DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Unusual Instrument Awareness Day
Image result for Unusual Instrument Awareness Day gif

It’s easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.
– Johann Sebastian Bach

Well Mr. Bach, what if the instrument you’re working with doesn’t have keys? There are all sorts of instruments in the world, and most of them have keys or strings of some sort. But there are drums that lack both, and instruments like the Theremin that is uniquely bizarre in that to play the instrument, you do not touch the instrument. Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day encourages you to broaden your idea of what an instrument is.

The history of Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day is really just the history of the many types of instruments in the world today, and the less commonly known producers of that music. There are hundreds of instruments you’ve likely never heard of, things like the contrabass balalaika, easily the least unusual of the instruments you can research. It has a large triangular body and is either played with the fingers or leather plectrums.

Another odd type of instrument is the American Fotoplayer, a specific form of player piano that was designed to play out the sound effects during the 19th centuries silent movies. One of our personal favorite unique forms of instruments is the armonica, also known as the ‘bowl organ’ or ‘hydrocrystalophone’. It is an instrument comprised of glass bowls of varying sizes that produce different notes when friction is applied. Think of it as an automated crystal wine glass player. These are just some of the amazing Uncommon Instruments that you can learn about, and they come from a long history of musical tradition in various parts of the world.

The easiest way to celebrate Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day is simply to take some time researching the many and varied instruments of the musical world. From the Singing Ringing Tree to the Gameleste, there are more instruments in the world than you can even begin to fathom. Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day encourages you to get out there and learn about them, who knows, you may even find an instrument that calls you to play it. So get out there and explore the musical world, and maybe find yourself a new hobby or passion, it’s high time the world had another high profile Holophonor player.

contrabass balalaika

Word of the Day

irreverent

Definition:

(adjective) Characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality.

Synonyms:

impertinent, pert, saucy

Usage:

Sally's irreverent gaiety and ease of manner drew people to her and made her immediately likeable.

American Fotoplayer

Idiom of the Day

(something) won't get (someone) anywhere

— Something, typically a certain behavior, will not help someone progress or succeed in any way.

hydrocrystalophone

History

Pulp Fiction Hero "The Shadow" Debuts on the Radio (1930)

The fictional, crime-fighting vigilante known as The Shadow originally debuted as the announcer of Detective Story Hour, a radio program that was quickly eclipsed by the popularity of its own narrator. The following year The Shadow got his own magazine and became one of pulp fiction's most enduring heroes, entering film and television. The radio show was re-named The Shadow and ran for more than 25 years.

Milton Friedman (1912)

Friedman was an American economist and a leading US advocate of monetarism, the belief that a nation's money supply is the chief determinant of its economy. He wrote numerous books and was a frequent television commentator and magazine columnist, which made him one of the most publicly familiar US economists. Friedman served as an adviser to US presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola

St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) founded the Society of Jesus, the Roman Catholic religious order whose members are known as Jesuits. The Feast of St. Ignatius is celebrated by Jesuits everywhere, but particularly in the Basque region of Spain where he was born. The largest Basque community in North America, located in Boise, Idaho, holds its annual St. Ignatius Loyola Picnic on the last weekend in July—an event often referred to as the Basque Festival.

Slimy Slugs Inspire 'Potentially Lifesaving' Medical Glue

A defensive mucus secreted by slugs has inspired a new kind of adhesive that could transform medicine, say scientists. The "bio-glue" is incredibly strong, moves with the body and crucially, sticks to wet surfaces.
READ MORE:
Dusky Arion slug

Slimy slugs inspire 'potentially lifesaving' medical glue - BBC News

Image result for 1790 - The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash and pearl ashes. The substance was used in fertilizer.

Image result for 1790 - The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash and pearl ashes. The substance was used in fertilizer.

1790 - The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash and pearl ashes. The substance was used in fertilizer.

Image result for 1792 - The cornerstone of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, PA, was laid. It was the first building to be used only as a U.S. government building.

Image result for 1792 - The cornerstone of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, PA, was laid. It was the first building to be used only as a U.S. government building.

1792 - The cornerstone of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, PA, was laid. It was the first building to be used only as a U.S. government building.

Image result for 1845 - The French Army introduced the saxophone to its military band. The musical instrument was the invention of Adolphe Sax of Belgium.

Image result for 1845 - The French Army introduced the saxophone to its military band. The musical instrument was the invention of Adolphe Sax of Belgium.

1845 - The French Army introduced the saxophone to its military band. The musical instrument was the invention of Adolphe Sax of Belgium.

Image result for 1928 - MGM Leo the lion roared for the first time. He introduced MGM’s first talking picture, "White Shadows on the South Seas."

Image result for 1928 - MGM Leo the lion roared for the first time. He introduced MGM’s first talking picture, "White Shadows on the South Seas."

1928 - MGM’s Leo the lion roared for the first time. He introduced MGM’s first talking picture, "White Shadows on the South Seas."

Image result for 1932 - Enzo Ferrari retired from racing. In 1950 he launched a series of cars under his name.

Image result for 1932 - Enzo Ferrari retired from racing. In 1950 he launched a series of cars under his name.

1932 - Enzo Ferrari retired from racing. In 1950 he launched a series of cars under his name.

Image result for 1948 - U.S. President Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field

Image result for 1948 - U.S. President Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field

1948 - U.S. President Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field

Image result for 1955 - Marilyn Bell of Toronto, Canada, at age 17, became the youngest person to swim the English Channel.

Image result for 1955 - Marilyn Bell of Toronto, Canada, at age 17, became the youngest person to swim the English Channel.

1955 - Marilyn Bell of Toronto, Canada, at age 17, became the youngest person to swim the English Channel.

Image result for 1971 - Men rode in a vehicle on the moon for the first time in a lunar rover vehicle (LRV).

Image result for 1971 - Men rode in a vehicle on the moon for the first time in a lunar rover vehicle (LRV).

1971 - Men rode in a vehicle on the moon for the first time in a lunar rover vehicle (LRV).

Image result for 1989 - The Game Boy handheld video game device was released in the U.S.

Image result for 1989 - The Game Boy handheld video game device was released in the U.S.

1989 - The Game Boy handheld video game device was released in the U.S.

Image result for 1999 - The spacecraft Lunar Prospect crashed into the moon. It was a mission to detect frozen water on the moon's surface. The craft had been launched on January 6, 1998.

Image result for 1999 - The spacecraft Lunar Prospect crashed into the moon. It was a mission to detect frozen water on the moon's surface. The craft had been launched on January 6, 1998.

1999 - The spacecraft Lunar Prospect crashed into the moon. It was a mission to detect frozen water on the moon's surface. The craft had been launched on January 6, 1998.

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, July 31

You have a real flair with people. You are passionate and ardent, and you work hard towards success in life. A natural leader, your charisma attracts others, and your creativity knows few bounds. You are success-oriented, but your warmth keeps you from being hardened or overly practical. You don’t like to beat around the bush, but you are also sensitive to others’ feelings so that your manner is considered charming rather than abrupt. You are more than willing to work on your relationships, and you tend to attract serious, older, or hard-working partners. Famous people born today: J. K. Rowling, Wesley Snipes, Sherry Lansing, Alexis Knapp, B.J. Novak, Michael Biehn, Charlie Carver.

READERS INFO

Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market & Craft Fair 2017

Aug 3, 2017 | Anaheim, CA

Center Street Promenade between Clementine Street and Anaheim Boulevard|
S Lemon St & W Center Street Promenade
Image result for Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market & Craft Fair 2017 Aug 3, 2017 | Anaheim, CA

Since its inception in 1995, the Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers’ Market has been the go-to spot for locals to buy directly from certified California growers. Live music, delicious eats and agricultural exhibitions offer additional entertainment for festival goers.

further information: Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market and Craft Fair - Anaheim, CA - AARP

2.

Hullabaloo Music & Camping Festival 2017

Aug 3-5, 2017 | Bellevue, NE

Falconwood Park|905 Allied Rd

Hosted by the scenic Sokol Park, the Hullabaloo Music & Camping Festival brings guests together for three full days of music, food and art. Established by the Kris Lager Band, this event possesses a unique edge because of the fact that it has been put together by musicians who spent a large part of their career playing similar venues. Organizers of the festival wanted to create an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience while also temporarily joining a unique community of festival lovers.

further information: Hullabaloo Music Festival

3.

The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival 2017

Aug 3-5, 2017 | Thornville, OH

Legend Valley Concert Venue and Campground|7585 Kindle Rd
Image result for The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival 2017 Aug 3-5, 2017 | Thornville, OH

A product of the band The Werks, The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival hosts a three-day event dedicated to showcasing the best music in the Midwest. A shared platform between artists and participants, this festival offers a communal atmosphere of performance art, vendors and artisans gathered to celebrate life.

further information: The Werk Out Music And Arts Festival 2017

Image result for Singing Ringing Tree

Singing Ringing Tree

Pictures of the day

A diagram showing the basic anatomy and arrangement of internal organs of the saltwater limpet Patella vulgata. Limpets are aquatic snails with shells that are broadly conical in shape, although the term also refers informally to all gastropods whose shells have no obvious coiling. Members of the family Patellidae, which includes the species shown, are often called the "true limpets" (as opposed to the false limpets and the keyhole limpets). All limpets use their muscular foot for movement and excrete mucus to apply suction and resist wave movement and predation. This image allows the viewer to see the neural torsion common to most snails, wherein the visceral nerves have become "twisted" causing the rectum and kidneys to open near the animal's head. This is the result of once having had an ancestor with a coiled shell— in limpets, the coiled shell has been replaced by a conical one, but the torsion in the Patellidae remains; some other gastropod groups have subsequently "detorted".

Direction of blood flow is indicated in this diagram by small arrows around the circumpallial vein and then into and out of the heart. Not shown are the hundreds of tiny pallial gills which form a ring over this vein and help reoxygenate the animal's blood.

HURRICANE WINDSURFING
LOOKS AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDS
Hurricane Windsurfing Looks As Crazy As It Sounds

Red Bull Storm Chase is restricted to neither time nor place. The contest only happens when the perfect storm develops.

Hyperglass Flute

knit

Stationery Set

knit, toe up
thanks, Sandy

Made With Love Socks pattern by Macriserinde's Designs

knit

thanks, Marilyn
Img_0898_small2

Tender Chloe pattern by Kristin Omdahl

knit

Dunfallandy cabled blanket

knit

Cotton Clouds

Gameleste

crochet
thanks, Phyllis

Zigzag Wrap

crochet
thanks, Helen

Jsds3clzijxke8xuffnacnzk8rshvepklipfhhhn8ka_small2

Watermelon crochet pouch pattern by Fabiana Canu

crochet

Little Bigfoot Kitty

crochet

Cheerful Dish Cloth

crochet

diy gehaakte/crocheted 'color burst'-coaster

Holophonor

RECIPE
thanks, Shelley

Grilled Marinated Swordfish Steaks Recipe

Stalacpipe Organ

CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Joanne

Cream Cheese Garlic Fondue

Zeusaphone

SWEETS
thanks, Sylvia
Old-Fashioned Birthday Cake

Image result for Old-Fashioned Birthday Cake

1 c. Butter

2 c. Sugar, extra fine or fruit sugar - not powdered

3 Eggs

1 c. Milk

2 t. White vanilla

3 c. Flour (if using a gluten free blend, mix in 1/4 t. Xanthan gum and 1 t. Unflavoured gelatin)

1 T. Baking powder

1/2 t. Salt

Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Cream the butter and sugar in a warm bowl until sugar is dissolved.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Add vanilla
Add 1/2 cup of flour with 1/3 cup milk and beat until smooth. Continue until all are gone.
Pour into 2 prepared pans, or one 13" x 8" pan.
Bake at 350 degrees until sides pull away from the pan and the top bounces back when tapped, 30 to 40 minutes.

Variations:

For a whiter cake, put the cake into the oven while cold with a pie pan half full of water on the bottom rack. Bake at 325 degrees.

For cherry cake, add 1 cup of chopped Maraschino cherries, 2 T. Of the juice, and 1/2 t. Almond extract.

For coconut cake, add 1 c. Of unsweetened coconut.

For butter pecan cake (my grandson, Koen's, favourite), use brown sugar and add 3/4 cup of crushed pecans.

For summer fruit cake, mix in 1/2 cup each of chopped dried fruit, blanched almonds, and coconut.

For blueberry scones, add 1 cup of blueberries at the end, and bake in a prepared jelly roll pan for about 20 minutes. Serve with butter.

Old-Fashioned Bakery Icing

4 T. Butter, soft

4 T. Shortening

1/8 t. Salt

3 c. Powdered sugar

2-4 T. Cream

2 t. White Vanilla

Beat the butter with the shortening, and mix the vanilla with the cream.
Add the icing sugar to the butter mixture a little at a time while beating.
Drizzle in the cream as needed until you have a light, fluffy icing.

Any leftovers can be spread onto plain round cookies or graham crackers for a treat (as if).

Variations:

For chocolate frosting, add 3 oz. Of melted bittersweet chocolate to the butter and shortening, and replace 1 t. Vanilla with rum or almond extract.

For coffee icing, dissolve 1 t. Instant coffee in the cream.

Kalimba

ADULT COLORING

cidades para pintar anti stress - Pesquisa Google

vegetable orchestra Vienna music instrument

CRAFTS
thanks, Ellie

DIY RICE BAG-Lavender Infused-aromatherapy.Heat Therapy-ICE-pack

dilruba

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... crafts
thanks, Bella

Handy Hand Towel

by craftbits

these hands towels are great fun for all ages to make and are prefect for school fetes. use small face washer cloths which can be bought from discount stores.

What you need

Assorted fabric paints
Hand towel
Cardboard
Foam brush
Paper towels

Instructions

Start by pre-washing and drying your Hand towel. You can use a terry toweling towel or a fine weave linen towel.

Place some cardboard behind the towel to prevent the paint from bleeding through and to also give you something to press against.

Pour some of the fabric paint out onto the plastic tray, just a small amount at this stage.

Place some paint onto the foam brush and brush it onto your hand or the child’s hand.

Place the hand over the area you want to paint and then quickly and firmly press the hand down into place. Apply an even pressure to make sure all the hand is stamping the fabric.

Rinse or wipe the hands in between each press to prevent any old paint from messing up the design.

Wash the hands completely in between different colors. Continue pressing the hand designs down all over the towel until it is completely covered.

Once it has dried follow the instructions on your fabric paint for setting the paint. This may mean you have to iron the towel or place it into a dryer or simple allow it 48 hours to set.