DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Pet Day
Image result for Pet Day gif

Pet Day is a chance for those of us who own pets to show them how much we love them. Now, we all can think of the traditional things: a new toy, some tasty treats, or a long walk in the park, maybe a game of fetch, assuming you have a dog! But, think outside the box and come up with some ideas to celebrate your relationship with your pet. Once you have indulged your own animals with their favourite treats, why not consider donating to a shelter or or other animal welfare organization?

There are so many neglected and unwanted animals waiting for some love and attention. You can donate your time, or you can donate food or other supplies. Every little bit helps. If you don’t already own a pet, what better time to adopt one? A good phrase to keep in mind is “adopt, don’t shop.”

Word of the Day

ill-fated

Definition:

(adjective) Marked by or promising bad fortune.

Synonyms:

ill-omened, ill-starred, unlucky, doomed

Usage:

Freed after months of captivity, the aid workers are relieved to have survived their ill-fated trip abroad.

Idiom of the Day

measure the drapes

— To begin planning or preparing to replace someone in a job or position before one has actually secured the role, especially during a political election.

History

First Treaties of Utrecht Signed (1713)

Lasting from 1701 to 1714, the War of the Spanish Succession was brought to a close with two series of treaties signed in the Dutch city of Utrecht. The first series was signed between France and other European powers, specifically Britain, the Dutch Republic, Prussia, Portugal, and Savoy. Among other concessions, France agreed to cede various territories and recognize Queen Anne as the British sovereign.

Percy Lavon Julian (1899)

Julian was an African-American chemist and a pioneer in the synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. Due to the institutional racism of the time, Julian was forced to overcome enormous obstacles to obtain his PhD and was repeatedly denied opportunities for employment and academic tenure. His home in Illinois was firebombed. Nevertheless, he developed an important fire-fighting foam from soy protein and revolutionized the synthetic hormone industry.

Juan Santamaría Day

Juan Santamaría is remembered as a national hero in Costa Rica. The country had been threatened in 1856 by William Walker, an American imperialist who planned to conquer Central America and use its citizens for slave labor. Santamaría, a 19-year-old drummer boy from the town of Alajeula, was part of the makeshift militia that fought off Walker's forces. Juan Santamaría Day is actually a week-long festival of parades, concerts, and marching bands throughout the country, with the biggest celebrations in Alajuela. The official holiday is on April 11, the anniversary of Santamaría's death.

Exercise Cuts Heart Risks, Regardless of Your Genes

Staying physically fit can help ward off heart trouble, even if your genetics put you at higher risk for clogged arteries, a new, large study suggests. The researchers looked at nearly 500,000 middle-aged and older adults and found those with higher fitness ...
READ MORE:
Treadmill exercise

Exercise Cuts Heart Risks, Regardless of Your Genes

Image result for 1689 - William III and Mary II were crowned as joint sovereigns of Britain.

1689 - William III and Mary II were crowned as joint sovereigns of Britain.

Image result for 1876 - The stenotype was patented by John C. Zachos.

1876 - The steno-type was patented by John C. Zachos.

Image result for 1901 - Construction on the Empire State Building was completed. The building was dedicated and opened on May 1, 1931.

Image result for 1901 - Construction on the Empire State Building was completed. The building was dedicated and opened on May 1, 1931.

1901 - Construction on the Empire State Building was completed. The building was dedicated and opened on May 1, 1931.

Image result for 1921 - Iowa became the first state to impose a cigarette tax.

Image result for 1921 - Iowa became the first state to impose a cigarette tax.

1921 - Iowa became the first state to impose a cigarette tax.

Image result for 1940 - Andrew Ponzi set a world's record in a New York billiards tournament when he ran 127 balls straight.

Image result for 1940 - Andrew Ponzi set a world's record in a New York billiards tournament when he ran 127 balls straight.

1940 - Andrew Ponzi set a world's record in a New York billiards tournament when he ran 127 balls straight.

Image result for 1947 - Jackie Robinson became the first black player in major-league history. He played in an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Image result for 1947 - Jackie Robinson became the first black player in major-league history. He played in an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1947 - Jackie Robinson became the first black player in major-league history. He played in an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Image result for 1948 - The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls was announced in a general press release.

Image result for 1948 - The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls was announced in a general press release.

1948 - The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls was announced in a general press release.

Image result for 1985 - Scientists in Hawaii measured the distance between the earth and moon within one inch.

Image result for 1985 - Scientists in Hawaii measured the distance between the earth and moon within one inch.

1985 - Scientists in Hawaii measured the distance between the earth and moon within one inch.

Image result for 1986 - Dodge Morgan sailed solo nonstop around the world in 150 days.

1986 - Dodge Morgan sailed solo nonstop around the world in 150 days.

Image result for coffee coffee it's our drink

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, April 11:

You are fiercely protective of those you love, and you will rise to any challenge, quickly picking yourself up after a fall. You are hopeful and mostly optimistic, although you are subject to many mood swings, of which only those closest to you truly know about. You are generous with your time and quite helpful, but you also instinctively know when to draw the line, as you need time to and for yourself. Famous people born today: Tricia Helfer, Joss Stone, Ellen Goodman, Jennifer Esposito.

READERS INFO
1.

St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival 2018

Apr 13-14, 2018 | Birmingham, AL

St. Elias Maronite Church|836 8th St S

Praising the Good Lord can work up a serious appetite. Have faith that you can power through a fantastic menu of delectable Lebanese dishes without tipping over and making an early skyward journey. The collected proceeds from this binge-eating session are given to local charities and other causes in need.

further information: st. elias food and cultural festival

DAM Uncorked 2018

Apr 13-14, 2018 | Denver, CO

Hamilton Building at Denver Art Museum |100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
Image result for DAM Uncorked 2018 Apr 13-14, 2018 | Denver, CO

If you’re struggling to find a way to give back to your community, let the popping sound of an uncorked bottle of wine serve as inspiration. The Denver Art Museum sports well over 300 wines from vineyards around the world, giving you several hours to test their palatable flavors. Pair them with a scrumptious appetizer and you’ve got stellar fundraiser that’s destined to raise tons of money for the museum.

further information: Uncorked AFTERGLO 2018

3.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 2018

Apr 13-15, 2018 | Ponchatoula, LA

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival|100-198 West Beech Street Image result for Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 2018 Apr 13-15, 2018 | Ponchatoula, LA

Each April, tens of thousands of people head to the Strawberry Capital of the World--Ponchatoula, Louisiana--for the state's annual festival celebrating the succulent red fruit. Aside from the endless supply of delicious strawberry dishes (try the strawberry shortcake!), attendees can enjoy live music, games, rides, cook-offs, eating contests, pageants and more. This outdoor event is free to attend and has something for the whole family. You'll be berry glad you came.

further information: Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival | Ponchatoula, LA 70454 > Home

Image result for Pet Day gif

Pictures of the day

Woman with a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son is an oil-on-canvas painting by Claude Monet from 1875. The Impressionist work depicts his wife Camille and their son Jean during a stroll on a windy summer's day in Argenteuil. It has been held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., since 1983.

The Stadium Built on the Equator,

Where Each Team Defends a Hemisphere

In Macapá, Brazil you will find Zerão, a famous football field known in English as ‘the Big Zero.' The stadium was designed so the midfield line fell exactly on the Equator, meaning each half lies on a different hemisphere.