Saturday, June 30, 2007

Janey-smarts

I got 20 questions out of 20 right, so I don't know how they arrived at this percentage, but here it is:


Your Score: You Win!!! :


You scored 18 % Janey-smarts



WELL DONE!!! Is she your favorite author too?? Even if she's not, you definitely know your stuff! Have your read the novellas? Of those, I recommend _Lady Susan_. :>

You scored higher than 99% on Janey-smarts

Link: The Semi-difficult Jane Austen Test written by princessmargo78 on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

My nickname as a child was "Janey," not the usual "Janie."

For A P.A.

Happy Birthday,
Aunt Carol!!!

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And for your enjoyment!


My ParTea has Arrived!

My ParTea Swap package from Leigh Ann arrived this afternoon! I have just finished opening it and was constantly delighted. The theme of the swap was ParTea. Our task was to come up with something to represent each letter (P-a-r, etc.), related to tea, and to include a teacup and saucer.

Leigh Ann, from
The Pink Kitchen, and I were swap partners, meaning I sent a package to her and she sent one to me.

Here is what Leigh Ann sent to me (click on photos to enlarge):

P is for Pretty Tea Cup & Plate
P is For Pretty Teacup and Saucer
A is for A Set of Notes
A is for A Set of Notes
R is for Reading Materials (Leigh Ann's favorite pasttime while sipping a cup of tea---mine too!)
R is for Reading Materials
T is for Twinings Tea (my favorite! and Earl Grey too!)
T is for Twinings Tea (the inside of the tin)
E is for Embellished Journal
E is for Embellished Journal
A is for A bunch of yummy treats from Leigh Ann's favorite food store, Trader Joe's
A is for A Bunch of Yummy Treats TooThe Mix

Here is everything together:

My ParTea!

Isn't it all lovely?

All the lovely goodies from Leigh Ann! A tea canister. Some lovely note cards and a pad of tea paper. Some delicious smelling cookies. A darling tea towel. A fabulous English tin with a solider on the front and Twinings Earl Grey inside! My sweet teacup and large saucer (all that room for scones and things! Hooray!). A tea ball (a fabulous one which will be easy to get the tea out of when I'm done!). Luscious lemon curd (I love lemon curd!). Honey sticks (I also love honey. There is something absurdly fun about sucking honey out of a little plastic stick!). A box of green tea muffin/cake mix! A cool British book on Windsor Castle. A book called London, which promises to be very interesting, with a darling bookmarker inside. And a little journal that Leigh Ann decorated in Tea fashion! I love everything! Thanks, Leigh Ann!!!

You can see all my ParTea Swap photos
here.
You can see other ParTea Swap packages
here.

If You Participated . . .

. . . in the Battle of the Mr. Darcy's at Jane Austen's World, you might want to visit and pick your favorite Colin Firth picture. Ms. Place promised to put the photo of the winner in her sidebar and wants your help on deciding which of the four choices it will be.

And don't forget to vote for Jane Austen at The Book Mine Set. You have until 3 July.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Herbs All Around!

I'm not really into gardening, but I love having fresh herbs. This presents a challenge, as I must remember to water them and use them. My mother and I got some little herb plants a few weeks ago and, I must say, I have been pretty devoted to them. I even got my fingernails all dirty repotting them (very unusual for me)!

In my herb pots I have the following (I don't have pictures for all of them right now.):

Basil---one of my absolute favorites. (the 2 pictures below)
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Thyme---another favorite. (pictured below)
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Parsley

Sage
Rosemary---yet another favorite. (pictured below: sage & rosemary)
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Chocolate Mint---Yes, chocolate mint. It smells divinely.

Chives

Oregano
Tarragon (pictured below: oregano & tarragon)
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Cilantro

Lavender---not really an herb, but one of my favorite things on earth. (pictured below, in front of other herbs)
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I was just actually outside, getting lots of dirt under my nails, replanting the rosemary. It was in a pot with the sage, which has grown massively and was ov'rshadowing the rosemary. I love the way my fingers smell like the herbs after I have been touching them. Often I go just to run my fingers over the green herbs so I can smell those delicious aromas.

What kinds of herbs do you like to use? Do you have an herb garden? What's in it?

Rated G

This is nice to know. I saw it will participating in Friday's Feast at Virtual Musotopianoforte .

Online Dating

Because:
No bad words were found.

Friday's Feast

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{Featured Flickr Feast by SasherTootie]

Appetizer:
How many pieces of jewelry do you wear most days?
I usually wear my watch, my Italian Charm bracelet, a ring or two, and a necklace, plus the stud earrings that I always wear (I am afraid to change them! lol).

Soup:
What is your favorite instrumental song?
It is hard to pick one. Probably something from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack like "Mrs. Darcy" or "Your Hands Are Cold" or "Georgiana." I love lots of instrumental and classical music.

Salad:
Who has a last name that you like?
Jane Austen. :) And while you are here, please go vote for Jane!

Main Course:
Name a popular movie you’ve never seen.
Terminator.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: Nothing makes me ___________ like ____________.
Nothing makes me happy like reading a Jane Austen novel.
Thanks for visiting!

More feasting here.

Vote for Jane Austen!

The Battle of the Mr. Darcys is over, but we have another contest to vote in:

The Book Mine Set is having a contest to decide who is better: Edgar Allan Poe and our very favorite Jane Austen?

That's an easy one!

You can vote here.

Remember, vote simply by adding your comment below, base it on whatever merit you choose, voting does not end until Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. (July 3rd), and please spread the word!
So go vote for Jane!

Curtsy to AustenBlog, where you can enter a contest to win a copy of Dear Jane Austen: A Heroine’s Guide to Life and Love,

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #9


Thirteen Blogs/Websites I Visit Daily
(In no particular order)

1. My own blogs: A Lady's Diversions (this one)
2. and A Lady's Ruminations (My political blog)
3. The Corner at NRO---politics
4. Michelle Malkin---politics
5. AustenBlog---all about Jane Austen
6. Jane Austen's World---more about Jane Austen and the Regency
7. Knit the Classics---We read classic novels and knit projects to go along with them.
8. Drudge Report---news and politics
9. Hot Air---political videos and news
10. Yahoo.com---where my main e-mail account is located
11. FOJG.com---Friends of Josh Groban, the JG fan club
12. Popsugar---celebrity gossip, I can't resist!
13. Republic of Pemberley---more Jane Austen!



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

The Darcy Battle Has Ended

Ms. Place has posted the winner here.

A total of 1,218 votes were cast in the battle between Mr. Darcy (as played by Colin Firth) and Mr. Darcy (as played by Matthew MacFadyen). An outstanding turn-out!

Ms. Place has also provided an excellent activity to capture our imaginations now that the battle is over.

I certainly enjoyed participating in the Battle of the Mr. Darcys.

What an excellent diversion!

I love this picture, so I thought I would post it again:

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

When He Says He Loves Her

My friend Aj sent me the link to this and I just had to post it! We both love Josh Groban and Pride & Prejudice, so this video brings the best of both together! Enjoy! So pretty!


I found this one:



And another that Aj found:



I found a bunch more here, including a video set to "Remember When It Rained." Hooray!

Visit Jane Austen's World and vote in The Battle of the Darcys: Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen. The contest runs through tomorrow. Matthew needs our help! UPDATE: voting ends in an hour! 9pm PST/12amEST

Friday, June 22, 2007

Vote for Mr. Darcy

Don't forget to visit Jane Austen's World and vote in The Battle of the Darcys: Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen (my favorite Mr. Darcy!).

The battle is heating up and the Matthew MacFadyen fans have rallied! Ms. Place has decided to let the contest go for a week and you may vote once per day.


Here Ms. Place has provided some excellent links about the two Mr. Darcys.

Go vote! Mr. Darcys all around!

Friday's Feast

{Featured Flickr Feast by And…Action!}

Appetizer
Name a funny habit you have.
Let me think . . . I don't know if it is funny, but I always take a ton of books with me on vacations, etc. You never know when you will finish a book and have time to start the next one!

Soup
If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick?
I would pick the piano because it is so beautiful.

Salad
How long is your hair?
My hair is just at my shoulders.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it?
Confession: I'm rather bad at forgiving because I'm stubborn, but my sister today.

Dessert
What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
Oh, tough one. I don't usually use many appliances, but I would have to say my hand-mixer.

More feasting here.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #8


Thirteen Things: For My Sister

1. My sister and I are about two years apart (and I'm older).
2. My sister and I are about the same height: 5'11.
3. My sister has a blonde heart and soul and is sweet and pretty.
4. My sister likes to scrapbook, watch House, clean (yes, really), and take care of people.
5. My sister graduated from college with a degree in Political Science and her teaching certificate.
6. My sister and I sub at the same school, the high school we graduated from, and the kids are always saying, "I just had your sister!"
7. My sister and I love Pirates of the Caribbean, but she's the bigger Johnny Depp/Captain Jack Sparrow fan and I'm the Will Turner fan.
8. My sister loves the Marines and always says she wants to marry one.
9. My sister loves dogs and plays with our friends three Westies a lot (our dog died last June).
10. My sister loves Brad Paisley and just went to his concert at the end of May and bought his new cd on Tuesday.
11. My sister likes to tell people that I like to talk in an English accent . . . and I like to tell them the things she says because she's blonde!
12. My sister is really good at knitting (and started out almost perfect!), but hates doing it.
13. My sister is my dearest friend, even though we fight sometimes! I love you, Trisha!
You cheated.
Pirate.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Don't forget to leave a comment!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



A Darcy Battle

Visit Jane Austen's World and vote in The Battle of the Darcys: Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen (my favorite Mr. Darcy!).

Ms. Place has basically declared a winner, but you can still vote (for Matthew!!!).



New Fancies

If you read my blogs, then you know I am a devout devotee of Jane Austen's. So, I was very excited to receive an e-mail from Sourcebooks, Inc., a publishing company, asking if I would like to read a couple of books and review them. I replied that I would be delighted.

Here are the press releases for the books, which I will receive soon:

The First Jane Austen Sequel Ever Written is Finally Republished!

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If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Jane Austen should feel adequately flattered by modern-day authors. However, the Jane Austen sequel is not a modern creation. The first ever Jane Austen sequel was published in 1914 and quickly became a hit among Austen fans eager for more. However, that once beloved first sequel has been unavailable to readers for nearly a decade.

Sourcebooks, Inc. is proud to once again bring the original Jane Austen sequel into the hands of Austen lovers, Old Friends and New Fancies: An Imaginary Sequel to the Novels of Jane Austen by Sybil G. Brinton (ISBN: 978-1-4022-0888-1; July 2007; $14.95 U.S./$19.95 CAN; Paperback)


Charles Wenz, Life Member of the Jane Austen Society, calls Old Friends and New Fancies “the ultimate Jane Austen sequel.” Unlike other sequels, which focus on just one Austen classic, Brinton’s novel impressively intertwines the lives of the most beloved characters from all six. Making use of references made to the characters by Jane Austen herself, documented in her nephew’s memoir, Brinton brings together all the characters left standing at the end of the novels—particularly the unmarried ones—for an inventive and entertaining story of matchmaking.

About the Author

Little is known of Sybil G. Brinton. It is believed that Ms. Brinton was born in England in the 1870s, and that she was in her late thirties when her book was published. She describes her work as a “little attempt at picturing the after-adventures of some of Jane Austen’s characters.”
And the second:

Letters from Pemberley

The Story Lives on in this Enchanting and Celebrated Sequel to Pride and Prejudice

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Originally self-published, Letters from Pemberley achieved great success, selling over 8,000 copies and receiving four stars and 88 reviews on Amazon. Sourcebooks, Inc. is proud to finally give this book its proper place in the bookselling market so it can reach even more Austen lovers.

Letters from Pemberley: The First Year by Jane Dawkins (ISBN: 978-1-4022-0906-2; May 2007; $13.95 U.S./ $17.95 CAN; paperback) has been praised by Susan Watkins, author of Jane Austen: In Style as “[D]elightful . . . it is great fun. Well done, Jane Dawkins!” Susannah Fullerton, President of The Jane Austen Society of Australia calls the book “[A] pleasant and believable story . . . an enjoyable read.”

Rather than a sequel, this book more closely resembles an old-fashioned patchwork quilt, combining Austen’s ideas, language and historical context with Dawkins’s original story. Dawkins caringly gives Austen her due, incorporating a line or a phrase or a sentence from one of Jane Austen’s books or letters into every piece of her tale about Elizabeth Bennet’s first eventful year at Pemberley.

About the Author

Jane Dawkins has been an Austen fan most of her life. Born in Palestine, she grew up in Wiltshire, neighboring county to Jane Austen’s Hampshire. This book is a product of her curiosity about Elizabeth’s first days at Pemberley and her study of not only Austen’s life but also her times. Dawkins aspires for her readers to be as entertained by reading this book as she was by writing it.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

How Well Do You Know the Regency?

Over at Jane Austen's World, Ms. Place has posted a link to a quiz on the Regency.

As I adore studying the Regency, I had to take the quiz. I am pleased to say I got a 10 of 10!

You will find the quiz here.

Don't forget to visit Jane Austen's World. Ms. Place always has fascinating information about Jane's family and the Regency in general.

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Battle of Waterloo

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815, Waterloo, Belgium, where the English Duke of Wellington, principally, defeated, for the last time, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Huzzah for General Wellington!


You can read all about the bloody Battle of Waterloo, including combatants, generals, British regiments present, and troop movements, here.


Today, Waterloo reenactment draws thousands.

And more:
The Allied Order of Battle
The French Order
The Casualties (British only)
Uniforms, Arms, Equipment, Training

Waterloo-The Battle
Eyewitness to History: Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo

The Closer: Season Premiere Tonight!

One of my favorite televsion shows of all time, The Closer, begins its third season tonight! (official website with great stuff here) All tonight and tomorrow you can watch re-runs of the first and second seasons on TNT. Don't miss the 3rd season premiere at 9pm!

I can't wait!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Reading Burns Calories

Did you know that reading (especially Pride and Prejudice!) burns calories?

That's according to a recent study:

The researchers say when a person has been engaged in reading for a few hours, his basal metabolic rate doubles.

People normally burn around one calorie per minute when sitting still, they say. However, reading encourages the production of adrenaline, and thereby causes BMR to rise to up to 1.75 calories per minute.
[. . .]
They say if a person reads at a rate of 300 words a minute, he may burn off more than 1,100 calories by the end.
And my favorite:
9. Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen (443 calories)
Get reading!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Finish the Sentence Meme

I saw this over at Kwizgiver's blog what if this is as good as it gets? and thought I would post it too. :)

My Roommate and I once: tore the sheet. When we were little, my sister and I shared a bed. We were fighting one night and kicking and the sheet tore (she did it!!!). We told our mother that it just tore.

Never in my life have I: wanted to be drunk. I get migraines occasionally. Why would I purposefully give myself a horrid headache?

High school was: a great experience at a wonderful school.

When I am nervous: push my glasses back and tuck my hair behind my ears. I hate my hair in my face. Oh, I probably blush, too (though not as much as I used to!).

My hair: is right at my shoulders and I have no ability to make it look at all styled.

When I was 5: I had been friends with my dearest friend Roz for over a year.

By this time next year: I will hopefully have a teaching job at my favorite school!

My favorite aunt is: a huge Johnny Depp fan and absolutely fabulous.

I have a hard time understanding: why people don't like to read!

You know I like you if: I take the time to bake/cook and make things for you (that applies to anyone!).

My ideal breakfast is: Ferguson's French Toast with Hashbrowns and Crisp Bacon, with hot tea.

If you visit my hometown: I will take you to Ferguson's!

If you spend the night at my house: I will make sure your room is comfy and has some little surprises like candles or soap or chocolate.

My favorite blond is: not a blonde anymore (but her soul is still blonde!).

My favorite brunette is: only 4 years old!

The animal I would like to see flying is: a horse. Like Pegasus.

I shouldn't have been: staying up so late all week!

Last night: I went to see the midnight opening of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer with my sister. We saw a group of boys who just graduated from our high school (where we substitute teach) and said hello. Oh, and we got to see the HP and the OotP trailer! Exciting!

I've been told I look like: someone I have forgotten!

If I could have any car it would be: some really lovely British car with a driver! :)

Jill's Book Bag

I saw this over at Cozy Reader and thought it was a fantastic idea.

Jill over at Who Could Ask For Anything More? has come up with a contest of sorts called Jill's Book Bag.

Here's her plan:

Jill's Book Bag will be a monthly event wherein one participate will receive my pick-of-the-month book, plus some other goodies of my choosing, all sent to you in a cool little bag.
How does one ener?

To be eligible for the Book Bag:

1. leave a comment here and
2. link back to this post with a post on your own blog.
This month's contest is open until Midnight (9pm PST) tonight, so hurry over!

Friday's Feast #2

Appetizer
Fill in the blank: The best thing about where I live is _________________…
The best thing about where I live is having all four seasons.

Soup
Create a new name for a deodorant (like “Flower Fresh” or “Shower Scent”).
Lady In Lavender

Salad
What was the last piece of software you installed onto your computer?
I have no idea. My dad does that sort of thing.

Main Course
If you were to receive a superlative award today beginning with the words ”Most likely to…”, what would the rest of the phrase say?
Most Likely to Read Several Books

Dessert
What two colors do you like to wear together?
Navy Blue and White

FF2 and HP5

My sister and I just got back from the Midnight showing of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. If you liked the first one, you'll like this one. It was pretty good and not too long, good summer entertainment.

The most exciting thing, I have to say, was the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix trailer that played before FF2. I was not expecting it and it was super exciting! I cannot wait to see it in . . . what does the countdown say? 25 days? It was fabulous, chilling, and great!

More later.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Monday, June 11, 2007

One More For Today


You scored as Elinor Dashwood,

As Marianne's older sister, Elinor lives at the other end of
the emotional spectrum. She rarely reveals her intense
feelings and is more concerned with being honest and loyal than
having what she deserves. Even though her intentions are pure,
she sets herself up for loss by constantly placing other people
before her own needs. Overall, Elinor is gentle and rational but
is just as capable of radical emotions (despite her withholding
them) as her sister.

Elinor Dashwood

75%

Elizabeth Bennet

72%

Charlotte Lucas

63%

Lady Catherine

44%

Marianne Dashwood

41%

Emma Woodhouse

38%

Jane Bennet

38%

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!!
created with QuizFarm.com

Which Classic Female Literary Character Am I?







Which Classic Female Literary Character Are you?




You're Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen!
Take this quiz!








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Sunday, June 10, 2007

Napoleon's Sword Sells for $6.4 Million

AP: Napoleon's sword sold for $6.4 million---

FONTAINEBLEAU, France - A gold-encrusted sword Napoleon wore into battle in Italy 200 years ago was sold Sunday for more than $6.4 million, an auction house said.

The last of Napoleon's swords in private hands, it has an estimated value of far less — about $1.6 million, according to the Osenat auction house managing the sale.

Applause rang out in a packed auction hall across the street from one of Napoleon's imperial castles in Fontainebleau, a town southeast of Paris, when the sword was sold.

Osenat did not identify the buyer, but said the sword will remain in Napoleon's family, which had put it up for sale. The auction house did not immediately elaborate on the details.
My previous post on this topic here.

And in other news, Napoleon runs for parliament seat. Seriously. Right now.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

*Sigh*

I saw this photo and HAD to blog it. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to Poebegone on Flickr for having it!

I ADORE this picture!

Is He Out There?

My mother and I are watching my favorite Pride & Prejudice and it is pouring rain outside.

I wonder if I should go outdoors and see if Mr. Darcy is waiting for me?


After all, that could be my hair in the picture. Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and I do have the same color of hair and eyes.

It's Rags to Riches!

When I was growing up, I was obsessed with horses (especially black ones). While I don't think about horses quite so much anymore, I watched the Preakness last month and the 139th Belmont Stakes today. Horse Racing is the sport of Kings, you know.

The Belmont was exciting! I was going to cheer for Curlin, who won the Preakness, but during the race couldn't make up my mind. CP West was a gorgeous black, but then . . .

AP: It's the filly! Rags to Riches takes Belmont Stakes---

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rags to Riches is racing's queen for a day.

The fabulous filly outdueled Preakness winner Curlin in a breathtaking stretch run and won the Belmont Stakes by a head Saturday, becoming the first of her sex in more than a century to take the final leg of the Triple Crown.

"My hat is off to Rags to Riches," said Curlin's trainer, Steve Asmussen, who never gave up hope his chestnut colt would prevail in the dramatic final strides.
Rags to Riches is the first filly to win in 102 years, since Tanya in 1905. Before the race, the commentators were doing a story on the fact that no filly had won in that many years and how fillies are usually not as strong as the male horses (which is really a big "no kidding"), etc., etc. But, apparently, Rags to Riches is a bit bigger than the typical filly and trains with male horses. She certainly did well against them today!

Rags to Riches became the third filly to capture the Belmont -- Ruthless took the first running in 1867 and Tanya won in 1905. Only 22 fillies have tried the Belmont, with Rags to Riches the first since Silverbulletday finished seventh in 1999.
Very elite company.
Despite a slight stumble at the start, Rags to Riches turned the Belmont into a sensational showdown -- a true battle of the sexes.

When the field of seven 3-year-olds turned for home, four horses were up front, Rags to Riches on the outside and Curlin sneaking in between two other rivals.

In an instant, it became a two-horse race -- a quarter-mile to the finish of the 1 1/2 -mile Belmont, the longest and most grueling of the Triple Crown races.
The end was quite exciting and I was on my feet. Horses are such beautiful creatures. I am in awe.

Congratulations, Rags to Riches!

Isn't she a beauty? (#7) I really want to go to a horse race now!

Napoleon's Battle Sword For Sale

My favorite period of history to study is the English Regency. Of course, during the same time period Napoleon Bonaparte was taking over the Continent, so most people know the period as the Napoleonic Era.

Any article, book, story about this time period captures my attention quite easily. I was interested to see this article today:

AP: Napoleon's battle sword up for auction---

FONTAINEBLEAU, France - After more than 200 years in the family, the gold-encrusted sword Napoleon carried into battle in Italy will be auctioned off Sunday, across the street from one of his imperial castles.

The intricately decorated blade is 32 inches long and curves gently — an inspiration Napoleon drew from his Egyptian campaign, auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat said.

"He noticed that the Arab swords, which were curved, were very effective in cutting off French heads" and ordered an imitation made upon his return, Osenat explained.
What fascinating information!

Napoleon's Battle Sword

More about the sword:

The sword was worn by Napoleon — who was not yet emperor at the time — into the battle of Marengo in June 1800, where he launched a surprise attack to push the Austrian army from Italy and seal France's victory, Chataignier said.

After the battle, Napoleon gave the sword to his brother as a wedding present, and it was passed down through the generations, never leaving the family, according to the auction house.

Today the sword is owned by eight direct descendants of Napoleon, including Prince Victor Napoleon, Chataignier said. The auction house will hold the auction in view of Fontainebleau castle south of Paris, constructed by Napoleon as a quiet retreat.

Strong enough for battle, the sword is uncommonly ornate, with geometric designs in gold covering the hilt and most of the blade.
You can follow the timeline of the Egypt Campaign here. The French landed at Alexandria, Egypt on 1 July 1798 and took the city on 2 July 1798. A French soldier discovered the famous Rosetta Stone only 17 days later, on 19 July 1798.

Of course, Napoleon eventually lost (again) to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, at Waterloo, Belgium, on 18 June 1815.

I would love to own this sword (or at least see it!).

Friday, June 08, 2007

Friday's Feast #1

I feel like playing around on the internet this evening, so I thought I would join Friday's Feast (at least today!)

Appetizer
What do you consider to be the ultimate snack food?
I think popcorn is the ultimate snack food. It is my favorite snack and you can do so many things with it. My favorites are salt & butter or Cheese Whiz (which is kind of a family tradition).

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), about how popular is your last name?
My last name is not very popular or common, so I would say a 1. It is Americanized French and I don't know of anyone other than my (huge) family in the U.S. Basically, it is a big, well-known region of France.

Salad
Who is your all-time favorite sitcom character, and why?
I was just lamenting the fact that Nick-at-Night seems to have gone away. I used to watch it all the time as a child. My all-time favorite sitcom character . . . that is a difficult decision! I would probably have to say Samantha Stephens from Bewitched. I always wanted to be her.

Main Course
Do you shop online? If so, name some sites you like to browse for goodies.
I do shop online sometimes. I usually like to browse Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Half.com. I usually buy books.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I think ___________ should be ___________.
I think Jane Austen should be mandatory reading for everyone!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

The Classic Dames Test


Your Score: Myrna Loy


You scored 23% grit, 28% wit,

23% flair, and 38% class!



You are class itself, the calm, confident "perfect woman." Men turn and look at you admiringly as you walk down the street, and even your rivals have a grudging respect for you. You always know the right thing to say, do and, of course, wear. You can take charge of a situation when things get out of hand, and you're a great help to your partner even if they don't immediately see or know it. You are one classy dame. Your screen partners include William Powell and Cary Grant, you little simmerpot, you.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Chicken Curry!

A couple of summers ago my dear friend Lady Lori introduced me to Indian food, which is one of her favorites. I have had it a couple of times, but never attempted it until recently.

As I do for most recipes, I turned to Rachael Ray, specifically her magazine, and found this: Chandran's Chicken Curry.

The kitchen smelled fabulous the entire evening. Cinnamon. Coconut milk. Garlic. Fresh Ginger (Yum-o!).

It was easy, very delicious, and, based on my experience, tasted authentic. If you have never made curry before, I highly recommend this recipe!

Here are some pictures of my Chicken Curry:

Chicken Curry

Basmati Rice and Chicken Curry

Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice and Chai Tea