DIANE'S CORNER ...

Celebrate Tooth Fairy Day

At one time or another, all of us have been visited by the tooth fairy. So, it should come as no surprise that somewhere along the line, Tooth Fairy Day was born. The tooth fairy herself (or himself; as the verdict is still out on whether this spirit is male or female) has been around since at least the Middle Ages although the exact origins are still unknown. In fact, the fairy may have just been a means to calm a child that was undergoing the strange experience of losing a tooth (after all, we have all been there).

Still, Tooth Fairy Day is a date that is designed to pay homage to this generous spirit that is known to leave treats or coins underneath our pillow. Interestingly enough, the exact date of celebration is under conjecture; some claiming it falls in February while others state that it is held in August. This actually makes a bit of sense, for we have yet to find a way to leave a coin or a snack for the fairy, as we are not even sure if she (or he) has a pillow!

Joke of the Day

ALL NIGHT

An 80-year-old gentleman was being interviewed on his 60 years of marriage.

"Is there one big difference in your marriage today compared to when you were first married?" asked the interviewer.

"Well," said the man after pondering for moment, "it now takes me all night to do what I used to do all night."

Word of the Day

somewhither

MEANING:

adverb: To some place; somewhere.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Old English sum (some) + whither (where). Earliest documented use: 1398.

USAGE:

“We cannot after all avoid always sailing somewhither.”
Wendell V. Harris; Multiculturalism and Cultural Warfare; Philosophy and Literature, suppl. Special Issue: Raymond Carver (Baltimore, Marland); Oct 1998.

Idiom of the Day

STAB SOMEONE IN THE BACK

To betray or hurt someone who trusts you
This industry is so competitive; it’s easy to get stabbed in the back by your closest colleagues.

This Day in History

1827 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad became the first railroad incorporated for commercial transportation of people and freight.

1854 - The Republican Party was organized in Ripon, WI. About 50 slavery opponents began the new political group.

1861 - The U.S. territory of Colorado was organized.

1885 - AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph) was incorporated. The company was capitalized on only $100,000 and provided long distance service for American Bell.

1930 - Ted Lewis and his orchestra recorded "On the Sunny Side of the Street."

1940 - The first televised basketball game was shown. The game featured Fordham University and the University of Pittsburgh from Madison Square Gardens in New York.

1953 - In a Cambridge University laboratory, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

1979 - Mr. Ed, the talking horse from the TV show "Mr. Ed", died.

1983 - "MASH" became the most watched television program in history when the final episode aired.

1991 - In Los Angeles, "Curtis Mayfield Day" was held.

1995 - The Denver International Airport opened after a 16-month delay.

2002 - Sotheby's auction house announced that it had identified Peter Paul Rubens as the creator of the painting "The Massacre of the Innocents." The painting was previously thought to be by Jan van den Hoecke.

2013 - Benedict XVI resigned as pope. He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to resign voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294.

thanks, Mia

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, February 28*

You are hungry for knowledge and to apply your intelligence to projects that are meaty and important. You have a calm exterior that draws others to you. It's as if you might heal others only with your presence, as you have a very comforting effect. Even so, you have an independent streak that is unmistakable, and you are stronger than others might imagine. Extremely appealing, most of you find it easy to attract who and what you want into your life. Limitations upset you, and you demand (nicely) to have your freedom and to be loved for who you are. Famous people born today:

1901 Linus Pauling, American chemist and peace activist (Nobel 1954, 1962), born in Portland, Oregon (d. 1994)

1940 Mario Andretti, Italian American race-car driver (1969 Indianapolis 500, 1978 Formula One World Champion), born in Montona, Italy

1953 Paul Krugman, American economist and New York Times columnist (Nobel Prize in Economics 2008), born in Albany, New York

1973 Eric Lindros, NHL center (Philadelphia Flyers), born in London, Ontario

1984 Karolína Kurková, Czech supermodel, born in Děčín, Czechoslovakia

READERS INFO

1.

thanks for the Offbeat Holiday, Patty

FEBRUARY 28: NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY

Smile wide and celebrate everyone's favorite tooth collector.

2.

March 1, 1949 -

Joe Louis announced his retirement from boxing. He was (and is) the longest reigning heavyweight boxing champion, holding the title from 1937 until 1949, and is considered one of the best boxers of all time. Joseph Louis Barrow was born on May 13, 1914. He began amateur boxing at the age of 17 under the name of Joe Louis. In 1934, Louis became a professional boxer. He displayed amazing talent in the boxing ring and was given the nickname "The Brown Bomber" by the media. Louis is probably best known for his boxing matches against the German boxer Max Schmeling. The two first met in the ring in 1936 with Schmeling knocking Louis out. Even though he lost to Schmeling, Louis fought against James Braddock for the heavyweight championship title on June 22, 1937. Louis knocked out Braddock in the eighth round and gained the title. A rematch was then set up between Louis and Schmeling. The Nazis had used Schmeling's 1936 victory as a part of its propaganda. The rematch was so important that Louis was invited to the White House to meet President Roosevelt. The 1938 Louis-Schmeling rematch ended quickly with Louis dispatching Schmeling in a little over two minutes. Although competitors at the time, Schmeling and Louis later became close friends. During World War II, Louis contributed to the American war effort by boxing in fundraisers to support charities and the military. He enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Special Services Division where he fought in numerous boxing exhibitions for the troops. Louis was also a part of campaigns to promote military recruitment. Louis was awarded the Legion of Merit for his military service. After leaving the military, Louis began boxing again. He won against Jersey Joe Walcott in a controversial judge's decision. Louis later fought a rematch against Walcott, and this time knocked him out during the 11th round. Louis then retired from boxing. His retirement was brief as he returned to boxing in 1950 due to financial issues. Unfortunately, Louis was not at the same level as he had been and lost to Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano before again retiring. Louis passed away on April 12, 1981, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

3.

Laredo International Fair & Exposition 2020

Feb 25 - Mar 1, 2020 | Laredo, TX

Laredo International Fair Grounds|LIFE Grounds

Image result for Laredo International Fair & Exposition 2020 Feb 2020 Dates Unconfirmed | Laredo, TX

The Laredo International Fair & Exposition is where life can be lived to the fullest. The long-running tradition brings residents, community organizations and local businesses together to celebrate the county's agricultural heritage. With an emphasis on family fun, the fair offers scream-inducing carnival rides, a variety of live music acts, close encounters with adorable livestock and delicious fair food.

further information: 57th Annual Laredo International Fair & Exposition

4.

New York WILD Film Festival 2020

Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2020 | New York, NY

The Explorers Club|46 E 70th St

The New York WILD Film Festival showcases scenic documentaries from around the globe that focus on adventure, wildlife, outdoor exploration and the environment. The three-day event presents over 15 short and feature-length cinematic works, several stateside premieres of international films, Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and panel discussions with industry experts.

further information: New York Wild Film Festival

5.

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous 2020

Feb 28 - Mara 8, 2020 | Anchorage, AK

Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage, Alaska, began in 1935 as a sports tournament to coincide with the time of year at which miners and trappers came to the city with their furs. Since then, the festival has grown into a ten-day event, now including the World Championship Sled Dog Race, the Native Alaskan tradition of the Blanket Toss, a carnival, Running of the Reindeer (a tamer Running of the Bulls) and more. The Fur Rendezvous has stood the test of time, with no signs of slowing down.

further information: Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival