Virus Appreciation Day October 3, 2017

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Virus Appreciation Day

Virii are a part of human existence, and have invaded every possible area of our lives from our living bodies to the silicon pathways of the World Wide Web. Thankfully, computer virii can’t actually infect humans, nor the other way around, but that doesn’t mean that virii are harmless. Virus Appreciation Day encourages us to enjoy and respect virii of all kinds, and the incredibly impact they’ve had on our lives and world. Make no mistake, we won’t just be appreciating virii as bad guys, but also in their helpful aspect!

Let’s start off with explaining the difference between bacteria, and a virus. First off, bacteria are classically alive, by which we mean they have all the metrics that define life, most importantly of all, cell-structure. Virii, on the other hand, are not quite alive, they’re more like randomly wandering bits of DNA with an attitude problem and a suit of protein based armor.

So why would we want to appreciate virii? They can’t possibly be helpful, can they? Think that, dear reader, and you would be sorely mistaken. Allow us to introduce one virus that isn’t just helpful, but by existing has actually managed to save millions of lives.

That virii is, of course, Cow Pox. Cox pox is a terrible and painful disease that was primarily the bane of milkmaids. How then, was this painful and disfiguring disease helpful? Well, as it turns out it is closely related to Small Pox, so closely in fact that doctors began to notice that milkmaids almost never came down with Small Pox.

Investigation revealed that it was the antibodies against the painful but harmless Cow Pox that protected them from Small Pox. So it was that the first vaccine was born, an inoculation against Small Pox all thanks to the Cow Pox virus.

Celebrate Virus Appreciation Day by researching them, both the good and the bad. As it turns out Virii have played a vital role in evolution, and have been beneficial in many ways to many different species.There’s the clover that passes down a virii to its offspring that helps it save precious resources while in nitrogen rich soil, or the plants that have virii that make them more cold resistant.

This is just the beginning, and all animals, including us, host a great number of virii in their intestinal tract that aid with digestion. Don’t hate on virii, learn more about them!

Word of the Day

mantel
Definition:	(noun) The protruding shelf over a fireplace.
Synonyms:	chimneypiece, mantelpiece
Usage:	There were also perhaps a dozen candles about, two in brass candlesticks upon the mantel and several in sconces, so that the room was brilliantly illuminated.

Idiom of the Day 

let (the) perfect be the enemy of (the) good  — To allow the demand, desire, or insistence for perfection decrease the chances of obtaining a good or favorable result in the end. (Usually used in the negative as an imperative.)

 

History

George Washington Creates Thanksgiving Day (1789)

Though the feast held in 1621 may be better remembered, the first official national Thanksgiving in the US was declared in 1789. On that day, Washington, the president at the time, offered thanks for "the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty" following the revolution. Thanksgiving feasts were declared sporadically until 1863, when President Lincoln established it as a lasting holiday. Traditionally, the president pardons a live turkey each year.

Alain-Fournier (1886)

Henri-Alban Fournier, who published as Alain-Fournier, was a French novelist known for his single full-length work, Le Grand Meaulnes. The poetic novel about a youthful search for the ideal was published in 1913 and is now considered a classic of French literature. Set in an imaginary locale, it is a blend of the author's own childhood and his mystical ideas. Though he began work on a second novel in 1914, he was killed in action in WWI that year.

Ancient Fossils Reveal the First Humans Emerged 170000 Years Earlier than We Thought

The first modern humans may have emerged up to 350,000 years ago—170,000 years earlier than previously thought.

READ MORE:

Ancient fossils reveal the first modern humans emerged up to 350,000 years ago


1893 - The motor-driven vacuum cleaner was patented by J.S. Thurman. 


1901 - The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated. After a merger with Radio Corporation of America the company became RCA-Victor. 


1906 - W.T. Grant opened a 25-cent department store. 


1922 - Rebecca L. Felton became the first female to hold office of U.S. Senator. She was appointed by Governor Thomas W. Hardwick of Georgia to fill a vacancy. 


1945 - Elvis Presley appeared in a talent show at the age of 10. It was his first public appearance. He won 2nd place and $5. 


1954 - "Father Knows Best" began airing on CBS-TV. 


1955 - "Captain Kangaroo" premiered on CBS-TV. 


1961 - "The Dick Van Dyke Show" debuted on CBS-TV. 


1974 - Frank Robinson took over the management position of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. He was the first black manager in major league baseball. 


1988 - The space shuttle Discovery landed safely after its four-day mission. It was the first American shuttle mission since the Challenger disaster. 


1989 - Art Shell became the first African-American head coach in the modern NFL when he took over the Los Angeles Raiders. 


1990 - The Berlin Wall was dismantled eleven months after the borders between East and West Germany were dissolved. The unification of Germany ended 45 years of division. 


2001 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) broke Babe Ruth's major league single-season record for walks at 171. 


2003 - Ray Horn, of the duo "Siegfried & Roy," was attacked by tiger during a performance. Roy survived the attack after being dragged offstage. The tiger, a 7-year-old male named Montecore, was debuting in his first show. 

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, October 3

Others are drawn to your lighthearted, fundamentally happy and hopeful personality. However, you’re not without an “edge,” and when you want something, you have tremendous stamina to draw upon. Your relationships are extremely important to you, and you can be impulsive in love, following your heart rather than pure logic. You crave security and stability, however, and your family and home life are vital to your sense of peace and happiness. Balance is what you seek, and you strive to be as fair as possible in your dealings with others. Famous people born today: Thomas Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Chubby Checker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Lee, Gwen Stefani, Neve Campbell, Ashlee Simpson.

READERS INFO
1.

Erie County Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2017

Sep 15 - Oct 15, 2017 | Erie, PA

Hispanic Americans have made many important contributions to the United States and Erie County. The Hispanic Heritage Celebration is held to honor of these contributions, and Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from mid September through mid October every year. The event celebrates the diversity and unique histories of Hispanic cultures through various activities. Festivities include dancing, food and music.

further information: Hispanic Festival Energizes Downtown Erie

2.

Celebrate Orgullo 2017

Oct 1-15, 2017 | Miami Beach, FL 

Celebrate Orgullo honors Hispanic LGBT culture and community in many different forms. This grassroots movement to promote tolerance and diversity in the Miami Beach area features several weeks of music, entertainment, food and fun. A large and eclectic group of artists, performers, educators and vendors add color and variety to this unique pride event.

further information: Celebrate ORGULLO Festival | Oct 1-15, 2017 | Miami | Miami Beach | Wilton Manors

3.

NC Latin American Film Festival 2017

Sep 28 - Oct 8, 2017 | Raleigh, NC 

The annual NC Latin American Film Festival in North Carolina, celebrates cinematic storytelling and the artistry of Latin American audiovisual production. The multiple-day engagement features screenings of documentaries, feature films and shorts, some of which are premiered in the U.S. at the event. The festival also offers Q&A sessions, panel discussions with industry experts, cultural events, seminars and after parties with live music and dancing.

further information: The Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University | 2017 NC Latin American Film Festival

4.
Today in 1904

Novelist Graham Greene is born.

5.
Debuted in 1959

 

Original run on CBS-TV: October 2, 1959 – June 19, 1964.

In 2013, the Writers Guild of America ranked The Twilight Zone as the third best-written TV series ever and TV Guide ranked it as the fifth greatest show of all time.

 

Rodman Edward "Rod" Serling 

(Dec. 25, 1924 – June 28, 1975) 

Pictures of the day


Burking Poor Old Mrs Constitution, Aged 141(1829), a satirical cartoon by the British artist William Heath (1794–1840). It depicts the Duke of Wellington and Robert Peel in the roles of the body-snatchers Burke and Hare, suffocating Mrs Docherty for sale to Dr. Knox. This cartoon represents Wellington and Peel's perceived extinguishing of the Constitution of 1688 through the Catholic Emancipation, particularly the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829.

MICHIGAN

Waves roll past a wooden lighthouse on Grand Island in Lake Superior. The island—accessible only by boat—is part of Hiawatha National Forest, which spreads across Michigan's Upper Peninsula from north to south.

knit

thanks, Jennifer

Moldau

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moldau

knit

thanks, Heide

Toilet Paper

knit

# 70 Jacke im Fall- und Hebemaschenmuster pattern by Lana Grossa

				# 70 Jacke im Fall- und Hebemaschenmuster pattern by... Free Download only in German and English,
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

knit

Spinning Wheel Dish Cloth

knit, newborn - 8 yrs

Scrap Sweater for the Small ones

crochet
thanks, Helen

Fins Wrap

crochet
thanks, Sharon

Quick and Easy Owl Ball

crochet

Ombre Puffy Washcloth pattern by Ashley Carr

crochet

Filet Crochet Scarf pattern by Lena Skvagerson

crochet

Candy Cable Baby Blanket pattern by Randy Cavaliere

RECIPE, Halloween

LICORICE OR TREAT

marilynstreats

prep 20 mins

cook 60 mins

total 1 hour, 20 mins

yield 2

Licorice sticks, sugar, black dye, and some dairy create this spooky fall flavored ice cream. 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces black licorice sticks, gently crushed
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon superfine or granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• few drops of natural black food coloring

Instructions

1. Put the licorice in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water and place over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the licorice has melted.
2. Meanwhile, pour the milk and cream into a large saucepan and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to steam but not boil.
3. Whisk the egg yolks in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla and whisk until pale and slightly fluffy. Gradually and slowly, pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Return the mixture to the saucepan, place over low heat, stir in the melted licorice, and heat until the custard thinly coats the back of a wooden spoon. Do not let boil. Add the black food coloring to desired effect.
4. Pour back into the bowl and set aside for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooled to room temperature. For more rapid chilling, fill a sink halfway with cold water and ice and place the bowl of mixture in it for 20 minutes. Never put the hot mixture into the refrigerator.
5. Once cooled, cover the mixture and refrigerate, ideally overnight, but at least for 6 hours, until thoroughly chilled (at least 40°F). Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. When the churning is complete, use a spoon or spatula to scrape the ice cream into a freezer-proof container with a lid. Freeze until it reaches the correct scooping texture (at least 2 hours).

CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Molly

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks

SWEETS
thanks, Shelley

Pear Ginger Crumble Recipe

ADULT COLORING

CRAFTS, Halloween
thanks, Zoey

Halloween Paper Medallions

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Two Halloween Puzzles

answers:

PUZZLE

Goldie on Sea Wall Jigsaw Puzzle



WORD SEARCH

atone block bustle chop churches close corset cruise

distress early entry former germ

hedge hidden hitch hotel least library

merge obvious order passion reply return rhyme

saint score smell solace solid strip tiger trinkets waste weekend

SUDOKU ... hard




solution:







QUOTE








CLEVER ... Halloween
Tape plastic roaches all over bathroom wall




EYE OPENER

5 Women Scientists You Should Know

Some explored the unknown, some made scientific breakthroughs, some are working to save the world. All are pioneers whose names should be more well-recognized.

outsideonline

It’s time we are able to rattle off the names of more female scientists than simply Marie Curie. From Rosalind Franklin’s discovery of the molecular structure of DNA to Katherine Johnson’s mathematical prowess that helped launch the first American into space, we are only beginning to learn about and acknowledge the many major contributions of female scientists.

So here are five more you should know. To highlight these women, we teamed up with designer Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, who earlier this year created Beyond Curie, a series of posters celebrating unsung women of science. We added to her list five women who discovered some of our most widely accepted scientific theories, explored new frontiers, and conducted game-changing research. Two are still alive and doing so today. Many were among the first women to enter their fields, and all have paved the way for a new generation of women scientists to leave their marks on the world.

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Kalpana Chawla

Astronaut (1961–2003)

Even as a child, Kalpana Chawla knew she wanted to fly. She dreamed of becoming an aerospace engineer, often asking her father to take her for rides in the planes that belonged to flying clubs in her native India. Classmates remember Chawla pointing to the sky and telling them, “I’m going to fly.” After earning a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988, she finally got her wish in 1997. As a crew member on the STS-87 Columbia, Chawla became the first Indian-born woman and the second person of Indian descent to travel into space. On January 16, 2003, Chawla and six other astronauts entered space aboard the STS-107 Columbiafor a 16-day science and research mission. On February 1, the spaceship broke apart as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere, killing everyone aboard 16 minutes prior to landing. At the time of her death, Chawla had logged 30 days, 14 hours, and 54 minutes in space.

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Dijanna Figueroa

Oceanographer

Dijanna Figueroa has made a career of exploring the mysteries of the deep. In 2005, she was featured in James Cameron’s documentary Aliens of the Deep, which follows Cameron and NASA scientists as they explore the some of the deepest parts of the ocean and learn about the unique life forms that inhabit those spaces. Recently, Figueroa has become an advocate for STEAM education—adding art and design to the science, technology, engineering, and math equation. She’s spent more than a decade teaching STEAM to grades K–8 in the greater Los Angeles area, formerly served as global director of the National Geographic Society’s Green STEAM program, and has advisory roles with many STEAM nonprofits. If that isn’t enough, Figueroa is a committee director for Blue Ocean Sciences, an organization of scientists conducting high-level research that addresses the needs of the global community.

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Florence Bascom

Geologist (1862–1945)

Florence Bascom was the first woman geologist hired by the U.S. Geological Survey, the first woman geologist to survey Mount Desert Island in Maine (in 1919), and the second woman elected to the Geological Society of America. But Bascom broke barriers well before she started her fieldwork. She earned several degrees at the University of Wisconsin before petitioning for admission to Johns Hopkins University, which had only accepted one woman before her. Although Bascom, like other female students of the time, had to sit behind a screen in the corner of the classroom to avoid distracting male students, she became the first woman to receive a doctorate from Johns Hopkins, in 1893. She is best known for studying the rocks of the Piedmont region of Maryland and Pennsylvania and creating a comprehensive guide to the geology of the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Rose E. Frisch

Biologist (1918–2015)

Studies on women’s health still lag behind what exists for men, but Frisch was conducting groundbreaking work on the topic when it was still a taboo. In the 1970s, Frisch was one of the first to study women and how their weight affects fertility, co-authoring a paper in 1974 showing that women’s menstrual cycles can cease if they lose as little as 15 pounds. This also paved the way to the discovery of leptin, a protein that’s foundational to understanding processes like metabolism, puberty, and pregnancy—not to mention everyday functions like burning energy, eating, and exercising. Frisch continued her research at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, and today her theories on fatness and fertility are widely known and accepted. Her son Henry Frisch, a professor of physics at the University of Chicago, says his mother never dwelled on the sexism in the field, though she earned much less than her male colleagues. “She was determined to understand these key biological issues in women’s health,” he says. “Nothing was going to stop her.” Today, women who hope to become mothers as well as athletes often to turn to Frisch’s work to help them better understand their bodies.

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Inez Fung

Professor of Atmospheric Science

Inez Fung’s main focus at the University of California, Berkeley, is climate change. She studies the changing patterns of precipitation by studying East and South Asian monsoons and how trees access water in California’s dry summers and cool the atmosphere. By studying precipitation changes, Fung can begin to understand what influences the location, timing, and intensity of precipitation—and improve our projections of how that could change in the future. “It’s very important for us living on Earth enjoying the biosphere, enjoying the outdoors, to know how things are changing and to understand why things are changing,” says Fung. She is also the founding director of the Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center. “I think nature is always smarter than me,” says Fung. “When I think I’ve got it, there’s another puzzle that nature presents to me.”