News Details (Posted: December 22, 2004):

Wednesday's SEASIDE SCOOP By Peggy Fisher

Full Description:

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'" —Dave Barry "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide" Welcome! Welcome to Seaside Scoop, strengthening our word power and memories incrementally while linking friends and wildlife supporters across Florida and the globe. Seaside Scoop readers span Florida, 35 states, Guam and 15 countries abroad. (Your email address is safe. Seaside Scoop will never sell, rent or disclose your email address to third parties.) ******************************­************ Word-a-Day Lots of spindrift at the beach this week. spindrift SPIN-drift noun 1 : sea spray; especially : spray blown from waves during a gale *2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand Example sentence: "The winds around the mountain were fierce and a long white plume of spindrift trailed from the summit." (Michael Palin, Sunday Times (London), September 26, 2004) Did you know? "Spindrift" first set sail in the mid-18th century under Scottish command. During its first voyage, it was known by the Scottish moniker "speendrift." ("Speen" meant "to drive before a strong wind," so a speendrift was a drift of spray during such action.) In 1823, English speakers recruited the word, but signed it up as "spindrift." At that time, its sole duty was to describe the driving sprays at sea. However, English speakers soon realized that "spindrift" had potential to serve on land as well, and the word was sent ashore to describe driving snow and sand. Today, "spindrift" still serves us commendably at sea and on land. ******************************­****** Peggy’s Pet Parade From Virtual Agent Gayle in Wisconsin: < Just thought you’d enjoy pic of my big boy, Clarence the Cat, attacking the pampas grass in the dining room! From Carl Peterson in Guam: Pets bring love and wonder: They love their "teddies" > From Geri in Ft. Pierce and Laura in Atlanta (Seaside Scoop readers in sync!): OVERDOSE VICTIMS I'm sending these graphic pictures of overdose victims not for shock value, but rather in the hope that you will have a frank discussion with friends and family about respecting moderation, understanding limits, and knowing when to just walk away. Remember... If you have digital pics of your pet stars, please email them; Seaside Scoop stardom awaits via Peggy’s Pet Parade. Elated to report, this new feature is such a hit, there are now “Pets in Waiting,” to join the Parade from readers in Guam, Wisconsin, Atlanta, Ft. Pierce, Miami and Vero Beach. Delighted so many members are animal lovers with such a great sense of humor; Santa please note! ******************************­********************** Mail Call: Are You Ready for 2005? From mentor Suddenly Senior Frank in Clearwater, FL : Thanks for the plug. Happy Holidays! —Hope 2005 brings you to 2 million readers! From WWII Vet Alex in Vero Beach, FL: Perpend------"He said it was perpend meaning by his pen not a vocal thought but truly written down"----and it is my birthday 81st in writing---Alex From Virtual Agent Gayle in Wisconsin: We’re really getting psyched about our trip – just a few short weeks away. I read the clip about your Pillsbury Dough Girl antics in yesterday’s Scoop. Very cute images came to mind ;-) From Georgina in Coral Gables: Excellent Seaside Scoop ! People are really jumping in to join Peggy's Pet Parade! Marvelous description of your little beach patrol escapade: fortunately you came home to a warm house (in every sense of the word)…. Re: New Year's Resolutions. I'm private, too. Let's just say that my most important one would be to continue to get and stay healthy, which includes periodically getting up from this computer to which I appear to be stuck like glue…. Please be careful with those waves, and the wind. I'd be staggering under all your paraphernalia! But you look hale and hearty -- to wit, your picture in SS, where you look fit, fit, fit! So don't worry about catching a few less Zzzs from time to time. ******************************­******************* Attachments/hyperlinks From Carl Peterson in Guam: And then they voted. ******************************­***************** Seaside Scoop Web News For Seaside Scoops online, check: http://glgs.org/themes/Custom/­1/glg_articleView.asp?pid=68&t­id=14&articleid=29 ******************************­**** Holiday Cheers from Vero Beach Peggy Writing by Fisher Vero Beach, FL (772)388-4920 Turn the wheel of your life. Make complete revolutions. Celebrate every turning. And persevere with joy. —Deng Ming-Dao Writer ******************************­************* Seaside Scoop (AKA Word-a-Day) Content Any content may be copied; please credit Seaside Scoop . I would also appreciate your publishing information on subscribing: To subscribe to free Seaside Scoop email: writingbyfisher@bellsouth.net