DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Banana Day
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Banana Day is a bit like a heady mix of April Fool’s Day and Halloween (without the sweets or vandalism) and with a helpful portion of healthy eating thrown in for good measure.

The origins of Banana Day, which is aimed at celebrating bananas in every conceivable sense of the word, are murky. However it’s known that every year students at many prestigious American universities use Banana Day as a way of celebrating this humble lunchbox standard. They eat and share weird and wonderful banana concoctions (banana punch, anyone?), they dress as bananas and they generally go a bit…well…nuts. And bananas too, of course.

There aren’t many days in the year when you can legitimately goof off and have a little fruit-based fun, so why not take a (banana) leaf out the students’ book and go a little bit bananas today?

Word of the Day

judder

Definition:

(verb) Shake or vibrate rapidly and intensively.

Synonyms:

shake

Usage:

The old engine was juddering and smoking, so I took the car to the mechanic.

Idiom of the Day

have more than one string to (one's) bow

— To have multiple viable options or alternatives available in the event that the current course of action, circumstance, opportunity, etc., does not work out.

History

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride (1775)

American patriot Paul Revere was a member of the Sons of Liberty and a participant in the Boston Tea Party, but he is chiefly remembered for his late-night horseback ride to warn the Massachusetts colonists that British soldiers were setting forth on the mission that, as it turned out, began the American Revolution. Two others also rode out with the news, but it is Revere who is celebrated as the midnight rider, despite having been captured before reaching his final destination.

Image result for James McCune Smith (1813)

Image result for James McCune Smith (1813)

Smith was the first African American to obtain a medical degree and operate a pharmacy in the US. Denied admission to American colleges due to racial discrimination, he studied in Scotland, obtaining a series of degrees. After returning to New York, he became the first professionally trained black physician in the country. He wrote forcefully against common misconceptions and false notions about race, science, and medicine.

Parashurama Jayanti

According to Hindu mythology, it was Parashurama (Rama with an Ax) who destroyed the evil Kshatriya kings and princes 21 times. His birthday, Parashurama Jayanti, is therefore observed with fasting, austerities, and prayer. It is also a day to worship Lord Vishnu, of whom Parashurama is believed to be the sixth incarnation. To Hindus, Parashurama represents filial obedience, austerity, power, and brahmanic ideals. The Malabar region on the southwest coast of India is believed to have been founded by Parashurama.

Falcons are as fast as racecars. Pity their poor prey. The falcon's stoop has fascinated birdwatchers and scientists alike. "Detailed descriptions of the peregrine's dive date back centuries," said Robin Mills, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. More recently, researchers ...

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Falcons are as fast as racecars. Pity their poor prey.

Image result for 1775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that the Regulars were coming out. Later, the phrase "the British are coming" was attributed to Revere even though it is unlikely he used that wording.

Image result for 1775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that the Regulars were coming out. Later, the phrase "the British are coming" was attributed to Revere even though it is unlikely he used that wording.

1775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that the Regulars were coming out. Later, the phrase "the British are coming" was attributed to Revere even though it is unlikely he used that wording.

Image result for 1796 - "The Archers" by Benjamin Carr was performed in New York City. It was the first opera written by an American composer.

Image result for 1796 - "The Archers" by Benjamin Carr was performed in New York City. It was the first opera written by an American composer.

1796 - "The Archers" by Benjamin Carr was performed in New York City. It was the first opera written by an American composer.

Image result for 1838 - The Wilkes' expedition to the South Pole set sail

Image result for 1838 - The Wilkes' expedition to the South Pole set sail

1838 - The Wilkes' expedition to the South Pole set sail

Image result for 1846 - The telegraph ticker was patented by R.E. House

1846 - The telegraph ticker was patented by R.E. House

Image result for 1877 - Charles Cros wrote a paper that described the process of recording and reproducing sound. In France, Cros is regarded as the inventor of the phonograph. In the U.S., Thomas Edison gets the credit.

Image result for 1877 - Charles Cros wrote a paper that described the process of recording and reproducing sound. In France, Cros is regarded as the inventor of the phonograph. In the U.S., Thomas Edison gets the credit.

1877 - Charles Cros wrote a paper that described the process of recording and reproducing sound. In France, Cros is regarded as the inventor of the phonograph. In the U.S., Thomas Edison gets the credit.

Image result for 1910 - Walter R. Brookins made the first airplane flight at night.

Image result for 1910 - Walter R. Brookins made the first airplane flight at night.

1910 - Walter R. Brookins made the first airplane flight at night.

Image result for 1923 - Yankee Stadium opened in the Bronx, NY. The Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. John Phillip Sousa's band played the National Anthem.

Image result for 1923 - Yankee Stadium opened in the Bronx, NY. The Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. John Phillip Sousa's band played the National Anthem.

1923 - Yankee Stadium opened in the Bronx, NY. The Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. John Phillip Sousa's band played the National Anthem.

Image result for 1924 - Simon and Schuster, Inc. published the first "Crossword Puzzle Book."

Image result for 1924 - Simon and Schuster, Inc. published the first "Crossword Puzzle Book."

1924 - Simon and Schuster, Inc. published the first "Crossword Puzzle Book."

Image result for 1934 - The first Laundromat opened in Fort Worth, TX.

1934 - The first Laundromat opened in Fort Worth, TX.

Image result for 1938 - Superman made his debut when he appeared in the first issue of Action Comics. (Cover date June 1938)

Image result for 1938 - Superman made his debut when he appeared in the first issue of Action Comics. (Cover date June 1938)

1938 - Superman made his debut when he appeared in the first issue of Action Comics. (Cover date June 1938)

Image result for 1956 - Actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco were married. The religious ceremony took place April 19.

Image result for 1956 - Actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco were married. The religious ceremony took place April 19.

1956 - Actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco were married. The religious ceremony took place April 19.

Image result for 1965 - Marian Anderson ended her 30-year singing career with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Image result for 1965 - Marian Anderson ended her 30-year singing career with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

1965 - Marian Anderson ended her 30-year singing career with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Image result for sky dive from the Eiffel Tower. The jump ended safely.

Image result for sky dive from the Eiffel Tower. The jump ended safely.

1984 - Daredevils Mike MacCarthy and Amanda Tucker made a sky dive from the Eiffel Tower. The jump ended safely.

Image result for 1985 - Liberace at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.

Image result for 1985 - Liberace at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.

1985 - Liberace grossed more than $2,000,000 for his engagement at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. He broke his own record of $1.6 million.

Image result for 2003 - Etta James received a star (#2,223) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2003 - Etta James received a star (#2,223) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Image result for coffee coffee it's our drink

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, April 18

Your life is connected to change, and as a result, you are an interesting, knowledgeable, and perceptive person. You are good at communicating, humorous, and sociable, yet you have a distinct private streak. Others can find you baffling at times, not always knowing what to expect! You are creative and are happiest when you are creating something original. Routine career positions should be avoided. Famous people born today:

First President of South Korea Syngman Rhee

1875 Syngman Rhee, First President of South Korea (1948-60), born in Haeju, North Korea (d. 1965)

Political Scientist and Presidential Adviser Samuel P. Huntington

Political Scientist and Presidential Adviser Samuel P. Huntington

1927 Samuel P. Huntington, American political scientist (The Clash of Civilizations) and presidential adviser, born in NYC, New York (d. 2008)

FBI Agent and Soviet Spy Robert Hanssen

Robert Hanssen, FBI agent and Soviet spy, born in Chicago Illinois

Actor James Woods

1947 James Woods, American actor (Salvador, Against All Odds), born in Vernal, Utah

NBA Point Guard Nate Archibald

1948 "Tiny" Nate Archibald, NBA guard (Cincinnati), born in NYC, New York

Actor and Musician Rick Moranis

1953 Rick Moranis, Canadian actor (SCTV, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Spaceballs), born in Toronto, Ontario

TV Host Conan O'Brien

1963 Conan Chris O'Brien, American TV host (Late Night), born in Brookline, Massachusetts

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READERS INFO
1.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Day of Remembrance 2018

Apr 19, 2018 | Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City National Memorial|620 N Harvey Ave

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Day of Remembrance is a day that remembers all those lost in the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombings. Over one hundred people lost their lives in the terrorist attack and the people of Oklahoma will not let their names be forgotten. The day encourages those to remember, reflect and remain strong. The day commemorates the victims with individual remembrances, a memorial marathon and tours through the memorial museum.

further information: The Oklahoma Ci2y National Memorial & Museum
2.

Terrell Heritage Jubilee 2018

Apr 19-22, 2018 | Terrell, TX

Ben Gill Park|399 Lane St Image result for Terrell Heritage Jubilee 2018 Apr 19-22, 2018 | Terrell, TX

The Terrell Heritage Jubilee is an annual festival held in Terrell, Texas, featuring three days filled with family fun. With a carnival, live performances and arts and crafts vendors on hand, this festival offers entertainment for all ages. Attendees can also catch the pig races or ranch rodeo, stroll through the car and motorcycle show or compete in the BBQ cook-off that takes place.
further information: Special Events | Terrell, TX Chamber of Commerce

3.

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival 2018

Apr 19-22, 2018 | Newhall, CA

William S Hart Park|24151 Newhall Ave

Ride your pony on up to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival for a festival that preserves and promotes the cowboy/cowgirl heritage and way of life. The annual two-day bonanza boasts cowboy poetry, prose and folk songs in addition to Old West treats like BBQ and Dutch oven fare. Additional attractions include rope tricks, gun spinning demos and Western wear shopping.

further information: Cowboy Festival – Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

last year two brothers won the lottery at the same time

Pictures of the day

The jettisoned Service Module of the Apollo 13 spacecraft, photographed as the beleaguered Command Module was preparing for reentry. The seventh manned mission in the Apollo space program, Apollo 13 was launched on April 11, 1970. It was commanded by James A. Lovell, with John L. "Jack" Swigert and Fred W. Haiseas crew. After an oxygen tank exploded on April 13, the Service Module was crippled and a planned lunar landing was aborted. Despite great hardship caused by limited power, loss of cabin heat, shortage of potable water, and the critical need to make makeshift repairs to the carbon dioxide removal system, the crew returned safely to Earth on April 17, 1970.

HOLDING PIECE OF THE MOON and MARS on EARTH