Saturday
Celebs Who Love Horses
Almost
every little kid dreams of someday owning a pony, but this childhood
fantasy doesn't always come to fruition. Luckily for celebrities,
they've been gifted with the financial stability and freedom to have a
pony of their own. With the Kentucky Derby
right around the corner, we think it’s a good time to take a look at which celebs love horsing around with their equine friends.
Selma Blair
Being mega pregnant doesn't stop Selma Blair from spending lots of time and energy with her beloved horse, Taffy.
Labels: Animals, Celebrities, Cool, Girls, Informative, Interesting, Models, News, sexy
# posted by Dany @ 2:50 PM
Tuesday
King of buttons
Dalton Stevens, of Bishopville, South Carolina, received his title "King of the Buttons", after he spent 15 years stitching and gluing thousands of buttons and buttons for all sorts of places and objects.
History of Buttons King began in 1983 when he was tormented by insomnia. While the TV work up to two nights, so he decided as a pass time before sleep. He found an old denim kombinizon and began to sew on buttons for him. After two years and 10 months of Dalton is still suffering from insomnia, but it was covered in 1633 kombinizon buttons. So it went ...
Read more »Labels: Cool, History, Informative
# posted by Dany @ 1:42 AM
Street children in Odessa
On the streets of Odessa is possible to meet children from different countries: Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Belarus, Prednistrove. "According to official statistics in Odessa around 3000 street children. But in reality it is only a small fraction of what it actually is, "says Tatiana Semikop, head of criminal police responsible for the children of Ukraine. No one can tell the exact number of street children living on the streets of Ukraine, but one thing is for sure - the third wave sweeping the country besprizornichestva. The first two occurred during the Civil War and World War II, but then most children have become homeless because their parents died. Most parents of today's homeless children are alive. That is why in Ukraine, a new type of street children - "social orphans".The street children find salvation from the parental aggression and violence. Together in groups, street children settle in basements, attics and sewer manholes, where they live by their own rules and laws. The price of any mistakes - life. To live - need food. To get food - need the money. Installation of such artless children receive, as soon as they hit the street. Some of them wash cars, work as porters or perform repairs. Others beg or steal. Some children end up in sexual slavery. Often the payment they receive in the form of a bottle of alcohol or another dose of drugs. Those who do not want to obey, forcing power. Adolescents living on the street, trying to brighten up their hard life with, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and glue.
What kind of offspring they leave behind? Life on the street accompanied by various diseases ranging from bronchitis and lice, finishing with tuberculosis, hepatitis and HIV. According to the organization "The Way Home, which works with street children in Odessa, two-thirds of homeless children with HIV. Homeless children are not enrolled in school not because they're stupid, but because they have nothing to wear and no money to buy books and notebooks. But more often they just do it once, as they need to earn money to survive.
Read more »Labels: Crazy, Horror, Info, Informative, Interesting
# posted by Dany @ 3:38 AM
Kizhi Pogost Single-block Masterpieces
Almost three hundred years ago the Russian inhabitants around Lake Onega decided that they needed two new churches – the old ones had burned down in a fire. It was decided that the island in the middle of the lake, Kizhi, would be the ideal place for their new place of worship. So began the construction of a pair of what have become two of the oldest exclusively wooden churches in the world. All who see them agree - they are multi-story, mutli-cupola, single-block masterpieces.
Read more »Labels: History, Informative, Interesting, Wonderful
# posted by Dany @ 2:08 AM
Monday
Bullets Can Not Only Kill
USB flash drive.
The human imagination is limitless and the evidence are gadgets and pribambasiki that are made in the form of bullets.
Most likely Photoshop, but the headphones turned interesting.
USB speakers with a backlight.
USB flash drive.
Ballpoint pen.
Stand for pens made in the form of a revolving drum.
Pencil Sharpener.
Thermos.
Icetray.
Labels: Funny, Informative, Interesting
# posted by Dany @ 8:59 AM
Wednesday
A Star Wars Chess Set From A Galaxy Far Far Away
You get chess sets, and then you get Star Wars Droid Chess Sets, like the silver and gold set as designed by Rex Abergas, a 4th year Industrial Design Student at the University of Technology of Sydney.
Being a Chess lover (although in no way a Chess Master…) and having a slight fascination with Star Wars – this is one set I absolutely have to get my hands on. I’ve played on all manner of different sets, and I’d love to give this one a go to.
Instead of the usual Black and White sides, this particular set consists of a Gold and Silver Side. Rex incorporates extraordinary detail, from the Pawns right through the Rooks and Bishops to King and Queen.
To start with the Pawns, they are Pit Droids and they look rather intimidating standing all proud and tall like that. Always eager to be on the front line.
The Destroyer droids, Droidekas, are a fine choice for Knights, in my humble opinion. Sneaky, and always aimed on completely annihilating their enemies, they fit in well with the characteristics of a Knight. Undoubtedly my favorite piece, in this set and in ordinary chess sets.
Everybody’s favourite robot, R2D2 makes his appearance as a Rook. Short and sturdy and straight to the point, just like a Rook’s mobility.
I’m sure the Trade Federation smiled approvingly on the Bishops being portrayed as Super Battle Droids! Fearless droids with limited independence, or limited movement in chess terms, but forceful nonetheless.
I had to spare a laugh when I saw the Queen as C3PO. Look, it is a shiny Sheldon from Big Bang theory! Remember the episode where they played “Guess” and Leonard remarked that Sheldon resembles C3PO. Don’t get him wrong, he is flattered; he just does not see it.
Hailing all the way from deep within the Confederacy, we have General Grievous in the position of King to rule them all. He might be a fine example of a not backing down to anyone. But Kenobi killed him after all. Kenobi would’ve made a great king…
It must be hard choosing which characters to use for a chess set, with such a big variety to choose from. Sadly, we don’t see Han Solo, Darth Vader, or even Boba here. With any luck, Rex will create 6 different sets…
Labels: Art, Cool, Creativity, Informative, Interesting
# posted by Dany @ 7:38 AM
Sunday
The 15 Greatest Board Games of All Time Beyond Monopoly
Most people find board games to be a boring pursuit, especially when compared with the vast array of multimedia entertainment available today. Board games actually have a ton to offer however, especially when you get beyond the board games that everyone is used to playing from childhood. Most board games (like Monopoly) we are familiar with rely far too heavily on luck instead of skill, and many have other marks against them as well, such as a far too long playing time or rulesets that make it clear from fairly early who is going to win. Here are fifteen of the greatest board games of all time; while they aren't all flawless we feel like they are vastly superior to traditional board games. Give one of them a shot next time your family or friends congregate and we think you will agree.
15. Say Anything
Published:2008
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6,7 or 8 players
Premise: This is your chance to tell friends and family all your deep dark secrets. Well...maybe not all your secrets. Say Anything asks you questions ranging from what's the best activity for a first date to the strangest thing you ever said to your mom. Other players then place their answers face-up in a pile and place a bet on which answer you'll pick. From the makers of Wits and Wagers but with a lighter fun feel.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6,7 or 8 players
Premise: This is your chance to tell friends and family all your deep dark secrets. Well...maybe not all your secrets. Say Anything asks you questions ranging from what's the best activity for a first date to the strangest thing you ever said to your mom. Other players then place their answers face-up in a pile and place a bet on which answer you'll pick. From the makers of Wits and Wagers but with a lighter fun feel.
14. Last Night on Earth: Zombie Game
Published:2007
Suggested Number of Players: Best with 5 players
Premise:This zombie thriller is a game for more than just zombie lovers. Last Night on Earth is essentially a survival game. Participants can play as either the "Hero" team or the "Zombie" team. The objective is for one team to complete their "scenario objective", thus defeating the opposite team. The game is designed to have a horror movie feel, and even comes with it's own soundtrack!
Suggested Number of Players: Best with 5 players
Premise:This zombie thriller is a game for more than just zombie lovers. Last Night on Earth is essentially a survival game. Participants can play as either the "Hero" team or the "Zombie" team. The objective is for one team to complete their "scenario objective", thus defeating the opposite team. The game is designed to have a horror movie feel, and even comes with it's own soundtrack!
13. Time's Up
Published:2000
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6 players
Premise: Time's up is a an especially good group game. Splitting up in teams, players will play 3 rounds. The first round, describe your clue with any words. Round two, players can only use one word to describe the clue and round 3 no words, only gestures. Answer as many as you can correctly in the allotted time and you win the round.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6 players
Premise: Time's up is a an especially good group game. Splitting up in teams, players will play 3 rounds. The first round, describe your clue with any words. Round two, players can only use one word to describe the clue and round 3 no words, only gestures. Answer as many as you can correctly in the allotted time and you win the round.
12. Dominion
Published:2008
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 3 players
Premise: Each player stars with an identical number of cards..these cards unlock your future. Your goal, to add to your land, wealth and territory by buying, selling or trading whatever you can. This game will allow you to add to your castle, buy slaves and even pick out bodies of water to add to your territory. You must claw your way past the other monarchs and be the most superior.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 3 players
Premise: Each player stars with an identical number of cards..these cards unlock your future. Your goal, to add to your land, wealth and territory by buying, selling or trading whatever you can. This game will allow you to add to your castle, buy slaves and even pick out bodies of water to add to your territory. You must claw your way past the other monarchs and be the most superior.
11. Who, What, Where
Published:2003
Suggested Number of Players:3-10, but best when played with 5-6
Premise:Who, What, Where? is a drawing board game, where other players are to guess the "who, what, and where" that the illustrator has drawn. Each player draws a card from each category and begins drawing the situation. (Johnny Cash, eating ice cream, at the bank for one oddball instance). Players will then pass their drawings, allowing the other participants to guess the who what and where! Players are awarded points for not only guessing other participants picture correctly, but when their pictures are guessed by other players. You might think initially that a lack of drawing ability might dampen the fun, but you'd be wrong.
Suggested Number of Players:3-10, but best when played with 5-6
Premise:Who, What, Where? is a drawing board game, where other players are to guess the "who, what, and where" that the illustrator has drawn. Each player draws a card from each category and begins drawing the situation. (Johnny Cash, eating ice cream, at the bank for one oddball instance). Players will then pass their drawings, allowing the other participants to guess the who what and where! Players are awarded points for not only guessing other participants picture correctly, but when their pictures are guessed by other players. You might think initially that a lack of drawing ability might dampen the fun, but you'd be wrong.
10. Go
Published: Originated in China more than 2,500 years ago
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 2 players
Premise: Any game created from the "Analects" of Confucius has to be a challenge. 2 players take turns placing stones on a 19 x 19 grid board. The players are attempting to claim territory by walling off sections of the board and surrounding each others stones. The game doesn't end until the board fills up, or, more often, when both players agree to end it, at which time whoever controls the most territory wins. A very cerebral game that will appeal to people who also enjoy chess.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 2 players
Premise: Any game created from the "Analects" of Confucius has to be a challenge. 2 players take turns placing stones on a 19 x 19 grid board. The players are attempting to claim territory by walling off sections of the board and surrounding each others stones. The game doesn't end until the board fills up, or, more often, when both players agree to end it, at which time whoever controls the most territory wins. A very cerebral game that will appeal to people who also enjoy chess.
9. Pandemic
Published:2008
Suggested Number of Players:Best with 4 Players
Premise: An interesting brand of game in that it is co-operative, Pandemic is best played with 4 players. Each player can participate as one of 5 possible specialties, a dispatcher, a medic, a scientist, a researcher or an operations expert. The goal is that through a cooperative effort, the players can discover cure to four diseases before any game-losing conditions occur!
Suggested Number of Players:Best with 4 Players
Premise: An interesting brand of game in that it is co-operative, Pandemic is best played with 4 players. Each player can participate as one of 5 possible specialties, a dispatcher, a medic, a scientist, a researcher or an operations expert. The goal is that through a cooperative effort, the players can discover cure to four diseases before any game-losing conditions occur!
8. Apples to Apples
Published:1999
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6,7 or 8 players
Premise: Taking two decks of cards, Things and Descriptions can lead to an evening of humor. Turn by turn the group pulls from the cards in their hand to match-up and best describe the thing. The key to winning this game, know the sense of humors of the people you are playing with. Also alcohol, lots and lots of alcohol.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6,7 or 8 players
Premise: Taking two decks of cards, Things and Descriptions can lead to an evening of humor. Turn by turn the group pulls from the cards in their hand to match-up and best describe the thing. The key to winning this game, know the sense of humors of the people you are playing with. Also alcohol, lots and lots of alcohol.
7. Steam
Published:2009
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 4 or 5 players
Premise: Based on the steel cities like Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago and others you can make money quickly on the railroad. Steam is an updated version of Age of Steam, adding new twists to building your tracks and adding new enhancements to your trading and shipping deadlines. This is a cut-throat evening for the wanna be railroad tycoons in your family.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 4 or 5 players
Premise: Based on the steel cities like Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago and others you can make money quickly on the railroad. Steam is an updated version of Age of Steam, adding new twists to building your tracks and adding new enhancements to your trading and shipping deadlines. This is a cut-throat evening for the wanna be railroad tycoons in your family.
6. The Settlers of Catan
Published:1995
Suggested Number of Players:3-4
Premise:The Settlers of Catan is a multi-player board game, best suited for family play, due to the fact that no players are eliminated! The goal of the game is to score 10 victory points in one's turn. Players can collect and trade resource cards. The premise of the game is building a civilization on the island of Catan, but the game offers several opportunities for participants to take the lead. This is an excellent entry into more in depth board games. Offers lot of hilarity as you get to hear people asking if anyone has any wood for sheep.
Suggested Number of Players:3-4
Premise:The Settlers of Catan is a multi-player board game, best suited for family play, due to the fact that no players are eliminated! The goal of the game is to score 10 victory points in one's turn. Players can collect and trade resource cards. The premise of the game is building a civilization on the island of Catan, but the game offers several opportunities for participants to take the lead. This is an excellent entry into more in depth board games. Offers lot of hilarity as you get to hear people asking if anyone has any wood for sheep.
5. Agricola
Published:2007
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 3 or 4 players
Premise: In Agricola, you are a farmer with a spouse and a mud shack...you have to build your life from there. Turn by turn you farm for crops, add to your family with children to help on the farm, or perform odd jobs. You can choose to build your own empire or destroy your neighbors.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 3 or 4 players
Premise: In Agricola, you are a farmer with a spouse and a mud shack...you have to build your life from there. Turn by turn you farm for crops, add to your family with children to help on the farm, or perform odd jobs. You can choose to build your own empire or destroy your neighbors.
4. Wits and Wagers
Published:2005
Suggested Number of Players:Best with 6-7, but up to 21 players
Premise:Played in seven rounds, Wits and Wagers is a numerical trivia game. One question is asked each round, and each player gives a numerical response to each trivia questions. Bets are made on the correct answer simultaneously, as well as answers being revealed at the same time. The players choose the correct answer based on the odds represented on the boards. The participant with the most chips after seven rounds wins the game. This is another one where playing a little tipsy will increase the fun factor.
Suggested Number of Players:Best with 6-7, but up to 21 players
Premise:Played in seven rounds, Wits and Wagers is a numerical trivia game. One question is asked each round, and each player gives a numerical response to each trivia questions. Bets are made on the correct answer simultaneously, as well as answers being revealed at the same time. The players choose the correct answer based on the odds represented on the boards. The participant with the most chips after seven rounds wins the game. This is another one where playing a little tipsy will increase the fun factor.
3. Ca$h 'n Gun$
Published:2005
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6 players
Premise: Your object is to be the richest gangsta. A gang of thieves is splitting up their loot in an abandon warehouse but like any split, there's never a fair solution. Fight your way to the most wealth, stealing, bribing and maybe flashing your guns. Game includes gun cards, wound and shame markers. Ca$h 'n Gun$ will help you live out all your mafia fantasies.
Suggested Number of Players: Best when played with 6 players
Premise: Your object is to be the richest gangsta. A gang of thieves is splitting up their loot in an abandon warehouse but like any split, there's never a fair solution. Fight your way to the most wealth, stealing, bribing and maybe flashing your guns. Game includes gun cards, wound and shame markers. Ca$h 'n Gun$ will help you live out all your mafia fantasies.
2. Puerto Rico
Published:2002
Suggested Number of Players:Best when played with 4 players
Premise: The main goal of this German game is to collect victory points by shipping goods to the "Old World" and constructing buildings. Puerto Rico, which is best played with 3-5 players, focuses on building your own properties up and allows each player to choose a different role (settler, builder, mayor, captain, craftsman, trader, or prospector). The game can end several different ways, when either there aren't enough colonists to replenish populations, when victory points have depleted, or when one player builds in all 12 spots in his city.
Suggested Number of Players:Best when played with 4 players
Premise: The main goal of this German game is to collect victory points by shipping goods to the "Old World" and constructing buildings. Puerto Rico, which is best played with 3-5 players, focuses on building your own properties up and allows each player to choose a different role (settler, builder, mayor, captain, craftsman, trader, or prospector). The game can end several different ways, when either there aren't enough colonists to replenish populations, when victory points have depleted, or when one player builds in all 12 spots in his city.
1. Ticket to Ride
Published:2004
Suggested Number of Players:2-5
Premise:One of the most popular new board games, Ticket to Ride is a railway-themed German style board game. Each player chooses different destination cards, thus creating their goal for the end of the game. Players attempt to connect their different destinations, collecting different cards as they go, which determine the value and longevity of each train "route". The game ends when a player exhausts all of their train pieces, although every player plays one turn afterward. The winner is determined by who has the most completed railway routes by the end. A very in depth game that is as much fun with two players as it is with the maximum of five, and although any number of these fifteen could have been our top spot we feel comfortable calling Ticket to Ride our favorite board game of all time.
Suggested Number of Players:2-5
Premise:One of the most popular new board games, Ticket to Ride is a railway-themed German style board game. Each player chooses different destination cards, thus creating their goal for the end of the game. Players attempt to connect their different destinations, collecting different cards as they go, which determine the value and longevity of each train "route". The game ends when a player exhausts all of their train pieces, although every player plays one turn afterward. The winner is determined by who has the most completed railway routes by the end. A very in depth game that is as much fun with two players as it is with the maximum of five, and although any number of these fifteen could have been our top spot we feel comfortable calling Ticket to Ride our favorite board game of all time.
Labels: Games, Informative, Interesting
# posted by Dany @ 9:17 AM
Monday
Best Remote Control Cars and Trucks
Remote control cars and trucks are one of the most favored treasures of childhood. Fortunately, just because people grow up, does not mean people have to outgrow RC vehicles. We've collected a list of the best RC products available for young and old enthusiasts. Here's our list of the 10 Best Remote Control Cars And Trucks:
DuraTrax Vendetta
The DuraTrax Vendetta ST offers young (and old) RC fans a ready to run straight from the box vehicle designed for off road racing. The Vendetta is made of easy to upgrade, quality steel materials well worth the expense. The Vendetta features track tunable oiled filled shocks, an adjustable wheelbase, adjustable suspension, a full set of ball bearings, a pre-painted yet easily customizable body, motor, battery and charger, radio, and "AA" batteries. The Vendetta is a must have for any RC collector.
Tamiya Porsche 911 GT3
The Tamiya Porshe 911 GT3 is a surefire hit among RC racers. This model car features a refined and low TT-01E chassis, with improved steering TA05 posts, shaft drive 4WD, and track ready tires. The Tamiya Porsche 911 GT3 kit requires the additional eHobbies electric starter pack, 2 channel R/C system, and Lexan R/C Paint for customized completion. An optional, highly rated Ni-MH battery pack is also a great investment in this high quality, super performing RC car certain to delight anyone behind the RC controller.
Traxxas Slash 4WD
The Traxxas Slash 4WD is a monster of an RC vehicle with innovative technologies. The Traxxas Slash features a rocker actuated, long travel inboard suspension, full ball bearings, 2mm hex hardware, oiled filled shocks, a Titan 380 motor, electronic speed control, waterproof design, thermal shutdown protection, and silicone filled differentials. An additional 6-8 cell Ni-MH is an option for the built in BEC. The combined high frequency operation and low resistance make the Traxxas Slash a great RC vehicle for young or new operators.
HPI Firestorm
HPI unleashed some of the best RC monster trucks in history and cultivated its best technology in the super powerful HPI Firestorm 10T RTR. The Firestorm features a G3.0 engine, aluminum tuned exhaust, durable 3 mm chassis, 75cc fuel tank, low center of gravity, and fantastic handling. The Firestorm is certain to live up to its name in any RC hobbyist off road adventure.
Associated Nitro TC3 Plus RTR
Associated Nitro TC3 Plus RTR is a ready to race, straight out of the box RC vehicle with refined engineering and innovative design. The Associated Nitro has a solid drivetrain, aluminum "floating" driveshaft, revamped suspension, two speed engine, specialized carbon steel rotor brakes, Kimbrough spur gears, and user friendly, easy to construct "setup gauge." An upgradable gear package allows users to tune ratios to maximize performance on the race track. The Associated Nitro is a great RC vehicle for any enthusiast.
Traxxas Revo RTR Monster Truck
The Traxxas Revo RTR Monster Truck is ready to roar, straight from the box. The truck is best described by RC aficionado's as the "pinnacle of monster truck performance." The Traxxas Revo features a 2.4Ghz radio, unique and wider chassis, great suspension, and the Optidrive Electronic Transmission Control. This truck is rated as one of the best performing RC vehicles available.
Traxxas Summit VXL 4WD RTR
The Traxxas Summit VXL is a powerful, aggressive, award winning truck created to deliver supreme performance both on and off road - straight from the box! The Traxxas Summit features multi-terrain versatility, heavy duty driveshaft, brushless, high torque horsepower, power cell battery with an second battery option to boost speed, Canyon AT tires, high rpm ball bearings, 3m speed control, waterproof electonics, and an Exocage body. The Traxxas Summit is most assuredly one of the best trucks for your buck and can outperform many RC vehicles on the market!
HPI Vorza Flux
The HPI Vorza is powered with HPI's proven design and ready to run technology. The HPI Vorza features a bulletproof drivetrain, steel spur and pinon gear shaft, front, center, and rear fluid filled differentials, great handling, ease of drivability, aluminum shocks, adjustable suspension blocks, sway bars, and fully adjustable battery box to house many options and configurations. The HPI Vorza combines the best options in speed, durability, size, aesthetics, and cost to deliver one of the best RC cars available.
Traxxas E-Maxx Brushless RTR
The Traxxas E-Maxx Brushless RTR is a great, ready to run RC truck geared with some of the finest features. The Traxxas E-Maxx is powered with a maximum output 2200kV motor, twin 7 cell Ni-MH battery packs, solid Revo driveshafts, torque control slipper clutch, oversized steel idler gear, rubber sealed bearings, cooling fan, high current connectors, 5 mm rotor shaft, speed control mount, and a 2.4GHz radio system to eliminate frequency conflicts. The Traxxas E-Maxx delivers a powerful RC vehicle for every on (and off) road adventure.
HPI Baja 5T
The HPI Baja 5T is a fantastic RC vehicle which promises an interference free radio controller, high performance, and compatibility with existing Baja 5B parts. The HPI Baja 5T is ready to run and offers nylon construction, integrated roll cage, desert buster tires, 8 mounting point chassis, rear body brace, and guards to deflect dirt and debris. The HPI Baja 5T also offers a 26cc gasoline engine certain to fuel every RC racer's dream.
Labels: Cool, Informative, Interesting, Products, Sports, Toys
# posted by Dany @ 11:15 AM
Thursday
25 Terrifying, Thoughtful and Absurd Nursery Rhymes for Children
In more repressed times, people were not always allowed to express themselves freely, for fear of persecution. Gossiping, criticizing the government or even talking about current events were often punishable by death. In order to communicate at will, clever rhymes were constructed and passed around to parody public figures and events.
The first nursery rhymes can be traced back to the fourteenth century. While the Bubonic Plaque ravaged England, peasants used a rhyme to spread the word about equality. The "Adam and Eve" rhyme made peasants realize that they were important to the economy and contributed to the Peasants Revolt of 1381. Under the guise of children's entertainment, many rhymes that were encoded with secret messages throughout history have endured the test of time and are still with us today.
Other nursery rhymes don't seem to carry a particular message at all, but convey a macabre sense of humor. They have been so ingrained in us since childhood that we hardly notice that babies are falling from trees, women are held captive or live animals are being cooked. It's only when you stop and absorb the actual words of these catchy, sing-song rhymes that the darkness and absurdity is realized. A handful do not reference historical events at all, but instead seem to convey warnings or common sense wisdom.
Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
All the King's Horses and all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
All the King's Horses and all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.
In children's books, Humpty Dumpty is portrayed as a large egg, usually dressed like a little boy. It's a sad story, as he gets busted up and nobody can fix him. However, the real story behind the rhyme dates back to the English Civil War. Humpty was a huge cannon mounted atop a high wall-like church tower. During the Siege of Colchester, The tower was hit by enemy cannon fire and Humpty suffered a great fall. There was no fixing the cannon or the tower, and the Humpty Dumpty rhyme was born.
Ring Around The Rosie
Ring around the rosy
A pocketful of posies
"Ashes, Ashes"
We all fall down!
A pocketful of posies
"Ashes, Ashes"
We all fall down!
This rhyme dates back to the Great Plague of London in 1665. The symptoms of bubonic plague included a rosy red ring-shaped rash, which inspired the first line. It was believed that the disease was carried by bad smells, so people frequently carried pockets full of fresh herbs, or "posies." The "ashes, ashes" line is believed to refer to the cremation of the bodies of those who died from the plague.
Baa Baa Blacksheep
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!
One for the master, one for the dame
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!
One for the master, one for the dame
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane
Baa Baa Black Sheep references the importance of the wool industry to the economy from the Middle Ages until the nineteenth century. The rhyme is also thought to be a political satire of the export tax imposed in Britain in 1275 under the rule of King Edward I.
For Want of a Nail
For want of a nail the shoe was lost
For want of a shoe the horse was lost
For want of a horse the rider was lost
For want of a rider the battle was lost
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail
For want of a shoe the horse was lost
For want of a horse the rider was lost
For want of a rider the battle was lost
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail
This simple rhyme is a reminder for children to think of the possible consequences of their actions. It has often been used to illustrate the chain of events that can stem from a single thoughtless action.
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Mary Mary quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row
This rhyme is a reference to Bloody Mary. The garden refers to growing cemeteries, as she filled them with Protestants. Silver bells and cockle shells were instruments of torture and the maiden was a device used to behead people.
Goosey, Goosey Gander
Goosey, goosey, gander,
Whither dost thou wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady's chamber.
Whither dost thou wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady's chamber.
There I met an old man
Who wouldn't say his prayers;
I took him by the left leg,
And threw him down the stairs
Who wouldn't say his prayers;
I took him by the left leg,
And threw him down the stairs
While Mother Goose seems like a kind, grandmotherly sort, the gander in this rhyme appears to be quite a bastard. This sixteenth century rhyme is a reminder to children to always say their prayers.
It's Raining, It's Pouring
It's raining, it's pouring
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and he bumped his head
And couldn't get up in the morning
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and he bumped his head
And couldn't get up in the morning
In this strange nursery rhyme, the man apparently was careless in going to bed and didn't wake up. We can only assume it's a message to be cautious when you're on your way to bed.
Rock-a-Bye, Baby
Rock-a-bye, baby,
In the tree top.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall,
And down will come baby,
Cradle and al
In the tree top.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall,
And down will come baby,
Cradle and al
The American roots of this odd rhyme come from a young pilgrim who saw Native American mothers hanging cradles in trees. When the wind blew, the cradles would rock and the babies in them would sleep.
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater
Peter , Peter , pumpkin-eater,
Had a wife and couldn't keep her;
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
And there he kept her very well
Had a wife and couldn't keep her;
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
And there he kept her very well
This nursery rhyme also has it's roots in America, unlike most that started in England. It was a different time back then for women, and for views on divorce, too, which is why this rhyme served to warn young girls about infidelity. Peter's wife was supposedly a harlot, and Peter's remedy for the situation was to kill her and hide her body in a giant pumpkin shell.
Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a song of sixpence a pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened the birds began to sing,
Oh wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king?
Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened the birds began to sing,
Oh wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king?
This rhyme most certainly originated long ago, before PETA existed. It was likely based on a spoof by a court jester who thought it would be hilarious to trick the king by putting live birds into a pie shell. At the time, cooked blackbirds were considered a delicacy and would have been served to the king.
The King Was in his Counting House
The king was in his counting house counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlour eating bread and honey
The maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes,
When down came a blackbird and pecked off her nose!
The queen was in the parlour eating bread and honey
The maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes,
When down came a blackbird and pecked off her nose!
This is actually a continuation of "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and refers to what common folk imagined that royalty did all day. The live birds that were put in the pie are back for revenge in this verse.
Jack and Jill
Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down,
And broke his crown;
And Jill came tumbling after.
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down,
And broke his crown;
And Jill came tumbling after.
This poem originated in France. The characters refer to King Louis XVI, Jack, and his Queen Marie Antoinette, Jill. Jack was beheaded (lost his crown) first, then Jill came tumbling after during the Reign of Terror in 1793.
London Bridge
London Bridge bridge is falling down, down
Falling down down, falling down, down
London Bridge bridge is falling down, down
My fair lady.
Falling down down, falling down, down
London Bridge bridge is falling down, down
My fair lady.
Take a key key and lock padlock her up,
Lock padlock her up, lock padlock her up,
Take a key key and lock padlock her up,
My fair lady.
Lock padlock her up, lock padlock her up,
Take a key key and lock padlock her up,
My fair lady.
This nursery rhyme refers to the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. Boleyn was accused of adultery and incest and was ultimately executed for treason.
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a spider,
That wriggled and wiggled and tiggled inside her;
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
That wriggled and wiggled and tiggled inside her;
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a bird;
How absurd to swallow a bird.
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
How absurd to swallow a bird.
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cat;
Fancy that to swallow a cat!
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
Fancy that to swallow a cat!
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady that swallowed a dog;
What a hog, to swallow a dog;
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
What a hog, to swallow a dog;
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a cow,
I don't know how she swallowed a cow;
She swallowed the cow to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
I don't know how she swallowed a cow;
She swallowed the cow to catch the dog,
She swallowed the dog to catch the cat,
She swallowed the cat to catch the bird,
She swallowed the bird to catch the spider,
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly;
I don't know why she swallowed a fly - Perhaps she'll die!
There was an old lady who swallowed a horse...
She's dead, of course!
She's dead, of course!
These absurd lyrics were written by Rose Bonne and made popular in 1953 by Burl Ives. A woman who has a relatively small problem makes it progressively worse, which ultimately leads to her death.
Old Mother Hubbard
Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor doggie a bone,
When she got there
The cupboard was bare
So the poor little doggie had none
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor doggie a bone,
When she got there
The cupboard was bare
So the poor little doggie had none
or alternatively:
Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor daughter a dress.
But when she got there
The cupboard was bare
And so was her daughter, I guess!
This rhyme is reputedly about Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey refused to facilitate a divorce from Queen Katherine of Aragon for King Henry VIII. The King wanted a divorce so that he could marry Anne Boleyn. The doggie and the bone in the rhyme refer to the divorce, the cupboard is a reference to the Catholic Church and Wolsey is Old Mother Hubbard. The divorce was later arranged by Thomas Cramner and resulted in the break with Rome and the formation of the English Protestant church.
Little Miss Muffet
Little Miss Muffet, sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider,
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider,
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Little Miss Muffet was written in the sixteenth century by Dr. Muffet, the stepfather of a small girl named Patience Muffet. Dr. Muffet was an entomologist famous for writing the first scientific catalog of British insects.
Ladybug, Ladybug Fly Away Home
Ladybug, ladybug fly away home,
Your house is on fire,
Your children will burn.
Except for the little one whose name is Ann,
Who hid away in a frying pan
Your house is on fire,
Your children will burn.
Except for the little one whose name is Ann,
Who hid away in a frying pan
Farmers have long known the beneficial qualities of ladybugs as a natural predator of destructive insects. After harvests and before the fields were burned, this rhyme would be chanted in hopes of the ladybugs surviving and coming back the following year. There is also speculation that this rhyme originated from the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Solomon Grundy
Solomon Grundy
Born on Monday
Christened on Tuesday
Married on Wednesday
Ill on Thursday
Worse on Friday
Died on Saturday
Buried on Sunday
That is the end of Solomon Grundy.
Born on Monday
Christened on Tuesday
Married on Wednesday
Ill on Thursday
Worse on Friday
Died on Saturday
Buried on Sunday
That is the end of Solomon Grundy.
This rhyme was originally collected by James Orchard Halliwell and published in 1842. Solomon Grundy is more widely known now as a D.C. Comics character.
A Wise Old Owl
A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?
The less he spoke the more he heard
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?
This rhyme does not appear to have any hidden historical references, but carries a valuable message that holds true today.
Three Blind Mice
Three blind mice. Three blind mice.
See how they run. See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life,
As three blind mice
See how they run. See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life,
As three blind mice
The vicious farmer's wife in this rhyme is believed to refer to Queen Mary I, the daughter of King Henry VIII. Mary, a staunch Catholic, was so well known for her persecution of Protestants that she was given the nickname "Bloody Mary." When three Protestant bishops were convicted of plotting against Mary, she had them burnt at the stake. However, it was mistakenly believed that she had them blinded and dismembered, as is inferred in the rhyme.
Little Bo Peep
Little Bo peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone and they'll come home,
Bringing their tails behind them.
And doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone and they'll come home,
Bringing their tails behind them.
Little Bo peep fell fast asleep
And dreamt she heard them bleating,
But when she awoke, she found it a joke,
For they were all still fleeting.
And dreamt she heard them bleating,
But when she awoke, she found it a joke,
For they were all still fleeting.
Then up she took her little crook
Determined for to find them.
She found them indeed, but it made her heart bleed,
For they left their tails behind them.
Determined for to find them.
She found them indeed, but it made her heart bleed,
For they left their tails behind them.
It happened one day, as Bo peep did stray
Into a meadow hard by,
There she espied their tails side by side
All hung on a tree to dry.
Into a meadow hard by,
There she espied their tails side by side
All hung on a tree to dry.
She heaved a sigh, and wiped her eye,
And over the hillocks went rambling,
And tried what she could,
As a shepherdess should,
To tack again each to its lambkin.
And over the hillocks went rambling,
And tried what she could,
As a shepherdess should,
To tack again each to its lambkin.
Little Bo Peep doesn't seem to refer to anyone or event in history, but is a warning about the consequences of irresponsibility.
Little Boy Blue
Little Boy Blue come blow your horn,
The sheep's in the meadow the cow's in the corn.
But where's the boy who looks after the sheep?
He's under a haystack fast asleep.
Will you wake him? No, not I - for if I do, he's sure to cry
The sheep's in the meadow the cow's in the corn.
But where's the boy who looks after the sheep?
He's under a haystack fast asleep.
Will you wake him? No, not I - for if I do, he's sure to cry
Little Boy Blue may refer to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (1475-1530). Wolsey was an arrogant and wealthy self-made man and had many enemies in England. After obtaining his degree from Oxford at the age of fifteen, he was dubbed the "Boy Bachelor." The words "come blow your horn" likely refer to his incessant bragging.
The Big Ship Sails
The big ship sails on the ally-ally-oh
The ally-ally-oh, the ally-ally-oh
Oh, the big ship sails on the ally-ally-oh
On the last day of September.
The ally-ally-oh, the ally-ally-oh
Oh, the big ship sails on the ally-ally-oh
On the last day of September.
The captain said it will never, never do
Never, never do, never, never do
The captain said it will never, never do
On the last day of September.
Never, never do, never, never do
The captain said it will never, never do
On the last day of September.
The big ship sank to the bottom of the sea
The bottom of the sea, the bottom of the sea
The big ship sank to the bottom of the sea
On the last day of September.
The bottom of the sea, the bottom of the sea
The big ship sank to the bottom of the sea
On the last day of September.
We all dip our heads in the deep blue sea
The deep blue sea, the deep blue sea
We all dip our heads in the deep blue sea
On the last day of September.
The deep blue sea, the deep blue sea
We all dip our heads in the deep blue sea
On the last day of September.
The origins of this depressing dirge are unknown. However, there is speculation that it refers to the Manchester Ship canal, which was built for ocean-going ships and opened in 1894. It is the eighth-longest ship canal in the world, and is only slightly shorter than the Panama Canal.
Who killed Cock Robin?
"Who killed Cock Robin?" "I," said the Sparrow,
"With my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin."
"Who saw him die?" "I," said the Fly,
"With my little eye, I saw him die."
"Who caught his blood?" "I," said the Fish,
"With my little dish, I caught his blood."
"Who'll make the shroud?" "I," said the Beetle,
"With my thread and needle, I'll make the shroud."
"Who'll dig his grave?" "I," said the Owl,
"With my pick and shovel, I'll dig his grave."
"Who'll be the parson?" "I," said the Rook,
"With my little book, I'll be the parson."
"Who'll be the clerk?" "I," said the Lark,
"If it's not in the dark, I'll be the clerk."
"Who'll carry the link?" "I," said the Linnet,
"I'll fetch it in a minute, I'll carry the link."
"Who'll be chief mourner?" "I," said the Dove,
"I mourn for my love, I'll be chief mourner."
"Who'll carry the coffin?" "I," said the Kite,
"If it's not through the night, I'll carry the coffin."
"Who'll bear the pall? "We," said the Wren,
"Both the cock and the hen, we'll bear the pall."
"Who'll sing a psalm?" "I," said the Thrush,
"As she sat on a bush, I'll sing a psalm."
"Who'll toll the bell?" "I," said the bull,
"Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell."
All the birds of the air fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
When they heard the bell toll for poor Cock Robin.
"With my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin."
"Who saw him die?" "I," said the Fly,
"With my little eye, I saw him die."
"Who caught his blood?" "I," said the Fish,
"With my little dish, I caught his blood."
"Who'll make the shroud?" "I," said the Beetle,
"With my thread and needle, I'll make the shroud."
"Who'll dig his grave?" "I," said the Owl,
"With my pick and shovel, I'll dig his grave."
"Who'll be the parson?" "I," said the Rook,
"With my little book, I'll be the parson."
"Who'll be the clerk?" "I," said the Lark,
"If it's not in the dark, I'll be the clerk."
"Who'll carry the link?" "I," said the Linnet,
"I'll fetch it in a minute, I'll carry the link."
"Who'll be chief mourner?" "I," said the Dove,
"I mourn for my love, I'll be chief mourner."
"Who'll carry the coffin?" "I," said the Kite,
"If it's not through the night, I'll carry the coffin."
"Who'll bear the pall? "We," said the Wren,
"Both the cock and the hen, we'll bear the pall."
"Who'll sing a psalm?" "I," said the Thrush,
"As she sat on a bush, I'll sing a psalm."
"Who'll toll the bell?" "I," said the bull,
"Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell."
All the birds of the air fell a-sighing and a-sobbing,
When they heard the bell toll for poor Cock Robin.
This English folksong is believed to reference the death of Robin Hood and reflects the respect that common folk has for him.
Pop Goes the Weasel
Half a pound of tuppenny rice,
Half a pound of treacle.
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! goes the weasel.
Up and down the City road,
In and out the Eagle,
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! goes the weasel.
Half a pound of treacle.
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! goes the weasel.
Up and down the City road,
In and out the Eagle,
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop! goes the weasel.
This Cockney rhyme dates back to the 1700s. The Cockney community developed a slang all their own because they mistrusted strangers and police. "Pop goes the weasel" was actually slang for "pawn your coat" and the Eagle refers to a pub, said to have been frequented by Charles Dickens. The pub was bought by the Salvation Army in 1883 and all drinking and music stopped.
Labels: Informative, Interesting, Story
# posted by Dany @ 4:01 AM
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