New Zealand baby farmers, rhyme, epitaphs, exploration / McDonald's Biscuits

Today's Sorry Yet Truly Morbid Fact!

In the history of crime in New Zealand, there could hardly be a sorrier dossier than that of the infamous Minnie Dean, who was tried and sentenced to death in June 1895 for the murder of an infant child. In legal history, she has been known (with approximate accuracy) as the Winton Baby Farmer. Under the guise of benevolent motive she received unwanted children and apparently destroyed them, the generally illegitimate character of her victims no doubt contributing materially to the temporary success of her grisly operations. Minnie Dean was tried for only one murder, but the mass of evidence adduced against her at her trial, and the discovery in her garden at "The Larches," Winton, of two bodies and the skeleton of a third, pointed strongly to a systematic programme of child murder. One curious aspect of her crime was that her husband, Charles Dean, who lived with her, was ignorant of it. At first, his name was coupled with hers in the charge... but before the preliminary hearing had progressed very far, he was discharged "without a stain on his character." For a premium, never very large, Minnie Dean adopted unwanted infants, but the payment of the fee invariably marked the disappearance of the child into the care of a "lady" whose name or abode was never disclosed. After hearing 40 witnesses, the jury took exactly half an hour to return a verdict of guilty, and Mr. Justice Williams, with equal dispatch, passed sentence of death on the first and only woman to be hanged in New Zealand. Hangings in those days still bore a high day and holiday flavour, and the final office of Minnie Dean's shameful end was described in the local press to the tune of a column and a half.

Culled from: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Generously submitted by: Eric

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Ruthless Rhyme Du Jour!

I've been reading Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes and More Ruthless Rhymes by Harry Graham, a collection of hysterical poems originally published in 1899, and I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites.

MR. JONES

"There's been an accident!" they said,
"Your servant's cut in half; he's dead!"
"Indeed!" said Mr. Jones, "and please
Send me the half that's got my keys."

Ruthless Rhymes For Heartless Homes

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Urban Exploration!

Nina forwards me a friend's site of urban exploration photography. The photos of Byberry Asylum in Philadelphia are especially nice! I just wish they were larger...

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Epitaph Du Jour!

Culled from: Over Their Dead Bodies: Yankee Epitaphs & History
Authors: Thomas C. Mann & Janet Greene
Date: 1962

William Kittredge, 1789, age 91, Tewksbury, Mass.:
He's gone at length, how many grieve
Whom he did generously relieve
But o how shocking he expire
Amidst the flames of raging fire!
Yet all who sleep in Christ are bless'd
Whatever way they are undress'd.

Thanks to Miyuki for the contribution.


McDonald's Biscuits

These are the biscuits served at America's most popular stop for breakfast, partners - they're simple to make, and gosh darn tasty. Get yourself some Bisquick and buttermilk, and crank up the oven for a clone that's become one very frequent request.

2 cups Bisquick baking mix
2/3 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons margarine, melted and divided

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine the baking mix, buttermilk, sugar, salt, and half of the melted margarine in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended.
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 30 seconds, or until dough becomes elastic.
4. Roll dough to about 3/4-inch thick, and punch out biscuits using a 3-inch cutter. Arrange the punched-out dough on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden on top and have doubled in height.

5. Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush each one with a light coating of the remaining melted margarine. Serve warm. Makes 8 biscuits.