DIANE'S CORNER ...
Celebrate Cream Cheese Brownie Day
Wow! Cream Cheese Brownie Day? Have we all died and gone to heaven? I am not going to complain at having a justifiable reason to indulge… are you? Let’s face it when you think of cheesecake you think of that creamy colored, tangy bite of feathery goodness with a graham cracker crust. How on earth could you pair that with the fudgy, gooey sweetness of a brownie without creating a culinary war on your taste buds? Quite easily in fact, and I thank that wonderful person who was the first to think of it – they are my hero!
History of Cream Cheese Brownie Day
If you want to understand Cream Cheese Brownie Day, then you must understand the pieces that go into making it – cream cheese and brownies! Cream cheese, or forms of it, have been found in culinary records in Europe for hundreds of years. It is mentioned in England as early as 1583! In France, the earliest records show up about 1651. So clearly in Europe, they have a head start on enjoying that morning cream cheese fix because the first appearance of what we recognize today as cream cheese didn’t hit the market until 1873 when it was first mass produced. Thank you, William A. Lawrence! He was the Chester, New York, dairyman who took this yummy cheese from the farms to our tabletops – and eventually into our brownies!
POST IT ART
Joke of the Day
thanks, Helen
HOW TO START A FIGHT
After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's License to verify my age.
I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'.
So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability too.'
And then the fight started...
Word of the Day
interdigitate
MEANING:
verb tr., intr.: To interlock like the fingers of two hands.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin inter- (between, together) + digitus (finger, toe). Ultimately from the Indo-European root deik- (to show, to pronounce solemnly), which also gave us judge, verdict, vendetta, revenge, indicate, dictate, paradigm, diktat, dictatress, dittohead, fatidic, hoosegow, and interdict. Earliest documented use: 1847.
NOTES:
To interdigitate is to hold hands together. Also, to hold toes of two feet together. Also, hand and foot. Also, hand and paw. Or foot and paw.
USAGE:
“‘Oh, by the way, do you only interdigitate once a day?’
“She stopped and looked up at me. She was mentally replaying what I had just said to her. ‘What did you say?’ she said indignantly -- wondering if I just had been incredibly rude to her. She was getting ready to be really ticked off. Short fuse was a side to Mia I had only guessed at.
“’I asked you if you only interdigitate once a day?’ I replied innocently working hard to keep the grin off my face. She obviously did not know what the hell I was talking about, but she was not ready to let me know it. I started walking again. She stood still for a moment and then scurried up beside me. We walked for another few yards before I asked again.
“She hesitated and then grudgingly -- as if she had committed some major sin -- quietly replied, ‘No, I’ve not set any limit on that. Should I?’
“’Oh no,’ I replied, ‘I kind of enjoyed holding your hand earlier, but when you didn’t take mine a minute or so ago, I wasn’t sure if you had set some sort of personal daily limit.’
“She started to giggle and then punched my shoulder -- hard. ‘You are truly nuts -- one of your oars is clearly out of the water -- and that’s a fact.’ And she took my hand. ‘Where did you get that word? What was it?’
“’Interdigitate,’ I replied. ‘The first time I heard the word was when a kid in my Sex-Ed class -- his name was Jerry Piels, I think -- asked our female Sex-Ed teacher if she thought interdigitation before marriage was morally wrong.”
Al Rennie; Clearwater Journals; Smashwords; 2011.
“So the days would have passed, literary labour interdigitating with agricultural.”
V.S. Naipaul; The Mimic Men; Andre Deutsch; 1967.
“She stopped and looked up at me. She was mentally replaying what I had just said to her. ‘What did you say?’ she said indignantly -- wondering if I just had been incredibly rude to her. She was getting ready to be really ticked off. Short fuse was a side to Mia I had only guessed at.
“’I asked you if you only interdigitate once a day?’ I replied innocently working hard to keep the grin off my face. She obviously did not know what the hell I was talking about, but she was not ready to let me know it. I started walking again. She stood still for a moment and then scurried up beside me. We walked for another few yards before I asked again.
“She hesitated and then grudgingly -- as if she had committed some major sin -- quietly replied, ‘No, I’ve not set any limit on that. Should I?’
“’Oh no,’ I replied, ‘I kind of enjoyed holding your hand earlier, but when you didn’t take mine a minute or so ago, I wasn’t sure if you had set some sort of personal daily limit.’
“She started to giggle and then punched my shoulder -- hard. ‘You are truly nuts -- one of your oars is clearly out of the water -- and that’s a fact.’ And she took my hand. ‘Where did you get that word? What was it?’
“’Interdigitate,’ I replied. ‘The first time I heard the word was when a kid in my Sex-Ed class -- his name was Jerry Piels, I think -- asked our female Sex-Ed teacher if she thought interdigitation before marriage was morally wrong.”
Al Rennie; Clearwater Journals; Smashwords; 2011.
“So the days would have passed, literary labour interdigitating with agricultural.”
V.S. Naipaul; The Mimic Men; Andre Deutsch; 1967.
Idiom of the Day
RULE OF THUMB
Judging a situation by experience rather than an exact assessment
As a rule of thumb, you should use two cups of water for one cup of rice.
As a rule of thumb, you should use two cups of water for one cup of rice.
This Day in History
1863 - In New York City, two of the world’s most famous midgets, General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren were married.
1863 - In Virginia, the first fire extinguisher patent was issued to Alanson Crane.
1870 - The YWCA was founded in New York City.
1897 - "The New York Times" began printing "All the news that's fit to print" on their front page.
1933 - The singing telegram was introduced by the Postal Telegraph Company of New York City.
1935 - The Pennsylvania Railroad began passenger service with its electric locomotive. The engine was 79-1/2 feet long and weighed 230 tons.
1971 - Carole King's "Tapestry" was released.
1989 - Ron Brown became the first African American to head a major U.S. political party when he was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
2009 - A Russian and an American satellite collide over Siberia.
thanks, Alice
DAILY SQU-EEK
If You Were Born Today, February 10
While you certainly have an independent streak, partnership is extremely important to you. Nothing pleases you more than a special friendship, learning about one another, and growing through your connection. You quite easily take the lead, however, and others naturally follow. You are passionate and strong--perhaps intimidating to some because of this strength. Famous people born today:
1890 Boris Pasternak, Russian novelist and poet (Doctor Zhivago, Nobel 1958), born in Moscow, Russia (d. 1960)
1902 Walter Houser Brattain, American physicist and Nobel laureate for his work on transistors, born in Amoy, China (d. 1987)
1927 Leontyne Price, American opera soprano (Porgy & Bess), born in Laurel, Mississippi
1967 Laura Dern, American actress (Jurassic Park, Mask, Smooth Talk), born in Los Angeles, California
thanks, Heide
READERS INFO
1.
(Not So) Totally Useless Facts of The Day:
The Two Country Golf Club
Because one country just wasn’t enough, there is a two country golf club! Located in both Finland and Sweden, the Tornio Golf Club is quite the unique golfing experience. The course is divided in half with nine holes on each side. If that wasn’t enough, you can even golf in the snow during the winter months.
What is Arachibutyrophobia? If you are a fan of peanut butter, you more than likely do not suffer from this. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the top (or roof) of your mouth.
1863 - In New York City, two of the world’s most famous midgets, General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren were married.
In 1991, there were 60,000 jellyfish orbiting Earth.
In June 1991 the Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off with seven human crew members and 2,478 jellyfish polyps. The polyps – an early stage of the jellyfish life cycle – were held in flasks and bags filled with artificial seawater, and were part of an experiment designed to figure out how living things are affected by the microgravity in orbit around Earth. By the end of the mission, they'd reproduced and there were 60,000 jellyfish orbiting Earth.
2.
CELESTIAL EVENT: February 10 -
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation.
The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 18.2 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
3.
In June 1991 the Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off with seven human crew members and 2,478 jellyfish polyps. The polyps – an early stage of the jellyfish life cycle – were held in flasks and bags filled with artificial seawater, and were part of an experiment designed to figure out how living things are affected by the microgravity in orbit around Earth. By the end of the mission, they'd reproduced and there were 60,000 jellyfish orbiting Earth.Cripple Creek Ice Festival 2020
Feb 8 - 16, 2020 | Cripple Creek, CO
Bennett Avenue|E Bennet Ave & 2nd St
Stroll the streets of Cripple Creek while sipping hot cocoa and gazing at intricate ice sculptures. This family-friendly event showcases top ice sculpting work while providing the kiddos a fun time. Vendors will be present to sell hot food and wonderful gifts.
further information: The Annual Ice Festival in Cripple Creek, Colorado
4.
POW! WOW! Hawaiʻi 2020
Feb 7 - 15, 2020 | Honolulu, HI
Graffiti has come a long way from its underground origins. Once only created under the cover of night and considered a scourge on urban environments by the powers that be, there are now entire festivals dedicated to celebrating the gritty artform; street art has even been elevated onto the walls of museums around the world. The week-long convergence of street art, music and culture known as POW! WOW! – born in Hong Kong and now held annually in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, with extensions the world over – wholeheartedly affirms this drastic cultural shift.
further information: POW! WOW! Hawaiʻi 2020
5.
Indie-Folkfest at The Mennello Museum of American Art 2020
Feb 15, 2020 | Orlando, FL
Mennello Museum of American Art|900 E Princeton St
When dining at the Eiffel Tower with your love interest proves to be unrealistic this year, you resort to a more easy-going experience that's not too far from home. Indie-Folkfest packs exquisite visual art, smooth live music and family friendly fun into one day. There's also delicious food and cold beverages to keep you fueled as you enjoy the day with a special someone.
further information: Mennello Museum of American Art | City of Orlando
Pictures of the day
William Grant Still (1895–1978) was an American composer
of nearly 200 works, including five symphonies and nine operas.
Often referred to as the "Dean of Afro-American Composers",
Still was the first American composer to have an opera produced
American Symphony, was until 1950 the most widely performed
symphony composed by an American. Born in Mississippi, he
African American to conduct a major American symphony
television. Due to his close association and collaboration with
prominent African-American literary and cultural figures, he is
Washington, D.C.
|
Westminster Dog Show (Feb 10 - 12, 2019)
Getting up close and personal with Shelby, a Siberian husky.
knit
thanks, Lois
knit
thanks, Emily
knit
thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent
Candy Kisses Triangle Scarf
crochet
crochet
thanks, Shelley, New York Food Correspondent
CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Sara
SWEETS
ADULT COLORING
CRAFTS ... Valentine's Day
CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Valentine's Day
CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Sara
SWEETS
ADULT COLORING
CRAFTS ... Valentine's Day
thanks, Kay
CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Valentine's Day
thanks, Betty
SUDOKU ... very hard
QUOTE
CLEVER
| approach attention bargain base begs behind boast consistent convict | dangle dire fence field finally flame flavor frigid furl | leap least never office policy preparation | recount remember report rescue robe scene seat snowy sore | sort sponsor success teens thee twenty window |
SUDOKU ... very hard
solution:
QUOTE
thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent
CLEVER
A potent rust-fighting agent is probably hanging out near your spice cabinet.
Mix baking soda and a little water to make a thick paste and spread it over the rusted area. Alternately, rinse the object and sprinkle on baking soda while it's still damp. Let the baking soda sit for an hour and scrub away with steel wool. For lighter areas of rust, this quick fix should do the trick.
EYE OPENER
22 Facts About Monday To Kickstart Your Week
It’s a universally recognized fact that Mondays suck. What’s worse than hauling yourself out of bed and mourning the death of the weekend?
Suffice to say, there aren’t a great deal of positive facts about Mondays, but there are a few, and here’s 22 of them!
Monday is the best day to buy a new car. Studies have shown that some people will avoid buying a car on a weekend, as these are the busiest days for car salespeople. This means people will buy cars on Mondays as they’re often guaranteed to get more of the salesperson’s time and attention, and thus a better deal.
Another positive fact about Mondays is that it is statistically the most likely day that the U.S. Stock Market will rise, rather than fall.
But it’s not all happiness on Mondays – a study conducted by Marmite in 2011 showed that the average U.K. person won’t crack a smile until 11:16 A.M.
It has also been found that the productivity of workers is at its all-time low on Mondays. With people being up to 30% less productive on a Monday, it it shown they often only manage 3.5 hours of work throughout the day.
Monday is the day of the week when most people do their online shopping. I’d hazard a guess to say that’s a lot of unproductive, demotivated, bored employees shopping online at work!
The name for Monday comes from the Old English word “Mōnandæg,” and the Middle English “Monenday.” It is originally a translation of Latin “dies lunae” meaning “day of the Moon.”
In the U.K., “Monday” is a slang term used to describe a large and heavy sledgehammer.
The Boomtown Rats song I Don’t Like Mondays was inspired by a shooting spree in America by killer Brenda Spencer. When questioned by the police about her motivations for the murder spree she answered ‘I don’t like Mondays.’
In 2012 and 2018, there were 53 Mondays in the year. This occurrence won’t happen again until 2024.
Monday is the only day of the week that is an anagram for single word, that word being ‘dynamo’.
A study in 2011 showed that the average person moans for 34 minutes on a Monday, compared to the 22 minutes on other days.
Even if you maintain a steady weight, scientists have found that Monday is the day of the week when you will weigh the most.
On a Monday, almost 50% of employees are late to work.
Professionals over 40 are the biggest demographic to suffer more stress on a Monday.
Socializing is part of the reason why Mondays suck so much. Researchers have found that being away from a work-related social group for a weekend makes us feel like we need to secure our place in our social work environment. The same researchers also say that because of this, Monday morning gossiping at work is an important aspect of helping us get through the day.
A study once revealed the best ways to get over the “Monday Blues” are by watching TV, online shopping, buying chocolate, and planning a holiday.
Monday is commonly considered “suicide day,” being the day of the week where the most people take their own lives.
“Heart attack day” also takes place on Monday’s when there is a marked 20% increase of heart attacks.
Surprisingly, Mondays are the least rainy day of the week. Although the exact science behind this is unknown, researchers believe it is due to the decrease in man-made pollution over the weekend.
When scientists recorded emotions of people in each day, they found Monday to be no different from Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. However, when they asked people to remember which day was the most stressful they will always say Monday. This is due to a larger emotional shift from Sunday to Monday than there is between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mondays are the most sleep deprived day. According to scientists, the extra sleep you get on a weekend makes you worse off on a Monday, as it throws off your body clock. When you wake up early on Monday, it’s more of a shock than waking up any other weekday.
You look less attractive on a Monday. Or at least you think you do. One study showed that American people of all ages feel at their least attractive on a Monday.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I see too plainly custom forms us all. Our thoughts, our morals, our most fixed belief, are consequences of our place of birth. -Aaron Hill, dramatist and writer (10 Feb 1685-1750)
OPTICAL ILLUSION
When a Spiral Isn't a Spiral. What a good-looking spiral, amirght? I guess nothing more to discuss here… unless… no, wait a minute. Run your finger along the spiral and see if you can run the length of it. Something seems off here.
This is the Fraser spiral illusion. Despite what your eyes tell you, the spiral is actually a series of concentric circles. The background pattern makes the picture so confusing that your brain just fills in information that isn't really there.
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