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Minnesota State High School Tournament.

Re: Minnesota State High School Tournament.

I'll start the official "Prince and Kirby Puckett" thread.

By the way, Benilde-St. Margaret's, all the way.
 
Re: Minnesota State High School Tournament.

Almost forgotten but making it’s grand re-entrance into the world of gardening is the beautiful gazing globe. Though the reflective, colorful globe might seem "odd" to some folks, the gazing ball is rich in history and legend. The globe sports many names, depending on its use. The Garden Ball, Gazing Globe and Garden Globe are all names we call them in modern times. It’s been referred to as a Witch Ball, Butler Globe, Globe of Happiness and Victorian Ball.

A gazing ball is a mirrored sphere typically displayed atop a conical ceramic or wrought iron stand as a lawn ornament. Its size ranges from 2 to 22 inches in diameter, with the most popular gazing ball being about 12 inches (33 cm). Gazing balls were glass but can now be stainless steel, ceramic, or stained glass.

Unlike hanging friendship balls or witch balls that have a loop, gazing balls have a stem so they can securely sit in a stand. Larger sizes can be made, but may be difficult due to the weight of the blown glass.

Its history, as colorful as the ball itself, had its roots in the 13th century when it was made in Venice, Italy by skilled craftsmen. It was hand-blown then just as it is still done today. Antonio Nier, a fifteenth century priest, called it a Sphere of Light and, as time passed, the colorful ball became a permanent fixture in the European garden and home. King Ludwig II, King of Bavaria during the 1800’s, adorned his palace, a replica of Versailles, with the globe.

Legends formed about the mysterious powers of the ball. A globe was said to bring happiness, good luck and prosperity to those who owned it. The globe was known to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, illness and, of all things, witches!

The ball is purposed to keep witches away but the methods vary from story to story. Some say the ball should be placed near the entrance to the house so that if a witch came to your house she would not be able to get past her reflection as she cannot tear herself away from her own image. There are other accounts that say a witch cannot bear to see her own reflection so she will not come near a "witch’s ball". A witch cannot sneak up on a person gazing into a globe as he can see if a witch approaches from behind. The smaller ball made of colored glass as opposed to the reflective kind was believed to attract and trap evil spirits.

Spiritually speaking, as one peers into the globe he can experience "oneness" with the universe, a basic existentialistic view.

The gazing globe had practical purposes in a southern antebellum garden. Placed strategically by the path from the front gate, southerners could see from the veranda who was calling before the caller could see them, allowing plenty of time to prepare refreshments for their guest or to hide — whichever was fitting. In Victorian times, the "Butler Ball" served as a mirror for servants to see when guests were needing assistance without staring at them throughout the meal. Another practical use was in the foyer of the home. Parents could keep a close eye on their daughter and her date as he bid her goodnight.

Stolen from another forum.
 
Re: Minnesota State High School Tournament.

Flashy Man said:
Almost forgotten but making it’s grand re-entrance into the world of gardening is the beautiful gazing globe. Though the reflective, colorful globe might seem "odd" to some folks, the gazing ball is rich in history and legend. The globe sports many names, depending on its use. The Garden Ball, Gazing Globe and Garden Globe are all names we call them in modern times. It’s been referred to as a Witch Ball, Butler Globe, Globe of Happiness and Victorian Ball.
Click to expand...

Huh. I always thought they were UFO eggs.
 
Re: Minnesota State High School Tournament.

So since we are gonna discuss High School things...

Who's parents are on vacation so we can have a place to drink after the games? And who knows someone who's 21 so we can get booze :confused: :confused::confused: :confused::confused: :confused:
 
Re: Minnesota State High School Tournament.

RaceBoarder said:
So since we are gonna discuss High School things...

Who's parents are on vacation so we can have a place to drink after the games? And who knows someone who's 21 so we can get booze :confused: :confused::confused: :confused::confused: :confused:
Click to expand...

Yo, I'm like house sitting for my next door neighbors so we can totally use their place, and don't worry dude, I got a fake!
 
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