This is an early prototype of the puritan rolling pin, before they remembered to reverse the lettering. They would roll out a pie crust, batch of cookies, etc, and these messages would be built right in, reminding people of important scripture, commandments, etc. This one may have been used in a jail, later, given the more secular nature of the wording.
Plush-o-rama: Curious Creatures for Immature Adults. http://www.amazon.com/Plush-o-Rama-Curious-Creatures-Immature-Adults/dp/1579908780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214270194&sr=8-1 Very fun, generally available at Barnes and Noble.
Common English Ivy (Hedera Helix), sold at most lawn and garden stores, is an incredibly invasive plant species which, unchecked, will destroy forests. The plant creates both a canopy and a groundcover and the indigenous groundcover and brush plants die, creating what is known as an "ivy desert."
I covet the matryoshka measuring cups.