Zero Tasking Day November 6, 2016

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Zero Tasking Day

The extra hour we get when daylight savings times change is often heralded as an opportunity for extra productivity, activity and ‘doing’. However, given that we’re all already ‘owed’ an hour every other time it changes, it seems a little unfair to expect us to work through it – as such, Zero Tasking Day is designed to dedicate this hour to ‘me time’; encouraging rest, relaxation and a distinct lack of work.

Daylight Savings Time was originally created to help the world keep in line with the cycles of an agrarian society. The times you worked and the times you took care of personal needs were all tied directly to the daylight hours. So it was decided that changing all the clocks at the same time on the same day would provide an additional hour of light for those who followed a more modern, clock-based schedule. For a while most of the world followed a schedule affected by Daylight Savings Time, and each year that number is dwindling.

When daylight savings time changes, we are sometimes gifted with an imaginary ‘extra hour’, and zero-tasking day encourages us to take the opportunity to use that hour for personal growth, relaxation, and basically just taking care of ‘me’. Especially in today’s society where time is constantly marching on and we’re heavily connected to everything, finding a little time to disconnect is absolutely vital to keeping ourselves physically and emotionally fit. So who’s responsible for this little burst of genius? One Nancy Christie, a self-help coach and general life blogger who encourages people to really care about themselves and live the best, happiest life they can. So what better time to do all this than time that doesn’t exist anywhere else?

Take an hour out of your day when Daylight Savings Time comes into effect, and settle in to relax and truly take care of yourself. Find a book you haven’t read and absorb the tales and stories therein, find a new craft you’ve been wanting to pick up, and take the time to do so. It can even be as simple as a call you’ve been meaning to make to friend or family members, or even just taking a walk through your local parks to soak in the sun, rain, and wind as part of life. Whatever it is your soul needs, Zero Tasking Day is your chance to take an hour and do it.

Word of the Day

camisole
Definition:	(noun) A short, sleeveless undergarment for women.
Synonyms:	underbodice
Usage:	The beautiful dress was made out of a sheer fabric, so Nina wore a camisole underneath it.

Idiom of the Day

have the heart (to do something)  — To be hard hearted, callous, or unsympathetic (enough to do something); to have the emotional resolve (to do something). Usually used in the negative.

History

Charles Dow (1851) In the early 1880s, Charles Dow and Edward Davis Jones established the Dow Jones Average as a stock price indicator consisting mostly of railroad stocks. In 1889, Dow Jones & Co. began publication of the Wall Street Journal, and the well-known Dow Jones Industrial Average was created in 1896. Today, there are four different Dow Jones averages—industrial stocks, transportation stocks, utility stocks, and a composite average of all three.  The New York City Marathon The New York City Marathon began in 1970 as a race four times around Central Park. In 1976, Fred Lebow and the New York Road Runners Club, the world's largest running club and the race's sponsor, decided to invite top runners from all over the world, and to run the course through all five New York boroughs. About 30,000 runners compete in the race, and over a million New Yorkers turn out to watch and cheer the runners on. A 49000 Year Old Human Settlement Has Been Discovered in Australia Who (or what) killed the giant wombat? Scientists in Australia may have finally found the long debated answer—and of course, it might be humans. READ MORE: A 49,000-Year-Old Human Settlement Has Been Discovered In Australia 1789 - Father John Carroll was appointed as the first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States of America.  1814 - Adolph (Antoine) Sax, the inventor of the saxophone and saxotromba, was born.  1854 - Composer John Philip Sousa was born.  1861 - The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, was born.  1894 - William C. Hooker received a patent for the mousetrap.  1923 - Jacob Schick was granted a patent for the electric shaver 1967 - Phil Donahue began a TV talk show in Dayton, OH. The show was on the air for 29 years.

DAILY SQU-EEK



If You Were Born Today, November 6

You are a dynamic, passionate person who has a lot to give, but who also expects the same level of commitment in return. You are determined to follow through on your own commitments and responsibilities, and you generally do what it takes to achieve your goals. Your charisma sets you apart from others, and you find that others quite easily respect you. Willing to help out, but never a pushover, you know your limits and you don't have much trouble communicating them. You are somewhat of a perfectionist, and your tendency to try to control things is most apparent in your career and on the home front. You are an executive, but you also know the value of teamwork and charm, so you don't come on too strong. Your distaste for the superficial is marked. Famous people born today: Sally Field, Ethan Hawke, Maria Shriver, Pat Tillman, Emma Stone, Taryn Manning.

READER'S HOLIDAY FAIR INFO

November 10, 11, 12, 13, 2016

Shakopee, MN

CANTERBURY PARK

1100 Canterbury Rd.

Thurs./Fri. 11am-9pm; Sat. 9am-7pm; Sun. 10am-5pm

Adults $9; Seniors $8; Children Under 10 are Free.

Free Parking!

*To purchase advance online tickets, please visit http://tix.extremetix.com/webtix/4275. Use promo code afshow2016 for a $1 off coupon.

Pictures of the day

Mõdriku Manor is an estate in Mõdriku, Lääne-Viru County, Estonia. Attested since the 15th century, it has been used by numerous families and schools. The main building, shown here, was built at the end of the 18th century.

Leaping Driftwood 

knit - christmas

Christmas Tea Cosy pattern by Frankie Brown

				Christmas Tea Cosy pattern by Frankie Brown This festive tea cosy has a snowman on one side, a Christmas tree on the other and snowballs all over. The pattern includes instructions for a small cosy to f...
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

knit
thanks, sheri

Bisbee

				Bisbee The center diamond is worked from the bottom up with a chart, then stitches are picked up to form the right and left sides of the shawl.
				View on www.berroco.com	Preview by Yahoo

knit

thanks, sally

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kina-pincushion

knit

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/parrotweed

knit - christmas

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gingerbread-house-8

crochet - christmas

3D Crochet Christmas Tree - Repeat Crafter Me

crochet

Coraline in Minden pattern by Celina Lane

				Coraline in Minden pattern by Celina Lane Coraline in Minden Cozy Oversized Cowl Wrap crochet pattern
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet

thanks, clara

Strawberry Blossom Slipper Socks pattern by Fiber Flux / Jennifer Dickerson

				Strawberry Blossom Slipper Socks pattern by Fiber Flux /... The Strawberry Blossom Slipper Socks are soft, lofty, and extra cozy for toasty feet and legs. An easy to construct “tube” sock is finished off with an extra (o...
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crochet

Puppy Topper Beanie

				Puppy Topper Beanie Add this project to your Ravelry favorites HERE To print or convert to PDF click the green "Print Friendly" button below the pattern. Puppy Topper Beani...
				View on crochetkim.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet - christmas gift giving

Vintage coaster

US English terms Written instructions

MATERIAL:      Lace cotton thread Anchor Freccia nr. 12 (Coats)

HOOK:               1.25 mm   

MEASURE:       10  x 10 cm aprox. (4” x 4” aprox.)

Note: If you work with another crochet hook or a different thickness thread, measures could not coincide.

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

sl.st.: slip stitch

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

2dc-tog: 2 dc closed together

5dc-tog: 5 dc closed together

picot: 3 chains closed picot

st / sts: stitch / stitches

rnd: round

prev: previous

rep **: repeat from * to *

Begin with an adjustable ring.

Round 1: Ch 1 and make 16 sc in the ring, join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counted as first dc in the first st of the rnd) and make 1 dc in the next st (this is the first 2dc-tog of the rnd); *ch 3 and make 1 2dc-tog in the next 2 sts*; rep ** until the end of the rnd; ch 3 and join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 3: Make 1 sl.st to begin this rnd in the first 3 chs of prev rnd; make 4 dc in these 3 chs; *ch2, skip 1 st and make 5 dc in the next 3 chs of prev rnd*; rep ** until the end of the rnd; ch 2 and join to the first st of the rnd with 1 sl.st.

Round 4: Ch 3 (counted as first dc in the first st of the rnd); make 1 dc in each of the next 4 sts; *ch 5, skip the next 2 chs of prev rnd and make 1 dc in each of the next 5 sts*; rep ** until the end of the rnd; ch 5 and join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 5: Ch3 (counted as first dc of the first 5dc-tog) and make 4dc-tog in the next 4 sts, for completing the first 5dc-tog; *ch7 and make 1 sc in the next arch of chs of prev rnd; ch7 and make 1 5dc-tog in the next 5 dc of prev rnd*; rep ** until the end of rnd; ch 7 and make 1 sc in the last arch of chs of prev rnd; ch 7 and join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 6: Make 3 sl.st to begin the rnd in the middle of the first arch of chs of prev rnd; ch1 + 1 sc; *ch 9 and make 1 sc in the next arch of chs*; rep ** until the end fo rnd; ch 9 and join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 7: Ch 3 (counted as first dc) and make 10 dc in the first arch of chs of prev rnd; make 1 sc in the next arch of chs; *make 11 dc in the next arch of chs; make 1 sc in the next arch of chs*; rep ** until the end of the rnd; join to the first dc of the rnd with 1 sl.st.

Round 8: Ch1 + 1 sc in the first st; make 1 sc in each st of prev rnd; join to the first st with 1 sl.st.

Round 9: Ch 1 + 1 sc in the first st; make 1 sc in each of the next 4 st; make 1 sc+1 picot in the next st; *make 1 sc in each next 11 sts; make 1 sc+1picot in the next st*; rep ** until the end of the rnd; make 1 sc in each next 6 sts; join to the first st with 1 sl.st. Fasten off.

RECIPE

thanks for this wonderfully named dish, patty!

Scottish Rumbledethumps, a Cute Name and a Delicious Dish

				Scottish Rumbledethumps, a Cute Name and a Delicious... Rumbledetumps is not only a great name is it a dish using the simplest of vegetables -mashed potatoes, swede and kale - to make a delicous side dish.
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CROCKPOT RECIPE

SHORT RIBS with POMEGRANATE MOLASSES 

the nosher

Using a slow cooker is a great way to save some time for holiday prep. This short ribs recipe is so rich and delicious, no one will know you weren’t slaving over a hot stove for hours. A few notes: The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd. Try not to skip the step of browning the meat and veggies before putting into your slow cooker. It will add depth to the meat and vegetables and the overall richness of the sauce. But if you are really pressed for time, just throw it all in there.

The pomegranate molasses adds a traditional, sweet flavor perfect for the New Year. For an extra festive presentation, garnish the short ribs with colorful pomegranate arils (seeds) and fresh parsley.

Crockpot Short Ribs with Pomegranate Molasses

Ingredients

3 1/2 pounds short ribs on the bone
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp dried coriander
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 ribs of celery, diced
1 heaping Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 cups chicken, beef or veal stock
1 1/2 cups red wine
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1/3 cup pomegranate molasses, plus extra for serving
Fresh parsley (optional)
Pomegranate arils (optional)

Directions

Mix together the cinnamon, coriander, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Place the short ribs on a large plate and rub the spice mix all over the ribs, covering all sides. Allow to sit in the fridge covered in plastic wrap a few hours if you have the time.

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until brown. You will want to do this in batches depending on how many ribs you make.

When all the ribs have been seared, place them into the bottom of your slow cooker.

Drain off all oil in pan, except for around 2 or 3 tablespoons. Add onion and celery to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook. After a few minutes, add 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste and cook until the tomato has incorporated into the vegetables.

Add the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker with the stock, wine, soy sauce and pomegranate molasses. Set your slow cooker for 6 hours on high and allow to cook, ensuring the short ribs are completely covered with liquid.

When short ribs are finished cooking, garnish an extra drizzle of pomegranate molasses, fresh chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds, if desired.

SWEETS

Walnut Crescent Cookies

ADULT COLORING

thanks, shelley

CRAFTS

Plastic Bottle Hack: Make Easy Gemstones!

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... craft

http://www.freekidscrafts.com/button-man/

PUZZLE

Streetlight Baskets Jigsaw Puzzle

thanks, susan b.

The rain was pouring down. And there standing in front of a big puddle outside the pub, was an old Irishman, drenched, holding a stick, with a piece of string dangling in the water.

A passer-by stopped and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Fishing" replied the old man.
Feeling sorry for the old man, the gent says, "Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me."
In the warmth of the pub, as they sip their whiskies, the gentleman cannot resist asking, "So how many have you caught today?"
"You're the eighth" says the old man.

QUOTE

 CLEVER

Well done, you're 1 in 8!! You totally nailed this super tricky test! Your attention to detail is impeccable and your pattern recognition is out of this world! Nothing goes past you unnoticed! ... how did you do???

Only 1 In 8 Highly Perceptive People Can Pass This Test

hi, rosko! lol

EYE OPENER

THE 10 SMALLEST COUNTRIES ON EARTH

worldatlas

With over 194 countries in the world, it's easy to think the word "country" equates to a massive land area with large numbers of people. Some nations are so small that cities within other nations are giants compared to them. Mostly found in Europe, the Carribean, and the Pacific, there are many countries in the world with an area of less than 400 square kilometers. The top 10 smallest countries in the world cover a total area of 1491.4 km² which is smaller than the area of the city of Houston, Texas (1625.2 km²)

With their own governments and own culture, these small countries are some of the richest, most remote, and most intriguing places in the world. The 10 smallest countries in the world today:

10 – Grenada - 344 km²

An island nation in the Caribbean, Grenada is also known as “The Island of Spice." The world's largest producer of nutmeg and mace crops, this nation located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago was colonized by the French from 1649 to 1763, which explains the very strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country. A popular tourist destination, you'll find French-influenced architecture and art all around the island, with cricket as the most popular sport.

9 – Malta - 316 km²

Malta is another island country, however, its located in the Mediterranean Sea. 3 major islands make up the Republic of Malta: Gozo, Comino, and the largest, Malta. This small country has a population of over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Another popular tourist destination, foreigners from all over the world come to Malta for its sunny weather, attractive beaches, over 7,000 years of intriguing history, and a still vibrant nightlife.

8 – Maldives - 300 km²

A popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. There are over 1,192 coral islands in the Maldives, which are spread over 90,000 sq.km, making it one of the world's most dispersed countries. The country was once the colony of many empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, but became an independent country in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a vibrant tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

7 – Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²

The Mother Colony of the West Indies, these 2 islands in the Caribbean were some of the first islands to be occupied by Europeans. Its economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing industries. The islands also provide fantastic diving sites due to abundant marine life. A major sugar exporter for centuries, the large plantations are now beautiful estates that have been converted into hotels and resorts.

6 – Liechtenstein - 160 km²

A German-speaking country, this is the only nation in the world to be completely located in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a little tricky without an airport. Visitors must go through Switzerland's Zurich Airport to reach this Alpine country that's still ruled by a prince.

5 – San Marino - 61 km²

Surrounded completely by Italy, San Marino is also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, it is also one of the wealthiest in terms of GDP per capita. The 3rd smallest country in Europe, it has a population of only 30,000, boasting of one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

4 – Tuvalu - 26 km²

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, north east of Australia. There are about 10,000 inhabitants, with 8km of roads, and only 1 hospital present on the main island. The country was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. A difficult place to get to, tourism is not very significant. In 2010, less than 2,000 visitors came to Tuvalu, with 65% of them coming for business.

3 – Nauru - 21 km²

An island nation located east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country in the world. It was known in the 1980's for a booming phosphate mining but is now a quiet island off the radar of tourists. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, its phosphate resources are now depleted, leading to a 90% national unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% employed by the government. Nauru is also known as the country with the most obese people in the world, with 97% of its men and 93% of women being obese or overweight. Because of this, Nauru is also home to the world's highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40% of its population suffering from the ailment.

2 – Monaco - 2 km²

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Known for its gambling and luxury goods and services industry, Monaco is a favorite playground of the rich and famous. Bordered by France on 3 sides and one side by the Mediterranean Sea, the residents of Monaco are mostly French-speaking. With a population of over 36,000, Monaco is the world's most densely populated country. The most popular annual event is the Formula 1 race, with tracks passing through the city streets.

1 – Vatican - 0.44 km²

The world's smallest country is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. This country fits within the Italian capital city of Rome, and is the center of the Catholic Church. It is also home to the biggest church in the world – St. Peter's Basilica, and holds some of the most significant art works of the Renaissance such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Its income comes from the voluntary contributions of over 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church around the world. The remainder of its economy comes from the sales of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and admission fees of museums.