How an ancient Siamese royal tradition evolved into a modern metaphor for unwanted gifts A white elephant: once a royal gift that came with an impossible burden A "White Elephant" dates back to the ancient kings of Siam, who wanted to punish courtiers without actually appearing to do so. Their ploy was to give the offender a rare albino elephant, knowing that it was an offer which dare not be refused. The poor man was...
How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience Steve Jobs does not sell computers; he sells an experience. The same holds true for his presentations that are meant to inform, educate, and entertain. An Apple presentation has all the elements of a great theatrical production—a great script, heroes and villains, stage props, breathtaking visuals, and one moment that makes the price of admission well worth it. Here are the five elements of every...
We went to Santa Cruz's Beach Boardwalk yesterday and the weather was fantastic (low 80s). There was lots of Labor Day weekend traffic getting there, so it ended up taking a few hours. We walked the boardwalk, went on the Ferris Wheel, had a great Mexican food lunch, played miniature golf, played some arcade games, walked on the beach, walked to the end of the pier, watched sea lions for a while. By that time,...
Prospect Provides Inspiration With What He Doesn't Have By ADAM HIMMELSBACH FORK UNION, Va. — Kelli Whitescarver did not see traffic bottle up on Interstate 95 until it was too late. She lost control of her black Ford Explorer, which smashed a guardrail, flipped onto the driver's side and dragged her left arm on the pavement. Whitescarver, 21, had been on her way home to Richmond on Nov. 2 after visiting her sister in North...
Oh, The Places You'll Go! Life Wisdom from Dr. Seuss "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go. You'll look up and down streets. Look'em over with care. About...
How one battle cry changed internet culture and became gaming's most enduring meme The original Leeroy Jenkins video that launched a thousand memes In the vast landscape of internet culture, few moments have achieved the legendary status of Leeroy Jenkins. What began as a simple World of Warcraft video in 2005 quickly transcended gaming circles to become a cultural phenomenon recognized around the world. The 96-second clip features a guild planning a carefully coordinated attack...