Sunday, February 12, 2017

Darwin Day February 12, 2017

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Darwin Day
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We must, however, acknowledge, as it seems to me, that man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.
– Charles Darwin
There was a pivotal moment in history when we began to look at ourselves, and at life, in a new way. It changed not just how we perceived ourselves, but how we were related to all the other life and species on Earth. We came to realize, along the way, that we were kin, however distant, of every lifeform on Earth, and that moment was both aggrandizing and humbling, all at once. That moment was when Charles Darwin brought the idea of Law of Natural Selection into the limelight of the scientific world, and we began to see with clear eyes how everything, absolutely everything, was connected.
Darwin was absolutely fundamental to the understanding of life and the species of the world as we know it today. Charles Robert Darwin was born in 1809, and grew to become a naturalist and geologist who would come to change the world. He was fascinated by the number and variety of fossils from around the world, and the species in their great diversity, and so set out on a five-year voyage on the Beagle to sail around the world to study life in all its forms.
While his theories were originally rejected by the science of his day, it came to be seen as incontrovertible fact as more and more data was collected and more species were discovered. DNA research pushed it even further, as we started to see the connections between species in the very genes that composed them. It was impossible not to see that some species originated from other species, and that even man itself had a shared ancestor with the primates. Science would never be the same.
The best way to celebrate Darwin Day is to really study evolution and familiarize yourself with the concept of ‘Natural Selection’. It’s an often misunderstood concept, with people mistaking ‘Survival of the Fittest’ for ‘Survival of the Best’, and failing to grasp that ‘fittest’ is for a certain set of circumstances. The heart of it is, if a member of a species survives to pass on its genes, then those genes are the ones that survive to shape the new species. Eventually, with enough beneficial mutations, it can go on to become an entirely new species suited for its environment. Read up! It’s only the ancestors of everything you have to learn about!
John Brooker, originated topiary (part 3)
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Word of the Day

decennary 


Definition:(noun) A period of 10 years.
Synonyms:decade
Usage:The first decennary of the century was marked by revolutionary movements and general social unrest.
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Idiom of the Day

circle the drain

 — To be in a state of severe deterioration such that one is approaching inevitable ruin, failure, or death. Usually used in the continuous form. 

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History

Santiago, Chile, Founded (1541)

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Santiago is the capital and the largest city of Chile. Just months after it was founded on the banks of the Mapocho River by Spanish conquistadors, the settlement was nearly wiped out by the indigenous Mapuche peoples. Today, it is one of the largest cities in South America, having survived the 1647 earthquake that leveled the city, frequent flooding from the Mapocho, and a number of other calamities.

William Roscoe Estep (1920)

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Estep was an American Baptist historian, author, and professor of church history. He was considered one of the world's leading authorities on the Anabaptist movement, a Christian sect that rejects infant baptism and practices the ritual of believer's baptism only after a person has made a declaration of faith. Estep wrote numerous works, including books on subjects such as Baptist and Anabaptist history, religious liberty, and world missions. 

A Martian Volcano May Have Continuously Erupted for Billions of Years

While humanity may have to a wait few more decades to set foot on Mars, researchers are already getting a glimpse of the Red Planet's geology. 
READ MORE:
Caffee Meteorite
A Martian Volcano May Have Continuously Erupted for Billions of Years

Image result for 1733 - Savannah, GA, was founded by English colonist James Oglethorpe.

1733 - Savannah, GA, was founded by English colonist James Oglethorpe. 

Image result for 1878 - Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher’s mask.

1878 - Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher’s mask. 

Image result for 1879 - The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.

1879 - The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. 

Image result for 1892 - In the U.S., President Lincoln's birthday was declared to be a national holiday.

1892 - In the U.S.President Lincoln's birthday was declared to be a national holiday. 

Image result for 1909 - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

1909 - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded. 

Image result for 1924 - "The Eveready Hour"

1924 - "The Eveready Hour" became radio’s first sponsored network program. The National Carbon Company was the first sponsor of a network show. 

Image result for 1956 - Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded "I Put a Spell On You."

1956 - Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded "I Put a Spell On You." 

Image result for 1985 - Johnny Carson with a beard

1985 - Johnny Carson surprised his audience by shaving the beard he had been wearing on "The Tonight Show." 

Image result for 1989 - Tiny Tim declared himself a New York City mayoral candidate. He did not win in the election.

1989 - Tiny Tim declared himself a New York City mayoral candidate. He did not win in the election. 

Image result for 2001 - The space probe NEAR landed on the asteroid Eros. It was the first time that any craft has landed on a small space rock.

2001 - The space probe NEAR landed on the asteroid Eros. It was the first time that any craft had landed on a small space rock. 

coffee

DAILY SQU-EEK



If You Were Born Today, February 12
You are a strong-minded person who is not always tactful, even though you are gifted with expression, but generally very straightforward. You love a good competition, particularly on a mental level. Success is important to you, and you usually achieve what you set out to do. Impatience can be a problem that you gradually manage better as you mature in life. Your visual memory is excellent and artistic taste quite refined. Famous people born today: Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, Christina Ricci, Judy Blume, Joanna Kerns, Arsenio Hall.
READERS INFO
1. Thanks for volunteering to take care of feral cats in your community, Sheri.
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MEOW Now - You can become vital in your area!
 

2. Zinfandel Experience

Feb 23-25, 2017

San Francisco, CA 


Experience Zinfandel at Zinfandel Experience, an annual event celebrating the diversity of the popular varietal. Taking place over three days in February, the event brings renowned wine producers and emerging wineries to San Francisco, providing wine enthusiasts with an opportunity to sample various Zins and learn about the grape’s evolution. In addition to the tastings, the festival offers creative food pairings and seminars with professionals, and a special dinner features a carefully curated menu showcasing farm-to-table cuisine. Rare wines, one-offs and winery experiences are auctioned at the event, and sommeliers lead workshops focused on California’s various Zinfandel regions.

Events Schedule: Zinfandel Experience
Tickets: Zinfandel Experience

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Pictures of the day

Shrovetide
Shrovetide by the Russian artist Boris Kustodiev (1878–1927). This 1916 painting depicts Maslenitsa, or the last week of Shrovetide, as remembered by the artist.

AWESOME COUPLE ON SKATE USE AXE TO RESCUE MOOSE THAT FELL THROUGH ICE
awesome-people-on-skates-rescue-moose-trapped-in-frozen-lake
The heroic couple took turns chopping a pathway 
to shallower water until the moose was finally able 
to pull itself back on land

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knit - VALENTINE'S DAY
Lace Heart Cushion Front Image-Unravel Blog-Feb 2016-Lace Heart Cushion Free Knit Pattern
Lace Heart Cushion


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crochet
thanks, Doris
Crochet Snuggle Up Throw with Sleeves in Red Heart Super Saver Economy Solids - LW1838
Crochet Snuggle Up Throw with Sleevest

crochet
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crochet

crochet

crochet - VALENTINE'S DAY
thanks, Helen
BE MY VALENTINE

Materials
I used Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn and an H hook. (I find it rather amusing that all but one of these colors has "hot" in the name.)

Pattern Notes
This is not a tested pattern.  It also presupposes a basic knowledge of crochet.  I'd rate this as an advanced beginner pattern.

Free Crochet Heart Pattern

Round 1 (Hot Pink)
Chain 4. Join.  Start like a basic granny square: chain 2, 2 dc, chain two, three dc. chain two, three dc.chain two, three dc. chain two, three dc. Chain two, join.

Round 2 (Beach Glass)
 3 dc, ch 2, 3dc in each corner, chain one between each corner.

Round 3 (Hot Purple)
Slip stitch to join in a corner.  10 triple crochet stitches into the chain one space.  Slip stitch in corner. 10 triple crochet stitches into the chain one space.

Round 4 (Hot Blue)
Single stitch around.
Note: Chain 2 at heart point.
Note: On purple, single crochet in each stitch but chain one between each stitch.

Round 5 (Hot Orange)
Slip stitch in back loop of the blue.
Note: Chain two at the point.

Weave in your ends and enjoy!

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RECIPE
thanks, Shelley

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CROCKPOT RECIPE
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

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SWEETS
thanks, Gloria

Creme Brulee

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Ingredients:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 fl oz (120 ml) whipped cream (33% fat)
  • seeds of one vanilla pod (you can replace this with vanilla sugar)
Directions:
  1. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together by hand using a whisk.
  2. In a saucepan, combine cream and vanilla, bring to a boil, and immediately strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
  3. Combine cream and egg yolks together, stir quickly, and divide the mixture between the molds.
  4. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place the molds in a deep baking dish. Pour hot water into the baking dish to come partway up the sides of the molds.
  5. Bake for about one hour until done (they should tremble slightly in the middle).
  6. Remove from the oven, let them cool, and put in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
  7. If you want to add even more of a French touch to your dessert, decorate it with caramelized sugar. For that, sprinkle the tops of each creme brulee with one teaspoon of sugar and brown them under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes.
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ADULT COLORING



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CRAFTS
thanks, Jeri
FRIENDSHIP BRACELET CHEVRON RUG

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CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Spot the Difference (answers below)

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answers:

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PUZZLE
Image result for Pebble Heart Jigsaw Puzzle
Pebble Heart Jigsaw Puzzle

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QUOTE

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The first vending machine, introduced by Greek engineer Hero of Alexandria, dispensed holy water! Submitted by Dan Paulun, W. Lafayette, OH.--------------------- "Puff the Magic Dragon" lyricist Lenny Lipton also invented 3-D glasses! Submitted by John Corcoran, Orlando, FL.-------------------- An elephant's trunk is made up of about 100,000 muscles, but no bones!-------------------- "Futurama" writer Ken Keeler developed a real mathematical theorem called the "Futurama Theorem" solely to be used in an episode - He has a Ph.D. in applied mathematics!

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CLEVER
Poke a hole in your coffee cup lid for unrestricted caffeine intake.

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EYE OPENER

The Most Jaw Dropping Photos From History (Part 1)

edgetrends

These days you have to go out in to the woods to get away from seeing photographs, or being on some kind of camera.  But 50, 70, 100 years ago that was not the case.  The few photos we do have from that time carry a huge level of intrigue.  From the historical events, to the everyday, these photos will transport you back to a time that seems almost ancient.

1. Underwater detonation of 15 kiloton nuclear weapon

nuclear bomb detonation
Known as the Baker Test, this detonation occurred in 1946 as part of Operation Crossroads. It took place in Bikini Atoll in the Pacific, and was a test of the same type of bomb used on Nagasaki. The detonation occurred ninety feet underwater in the midst of a fleet of decommissioned vessels in order to simulate the effects of nuclear weapons in naval scenarios.

2. Lucky British soldier shows off his damaged helmet, 1917

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Helmets during this time period were mostly to protect from shrapnel, and this soldier is demonstrating how his helmet did just that! His head is bandaged from the wound, but his helmet still saved his life.

3. Soldiers raising the Soviet flag over the Reichstag, Berlin 1945

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This photo, a famous moment from 1945 in which the Soviets finally captured the Reichstag, was staged and doctored. It was inspired by the famous Iwo Jima photo taken by Rosenthal. Khaldei, the photographer of the Reichstag photo, was instructed to take this photo in order to symbolize Soviet victory over Germany.

4.  Two German soldiers and their mule wearing gas masks in WWI, 1916

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Mules were vulnerable to poison gas during WWI, just like humans, so they were equipped with gas masks over their muzzles. These gas masks helped prevent poison gas inhalation, keeping the animals safe during war.

5.  Spectators standing upon tables to get a glimpse of the Versailles Treaty being signed, France, 1919

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In this photo, spectators watch as the Versailles Treaty is signed. The Versailles Treaty put the full responsibility of the war on Germany’s shoulders, which ultimately led to Hitler’s rise to power.

6.  Abandoned boy holding a stuffed toy animal amid ruins following German aerial bombing of London, 1940

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This famous image, taken by Toni Frissell, is of an abandoned boy in 1945 London after a German air raid. He is sitting outside what used to be his home, clutching a stuffed animal. His parents and brother died in the bombing.

7.  Gadget, the first atomic bomb

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The very first atomic device was nicknamed The Gadget. It was named that because it wasn’t a deployable weapon. Words like “bomb” were avoided during the project in order to lessen the risk of espionage. The design was similar to that of Fat Man, the bomb used on Nagasaki.

8.  A dog being posed by a German soldier

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In the early 1940s, before WWII had really exploded into the full fledged conflict it would become, soldiers had a little more fun. In this photo, a German soldier is posing a German Shepherd dog with a few props to entertain the other soldiers!

9.  The end of WW2 is celebrated in Moscow’s Red Square, May 9, 1945

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After hearing the news that WWII was over, citizens crowded into Red Square to celebrate. Searchlights illuminated the city, and cannon-fire and fireworks were set off over the Kremlin. Citizens were up late partying in the square, relieved by the end of war.

10.  Nine Kings in one photo

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In 1910, European royalty gathered together for the funeral of King Edward VII in London. In this photograph, nine reigning kings posed together while in London for the funeral. Of the nine monarchies represented, only five still exist.

11.  A US soldier offers his hand to a woman leaving a cave where she had hidden with her child during the battle between Japanese and U.S. fighters

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During WWII, the Japanese told their citizens that Americans would rape and murder them if they were captured. They also told their citizens that in order to become a United States Marine, soldiers had to murder their own parents. Most Japanese citizens were too terrified to accept aid from Americans. This photo is of a US soldier offering help to a woman and her child who had hidden in a cave.

12.  U-118, a World War One submarine washed ashore on the beach at Hastings, Sussex, England

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The residents of Hastings awoke to a surprise when a U-boat washed up on their beach. People flocked to the beach to see it, and the Admiralty even allowed the town clerk to charge a fee for people to climb up on the deck. Ultimately people had to stop visiting it because of leaking chlorine gas.

13.  Gas masks for babies tested at an English hospital, 1940

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In this photo, the hospital is running a drill to ensure they can properly protect the children in case of poison gas. Nurses tested infant gas-masks, which could protect children up to two years old.

14.  Control room of the UB-110 German submarine, 1918

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This picture is of a German submarine that was sunk in 1918. It was rammed after it attacked a merchant shipping convoy, and was eventually sunk by a torpedo boat destroyer. It was salvaged two months later, and eventually sold as scrap after WWI ended.

15. Samuel Reshevsky, age 8, defeating several chess masters at once in France, 1920

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Having learned to play chess at four years old, Samuel Reshevsky was a well known child chess prodigy. In the years following WWI, he played over 1,500 simultaneous chess games against adults, only losing eight games.

16. The Eiffel Tower during the Nazi occupation, 1940

The Eiffel Tower during the Nazi occupation, 1940
In this photo, the banner reads, “Germany is victorious on all fronts.” The giant V stood for victory, a slogan Germany was forced to adapt due to the popularity of the “V-for-victory” campaign used by the Allies.

17. Using banknotes as wallpaper during Hyperinflation, Germany 1923

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Between 1921 and 1924, hyperinflation in Germany, then the Weimar Republic, was so bad that at one point it would take one trillion Marks to equal one dollar. The German Mark lost all value, one of the financial consequences of WWI.

18. Japanese Archers circa 1860

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In this colorized photograph, Japanese archers from the 19th century prepare to loose their arrows upon a target. This photo is originally black and white, and was colorized to give a better idea of what the moment would have looked like.


19. Unemployed lumber worker, circa 1939

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Another colorized photograph, originally black and white, this photo depicts a lumber worker named Thomas Cave and his wife. At the time of this photo, he would have been 27 years old. His social security number is tattooed on his arm.

20. Audrey Hepburn

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In this colorized historical photo of legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, she’s shown in a flirty dress preparing to take a dish out of the oven.
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