Random Learnings #47
Czechoslovakia first came into existence at the conclusion of World War I and the collapse of the Austria-Hungarian Empire. The new country immediately needed to create a working government, establish…
Tipping Sleight of Hand
I can't you how many times I've seen this: your check arrives with suggested tips - for your convenience, of course! The recommended tip is based on a percentage of…
Death of a Tree
Our neighbor's tree has not had a good summer. The left-most branch cracked during a storm, dropping its canopy on their porch roof and slightly breaking a window, loud enough…
No Tips, Everyone!
The US tipping culture has, no pun intended, tipped over. At restaurants you're expected to tip 20-25% - and watch out for those pre-printed amounts, which often include taxes or…
Random Learnings #46
"A Peasant Leaving His Landlord on Yuriev Day" by Sergei V. Ivanov I thought that Russian serfs were essentially slaves - a belief supported by many English-language references - but…
Nuclear Power Isn’t The Answer
The Brittanica Book of the Year 1972 included a special report Nuclear Power - Promise or Peril? (a oft-used title, if my. web search is any indication) which discussed -…
Neighborhood Turkeys
© 2024 Scott C Sosna Last fall wild turkey moved into our neighborhood with no indication that they ever intend to leave. They wander the neighborhood, I assume to forage…
Random Learnings #45
"United Nations" by japedi is licensed under CC BY 2.0. I knew that China joined the United Nations at Taiwan's expense - China also getting the permanent seat on the…
Foodie #8
I drive by Marc Hue Patisserie regularly but often resist the urge to stop and indulge. Today the urge was too strong. Raspberry Lemon Creamsicle Croissant Donut Yes, the name…
Random Learnings #44
I picked up a May 1917 National Geographic magazine ( Volume XXXI, Number 5) for its the World War I reporting, and while the articles were interesting I became sidetracked…