DIANE'S CORNER ...
Celebrate Groundhog Day
Celebrate Groundhog Day
Punxsutawney Phil will make his annual Groundhog Day appearance today!
The History of Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day - specifically Feb. 2 - traces its roots back to an ancient celebration of the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. According to legend, a sunny sky on that day signifies a stormy and cold second half of winter while a cloudy sky indicates the arrival of warm weather.
In 1887, Clymer H. Freas, city editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper, was inspired by a group of local groundhog hunters to form the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club with Phil as America's official forecasting groundhog. Phil's fame grew and soon, people around the country began looking to him for weather predictions. Those predictions have been overwhelmingly in favor of more winter.
More Phil facts:
- When Phil isn't forecasting, he lives in a Punxsutawney zoo at with his wife, Phyllis.
- Tradition holds there's only been one Punxsutawney Phil and that he'll be 132 years old on Feb. 2. The Groundhog Club claims "Phil gets his longevity from drinking 'groundhog punch' (a secret recipe). One sip, which is administered every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, gives him seven more years of life." However, since a groundhog's life expectancy is between 6-8 years, you be the judge.
- The average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long. Groundhogs are covered with coarse grayish hairs tipped with brown or sometimes dull red. They have short ears, a short tail, short legs, and are surprisingly quick with exceptionally strong jaws.
- A groundhog can whistle when it is alarmed. Groundhogs also whistle in the spring when they begin courting.
- Punxsutawney Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2nd, he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhogese. His proclamation is then translated for the world.
- The celebration of Groundhog Day began with the Germans, Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May...". The settlers found that groundhogs were plentiful and were the most intelligent and sensible animal to carry on the legend of Candlemas Day.
- Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br’er Groundhog.
RARE HISTORICAL PHOTOS
Mae West was one of the most famous American actresses of classic Hollywood cinema, with a career that spanned seven decades thanks to her talents as not only an actress, but as a singer, playwright, screenwriter, comedian, and sex symbol.
plenum
MEANING:
noun:
1. An assembly in which all members are present.
2. A space in which air or another gas is at pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure.
3. A space filled with matter, as contrasted with vacuum.
4. A space, above the ceiling or below the floor, that serves as a receiving chamber for heated or cooled air.
1. An assembly in which all members are present.
2. A space in which air or another gas is at pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure.
3. A space filled with matter, as contrasted with vacuum.
4. A space, above the ceiling or below the floor, that serves as a receiving chamber for heated or cooled air.
USAGE:
“The plenum passed a resolution requiring his resignation and ditched him.”
Frederick Forsyth; Icon; Bantam; 1996.
Bob Marley is one of the most influential musicians of all time, and Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, couldn’t resist his charms in this 1976 photo. Marley is said to have written several songs about their relationship, including “Waiting in Vain,” and “She Used to Call Me Dada.”
Frederick Forsyth; Icon; Bantam; 1996.
Bob Marley is one of the most influential musicians of all time, and Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, couldn’t resist his charms in this 1976 photo. Marley is said to have written several songs about their relationship, including “Waiting in Vain,” and “She Used to Call Me Dada.”
Idiom of the Day
Cat got your tongue?
If someone asks if the cat has got your tongue, they want to know why you are not speaking when they think you should. It is was used most commonly when addressing a child who refused to answer a parent's questions after doing something naughty, but is now used more generally to ask why someone is not speaking.
Example: After she finished the story, I kept silent. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" she asked.
Did you know...? There are a few theories about where this expression came from. One theory is that it came from an ancient punishment of cutting out the tongues of liars and feeding them to cats! Another theory is that it came from the Middle Ages when witches were greatly feared and often put to death. It was believed that if you saw a witch, her cat would somehow "steal" or control your tongue so you couldn't report the sighting.
Clint Eastwood rides a skateboard down the Via Veneto in Rome, Italy, in these 1965 photos by Elio Sorci, considered to be one of the first and most famous paparazzo’s.
Cat got your tongue?
Example: After she finished the story, I kept silent. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" she asked.
Did you know...? There are a few theories about where this expression came from. One theory is that it came from an ancient punishment of cutting out the tongues of liars and feeding them to cats! Another theory is that it came from the Middle Ages when witches were greatly feared and often put to death. It was believed that if you saw a witch, her cat would somehow "steal" or control your tongue so you couldn't report the sighting.
Clint Eastwood rides a skateboard down the Via Veneto in Rome, Italy, in these 1965 photos by Elio Sorci, considered to be one of the first and most famous paparazzo’s.
This Day in History
1536 - The Argentine city of Buenos Aires was founded by Pedro de Mendoza of Spain.
1653 - New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, was incorporated.
1802 - The first leopard to be exhibited in the United States was shown by Othello Pollard in Boston, MA.
1863 - Samuel Langhorne Clemens used a pseudonym for the first time. He is better remembered by the pseudonym which is Mark Twain.
1870 - The "Cardiff Giant" was revealed to be nothing more than carved gypsum. The discovery in Cardiff, NY, was alleged to be the petrified remains of a human.
1892 - William Painter patented the bottle cap.
1893 - The Edison Studio in West Orange, NJ, made history when they filmed the first motion picture close-up. The studio was owned and operated by Thomas Edison.
1913 - Grand Central Terminal officially opened at 12:01 a.m. Even though construction was not entirely complete more than 150,000 people visited the new terminal on its opening day.
1935 - Leonard Keeler conducted the first test of the polygraph machine, in Portage, WI.
1949 - The first 45 RPM record was released.
1950 - "What's My Line" debuted on CBS television.
1993 - Willie Nelson and the IRS settle their longstanding tax feud. The U.S. government kept $3.6 million in assets it had already seized and Nelson would have to pay $5.4 million of the $13.1 million balance.
DAILY SQU-EEK
If You Were Born Today, February 2
Career and family are equally important to you--both of these things drive you. You are a real achiever who has determination and willpower, as well as intuition that serves you well. Spirit and beauty reflect from within, and others cannot help but take notice of you. Very diplomatic, you are a peace lover through and through, and bringing harmony to your environment and family satisfies like nothing else. Famous people born today:
1882 James Joyce, Irish novelist and poet (Dubliners, Ulysses, Finnigan's Wake), born in Dublin, Ireland (d. 1941)
1895 George Halas [Papa Bear], American NFL coach and pioneering owner of the Chicago Bears, born in Chicago, Illinois (d. 1983)
1947 Farrah Fawcett, American actress (Charlie's Angels, The Burning Bed), born in Corpus Christi, Texas (d. 2009)
1954 Ina Garten, American author and TV cooking show host (Barefoot Contessa, Food Network), born in Brooklyn, New York
1977 Shakira, Colombian pop singer (Whenever Wherever, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)), born in Barranquilla, Colombia
READERS INFO
1.
1536 - The Argentine city of Buenos Aires was founded by Pedro de Mendoza of Spain.
1653 - New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, was incorporated.
1802 - The first leopard to be exhibited in the United States was shown by Othello Pollard in Boston, MA.
1863 - Samuel Langhorne Clemens used a pseudonym for the first time. He is better remembered by the pseudonym which is Mark Twain.
1870 - The "Cardiff Giant" was revealed to be nothing more than carved gypsum. The discovery in Cardiff, NY, was alleged to be the petrified remains of a human.
1892 - William Painter patented the bottle cap.
1893 - The Edison Studio in West Orange, NJ, made history when they filmed the first motion picture close-up. The studio was owned and operated by Thomas Edison.
1913 - Grand Central Terminal officially opened at 12:01 a.m. Even though construction was not entirely complete more than 150,000 people visited the new terminal on its opening day.
1935 - Leonard Keeler conducted the first test of the polygraph machine, in Portage, WI.
1949 - The first 45 RPM record was released.
1950 - "What's My Line" debuted on CBS television.
1993 - Willie Nelson and the IRS settle their longstanding tax feud. The U.S. government kept $3.6 million in assets it had already seized and Nelson would have to pay $5.4 million of the $13.1 million balance.
DAILY SQU-EEK
If You Were Born Today, February 2
Career and family are equally important to you--both of these things drive you. You are a real achiever who has determination and willpower, as well as intuition that serves you well. Spirit and beauty reflect from within, and others cannot help but take notice of you. Very diplomatic, you are a peace lover through and through, and bringing harmony to your environment and family satisfies like nothing else. Famous people born today:
1882 James Joyce, Irish novelist and poet (Dubliners, Ulysses, Finnigan's Wake), born in Dublin, Ireland (d. 1941)1895 George Halas [Papa Bear], American NFL coach and pioneering owner of the Chicago Bears, born in Chicago, Illinois (d. 1983)1947 Farrah Fawcett, American actress (Charlie's Angels, The Burning Bed), born in Corpus Christi, Texas (d. 2009)1954 Ina Garten, American author and TV cooking show host (Barefoot Contessa, Food Network), born in Brooklyn, New York1977 Shakira, Colombian pop singer (Whenever Wherever, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)), born in Barranquilla, Colombia
READERS INFO
Stoneham Theatre Winter Festival 2019
Feb 3, 2019 | Cambridge, MA
Stoneham Theatre|395 Main St, Cambridge
Not all child actors are punchable dweebs that serve no relevance to the plot other than being cute. The Stoneham Theatre presents The Young Company, a group of actors and actresses from grades 1 through 12. They will put on a series of a dazzling performances of well-known and obscure productions that will prove their great range of talent on stage.
further information: Winter Festival 2019
2.
further information: Winter Festival 2019
11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras 2019
Feb 20 - 23, 2019 | Bandera, TX
11th Street Cowboy Bar|307 11th St
11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras is a three-day New Orleans inspired celebration that takes place in Bandera, Texas. Throughout the weekend, attendees battle it out in multiple Mardi Gras themed competitions including the Gumbo Cook Off and costume contests for you and your canine Costume Contest. The celebration also includes live performances and a Mardi Gras parade down Main Street.
further information: Annual 11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras
3.
further information: Annual 11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras
3.
Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Celebration 2019
Feb 2, 2019 | Punxsutawney, PA
Gobbler's Knob|200 W Mahoning St
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Celebration brings people together to witness Punxsutawney Phil predict how long winter will last. Phil is the most famous groundhog in the world and is supposedly gifted with seasonal intuition. Over the course of this three-day celebration, attendees can enjoy a Chili & Wing Cook-Off, Groundhog Bingo, workshops, art shows, a scavenger hunt and more. There's also a full lineup of entertainment for kids including story time, crafts and a Kids Korner with Groundhog Day related activities.
further information: 2019 Schedule | Punxsutawney Groundhog Club
He certainly loved baseball, but famed New York Yankees player Babe Ruth also enjoyed the countryside and some good old-fashioned hunting. Here is Ruth holding up the fowl he shot during a hunting trip in Pennsylvania.
Pictures of the Day
further information: 2019 Schedule | Punxsutawney Groundhog Club
He certainly loved baseball, but famed New York Yankees player Babe Ruth also enjoyed the countryside and some good old-fashioned hunting. Here is Ruth holding up the fowl he shot during a hunting trip in Pennsylvania.
Pictures of the Day
Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted in Lake Calcasieu, Louisiana
The albino bottlenose dolphin was spotted in the brackish lake that connects to the Gulf of Mexico
Audrey Hepburn was often known for her up-do or bobbed hair styles, but when she had long hair and let it down, she effortlessly displayed that classic beauty we’re all accustomed to seeing. Here is Hepburn in the classic Paris When It Sizzles.
knit, Valentine's Daythanks, Adele
Heart Dance
knit
thanks, Heide
knit
Chocolate Cupcakes
knit
knit
Elvis Presley is still the king of rock ‘n roll and drew countless fans around the world for not only his talents, but his good looks and sex appeal. Here is young Elvis, hatted and shirtless, showing off in a photoshoot for his first commercial recording of “That’s All Right, Mama” in 1954.
crochet, Valentine's Daythanks, Gabby
crochet
thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent
crochet
crochet
crochet
An aspiring dancer looks across the table to the camera lens. She’s in Washington, D.C., eating a hamburger. One day, this unassuming dancer will be one of Hollywood’s most beloved and accomplished actresses. Goldie Hawn who would eventually get her big break on the TV series, Good Morning, World.
Pizza Monkey Bread - The Girl Who Ate Everything
Austrian psychiatrist and founder of the theory of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, poses next to a sculpture of himself.
CROCKPOT RECIPE
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
In 1974, Daniel Sorine was in New York City’s Central Park. He came across two mimes and snapped several photos. Then, 35 years later, Sorine would be sorting through some old photos and come across the images again, this time recognizing one of the faces. Sorine had surprisingly captured photos of up-and-coming actor Robin Williams, who by the time the photos were rediscovered, was an international Hollywood superstar.
SWEETS
He’s considered one of the most romantic singers in history, and maybe it was just in his veins from the beginning. Here is young Frank Sinatra posing for his mug shot after being arrested and charged with “carrying on with a married woman” in 1938 in Bergen County, New Jersey.
ADULT COLORING
I Love Lucy is still considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, and just like today, big name stars often clamored for the opportunity to appear on the most popular shows. In this 1955 photo, famed Western actor John Wayne poses with Lucille Ball for a publicity photo ahead of his appearance on the show, in an episode where Lucy attempts to take Wayne’s footprints from Grauman’s Chinese Theater as a souvenir.
CRAFTS ... Valentine's Day
thanks, Claire
After winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Taxi Driver, actress Jodie Foster decided to let off a little excitement on a skateboard.
CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Valentine's Day
thanks, Natalie
Singer and actress Demi Lovato was set for an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon in 2013. She was scheduled to talk about The X Factor, but instead, before the show she released this photo she had tracked down of host Jimmy Fallon from his high school days. Needless to say, everyone — even the host — got a kick out of the throwback.
PUZZLE
Jamie Foxx is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, so it’s no surprise that someone would someday come across an old high school photo of him and share it with the world. We’re very grateful that they did. Foxx is seen here in his basketball uniform from Terrell High in Texas.
WORD SEARCH
| angry appearance audit badge before bore bureau | capture cares catch civil class dream flattery forget | groan group hedge imply insert medal | pair person petty press release remove river | sassy seem seen shake system timid tree | understand video wars watch windy women |
Famed abstract impressionist painter Jackson Pollock, with his signature cigarette dangling from his mouth, opens the barn door to his studio, called The Springs, in East Hampton, New York.
SUDOKU ... very hard
solution:
American actor Jack Nicholson often is remembered for his onscreen intensity portrayed through numerous Academy Award-winning roles. But here is Nicholson’s lighter side as he clowns around with his daughter Jennifer, 11, on the set of a film in 1974.
QUOTE
thanks, Cher
He was known as the French Angel. Maurice Tillet was a Russian-born, French professional wrestler who was a leading box office draw in the 1940s. Tillet reportedly was the inspiration for the green ogre Shrek in the beloved animated film.
Caught in a compromising — and funny — pose is actress Sigourney Weaver about to take a bite of a hot dog in front of the Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles.
CLEVER
thanks, Joan
In 1919, iconic silent film star Charlie Chaplin met political activist Helen Keller on the set of Sunnyside. Keller here uses her hand to “see” what Chaplin looks like, a touching moment between the two famous faces.
EYE OPENER
thanks, Agnes
These Are the Most Searched-for Super Bowl Recipes in Each State
Top Super Bowl Recipes Googled in Canada
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