DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Games Day

What kind if games do you most enjoy, board games, card games, or maybe video games? Whatever game is you favorite, this is the day to play it and have some fun for a change! After all, what better a break could you take from the stresses of everyday life than to partake in Games Day?

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As generation upon generation of people the world over would agree, playing games is a great way to just kick back, relax and have some fun with your family of friends.

History of Games Day

Games Day was created by the British game production and retail company, Games Workshop, which started out producing more traditional games such as backgammon, and later moved on to fantasy universe games, such as Warhammer.

This day of carefree whimsical frivolity was created rather abruptly in 1975 when another games convention that got cancelled, and the gap thereby created needed to be filled.

The very first of these soon to become extremely popular events took place in London on December 20, 1975. In a very short period of time, these events really took the UK’s gaming community by storm and brought many people together, which did a great deal to build up the nation’s gaming scene. Of course, this style of convention quickly sprung up and became enormously popular in the US as well, and acts as a fantastic showcase both for gamers and their skills and the gaming industry.

Image result for christmas sipping coffee gif

Image result for christmas sipping coffee gif

Word of the Day

finicky

Definition:

(adjective) Excessively particular, as in tastes or standards.

Synonyms:

picky, fussy

Usage:

She is incredibly finicky about her food and will not eat anything prepared by a stranger.

Idiom of the Day

thanks for nothing!

— An expression of annoyance, exasperation, or disappointment when someone does something unhelpful or disagreeable.

This Day in History

Tragedy at Sea: MV Doña Paz Passenger Ferry Sinks (1987)

Image result for Tragedy at Sea: MV DoÃ±a Paz Passenger Ferry Sinks (1987)

The passenger ferry MV Doña Paz was traveling along the Tablas Strait in the Philippines when it collided with the MT Vector, an oil tanker carrying 8,800 barrels of petroleum products. The cargo ignited, causing a fire that spread onto the Doña Paz. Survivors had to jump ship, and both vessels quickly sank in shark-infested waters. The accident claimed over 4,000 lives, as the Doña Pazwas grossly overcrowded.

Sir Robert Gordon Menzies (1894)

A successful lawyer, Menzies gave up his practice to pursue a career in politics and eventually became Australia's longest continuously serving prime minister. He started out in the House of Representatives in 1934 and served as attorney general until 1939, when he became leader of the United Australia party and prime minister. In 1941, his party lost the election, but in 1949 he again became prime minister and this time remained in office until his retirement in 1966.

Christkindlesmarkt

Christkindlesmarkt is the biggest and best known of the Christmas markets of Germany. The market in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany, has been held since 1697 in the city's Hauptmarkt ("main market"). More than 100 booths are set up to offer only goods directly related to Christmas, and food booths sell Nuremberg's specialties—Lebkuchen, or gingerbread, and Zwetschgenmannlein, which are little people-shaped confections. The three-week festival is inaugurated with choral singing, the pealing of church bells, and illumination of a creche.

Doctors can't make house calls to the International Space Station, but even if they could, Earth's routine practices like setting up an IV, taking a blood sample or even keeping a wound clean are incredibly difficult.

READ MORE:

American astronaut Joseph Tanner waves to the camera during a space walk as part of the STS-115 mission to the International Space Station, September 2006. (Photo by NASA/Getty Images)

What happens if astronauts get sick in space?

Image result for 1606 - The "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery" set sail from London. Their landing at Jamestown, VA, was the start of the first permanent English settlement in America.

1606 - The "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery" set sail from London. Their landing at Jamestown, VA, was the start of the first permanent English settlement in America.

Image result for 1803 - The United States Senate ratified a treaty that included the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million. The transfer was completed with formal ceremonies in New Orleans.

Image result for 1803 - The United States Senate ratified a treaty that included the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million. The transfer was completed with formal ceremonies in New Orleans.

1803 - The United States Senate ratified a treaty that included the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million. The transfer was completed with formal ceremonies in New Orleans.
Image result for 1879 - Thomas A. Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, NJ.

Image result for 1879 - Thomas A. Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, NJ.

1879 - Thomas A. Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, NJ.
Image result for 1880 - New York's Broadway became known as the "Great White Way" when it was lighted by electricity.

Image result for 1880 - New York's Broadway became known as the "Great White Way" when it was lighted by electricity.

1880 - New York's Broadway became known as the "Great White Way" when it was lighted by electricity.

Image result for 1928 - Mail delivery by dog sled began in Lewiston, ME.

Image result for 1928 - Mail delivery by dog sled began in Lewiston, ME.

1928 - Mail delivery by dog sled began in Lewiston, ME.
Image result for 1946 - The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film.

Image result for 1946 - The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film.

1946 - The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film.
Image result for 1954 - Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason to one of the largest contracts ever entered into with an entertainer. Gleason agreed to produce 78 half-hour shows over a two-year period for $6,142,500.

Image result for 1954 - Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason to one of the largest contracts ever entered into with an entertainer. Gleason agreed to produce 78 half-hour shows over a two-year period for $6,142,500.

1954 - Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason to one of the largest contracts ever entered into with an entertainer. Gleason agreed to produce 78 half-hour shows over a two-year period for $6,142,500.

1957 - Elvis Presley received his U.S. Army draft notice.

1965 -The Beach Boys single "Barbara Ann" was released.

1968 - Author John Steinbeck died at the age of 66.

1981 - The musical "Dreamgirls" opened on Broadway. The show was based on the careers of the Supremes.

Image result for 1990 - The world's first website and server go live at CERN.

1990 - The world's first website and server go live at CERN. The first website was http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/TheProject.html.

1996 - Doctors reported that a Cypriot woman who had taken fertility drugs was carrying about 11 embryos.

1998 - In Houston, TX, a 27-year-old woman gave birth to the only known living set of octuplets.

Image result for 1999 - The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples of the opposite sex.

1999 - The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples of the opposite sex.
Image result for christmas sipping coffee gif

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, December 20

You are a very supportive people person--totally willing to put yourself on the line for others. You are most successful when you are able to put your heart into what you are doing. A desire to stay young is always with you, which does keep you youthful, humorous, and playful; but for some, there can be avoidance of responsibility or clinging to the past. You are considerate, self-sacrificing, companionable, and you get along with people from any walk of life. You can be emotionally impulsive. You crave balance and harmony, and you have an unmistakable gentleness to your personality. Famous people born today:

1868 Harvey Firestone, American industrialist and founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company ("where the rubber meets the road"), born in Columbiana, Ohio (d. 1938)

Psychic, illusionist Uri Geller

1946 Uri Geller, Israeli magician and psychic known for bending forks, born in Tel Aviv, Israel

Crime Drama Producer Dick Wolf

1946 Dick Wolf, American television series creator (Miami Vice, Law & Order), born in NYC, New York

1983 Jonah Hill, American actor (Superbad, Moneyball, The Wolf of Wall Street), born in Los Angeles, California
Image result for christmas happy birthday gif

Image result for christmas happy birthday gif

READERS INFO

1946 -

The Frank Capra film "It’s A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City’s Globe Theatre on this day, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film.

1968 -

TODAY: Nobel Prize laureate John Steinbeck dies.

1999 -

Image result for vermont's supreme court rules in favor of homosexaul couples

On this day, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples of the opposite sex.

4.

Silverlake Flea 2018

Dec 22, 2018 | Dec 29, 2018 | Los Angeles, CA

Micheltorena Elementary School|1511 Micheltorena St
Image result for Silverlake Flea 2018 Dec 22, 2018 | Dec 29, 2018 | Los Angeles, CA

Are you interested in DIY and vintage? You can have the best of both worlds at the Silverlake Flea Market, which was voted as L.A.’s best indie flea market. Mind-blowing discovery is inevitable! While you dig around for hand-selected vintage items, handmade gems, rare vinyl, collectible turntables and more, there is live music, several food trucks and other entertainment to aid your discoveries.

further information: Silverlake Flea

Pictures of the day

The 720th Special Tactics Group is one of the special operations ground components of the 24th Special Operations Wing, assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) of the United States Air Force. The group is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and has squadrons in five states: Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina and Washington. This picture shows airborne forces of the 720th Special Tactics Group, based at Hurlburt Field, jumping out of a C-130J Hercules aircraft during water rescue training above Choctawhatchee Bay.

DOG CAN'S STOP SMILING AFTER BEING ADOPTED

‘Meatball’ aka Meaty can’t stop melting hearts and making friends with his giant smile

knit, Christmas
thanks, Valerie

MOSAIC SNOWFLAKE DISHCLOTH

https://s3.amazonaws.com/spinrite/pdf/WEB-Bernat-HandicrafterHolidays-MosaicSnowflakeDishcloth-EN.pdf

knit
thanks, Pam

Brindle and Blend
knit

Navigator Hat pattern by Karoline Withington

knit

Sweet Stripes Cardigan

knit

Panini pattern

crochet, Christmas
thanks, Lois

Santa Coaster

crochet
thanks, Julie

Crochet Granny Square Slippers

crochet

Cabled Hooded Cowl

crochet
FOOD COVERINGS
crochet-bowl-cover1a

http://www.lululoves.co.uk/item/crochet-pattern-food-covers.html
crochet

Chic Cable Slippers

thanks, Heide

RECIPE

thanks, Shelley

Pan Pizza

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019335-pan-pizza?

CROCKPOT RECIPE ... adult

thanks, Nora

Slow Cooker Bourbon-Peach Baked Beans

SWEETS ... Christmas

thanks, Heide

Impossible Pecan Pie II

ADULT COLORING ... Christmas

CRAFTS ... Christmas

thanks, Karen
Embroidered Love: Two Ways

cuckoo clock

Feel a little late for you to still be making decorations, but it's not. Why? Because there's always room for adding ornaments to your tree, garlands, or just around the house. And better still, ornaments make wonderful last-minute gifts and present toppers!

Today's ornament was inspired by the Cuckoo! It's kinda smaller and has some 3D details on it!

Here's what you need:Cotton fabric
Felt
Embroidery floss
Thin metal jewelry chain
Pattern PDF

Begin by transferring the pattern for the clock body to your fabric, and embroidering it.

Cut out the pentagon template from the PDF. Center the embroidered design within the pentagon, then cut out about 1/4 inch around the outside of the template. Cut a piece of felt the same size as the pentagon template.

Pin the pentagon in the center of the fabric piece, then fold over each edge and baste them down. A stitch or two at each angle of the pentagon will hold it. Secure the thread and remove the pin.

Embroider the little lines on the felt and cut out the pine cones. Cut two short pieces of chain (about 1-1/2 and 2 inches long), then sew them to the top of the pine cones.

Stitch the chains to the bottom of the cuckoo clock.

Sew the felt piece to the back of the embroidered pentagon. When you've made your way around 3 or 4 sides, carefully pull the paper out of the center of the pentagon. Finish stitching on the felt.