1940's beautiful woman and inventor

Actress Hedy Lamarr invented the precursor to cellphone and wireless technology.

A new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes sets out to rewrite America's memory of Lamarr. Hedy's Folly: The Life and Breakthrough Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, The Most Beautiful Woman in the World, chronicles her life and the inventive side that is not often mentioned.

Ever heard of a 'mudroom' - me either - read this

With a blog name guaranteed to interest me i heart organizing has a reader post that is 100% inspiration to me. Wow!

Secrecy Bill

I usually avoid politics but the post at View from the Sixth Floor and the Nando's ad speak volumes.

Don't miss this...

Ez at Creature Comforts blog has created this (free) magazine filled with gift ideas. It's also got a few really lovely (free) downloads for anyone to use at Christmastime. Yesterday I spent a happy few hours browsing through the magazine (excellent layout, by the way) and today I'm going to be taking a closer look at some of the suppliers showcased in the magazine. Here http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/gifted-magazine you can enjoy some relaxed and easy Christmas shopping and inspiration. No crowds, no queues, no noise, no problems!

Yay Durban! c/o Mr Price

Two of Mr Price's favourites today are Durban-based. Yay!
http://www.inthefashionloop.com/girls/10-things-we-love-now/

Cable spaghetti

I'm sure I've mentioned in previous posts that clutter is not exactly on my "happy place" list. Well yesterday we bought a new laptop and because it's all fresh and new (like the day after a big celebration when all the streamers still have to be swept up), we have a cable spaghetti situation that looks like this: 

I remember a Douglas Adams essay on the subject of computer cables and connectors and I have to say that I am wholly in agreement with him. He was of the opinion that there should be greater compatibility between cables and connectors so that we didn't have to keep track of so many of them with each new device.

I feel however that I should claim full responsibility for the hairdryer and its cable. Leaving it lying around is my weakness and it is only on the floor because there is no room on the dressing table (which has been temporarily reassigned as a second desk).

Christmas joy

Do we really remember what it was like to get excited about Christmas? Not just the presents we asked for from Father Christmas but the tree that was so tall that one of the grown-ups had to put the star and/or angel on top, the setting of the table for extra guests, with crackers and achingly embarrassing paper hats, the huge meal out of all proportion to any other meal served all year, Christmas pudding, Christmas mince pies and Christmas cake all somehow to be consumed on the day, watching TV with the flashing lights of the tree reflecting in the screen. I really try to enjoy the season right from when the shops start the oversell on Christmas decorations. Even with the crazy preparations and the pressure to include everyone and spend time with everyone, it all helps to remind me to show a few people that they are not alone, that someone out there cares about them and values their happiness too.

jollymerry

hollyberry

jollyberry

merryholly

happyjolly

jollyjelly

jellybelly

bellymerry

hollyheppy

jollyMolly

marryJerry

merryHarry

hoppyBarry

heppyJarry

boppyheppy

berryjorry

jorryjolly

moppyjelly

Mollymerry

Jerryjolly

bellyhoppy

jorryhoppy

hollymoppy

Barrymerry

Jarryhappy

happyboppy

boppyjolly

jollymerry

merrymerry

merrymerry

merryChris

ammerryasa

Chrismerryas

Merry chrysanthemum

"The Computer's First Christmas Card" Edwin Morgan, 1968