International Cat Day August 8, 2017

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate International Cat Day

International Cat Day is a full 24 hours of recognition and veneration of one of humanity’s oldest and most beloved pets. The festivities were put together for the first time in 2002 by IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, among other animal rights groups, to celebrate the most popular pet on the planet.

An estimated 500 million cats are thought to be frolicking in neighbours’ gardens across the world, which means that most every extended family is bound to have an aunt with more kittens than former husbands, whatever the country or climate. And that’s great, because owning a cat has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. So when it’s raining cats and dogs outside and you don’t have someone to cuddle with, any black, ginger, Persian, Siamese, Burmese, Bengal, Shorthair, Munchkin, Balinese, RagaMuffin or any old stray cat will do the trick.

So roll out the red carpet and the catnip for your furry feline friend, because International Cat Day is that one day a year when black cats bring good luck and cat eye sunglasses match your entire wardrobe.

thanks for these 'truths of life' funnies, Barbara

Word of the Day

doddering
Definition:	(adjective) Infirm, feeble, and often senile.
Synonyms:	gaga, senile
Usage:	His mother was doddering and frail, so he hired aides to care for her around the clock.

Idiom of the Day

keep out of sight  — To remain unseen, as by hiding or evasion.

History

2008 Summer Olympics Begin in Beijing, China (2008)

At 8:08 PM on 8-8-08, the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics began. Held in the new Beijing National Stadium—nicknamed "the Bird's Nest"—it marked China's first time hosting the Olympics. The nearly four-hour event, which showcased Chinese culture, was a popular and logistical success, and the games became one of the most-watched TV events in history.

Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (1902) 

Dirac was an influential English mathematician and theoretical physicist. In 1928, he published a version of quantum mechanics taking into account the theory of relativity. His theory predicted an antiparticle to the electron, and, in 1932, the positron was discovered. That year, Dirac was appointed to the same University of Cambridge chair once held by Isaac Newton. Likely autistic, Dirac was known for his precise nature and literal view of the world.  Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

This mammoth yearly rally of 250,000 or so motorcyclists is held in Sturgis, South Dakota. There are races, merrymaking, band music, and usually some misbehavior, including arrests for drunken driving. Motorcycle drag racing runs eight days, and other official events include bike shows, a swap meet, monster truck races, Tough Man and Tough Woman Contests (the titles determined by fights in which biting and kicking, but not much else, is forbidden), and a fireworks show. The rally also includes unofficial events, especially weddings; 100 or more couples get married there every year. 

Shades of Red

The gene responsible for the red on this turtle’s back also helps it see shades of red that other animals cannot. 
READ MORE:

Some Turtles See Red Better Than You Do

1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte set sail for St. Helena, in the South Atlantic. The remainder of his life was spent there in exile. 


1876 - Thomas Edison received a patent for the mimeograph. The mimeograph was a "method of preparing autographic stencils for printing." 


1899 - The refrigerator was patented by A.T. Marshall. 


1966 - Michael DeBakey became the first surgeon to install an artificial heart pump in a patient. 


1970 - Janis Joplin bought a headstone for the grave of blues singer Bessie Smith. Smith was one of Joplin's idols. 


1978 - The U.S. launched Pioneer Venus II, which carried scientific probes to study the atmosphere of Venus. 


1992 - The "Dream Team" clinched the gold medal at the Barcelona Summer Olympics. The U.S. basketball team beat Croatia 117-85. 


1999 - Wade Boggs (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) got his 3,000th hit of his major league baseball career. 


2000 - The submarine H.L. Hunley was raised from ocean bottom after 136 years. The sub had been lost during an attack on the U.S.S. Housatonic in 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine in history to sink a warship.

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, August 8

You are always looking for meaning in your life and in the things and circumstances around you. You could frequently find yourself assessing what things may be worth, and your instincts are excellent for figuring out what is worth a further look. You dislike routine and love to keep yourself active; yet you crave stability and security. A long-term, stable job that also allows you to mix things up would be ideal. Your insatiable curiosity makes you extremely interesting to know, as your ideas are always intriguing. You make a wonderful friend and companion. Even so, there can be times when you are overly practical and logical when a softer touch is more appropriate. In love, you tend to go the distance, but you do need to feel that you’re growing and improving through a relationship. You are ambitious and, while very loving, you can be quite stern when irritated. Famous people born today: Dustin Hoffman, Keith Carradine, Connie Stevens, Donald P. Bellisario, Meagan Good.

READERS INFO
1. 

thanks, Shelley

National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch

Tom Roy at wellcat.com created this zucchini holiday while doing years of news & talk radio. Did you know that zucchini was a fruit?  Well, if you’re a gardener, you know this fact already.  You also know that zucchini grows in abundance and is ready for harvest in August.  Zucchini growers also know that one plant of zucchini allows you to share this wonderful treat!

2. 

Wild Woods Music and Arts Festival 2017

Aug 11-13, 2017 | Croydon, NH

Page Farm|46 Sand Hill Rd

Wild Woods Music and Arts Festival appreciates the community that gathers around these two items. This festival maintains a positive atmosphere for both attendees and the planet. Dance your heart out and make new memories.

further information: Wild Woods Music & Arts Festival

3. 

Ink Life Tour 2017

Aug 11-13, 2017 | Longview, TX

Maude Cobb Convention Center|100 Grand Blvd

Art was not just meant for a blank piece of paper. The Ink Life Tour is your chance to get a sick tattoo from over 200 of the world’ best tattoo artists, even coming from some of your favorite television shows. While the needle penetrates your skin, a crazy lineup of hard rock, alternative metal and hip-hop groups will hit the stage to give a soundtrack to your body ink.

further information: Ink Life Tour Longview - August 2017

4. 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017

Aug 4-28, 2017 | Edinburgh, United Kingdom

If you love the arts, Edinburgh offers a virtual ticket every summer when the Edinburgh Festival Fringe happens. With a program of over 40,000 performances, 3,000 distinct shows and artists from nearly 50 countries, it’s no wonder that nearly 2 million people come out for the festival every year. Whether you’re into concerts, plays, and ballet; or opera, synchronized pyrotechnics, and improv comedy, there’s something on the schedule for you.

further information: Home | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Picture of the day

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV with styling and off road performance reminiscent of the original Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40). Introduced as a concept carat the 2003 North American International Auto Show, a production version debuted two years later. Produced by the Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors and sharing many structural underpinnings with the Prado, the FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the United States in 2014 after selling more than 150,000 units. It was discontinued worldwide in 2016.

CANCER SURVIVOR DESIGNS 'GET WELL SOON' CARDS THAT DONT SUCK

Designed by LA based graphic designer Emily McDowel because people can be at a loss for words when someone they know is diagnosed with a serious illness. Typical “get well soon” cards just don’t seem appropriate so many people get nervous about saying the wrong thing and end up saying nothing at all instead. 

knit
thanks, Nancy

What to do with leftover cotton: knotted coasters

knit , 2 - 10 yrs
thanks, Ivy

Girls Skinny Tank

knit

Chaussettes Mont Royal pattern by Spirou Bobine

knit

Gina Ridged Shawl

knit

crochet
thanks, Helen

Crochet Easy Casual Friday Handbag by Donna Wolfe

crochet
thanks, Rosa

Azul V-Mesh Easy Crochet Poncho Pattern

crochet

Crochet Kneeling Garden Cushion

crochet

Geometric Crochet Basket

crochet

"Sunny" Sunglass Case

RECIPE

thanks, Sylvia

Buttermilk Biscuits

1 c. white rice flour

½ c. potato starch

½ c. tapioca / corn starch plus more for dusting

your surface

2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

½ c. butter

2 eggs. Light beaten

2/3 c. buttermilk

Buttermilk Biscuits

1 c. white rice flour

½ c. potato starch

½ c. tapioca / corn starch plus more for dusting

your surface

2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

½ c. butter

2 eggs. Light beaten

2/3 c. buttermilk

Combine flour, baking powder and salt until blended.

Cut butter into mixture until blended.

Mix eggs and buttermilk - fold in well.

Lightly knead on floured surface - cut.

Bake 12 - 15 minutes at 400 (until lightly browned)

CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Anita

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

SWEETS
WELLNESS HEALTH POPS

DIY Wellness Popsicles for Summer

ADULT COLORING

CRAFTS

DIY: Yarn Wrapped Key Covers

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... crafts

thanks, Lucy

How to Weave on a Cardboard Loom

PUZZLE
(this is not the picture for this puzzle. It's similar!)

Chandelier Jigsaw Puzzle

WORD SEARCH

again always beyond bike bodies captain cliff

description disappear discharges dread drink early east example

feet friction immortal mint mistake peace peat

recent rulers scent shadow signal street string

taste thing today tore twit warms worry

SUDOKU ... medium




solution:







QUOTE

CLEVER

How to Use a Muffin Pan to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs

Things You'll Need

• One dozen eggs
• Muffin pan

• Ice 
• 2 cups cold water

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). Place each egg in the mold of a muffin tin, to ensure they don't roll around too much. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 2

Prepare an ice bath by adding the ice and about 2 cups of water to a large bowl. Once the eggs are done baking, plunge them in the ice bath and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. This helps stop the cooking process.

Step 3

Peel the eggs and serve at once, or place them in the fridge, prior to peeling, for up to 7 days.

Peel eggs.

Serve.

EYE OPENER

These Are The Most Popular Purchases Your State Makes Online

distractify

Here's the complete list of items each state buys more than any other...

ALABAMA :  adult diapers / Curry 2 Low / Paula Deen Air Fryer / CPAP mask / roller skates

ALASKA :   Connect Four / ugly Christmas sweater / drone / webcam / M-16 rifle

ARIZONA :  milk frother / marijuana seeds for sale / money belt / beret hat / Kangol hat / Juicy Couture tracksuit

ARKANSAS :  tablet computer / night vision goggles / tattoo sleeves / Paula Deen furniture / tutu / costume jewelry

CALIFORNIA :  Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set / Baywatch swimsuit / avocado slicer / Roach Motel / Pomade / Stadium Buddy / Onion Goggles / Guy Fieri knives / Bob Marley poster / Bacon Soap / baby on board sticker / baby on board sign / wallet chain / purple leather jacket / Armani jeans / Louis Vuitton money clip / bulk glitter / raccoon trap / Pikachu dog costume

COLORADO :  Handerpants / Trump toilet paper / Borat mankini / swim briefs / tube socks

CONNECTICUT :  insect trap / Ivanka Trump jewelry / pet rock / Pilates Pro Chair

DELAWARE :  Genealogical DNA test / umbrella / Crocs

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA :  shutter shades / bowling shirt

FLORIDA :  boyfriend arm pillow / Guy Fieri cookware / rollerblades Walmart / car bra / 9mm suppressor / men’s cargo shorts / paintball sniper rifle 

GEORGIA :  plaid pants / zombie apocalypse survival kit / Ed Hardy shirt / camo wedding dress

HAWAII :  GoPro Hero / Flowbee / speargun / aloha shirt / fanny pack / Spam / Louis Vuitton bag

IDAHO :  Shamwow / NERF Blaster / Fez / metal detector / glass pipe / smoked turkey / trucker hat / surfboard

ILLINOIS :  electric wine bottle opener / giant wine glass / gun silencer / patterned tights / Solo cups / floating beer pong table / Golden Girls mug

INDIANA :  shark costume / Tiddy Bear / Eggstractor / blow-up doll / cloche hat

IOWA :  temporary tattoo / lava lamp

KANSAS :  plus size lingerie wholesale

KENTUCKY :  adult big wheel / Confederate flag shirt / syringes / air mattress / ferrets for sale / Starter jacket 90s / comics

LOUISIANA :  microwave oven / Uroclub / Flex Seal / rat poison / big wheel / Fundies / portable diesel generator / hair extensions / crawfish pot

MAINE :  chicken coop / marijuana seeds / canoe / cat food / Mason jar / snowmobile 

MARYLAND :  Comfort Wipe / Bacon Soda / cargo pants / cargo pants for women

MASSACHUSETTS : Potty Putter / Samurai Umbrella / velour tracksuit

MICHIGAN :  car emergency kit / no-tie shoelaces / hunting clothes / beer pong table / Prince memorabilia / white truffle / white truffle oil

MINNESOTA :  mustache wax / iCare vape / parachute pants / hunting pack / electric surfboard

MISSISSIPPI :  mink coat / Apple Watch / Shake Weight  / hoverboard / Bible / Uggs / Uggs for men / spy camera / overall / bell-bottoms / leg warmers / deer feeder / coffin / caskets

MISSOURI :  gun rack / garden gnome / potato gun

MONTANA :  M16 rifle / mudflaps / nunchucks / composting toilet / slingshot / bear trap / Beano / Birkenstocks / leather jacket / sewing machine

NEBRASKA :   UNO / fireworks / scented candles / personal massager / jorts / adjustable dumbbell set

NEVADA :  wine fridge / electric skateboard / Tao Te Ching / ugly holiday sweater / magic tricks / leisure suit

NEW HAMPSHIRE :  immersion blender / Ivanka Trump shoes / Edible Arrangement / rowing machine / dog coat / cargo shorts 

NEW JERSEY :  Amazon Echo / Starter jacket / Gucci fanny pack / Prada perfume

NEW MEXICO :  PlayStation VR / digital camera / Bluetooth headphones / instant camera / jackalope / Baseboard Buddy / Chia Pet / dreamcatcher / brass knuckles / prayer flag / food dehydrator / cowboy hat / cosmetics / snow cone machine

NEW YORK :  fur clothing / Wearable Towel / Showtime Rotisserie / coyote urine / Payless boots that look like Uggs / tracksuit / women’s tracksuits / plaid golf pants / snakeskin shoes / platform sneakers / hemp necklace / hemp bracelet / men’s capri pants / Prada heels / mini wine bottles bulk

NORTH CAROLINA :  padded underwear / pet snakes / THC vape juice / laser tag set / dog Halloween costume

NORTH DAKOTA :  noise-cancelling headphones / George Foreman Grill / Total Gym / nickname / Jet Ski / Wii / capri pants / cat costume

OHIO :  Donald Trump tie / beard trimmer / nose hair trimmer / zombie garden gnome / Kate Spade fitness tracker / indoor putting green / denim vest / camo lingerie

OKLAHOMA :  sidewalk chalk / Kevin Durant jersey / ExtenZe / gas mask bong / throwing knives / Neodymium magnet toys / smoked ham / zombie survival kit / participation trophy / dog life jacket / 50 cal sniper rifle

OREGON :  homebrew supplies / clip-on ties / anti-snore pillow / hunting apparel

PENNSYLVANIA :  Amazon Fire Stick with Alexa / trigger lock / head massager / soap on a rope / mesh shirt / pinky rings / camo stethoscope

RHODE ISLAND :  rat trap / Speedos / bodysuit 

SOUTH CAROLINA :  Amazon Fire TV / samurai sword / adult Underoos

SOUTH DAKOTA :  Exploding Kittens / Play-Doh / Cards Against Humanity / Catan / kegerator / slow cooker / Spanx / Ivanka Trump clothes / catheter / Lite-Brite / catapult / tube top / rod holders

TENNESSEE :  colostomy bags / adult coloring book / Dapper Dan Pomade / crack pipe / toupee / two-way radio / women’s overalls / bulk dog food / gator meat / Gucci mink coat

TEXAS :  Confederate flag bumper sticker / Igloo mini fridge / Hillary toilet paper / urinary catheter / truck gun rack / motorized kayak (the Rascal of kayaks) / cowboy hat rack / boot-cut jeans / five-toe shoes / 90s overalls / Daisy Duke shorts / leather cuffs / concealed carry corset / Nazi memorabilia / casket sprays / waterless urinal

UTAH : Legos / mermaid tails / unicycle / Tanakh / Nintendo 3DS / belt buckle

VERMONT :  Selfie stick / Battleship / Slim Jim / Quran  / Magic 8-Ball

VIRGINIA :  Thighmaster/ Bacon of the Month / hip flask / choose your own adventure books / puka shell necklace / bulk supplements / legal steroid / pet clothes

WASHINGTON :  temporary tattoo paper / emerge

GEORGIA:  plaid pants / zombie apocalypse survival kit / Ed Hardy shirt / camo wedding dress

HAWAII:  GoPro Hero / Flowbee / speargun / aloha shirt / fanny pack / Spam / Louis Vuitton bag

IDAHO:  Shamwow / NERF Blaster / Fez / metal detector / glass pipe / smoked turkey / trucker hat / surfboard

ILLINOIS:  electric wine bottle opener / giant wine glass / gun silencer / patterned tights / Solo cups / floating beer pong table / Golden Girls mug

INDIANA:  shark costume / Tiddy Bear / Eggstractor / blow-up doll / cloche hat

IOWA:  temporary tattoo / lava lamp

KANSAS:  plus size lingerie wholesale

KENTUCKY:  adult big wheel / Confederate flag shirt / syringes / air mattress / ferrets for sale / Starter jacket 90s / comics

LOUISIANA:  microwave oven / Uroclub / Flex Seal / rat poison / big wheel / Fundies / portable diesel generator / hair extensions / crawfish pot

MAINE:  chicken coop / marijuana seeds / canoe / cat food / Mason jar / snowmobile 

MARYLAND:  Comfort Wipe / Bacon Soda / cargo pants / cargo pants for women

MASSACHUSETTS: Potty Putter / Samurai Umbrella / velour tracksuit

MICHIGAN:  car emergency kit / no-tie shoelaces / hunting clothes / beer pong table / Prince memorabilia / white truffle / white truffle oil

MINNESOTA:  mustache wax / iCare vape / parachute pants / hunting pack / electric surfboard

MISSISSIPPI:  mink coat / Apple Watch / Shake Weight  / hoverboard / Bible / Uggs / Uggs for men / spy camera / overall / bell-bottoms / leg warmers / deer feeder / coffin / caskets

MISSOURI:  gun rack / garden gnome / potato gun

MONTANA:  M16 rifle / mudflaps / nunchucks / composting toilet / slingshot / bear trap / Beano / Birkenstocks / leather jacket / sewing machine

NEBRASKA:   UNO / fireworks / scented candles / personal massager / jorts / adjustable dumbbell set

NEVADA:  wine fridge / electric skateboard / Tao Te Ching / ugly holiday sweater / magic tricks / leisure suit

NEW HAMPSHIRE:  immersion blender / Ivanka Trump shoes / Edible Arrangement / rowing machine / dog coat / cargo shorts 

NEW JERSEY:  Amazon Echo / Starter jacket / Gucci fanny pack / Prada perfume

NEW MEXICO:  PlayStation VR / digital camera / Bluetooth headphones / instant camera / jackalope / Baseboard Buddy / Chia Pet / dreamcatcher / brass knuckles / prayer flag / food dehydrator / cowboy hat / cosmetics / snow cone machine

NEW YORK:  fur clothing / Wearable Towel / Showtime Rotisserie / coyote urine / Payless boots that look like Uggs / tracksuit / women’s tracksuits / plaid golf pants / snakeskin shoes / platform sneakers / hemp necklace / hemp bracelet / men’s capri pants / Prada heels / mini wine bottles bulk

NORTH CAROLINA:  padded underwear / pet snakes / THC vape juice / laser tag set / dog Halloween costume

NORTH DAKOTA:  noise-cancelling headphones / George Foreman Grill / Total Gym / nickname / Jet Ski / Wii / capri pants / cat costume

OHIO:  Donald Trump tie / beard trimmer / nose hair trimmer / zombie garden gnome / Kate Spade fitness tracker / indoor putting green / denim vest / camo lingerie

OKLAHOMA:  sidewalk chalk / Kevin Durant jersey / ExtenZe / gas mask bong / throwing knives / Neodymium magnet toys / smoked ham / zombie survival kit / participation trophy / dog life jacket / 50 cal sniper rifle

OREGON:  homebrew supplies / clip-on ties / anti-snore pillow / hunting apparel

PENNSYLVANIA:  Amazon Fire Stick with Alexa / trigger lock / head massager / soap on a rope / mesh shirt / pinky rings / camo stethoscope

RHODE ISLAND:  rat trap / Speedos / bodysuit ncy kit / emergency rations / earthquake kit / Canadian tuxedo / squid jig / crab pot / clam gun / shrimp pot

WEST VIRGINIA :  PlayStation 4 / Slip ‘N Slide / laptop / tablet computer / rebel flag / Flags of the Confederate States of America / mini fridge / Red Copper Square Pan / duct tape / Confederate flag bikini / futon / bong / handgun / shotgun / electronic cigarette / lingerie / plus size lingerie / Etch A Sketch / FitBit / moonshine still / Beanie Babies  / bikini / pogo stick / Xbox One / NES Classic Edition / concealed carry purse / vape juice / creatine / anabolic steroid / butter churn

WISCONSIN :  truck nuts / Bacon Salt / Stihl chainsaw parts / The Sopranos Season 6 / Big Mouth Billy Bass / healing crystals

WYOMING :  Kindle Fire / Rubik’s Cube / ammunition / bulk ammo / P90X  / Snuggie / Proactive  / Bowflex  / first aid kit / grenade / Fabletics (Kate Hudson’s workout clothing brand) / gas mask / gun safe / Turducken  / Rumba / inline skates / bolo tie / long underwear / dog food / bagpipes / fishing pole / paintball / AK-47 / Colt AR-15 / bulletproof vest / body armor