Happy Spring and Easter!

Florida bound, finally...

a case for a universal cord for all electronics

Over the years, I have accumulated way too many cords for my "devices".  With each purchase of a new phone comes another cord and charger as the previously used cords become obsolete.  Wasteful, at best.  Perhaps the time has come for a universal cord that would serve every device? 

Flagler's Folly, Railroad Across the Sea and Eighth Wonder of the World

I recently completed the reading of a selection for St. Johns Reads, a community reading project sponsored by the St. Johns Public Library, Florida.  Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean was authored by Les Standiford. Standiford  tells the story of Henry Morrison  Flagler, a visionary at best, who sets out to build the final installment of the railroad in Florida to link Miami to Key West. Rather than live out his life lavishly on the prosperous earnings from his work with Standard Oil, Flagler is resolved to commit his wealth to the design and completion of the Overseas Railroad.  Getting on in age, yet unwavering and without a thought of retreat, Flagler plows on with the assistance of his loyal and also deeply committed employees. Obstacles along the way included an occasional defecting labor force, masses of mosquitoes and other insects, numerous hurricanes, lawsuits, naysayers, an eventual dwindled bank account, wildfires and unhappy locals with the arrival of the railroad.  Seven years after commencing his plans, Flagler boarded his "own iron", Car 91 to make the inaugural excursion to Key West, where he is met with a glorious celebration and his dream finally attained.   Sadly, the railroad does not survive a subsequent hurricane that destroys much of the infrastructure, but not until after Flagler passes.

For all interested in the history of Florida, this book is worth a read. 

Winter tune...

Today, I am listening to Ice Dance

from the movie, Edward Scissorhands.

Tea time...

All the Light We Cannot See

In the historical fiction genre, All the Light We Cannot See  divulges the story of a young blind girl, Marie-Laure growing up in Paris and a young German orphan boy, Werner, all leading up to and in the course of WWII.  Anthony Doerr uses metaphors and vivid language while telling this dismal and tragic story of the Nazi invasion of France.  Worth a read.  I followed the reading by watching The Monuments Men, which elaborates on the thievery of precious art and jewels ordered by the Führer.  Worth a watch.

source

Downton Abbey made clear...

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As a tale of historical fiction, the storyline of Downton Abbey reflects many happenings in world history.  The New York Times recently published a timeline of sorts which expands on the various historical events referenced in each episode.  Click here to read further. I hope the NYT will continue to update this article as the episodes are broadcasted here in the United States.