Freaky Frugalite

The Very Strange Story of the Wesley Ghost

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I finished my third biographical book about Susanna Wesley, mother of Reverend John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, and Charles Wesley, the brilliant hymn writer. I’m obsessive like that, I guess. When I want to know a topic of history, I cram it all in. I once read four books about Queen Victoria, one [...]

I Never Understood This Fascination with the Mona Lisa

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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The painting is FIVE HUNDRED years old. People are *still* wrapped up in the Mona Lisa. I was an art major in school. I took art history, art theory, art art art. Overwhelmingly, there was this strange fascination with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The adoring attention always baffled me. It’s a very nice painting [...]

Thank you, Josephine Cochrane

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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I had to write an article about dishwashers recently, and did a little digging into the invention. A woman named Josephine Cochran invented it, in 1886! Our dishwasher is our favorite kitchen appliance. I have never owned one before I made room for it in our kitchen renovation in 2010. We LOVE our dishwasher! Before [...]

Boredom– Killer of Innovation

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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The Old Geezer had a great blog post about boredom. He noted that in this modern world of electronics and gadgetry, some people still complain of boredom. Boredom was an infrequent condition for folks living in the “olden days,” as their lives were so filled with hard work that leisure time was scarce and precious. [...]

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s “Super Moon”!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

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I rarely if ever drive at dusk and at night (never ate my carrots as a kid), but I had to run an errand the other evening and was out later than I thought. Both my son and I noticed the beautiful moon hanging over the horizon in the darkening sky. It seemed to appear [...]

Myth or Legend? Suspending Water Without a Cup?!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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Hmmmm…. tell me if you think this is possible: You filled a cup with water and turned it upside down on a smooth surface. You quickly twisted and lifted the cup, and the water remained on the counter– suspended without any support– in the shape of the inverted cup. Is this REALLY possible?! My husband, [...]

How To Drive Your Cat Crazy – Bird Radio!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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*hee hee* How do you drive your cat crazy who is driving you crazy? Play bird calls on the computer!! Bird Radio! *rubs hands and cackles* My kitty, Livvy, has acquired THE most annoying habit– sitting in front of my computer monitor while I try to work. Grrrr!!! She may even lick the screen or [...]

Saving Money on Eyeglasses

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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Everyone is looking for ways to pinch pennies these days. Which is, incidentally, good. I think frugality makes me more resourceful and less wasteful. Eyeglasses, however, continue to be a very large expense; is this so for you? I have a frugal tip for you, even Clark Howard loves it– check out ZenniOptical for low-cost [...]

We’re All Gonna ‘Splode!!!! Yahhhhh!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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Oh have you read the latest space news, breathlessly reported by science journalists everywhere?? “Distant star Betelgeuse will UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES explode in 2012! Definitely not!!” But scientists say star could explode at any time…. Oooookkkkk…. so they are absolutely sure the star will not explode in 2012. Why? Well, because the Mayans said that [...]