Tom McMahon

Winnie Cooper Proves a Perfect Fit

Chicago Tribune: "The selection of Danica McKellar for the lead in the just-opened West Coast production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'Proof' must be the most perfect type-casting in the history of the American theater. Authored by University of Chicago alum David Auburn, "Proof" is about a neurotic and brilliant young woman named Catherine, who claims to have written an extraordinarily complicated and important mathematical "proof" that was found among the belongings of her late and loony U. of C. mathematical genius father. Not only does everyone doubt her claim; her elder sister sees it as evidence that Catherine belongs on a funny farm herself. McKellar herself actually is a genuine math whiz and she actually did once author such a mathematical proof, graduating summa cum laude from UCLA in 1998 with a degree in analytical math. The proof she had to complete was all about "Percolation and Gibb's-states multiplicity for ferromagnetic Ashkin-Teller models in two dimensions." "We worked tirelessly," she said. "You experiment with things. You try different techniques. You try to get at the problem from different angles. The scary part about working on an original proof is that you don't know if the thing is provable. The theorem eventually did turn out to be true, thank goodness," she said. "The experience of proving it was amazing. It was so intense. There was no room for any other thought, any other subject during that time." The charming McKellar is perhaps best known as teen throb Winnie Cooper on "The Wonder Years" -- and, now, as the dryly witty White House speechwriter Elsie Snuffin on "The West Wing." (Thanks, Tim!)

Imaginary Friends: How to Write a Diversity Essay

"The key to a good college-application diversity essay is drama. One of the best approaches is to compose a story that captures the moment at which one of the deep truths of "diversity" crystallized for you. There are three such diversity deep truths (DDTs), and you can choose the one best suits your taste: (DDT 1) the reality of prejudice in American life, (DDT 2) the sheer thrill of encountering cultural difference, and (DDT 3) pride in one's own diversity. In each case, to bring the dramatic element into focus, you will need to introduce characters other than yourself. This will show that you realize that "diversity" is about the broader community and not just adolescent self. The story, however, will vary a bit depending on which DDT you chose as your theme."

Ham'n Taters Breakfast Casserole

More from Mr Breakfast Check out the ingredient list:

• 1 lb. frozen tater tots
  
• 1/2 lb. diced ham
  
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
  
• 1/2 cup green pepper diced
  
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar
  
• 6 eggs
  
• 1/2 cup milk

If this kind of cookin' is right up your alley, then
you also might want to check out the recipe for their Back Woods
Breakfast Pie . Mmmmm, good eatin'!

Looney Tunes Sylvester and Tweety Waffle Maker

"Kids will beat a path to the breakfast table when you use this unique Sylvester Waffle Iron. His animated face is featured in 3D on the outside of this Waffle Maker (with the indicator light right on the tip of his nose), as if he is waiting for the perfect moment to pounce on a crispy Tweety Waffle from the inside. Indicator light goes on when waffles are ready to serve. Waffle maker is thermostatically controlled for even heating and browning. Nonstick coating provides easy release and makes clean up a snap. Comes with a fully illustrated recipe book"

What is Gruel and Did Orphans Really Eat It?

Mr. Breakfast: "Gruel is basically a thin porridge or soup. The main forms of gruel include rice gruel, flour gruel and millet gruel. Other base ingredients you can boil include breadcrumbs or ground crackers. You can best understand it by making it for yourself. Here's a simple recipe for flour gruel: 2 teaspoons of flour 1 teaspoon of salt Boil one cup water. Separately, drip water on flour and salt until it makes a paste. Add the paste to the boiling water. Stir to a semi-fluid consistency. Strain to eliminate film. Serve warm. Did orphans really eat it? You bet they did. " (via eclectica)

And This Was From The Time He Lost

The Grover Cleveland Campaign Playing Card Deck of 1888: This deck of playing cards was reproduced from a deck of 1888 campaign playing cards exhibited in the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of History and Technology.

The Lizzie Borden Bumper Sticker

Lizzie Andrew Borden Museum Gift Shop: "Now for the first time you can own a "Lizzie Borden -- Did She or Didn't She?" bumper sticker. These high quality bumper stickers are made from the finest synthetic (polypropylene or polyester) materials. The color pigments are heat-fused onto the material. This makes the image resistant to weather, carwashes, etc. The stickers are flexible and easy to apply. "

The History of Mah Jongg

Mindzine: "One theory suggests that the game had been played on Noah's Ark during the 40 days and nights of rain. This theory would suggest that the game would date back to around 2350 BC. And where would the history of a Chinese game be without a suggestion that Confucius the great Chinese philosopher (500 BC) had developed the game?"

OK, So How Many of Them Can YOU Rattle Off?

Ten Commandments Card Game: "Do you want your children to really learn the Ten Commandments---not simply memorize them? Here are 100 questions and answers to help kids gain a deeper understanding of biblical principles. Some questions are specific, while others require thoughtful consideration of God's laws: "John cared about money more than anything else. What commandment did he break?" Fun for all ages!"

Is It a Can of Soda, or a Bottle of Pop?

The Soda Museum: This area is a collection of historical information about soda, and soda collecting. Learn about the history of Coke and Pepsi, find out their "secret" recipes, and much more.