Did Twain Say That? is this week’s Mystery Question, and there will probably be a variation of it for the next two weeks. 🙂
But first the photo and verse. The photo was taken on my trip to Israel when we stopped at Megiddo. What a fascinating place! From where I stood, I could see the whole Jezreel Valley. And now when I read about battles fought there I can visualize it in my mind. Next week, I’ll post a photo of Mount Tabor.
Now for last week’s Mystery Question–Really Really Dumb. These are true stories…except for one that I made up. Can you guess which one?
- A prisoner just has to do what a prisoner has to do to bring in the comforts of home. Corrections officers caught a prisoner sneaking out of the jail to pick up a duffel bag full of whiskey, brandy, cigarettes, and home-cooked food.
- A man was on trial for the armed robbery of a convenience store when he fired his lawyer. He was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that he was the robber. The defendant jumped up, accused the woman of lying, and then said, “I should of blown your (expletive) head off.” The defendant paused, then quickly added, “If I’d been the one that was there.” The jury took 20 minutes to convict him and recommended a 30-year sentence.
- Sometimes criminals make a policeman’s job easier than it should be. Like the woman police questioned at her home about a recent joyriding incident. When they arrived at the woman’s house, they couldn’t help but notice the pink sign warning snitches that everyone who entered the house would be searched. Further questioning led to the officers asking to search the house which the woman readily agreed to. Officers found both heroin and methamphetamine in addition to other narcotics.
- Nine-one-one operators get “butt calls” all the time. Most of the time, once they know it’s a “butt call” they disconnect. But one operator became intrigued when the conversation turned to plans to break into homes, empty drawers and steal watches. Later that day authorities received a call from homeowners who claimed their dressers had been raided and $1355 worth of jewelry had gone missing. Thanks to the butt dial earlier in the day, police were able to pinpoint the burglar and arrest him.
And the answer is…#2. Congrats to all who guessed correctly.
Now, this week I’m doing something a little different. Mark Twain often made up witty quotes, but there are quotes attributed to him that he didn’t originate. Below are four quotes, three from Mark Twain, and one that is often attributed to him wrongly. Can you guess which one it is (without checking Google)?
- Total abstinence is so excellent a thing that it cannot be carried to too great an extent. In my passion for it I even carry it so far as to totally abstain from total abstinence itself.
- When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.
- When red headed people are above a certain social grade their hair is auburn.
- Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination.
Okay Super Sleuths, which one is wrongly attributed to Twain? Leave your answer in the comments and I’ll enter you in a September drawing for a $10 gift card.
One last thing before I go. I’m flying to my daughter’s in Florida Saturday for her birthday, so I’m taking the week of September 26-30 off. There’s so much going on there, it’s too hard for my ADHD mind to try and put together blog posts. lol There will be a Reader Friday blog this week…
Did Twain Say That? is this week's Mystery Question. Four quotes, three from Twain, one not. Can you guess which one? Leave your answer in the comments and I'll enter you in a September drawing for a $10 gift card. Share on X
Discover more from Patricia Bradley
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments 55
#2
Author
We’ll see, Brittany. 🙂
Nice photo. I’m going with #3.
Author
Thanks, Diana! We’ll see the week after next if it’s #3 next week.
Nice photo and verse! I’m going with number 2. (Oh how I wish I could Google it, though!)
Author
I know your pain, Vera. lol. We’ll see the week after next if it’s #2… unless you google it now. 🙂
It’s so helpful to see the actual places where the Bible describes events, whether in person (the best) or in photos. For the people in the Bible, and for us, we need God’s strong and righteous right arm. Thank you, Pat.
Oh, so much has come from Twain it’s hard to keep straight. I think even he may have quoted other people, and then got the credit from his followers and notoriety. All of those quotes seem so much in his character it’s hard to tell. I will say I think #4 sounds least like Twain, so that’s the one I think is the false attribution.
Have a very wonderful vacation with your daughter and family next week.
Author
I agree about seeing the places in the Bible, Tim. It has changed the way I read my Bible. And I agree with your observation about Twain. 😉 We’ll see the week after next if it’s #4. And thank you–I know I’ll enjoy my time with my family.
I loved seeing the photo of Megiddo. When I went to Israel in 1973, I was sick the day of that trip. It’s even better than what the others told me. Thanks for completing my trip memories, Pat.
This verse says it all. It’s part of my arsenal!!
Now for the hard part…Twain?? I agree with Tim, #4 and pretty much for the same reason. But…it s a hard choice.
Have a safe trip!
Author
Barbara, I found your comments in Spam, of all places. Hopefully, it’s fixed now. I’m glad you enjoyed the photo!
Thanks for fixing this!
Author
Most welcome!
I loved seeing the photo from the Jezreel Valley stop at Megiddo. When I went to Israel in 1973, I was sick the day of that trip. Thanks for completing my trip memories, Pat.
This verse says it all. It’s part of my arsenal!!
Now for the hard part…Twain?? I agree with Tim, #4 and pretty much for the same reason. But…it was a hard choice.
Have a safe trip!
Author
Oh, and we’ll see the week after next if you and Tin are correct!
I love Twain’s puckish humor AND his home, museum, and excellent displays of his life and writing in Hannibal, MO. I think you made up #4 this time. Your photo also captures where the Battle of Armageddon is predicted to take place.
Author
I almost mentioned Armageddon in my post, Delores. I hope the next time I go to Hannibal, I have the time and weather to stroll down Main Stree there.
#4. Have a wonderful trip to see your daughter!
Author
Thanks, Jackie! We’ll see the week after next if it’s #4
I would say it’s number two.
Author
We’ll see the week after next if it’s #2, Judy.
#4 Have a great trip. Prayers for Elise
Author
Thanks, Laurie. We’ll see the week after next if it’s #4.
A favorite scripture and nice photo. I am making a wild guess here with #1. Enjoy your visit with your family next week.
Author
Thanks, Gloria! We’ll see the week after next if it’s #1.
1.
Author
We’ll see, Lynn!
Wonderful photo and scripture. I love Mark Twain’s humor, but I think #4 doesn’t sound quite like him.
Author
Hi Kay! I’m so glad you had a good time at ACFW–I saw your posts! 🙂 And I’m glad you enjoyed my photo and scripture. We’ll see if it’s #4 week after next!
#2
Author
Hi Gail! We’ll see week after next!
#4
Author
We’ll see, Alicia. 🙂
Wow! These are as hard as your other scenarios! I’m going to guess #1.
Enjoy your family and a much deserved break!
Author
Thanks, L! We’ll see week after next if it’s #1…
#3
Author
We’ll see, Mary!
Love that verse. Like many others, I cannot count the times God has upheld me with His righteous right hand. That is a good picture.
I am almost positive Mark Twain was the origin of the second one, so it’s probably the one that isn’t a “Twainism.” I got confused by the first one, but once it became clear what was said, I decided against it being the one. It came down to 3 and 4. Tough choice. I’m really not sure about the third one, but I think Will Rogers came up with the fourth one. Therefore, it would be #4.
Author
We shall see, Edward, and as always love to see your logic!
#3 is my guess. Thank you for sharing the photo. Beautiful
Author
We’ll see, Lucy! And I’m glad you enjoyed the photo!
2
Author
We’ll See BN!
I’ll go with #3 this week just because 🙂
I hope you have a fabulous time at your daughters! Nothing better than spending time with family celebrating a birthday 🙂
Author
Absolutely, Trixi! And we’ll see in a couple of weeks if it’s #3. 😉
I’ll guess #3.
Author
Hi Paula! Number 3 is very popular…
Beautiful photo for the timely scripture!
#3
Author
Thanks, Caryl! We’ll see…
#4 — it’s hard to figure out!!
Author
I’m glad it wasn’t easy, Mary! We’ll see if it’s #4 week after next. 😉
Author
Mary, I’m glad it wasn’t easy! We’ll see if it’s #4 week after next. 😉
Very interesting. I’m guessing #1 wasn’t said by him.
Author
We’ll see, Megan!
I’m going with 3. Have a blessed time
Author
We’ll see, Lisa! Thank you–I having fun with the kiddos!