I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Cows don’t actually have four stomachs; they have one stomach with four compartments. (fda.gov)
The platypus doesn’t have a stomach at all: Their esophagus goes straight to their intestines. (nationalgeographic.com)
This is one animal myth that’s true: Eating parts of a pufferfish can kill you because, in a defense mechanism to ward off predators, it contains a deadly chemical called tetrodotoxin. There’s enough in one pufferfish to kill 30 people—and there’s no antidote. Still, pufferfish, called fugu, is a highly-prized delicacy in Japan, but can only be prepared by well-trained chefs. (nationalgeographic.com)
Polar bears have black skin. And actually, their fur isn’t white—it’s see-through, so it appears white as it reflects light.
Tigers’ skin is actually striped, just like their fur. Also, no two fur patterns are alike.
I am considering discontinuing Weekend Music Share due to concerns that people aren’t clicking on the links to go to YouTube out of concern for clicking on a link. YouTube no longer includes a photo of the video on most songs anymore and so what you get is a link or a big black box with a go-to YouTube to watch graphic.
What do you think? Are you clicking on links and do you want Weekend music Share to continue?
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
On January 2, 1965, quarterback Joe Namath spurns the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals to sign with the American Football League’s New York Jets. The contract, reportedly for $427,000, is the most lucrative signed by a rookie in any sport. The deal with Namath, a star at the University …read more
Georgia votes to ratify the U.S. Constitution, becoming the fourth state in the modern United States. Named after King George II, Georgia was first settled by Europeans in 1733, when a group of British debtors led by English philanthropist James E. Oglethorpe traveled up the …read more
Senator Timothy Pickering, a Federalist from Massachusetts, becomes the first senator to be censured when the Senate approves a censure motion against him by a vote of 20 to seven. Pickering was accused of violating congressional law by publicly revealing secret documents …read more
The kingdom of Granada falls to the Christian forces of King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella I, and the Moors lose their last foothold in Spain. Located at the confluence of the Darro and Genil rivers in southern Spain, the city of Granada was a Moorish fortress that rose to …read more
On January 2, 2009, media outlets report that a rare unrestored 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe has been found in the garage of a British doctor. A month later, on February 7, the car sold at a Paris auction for some $4.4 million. The black two-seater, one of just 17 57S …read more
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird.
The most common wild bird in the world isn’t the sparrow or blue jay—it’s the red-billed quelea, which live in Africa and have an estimated population of 1.5 billion. (audubon.org)
The heart of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, is five feet long and weighs 400 pounds. The whale in total weighs 40,000 pounds. (nationalgeographic.com)
For comparison, an elephant’s heart weighs around 30 pounds. And a human heart? A mere 10 ounces.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
2021 has been a challenging year, to say the least, but we’ve come out the other side and we’re stronger for it. I don’t know what 2022 holds, no of us do but I know that we all have the ability to control our destiny.
Happy New Year, 2022 is upon us and we can make it a great year.
1 (750 milliliter) bottle Spanish dry red wine, such as tempranillo
1 cup blood orange juice
½ cup brandy
3 tablespoons coconut sugar
2 oranges, preferably blood oranges, sliced
1 (12 ounce) bottle ginger kombucha
Ice
Directions
Step 1Combine wine, orange juice, brandy and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir well, then add orange slices. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
Step 2Add kombucha to the sangria and serve over ice.
Tips
To make ahead: Refrigerate sangria base (Step 1) for up to 1 day.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cupPer Serving: 202 calories; protein 0.4g; carbohydrates 16.8g; dietary fiber 0.1g; sugars 12.2g; fat 0.1g; vitamin a iu 85.2IU; vitamin c 22.5mg; folate 13.6mcg; calcium 14.5mg; iron 0.9mg; magnesium 19.5mg; potassium 240.9mg; sodium 11.1mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges:
Well-known singer and comedian Jimmy Durante headlined the night’s entertainment, with music by Cuban band leader Xavier Cugat. Some of infamous gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel’s Hollywood friends, including actors George Raft, George Sanders, Sonny Tufts and George Jessel were in attendance.
1985
World-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey is found murdered in Rwanda
On December 26, 1985, primatologist and conservationist Dr. Dian Fossey is found murdered in her cabin at Karisoke, a research site in the mountains of Rwanda. It is widely believed that she was killed in connection with her lifelong crusade against poaching. An animal lover from …read more
1941
FDR establishes modern Thanksgiving holiday
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Mass
1973
“The Exorcist” opens in theaters
On December 26, 1973, The Exorcist, a horror film starring the actress Linda Blair as a girl possessed by an evil spirit, makes its debut in theaters; it will go on to earn a reputation as one of the scariest movies in history. The Exorcist was based on William Peter Blatty’s …read more
2004
Tsunami devastates Indian Ocean coast
A powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 26, 2004 sets off a tsunami that wreaks death and devastation across the Indian Ocean coastline. The quake was the second strongest ever recorded and the estimated 230,000 dead made this disaster one of the 10 …read more
Being a pet owner carries a lot of responsibility, but you can’t underestimate the benefits that come from pet ownership too. Whether you’re a dog owner, a cat lover, or a parent to a furry rodent or scaly reptile, you’ll find that there are endless unexpected advantages that arise from adding a pet to your family and the impact on your mood is just one of them.
To find out how a pet can change your outlook, take a look at these four mood-boosting benefits of pets now:
Stress or anxiety can have a major impact on your mental health but spending time with your pets is known to reduce your stress response. In fact, some studies have even shown that petting a dog can reduce your blood pressure, which highlights just how effective pet ownership can be when it comes to alleviating stress. When you feel less stress, your mood naturally lightens, and your outlook is enhanced. In turn, this makes you feel more proactive and in control, which further helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Ease Loneliness
Feeling lonely or isolated is often a precursor to low moods or depressive symptoms. After all, humans are social creatures and crave interaction. When the opportunity to meaningfully engage with others is reduced, it doesn’t take long for your mood to decline too. Fortunately, pets are a great source of companionship. Not only will they become a beloved family member, but your pet may also give you a reason to engage with other people too. Walking a dog, visiting stables, or even joining online groups to talk about pet care can be a great way to connect with people and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Promote Relaxation
An unrelenting schedule can leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, which naturally impacts your mood. When you have a pet, however, you need to meet their needs and provide them with the environment they need to thrive. As well as giving your pet an appropriate amount of exercise, you’ll need to ensure that they have time to relax too. From snuggling up with your puppy on big dog beds or making time to chill out with your cat, encouraging your pet to relax gives you the opportunity to unwind too. Of course, relaxation is an instant mood-booster, so you can look forward to feeling happier and more content as well.
Create a Routine
Nearly all pets thrive when they have a routine in place. This might mean feeding your pet at the same time each day, providing them with exercise regularly, or simply devoting a certain portion of the day or evening to them. When you’re experiencing low moods, it’s easy to let the structure go out of your day, which is why pet ownership can be such an effective way of boosting your mood. When you have a reason to create a routine, you’ll feel the emotional benefits of this added structure too.
Are You Ready to Become a Pet Owner?
There are numerous benefits to having pets but it’s important to consider the practical implications of pet ownership too. However, if you have the time and space to provide a loving and nurturing home to a pet, you’ll find that they make a wonderful addition to any family.
If this winter looks a bit different than seasons past, here are a few at-home ideas to keep your spirits bright. Try them by yourself or with family-it doesn’t take much to bring a little cheer indoors when the weather outside is dreary.
It may be hard to get in the spirit with all the wild weather, the media, and COVID going on but it’s a blessed time of year. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, it’s a great time to get into the giving spirit and enjoy time with family and friends.
Yes, it will look different again this year but here’s the thing, it’s going to look different every year. COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. It forces us to decide what is quality and worth the time. We’ve had to get creative in taking care of our mental health and helping others with theirs.
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1843
“A Christmas Carol” is published
On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol” is published. Dickens was born in 1812 and attended school in Portsmouth. His father, a clerk in the navy pay office, was thrown into debtors’ prison in 1824, and 12-year-old Charles was sent to work in a …read more
1972
Last lunar-landing mission ends
The Apollo lunar-landing program ends on December 19, 1972, when the last three astronauts to travel to the moon splash down safely in the Pacific Ocean. Apollo 17 had lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, 10 days before. In July 1969, after three years of preparation, the …read more
1917
National Hockey League (NHL) opens its first season
On December 19, 1917, Montreal teams win the first two NHL games played. In a 7-4 win over the Ottawa Senators, the Canadiens’ Joe Malone scores five goals. In his team’s 10-9 win over the Toronto Arenas, the Montreal Wanderers’ Harry Hyland also scores five goals. For nearly …read more
1984
Britain agrees to return Hong Kong to China
In the Hall of the People in Beijing, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang sign an agreement committing Britain to return Hong Kong to China in 1997 in return for terms guaranteeing a 50-year extension of its capitalist system. Hong Kong–a …read more
1997
“Titanic” sails into theaters
Director James Cameron’s epic drama Titanic, the story of the real-life luxury ocean liner that struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew, opens in theaters. Titanic catapulted its young stars Leonardo …read more
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