Quote of the Day

A woman is like a tea bag; younever know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.
—Eleanor Roosevelt

Verse of the Day

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
—James 1:2-3

Story of the Day

At Amherst College (Massachusetts) aband of steel was secured around a young squash. As the squashgrew, it exerted pressure on the steel band. Researchers wantedto know just how strong a squash could be, so they measured theforce it brought to bear on its constraints. They initiallyestimated that it might be able to exert as much as 500 pounds ofpressure.

In one month, the squash was pressing 500 pounds. In two monthsit was applying 1,500 pounds and, when it reached 2,000 pounds,researchers had to strengthen the steel band. The squasheventually brought 5,000 pounds of pressure to bear on theband -- when the rind split open.

They opened it up and found it to be inedible, as it was filledwith tough, course fibers that had grown to push against itsconstraints. The plant required great amounts of nutrients togain the strength needed to break its bonds, and its rootsextended great distances in all directions. This amazing squashhad single-handedly taken over the garden space.
—From Steve Goodier's book, JOY ALONG THE WAY.

3/2/01