The Ferret...Online

My red and blue crayons are sharpened!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:08:00 +0000

For the high tech folks, you can play along tonight with the 2012 Presidential Election Interactive Map. If you enjoy paper like I do, get our your color crayons and enjoy!

Bob Ross would have been 70 today

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Google is honoring his birthday, so I thought I would too...

Bob Ross’ patient teaching and “wet on wet” painting techniques helped introduce thousands of amateur painters to the art world. The “serious” art establishment might not have had much time for Ross—and the contempt was mutual—but even now, 14 years after his death, Ross’ iconic show The Joy of Painting still enjoys a large following in syndication. Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about the man who brought us so many happy little trees.

1. He Was a Military Man

Ross’ quiet voice and gentle demeanor made him the perfect host for The Joy of Painting, but those traits might have kept him from being the perfect soldier. Before Ross became a TV painter, he spent 20 years in the United States Air Force and retired with the rank of master sergeant. In fact, an early assignment to Alaska helped expose the Florida native to the snowy mountains and evergreens that would become staples of his art.

Viewers might find it surprising that the serene Ross was an Air Force sergeant, and it sounds like the painter thought it was a little odd himself. He later told the Orlando Sentinel, “I was the guy who makes you scrub the latrine, the guy who makes you make your bed, the guy who screams at you for being late to work. The job requires you to be a mean, tough person. And I was fed up with it.”

When Ross retired from the Air Force, he allegedly vowed never to scream again, a plan that seems to have worked perfectly.

2. He Worked for Free

The Joy of Painting ran new seasons on PBS from 1983 to 1994, so even at public broadcasting rates the show must have made Ross quite a bit of loot, right? Not quite. Ross actually did the series for free; his income came from Bob Ross Inc. Ross’ company sold art supplies and how-to videotapes, taught classes, and even had a troupe of traveling art instructors who roamed the world teaching painting. It’s tough to think of a better advertisement for these products than Ross’ show.

How did Ross find the time to tape all of those shows for free? He could record a season almost as fast as he could paint. Ross could bang out an entire 13-episode season of The Joy of Painting in just over two days, which freed him up to get back to teaching lessons.

3. He Didn’t Sell His Paintings

In a 1991 interview with the New York Times, Ross claimed he’d made over 30,000 paintings since he was an 18-year-old stationed in Alaska with the Air Force. When Ross died of lymphoma in 1995, most of his paintings either ended up in the hands of charity or PBS.

That’s not to say there aren’t any Ross paintings floating around, though. While he generally didn’t sell his canvasses, Ross did sell some souvenir gold pans during his stint in Alaska. At the time, the amateur artist got $25 a pop for a gold pan with an Alaskan scene painted in the bottom. [See Also: What Happened to Bob Ross' Paintings?]

4. He Had a Dr. Doolittle Streak

Before he ever picked up a paintbrush, Ross was an animal lover. During his childhood in Florida, he once shocked his mother by trying to nurse a wounded alligator back to health in the family’s bathtub. Throughout his adult life, he maintained his soft spot for animals; his Florida home usually housed any number of critters that Ross was trying to help rehabilitate. At various times he played host to birds with broken wings, orphaned baby squirrels, and an epileptic squirrel that lived in his empty Jacuzzi.

Ross liked animals so much that he would tape squirrels in his backyard. During the early 1990s, Ross had hoped to develop a new non-painting show that would introduce children to a variety of new wildlife.

5. He Didn’t Love the ‘Fro

It’s hard to think of Bob Ross and not immediately key in on the giant bushy mushroom cloud of hair that exploded off of his head, and Ross knew it. Unfortunately, he also supposedly hated the haircut. Ross had an uncanny knack for marketing, though, so he knew that trimming his locks down to a more conservative ‘do would probably undercut part of his business. Ross decided to stick with his trademark look and even had his permed visage emblazoned on every tube of Bob Ross Inc. art supplies.

Read the full text here: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/40610#ixzz2AhGqxr5y
--brought to you by mental_floss!

Ridiculously dry cuticles

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:58:00 +0000

I can't say I have tried every cuticle product available to purchase, but I have tried every one I'm aware of and Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm is my favorite to date. It is really quite perfect...moisturizing, but not greasy...pleasant scent, but not overly powerful...and, affordable enough to apply several times a day (OCD-tendencies be damned)...

Anything to drink more water

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Love to put lemon in your water, but hate the mess? Don't like the stories about dirty lemons in restaurants? Maybe you are like me and just can't seem to get down 8 glasses of plain water a day. Regardless of your reason, I suggest you give True Lemon a shot. True Lemon is 100% natural with no artificial ingredients or sweeteners, preservatives, sodium, or gluten. It is available in lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, lemonade, and raspberry lemonade. My favorites are lemon and grapefruit, but you can taste all of them with the True Sampler.

Trader Joe's Does Not Disappoint

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:17:00 +0000

I thought about giving the pumpkin macarons a bad review to keep them on the shelves longer, but just couldn't do it. As I love "all things pumpkin" and have a tiny obsession with macarons, I was inclined to like them. They did not disappoint. Hurry up and get some if you want to try them...seasonal items never seem to last long at Trader Joe's. And, while you are there, try the Speculoos Cookie Butter. Trust me, you'll thank me.

Must.Get.To.Trader Joe's.ASAP.

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I haven't written anything in so long, but I heard about Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons and felt I must write about them ASAP. Has anyone tried them? I don't think I can get myself to TJ's fast enough!

The Ferret...on hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:08:00 +0000

I've been experiencing technical difficulties with the site - really lots of attempts to send out lots of spam...I have been working on getting it taken care of to prevent any subscribers from being affected...I am hopeful everything will be resolved soon and I can tell you about all of the fun things I've been buying lately...

I am NOT too old to go out anymore!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:40:00 +0000

How many times have you had a tad too much to drink and promised yourself that was the last time you were ever going to do that again? Probably enough times that you could have sworn that you really mean it this time...don't beat yourself up the next morning trying to figure out how it happened AGAIN. Just pop open a can of Code Blue and move on with your day. Its all natural formula actually speeds the recovery process by replenishing vital nutrients, removing harmful toxins and reducing inflammation. Code Blue contains no caffeine and is low in sugar (only 40 calories per serving).

Don't make resolutions you can't keep...just stock up on Code Blue and enjoy the holidays!

For a limited time, Code Blue is offering an amazing "Buy One, Get One Free" special when you order a case. This offer will disappear faster than you can say "hangover, what hangover?"...so act fast! To take advantage of this offer: click here, add a minimum of two cases to your cart and enter the password holiday to receive your discount.

Mother does know best!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:06:00 +0000

I have previously mentioned that I love Ziploc bags. I also enjoy teasing my mother (just a tad). After pretending to listen to the latest thing she learned from Dr. Oz, I decided to humor her and check out the show. Wouldn't you know it, but the day I checked out he was talking about germs!?!? And I actually learned a good tip to use when traveling...

Experts recommend using a Ziploc bag as a makeshift glove when handling the remote or using a chlorine antibacterial wipe and wiping down every button, crack, and crevice, spending extra time on the power button, which is touched the most.

I don't so love the idea of cleaning every nook and cranny of the remote, but I think using a Ziploc bag is a great idea! In fact, I even tried it on my recent trip to Arizona...with my mother, natch...

1500 books weighs less than a pound

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:28:00 +0000

I didn't totally "get" the Kindle. I've heard the rave reviews from friends (including trustworthy book lovers) and even played around with one earlier this year. However, I did not fully appreciate its greatness. Until now. Amazon.com lowered the price...I scooped one up and love it! I was somewhat skeptical because I love paper and the feel of a book in my hand. I got over that quickly as I realized how much easier it is to read a book on a 10.2 ounce device than it is to carry around a 2+ pound hardback. I will still buy actual books, but the Kindle is going to really help me manage my overflowing bookcases.

No more birthday suits, please!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:57:00 +0000

I visited 29 Spa this week-end; my massage was fantastic and I wanted to live in the spa...really amazing place!

I have visited a few nice spas in my life, but 29 offered me something I have never seen before...a disposable bathing suit...brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that? And, why doesn't every spa offer disposable suits? I would much rather see a spa full of people wearing this suit than the invisible one that is "worn" in far too many spa locker rooms (in my humble opinion)...trust me - this suit is more flattering!

Trading Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

A little background information...years ago, my mother told my sister and me about her friend Kelly. We later learned Kelly was closer to our age than to hers. So, my sister did what any good daughter would do and stole Kelly away from my mom. Now, I am on a mission to steal Kelly away from my sister! Kelly knows things and I like people who know things. For example, this week-end, Kelly told me about One Kings Lane. It is another private shopping club like Gilt Groupe, HauteLook, Rue la la or ideeli; however, I had not yet heard of the site. And, as an added bonus, hearing Kelly and me bond over shopping made my sister quite nervous!!!

Not even close!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:45:00 +0000

According to Wikipedia, Jujyfruits closely resemble Winegums. Really? My sister brought Winegums back from South Africa and after eating at least a whole package this week-end, I can safely say Jujyfruits are third-rate. At best. If only I could find them in the States...

A little bit about me?

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:20:00 +0000

I have learned a few good habits as well as a few bad habits from my little sister. One thing I am desperately trying to learn from her is to adopt just a little bit of her "It's All About Me" mantra. I think this calendar will serve as a good daily reminder for me.

Joe-Joe's win it

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:05:00 +0000

My nephews and I did an unofficial (and quite unscientific) taste test this week-end. We compared the candy cane cookies from Oreo to the ones from Trader Joe's.

We liked the appearance of the Oreo cookies - half red and half white cream, but thought the Joe-Joe's from Trader Joe's were much more tasty! That was it...no blindfolds...no clearing of the palate...just two cookies side by side. We unanimously agreed on the Trader Joe's cookies!

Holiday time = family time

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Lots of family time = lots of talking. And, usually about super fun topics like your dating life or plans for having children. Unless you are in my family. I'm pretty sure my mother will use the opportunity to tell us everything she has learned from Dr. Oz. She's slightly obsessed...she even takes notes from his show! I think I'll bring the Table Topics Family Gathering Edition cards to her house. Or, at least some of the sample cards from their site.

Excess baggage

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

After living in New York, I learned to live out of my handbag. I carried everything with me that I could possibly need over the next twelve hours...and anything else I could fit in there. Although I no longer live in New York, my handbag still weighs a ton. And, I am really beginning to warm up to the idea of a clutch that can serve as a wallet or small purse. So far, my top choice is the Hobo International Eden Clutch. I like it in black, but it also comes in lots of other fun colors.

Color me!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I've been a tad into coloring lately...I'm not obsessed, but I do want to play around with Crayola's Lights, Camera, Color application. You can upload your pictures and turn them into coloring pages. You can even add special backgrounds, props and phrases. How cool is that? You need a code to print out the pages, but you can find it in specially-marked Crayola boxes (48, 64, 96, 120-ct. as well as the 150-ct. tower). I believe you can try it out for one day with this code: PRT77F3S.

Clean up, clean up...everybody, everywhere...

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Word on the street (aka my cousins Debra and Laura), Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner is the hottest new cleaning product. I have been using a very mild soap on mine and have not been so in love with the results. "They" say this stuff is awesome - cleans well with no streaks. Apparently, it is very difficult to find in stores. It sounds like my cousins have been hoarding it!

Oh so mighty

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

I love Mighty Leaf tea. And, I'm not ashamed to admit that I initially fell in love with it because of the silk pouch. It just looks so luxurious. However, after trying several varieties, I know it is more than just appearance...this is great tea! My new favorite flavor is the Ginger Twist. I like it with a bit of honey, but my co-workers tell me it is good enough to drink without adding anything to it.

Hello everybodeeeeeeeee!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday today. For a stroll down memory lane, you can purchase the commemorative DVD, Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days. You can also vote for your favorite episode on the Sesame Street site.

Subtle hint...

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:59:00 +0000

...or gentle reminder...

Shopping comes from the mother's side

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:12:00 +0000

My friends Gennye and Matthew have a new baby girl, Bess. While it doesn't sounds like Bess inherited her mother's ability to sleep through the night, it does sound like she learned to shop from her mother. Bess picked out really cute (and sturdy) furniture from Room & Board. It is quite practical too...she will still be using this dresser when her mother teaches her how to fall asleep while pointing a remote control at the tv.

So many colors!

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:35:00 +0000

I recently confessed to my sister that I color with my nephews crayons even when they are not visiting...I did not tell her that even though I have the box of 96 crayons and the box of 120 crayons, I secretly want the Crayola 150-Count Telescoping Crayon Tower. Not so secret anymore, I suppose...

Stock up on Mrs. Meyers Detergent

noreply@blogger.com (The Ferret...Online) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:51:00 +0000

...especially the Baby Blossom fragrance...it is great!