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Trivial Pursuits

Just a little bit of everything...

Try these English lessons?
Posted:Mar 12, 2011 6:48 pm
Last Updated:Mar 30, 2019 9:19 am
4499 Views
亲爱的甜姐儿们,
我现在有些新的英语教材提供给一些初学者学习英语;我很想把它们通过过电邮传送到你的电脑上。只要把你的电邮地址寄来,我自会把第一章共六个单元课程连同聆听的文件夹传送给你;同时,我想要求你每天学习一个单元,即是聆听、说话、阅读共三方面,连续地练习一个月。然后告诉我,有关你的课程进修是否有进步。假如发觉你的英语有改良及有恒心地继绩学习的话,我自会传送余下的课程给你。
兰迪老师谨告
1 comment
Dating 101: Four Things Never to Utter Around Him
Posted:Apr 5, 2010 9:04 am
Last Updated:Mar 16, 2011 1:41 am
4661 Views

Some subjects of conversation will make a dude's eyes glaze over in boredom, put him on the defensive... or even leave him questioning your sanity.
By Cosmopolitan

Here's a dating mystery we're dying to crack: Why is it that even when we guys open up and clue a girl in to our thoughts and experiences, you ladies insist on pushing for more and more intimate info? It's hard for us to relate to your wanting to know everything about us, because even the most love-bitten man doesn't feel the need to be in on every detail about his girl. In fact, certain topics are actually major turnoffs and produce the same skin-crawling effect as hearing fingernails raked across a blackboard. So unless you want your man to secretly wish you came with a mute button, save the following taboo topics for your girlfriends, your mom or your therapist... just not your guy.

Turnoff #1: The Lowdown on Celeb Dirt
"Whenever my girlfriend gets control of the remote, she switches to a gossip channel and goes on about how lucky Cameron Diaz is or how Drew Barrymore lost 10 pounds. Geez, get a freaking life!" -- Paul, 27
"My ex-girlfriend was obsessed with Brad Pitt. She knew more about his life than Angelina Jolie does. Whenever he had a movie coming out, I never heard the end of it. I felt like I was dating a stalker, not to mention the fact that it didn't do wonders for my ego. Brad isn't exactly the worst-looking guy in the world." -- Donald, 26
"I met this really gorgeous British woman at a bookstore, so I invited her to have coffee with me. When I got back to the table with our drinks, she was sitting there with a pile of foreign gossip rags in front of her. Before I knew what hit me, she was talking my ear off about Prince Charles and a bunch of other royals I didn't know and couldn't care less about. I was absolutely bored out of my mind. Well, so much for the theory that smart women hang out in bookstores." -- Andrew, 25

Turnoff #2: Your Ex Files
"I took my old girlfriend to a cute bed-and-breakfast for the weekend, and all she could talk about was how her previous boyfriend had taken her to Paris for a long weekend. Whatever happened to thank you? No wonder we both dumped her." -- Ben, 28
"My girlfriend and I were having brunch one Sunday when we ran into her ex-boyfriend. After he left, she started telling me all about some cross-country trip they took when they were in college. I know there's nothing going on between them, but that doesn't mean I want to hear about the good old days. She should save the reminiscing for her girlfriends." -- Lewis, 27
"My girl asked me to help her put together some do-it-yourself furniture that she'd bought, and I was a total disaster. That's when she went on and on about how good her ex was with tools. The story I enjoyed most was about how he built her a special magazine rack... which, of course, she still has. Now every time I see that thing, I want to break it. I admitted I am no good at this kind of fix-it stuff, so I don't know why she felt the need to rub it in by telling me her ex was the second coming of Bob Vila." -- Ray, 30

Turnoff #3: Your Bad Body Image and Food Issues
"First it was the grapefruit diet. Then it was Jenny Craig. Now it's the Fatkins thing. My girlfriend tries a new diet about once a month, and she explains how she's convinced that this is the one that's going to help her lose weight. I always remind her that the reason I asked her out in the first place is because I think she's beautiful. I wouldn't be attracted to her if she looked like a string bean." -- Derek, 29
"I can never do anything spontaneous with my girl because she won't leave the house unless she looks perfect. It takes longer for her to get ready for dinner than it does for us to actually go out and eat it. First she asks if I like her outfit. Next she asks how her makeup looks. Then she drops the fun-crusher on me: 'Do I look fat?' I get so aggravated. Don't ask for my opinion if you don't want it. By the time she's ready to leave, the evening is already ruined because I'm in such a pissed-off mood." -- Andy, 33

Turnoff #4: Other People's Relationships
"My old girlfriend would gush about how romantic it was that her roommate's boyfriend got down on one knee when he proposed to her. Then she'd tell me every freakin' detail about the wedding plans, from the dress to the cake to the invitations. I didn't really know these people, and I hate hearing about mushy stuff anyway, especially if it has nothing to do with me. I just tuned it all out." -- Steve, 36
"My girlfriend never stops talking about how great her sister's life is. I'm so tired of hearing about her perfect brother-in-law and her two adorable nephews. It's so obvious that she's using the conversation as a steppingstone to talk about when we're going to get married." -- Rob, 36
"My girlfriend loves telling me about how her best friend treats her boyfriend like a pile of garbage, flirting with other guys when he isn't around and spending hours on her laptop to email her exes. I don't want to know the nitty-gritty, because then I feel awkward when I'm around him. Besides, it makes me wonder if my girl is bad-mouthing me behind my back." -- Will, 25
5 Comments
Romance Through the Ages
Posted:Mar 21, 2010 5:39 pm
Last Updated:Jun 20, 2010 11:45 pm
4139 Views

by Kimberly Powell

Customs of Love, Marriage & Dating
Where would we be without romance? What was courtship and marriage like for our distant ancestors? Beginning with the ancient Greeks' recognition of the need to describe more than one kind of love, inventing the word "eros" to describe carnal love, and "agape" to mean a spiritual love, take a stroll back through romantic heritage with this timeline of romantic customs, dating rituals, and tokens of love.

Ancient Courtship
In ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice - when there was a scarcity of nubile women, men raided other villages for wives. Frequently the tribe from which a warrior stole a bride would come looking for her, and it was necessary for the warrior and his new wife to go into hiding to avoid being discovered. According to an old French custom, as the moon went through all its phases the couple drank a brew called metheglin, which was made from honey.
Hence, we get the word, honeymoon. Arranged marriages were the norm, primarily business relationships born out of the desire and/or need for property, monetary or political alliances.

Medieval Chivalry
From buying a woman dinner to opening a door for her, many of today's courting rituals are rooted in medieval chivalry. During medieval times, the importance of love in a relationship emerged as a reaction to arranged marriages, but was still not considered a prerequisite in matrimonial decisions. Suitors wooed their intended with serenades and flowery poetry, following the lead of lovelorn characters on stage and in verse. Chastity and honor were highly regarded virtues. In 1228, women first gained the right to propose marriage in Scotland, a legal right that then slowly spread through Europe.

Victorian Formality
During the Victorian Era (1837-1901), romantic love became viewed as the primary requirement for marriage and courting became even more formal - almost an art form among the upper classes. An interested gentleman could not simply walk up to a young lady and begin a conversation. Even after being introduced, it was still some time before it was considered appropriate for a man to speak to a lady or for a couple to be seen together. Once they had been formally introduced, if the gentleman wished to the lady home he would present his card to her. At the end of the evening the lady would look over her options and chose who would be her escort. She would notify the lucky gentleman by giving him her own card requesting that he her home. Almost all courting took place in the girl's home, always under the eye of watchful parents. If the courting progressed, the couple might advance to the front porch. Smitten couples rarely saw each other without the presence of a chaperone, and marriage proposals were frequently written.

Courtship Customs & Tokens of Love
• All the Nordic countries have courtship customs involving knives. For example, in Norway when a girl came of age, her father let it be known that she was available for marriage. The girl would wear an empty sheath on her belt. If a suitor liked the girl, he would put a knife in the sheath, which the girl now wore as a sign that she was betrothed.
• The custom of bundling, found in many parts of 16th and 17th century Europe and America, allowed courting couples to share a bed, fully clothed, and often with a "bundling board" between them or bolster cover tied over the girls legs. The idea was to allow the couple to talk and get to know each other but in the safe (and warm) confines of the girl's house.
• Dating back to 17th century Wales, ornately carved spoons, known as lovespoons, were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by a suitor to show his affection to his loved one. The decorative carvings have various meanings - from an anchor meaning "I desire to settle down" to an intricate vine meaning "love grows."
• Chivalrous gentlemen in England often sent a pair of gloves to their true loves. If the woman wore the gloves to church on Sunday it signaled her acceptance of the proposal.
• In some parts of 18th century Europe a biscuit or small loaf of bread was broken over the head of the bride as she emerged from the church. Unmarried guests scrambled for the pieces, which they then placed under their pillows to bring dreams of the one they would someday marry. This custom is believed to be the precursor of the wedding cake.
• Many cultures throughout the world recognize the idea of matrimony as the "ties that bind". In some African cultures, long grasses are braided together and used to tie the hands of the groom and bride together to symbolize their union. Delicate twine is used in the Hindu Vedic wedding ceremony to bind one of the bride's hand to one of the hands of the groom. In Mexico the practice of having a ceremonial rope loosely place around both of the necks of the bride and groom to "bind" them together is common.
2 Comments
Flirt with Flair ‒ How the pros do it online
Posted:Mar 19, 2010 2:28 am
Last Updated:Apr 5, 2010 9:07 am
4175 Views

Pick-up without ever leaving the comfort of your bed

The most memorable pick-up to happen to me was sweet, respectful… and I never saw it coming. It happened at a local bar, while I was standing near the dance floor as my friends were dancing. I was approached by a guy (let’s call him Frank) who started chatting with me ‒ no stupid pick up lines, no cheesy come ons ‒ and asked questions that were meant to draw answers he could listen to and build on. After talking for 15 minutes, he left off by saying “You’re here with your friends, I’ll let you get back to them.” And with that, I never saw him again.

There’s a lot you can pull from this experience that will help you with your online flirting skills ‒ if you know where to look! From the all-important introduction to beyond, I’m going to let you in on a few secrets that women wished that you knew. Let’s go over them:

Show a little originality
Before that particular experience, most guys’ flirting attempts were predictable ‒ been there, heard that. Instead of sending a flirt (since they are free, members can receive hundreds a day), send a thoughtful note. I’m not talking about a form letter you sent to 20 other members that day ‒ read their profile, pick out something original and write an email addressing that point. It doesn’t have to be about their looks ‒ everyone will have tried that with them. Take something unique from their profile and start a conversation about it (ie. I am really impressed that you like to go to strip clubs ‒ it takes a confident woman to say that turns them on).

R-E-S-P-E-C-T ‒ not just a catchy tune
Just because she’s on an adult dating site doesn’t mean she’ll jump your bones the minute you show her your peen. Before you hit send, ask yourself: How would this fly in real life? If you went up to a woman at a bar and said “Let’s fuck baby,” chances are you’ll be walking out of there funny and explaining why to others at least an octave higher. Same goes online ‒ when trying to start up a conversation in IM or video, begin with the basics, ask if they would like to chat and tell them why you’d like to chat with them.

Everyone loves a compliment
By simply contacting or responding to someone with a thoughtful chat or email, you are paying that person a great compliment. I was flattered when Frank came over to talk to me about me. It felt like out of everyone in that bar, he picked me as the person he most wanted to talk with. You can bet that woman you’ve got your eye on has received a lot of compliments on this site, but don’t let that discourage you. When others are telling her that she has great tits, you can take the road less travelled and pay her a sincere compliment, such as “I love your style ‒ I wish I had someone with your taste dressing me!”

The art of seduction
Any professional flirter knows that seduction takes time and effort. Frank didn’t rush the conversation to get what he wanted; he took the time to ask the right questions. After making an initial connection, the goal is to build it to something that satisfies the both of you. It’s important to know where the boundaries lay before you get too personal.

It’s also important to be sexy without turning someone off. If in doubt, ask ‒ use open ended questions along the lines of “How do you feel about…” or “What do you like best about…” Let them lead the conversation with their answers, and all you have to do is follow. It’s not a race, so take it slow ‒ besides, you can truly savor the thrill of the chase when you take your time.

Honesty truly is the best policy
Be upfront and honest about who you are and what you are looking for, that way neither of you will be wasting the others time. Don’t blurt out what your requirements are right off the bat. Build a base, then take the plunge and tell them that you’re looking for NSA online fun or a long-term fling. They will appreciate that you are being respectful and are more likely to open up about their wants and desires.

Looks may be the initial factor that sparks chemistry, but it’s the interaction that follows that makes it worth pursuing. At first glance, Frank wasn’t at all my type, but by taking a chance, he soon became more attractive to me. You’ll win some and you’ll lose some, but always remember that even though things don’t always work out the way we wanted, doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from the experience or from a great friendship. And, it’s quite common for a cyber-friendship to turn into a passionate affair.

Flirting is an art that anyone can master, and that’s what Frank was doing ‒ practice makes perfect. Oh, and if you were wondering, although I never saw him again, if he had come up to me later on that night to resume our acquaintance, I totally would have given him my number.
0 Comments
Women's Ten Most
Posted:Jan 27, 2010 4:17 pm
Last Updated:Apr 5, 2010 9:09 am
4717 Views

Women’s Top Ten Favorite Conversation Topics
1. Hopes and aspirations
2. Hobbies/interests in general
3. Music
4. Dreams
5. Romance
6. Friends
7. Travel
8. Vacations
9. Movies
10. Entertainment

Women’s Top Ten Least Favorite Conversation Topics
1. Politics
2. Other dates
3. Past relationships
4. Science fiction
5. Religion
6. Celebrities
7. Science
8. Antiques
9. Money
10. History

Women’s Top Ten Date Picks
1. Restaurant
2. Taking a romantic walk
3. Park
4. Coffee shop
5. Live music
6. Comedy Club
7. Zoo
8. Bowling or Playing Pool
9. Amusement Park
10. Movies

Top Ten Restaurant Types for a Date
1. Casual dinner
2. Pub
3. Retro bar with live music
4. French cuisine
5. Ethnic
6. Pizza place
7. Western
8. Salad bar
9. Sushi bar
10. Family dinner

Women’s Top Ten Favorite Ways to Have Someone Flirt with Them
1. Talks about things she likes or dislikes, making comments and showing interest
2. Displays concern for her, her feelings and well-being
3. Shares jokes or amusing anecdotes with her
4. Compliments her on her screen name, attitude, personality and appearance
5. Sends her special/cute email messages
6. Makes an effort to contact her in some form most every day
7. Sends instant messages when she and you are online at the same time
8. Discusses seriously the traits she desires in a partner
9. Shows her your daring or mischievous side
10. Emails her greeting cards, gifts, pictures songs or fun attachments
1 comment
Romance Through the Ages
Posted:Jan 27, 2010 4:09 pm
Last Updated:Mar 29, 2024 4:59 am
4101 Views

by Kimberly Powell

Customs of Love, Marriage & Dating
Where would we be without romance? What was courtship and marriage like for our distant ancestors? Beginning with the ancient Greeks' recognition of the need to describe more than one kind of love, inventing the word "eros" to describe carnal love, and "agape" to mean a spiritual love, take a stroll back through romantic heritage with this timeline of romantic customs, dating rituals, and tokens of love.

Ancient Courtship
In ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice - when there was a scarcity of nubile women, men raided other villages for wives. Frequently the tribe from which a warrior stole a bride would come looking for her, and it was necessary for the warrior and his new wife to go into hiding to avoid being discovered. According to an old French custom, as the moon went through all its phases the couple drank a brew called metheglin, which was made from honey.
Hence, we get the word, honeymoon. Arranged marriages were the norm, primarily business relationships born out of the desire and/or need for property, monetary or political alliances.

Medieval Chivalry
From buying a woman dinner to opening a door for her, many of today's courting rituals are rooted in medieval chivalry. During medieval times, the importance of love in a relationship emerged as a reaction to arranged marriages, but was still not considered a prerequisite in matrimonial decisions. Suitors wooed their intended with serenades and flowery poetry, following the lead of lovelorn characters on stage and in verse. Chastity and honor were highly regarded virtues. In 1228, women first gained the right to propose marriage in Scotland, a legal right that then slowly spread through Europe.

Victorian Formality
During the Victorian Era (1837-1901), romantic love became viewed as the primary requirement for marriage and courting became even more formal - almost an art form among the upper classes. An interested gentleman could not simply walk up to a young lady and begin a conversation. Even after being introduced, it was still some time before it was considered appropriate for a man to speak to a lady or for a couple to be seen together. Once they had been formally introduced, if the gentleman wished to the lady home he would present his card to her. At the end of the evening the lady would look over her options and chose who would be her escort. She would notify the lucky gentleman by giving him her own card requesting that he her home. Almost all courting took place in the girl's home, always under the eye of watchful parents. If the courting progressed, the couple might advance to the front porch. Smitten couples rarely saw each other without the presence of a chaperone, and marriage proposals were frequently written.

Courtship Customs & Tokens of Love
• All the Nordic countries have courtship customs involving knives. For example, in Norway when a girl came of age, her father let it be known that she was available for marriage. The girl would wear an empty sheath on her belt. If a suitor liked the girl, he would put a knife in the sheath, which the girl now wore as a sign that she was betrothed.
• The custom of bundling, found in many parts of 16th and 17th century Europe and America, allowed courting couples to share a bed, fully clothed, and often with a "bundling board" between them or bolster cover tied over the girls legs. The idea was to allow the couple to talk and get to know each other but in the safe (and warm) confines of the girl's house.
• Dating back to 17th century Wales, ornately carved spoons, known as lovespoons, were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by a suitor to show his affection to his loved one. The decorative carvings have various meanings - from an anchor meaning "I desire to settle down" to an intricate vine meaning "love grows."
• Chivalrous gentlemen in England often sent a pair of gloves to their true loves. If the woman wore the gloves to church on Sunday it signaled her acceptance of the proposal.
• In some parts of 18th century Europe a biscuit or small loaf of bread was broken over the head of the bride as she emerged from the church. Unmarried guests scrambled for the pieces, which they then placed under their pillows to bring dreams of the one they would someday marry. This custom is believed to be the precursor of the wedding cake.
• Many cultures throughout the world recognize the idea of matrimony as the "ties that bind". In some African cultures, long grasses are braided together and used to tie the hands of the groom and bride together to symbolize their union. Delicate twine is used in the Hindu Vedic wedding ceremony to bind one of the bride's hand to one of the hands of the groom. In Mexico the practice of having a ceremonial rope loosely place around both of the necks of the bride and groom to "bind" them together is common.
0 Comments
Secrets of Women
Posted:Jan 23, 2010 9:06 am
Last Updated:Feb 4, 2010 12:13 am
4498 Views

A dating coach reveals 27 things every man needs to know
By David Wygant

Over the last 10 years of coaching men, I have been asked time and time again to come up with a list of the best secrets for meeting, approaching and attracting great women.
Well, guys, there is no magic pickup line that will work in every situation, but there are guidelines that will help you understand a woman better, so you can be more successful in making a connection.
For those of you interested in being successful with women for the rest of your lives, take note of these simple things that will help you understand women far better than you do now.

10 secrets you need to know
1. All women like surprises; women believe they should be surprised at least once a month.
2. All women have fantasies. A man should take the time to find out her fantasy.
3. Women want a man to be sensitive yet fight for them if they needed to.
4. Women want a man to be gentle and rough at the same time.
5. Women want to be told they're beautiful, then after a time told they're sexy.
6. Women want their man to notice when another man tries to pick them up, but refrain from jealousy.
7. Women will alter their appearance with a new hairstyle or buy something skimpy for themselves, not a man.
8. A woman will groom herself that day if there is a chance for her to meet someone that night.
9. Women believe in the fairytale and will look at most men in the first 30 seconds as if they could be the prince they have been looking for.
10. If a woman really likes a man, she will spend all day trying to look good for him and still not feel perfect, yet at times she will not be made up and feel perfect.

10 ways make yourself attractive to woman
1. Be confident in who you are.
2. Have a sense of humor.
3. Show good manners.
4. Be respectful.
5. Be controversial.
6. Be sensitive.
7. Ask her what she wants and likes.
8. Don't just tell her you do, but put your trust in her.
9. Tell her about one time your feelings got hurt.
10. Kiss her softly, then kiss her passionately.

7 sure-fire ways to repulse a woman
1. Tell her what you don't want her to wear.
2. Look at another woman while talking to her.
3. Show her that you have no direction in your life.
4. Be too proud of your qualities.
5. Drink too much or have a serious addiction.
6. Insult her style, friends or family.
7. Use stupid pickup lines like: "Do you want to have sex?" "Can I smell your roses?" "Baby, that's the sweetest butt I've ever seen!" "Hey you, come here!"

The best pickup line
Observe what she is doing, then walk over and have a conversation about what is going on at that moment. For example, she is in the video store and looking at "The Departed." You can either ask her about the movie and what she knows about it, or if you saw it you can say, "Loved that movie...." and start the conversation from there.
Good luck!
3 Comments
23 Ways to Be Her Hero
Posted:Jan 23, 2010 9:01 am
Last Updated:Mar 29, 2024 4:59 am
4088 Views

Humble suggestions from a fair maiden

By: Sarah Miller

1. You can put down the weights and the protein shakes. You might want us to be perfect looking; we simply want you not to be fat.
2. Replace all of those hideous size-extra-large T-shirts with something that actually sort of fits. We think you might be a medium.
3. Never allow anyone who listens to baseball on the radio to cut your hair.
4. Purchase sheets that don't contain polyester and that are white.
5. Blue Book value isn't everything. Take the money you were going to spend putting the backseat DVD theater in your Honda and buy a nice pair of shoes.
6. We don't care what the plan is. Just have one.
7. Candles. They are so cheap and they are so effective.
8. When you give her a gift, include a card. You can spend less on the gift if you write something nice. Don't buy a card with a message in it, unless you're dating Danielle Steele.
9. She arrives home from work eager for attention. You arrive home from work eager for several beers and the Simpsons-King of the Hill hour. The moment you come home, hug her, look into her eyes, and say that you're happy to see her. This simple gesture, done with sincerity, will earn you lots of time on the couch.
10. Buy covered garbage cans for your kitchen and bathroom. They hide stuff we don't want to know about anyway.
11. Make a list entitled "Intolerable Behavior from Women," and when you see it happening, speak up. Let us know you won't be around no matter what, and we'll want to keep you.
12. Drive a stick shift. Men look ineffectual driving automatics.
13. Never utter the phrase, "I know I'm no Brad Pitt/Denzel Washington." You're a guy. Merely acting like you think you're hot makes you hot. Be grateful, because women actually have to be hot to be hot.
14. Short sleeves are for golf only; sandals are for Jesus only.
15. When a woman asks you to accompany her to a wedding or a family event, R.S.V.P. within 24 hours. If you find that you can't commit, do everyone a favor and break it off.
16. Stop operating on the in-trouble/not-in-trouble paradigm. Just because we're not yelling at you doesn't mean everything is okay.
17. If you're late, call.
18. Brush your teeth a lot.
19. Realize that if you "keep forgetting" to trim your nose hairs, we will "keep forgetting" to initiate sex.
20. If your television is of a size such that it is regularly commented on, hide it in a cabinet. You might have a penchant for (a) sloth, (b) passivity, or (c) tuning out the world, but she need not be reminded of this every time she walks into your living room.
21. You might not know what she wants you to get her for her birthday, but her friends do. Ask them.
22. When we are together, sometimes we are occupied with tasks--closing a window, putting on a new CD, petting the cat--that cause us to focus our gaze elsewhere. May we suggest these windows of time as the most favorable for scratching your balls.
23. Buy a Swiffer and use it. They come in dry (living room) and wet (kitchen and bathroom). Wash your dishes. Pick up your clothes. Swiff. She'll think you're a responsible adult.
0 Comments
Accessing sites blocked by the Chinese government
Posted:Nov 22, 2008 5:46 pm
Last Updated:Jan 23, 2010 8:53 am
4296 Views

Hi Folks,
Are you having trouble accessing certain sites such as Alt, FlirtingPassion (AKA AdultFriendFinder), Hi5 and all sorts of interesting sites that the Chinese government has banned us from seeing? I'm still able to view them and you can too. Do a Yahoo or Google search for OperaTor (get that spelling right, there is a capital T in it), download it and use it. It consists of three programs, Opera, Privoxy and Tor and when used correctly will allow you into all the sites you used to enjoy and can enjoy again. Run Tor first, Privoxy second and then start your browsing in Opera, but whatever you do, don't close Tor or Privoxy while running Opera or you won't be able to access anything the government has banned. Best of all besides these programs being insanely small (I keep copies on all my USB Flash Memory Sticks) is that it doesn't leave a trail, a history or any other way to trace where you've been surfing once you close it again.
Happy surfing, my friends!
Randy
1 comment
World's oldest joke traced back to 1900 BC
Posted:Jul 31, 2008 10:16 pm
Last Updated:Feb 4, 2010 12:13 am
4428 Views

LONDON (Reuters) - The world's oldest recorded joke has been traced back to 1900 BC and suggests toilet humor was as popular with the ancients as it is today.

It is a saying of the Sumerians, who lived in what is now southern Iraq and goes: "Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap."

It heads the world's oldest top 10 joke list published by the University of Wolverhampton Thursday.

A 1600 BC gag about a pharaoh, said to be King Snofru, comes second -- "How do you entertain a bored pharaoh? You sail a boatload of young women dressed only in fishing nets down the Nile and urge the pharaoh to go catch a fish."

The oldest British joke dates back to the 10th Century and reveals the bawdy face of the Anglo-Saxons -- "What hangs at a man's thigh and wants to poke the hole that it's often poked before? Answer: A key."

"Jokes have varied over the years, with some taking the question and answer format while others are witty proverbs or riddles," said the report's writer Dr Paul McDonald, senior lecturer at the university.

"What they all share however, is a willingness to deal with taboos and a degree of rebellion. Modern puns, Essex girl jokes and toilet humor can all be traced back to the very earliest jokes identified in this research."

(Reporting by John Joseph; Editing by Steve Addison)
0 Comments

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