New Year Resolutions

Posted on 31 December, 2010 by Janice Brown

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Cow Hampshire: Random Acts of Writing

Posted on 29 December, 2010 by Janice Brown

Where does the inspiration for Cow Hampshire blog articles originate? Even as I type these words in a simple notepad window, I come to the realization that my stories may be completely random.

Cursed with the ability to speed read, unplanned words and names leap out at me from the pages that I regularly survey (affectionately named blog fodder).  I create a new text file appropriately named. Some of my current files are called killer corsets, dude, first alarm clock. Then I file them away until I can examine the topic more thoroughly.

I would guess that most research and writing plans revolve around stating the importance of what is proposed to be written, and describing the process used to perform the ensuing research. Cow Hampshire on the other hand is spontaneous and disorganized–celebrating the strange, the crazy, the odd coincidences.  Oh yes, of course there is some 'serious' genealogical and history research thrown into the mix.  But a common thread between every article is that something offbeat or peculiar existed first, piquing my interest.

I am not convinced that a writing plan would benefit my scrambled scribbles.  I write because I am curious about everything, and feel a sense of personal satisfaction in sharing what I discover. And so, if I do indeed have a writing plan for 2011, it will simply be to read more, keep an open and curious mind, travel frequently and take photographs that will enhance my stories, and eat more yogurt (just because I like dairy products).

This blog article was written for the 101st edition of the Carnival of Genealogy, entitled “My genealogy/writing plan for 2011,” posted at Jasia's Creative Gene blog. Don't delay — you still have time (until January 1st) to submit your own!

Happy New Year Everyone.
Janice

Thought of the Day:
-Where Does Inspiration Come From-

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New Hampshire: Top Ten List For 2010

Posted on 29 December, 2010 by Janice Brown

It has been said that the very first “Top Ten” list originated in People magazine

(although similar lists were also found in Good Housekeeping magazine about the same time).  They were made famous in 1985 by David Letterman, on his “Late Night with David Letterman” television show (NBC), and like a snow ball rolling down hill in New Hampshire, picked up weight and speed. We love to make lists, perhaps as a misguided way to organize our busy lives.

Since its popular anniversary 25 years ago, top ten lists proliferated on the internet.  Many of these lists are forever enshrined on the Ultimate Listverse of Top 10 Lists.

In the tradition of past memorable top ten lists, Cow Hampshire presents yet another, specially created to honor people, places and events of New Hampshire of the year 2010.

–New Hampshire: Top Ten List For 2010–

10. Top Trip: Mount Washington Observatory.   Where else would you want to celebrate the last day of 2010,but the top of the World–at least the highest peak in New Hampshire.  For a paltry $1,000 (per person) you can enjoy stunning scenery (well maybe), high winds, and an unforgettable dinner. Mount Washington Observatory offers amazing ‘EduTrips’ throughout the year, and is well worth supporting.

9. Top Video & Song: “Granite State of Mind,” by SSP.
Although credit may be given to the entire team of SSP, Christian Wisecarver, a native of New Hampshire, seems to be the masterMIND behind this musical parody.

8. Top Ghost Story: Ghosts of Christmas Past— Ghost Hunters Visit Christmas Farm Inn, Jackson NH (aired December 8, 2010)

7. Top Chef: NH Food Bank’s Chef Jayson McCarter, of “Recipe for Success” Where you can eat your cake and make it too.

6. Top Animal News: Bassic Rights Story. Changing the fishing rules.

5. Top Comedian: Juston McKinney—Live Free or Die! (I love this guy!)

4. Top Politician: Governor John Lynch, Democrat.  Descendant of Irish immigrants, elected to a historic fourth term (his inauguration on January 6, 2011). He’s a good guy, and even stopped to help an elderly woman whose car was stuck in a ditch.

3. Top Gift: Chinese Warrior Statue. A gift to the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce.

2. Top Sport: Winter Surfing. Better exercise than shoveling snow!

1. Top Theory: The Power of Ten.  Rich Broussard, editor of NH Magazine, expounds on how important things happen at the beginning of decades.  You decide!

Feel free to add a link to your own favorite top ten list!  Happy New Year everyone (my next post will be in 2011.

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Not New Hampshire: Connecticut–Further Away Than You Thought!

Posted on 22 December, 2010 by Janice Brown

In 1884 Christmas time was also associated with fairy folk. This must be true today.

It appears that the marketing genius at a yet unnamed tourism web site, is a far darrig, or ‘Red Man.’  No, I’m not speaking of the beloved red-clad Saint Nick, although the folks in Connecticut might be thinkin’ that someone named –Nick– is behind a plot.  A ‘far darrig’ is rather a prankish fairy, much like its Swedish cousin, the tomte.

I have it from reliable sources that the State of Connecticut recently fell off, or possibly was pushed off, a regional map of New England.  It is unknown at this time how the deed was accomplished.  People stare in wonder, and consider whether Connecticut will disappear from other maps, and what the implication might be of faulty geographical information?

“But fay, O muse! what powerful motive draws?
For this event, unfold the mighty cause?
What would induce one hundred eighty-seven men to come,
Their shops forsaken, and forgot their home,
Perhaps not e’en a marketing prepar’d,
And doubtless some good time and money spared;
What would impel the show-man to forego
The certain profits springing from his show?
….
But private interest never should controul
The vast, and nobler interest of the whole.
Hence, when disorder mars the wheel of state,
Its course impedes, or turns, by force, or weight,
If the ring burst, or if the tiring break
The Spoke is shatter’d or the hub shall crack.”
–excerpts from “DEMOCRACY: An Epic Poem,”by Aquiline Nimble-Chops, Connecticut Courant newspaper, 1776

For the record, Cow Hampshire continues to observe Connecticut as one of six New England states.  All written with cow tongue firmly in cheek.

Sources:
1. St. Louis Globe-Democrat, 21 Dec 1884, page 21, story “Christmas Time and Fairy Folk.”
2. Bowle’s Map of the Seat of War: New England, comprehending the provinces of Massachusetts Bay, and New Hampshire; with the Colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island; London, Printed for Carington Bowles No 69 in St. Pauls Church Yard, 1776
3. Connecticut Courant newpaper, page 1, published 17 March 1794 1.
4. Visit Connecticut! The Official Connecticut State Vacation Guide.
5. WBUR: Article, “New England Nutmegs Connecticut”
6. RadioBoston: “Connecticut Wiped Off New England Map“

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Graphic: The Christmas Box

Posted on 22 December, 2010 by Janice Brown

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