THE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 On This Date 1535 – Jacques Cartier’s men Quote of the Day experienced the effects of scurvy, due to lack of vitamin C in their diet. The “There’s a thin line between to Iroquois showed them how to make laugh with and to laugh at.” cedar tea as a cure. ~ Richard Pryor, comedian 1887 – The very first Sherlock Holmes mystery appeared when the story “A Study in Scarlet” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was published. Happy Birthday! Richard Pryor (1940–2005) was a class clown in high school—a perfect beginning for someone who would become one of comedy’s most influential stars. His home life was 1929 – Edwin Lowe, a toy salesman, was attending a carnival in Jackson, far from perfect, and comedy and Alabama, when he noticed a popular acting were natural outlets for him. game called Beano. He made a few He did stand-up in New York City modifications, and bingo was born. and even opened for Bobby Darin in Las Vegas. Pryor The Game Is Afoot! was unafraid to push Which of these bad guys is not a the envelope, using nemesis of Sherlock Holmes? wit to explore race in America. He found A. Professor Moriarty stardom in the 1970s B. Irene Adler and ’80s. Although C. John Clay he was diagnosed with multiple

D. Ernst Stavro Blofeld sclerosis in 1986, he continued to James Bond. James entertain and influenced an entire

ANSWER: Ernst Stavro Blofeld is a nemesis of of nemesis a is Blofeld Stavro Ernst ANSWER: generation of young comedians.

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UESDAY ECEMBER T , D 1, 2020

Today is Rosa Parks Day. On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white rider.

Her actions led to a bus boycott and the desegregation of the busing system.

Root of the Matter You Are What You Eat

Cute as a button Springfield, the capital of Illinois, is

If someone calls you cute as a button, famous for its Horseshoe Sandwich, they are characterizing you as small created in 1928 at the Leland Hotel and adorable. Some believe by chef Joe Schweska and his that this expression did not assistant, Steve Tomko. It’s an start as a compliment. Cute open-faced sandwich of two thick is short for acute, and is also slices of Texas toast topped with a related to the French word aigu, which horseshoe-shaped slice of ham, was used to denote acute in the medical covered in french fries (known as the sense, as in need of urgent care. The “nails” of the horseshoe) and topped French word bouton referenced a spot off with Welsh rarebit sauce. Modern or pimple. The expression originated in versions of the sandwich substitute the 1800s, during the time of smallpox, hamburgers, pork tenderloin, or even measles, and mumps. Some linguists Buffalo chicken for the ham, but suggest that the original use of cute as plenty of Springfield eateries hold a button was a way of telling someone true to the original recipe. that they exhibited symptoms in need of immediate medical attention. Word Scramble

U T V O D E Punny Business Showing deep

Two blood cells met and fell in religious commitment

DEVOUT love. Too bad it was all in vein. ANSWER:

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020 On This Date 1804 – Napoleon Bonaparte crowned Quote of the Day himself emperor of France at the “Fashion goes with the feeling Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. of the moment. It’s related Then he turned and crowned his to movies, to art, to young wife, Josephine, as empress. people’s taste.” 1901 – King Camp Gillette sold his first disposable safety razor blades. ~ Gianni Versace, designer

Happy Birthday! Gianni Versace (1946–1997) launched 1933 – The movie Dancing Lady his first clothing line in Milan, Italy, premiered, featuring Fred Astaire in in 1978. His mother was in the his first on-screen dancing role and dressmaking business, so he was slapstick comedians Ted Healy and taught fashion and design from a His Stooges, a trio that would later young age. The influential designer become the Three Stooges. was unafraid to use cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and unique 1960 – Louis Leakey discovered materials like aluminum mesh. In 1989, a 1.4 million-year-old skeleton in Versace debuted his first couture Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, that helped collection and went on to draw the prove that humans evolved in Africa. praise of fashion- Three’s a Crowd forward celebrities such as Madonna, How many “stooges” actually Elton John, and

performed as the Three Stooges? Princess Diana. Joe DeRita, and Joe Besser Besser Joe and DeRita, Joe Versace was only

Howard, Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Curly Fine, Larry Howard, Shemp Howard, 50 years old when he

ANSWER: Six in total: Moe Howard, Curly Curly Howard, Moe total: in Six ANSWER: was killed in Miami.

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EDNESDAY ECEMBER W , D 2, 2020

Today is Safety Razor Day. On this day in 1901, inventor King Camp Gillette patented his disposable safety razor. Gillette wanted to do away with the hassle

and expense of honing and stropping blades to keep them sharp.

Who Am I? Only Human

As a child, I fulfilled my Boy Scout Scientists studying the Y chromosome, photography merit badge by making the chromosome that creates a short film. I would spend the biological males, are quick to notice rest of my life making movies. I how small it is. It contains only directed Joan Crawford for a major 45 genes, compared to the almost Hollywood studio when I was just 1,000 genes on an X 21 years old. I would go on to chromosome. Scientists direct summer blockbusters about have determined that the sharks and dinosaurs, storied movie Y chromosome has shrunk over franchises about space heroes and millions of years, leading some to daring archaeologists, and historical wonder if Y chromosomes may dramas about war and slavery. Not disappear entirely. Are men in only have I won numerous awards but danger of going extinct? Other

I might just be Hollywood’s most animals such as mole voles have

famous director. Who am I? evolved to lose Y chromosomes, yet

Spielberg Steven ANSWER: they still have males in the species. Scientists speculate that other genes will step in and do the job of Buy a Vowel determining sex.

D _ B _ _ _ S Riddle Me This

Unreliable or suspect What do you call a boomerang

DUBIOUS

ANSWER: ANSWER: that doesn’t work? stick A ANSWER:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020 On This Date 1833 – The Oberlin Collegiate Institute in Oberlin, Ohio, opened Quote of the Day as the first coeducational college. “I was always painfully shy 1921 – The Canadian Badminton so the attention didn’t Association was formed to serve as the main governing body of the sport really sit well.” in the country. ~ Heather Menzies, actress

1926 – English mystery novelist Happy Birthday! Agatha Christie disappeared from Heather Menzies (1949-2017) was her home. She was found 11 days born in Toronto. She moved to the later at the Swan Hydro Hotel. She US in 1960 and attended Hollywood did not remember how she got there. High School. Her film debut was 1997 – In Ottawa, representatives playing Louisa von from 121 countries signed the Ottawa Trapp in The Sound Treaty, prohibiting the manufacture of Music. She went and deployment of anti-personnel on to other movie land mines. The United States, China, and television roles, and Russia did not sign the treaty. notably as Jessica 6 in Logan’s Run. Jingle Bells She later worked to raise money Heather Menzies met her future for cancer research. Menzies was husband while making a TV married to actor Robert Urich and commercial. She and Robert Urich had three children. [After he died of played a bride and groom in the ad. cancer in 2002, she established the They were married for 27 years. Robert Urich Foundation.]

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HURSDAY ECEMBER T , D 3, 2020

On this day in 1910, Freda Du Faur climbed Mount Cook in New Zealand. Du Faur would become one of mountaineering’s most accomplished and

famous climbers, ascending many of New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Wild Kingdom Eye in the Sky

A unique breed of dog lives in the Phosphine, a chemical highlands of Papua, New Guinea. The that indicates the presence New Guinea singing dog was of life, has been found in considered extinct for 50 years until a the atmosphere of Venus. small population was rediscovered in Phosphine is not pleasant smelling, the wild. The species is known as the and on Earth it’s mostly found in “singing dog” due to its howling barks sewage plants, where it is associated and vocalizations that sound with microbes living in oxygen-poor remarkably like a humpback whale. environments. In fact, on Earth, The dogs’ joints and spines are so phosphine is only found in the flexible that they can jump and climb presence of life. So, does that mean like cats. In order to save the singing there is life on Venus? With average dogs, researchers hope to breed them temperatures of 800°F, and an acidic, with a similarly ancient and local dog hot, and dry environment, chances of species, the highland wild dog. life might be slim. But that hasn’t stopped government space agencies Word Wise from planning missions to the planet Which word is not like the others? within the decade.

khaki denim Name Three

Can you name three soft drinks that

silkscreen corduroy

the others are clothing fabrics. clothing are others the

begin with the letter S?

Stewart’s, Shasta, Schweppes, Seaman’s Schweppes, Shasta, Stewart’s, Mist,

Silkscreen is a type of printing; printing; of type a is Silkscreen

ANSWER: Sprite, Sunkist, Sierra Sierra Sunkist, Sprite, : S ANSWER POSSIBLE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 On This Date 1534 – The Ottoman sultan Suleiman Quote of the Day the Magnificent captured Baghdad and took control of the important “I think of myself as a singer. trading hub between the Tigris and The acting is just something Euphrates rivers. I have to do between songs.” 1783 – New York City’s Fraunces ~ Deanna Durbin, actress Tavern hosted General George Washington and Continental Army soldiers for a “turtle feast” to celebrate the evacuation of British Happy Birthday! Troops from New York. Deanna Durbin (1921–2013) was a 1909 – Ambrose O’Brien founded Canadian actress and gifted singer who the Canadian Athletic Club. The specialized in musical uniform was a navy blue sweater films and roles as the with white bands at the shoulders perfect teen daughter and a white C on the chest band. In and girl next door. 1917, the club became a founding Some of her most member of the NHL, as the Club de popular films include Hockey Canadian (CHC). Three Smart Girls (1936), Every Sunday (1936), and It Started with Eve (1941). In 1938, at age Did You Know? 17, she received an Academy Juvenile Award. She retired in 1949, and in 1950 In colonial New England, “turtle she married film producer-director feasts” were elite dining experiences. Charles Henri David. The couple Sea turtle was a high-status food, moved to a farmhouse near Paris where and eating it affirmed social they raised Deanna’s two children from bonds among men. a previous marriage, Jessica and Peter.

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RIDAY ECEMBER F , D 4, 2020

Today is World Wildlife Conservation Day. One of the most important ways to protect wild animals is to preserve their habitats. The forests and oceans of the

world must be kept clean and whole to sustain the diverse array of life on Earth.

Garden Party Think-tionary

The Master of the Nets anoesis

Garden in Jiangsu is A. The process where many living considered one of the finest things coordinate behaviors, gardens in all of China. It such as migration or hibernation was designed in 1140 by Shi Zhengzhi, or a local official who desired a garden that reflected the romantic simplicity of B. Condition where the brain feels fishermen. Over the centuries, the pure sensations without any

garden fell into disrepair until it was intellectual understanding

the events that befell me. me. befell that events the

restored in 1785 by another of understanding or memory no had I that

was so complete complete so was anoesis My B. NSWER: A government official, Qu Yuancun, who named it Master of Nets. The garden features pools, grottoes, plants, When Was It? centuries-old trees, rocks, pavilions It was during this year that AT&T overhanging the water, and bridges. released a $1,500 video telephone. U.S. President George H. W. Bush fell Whatchamacallit? ill and vomited in the lap of the What do you call a group of… Japanese prime minister. Euro Disney bloodhounds? opened in Paris. Ross Perot declared his candidacy for president of the team pack United States, and Johnny Carson

sute parcel hosted his last Tonight Show. When SUTE ANSWER:

1992 was it? ANSWER:

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 771 – After ruling the Frankish empire with his brother Carloman “I did what I felt, and I felt for several years, Charlemagne what I did, at all costs.” became the sole king of the Franks after his brother’s sudden death. ~ Little Richard, father of rock and roll 1717 – Henry Bostock, captain of the Margaret, was taken captive by the pirate Blackbeard and later released. Bostock’s account provided the first Happy Birthday! record of the notorious pirate and his “Little Richard” Penniman (1932– name “Blackbeard.” 2020) honed his musical talents in church, singing gospel and playing 1952 – The Great Smog appeared the piano. He was forced to move over London. High-pressure weather out of his home at age 13 and was conditions caused pollution to amass taken in by a white family who over the city, creating a lethal smog owned a club in Macon, Georgia, that killed thousands. where he began performing. In 1955, he was recruited Shiver Me Timbers to play piano in New Orleans, What was the real name of the and that year, he notorious pirate Blackbeard? recorded “Tutti Frutti.” It was a A. Henry Morgan smash hit, and B. Sir Francis Drake Little Richard was on his way to C. Edward Teach becoming one of the early voices of rock and roll. His thundering piano D. Jack Rackham and flamboyant stage presence would

ANSWER: C. Edward Teach Edward C. ANSWER: inspire generations of musicians.

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ATURDAY ECEMBER S , D 5, 2020

Today is Bathtub Party Day. Splish, splash, why not take a bath on a Saturday night, just like in Bobby Darin’s 1958 hit song? Skip the shower and treat

yourself to a long soak in the tub. While you’re at it, turn on the radio!

The Games People Play Gadgets & Gizmos

The endurance sport of ferret-legging appears to have originated in the 1970s amongst the coal miners of Yorkshire, England. Some believe it began with animal poachers who resorted to hiding ferrets in their trousers to avoid capture by authorities. Others contend that the game began in local pubs, with drinkers betting on who could keep a ferret in their trousers the The Wello technology company has longest. The game is simple: a ferret is introduced its solar-powered vehicle, dropped into a contestant’s trousers, the Family. The transport is an urban pant legs are cinched, and the waist is vehicle that is a mix between a car belted. An official keeps the time. In and a bike. Its roof is covered in solar 1972, the record stood at 40 seconds. panels that charge an electric battery. By 2010, the record had grown to over Wello Family can carry up to three five-and-a-half hours. passengers for a range of 62 miles

when fully charged. Word Scramble Riddle Me This N E B K U D What did the judge say when the

Expose as being a sham or false

DEBUNK ANSWER: ANSWER: skunk entered the courtroom?

court! the in Odor ANSWER:

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2020 On This Date 1849 – Harriet Tubman escaped Quote of the Day for the second and last time from “The art of a magician is to slavery in Maryland. She would become create wonder. If we live with the Underground a sense of wonder, then our Railroad’s most lives become filled with joy.” famous “conductor.” ~ Doug Henning, magician 1877 – Thomas Edison recorded himself reciting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on his tinfoil phonograph, the first human voice recording. Happy Birthday! Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805– 1907 – Thomas Selfidge made 1871) was a French magician who is the first recorded passenger flight widely considered to be the father of in Canada in a kite designed by modern conjuring. Robert-Houdin Alexander Graham Bell. The Cygnet studied clockmaking as a young flew 51 metres above Bras d’Or Lake man, but an accidental shipment of in Nova Scotia. books on magic tricks piqued his 1917 – Two cargo ships loaded curiosity and he began studying with with wartime munitions collided in a local magician. Robert-Houdin Halifax harbor. The world’s largest became so adept at man-made accidental explosion, it sleight of hand and killed about 2,000 people. other tricks that he earned enough Harriet Tubman money to open his In addition to freeing slaves, own theater. He was Harriet Tubman was a spy for the an early proponent Union Army during the Civil War. of electricity when he saw its usefulness Her code name was “Moses.” in magic.

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UNDAY ECEMBER S , D 6, 2020

Today is St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, a city on the coast of present-day Turkey, in the 4th century. He was noted for his

generosity and love of children and was the inspiration for Santa Claus.

Picture of the Day Centennial Memories

On this day 100 years ago, the child Rosalia Lombardo died of the Spanish flu in Sicily. Alfredo Salafia, a famous embalmer, was enlisted to preserve the child’s body. Lombardo was one of the last to be admitted to the famed Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo. Salafia’s technique was so masterful This was St. Nick’s only option after that the body remains remarkably budget cuts required selling the sleigh preserved even after 100 years, and and firing the reindeer. has earned the name the “Sicilian Now it’s your turn to come up with a Sleeping Beauty.” Visitors still good caption. flock to the catacombs to see what has been called “the world’s most Word to the Wise beautiful mummy.”

The dictionary added the word Buy a Vowel freegan in 2020. This term is a portmanteau of the words free and C _ _ L _ _ vegan and refers to someone who is so opposed to food waste that they A deep, dry canyon once carved

only eat free food that is thrown out by flowing water COULEE by supermarkets or restaurants. ANSWER:

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 43 BC – Roman statesman, lawyer, and orator Cicero was assassinated “How did it get so late so soon? by the order of Marc Antony, a former It’s night before it’s afternoon. general of Julius Caesar and leader December is here before it’s of the Second Triumvirate. June. My goodness how the 1787 – Delaware became the first time has flewn. How did it state of the union to ratify the get so late so soon?” Constitution of the United States. ~ Dr. Seuss 1909 – Chemist Leo Baekeland won the patent for the durable and Happy Birthday! heat-resistant plastic Larry Bird, born in Indiana in 1956, he called Bakelite, is a basketball legend and one of the beginning the new greatest players of all time. He led his plastics industry. Indiana State college team to the NCAA 1941 – The Japanese attacked the finals against Michigan State and American fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Ervin “Magic” Johnson, only to suffer Base in Hawaii. President Roosevelt defeat. Bird joined the Boston Celtics called this “a date which will live in in 1979. He faced off time and again infamy” and declared war on Japan against his old college nemesis Magic Johnson the next day. and the Los Angeles I Second That! Lakers. Bird became one of the NBA’s Delaware was the first state to best players, earning ratify the U.S. Constitution. three MVP awards and winning What was the second? three championships on his way to

ANSWER: Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1787 12, December on Pennsylvania, ANSWER: entering basketball’s Hall of Fame.

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ONDAY ECEMBER M , D 7, 2020

Today is Cotton Candy Day. This colorful treat is made of spun sugar and is probably not very good for your teeth. Strangely enough, cotton candy was

invented by a dentist in 1897 and was originally called “fairy floss.”

Weather or Not Fashion of Yesteryear

On June 15, 1960, a dying In the 1860s, Alexandra thunderstorm collapsed over the town of Denmark, the bride of Kopperl, Texas, resulting in a of the Prince of Wales, dramatic change in the weather was a fashion icon. The known by locals as “Satan’s Storm.” chokers she wore to hide a The storm had completely rained scar on her neck were worn by itself out. With no moisture left to fashion-forward high society types in cool the air, a downdraft of England. After Alexandra fell ill with superheated air fell to Kopperl at rheumatic fever, she emerged from 75 miles per hour. Winds tore the roof her bed with a limp. Suddenly, off a store and uprooted trees, and women all across England were temperatures spiked to 140°F, causing visibly limping although nothing was car radiators to boil over and crops to physically wrong with them. wither and die. Some locals thought it Shopkeepers began selling canes and was the end of the world. shoes with mismatched heels to keep up with the trend. The Alexandra

Word Wise Limp had become all the rage.

Which word is not like the others? Who Said So? spray drizzle This Greek playwright, famous for

torrent mist his tragedies, said, “Rather fail with

others are light precipitation. light are others honor than succeed by fraud.”

A torrent is a heavy deluge; the the deluge; heavy a is torrent A

ANSWER:

Sophocles ANSWER:

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 1660 – Margaret Hughes became the first actress to appear on an English “In my end is my beginning.” public stage. King Charles, who had ~ Mary Stuart recently regained the crown, overruled Happy Birthday! a ban of females on the stage. Hughes Mary Stuart (1542–1587), also was the mistress of known as Queen of Scots, was Prince Rupert, a senior member of the daughter of King James V of the royal family at court. Scotland. Stuart was only six days old when she was crowned queen. 1854 – Pope Pius IX proclaimed Her grandmother was the sister Immaculate Conception as church of England’s Henry VIII. Many dogma, decreeing that the Virgin Catholic Englishmen considered Mary was born free of original sin. Mary to be the rightful sovereign 1980 – Former Beatle and international of England rather than her cousin, superstar John Lennon was shot Queen Elizabeth (whose parents’ and killed outside his residence at marriage was annulled). Mary was the Dakota apartment building in married three times, and her life was New York City. His death triggered filled with intrigue. After many years a worldwide outpouring of grief. imprisoned in various castles, Stuart was tried and executed for treason for her involvement in three plots Did You Know? to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. Her son by the English Lord Only about 10% of the world’s Darnley inherited both population resides within the kingdoms and became southern hemisphere. This adds up James I of England and to around 800 million people. VI of Scotland.

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UESDAY ECEMBER T , D 8, 2020

Today is Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day. For this strange holiday, people are encouraged to wear clothing from a different era. Dress like you’re either

from the past or the future, go outside, and tell others you’re a time traveler.

You Are What You Eat Root of the Matter

Although a kitchen favorite of North Buzz off Carolinians, livermush is not the most If someone tells you to buzz off, then appetizing name for a they are rudely telling you to go away. dish. A Tar Heel Some believe that the word buzz version of Spam, the comes from the sound of a buzzing, loaf consists of pureed annoying insect. You would shoo the pig’s liver blended with spices and annoying person away just as you cooked cornmeal so that it can be would shoo a pesky bug. Others molded, sliced, and fried in a skillet believe that the word buzz references until browned and crisp. Livermush is old telephone systems. Operators used most often eaten at breakfast, served buzzers to signal incoming calls. with eggs, or as a breakfast sandwich Telling someone to buzz off was akin between toast or a biscuit. The to telling them to get off the phone condiment of choice for livermush is because a more important call was yellow mustard, although some enjoy coming in. it with a smear of Duke’s mayonnaise. Screen Gems Word Scramble When a girl suspects that malevolent R I N D E D K spirits have taken over her Being related, or having a television, she eerily announces,

similar nature or interests “They’re heeere.”

(1982) (1982) Poltergeist in Freeling

KINDRED

ANSWER:

Anne Carol as O’Rourke Heather ANSWER:

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020 On This Date 1657 – The Jesuits reported that an Quote of the Day establishment selling wine to the natives opened in Trois-Rivières, “I came from abject poverty. Quebec. The cost for one pot of wine There was nowhere was one summer beaver. A winter to go but up.” beaver would buy two pots. ~ Kirk Douglas, actor 1862 – The Numismatic Society of Montreal was founded. The first such club in Canada, it is now one of many groups for collectors of coins, Happy Birthday! medals, and paper currency. Kirk Douglas (1916–2020) was an 1868 – The very first traffic lights actor, producer, director, and author. were installed outside the British After a childhood of poverty, he House of Parliament. The red and talked his way into acting classes green gaslit lights looked like railway at St. Lawrence signals with semaphore arms. University and was soon awarded a 1964 – Saxophonist scholarship to the John Coltrane and his American Academy quartet recorded the of Dramatic Arts. acclaimed jazz record He acted in over A Love Supreme. 50 movies. You might remember him from Spartacus, Inherit the Wind, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Riddle of the Day He received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 and Kennedy Q: What happens when you cross a Center Honors in 1994. Douglas also vampire with a snowman? authored 10 books. His son, Michael, A: Frostbite is also an accomplished actor.

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EDNESDAY ECEMBER W , D 9, 2020

Today is Weary Willie Day. On this day in 1898, Emmett Kelly was born. Kelly dreamed of being a clown in the circus and made a career of performing

as the clown “Weary Willie.” Today is a day to honor the clowning profession.

Only Human Where Am I?

Before the invention of color I am visiting this centuries-old landing televisions, the majority of site, although the historical record is people all around the world murky as to the veracity of this dreamed in black and esteemed American historical artifact. white. Today, about 20 percent of In 1741, more than 100 years after its people still do. In the 1960s, when supposed role in history, local residents color TV became common, the decided to build a new wharf at its majority of people began to dream in location. A 94-year old elder protested, color. Did TV change our dreaming claiming that the new construction habits? Yes, but not in the way that would cover this important historical you think. Some scientists believe that, marker. When locals attempted to haul before the creation of black and white it to the town square, it broke in half. TVs, we dreamed in color, and it was But that hasn’t stopped millions from the black and white set that visiting this spot where European

transformed our dreaming. Color sets immigrants first settled in America. returned us to our colorful dreams. Where am I?

Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts Rock, Plymouth ANSWER:

Buy a Vowel

Name Three _ T T _ N _ _ T _

Weaken or reduce in force Can you name three countries that

or intensity begin with the letter H?

ATTENUATE ANSWER:

Haiti, Honduras, Hungary Honduras, Haiti, ANSWER:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2020

Hanukkah Quote of the Day Begins Today! “The more I study, the more insatiable do I feel my On This Date genius for it to be.” 1520 – Martin Luther publicly ~ Ada Lovelace, mathematician burned a copy of Pope Leo X’s papal bull, an act of defiance that led to Luther’s excommunication and Happy Birthday! marked a watershed moment during Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) was the the Protestant Reformation. daughter of famed poet Lord Byron. 1901 – The first Nobel Prizes were Unlike most girls her age, she enjoyed awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, in the rigorous study of mathematics physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and science, largely at the insistence and peace. Alfred Nobel, the inventor of her mother. Around age 17, of dynamite, established the awards for Lovelace met Charles Babbage, a those who fostered peace and progress. mathematician and inventor of the “analytical engine,” the world’s first 1953 – British Prime Minister computer. When asked to translate an Winston Churchill received the Nobel article on Babbage’s invention from Prize in literature. French to English, 1968 – The largest heist in Japanese Lovelace did much history occurred when a uniformed more, adding her officer on a motorcycle stopped a car own notes and ideas carrying nearly 300 million yen—and on the machine. Her sped off with the cash. thorough additions detailed processes Punny Business of computer coding that have earned The ability to fly would be her recognition as the world’s first so uplifting! computer programmer.

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HURSDAY ECEMBER T , D 10, 2020

Today is the start of Hanukkah. To celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, many Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil, and none is more beloved than the

sufganiyot, or jelly donut. 17.5 million are consumed in Israel during Hanukkah.

Wild Kingdom Think-tionary

cicatrize Female mosquitoes feed on blood and are known transmitters of A. The process of fully recharging diseases including the Zika virus, a battery or power source dengue fever, and yellow fever. As or an alternative to larvicides and B. Heal through the formation of

pesticides, scientists have created

scar tissue

a genetically modified mosquito it. see could all so cicatrized NSWER: B. The wound on my face face my on wound The B. NSWER:

whose female offspring die during A the larval stage of development, ensuring that they never reach Toys of Yesteryear adulthood. Authorities plan to release In 1997, Japan’s Bandai the mosquitoes into the Florida Keys company released the next year, but residents are dubious. Digimon virtual pet. The They worry that these new “Franken- name Digimon was short for “digital mosquitoes” will disrupt ecosystems monster.” The electronic game was a by altering the many animals that small device with three buttons that feed on mosquitoes. hung from a keychain. The “monster” Word Scramble appeared on a digital screen, and players could train, feed, and grow the L A N F L D W I monster in preparation for battle. When

a second device was pressed against

Unexpected good fortune or gain

WINDFALL ANSWER: the first, the two monsters could do battle, resulting in injuries or victory.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020 On This Date 1896 – Twenty-two-year-old Guglielmo Quote of the Day Marconi demonstrated his wireless telegraph at a London town hall, “Bigger than life is not effectively showcasing the first difficult for me. I am radio signals and birthing wireless bigger than life.” communication. ~ Rita Moreno, actress 1931 – The British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, giving complete legislative equality to Dominion Parliaments. The decree Happy Birthday! marked the final independence of Rita Moreno, born in 1931, is a Canada from Britain. Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer, best known for her role as 1936 – Edward VIII, king of Great Anita in West Side Story. Moreno’s Britain and Ireland for 325 days, career has encompassed far more became the first English monarch to than film. She is one of the few abdicate the throne voluntarily. He performers who have did so in order to marry American won an Oscar, an divorcée Wallis Simpson. Emmy, a Grammy, 1972 – Apollo 17 became the sixth and a Tony Award. and final Apollo mission to land on Moreno began her the Moon. career on Broadway at age 13 and began starring in movies Either, Or just five years later. She continues Did Leonardo da Vinci paint to perform, appearing everywhere The School of Athens or from children’s television shows to The Last Supper? gritty HBO dramas. In 2004, Moreno was awarded the Presidential Medal

ANSWER: The Last Supper Last The ANSWER: of Freedom.

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RIDAY ECEMBER F , D 11, 2020

Today is Kaleidoscope Day, commemorating the birthday of the Scottish scientist who invented the kaleidoscope, Sir David Brewster. Brewster was a

pioneer in the fields of photography, polarization, and optics.

Gadgets & Gizmos Eye in the Sky

Astronomers have started to notice that the moon is taking on a slightly reddish hue. It’s rusting! The moon’s environment should not provide the conditions for the chemical reaction that causes rust; iron must be exposed to oxygen and water for this to occur. But scientists recently discovered The URGOnight headband syncs with iron-rich rocks at the moon’s poles. your smartphone to track your Amazingly, oxygen is conveyed to brainwaves as you engage in a series the moon from Earth on its magnetic of audio and visual brain-based field. This oxygen, combined with exercises. The app tracks your lunar dust that carries scant water brainwaves and modifies the exercises molecules, causes the iron in these so that your brain ends up “training” polar rocks to turn into a rust known itself to prepare for a good night’s as hematite. sleep that is calming and restorative. Who Said So? Buy a Vowel This French sculptor, considered T _ L _ R _ B L _ the founder of modern sculpture,

said, “To the artist, there is never

Able to be endured

: TOLERABLE : ANSWER anything ugly in nature.”

Rodin Auguste : S ANSWER

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 1800 – Washington, D.C., was officially declared the capital of the “Dust does rise, doesn’t it? United States by an act of Congress. And so can I.” 1925 – The world’s first motel, ~ Dionne Warwick, singer the Motel Inn, was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by Arthur Heineman. Happy Birthday! 1946 – Tide laundry detergent Dionne Warwick was born in 1940, was introduced as the world’s the daughter of a record promoter first heavy-duty detergent. and gospel group manager. As a 2015 – Municipal elections were teenager, she started her own gospel held in Saudi Arabia. It was the first group with her sister and aunt. Her time women were allowed to vote big break came and also the first time a woman was when she met Burt elected to a government position. Bacharach during a recording session in New York City. Roving Capital Bacharach was so impressed that he Which city was never the capital of asked her to sing some of his songs, the United States? which led to her first record deal. Bacharach would pen many hits for A. Trenton, New Jersey Warwick over the years, including B. Annapolis, Maryland “Walk on By.” She became one of C. Boston, Massachusetts the greatest successes of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, winning a Grammy, D. Lancaster, Pennsylvania landing several top-10 hits, and hosting

ANSWER: C. Boston, Massachusetts Boston, C. ANSWER: the television program Solid Gold.

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ATURDAY ECEMBER S , D 12, 2020

Today is Gingerbread House Day. Historians credit the Brothers Grimm for the invention of the gingerbread house. Their story, “Hansel and Gretel,” featured a

house made of candy, which inspired bakers to create their own edible houses.

Garden Party Centennial Memories

Achimenes, commonly known as hot On this day 100 years water plants, are a native Mexican ago, the Haribo candy perennial that were once believed to company was founded thrive in hot water. People thought in Bonn, Germany. The that plunging the entire plant into a name Haribo is a hot water bath would promote combination of the letters in the name flowering. While these plants do of the company’s founder, Hans enjoy warm weather and humidity, Riegel, and its founding city, Bonn. making them great indoor plants, hot Haribo is most famous for its Gummi water baths are not necessary. Some Bears. The “gum” of the gummi bears gardeners believe that watering with comes from gum arabic, the resin of hot water helps prevent pests or fight the acacia tree. Americans were not diseases that affect the root systems. introduced to this sticky and fruity Water that is too hot can actually candy until 1982, when Haribo end up killing plants by damaging opened its first American factory in the roots, which is why boiling water Baltimore, Maryland. can be an effective and organic weed killer. Word Wise Which word is not like the others? What’s in a Name? trial match

This singer, known as the “Duke of

armistice contestchallenges. are others

Earl,” was born Eugene Dixon.

Gene Chandler Gene : ANSWER

An armistice is a truce; all the the all truce; a is armistice An ANSWER:

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2020 On This Date 1774 – Patriot Paul Revere rode to Quote of the Day Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to warn of a British sea assault. While “Working with Julie Andrews not as famous as his “midnight ride,” is like getting hit over the this exploit was Revere’s first. head with a valentine.” 1950 – James Dean ~ Christopher Plummer, actor began his acting career when he was paid $30 to appear in a Pepsi commercial, in which he played Happy Birthday! the piano and sipped Christopher Plummer, born in 1929, the soda. is an acclaimed Canadian theater, 1964 – American President Lyndon film, and television actor. He’s best Johnson and Mexican President known for his portrayal of Captain Gustavo Díaz Ordaz reshaped the von Trapp in The Sound of Music United States-Mexico border in (1965), a role he El Paso by setting off an explosion reportedly disliked. that redirected the course of the At age 82, he Rio Grande River. became the oldest person to win an Oscar, for his role in Beginners (2010). Celebrity Trivia He was nominated Christopher Plummer’s daughter, again, at age 88, for All the Money in Amanda Plummer, is a Tony- and the World. Some of his other films Emmy-winning actress. She can include A Beautiful Mind and The be seen in the 2020 Netflix Last Station. Plummer and his wife, drama Ratched. Elaine Taylor, live in Connecticut.

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UNDAY ECEMBER S , D 13, 2020

Today is World Choral Day. Thousands of choirs all around the world will unite their voices in song to promote solidarity, peace, and understanding. What

better medium to unite us in harmony than the music of our own voices?

The Games People Play Mystery to Me

Yukigassen might be the first snowball The famed Arctic explorer Robert fight with an official set of rules. This Peary returned from the North Pole is the Japanese sport of snow battling, with a unique souvenir: the massive where players use 90 specially made tusk of a narwhal. The tusk ended up seven-centimeter-wide snowballs for in a Philadelphia museum but was the three-minute period of stolen prior to 1980 and never play. The snowballs are so recovered. Last year, though, an agent dense that players must of the FBI’s Art Crime Team wear helmets and face uncovered a deposition stating that a shields. Two teams of seven face off in museum worker had stolen a narwhal an outdoor basketball court-sized arena tusk. This was the only lead detected with barricades and barriers. If you since the theft more than 40 years ago. are hit with a snowball, you are out. The relic bears a metal plate with an The goal is to enter the opposing inscription to identify it. The FBI team’s territory and survive long hopes that by spreading the word they enough to capture a flag. The first will find this unique historical artifact. team to win two periods is the overall winner. Buy a Vowel

Who Said So? T _ _ G _ This great Russian author said, “The sole meaning of life is to The coniferous evergreen forests

of subarctic lands TAIGA ANSWER:

serve humanity.”

Leo Tolstoy Leo

ANSWER:

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020 On This Date 1812 – Artificial pearls were Quote of the Day first manufactured by rosary maker M. Jacquin in Paris. “I’ve come to believe that whoever I am didn’t start on 1812 – Napoleon’s French army was expelled from Russia after a brutal December 14, 1946, and isn’t six-month invasion that resulted in going to end on whatever the loss of 530,000 lives. that mysterious date is in the future.” 1901 – The first table tennis tournament was held at the London ~ Patty Duke, actress Royal Aquarium.

Happy Birthday! Patty Duke (1946–2016) was a stage, film, and television actress who won 1911 – Norwegian explorer Roald an Academy Award, three Emmy Amundsen became the first person Awards, and two Golden Globes. She to reach the South Pole, beating out is best known for portraying Helen a team of rival South Pole explorers Keller in The Miracle Worker. Duke led by Robert Falcon Scott. won her Academy Award for the role when she was only Train Trivia 16. She also had Modern passenger trains use her own show, The magnets to suspend, guide, and Patty Duke Show. propel them. They do not need Duke was married engines and do not burn fuel. four times and had Instead, they are magnetically three children. Her propelled by electric power fed to sons, Mackenzie and Sean Astin, are coils located on the guideway. both successful actors.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020

Today is Yoga Day, commemorating the birthday of B. K. S. Iyengar, the yogi who popularized yoga. Iyengar was a sickly child who practiced yoga to

strengthen himself. He taught his practice to many celebrities around the globe.

Picture of the Day Bookworm

In this book, an unsuspecting homebody is swept up into a fantastic adventure. He joins an intrepid band seeking to reclaim their homeland, and along the way must face numerous improbable challenges. Luckily, magic also finds him in the form of a sword, armor, and a unique ring that turns him invisible. With these items and the bonds of friendship forged Barb’s bus to the yoga studio was with his new companions, the meek late so she decided to improvise. homebody turns into a magnificent

Now it’s your turn to come up with hero who faces down the most terrible a good caption. beast the world has ever known. What

book is it?

Tolkien R. R. J. by , Hobbit The

Word to the Wise ANSWER:

The word ostrich comes from two Greek words. Strouthion means “big Word Scramble sparrow,” referring to how the Greeks thought the bird was just a giant H M T O F A

songbird. Strouthokamelos means To measure the depth of water

FATHOM “camel-sparrow,” referring to the ANSWER: bird’s long, camel-like neck.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 On This Date 1488 – With his arrival in Quote of the Day Portugal, Bartolomeu Dias became “Woodstock was both a the first known European to peaceful protest and a successfully sail around the Cape of global celebration.” Good Hope. ~ Richie Havens, 1791 – With Virginia’s vote, the Woodstock opening act United States Bill of Rights was ratified, becoming the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Happy Birthday! 1903 – New York City Max Yasgur (1919–1973) was not street vendor Italo just a simple dairy farmer. By the 1960s, Marchiony received a he was the largest milk producer in patent for a device that Sullivan County, New York. When molded ice-cream cones. he offered one of his fields to host the Woodstock Music Festival, he had 1944 – Somewhere over the English no idea that he was setting the stage Channel, a plane carrying Major for the largest countercultural event Glenn Miller went missing. The in American history. In fact, Yasgur singer was on his way to lead his was a Republican Air Force Band in a concert. and supporter of Daily Trivia the Vietnam War. However, Yasgur Truffles, the darling of the food was also a believer scene, grow on the roots of truffle in free speech and oaks. They come in three colors. so supported young Black truffles are generally from people in defining themselves. He France, white are generally from once said, “If the generation gap is Italy, and gray can be found to be closed, we older people have to in North America. do more than we have done.”

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UESDAY ECEMBER T , D 15, 2020

Today is International Tea Day in many of the world’s Eastern tea-producing nations. Tea is considered one of the world’s oldest beverages and is hailed by

many for its medicinal properties and health benefits.

You Are What You Eat Centennial Memories

On the Italian island of Sardinia, people On this day 100 years ago, Tibet’s live longer than anywhere else on Dalai Lama permitted a British Earth. Perhaps this is due expedition to climb Mount Everest. to the seada, the famous Relations between Tibet and outside Sardinian puff pastry nations had been strained. The Dalai made with cheese. The Lama’s government in Lhasa did not semolina flour pastry is filled with trust the British rulers in India. But fresh pecorino, which has a slightly the Lama found sanctuary in India sour flavor, and lemon peels. The after the Chinese forced him out of dumpling is then fried in lard or olive power in 1910. Upon the Lama’s oil. Once puffed and crisp, the pastry return to Lhasa, he opened his is topped with sweet honey and a country to British visitors, among little sugar. In ancient times, the dish them Sir Charles Bell. It was Bell was not just a dessert but an entire who secured permission to conduct meal as big as a dinner plate. Today, the first expedition up the world’s seadas are found on menus throughout highest mountain peak. Sardinia. Savory versions are made with salt and parsley. Word Scramble

Who Said So? R O T Y A P I This U.S. president, with whom the Plants clipped into ornamental

buck stopped, said, “If you can’t

or artistic shapes TOPIARY

convince them, confuse them.” ANSWER: Truman Harry

ANSWER:

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 On This Date 1707 – An 8.7 magnitude earthquake Quote of the Day off the coast triggered the last recorded eruption of Mt. Fuji in Japan. “Music is the art which is most nigh to tears 1773 – American colonists calling and memory.” themselves the “Sons of Liberty” dumped 342 chests of tea into ~ Oscar Wilde, playwright Boston Harbor in protest of the Tea Act, which imposed “taxation without representation.” Happy Birthday! 1907 – The United States Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) Navy, at the order of President is considered to be one of music’s Theodore Roosevelt, sent its “Great most accomplished White Fleet” on an around-the- geniuses. Beethoven’s world tour as a demonstration of grandfather was the America’s new role as a major most accomplished world power. musician in Bonn, Give Me Liberty Germany, where he was born. His father, Which of these men was on the other hand, was a strict and often not a member of the abusive teacher, forcing Beethoven “Sons of Liberty”? to learn music from a young age. Beethoven moved to Vienna, Austria, A. Benedict Arnold and studied under Joseph Haydn, B. Paul Revere the world’s greatest composer. He became famous as a virtuoso pianist C. Sam Adams and as a masterful composer. Many of D. Thomas Jefferson Beethoven’s greatest compositions

ANSWER: D. Thomas Jefferson Thomas D. ANSWER: were written as he was going deaf.

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EDNESDAY ECEMBER W , D 16, 2020

On this day in 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty dumped hundreds of crates of tea into Boston Harbor in protest of the Tea Act and its imposition

of taxes. The incident would become known as the Boston Tea Party.

Think-tionary Only Human

caim Why are humans the A. A circle drawn or prayed around only animal on Earth a person to keep them safe with a chin? Some or scientists have argued

B. A bundle of flowers left to dry that chins help humans on the mantel throughout the chew food. The large protrusion of the

winter as a reminder of spring jaw reinforces it to help withstand the

wedding day. day. wedding their

the bride and groom on on groom and bride the pressure of chewing. Others argue

around caim a sang officiant The A. NSWER:

A that chins help us choose mates as part of sexual selection. Still others say Who Am I? that the chin is a spandrel, or a I lived with my aunt, a caretaker for feature that is simply a by-product of the sick, who inspired me to pursue a another evolutionary change. As faces career in healing. Medicine was not shortened, chins just began to jut out. an easy career choice for an African The truth is that scientists do not American at the time, but I was really know why we have them. accepted to the New England Female Medical College in 1860. Upon Buy a Vowel graduation, I became the first Black D _ S G _ _ S _ female doctor in the United States. I also wrote one of the first health care To change your appearance to

books for women and children. Who conceal your identity DISGUISE ANSWER:

Crumpler Lee Rebecca Dr. am I? ANSWER:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 On This Date 1903 – At Kitty Hawk in North Quote of the Day Carolina, the Wright Brothers “Don’t have a cow, man!” performed the first sustained flight with a motorized aircraft, to the awe ~ Bart Simpson, of five witnesses. cartoon troublemaker

Happy Birthday! Charles V. Bush (1939–2012) accomplished many 1969 – The United States Air Force firsts during his closed Project Blue Book, concluding lifetime. In 1954, that, despite thousands of UFO Bush was selected sightings, they could not confirm the by Chief Justice presence of extraterrestrial spaceships. Earl Warren as 1989 – The animated comedy the first African series The Simpsons, starring Bart American page to the Supreme Simpson and family, debuted on Fox Court. He was also the first African TV. It has since become America’s American to graduate from the U.S. longest-running sitcom. Air Force Academy. After serving as an intelligence officer during TV Trivia the Vietnam War and earning a What is the name of the Bronze Star, he attended Harvard Simpsons’ hometown? Business School. Bush would go A. Shelbyville on to work as a business executive for many companies throughout the B. Springfield coming decades, striving to improve C. Quahog diversity in both the military and the

ANSWER: B. Springfield B. ANSWER: corporate world.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Today is Clean Air Day, honoring the Clean Air Act, which was passed by the United States Congress on this day in 1963. This law was first enacted to

limit pollution by the auto industry and is now used to fight climate change.

Wild Kingdom Eye in the Sky

Researchers in the deserts of Namibia A meteorite the size of a washing in western Africa discovered a tiny machine streaked across the sky of new mammal the size of a mouse. Costa Rica last April and But what really shocked the scientists exploded into fragments. was that after a DNA test, the tiny This was no ordinary animal’s genetic makeup was less meteorite. It was a like a mouse or shrew and more like carbonaceous chondrite. Not only an elephant! The round-eared sengi did the fragments shine with colors has an elongated snout resembling an from the rainbow, but these elephant’s trunk, which it uses to meteorites are also full of organic scour the ground in search of insects. carbon molecules such as amino Scientists also compared it to an acids, some known and some antelope, thanks to its long legs and unknown on Earth, as well as tendency to sleep hidden in bushes nucleobases and sugars. Scientists rather than in a burrow. believe that carbonaceous chondrites such as this one may have crashed Whatchamacallit? into Earth billions of years ago and What do you call a group of… started life. iguanas? High Five mess bask Can you name the five longest

highways in America?

30, 3,073 miles; 5. US 50, 3,000 miles 3,000 50, US 5. miles; 3,073 30,

muster congregation MESS ANSWER:

90, 3,101 miles; 4. US US 4. miles; 3,101 90, I-

3. miles; 3,198

1. US 20, 3,365 miles; 2. US 6, 6, US 2. miles; 3,365 20, US 1. ANSWER:

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 On This Date 1719 – In Boston, Thomas Fleet Quote of the Day published his Songs for the Nursery, “Heartthrobs are a dime also known as Mother Goose’s a dozen.” Melodies for Children. ~ Brad Pitt, actor 1892 – Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The music and ballet have since become a cherished Happy Birthday! holiday tradition. Brad Pitt was born in 1963 in 1950 – The first Canadian troops Oklahoma. The movie star was arrived at the port city of Pusan, South just two credits Korea, to help counter an invasion by shy of graduating communist forces. with a degree in journalism when 1984 – A recording of Ravel’s he dropped out of “Boléro” by the Montreal Symphony college and headed Orchestra went platinum when over to Hollywood. His 100,000 copies were sold, a first for a brief role in 1991’s Thelma and Louise Canadian ensemble. (and his fiery love scene with Geena Davis) made audiences and studio executives take notice of his talents. Geography Trivia His appearance in Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It and his Earth’s longest mountain range role opposite Tom Cruise in Anne is the 65,000-kilometer-long Rice’s Interview with the Vampire mid-ocean ridge that encircles the solidified his acting credentials. globe almost entirely underwater. For 2019’s Once Upon a Time in Every ocean contains parts Hollywood, Pitt won an Oscar for of the ridge. Best Supporting Actor.

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RIDAY ECEMBER F , D 18, 2020

Today is Underdog Day. Everybody loves an underdog. Today stands as a reminder that it is possible to win, even against all the odds. This is a day to

celebrate the qualities of strength, perseverance, grit, and resilience.

Root of the Matter Garden Party

Underdog The ginkgo tree has been called a living fossil The underdog in any sort of contest because it has existed for is the competitor who has a grave 270 million years. The disadvantage and is expected to lose. tree is remarkably hardy and can Many linguists believe this term withstand heat, air pollution, salt, first referred to the losing dog in and confined spaces—and some 19th-century dog fights, but others trees even survived the atomic blast find its origins in shipbuilding. Large at Hiroshima. Ginkgoes are able to planks of wood were called dogs. live for up to 3,000 years. The tree’s These planks were laid over a pit. bark, leaves, and fruits have been One man held a saw from above, the used in traditional medicine for overdog, and another man held the centuries, and their seeds and fruits saw from the pit below, the are prized ingredients in Asian underdog. The underdog had the recipes. While most people admire dirtier job and ended up covered in the way the ginkgo’s fan-shaped sawdust and dirt. leaves turn yellow in the fall, many are repulsed by the rancid stink of Buy a Vowel their fallen fruits.

C _ P _ C _ _ _ S Punny Business

Having a lot of space inside You should wear glasses while doing CAPACIOUS

ANSWER: ANSWER: math. It improves division.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 On This Date 1732 – Using the pseudonym Quote of the Day Richard Saunders, Benjamin Franklin “Be kind whenever possible. began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack, a collection of weather It is always possible.” forecasts and amusements. ~ Dalai Lama, spiritual leader 1843 – Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol was published, selling 6,000 copies. The book inspired many Happy Birthday! to celebrate some Christmas traditions was born in 1924 and that had been long forgotten. Cicely Tyson grew up in Harlem, New York. At 1950 – As Chinese forces furthered age 18, she began a modeling career their invasion into Tibet, the and soon turned to spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled acting. Her mother, from Lhasa to the south disguised in however, did not civilian clothing. approve of acting Ghost Story and kicked her out of the house. But How many ghosts does Charles Tyson found great Dickens include in his story success as an actress on television, A Christmas Carol? in the movies, and on stage. She was always careful about the roles she chose, portraying characters of complexity, rather than chasing big paydays. Tyson has won three Emmy Awards and a Tony. In 1977,

she was inducted into the Black

Yet to Come, and the ghost of Jacob Marley Jacob of ghost the and Come, to Yet Filmmakers Hall of Fame and was Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Christmas of Ghost the Present, Christmas of Ghost awarded a Presidential Medal of

ANSWER: Four: The Ghost of Christmas Past, the the Past, Christmas of Ghost The Four: ANSWER: Freedom in 2016.

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ATURDAY ECEMBER S , D 19, 2020

On this day in 1983, FIFA’s prestigious Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from Brazilian football headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The trophy was never

recovered, and many fans believe that it was melted down into gold bars.

Mad Science The Games People Play

Australians were treated The game of curling—wherein to a vision of the future players use special brooms to move a when they glimpsed a 40-pound granite stone across an ice man flying through the air rink and into a target—has enjoyed with a jetpack over the popularity thanks to its place in the Sydney Opera House in Winter Olympics. Instead of granite July of 2019. The man was David stones, Russians have invented a sport Mayman, CEO of JetPack Aviation, where teams push a 1,500-pound car and he has been obsessed with across the ice! Car curling requires engineering a working jetpack for a driver to sit in the driver’s seat years. Mayman’s inventions operate and attempt to steer, or “curl,” the for 10 minutes and achieve speeds over careening car into a target area. Auto 120 miles per hour. The innovator does insurance agent Galina Kirkach came not want to stop with jetpacks. He is up with the game after seeing so many currently working on a hoverbike, a auto accidents on Russia’s icy roads. flying motorcycle that can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour. Mayman Word Wise believes the technology is here; we just Which word is not like the others? need society to catch up. Uluru Rock of Gibraltar Riddle Me This

Kilimanjaro El Capitan

Kenya; the others are massive monoliths. massive are others the Kenya;

What do you call a fake noodle? volcano in in volcano a is Kilimanjaro ANSWER:

impasta An : ANSWER

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 1812 – Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm first published their Grimm’s Fairy “I know. I’m lazy. But I Tales under the made myself a New Year’s name Children’s resolution that I would write and Household myself something really Tales. This first special. Which means I have edition contained till December, right?” 86 stories. ~ Tim Berners-Lee, 1880 – A mile stretch of Broadway computer scientist in New York City was brilliantly illuminated with Brush electric arc lamps, earning it the nickname the Happy Birthday! “Great White Way.” Harvey Firestone (1868–1938) was 1990 – The Berlin Wall was opened a business pioneer who to allow West Berliners to visit began his career with relatives for the holiday season. the Columbus Buggy More than 4,000 people crossed Company. In 1890, he over before the wall closed again on started making rubber January 6, 1964. tires to replace the steel rims on carriage wheels. Ten years later, he Grimm Facts realized that the budding automobile industry needed tires and founded the Which tale is not one of Grimm’s? Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. A. “Hansel and Gretel” In 1905, Henry Ford placed his first order for rubber tires and business B. “Cinderella” took off. In the coming decades,

C. “The Princess and the Pea” Firestone and Ford, along with Hans Christian Andersen. Christian Hans Thomas Edison, became the three

ANSWER: C. “The Princess and the Pea” is by by is Pea” the and Princess “The C. ANSWER: biggest names in American industry.

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UNDAY ECEMBER S , D 20, 2020

Today is Games Day, commemorating the original tabletop gaming convention held in London, England, on this day in 1975. Games of all kinds are played on

this day, including cards, dice, board, tabletop, and video games.

On This Day Gadgets & Gizmos

On this day 25 years ago, Her Majesty the Queen of England called for the “early divorce” of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Diana had recently given an interview where she spoke critically of her husband and his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. Their turbulent marriage and impending Flosstime is a mirror-mounted floss divorce were a far cry from their so- dispenser that offers an 18-inch string called “fairy-tale wedding” and of floss at the push of a button. The “wedding of the century” on July 29, machine lights up for 90 seconds, the 1981. The Queen promised to do time it takes for effective flossing. If everything in her power to help and you forget to floss, the glowing ring support the Prince and Princess of turns from blue to orange. Flossing Wales and their children during that may become habit-forming. difficult time. Buy a Vowel Who Said So? This German thinker, known as the G _ N _ _ N _ philosopher of pessimism, said, “Just remember, once you’re over the hill, Possessing the claimed qualities,

you begin to pick up speed.” not counterfeit GENUINE ANSWER:

Schopenhauer Arthur ANSWER:

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 Today is Winter Solstice! Quote of the Day “My parents not only did it for a living, they were On This Date really good at it.” 1891 – Eighteen students in Springfield, ~ Kiefer Sutherland, Massachusetts, played the very on his actor parents first game of basketball under rules developed by chaplain James Naismith. 1898 – French scientists Marie and Happy Birthday! Pierre Curie isolated and discovered polonium and radium in a sample of Kiefer Sutherland, born in 1966, the mineral pitchblende. is a Canadian actor, producer, director, and singer-songwriter. He 1913 – The first crossword puzzle appeared in the New York World earned an Emmy newspaper. The novelty was called and other awards for a “Word-Cross” and had 32 clues. his portrayal of Jack Bauer on the FOX 1942 – The Canadian government television drama 24. added coupons for butter to ration books He has appeared in issued during the war to ensure that all a wide variety of movies, television Canadians received their fair share. shows, and theater productions. Kiefer True or False? (who is named after director Warren Kiefer) is the son of actors Donald In the original rules of basketball, Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. His players were not allowed to daughter, Sarah, is continuing in

dribble the ball.

run with or dribble the ball. the dribble or with run the family tradition of acting. She the ball from standing positions and could not not could and positions standing from ball the is known for her role as Catherine

ANSWER: True. Players were expected to pass pass to expected were Players True. ANSWER: Meyer in the television series Veep.

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ONDAY ECEMBER M , D 21, 2020

Today is the start of Yule, which begins on the winter solstice. Historically, while the Germanic Yuletide season lasted for months, the Yule festival was celebrated for three days and featured feasts and toasts to gods and kings.

Picture of the Day On This Day

On this day 50 years ago, Elvis Presley went to the Oval Office of the White House to meet President Richard Nixon. Associates of Elvis state that it was Presley’s idea to meet Nixon. Elvis wanted a badge from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. He believed that if he had that badge, he could travel to any country carrying Maybe we should put s’more logs both guns and illegal drugs. Elvis on the fire? did meet the deputy director of the bureau but did not get his badge. He Now it’s your turn to come up with then met with Nixon and asked the a funny caption. president himself for the badge, Word to the Wise which he eventually received.

The Scottish term bumfle was added Word Scramble to the dictionary to refer to an “untidy bulge, rumple, or wrinkle in a piece of B T U R I E T clothing.” You can also use it as an A statement or action adjective, bumfly, to describe a person

honoring someone

TRIBUTE who tends to wear such clothing or ANSWER: who often appears unkempt.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 On This Date 1882 – Edward H. Johnson, a Quote of the Day colleague of Thomas Edison, strung 80 small red, white, and blue “One day you’re the statue. lights on the Christmas tree in his One day you’re the pigeon.” home, becoming the first person to ~ Diane Sawyer, journalist decorate their tree with lights instead of candles. 1933 – The movie musical Flying Down to Rio, the first to pair Happy Birthday! the talents of Fred Astaire and Diane Sawyer was born in 1945 Ginger Rogers, premiered in New and was editor-in-chief of her high York City. school newspaper, foreshadowing 2016 – A study found that the her career in as a reporter. Before VSV-EBOV vaccine was effective, journalism, Sawyer worked in making it the first proven vaccine politics for President Nixon. Some against the deadly Ebola disease. even believed that she was “Deep Throat.” In 1978, Sawyer turned back to the news. She would become a pioneering female Dance Partners news anchor at both Which of these stars did not dance CBS and ABC, with Fred Astaire on film? known for her work on ABC World A. Rita Hayworth News Tonight, Good B. Cyd Charisse Morning America, 20/20, and Primetime. Sawyer has C. Dorothy Dandridge won an Emmy and a Peabody Award. D. Eleanor Powell Forbes has listed her as one of the

ANSWER: C. Dorothy Dandridge Dorothy C. ANSWER: world’s most powerful women.

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UESDAY ECEMBER T , D 22, 2020

On this day in 2016, a vaccine was proven effective against the Ebola virus, making it the first vaccine to fight the deadly disease. The immunization was

approved for use in 2019 and has since been proven to be 97.5% effective.

Think-tionary Root of the Matter

irenic Deep-six

A. Operating toward peace and If something has been deep-sixed, then reconciliation it has been ruined, destroyed, rejected, or or gotten rid of. The expression was B. Gaunt and evil, the opposite popularized during the Watergate

of cherubic scandal when incriminating evidence irenic. were actions ruler’s authoritarian

was hard to believe that the the that believe to hard was ANSWER: A. It It A. ANSWER: was deep-sixed, or destroyed. The expression originated as a nautical When Was It? term. If something was tossed

It was during this year that overboard and reached a depth of six construction began on San fathoms, it was nearly impossible to Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The retrieve. Six fathoms was also American news magazine Newsweek considered the proper depth of a burial was first published. The at sea. This is similar to the phrase six movie King Kong feet under, indicating a six-foot-deep premiered at Radio City grave under the ground. Music Hall in New

York City. U.S. President Franklin Buy a Vowel Roosevelt conducted his first “fireside S _ P _ R _ _ R chat,” and the legend of the Loch Ness

monster was born with a report in the Higher in rank or status

SUPERIOR

Inverness Courier. When was it? ANSWER:

1933 ANSWER: ANSWER:

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 On This Date 1823 – The Troy Sentinel newspaper Quote of the Day published an anonymous poem entitled “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” “I put my heart and my soul The verse is better into my work and have lost known today as my mind in the process.” “’Twas the Night ~ Vincent van Gogh, painter Before Christmas” and is attributed to Clement C. Moore. 1888 – The painter Vincent van Gogh Happy Birthday! famously cut offhis Nancy Graves (1939–1995) might left ear with a razor not be a household name, but she after getting into remains one of America’s most an argument with renowned artists. Her father worked friend and fellow at a local museum, which inspired painter Paul Gaugin. in Graves a love of nature, art, and anthropology. Some of her 1947 – The first transistor was first great works included realistic demonstrated at Bell Labs in New life-sized sculptures of camels. She Jersey. Transistors paved the way for also made artistic films of camels in the miniaturization of electronics in Morocco. Her fascination with the devices such as computers and phones. natural world influenced her work in Reindeer Games sculpture, painting, glass blowing, and Moore’s “A Visit from Saint printmaking. Her Nicholas” lists Santa’s reindeer. colorful sculptures Two were originally given Dutch of found objects names, Dunder and Blixem, won high praise in meaning “thunder” and “lightning.” the 1980s.

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EDNESDAY ECEMBER W , D 23, 2020

Today is Metric Conversion Day, commemorating the passage of the Metric Conversion Act of 1973. This act designated the metric system as the preferred

system of weights and measurements for the United States, but the customary system remains almost exclusively in use across America.

Where Am I? You Are What You Eat

I step out onto the rugged rocky terrain Germany loves its asparagus. of this Arctic wonderland. I have heard In fact, during the spring that there are almost as many polar season, vendors pop up on bears that live here as people. There roadsides all over the country are also reindeer, arctic foxes, and selling the stalky vegetable. walruses. In the distance, I can see Regions of Germany are also snow-covered mountains and glaciers. well-known for their “asparagus I could take a snowmobile ride, but I’d routes,” or roadways lined with spargel rather mush with a team of dogs over farms. Many of these farms boast the icy tundra. I will also visit the beautiful cottages or even asparagus world-famous seed vault that holds museums. Not far from Berlin is the

almost one million different varieties Brandenburg Asparagus Road. Beelitz,

Norway Svalbard, of seeds. Where am I? ANSWER: in Brandenburg, produces 50 percent of the region’s asparagus harvest and holds an asparagus festival each June. Whatchamacallit? Who Said So? What do you call a group of stingrays ? This novelist, winner of the National Book Award and Pulitzer run fever Prize, said, “The most important

squadron gang question in the world is, ‘Why is

FEVER ANSWER:

the child crying?’” Walker Alice ANSWER:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 It’s Christmas Eve! Quote of the Day “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through On This Date the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” 1818 – “Silent Night” was performed for the first time at St. Nicholas parish ~ Clement Clarke Moore church in a small Austrian village. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, and the melody was composed by Happy Birthday! Franz Gruber. The song has been Diane Tell, born in 1959, is one of recorded by numerous singers from Québec’s pioneering female singer- just about every musical genre. songwriters. The accomplished 1901 – The American postmaster musician started writing songs at the general issued an order allowing age of 12 and has toured, written, private companies to use the words composed, and recorded in Canada, Post Card rather than Private Mailing France, the U.K., and Switzerland. Card on their postcards. She wrote the score for and played the 1936 – Radiation was used to treat leading role in the disease for the first time when John musical Marilyn Lawrence used a radioactive isotope Montreuil, which was of phosphorus-32 to treat one of his performed more than leukemia patients. 300 times in Europe. Did You Know? Tell has released over 20 albums, from 1977’s Diane Tell to 2019’s Eggnog is generally only Haiku. She has a strong social media commercially available in grocery presence, including her blog, Diane stores from mid-November to early Cause Musique, which helps new January. Enjoy it while you can. musicians get started.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Today is Eggnog Day. A nog is any beverage made with beaten eggs, so the term eggnog is actually redundant. The first use of the term nog was in 1693,

denoting a particularly strong ale brewed in East Anglia, in East England.

Only Human Wild Kingdom

Blushing, or the red flushing of our In September of this faces, might be our most betraying year, a sheriff’s deputy attribute. It most often occurs in in Knoxville, Tennessee, situations where people believe they was flabbergasted to see have caused a social transgression, a tiger cross the street hence blushing’s association with and enter the woods. Officials shame and embarrassment. But contacted the local zoo, but the zoo blushing is not physiologically reported all three of its tigers safe and caused by shame. It is the result of a accounted for. A local big cat rush of adrenaline. The adrenaline sanctuary, Tiger Haven, offered to causes the capillaries that carry take the animal in when it was blood to widen. This rush of blood discovered. Authorities were quick to causes reddening of the skin in comment that the Netflix series Tiger the face, neck, and other places. King might have prompted increased While self-consciousness can cause interest in keeping the big predators as blushing, excitement can also be pets. Authorities were also quick to a culprit. remind everyone that private tiger ownership is not just dangerous but is Word Scramble still quite illegal.

M D O T R A N Riddle Me This

In a state of rest or inactivity

DORMANT

ANSWER: ANSWER: How are false teeth like stars?

night. at out come both They ANSWER:

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020

Merry Quote of the Day Christmas! “The whole world is three drinks behind. If everyone On This Date in the world would take 336 – The first recorded celebration three drinks, we would of Christmas on December 25 took have no trouble.” place in Rome. ~ Humphrey Bogart, actor 337 – Pope Julius I declared today the celebration of the Nativity, attempting to create a Christian alternative to Happy Birthday! the pagan winter solstice celebration of Saturnalia. Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957) was born into a wealthy New York 1066 – Completing the Norman family. His mother was an artistic conquest of England, William the director for a women’s magazine. Conqueror was crowned King of Bogart first achieved national fame England at Westminster Abbey. when a drawing of him as a baby 1223 – Catholic friar St. Francis was used in a national baby food ad. of Assisi assembled the first live After struggling in school, Bogart Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. joined the navy at age 17. After 1741 – Astronomer and physicist his service, he turned to acting. At Anders Celsius introduced the first, he was typecast as a villain, centigrade temperature scale. but after his turn as Sam Spade in 1941’s The Maltese Did You Know? Falcon, he became Civil War-era political cartoonist Hollywood’s most Thomas Nast is responsible for modern sought-after leading depictions of Santa Claus and created man and a legend the Republican party’s elephant. in his own right.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020

Today is Christmas. The practice of decorating with an evergreen tree dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who used the trees as

a reminder of the coming spring. Prince Albert resurrected the tradition.

Eye in the Sky Garden Party

Stargazers now know where to find The red and green foliage of the the best place on Earth to view the poinsettia has made this Central stars. The only problem is, it’s pretty American plant a mainstay darn cold on Dome Argus, on the of Christmas decorations. Antarctic Plateau halfway between John Poinsett, the first the South Pole and the eastern coast United States Minister to of Antarctica. Researchers recently Mexico, first brought the plant to declared that a telescope at Dome America in the 1820s. The plants were Argus, or Dome A, would outperform once cultivated by the Aztecs for a telescope at any other location on medicinal purposes. While many Earth. High altitude, low temperature, believe that the leaves are highly toxic, continuous darkness, and a stable poinsettias are not particularly atmosphere with weak turbulence dangerous to pets or children. Over the create ideal conditions. Of course, six weeks surrounding the Christmas any skywatching instruments would holiday, 70 million poinsettias are sold need to withstand temperatures as low in the United States. as –144° F. Who Said So? Buy a Vowel This noted anthropologist said, R _ T _ T _ _ N “What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are

Turning around on an axis ROTATION

ANSWER: ANSWER: entirely different things.”

Mead Margaret ANSWER:

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2020 Celebrate Kwanzaa! Quote of the Day “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” On This Date ~ Martin Luther King Jr. 1606 – William Shakespeare’s King Lear was first performed before the court of King James I at Happy Birthday! Whitehall, London. Charles Babbage (1791–1871) was an 1946 – The Flamingo Hotel and English mathematician, philosopher, Casino opened as Las Vegas’ first and inventor. Considered by many to luxury hotel, ushering in a new era be “the father of the computer,” the along the so-called Las Vegas Strip. polymath is credited 1950 – The Stone of Scone, a with inventing the traditional coronation stone of first mechanical British monarchs, was taken from computer. In 1824, Westminster Abbey by Scottish Babbage won the nationalist students. The Gaelic relic Gold Medal of the is on display at Edinburgh Castle. Royal Astronomical Society “for his invention of an Holiday Tradition engine for calculating mathematical Boxing Day is a public holiday in and astronomical tables.” Babbage the United Kingdom, Canada, also invented the “cow-catcher,” New Zealand, and Australia. On a metal wedge-shaped device that this day in the Middle Ages, churches attached to the front of trains. In opened alms boxes in which people 1839, he helped set up the modern had placed money and distributed postal system, recommending the the donations to the poor. use of uniform postal rates.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2020

Today is Boxing Day. In England, the holiday is associated with giving alms. The aristocracy had traditionally enjoyed another sport on this holiday: fox

hunting. Boxing Day hunts are still conducted across Britain despite laws enacted to ban the practice, which many consider a form of animal cruelty.

Gadgets & Gizmos The Games People Play

The Mind card game is a game where players are expected to work together without speaking, maybe even by using mental telepathy. Cards are marked 1–100. In each round, without communicating, players must attempt to play cards from their hand in

ascending order. The first level deals just one card to each player. The The Oblio charging station also second level deals two cards, and so sanitizes your smartphone with UV on. Turns proceed in any order, LED light. The wireless bucket uses depending on who believes they ionizer technology to clean your have the next numbered card. If a device of bacteria, viruses, and germs card is played out of order, one of a in 20 minutes. The sleek design gets limited number of the player’s “lives” high marks from shoppers. is expended.

Word Scramble Punny Business N E R C I G I put a high-voltage fence around

my house. My neighbor is To recoil in fear or disgust

CRINGE ANSWER: dead against it.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 On This Date 537 AD – The Hagia Sophia, at the Quote of the Day time the world’s largest building and a marvel of engineering, was “It’s the friends you can call inaugurated by Emperor Justinian I up at 4 a.m. that matter.” as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. ~ Marlene Dietrich, actress

Happy Birthday! 1932 – Radio City Music Hall, designed Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992), as to bring world-class entertainment a young girl in Germany, hoped to to everyday people, opened in become a professional violinist. New York City. In her late teens, 1845 – Ether anesthetic was used though, her interests for childbirth for the first time by turned to acting and Dr. Crawford Long in Jefferson, she won roles in Georgia. The patient was his wife. several films. She made German film 1947 – Buffalo Bob Smith and his history by starring character Howdy Doody were telecast in the country’s first talking picture. for the first time onPuppet Playhouse, When The Blue Angel was remade in an appearance that led to the creation English, with Dietrich playing Lola of The Howdy Doody Show. the nightclub dancer, she became a True or False? star in the United States. She became The Howdy Doody Show was the a U.S. citizen in 1939. Dietrich’s first program on the NBC network inscrutable style challenged traditional

to broadcast in color. notions of femininity, yet she became color television sets. television color one of Hollywood’s leading ladies

ANSWER: True. The show was also used to sell sell to used also was show The True. ANSWER: during the 1930s and ’40s.

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UNDAY ECEMBER S , D 27, 2020

On this day in 1831, Charles Darwin began his around-the-world expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin’s voyage lasted five years and covered 40,000

miles. While on this voyage, the naturalist formulated his theory of evolution.

What Am I? Fashion of Yesteryear

At first, I was awarded after paying During the Victorian Era, the a membership fee and perhaps corset became a staple of every making a contribution to the private well-dressed woman’s wardrobe. collection. I was more commonly During the early 19th century, men, known as a “ticket,” and if I was lost too, wore the garment. or stolen, I could create much anxiety High society men were for my holder. Later, as collections expected to look sleek and turned from private to public, fit, and so they took to membership did not require a fee, but wearing corsets. Military I was still assigned to members in men, especially those in the cavalry, order to track borrowing. If I was lost believed that the truss helped them or if borrowers were late, I could be maintain good posture while riding. used to issue a fine or penalty. These Corsets were also believed to days, like so many other things, I am protect the body if a soldier was

computerized with a bar code. What thrown from a horse. By the late

card library A am I? ANSWER: 19th century, however, men’s clothing became looser, negating

the need for a corset. Women had to Buy a Vowel wait about 50 more years.

Name Three S _ M _ L _ T _ _ N Can you name three car brands that

An imitation of a process

SIMULATION

ANSWER: ANSWER: begin with the letter S?

Subaru Suzuki, Saab, ANSWER:

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020 On This Date 1934 – The Shirley Temple film Quote of the Day Bright Eyes premiered, featuring “Any star can be devoured the musical number “On the Good by human admiration, Ship Lollipop.” sparkle by sparkle.” 1975 – The “Hail Mary” pass was born when Cowboys quarterback ~ Shirley Temple, actress Roger Staubach hurled a 50-yard desperation touchdown pass to Drew Pearson with seconds remaining to Happy Birthday! win the NFC divisional playoff game. Denzel Washington, born in 1954, 2000 – After 128 years of operation, is an actor, director, and producer. the retail giant Montgomery Ward He got his big break in the television announced that it was going out show St. Elsewhere of business. in 1982. Since then, Hail Mary the dashing movie star has dominated Who first called Roger Staubach’s the silver screen with touchdown pass a “Hail Mary”? such hits as Glory, A. Quarterback Roger Staubach Crimson Tide, American Gangster, and Training Day. He has won B. Announcer Dick Enberg three Golden Globe Awards, a Tony C. Sportscaster Curt Gowdy Award, and two Academy Awards. D. Wide Receiver Drew Pearson He and his wife have been married since 1983 and have four children. When he is not acting, Washington helps support several charitable causes, such as the Boys & Girls

a postgame interview. postgame a Clubs of America and the Nelson

ANSWER: A. Staubach himself called it that in in that it called himself Staubach A. ANSWER: Mandela Children’s Fund.

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ONDAY ECEMBER M , D 28, 2020

On this day in 1795, construction on Yonge Street began in York, Canada, which is present-day Toronto. Until 1999, the Guinness Book of World Records

maintained that Yonge Street, at 1,178 miles long, was the longest in the world.

Centennial Memories Root of the Matter

On this day 100 years ago, Off the cuff Amelia Earhart first flew in an Making a speech off the cuff means airplane. Her father took her to the that your words are unrehearsed and California State Fair’s have come completely at the spur of aerial exhibition to meet the moment. One possible origin of the famed pilot Frank this expression is from the Hawks. For 10 dollars, disposable paper cuffs and collars Hawks took Earhart on a that men wore in the late 19th 10-minute flight. That’s all it took century. Men giving speeches for Earhart to fall in love with would jot notes on the paper at their flying. “By the time I got two or wrists. These orators literally read three hundred feet off the ground,” their speeches off of their cuffs. Earhart recalled, “I knew I had to Historians argue that long after the fly.” The 23-year-old Earhart quit obsolescence of paper cuffs, men college and began working a variety were still cribbing notes from the of jobs to earn the $1,000 she cuffs of their fabric shirts. needed to take flying lessons.

Who Said So? Word Wise Which word is not like the others? This comedian, who has been making us laugh for seven decades, Gila monster leatherback

said, “I don’t have false teeth. Do Komodo dragon monitor lizards. giant are others

Leatherbacks are sea turtles; the the turtles; sea are Leatherbacks you think I’d buy teeth like these?” ANSWER: Carol Burnett Carol ANSWER:

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020 On This Date 1851 – The first Young Men’s Quote of the Day Christian Association (YMCA) in “Let the rain kiss you. / Let the America was founded in Boston at rain beat upon your head with the Old South Church. The club was silver liquid drops. / Let the opened as a place for young men to rain sing you a lullaby.” seek refuge from the hazards and sins of city life. ~ Langston Hughes, poet 1852 – Seventeen-year-old Emma Snodgrass was arrested in Boston for wearing pants, the culmination Happy Birthday! of a string of incidents and arrests Charles Macintosh (1766–1843) where she was called a “foolish girl was employed as a who goes around in virile toggery.” humble clerk, but he devoted much of 1930 – Fred Newton became the his free time to the first person to swim the length of the study of science. Mississippi River after swimming By age 20, he had its 1,826 miles over five months. quit his job to start manufacturing 1972 – The last weekly issue of Life chemicals. Most important was his magazine was published. experimentation with naphtha, a by-product of tar, and rubber. Naphtha made rubber soluble, and in this state, Macintosh was able to use rubber as Did You Know? a sort of cement to stick two bits of cloth together. This led Macintosh Life magazine began as a humor to invent the world’s first waterproof magazine in the 1880s, competing fabric. In England, raincoats are still with the satirical magazines called “Mackintoshes” in honor of Judge and Puck. this Scotsman’s invention.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020

Today is Tick Tock Day. The sound of the ticking clock reminds us that the end of the year draws near and there are only a couple of days left to finish any

unfinished business. Complete those tasks before the new year dawns!

Think-tionary You Are What You Eat

resfeber The southern dish known as Hoppin’ A. A recipe that has changed so John, a one-pot meal of black-eyed dramatically that an entirely peas, ham hock, and rice, has been new dish is created considered a New Year’s tradition since the 1800s. The dish is often or associated with the rice fields in

B. The mix of fear and excitement the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

one feels before a journey

Hoppin’ John was thought to bring night. night. last sleep hardly could

I intense so was resfeber My B. R: ANSWE good fortune in the new year. The peas represent coins. The dish Toys of Yesteryear is often eaten with collard

The cat’s cradle is one of the oldest greens, which look like money. And games in recorded human history. The cornbread is golden. Adding pork game involves creating various string or bacon is thought to add more figures by wrapping luck. And serious wishers should and looping string place a penny under the plate for over the fingers. The added wealth. name cat’s cradle was first referenced Word Scramble in 1768 by Abraham Tucker, an English philosopher. The name might R T E B N A be a corruption of the phrase cratch-

Playful, teasing conversation BANTER cradle, with cratch meaning the same ANSWER: as the French crèche, or “manger.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020 On This Date Quote of the Day 1907 – Abraham Mills, third president of the National League of “A man doesn’t know baseball, and his Mills Commission what happiness is until declared that Abner Doubleday he’s married. By then, invented baseball in Cooperstown, it’s too late.” New York, despite much evidence pointing to the story’s inaccuracy. ~ Frank Sinatra, singer 1941 – Winston Churchill gave an emotional speech to the Canadian Happy Birthday! Parliament rallying LeBron James was born in 1984 in the allies against Akron, Ohio. His father was absent “Hitler and his Nazi from his childhood, and James lived gang.” Afterward, an unstable life, so he moved in with a photographer Yousuf Karsh snapped local football coach Churchill’s famous photograph, “The who introduced him Roaring Lion.” to basketball. By high school, James – Frank Sinatra recorded “My 1968 was a nationally Way,” based on the popular French recognized star and song “Comme d’habitude,” with lyrics was heavily recruited written by Paul Anka. by NBA teams. Maybe it was fate for Did You Know? him to play for his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. James made The above picture of Winston a controversial move to the Miami Churchill is considered the Heat in 2010, where he won two breakthrough photo in Yousuf championships. He later returned to Karsh’s renowned 60-year career Cleveland and won another for his as a portrait photographer. beloved hometown team.

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EDNESDAY ECEMBER W , D 30, 2020

On this day in 1927, the first subway line in all of Asia opened in Tokyo, Japan. The Ginza Line was the idea of Japanese businessman Noritsugu Hayakawa, who saw London’s Underground railway in 1914.

Wild Kingdom Garden Party

In 2009, zoologist Arthur Anker One New Year’s tradition that is snapped a photo of a moth he popular during the Chinese New discovered in the Gran Sabana Year, and is growing in popularity region of Venezuela. He called it the abroad, is giving a gift of lucky Venezuelan poodle moth, thanks to bamboo. Interestingly, the plant is its adorably fluffy not bamboo at all, but Dracaena white body. After the sanderiana, although it resembles picture was posted on bamboo. The plant is often grown in the internet, many a decorative pot or is planted in disbelieved that it truly existed, pebbles. The number of stalks thinking it another hoax. But the corresponds to a symbolic meaning. moth was indeed real, and likely Two stalks will make you lucky in a relative of the muslin moth. love, five in wealth, seven in good The Venezuelan poodle moth is health, and so on. Four stalks never only known to be found in appear, for in China the word for Venezuela’s Canaima National “four” is close to the word for Park, the sixth-largest national park “death,” and the two are associated. in the world. Buy a Vowel What’s in a Name? _ N C _ R T _ _ N This hit singer on both the pop

and Latin pop charts was born Not known beyond doubt

UNCERTAIN ANSWER:

Edith Gormezano.Gormé Eydie ANSWER:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 It’s New Year’s Eve! Quote of the Day “To the old, long life and treasure; to the young, all health and pleasure.” On This Date ~ Ben Jonson, poet 1904 – The first New Year’s celebration was held in New York City’s Times Square, which was known then as Longacre Square. Happy Birthday! 1935 – Charles Darrow patented the John Denver (1943–1997) received board game Monopoly, although he his first guitar as a teenager. He had based his game on the Landlord’s dropped out of college to pursue a Game, a game devised by Lizzie Magie music career in New York City. to teach the principles of economics. When the group Peter, Paul and 1967 – Daredevil Evel Knievel Mary hit it big with the John Denver- crashed in his attempt to jump over penned tune “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” the Caesar’s Palace fountain on his Denver finally caught the attention of motorcycle. He was badly injured record executives. The singer recorded and hospitalized, but the stunt made four albums in two Evel Knievel a household name. years and became a “golden boy” of folk Did You Know? music, selling out The ancient Babylonians, who stadiums on tour. He lived 4,000 years ago, were the used his high profile first people to have New Year’s as an advocate for the celebrations. They even made New environment and other humanitarian Year’s resolutions. But their new causes. His “Rocky Mountain High” year began in March, not January. is the official song of Colorado.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020

Today is Hogmanay in Scotland, considered the greatest New Year’s celebration in the world. Traditions include torch processions, street parties, dancing, and the midnight singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Only Human Silver Memories

We get goosebumps when we On this day 25 years ago, the last are chilly, feel scared, or even if we Calvin and Hobbes comic strip was recall a distant memory. But why do published. Cartoonist Bill Watterson we get them? Goosebumps are felt that he had achieved everything he caused by contractions of tiny could have hoped for with the strip. muscles attached to our hairs, which Calvin and Hobbes has been called cause hairs to stand on “the last great newspaper comic” and end. These contractions even “Doonesbury for kids.” The are often prompted by six-year-old Calvin and his stuffed adrenaline, which is tiger Hobbes are beloved for their wild released when we feel imaginations and precocious creativity. cold, threatened, or emotional. At the height of the strip’s popularity, it Goosebumps are a leftover response was featured in 2,400 newspapers from when humans were covered in around the world. Its popularity has not thicker hair. When threatened, waned, with fans and academics poring adrenaline would flush our system, over the 18 Calvin and Hobbes books our hair would stand on end and even today. make us look larger and more intimidating to a foe or predator. Word Scramble

Riddle Me This M X O L M F U

How is a baseball team like a muffin? To perplex or bewilder someone

FLUMMOX ANSWER:

batter. the on depend both They ANSWER:

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