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Spring

Monday, April 1, 2002

• TITLE: "Spring" From the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary: A time or season of growth or development; specifically : the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice.

• "�Jonquils �" The Jonquil is one of a number of flowering plants of the Narcissus family. According to the Botony.com website:

  The name Daffodil is commonly given to the Narcissus with large trumpets, but may be used for all types. The name Jonquil most properly belongs to the rush-leaved Narcissus jonquilla and its hybrids. In some parts of North America, it's used as a common name for all types of Narcissi. This plant is one of the prettiest springtime flowers and is able to be cultivated in many ways.

• "... Daylight Savings Time ..." April 7 is the latest DST can begin as the rule calls for it to begin at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in April. As today (a Monday) is April 1st, the first Sunday is next weekend, hence the latest it can begin. Europe, by the way, changes on the last Sunday in March, which was yesterday. Cool, huh?

• "... Pollyanna Whittier ..." The young heroine of a book by Eleanor H. Porter who, like Horatio Alger, became an adjective. From the bibliomania.com site:

  In 1907, Eleanor Hodgman Porter began publishing books, initially producing three novels about the young girl, Miss Billy. However, she then conceived of another girl, Pollyanna Whittier, and a children's classic was born. Pollyanna was published in 1913 and received immediate praise and success. The orphaned Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville to live with her harsh and dutiful maiden aunt. All soon feel her effect as she enlivens everyone with her cheerful and infectious optimism. The sad, the lonely, the sick, and the obnoxious all become enamoured of this girl's enthusiasm and zeal. However, dark times are to come as Pollyanna is hit by an event that she cannot deal with. Her famous 'gladness' seems lost and she must find a way to regain her past happiness.

  The story was followed in 1915 by a sequel, Pollyanna Grows Up and these remain Porter's most famous works.

• "� Tom Friedman �" Here's a link to the Friedman piece.
  
       
      Saturday Evening Post October 13, 1945
      Title: Homecoming Marine
      Artist: Norman Rockwell

  
  

•     Mullings' Catchy Caption of the Day:
  

  
  A mom and her son chat with the Pastor and his wife
  after Easter morning church services.

  Photo: Mike Theiler/Reuters ____________________________________________________________________________________