Category: uncategorized

definition: foolscap

On By Rick McIn uncategorizedLeave a comment

When we were kids we called 3-hole-punched, lined paper “foolscap”.

But I never knew why.

Foolscap folio (commonly contracted to foolscap or folio) is paper cut to the size of 8.5 by 13 inches (215.9 mm × 330.2 mm). This was a traditional paper size used in Europe and the Commonwealth, before the adoption of the international standard A4 paper (the most common standard size outside the United States and Canada). Foolscap is a common size for ring binders/lever arch files used to hold A4 paper as it is slightly larger than A4 and offers greater protection to the edge of the pages.

A full foolscap paper sheet is 17 by 13.5 inches (431.8 mm × 342.9 mm) in size, and a folio sheet of any type is half the standard sheet size. Foolscap was named after the fool’s caps and bells watermark commonly used from the fifteenth century onwards on paper of these dimensions] or a subdivision of this into halves, quarters and so on. The earliest example of such paper that is firmly dated was made in Germany in 1479.

Answers.com

kinds of foolscap

fastest way to learn a new language

On By Rick McIn product endorsements, travel, uncategorizedLeave a comment

Masons got Rosetta Stone software for Christmas. We’ve been learning French every day since.

Here’s one of their TV commercials.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Rosetta Stone is interactive language learning software that teaches a new language by immersion, rather than translation and memorization drills. Learn more …

It works. It’s painless. Easy. Almost fun.

But it’s not cheap. Over $200 just to get started. Almost $500 for the complete French kit.

Rosetta Stone

what do you know about Bangladesh?

On By Rick McIn economics, government, Islam, travel, uncategorizedLeave a comment

I thought I was “worldly”, … yet I knew almost nothing about Bangladesh before going there as a volunteer this Fall.

Bangladesh

The first thing people talk about in the capital Dhaka, is the traffic.

You might average 20km/hr. Walking is sometimes faster.

Actually, if you can get off the road, the countryside is green and lush. It’s one giant flood plain.

Bangladesh is a fast growing economy (growth 6-7%/yr), devoutly Muslim … but with few security problems. The nation is focused on economic growth, looking to bring millions out of poverty. Agriculture and clothing manufacture are the main industries.

It’s surprisingly progressive, the first Muslim-majority country to establish an all-women United Nations peacekeeping force. They have a woman Prime Minister.

Instead of blaming problems on the U.S.A. as a distraction, leaders in Bangladesh are “seeking five billion dollars of foreign investment for power and gas projects to end a chronic energy crisis”.

I think they’ll get 5-10 billion. Bangladesh is a good long term investment.

Happy Victory Day, Bangladesh!

Bangladesh celebrated Victory Day Wednesday, heralded by a 21 cannon salute that rang through the capital at dawn, while the president laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar to commemorate those who gave their lives for independence.

On this day in 1971, the Pakistan army surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India at Ramna Racecourse Maidan in Dhaka, ending the painful nine-month war that saw a new nation emerge.

National Parliament building (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)

more Bangladesh photos

kindly old ladies … that shortchange you

On By Rick McIn product complaints, travel, uncategorizedLeave a comment

You can find them at the Cooperativa di Cortina, a marvelous gear and food store in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

home

When I was there this Summer, every single time I went to check out, I was shortchanged one Euro. No matter how obvious I made it that I was counting the change.

They must make good money on an hourly wage shortchanging all the tourists there.

It didn’t seem to matter what checkout clerk I went to, the theft was storewide.

I’ll email management.

life story in 9600 photos

On By Rick McIn uncategorizedLeave a comment

An interesting ad by Olympus.

This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired us.

Taijin Takeuchi is singled out as one who inspired this work – Stop motion with wolf and pig. video

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

What happened to his wife and daughter?

He dumped them for the mid-life crisis?

my NEXT job

On By Rick McIn uncategorized2 Comments

The state of Queensland in Australia is offering, “The Best Job in the World,” a six-month stay on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef with a salary of $105,000.

Job Duties: Stay rent-free in a three bedroom home with a plunge pool and golf buggie. Explore the island. Blog.
Qualifications: You must be able to speak and write in English, and…

“They’ll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they’re doing so they can’t be too shy and they’ll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors,” said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.

You can apply at islandreefjob.com. (Though for some reason the site currently seems to be down.)

Outside

A great viral video publicity stunt.