The health of the global bird population is a reflection of and early warning system for our wider ecological health, and current research indicates that up to 12% of all species of birds may be at risk of becoming extinct in the next century. Bird Day aims to raise awareness of the plights faced by common and rare birds, from disease and environmental factors to illegal trade and welfare in captivity.
Word of the Day
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| Definition: | (adjective) Characterized by or causing the absorption of heat; endoergic. | ||
| Synonyms: | heat-absorbing, endothermal | ||
| Usage: | Endothermic reactions are often described as reactions that "feel cold," and they contrast with exothermic reactions, in which heat is released. | ||
History
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 | American choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey, Jr., formed his own company, the American Dance Theater—now called the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—in 1958. Multiracial since 1963, Ailey's dance company has been internationally acclaimed and has brought recognition to many African-American and Asian dancers. His works, influenced by jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and modern dance, explore a wide range of black experience, from gospel music to social inequality. | ||
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 | In England, the evening before the Epiphany is called Epiphany Eve, or Twelfth Night, and it traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season. Celebrations reflect ancient Winter Solstice rites encouraging the rebirth of the New Year and also the Magi's visit to the Christ child. Pageants held on this night typically include masked figures, costumed musicians, and traditional dances. Customarily, the Twelfth Night cake is sliced and served, and the man who gets the hidden bean and the woman the pea are the king and queen for the festivities. | ||
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| Could a game-changing deal between Internet giant Google and automotive behemoth Ford usher in a new era of self-driving cars? | |||
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1896 - It was reported by The Austrian newspaper that Wilhelm Roentgen had discovered the type of radiation that became known as X-rays.
1925 - Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross was sworn in as the governor of Wyoming She was the first female governor in the U.S.
1933 - In California, construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began.
1934 - Both the National and American baseball leagues decided to use a uniform-size baseball. It was the first time in 33 years that both leagues used the same size ball. (MLB)
1948 - Warner Brothers-Pathe showed the very first color newsreel. The footage was of the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl football classic.
1956 - In the Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy walked on two legs for the first time.
1961 - "Mr. Ed" debuted. The show would run for six years.
1998 - Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident.
If You Were Born Today, January 5
Extremely versatile, you are multi-talented, clever, and imaginative. You are highly compassionate and sensitive, sometimes to the point of despondency, and it can take time in your life to find effective ways to manage this trait. Emotional impulsiveness is something you are likely to struggle with in your life time. When focused, you have strong leadership skills and a strong will as well. You are independent and unique, very perceptive, and highly original. Famous people born today: Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Marilyn Manson, Walter Mondale.
| Picture of the day | |
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Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem, an oil painting on oak panel completed by Rembrandt in 1630. It depicts the Abrahamic prophet Jeremiah as he laments the destruction of Jerusalem.
In the Biblical narrative, Jeremiah was called to prophetic ministry about one year after King Josiah of Judah turned the nation toward repentance for idolatry. Though still a young man, Jeremiah was appointed to reveal the sins of the people and the coming consequences. His message was ignored and Jeremiah faced years of persecution. Ultimately, during the reign of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem was sacked by the Babylonians
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Mating Call
Photograph by Félix Morlán González, National Geographic
Félix Morlán González captured this powerful image of a bellowing stag while in the United Kingdom in October 2014. The majestic sight moved him to make a photo that highlighted the natural setting and the power of this driven animal. “The idea was to [show] that cold atmosphere there first thing in the morning in the forest,” he writes. “For this I … framed the deer in vegetation. Light fog increased the strength of the image. I wanted to reflect in a natural way the beautiful spectacle of rutting, the spectacle of a great male bellowing. The males do not feed during the rutting season … For days they roar and fight with other males [and attract] as many females as possible.”
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Stacy's Musical Scarf pattern by Kalliopi Aronis
My boss egged me into making this musical scarf for him. From what was supposed to be a simple scarf it progressed to two colors, with music notes and do...
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Modish Cowl
Cozy up with this quick chunky cowl, perfect for those chilly fall and winter days. This cowl is knit back and forth in garter stitch with bold accents of contrasti...
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Little Bug Cardigan pattern by Laurel Young
This sweet little cardigan is perfect for the little bug in your life! Cute offset cardigan design with graphs for both a ladybug and bumble bee, or use it for a bl...
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Knitting with Schnapps: Introducing Notes of Love!
Schnapps was just starting a new hat when the inspiration for this hat struck him and he switched tracks. I saw a felted bag that had a music staff that I thoug...
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knit
BABY'S FIRST LOBSTER BIB
chriswass
Materials: Sport weight yarn in white and red, US 4 (3.5mm) needles, 1 small button
6 stitches x 10 rows per inch.
Finished size 8” wide x 9.5” long
Cast on 42 sts. Knit 2 rows (garter stitch).
K1, make 1, knit to the 2nd to last stitch, make 1, K1.Knit the next row.
Repeat these two rows 2 more times. 48 stitches.
RS: Knit all stitches
WS: Knit first 5 stitches, purl to the last 5 stitches, knit last 5 stitches.
Repeat these two rows. The center will be stockinette with garter stitch edging.
Continue alternating these rows, following the lobster chart on each row centered in the work.
Once the chart has been completed, work 2 more alternating rows.
Knit 8 rows (garter stitch).
Knit first 5 stitches and put them on a holder. Bind off the next 38 stitches. Knit the last 5 stitches.
Knit these 5 stitches (garter stitch) until the strap is 4.5” long. Bind off the 5 stitches.
Re-join the yarn to work on the other side, pick up and knit the other 5 stitches for the other strap.
When strap measures 4”, create button hole. Knitting the next row, bind off the center stitch. On the following row, K2, YO, K2.
Knit strap to 5”, repeat button hole.
Knit 3 more rows.
Bind off.
Sew a button to the first strap, 3 rows in from the end.
The cart: Link if chart doesn't load: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3566082532_4121a5cde7.jpg?v=0
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Music afghan pattern by Christine Frazier
Super Saver Solids by Red Heart Aran / 10 ply 100% Acrylic 364 yards / 198 grams average rating from 11457 votes 150470 projects, stashed 49741 times
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Crochet Mohawk Hat Pattern Free | Ashlee Marie
I had so much fun creating this crochet mohawk hat pattern free for anyone. I made it in every size and i hope you all love it as much as my kids do.
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crochet
crochet nancy's spiral rainbow hexagon afghan
RECIPE
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Vegan Berry Pop Tarts - Minimalist Baker
If I were to speculate, I’ve probably eaten around 250 pop tarts in my lifetime. And not the kind with the baby zebra on the box with no sugar added, whole...
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CROCKPOT RECIPE
stephanie o'dea
American Chop Suey (Macaroni and Beef)
Slow Cooker Recipe
I had never heard of American Chop Suey before Amy Jo sent me an email wondering if it could be made in a slow cooker. She first learned of the dish on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I looked the name up on Wikipedia and learned that it seems to be a regional thing---sometimes it's called Macaroni and Beef, and it appears that it was the inspiration behind Hamburger Helper. Huh!
I love learning new things.
The Ingredients.
serves 6
1 pound lean ground beef, browned and drained
5 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes --- any flavor, or plain
1 can water (empty tomato can)
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (26-ounce) jar prepared pasta sauce
1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni (I used brown rice pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. In a large skillet, brown the beef, bacon and onion all together until the meat is no longer pink. Drain well and plop into your slow cooker. Add everything else into the pot except for the pasta and cheese.
Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for about 4. Stir in the raw pasta and cook on high for approximately 30 minutes, or until pasta is bite-tender. Serve in a wide-mouthed bowl with a handful of cheese on each serving.
The Verdict.
Amy Jo, thank you so much for letting me know about this dish! The slight smokiness from the bacon really flavors the meat well, and I loved how the pasta cooked in the pot and swelled nicely to create a wonderful casserole. The serving sizes are generous. My girls really liked the pasta with meat sauce. Success!
The leftovers taste great the next day, but the texture is different, and something to note. You'll find that the pasta really breaks down overnight and soaks up a lot of the moisture.
CRAFTS
Yarn Ball Potato Stamp - Repeat Crafter Me
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Yarn Ball Potato Stamp - Repeat Crafter Me
My kids got out their stamps yesterday and I decided I wanted in on the fun With a russet potato, circle cookie cutter, and a knife, I made a little yarn ball s...
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CHILDREN'S CORNER ... puzzle
PUZZLE
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Phlomis Fruticosa Bud Jigsaw Puzzle
Phlomis Fruticosa Bud Jigsaw Puzzle, 67 Piece Classic. Phlomis fruticosa has a wide distribution from the Mediterranean islands of
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QUOTE
THE UNIQUE TRENCH ART OF WWI SOLDIERS
DID YOU KNOW TRENCH ART WAS CREATED BY WWI SOLDIERS FROM BULLET CASINGS AND OTHER OBJECTS THEY FOUND LYING AROUND?
ARMISTICE
The 31st Australian Battalion once spent a record 53 days in the line at Villers-Bretonneux, and though most units were relieved of line duty after a few days, an average British soldier would spend 55% of his year in the trenches during World War I.
Conditions in the trenches were harsh. Danger from enemy fire or dropped bombs from planes were almost as dangerous as the tough living conditions in the damp and cramped trenches.
Soldiers takes aim using a periscope rifle, a rifle fitted with a mirror for safe aiming, and a trigger wire for firing.
TRENCH ART
Taking its name from the dominant form of warfare at the time, trench art is a form of outsider art made by soldiers, prisoners of war and civilians during war.
It’s uniquely apparent in trench art what was going on at the time, almost everything is made out of bullet casings!
That makes a lot of sense, soldiers were sometimes up to their ears in bullet casings—literally if they were standing in the trenches. The malleable brass shells would be easy for the soldiers to work with.
Shell casings dumped by the roadside.
While statuettes and sculptures made from bullets is common, trench art has also often been the product of molded lead, carved bone and wood, and even two-dimensional drawings.
Trench art really can be made from anything, but is easy to spot when it’s made from the tools of war.
Kettle
Photo frame
Bell
Crucifix
Model Cannon
Pen holder and inkwell
Hat
Vases
BEYOND WWI
Despite the name, trench art isn’t unique just to the Great War; wartime art has been found as far back as the Napoleonic wars.
The term was applied to art produced by prisoners of war as well. Confined with little occupation, sometimes for years, some prisoners would spend their time carving for amusement.
BONE MP40
This replica German MP40 machine gun was carved by a German prisoner during World War II.
Not only is it an exquisitely detailed replica, but the breach slides, and the stock is able to be folded, just like on the true weapon.
CONTEMPORARY ART THERAPY
Today, therapists have been finding success using art to treat many conditions faced by post-war veterans as they return to civilian life.
The Foundation for Art & Healing has found evidence supporting artistic expression as a positive factor in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.
Perhaps trench art was an early folk remedy for the trials faced by soldiers in the trenches.
"what is your name?" in Acateco (San Miguel Acatán Guatemala) - Tzet hab'i?
CLEVER
Read the text aloud. Read it again. What have you read ? Are you sure that’s right ? lol
EYE OPENER
13 Funny Winners Of The 2015 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
boredpanda
Oh, those piles of shell casings:( Gonna study war no more? Our past haunts us: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/seventy-years-world-war-two-thousands-tons-unexploded-bombs-germany-180957680/?no-ist
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