For lovely lips, speak words of kindness.
For beautiful eyes, see the good in others.
To stay slim, share your food with the hungry.
For gorgeous hair, let a child run their fingers through it daily.
For graceful posture, walk with the knowledge you're never alone, because those who love and have loved you walk beside you.

Audrey Hepburn

What a lovely lady

In 1945, six women programmed the world’s first computer—without manuals, formal training, or recognition. Their names—Betty Holberton, Jean Bartik, Kay McNulty, Ruth Teitelbaum, Marlyn Meltzer, and Frances Spence—were nearly lost to history. When a young computer scientist named Kathy Kleiman stumbled upon a photo of them beside the towering ENIAC machine decades later, she was told dismissively, “They’re probably just models.” But they weren’t. They were the world’s first true coders. Originally hired during WWII as “human computers,” the women were tasked with programming ENIAC from scratch—working from blueprints alone, since they weren’t allowed in the lab. They invented the first algorithms, flowcharts, and logic systems on paper, before manually programming the machine by plugging in cables, switch by switch. On February 14, 1946, ENIAC debuted to global astonishment. But while the male hardware engineers were celebrated, the women behind the programming were left out of the headlines. Society didn’t yet see coding as “real work.” As computing evolved, so did the myth of the male coder, and the women who had laid the foundation were erased from textbooks. But they continued shaping tech—Holberton wrote the first software application, Bartik advanced memory systems, McNulty helped invent subroutines, all core to modern programming. Their legacy was nearly lost—until Kleiman tracked them down in the 1980s and brought their story back into the light. In 1997, they were finally honored, many in their seventies. But by then, tech culture had already shifted, claiming innovation as a boys’ domain. We can’t undo that erasure—but we can rewrite the narrative going forward. Because women didn’t just enter tech—they built it. And the legacy of the first programmers belongs to all of us.

At 55, when many women of her era were told to slow down, Ynes Mexia was just getting started. She had already lived through a troubled marriage, health struggles, and years of uncertainty. But when she took her first botany class, she discovered a calling that would lead her to redefine what it means to step into your power later in life.
Ynes didn’t just wander into nearby gardens with a notebook. She threw herself into rugged, often dangerous expeditions across the Americas, traveling by canoe, on horseback, and on foot through dense jungles and mountains. She camped in the wild, navigated through rivers teeming with crocodiles, and negotiated with local communities, all while meticulously collecting, preserving, and documenting plants many scientists had never seen.
In the two decades that followed, she collected over 145,000 plant specimens, discovering new species that now bear her name, and sending samples to universities and botanical gardens worldwide. Her work expanded scientific understanding of plants in places from Alaska to Argentina, proving that curiosity, courage, and brilliance don’t have an expiration date.
For women who have been told they are too old to start over, Ynes Mexia’s life is a reminder that it’s never too late to discover a passion and make your mark on the world. She wasn’t just gathering plants; she was reclaiming space for herself in a field dominated by men, asserting her right to adventure, to discovery, and to expertise, all on her own terms.

Sprinty got laid again...  writes home about it....

Lovely manners.

;D

When Harriet Tubman was just twelve, enslaved and still a child, she was ordered to help tie up a man who had tried to run for freedom. She refused.
As the man tried to flee again, Harriet moved to block the doorway—not to stop him, but to help him escape. An overseer hurled a two-pound weight at him. It missed—and struck Harriet in the skull. She collapsed, bleeding and unconscious. She would suffer from the effects—severe headaches, seizures, and sudden sleep episodes—for the rest of her life.
But even that didn’t stop her.
Years later, when she learned she might be sold, Harriet—now in her twenties—ran away in the night with her two brothers. They turned back. She kept going. Alone. Ninety miles through woods and fields, walking by night, hiding by day, trusting no one. And when she reached the North, she said:
“I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free. There was such a glory over everything… I felt like I was in heaven.”
Most people would stop there. Not Harriet.
She went back. Again and again. First for her family. Then for strangers. Over 13 missions, she led more than 70 people to freedom—and not one was ever caught.
“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
She was five feet tall. Scarred. Unshakable. A conductor on the Underground Railroad—and a light in one of the darkest chapters of history.

Frank wrote on Jul 17^th, 2025 at 5:11pm:

Sprinty got laid again...  writes home about it.... Lovely manners.

I think he's geeing himself up for his transition. He might even win a sprint cycle event then! :-/

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 17^th, 2025 at 7:56pm:

When Harriet Tubman was just twelve, enslaved and still a child, she was ordered to help tie up a man who had tried to run for freedom. She refused. As the man tried to flee again, Harriet moved to block the doorway—not to stop him, but to help him escape. An overseer hurled a two-pound weight at him. It missed—and struck Harriet in the skull. She collapsed, bleeding and unconscious. She would suffer from the effects—severe headaches, seizures, and sudden sleep episodes—for the rest of her life. But even that didn’t stop her. Years later, when she learned she might be sold, Harriet—now in her twenties—ran away in the night with her two brothers. They turned back. She kept going. Alone. Ninety miles through woods and fields, walking by night, hiding by day, trusting no one. And when she reached the North, she said: “I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free. There was such a glory over everything… I felt like I was in heaven.” Most people would stop there. Not Harriet. She went back. Again and again. First for her family. Then for strangers. Over 13 missions, she led more than 70 people to freedom—and not one was ever caught. “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” She was five feet tall. Scarred. Unshakable. A conductor on the Underground Railroad—and a light in one of the darkest chapters of history.

Lovely, tell yer mum.

In 1955, Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old great-grandmother, quietly stepped out of her Ohio home wearing Keds sneakers and a denim sack over her shoulder. She didn’t leave a note, didn’t wave goodbye—neighbors assumed she’d gone for a stroll. But Emma wasn’t taking a walk. She was about to rewrite history.
With no tent, no sleeping bag, and no gear beyond a shower curtain for rain, she set her sights on the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, it was a punishing test of will. But Emma, hardened by an abusive marriage, the Great Depression, and raising 11 children, had already walked through hell barefoot. The trail didn’t scare her—it called her.
Her journey, sparked by a National Geographic article, was her private rebellion and a wild bid for freedom. She braved the wilderness, slept under open skies, and forged ahead—alone. And she finished. In one season.
Then she did it again in 1960. And again in parts by 1963—becoming the first person to complete the trail three times. She was 75.
Emma Gatewood didn’t just conquer a trail—she transformed it. Her solo trek spotlighted the need for conservation and proved something greater: that you’re never too old, too female, or too underprepared to chase a bold dream. All it takes is one quiet step into the unknown.

https://www.themarginalian.org/2015/02/12/lou-andreas-salome-sigmund-freud-letters/


Russian-born poet, essayist, and intellectual Lou Andreas-Salomé (February 12, 1861–February 5, 1937) created for herself a freedom that modern women have come to expect, at a time when such freedom was practically impossible. She became a philosopher in an era when women were neither expected nor even allowed to study philosophy and was a muse to Rilke, who wrote her passionate love letters and dedicated his Book of Hours to her, and to Nietzsche, who set down his ten rules for writers in a letter to her and whose Thus Spoke Zarathustra was largely inspired by her.
...

The whole of Sigmund Freud and Lou Andreas-Salomé: Letters is a forgotten treasure of formative ideas on the human psyche. Complement it with Rilke on the tenacity of the human spirit and Tolstoy’s little-known correspondence with Gandhi on love, violence, and why we hurt each other.

Well done Frank, thanks




Long before children fell in love with the world of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter was kneeling in the woods with a sketchbook and microscope—documenting mushrooms.
Not for fun. For science.
A self-taught naturalist, Potter was fascinated by fungi. She spent years collecting specimens, observing them with a steady hand and an artist’s eye. While male scientists overlooked their subtle forms and fleeting colors, Potter captured them in hundreds of illustrations so accurate, they’re still used by mycologists today.
She wasn’t just drawing—she was thinking.
Potter developed her own theories about how fungi reproduce, studying spore germination under her microscope. In 1897, she submitted a paper to the Linnean Society of London, one of the most respected scientific institutions of its time. But because she was a woman, she wasn't allowed to present it. And without a voice to defend her findings, the work was dismissed.
Still, she didn’t stop.
She kept studying. Kept drawing. Kept learning. But eventually, she realized that the doors of science would not open for her.
So, she built her own.
She turned her skills to storytelling—still rooted in nature, still observant, still meticulous. Her animal tales weren’t just charming—they were grounded in biology, behavior, and detail. And through them, she reached millions.
Beatrix Potter was more than an author.
She was a scientist silenced—and a creator who found another way to be heard.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 17^th, 2025 at 7:56pm:

When Harriet Tubman was just twelve, enslaved and still a child, she was ordered to help tie up a man who had tried to run for freedom. She refused. As the man tried to flee again, Harriet moved to block the doorway—not to stop him, but to help him escape. An overseer hurled a two-pound weight at him. It missed—and struck Harriet in the skull. She collapsed, bleeding and unconscious. She would suffer from the effects—severe headaches, seizures, and sudden sleep episodes—for the rest of her life. But even that didn’t stop her. Years later, when she learned she might be sold, Harriet—now in her twenties—ran away in the night with her two brothers. They turned back. She kept going. Alone. Ninety miles through woods and fields, walking by night, hiding by day, trusting no one. And when she reached the North, she said: “I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free. There was such a glory over everything… I felt like I was in heaven.” Most people would stop there. Not Harriet. She went back. Again and again. First for her family. Then for strangers. Over 13 missions, she led more than 70 people to freedom—and not one was ever caught. “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” She was five feet tall. Scarred. Unshakable. A conductor on the Underground Railroad—and a light in one of the darkest chapters of history.

I have the book she wrote/ghostwrote (Harriet likely couldn’t read and write, forbidden to slaves.) Quite a lady. Not just brave but effective in freeing other slaves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPGv8L3a_sY

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 18^th, 2025 at 9:14am:

Well done Frank, thanks Long before children fell in love with the world of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter was kneeling in the woods with a sketchbook and microscope—documenting mushrooms. Not for fun. For science. A self-taught naturalist, Potter was fascinated by fungi. She spent years collecting specimens, observing them with a steady hand and an artist’s eye. While male scientists overlooked their subtle forms and fleeting colors, Potter captured them in hundreds of illustrations so accurate, they’re still used by mycologists today. She wasn’t just drawing—she was thinking. Potter developed her own theories about how fungi reproduce, studying spore germination under her microscope. In 1897, she submitted a paper to the Linnean Society of London, one of the most respected scientific institutions of its time. But because she was a woman, she wasn't allowed to present it. And without a voice to defend her findings, the work was dismissed. Still, she didn’t stop. She kept studying. Kept drawing. Kept learning. But eventually, she realized that the doors of science would not open for her. So, she built her own. She turned her skills to storytelling—still rooted in nature, still observant, still meticulous. Her animal tales weren’t just charming—they were grounded in biology, behavior, and detail. And through them, she reached millions. Beatrix Potter was more than an author. She was a scientist silenced—and a creator who found another way to be heard.

Aaaargh - the Original Mushroom Lady?  The mind boggles!!!  I was in a fruit and veg market today - huge swathes of mushrooms - How could I help myself?  Got any Golden Tops?

;D

Women live longer than men
Married men live longer than single men
Single women live longer than married women

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 19^th, 2025 at 2:04am:

Women live longer than men Married men live longer than single men Single women live longer than married women

They don't work anywhere near as hard

It just seems that way

The Universe pushes those who are selfish and at the same time protects the mad.

Women live longer because the second X in their XX chromosome is a backup repair factor.
A males X chromosome can't be repaired by the Y chromosome. When both deteriorate, that's it.
The Y chromosome allows the male brain to ask the big question - 'why' ❓

Anna Rutherford has won the inaugural 100-mile [160km] Rat Race from Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle in 17 hours and 23 minutes, finishing before any other runner, male or female, and making it home to Peebles before the rest even crossed the line.

The 43-year-old mother of three ran the final 50 miles solo, sang 9 to 5 up the Royal Mile [one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets, lined with cobblestones, historic buildings, tourist spots, and street performers], and credited everything from stock cubes and pretzels with helping get her through. She also praised the race organisers for providing period products and private toilets at each checkpoint, small steps that made a big difference in showing women belong at the front of the pack in endurance sport.

And Eve said unto her Beta male Adam
"Eat from this apple" (Do as I say)

https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg

https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=VWcS94GSu10Q7kNvwEFR48g&_nc_oc=AdmVQjhnVHV_2JhIo9AxC_FO-AxvOBXQBcv8Lnfg6yRvZcrkCKvg0MC0pOyngTQm6lfeP2dT9rSO0ock7g-i4qrS&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&_nc_gid=1pmpxlaayVsEsBdf3pcs1Q&oh=00_AfRziMk5Sllw2D6YN2jhFd-frK1GC9Ea3XAdv6T2jh1Ehw&oe=689262D8

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 1^st, 2025 at 9:24pm:

https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=VWcS94GSu10Q7kNvwEFR48g&_nc_oc=AdmVQjhnVHV_2JhIo9AxC_FO-AxvOBXQBcv8Lnfg6yRvZcrkCKvg0MC0pOyngTQm6lfeP2dT9rSO0ock7g-i4qrS&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&_nc_gid=1pmpxlaayVsEsBdf3pcs1Q&oh=00_AfRziMk5Sllw2D6YN2jhFd-frK1GC9Ea3XAdv6T2jh1Ehw&oe=689262D8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GxNU0OkWUAITLiW?.jpg

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 1^st, 2025 at 9:24pm:

https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=VWcS94GSu10Q7kNvwEFR48g&_nc_oc=AdmVQjhnVHV_2JhIo9AxC_FO-AxvOBXQBcv8Lnfg6yRvZcrkCKvg0MC0pOyngTQm6lfeP2dT9rSO0ock7g-i4qrS&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&_nc_gid=1pmpxlaayVsEsBdf3pcs1Q&oh=00_AfRziMk5Sllw2D6YN2jhFd-frK1GC9Ea3XAdv6T2jh1Ehw&oe=689262D8

Ill informed nonsense. Google female terrorists, murders, etc and post that meme again in good faith.

In all the years on here.
I think Sprint is the immaculate female crawler.
I think he's jealous of Trump's sex life too.
As is Gwoggy the sex obsessed.

Frank wrote on Aug 1^st, 2025 at 9:41pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 1st, 2025 at 9:24pm: https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=VWcS94GSu10Q7kNvwEFR48g&_nc_oc=AdmVQjhnVHV_2JhIo9AxC_FO-AxvOBXQBcv8Lnfg6yRvZcrkCKvg0MC0pOyngTQm6lfeP2dT9rSO0ock7g-i4qrS&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&_nc_gid=1pmpxlaayVsEsBdf3pcs1Q&oh=00_AfRziMk5Sllw2D6YN2jhFd-frK1GC9Ea3XAdv6T2jh1Ehw&oe=689262D8 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GxNU0OkWUAITLiW?.jpg

Ahh. Now there's a woman!
Onya Frank.

Setanta wrote on Aug 1^st, 2025 at 9:50pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 1st, 2025 at 9:24pm: https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/526512198_1175408884614422_485272786948136059_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=VWcS94GSu10Q7kNvwEFR48g&_nc_oc=AdmVQjhnVHV_2JhIo9AxC_FO-AxvOBXQBcv8Lnfg6yRvZcrkCKvg0MC0pOyngTQm6lfeP2dT9rSO0ock7g-i4qrS&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&_nc_gid=1pmpxlaayVsEsBdf3pcs1Q&oh=00_AfRziMk5Sllw2D6YN2jhFd-frK1GC9Ea3XAdv6T2jh1Ehw&oe=689262D8 Ill informed nonsense. Google female terrorists, murders, etc and post that meme again in good faith.

Last night on the news ALL of the crimes were committed by men