Mom’s Corner - The Craziest Discoveries
Can you guess what they are???
We are talking screw-ups that actually helped humankind! Let’s see if you now any???
This man, halfway through an experiment with bacteria went on vacation. Slob that he was he left a dirty Petri dish in the lab sink. When he got back, he had found the bacteria had grown all over the plate, except where an area where mold had formed. That discovery let to two things? What were they and who was he?
In 1943, the war years, a General Electric engineer combined silicone oil and boric acid in an attempt to find a cheap alternative to rubber for tank treads boots ext, What was his name, and big discovery???
In 1870 this man was experimenting with the sap from a South American tree, as a substitute for rubber, After mounting failures, The dejected inventor popped a piece into his mouth . He liked it. He discovered what?
At the end of world war two, this engineer was looking for forms of magnetron, which generated the microwave for radar systems. While he was standing next to the device one day, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted. This magnetron worked better on what? Who became very rich from this?
In 1856 : this man was interested in finding a cure for one of the deadliest diseases, Malaria by replicate Quinine in his laboratory he inadvertently discovered the color mauve instead. As a result he forgot about malaria and made another product establishing what?
In 1987 This couple were using small does of a deadly toxin to treat “ aspasams and other eye spasms when they noticed another interesting side effect, wrinkles magically disappeared What did they discover & who were they?”
Tags: feature
NR — March 8, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
The 1987 discovery was BOTOX! I don’t know who.
Janelle — March 8, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
the first one was penicillin
Janelle — March 8, 2010 @ 7:25 pm
the one from 1943 might by silly putty.
Janelle — March 8, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
ps. If Robert is retiring from active competition, can I transfer his riding ability to me via firewire or usb or something?
ElaineW — March 8, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
The 1870 discovery was chewing gum.
Eileen Kortright — March 9, 2010 @ 12:51 am
1. Penicillin, Alexander Fleming
2. Silly putty, Warrick or Wright — debatable
3. Chicle (chewing gum) can’t remember who
4. Microwave oven, Percy Spicer (?)
5. Mauveine, aniline purple dye, Sir William . . . something
6. Botox
Thanks to Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers and my penchant for retaining useless pieces of trivia
Jean Dover — March 14, 2010 @ 8:17 pm
Dear Eileen,
It is two weeks since I posted “The Accidental Discoveries Game.” Wish I had made any discovery. No such luck.
I hereby declare you winner as of, 3-16-10.
Please send me your name, & home address, & I will be thrilled to send a gift you will enjoy owning.
I would love to know about you so if you are inclined please, tell me where you live,work,ride,and play. Everyone always wants to know how you got into Dressage.
Love, Roberts Mom, Jean
Jean Dover — March 18, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
Dear Eileen,
I am waiting for your information so I can send your prize.
Love Jean
Marci Brown — March 19, 2010 @ 9:10 am
Dearest Roberts Mom,
We are busy in March Break here at the farm and with the teens. Fortunately , we may even set a temperature record today ! The weather has been just crazy wonderful the past few days. That doesn’t however, lessen my desire to come to Florida, to visit you !!! I hope you are feeling strong and well ! You remain in my thoughts and prayers daily !
Marci
Jean Dover — March 20, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Dearest Marci,
Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to write to me. Herb & I are blessed this week with having our beautiful granddaughter here to visit. We have been a handful I am sure, but she seems up to it. Morgan is a precious angel, beautiful inside and out. Today I was rushing to get dressed when I tripped over her suitcase, my fault, and broke a left rib. Our Son-In-Law the Dr. and my Daughter are in town, also staying with friends. They came over though I know there is nothing you can do for broken ribs except wait for them to heal. He said it is best to take deep breaths so as not to get pneumonia. My what an up beet e-mail. I guess it is time to sign off, saying I enjoy your e-mails tremendously, please don’t stop.
Love, Jean
Robert said the Canadians are doing him proud!
hrickalbertson — March 21, 2010 @ 11:07 am
Dear Robert’s Mom-
It’s been a little bit since I’ve takled to Robert. I’ve been out of the loop. The last time Robert saw me, I was coming out from battling cancer. I started getting back on my feet a little, and now I am deep in battling it again. If you could just tell Robert I said hello, and I think that he’s a great trainer and rider, and I’ve always admired him and I hope to see him around again, but right now I have to put all my efforts into my fight as I’ve just finished my first RICE treatment. Soon we will be looking at a stem cell transplant. I hope everything is well with you, I know you’ve been in the fight as well, and I must say reading your stories have really lifted my spirits. It’s like chicken soup for the soul. Please let Robert know that I said hello. My name is H Rick Albertson and soon I will be getting back on the morphine so I will be in the fog again. Take care, god bless and my prayers are with you and Robert. Also, keep up the great story lines, they bring a smile to my face. Rick
Marci Brown — March 22, 2010 @ 8:40 am
Rick - Sorry to hear about your struggles. Keep up the good fight !
Roberts Mom - dearest you…. a broken rib ? What were you thinking ! I do feel so badly for you though. I wish I could help you out. I can’t imagine what that must feel like. I hope you are enduring. At least you didn’t fall on your wrists or fingers, and can still type ! I love hearing from you. Tell me more of your exciting adventures of life ! Actually, in all honesty, I would love for you to give me some advice in life. If you had to share with me some important life lesson that you have learned, what would it be ? You are such a positive, hard working , inspirational lady, I selfishly want to know your thoughts !
Love you much.
Try to stay in one piece, at least until I can come and visit ! xoxo
Marci
Jean Dover — March 25, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Dear Rick,
I am allergic to morphine. I beak out in hives. I can’t keep down most pain killers as was confirmed this week when trying to give me relief from my broken rib. Things you find out about breaks are strange to me as I never had one before. My break is high up on my back, but the pain is down on my lower right side. Even the thigh on the same side decided to join in to annoy me, and hurts like the devil when I get up from sitting down.
Rick, I have a theory about death that has brought me much peace. I feel is is like going on a great adventure. It is a time when you finally learn THE TRUTH.
I have added you to my prayer list Rick, and I ask all our friends out there to do the same.
I will send your regards to Robert with pleasure. You can also write to him yourself at Doversworld.com
My healing vibes are coming your way.
Love Roberts Mom
Jean Dover — March 26, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
Dear Marcie,
Please don’t expect to much of me right now. Just getting through the day is as much as I can do. The wonderful thing is you do so much to inspire me! You have your bright mind working in overdrive, yet driving very well. Did that long sentence make sense to you? I hope so.
My children insisted I have help in here 5 afternoons a week to help with Herb and to drive. One day soon I hope to feel well enough to get a new license.
I am finishing up my story and a few pictures from our trip to the 2000 Australian Olympics. That was a glorious trip. I am sending it to the webmaster tonight. He is in collage so I don’t know how fast he will do it for me. I still have Grease left. Each one brings back so many wonderful memories. My Kids never take pictures. I treasure each one,& love looking at them. Morgan comes here, sits down in my closet and loves looking at them too
OK, my sweet friend, it is time to make dinner so until later, Love Robert’s Mom
Bernie Hewitt — March 27, 2010 @ 10:43 am
Dear Robert’s Mom,
Well, I don’t get a chance to check in for a while and when I do I find you’ve gone and broken a rib. What rotten luck after never breaking anything before! I hope it’s mending fast.
I can’t wait to read your take on Sydney 2000. That was my favourite Olympics by far. I will be sure to check in soon to do that.
My Mum’s friend is not doing too well, alas. We’re all praying. That’s all we can do. And Rick, hello, I’m adding you to my prayer list.
With love from rainy England dear Jean,
Bernie x
Marci Brown — March 27, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
So Dearest Roberts Mom,
Today I became the parent of a teenager. My son, turned 13 today. I can hardly believe it ! It does make me feel old in mind, but in actuality I feel more alive and in control of my life than ever. Caleb is such a good boy, that I am not dreading the teen era, at least not yet ! I was a good girl, so I figure that ought to pass along some good grace for me as a parent ! That is my theory at least, and I am sticking to it !!!!
Like you children, I am terrible at taking pictures also. It was my Mother as well that kept a great photo record of Calebs childhood. I am trying to do better with pictures now.
I will cut you a small amount of slack due to your present injury . But, I really want to hear more from you as soon as you are able !!! Some good , down to earth, Motherly advice and lessons learned would be great. Sometimes it is so hard to stay on top of everything, keep everyone held together, and still feel like I am not short changing myself. You know ?
I think you are fantastic , inspirational and a great friend !
I have never been to an olympics, so I think you and I should snatch up Bernie and aim for 2012 !
Love you much, keep working on those memoirs !
Marci
Jean Dover — March 28, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
Dear Marcie, Bernie, and all my friends interested in Roberts Mom. I have had seven wonderful years with minimal stress from my cancer. Now however, it has raised it’s ugly head. Believe me I haven’t given up, nor will I easily. Tuesday I have a conference with my Doctor. That will guide my future I hope. It is not only me we have to consider, but my husband. He is amazing in many ways but the big problem with Alzheimer is the unpredictability. The night before last He was all ready for bed. I kissed him good night and headed for my room. I decided an hour later to check. He was asleep. Another hour I decided to take one more look. He was up and all dressed to go out. His answer to where he was going was,”I have people to see, and places to go.” I replied, “It is night, look out the window.” He said, “I don’t know day from night.” I said, “We may as well go to bed so take off your cloths and get into your PJ’S again.’ He said he would rather sleep in his cloths. In the end I let him and when I walked into his room in the morning there he was getting out of bed shoes, belt and all.
Tuesday I have a conference with my Oncologist and will try and get a realistic picture of the future.
I promise to keep you informed.
Please wish your son a belated happy birthday Marcie. He is lucky to have a special Mother like you. My philosophy with my 4 children was to let them live their life as they wished. If I though their path was wrong I tried to express my view in a constructive way. If their way was a mistake then they saw the outcome, punishment enough, and a lesson learned. They knew I only wanted them to be happy, and stay healthy, and thankfully they did.
Bernie dear, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s friend. She must have a very difficult cancer. I have not stopped praying for her.
Lovingly,
Robert’s Mom
Bernie Hewitt — March 28, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
Robert’s Mom,
You have a wonderful family, of so many talents, but also, we’re with you, you’re friends of Robert’s Mom and you’re such a boon to us, you know it.
I think we should plan that I invite you and Marci to lunch at the Wolseley in London when you both come over for the Olympics! It’s such a great restaurant, where my girlfriends and I have lunch when we can get together, so let’s just keep that in mind girls, OK?
Lots of love
Bernie xx
Jean Dover — March 28, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
Dearest Bernie,
You have a date for lunch at the Wolseley during the Olympics, my treat. If for some reason I can’t make it just watch your plate, I will be that pesky fly busing around. I promise two rounds is all I will make, and then away I go. Life is full of curves. One never knows where they will be the next minute. We must keep the faith.
I turned in The 2000 Australian Olympics Yesterday. Now is the wait to get it up on the website.
Next week I plan to start the final article on Grease.
Do you think people would like to see pictures of the different magazine covers Robert was on? I have most, I believe.
I appreciate your taking time to e-mail me, I know you are so very busy with your life. Just enjoy each minute of it. It is great for the health to be busy and happy so go for it.
Until later.
Love, to you Bernie, and thanks again for
keeping in touch.
txxxxxxxxxx&ooooooooo Robert’s Mom, Jean
Jean Dover — April 5, 2010 @ 4:50 pm
Dearest Friends,
My Doctor has put me on two new trigger drugs. One for my eyes, and one for the rest of me. I am really feeling better already. I am sure all your prayers did that for me. Thank you, it means a lot to me to know you care.
We had a lovely Easter with friends. I think that is what life is all about. Good friends and good food.
Roberts coming for dinner. Our caregiver is a great Italian cook. She is making Eggplant Parmigiana. Is your mouth watering? Mine too.
Love
Robert’s Mom
Bernie Hewitt — April 6, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Hey Robert’s Mom, that’s such good news. I am so happy for you and your family to hear that.
Easter is a very special time I think, don’t you? We had a lovely time with friends and family, a lot of good food and great fun, and we went to the point-to-point races today where I met a few old friends from the show jumping world - AND we had nice weather
Mum is doing well despite the loss of her dear friend, who sadly passed away. It all happened so very quickly, I think that was very difficult. Thank you for your prayers, carry them on for her sons and Mum to bear up to the loss?
We had a lovely lunch together on Easter Sunday. I took Chinese food (yes I know, but it worked!)
Funny that we call eggplant Aubergine? Sill tastes just as good!
Much love as ever,
Bernie x
Jean Dover — April 8, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
Dear Bernie,
How heartbreaking for your Mom to have her friend pass so quickly. The only good aspect is she didn’t waste away in a bed and suffer every day.
I am now on a drug I couldn’t keep down years ago. Then the DR. gave me the the highest dose to start with. This time the new DR. started me off with only 25% for 3 day, then 50% for three days & finally the whole 75%. I am now on the 2nd. day of 50% and I haven’t have a bad reaction. I am thrilled.
Poor Herb loves to sit out and watch the ducks and other birds around our lake. I beg him to wear sun glasses and a hat but you know men,he is stubborn and waves me away. No more! Today he came in with burned lips, and a burned eye lid. I tried to put ice on but again he said no, so I gave him Vaseline. He is looking better tonight, but the pain was awful. For dinner I gave him plain soup, barely warm with a straw. Later he ate an ice cream bar. Snickers, have you ever tried one. They are addictive.
Now for the good stuff. Our two Granddaughters are in love with wonderful men who love them back. The younger one’s boyfriend wants to get married now. She told him they should be engaged for a year to be sure. I am so proud of her for taking her time. There are no guarantees but I always said, “fast on, fast off”!” Our older granddaughter has never been serious before. This time she said “Gram he is the one.” “We both love each other, and know the difference.” They have been seeing each other for 3 months! I asked her how she could know so fast, she answered, “You can just tell.” I bless them and pray I can live to see these weddings.
The weather here is gorgeous. Now the tourists are going home, and it is easier to drive, and the restaurants are not so crowded. Come on over.
I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday again. The weeks just rush by.
Thanks so much Bernie for taking the time to write. I wish I could give you a hug and kiss but since I can’t I will end by sending them to you.
XXXXXX&OOOOOO Robert’s Mom, Jean