always done: telling stories I think are important in the language I speak best: film. I think most great stories are hero stories. People want to reach out and grab at something higher, and vicariously live through heroism, and lift their spirit that way.

      "There is no greater hero story than this one--about the greatest love one can have, which is to lay down one's life for someone. The Passion is the biggest adventure story of all time. I think it's the biggest love-story of all time; God becoming man and men killing God--if that's not action, nothing is."

      The movies may have somewhat similar themes (action, adventure, love, betrayal, plot twists and surprise endings), but Martin Riggs and Mel Gibson are two very different men.

      In "Lethal Weapon," Riggs tells his partner, "Do you wanna hear that sometimes I think about eatin' a bullet?! Huh? Well, I do!"

      Gibson, on the other hand, reports a new love for life. "I got on my knees. I realized that His wounds could heal my wounds."

      Fortunately, the director's passion for dramatic films has not changed--even if there's no donkey cart chase scene in his latest.

      (c) 2004 James N. Watkins
      _______

      "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John 2).

      Jim Watkins
      Child of God
      Author/Speaker
      Conference director
      Threat to society

      -from SPAM of the Month Club
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      P.S. If you haven't already made plans to see "The Passion of the Christ," I would encourage you to do so. I truly believe this will be one of the most important events to happen in a long time. We have pre-purchased tickets to see it on February 28th. I'll let you know about the experience. -Steve

      Visit the Official Web Site of The Passion of The Christ

      Read more writings by Others.


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      By Someone Else:

      Another Look At Bargain Airfares

      animated image of Thinking Scientist's Head - Graphic provided by Animation Factory I pleaded with my husband, "If I fly to Ohio I promise not to buy a pair of shoes for the next six months!" My friend Sarah was turning 35 and I desperately wanted to be a surprise at her party. I found an $119 bargain fare that quickly became $134. I'd read the little line about "plus applicable fees and taxes" but was still sticker shocked when I saw the final price.

      What did these "applicable fees and taxes" pay for? The privilege of having airport security see my dirty laundry or spending $1.79 for gum at an airport store that would've cost 89 cents back in the real world?

      I proceeded to the gate and wondered what other hidden fees I'd find. "Good morning. We'll now begin boarding Bargain Flight 00 from Charlotte to Columbus. In case of a water landing, your seat cushions can be used as a flotation device. If you care for a seat cushion while traveling today, please place a quarter in the slot and firmly pull the cushion off the rack in the jetway. If you're a frequent flyer member, there'll be no extra charge for bringing your own meal on board. Nonmembers must pay a trash disposal fee of $3. To sign up for our frequent flyer program, simply complete a registration card in the noncomplimentary inflight magazine, apply postage and mail."

      Knowing there were at least a couple lakes en route, I opted for the seat cushion and boarded the plane. "Excuse me sir, is this a full flight today?"

      "How badly do you want to know?" I slipped him a buck. "Fully booked."

      I figured I'd make my bathroom run now before I had to step over a seatmate. I paid a vending machine a dollar to lower the toilet seat and a nickel per square of toilet paper. I knew I should've heeded my mother's advice to always carry tissues in my purse.

      Back in my seat, I waited for the inevitable sumo wrestler to sit next to me. The flight attendant maneuvered up isle handing out price lists.

      • Headphones: $5
      • Functioning seatbelt: $10
      • Pretzels: $1
      • Ice in your water: $2
      • Coffee stirstick: 25 cents
      • Making me stop the mid-flight shift of carts in the rear galley that mimic the sound of the tail falling off: $72
      • Human Bobbleheads at flight's end chanting, "Bye, thanks for flying, bye, thanks for flying…." $4 per head
      • Use of fold down tray that tilts slightly towards the aft cabin: $10
      • In flight magazine without crossword puzzle already completed: $3
      • In flight magazine with crossword puzzle blank: $6
      • Pillow: $2; Blanket: $ 4; Pillow/Blanket combo: $5
      • Functional plastic shade over window: $3

      As I stared at the sheet and debated the necessity of a seatbelt, the pilot announced we were clear for take off. I looked at the last item on the list:

      An empty seat next to you: Priceless.

      Copyright 2003 Karen Rinehart

      ****************************************
      If you want to learn about life in L.A. and enjoy some laughs at the same time, click on the link below to read a column by my colleague, Bruce Cameron. He is the bestselling author of, "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter". Enjoy!

      ********************************************
      Karen's book, Invisible Underwear, Bus Stop Mommies and Other Things True To Life is now being printed!!! I'll let you know when it's actually on a bookstore shelf! Updates will also be posted.
      ********************************************

      -from "The Bus Stop Mommies "
      Subscribe
      Contact listmaster, Karen Rinehart, by e-mail

      Read more writings by Others.


      By Someone Else:

      Flight Humor

      animated image of Thinking Scientist's Head - Graphic provided by Animation Factory After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken, and the pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor!

      Here are some actual logged maintenance complaints and problems as submitted by Qantas pilots and the solution recorded by maintenance engineers. (By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.)

      *******
      P = The problem logged by the pilot
      S = The solution and action taken by the engineers

      *******

      P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
      S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

      P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
      S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

      P: Something loose in cockpit.
      S: Something tightened in cockpit.

      P: Dead bugs on windshield.
      S: Live bugs on back-order.

      P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
      S: Evidence removed.

      P: DME volume unbelievably loud. (Distance Measuring equipment)
      S: DME volume set to more believable level.

      P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
      S: That's what they're there for.

      P: IFF inoperative.
      S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

      P: Suspected crack in windshield.
      S: Suspect you're right.

      P: Number 3 engine missing.
      S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

      P: Aircraft handles funny.
      S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

      P: Target radar hums.
      S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

      P: Mouse in cockpit.
      S: Cat installed.

      P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
      S: Took hammer away from midget.

      -received by e-mail from Bette Tolnai

      Visit Aunt Bette's web page featuring her new column, The SFPNN Link of the Week

      Read more writings by Others.


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      By Someone Else:

      The Creation of Pets

      animated image of Thinking Scientist's Head - Graphic provided by Animation Factory Where do pets come from?

      A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to "Where do pets come from?"

      Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."

      And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."

      And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.

      And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."

      And God said, "No problem. Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

      And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them. And they were comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

      After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."

      And God said, "No problem! I will create for them a companion who will be with them forever and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."

      And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve. And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.

      And Adam and Eve learned humility. And they were greatly improved. And God was pleased. And Dog was happy.

      And Cat didn't care one way or the other.

      -Unknown

      -also received by e-mail from Bette Tolnai

      Visit Aunt Bette's web page featuring her new column, The SFPNN Link of the Week.

      Read more writings by Others.


      Life's F.A.Qs.

      Many are asking tough questions in today's world. Maybe you have been asking a few of the same ones. Learn more about answers to some of life's tough questions.


      From the Bible:

      He (Jesus) gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time.
      -1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)


      What is Blessed to Bless?

      Blessed to Bless! contains an article that I have written using simple everyday events to illustrate qualities and ideals sought after by many in the world today. Also included are writings from other sources that I have come across (usually by e-mail or a book I am reading). I try not to send everything that comes along; but I do send those that I think would be a blessing to you . . . or at least make you think for a moment and/or bring a smile to your face for just a little while.

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      Check out past issues of Blessed to Bless! in the archives.

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      Blessed to Bless! -Genesis 12:1-3
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