Interesting Things to Know
December 2018 calendar: Looking for something to do or visit?
1-31, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
1, World AIDS Day.
1, Chester Greenwood Day Parade. Farmington, ME. Earmuff-themed parade commemorating inventor of the earmuff. Web: franklincountymaine.org.
1 and 8, Christmas Candlelightings. Roscoe Village, Coshocton, OH. Web: roscoevillage.com
1-31, Christmas New Orleans Style. New Orleans, LA. Concerts, caroling Web: fqfi.org.
1-2, Christmas On The Prairie. Saunders County Museum, Wahoo, NE. Web: saunderscomuseum.org.
1-2, England: Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival. Rochester, Kent. Web: rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk or visitmedway.org.
1, Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Natchitoches, LA. 92nd annual. Web: natchitocheschristmas.com.
2, Advent, First Sunday. Advent includes the four Sundays before Christmas, Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16 and Dec 23 in 2018.
2, Hanukkah Begins At Sundown.
2, Christmas To Remember. Laurel, MT. 33rd annual.
2-Jan 6, 2019, Netherlands: Midwinter Horn Blowing. Midwinter horn blowing, announcing the birth of Christ, begins with Advent and continues until Epiphany, Jan 6.
2-10, Hanukkah, Festival of Lights.
5, Austria: Krampuslauf. Salzburg region. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Austrians celebrate the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run). Children are invited to throw snowballs at the devilish Krampus who punishes bad children.
6-8, Clute’s Christmas In The Park. Clute Municipal Park, Clute, TX.
6, National Miners Day.
6, Saint Nicholas Day. One of the most venerated saints of both Eastern and Western Christian churches, of whose life little is known, except that he was Bishop of Myra (in what is today Turkey) in the 4th century. He has been especially noted for his charity.
7-8, Christmas Walk And House Tour Geneva, IL. Web: genevachamber.com.
10, Nobel Prize Awards Ceremonies. Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden.
14-Jan 5, 2019, Christmas Bird Count. Web: audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count.
15-16, AKC National Championship. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Web: akc.org.
16-24, MEXICO: Posadas. A nine-day annual celebration. Processions of pilgrims knock at doors asking for shelter.
23, Community Carol Sing. Mystic, CT. Web: mysticseaport.org.
24, Christmas Eve.
24, ENGLAND: Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols: 100th Anniversary. King’s College Chapel, Cambridge University, Cambridge. Since 1918, a Christmas Eve service of carols and readings from the Bible performed by the Choir of King’s College. Web: kings.cam.ac.uk.
25, Christmas.
26, Boxing Day. Dec 26. A day when Christmas gift boxes have been expected by a postman, the lamplighter, the dustman and generally by all those functionaries who render services to the public at large, without receiving payment therefore from any individual.
28, Holy Innocents Day (Childermas). Commemoration of the massacre of children at Bethlehem, ordered by King Herod, who wanted to destroy, among them, the infant Savior. Early and medieval accounts claimed as many as 144,000 victims, but more recent writers, noting that Bethlehem was a very small town, have revised the estimates of the number of children killed to between 6 and 20.
31, First Night. Family-oriented, nonalcoholic community celebrations of the New Year-first observed in Boston, MA, in 1975.
31, Leap Second Adjustment Time. One of the times that have been favored for the addition or subtraction of a second to or from clock time (to coordinate atomic and astronomical time).
31, New Year’s Eve.
31, SCOTLAND: Hogmanay. Traditions include fireworks and torch-lit processions.
Interesting Things to Know
Unlocking Laughter: The Power of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids
If you’re an uncle, aunt, or grandparent eager to connect with a young child, mastering the knock-knock joke is a must. Children, especially those around five, find immense joy in the simplicity and predictability of a well-delivered knock-knock joke. These jokes aren’t just about causing a burst of giggles; they’re key to engaging with children in a way that lights up their brains with joy and laughter.
A 2012 study sheds light on how humor activates similar regions in the brains of adults and children. While adults have more developed centers for humor, five-year-olds are just beginning to grasp the structure of stories and jokes, including a start, middle, and end. This developmental milestone makes knock-knock jokes an ideal form of humor for them, tapping into their newfound understanding and appreciation of sequence and surprise.
The journey into humor begins even earlier than five, tracing back to the first chuckles elicited by a game of peek-a-boo. Laughter and humor comprehension are not just about the momentary joy they bring; they are integral to the development of creativity, empathy, and resilience. Publications like The Globe and Mail have highlighted these benefits, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sense of humor from a young age.
For those looking to become a favorite relative, here are a few knock-knock jokes guaranteed to delight:
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Tank.
- Tank who?
- You’re welcome.
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Howl.
- Howl who?
- Howl you know unless you open the door?
- Knock, knock.
- Who’s there?
- Boo.
- Boo who?
- Don’t cry, it’s just a joke!
These jokes are simple yet effective tools for creating moments of shared laughter and joy. They do more than entertain; they build connections, enhance understanding, and contribute to a child’s emotional and cognitive development. So next time you’re planning a visit to a young relative, arm yourself with a collection of knock-knock jokes. You’ll not only be the star of the hour but also play a role in fostering a lively sense of humor that carries lifelong benefits.
Interesting Things to Know
Harnessing Your Sixth Sense: How to Use Intuition Effectively
Intuition, often called a “sixth sense” or a hunch, is a powerful mental tool that can guide us through decisions when logic alone isn’t enough. Psychologists from York University in Toronto have explored the origins of these intuitive insights and suggest practical ways to harness them effectively.
Understanding Intuition
Intuition operates as an ability to understand something immediately without needing conscious reasoning. It allows us to make decisions quickly, especially when we have limited information but a wealth of relevant experience. This sixth sense can often seem like it comes from nowhere, yet it’s deeply rooted in our past experiences and knowledge.
Enhancing Your Intuitive Abilities
- Expand Your Knowledge Base: Intuition is stronger in fields where you have more expertise. Invest time learning and expanding your knowledge to improve your intuitive abilities, especially outside your current areas of expertise. This broader understanding sets the stage for more frequent and accurate insights.
- Take a Step Back: To cultivate intuition, engage deeply with your questions and potential answers, then take a deliberate break. Activities that fully relax and occupy your mind can refresh your cognitive processes and lead to breakthroughs when you revisit the problem.
- Trust Your Gut: Experience fuels intuition. Trust your gut feelings, especially in areas where you have deep knowledge. While intuition sometimes contradicts logical reasoning, it often points toward innovative solutions that logic might miss.
- Verify Your Insights: While intuition can lead to rapid conclusions, validating these insights with facts and data is crucial. Before acting on a gut feeling, cross-check it with reality to ensure it stands up to scrutiny. This process confirms the validity of your intuitive leaps and can prevent potential mistakes.
Intuition as a Problem-Solving Tool
Intuition isn’t about making random guesses. It’s an advanced form of cognitive processing that blends past experiences with present awareness. By fostering your intuition through learning, relaxation, trust, and verification, you can enhance your decision-making skills in both personal and professional realms.
Remember, while facts and data are crucial, there comes a point in decision-making where you must rely on intuition’s less tangible yet profoundly insightful power. Embrace it as a complementary tool that, when used wisely, can lead to more holistic and effective problem-solving.
Interesting Things to Know
Alert: Rising Social Security Scams—How to Protect Yourself
Social Security fraud is not just prevalent; it’s on a sharp rise. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, scammers defrauded Social Security beneficiaries of approximately $3 billion in 2022, an alarming 84% increase from the previous year. Awareness and vigilance are crucial in protecting yourself from these deceitful schemes. Here’s a look at some of the most notorious scams and how to respond if you suspect fraudulent activity.
1. Fake SSA Employee Calls
Be cautious if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Scammers often impersonate SSA employees to extract personal information or money. The SSA advises that you should not engage with these callers. Instead, hang up and directly contact the SSA through their official fraud prevention and reporting hotline at 800-269-0271 to verify any claims.
2. Demands for Immediate Payment
Another common scam involves an unexpected demand for money. The caller may claim you owe money due to an overpayment or as a penalty. They might even threaten legal action or penalties if you do not comply. Remember, the SSA will never threaten you or demand payment this way. Should you receive such a call, do not respond to the demands. Instead, the incident should be reported to the SSA fraud hotline.
3. Suspended Social Security Number Claims
In this scam, individuals are contacted with claims that their Social Security number has been suspended and must be reactivated by providing personal information. It’s important to understand that the SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers. Never disclose your personal or financial information in response to such claims.
These scams can be sophisticated and convincing, making it vital to stay informed and cautious. Always verify any unexpected contact through official channels, and never share personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure of the recipient’s identity. By remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to the official SSA fraud hotline, you can help protect yourself and others in your community from falling victim to these nefarious schemes.
Interesting Things to Know
Older Americans Month: Celebrating Connections that Enrich Lives
May is Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to celebrate older adults’ vital role in our communities through social, civic, and family connections. This year’s theme emphasizes the transformative power of community engagement in boosting mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Established in 1963, OAM highlights the contributions of older Americans and reinforces our collective responsibility to support and engage older adults in meaningful ways.
Expanding Connections: To enhance connections and embrace community involvement, consider these strategies:
- Explore New Passions: Engage with your community by discovering new interests. Join a social club, enroll in a class, or participate in local activities. These opportunities provide fun and the chance to meet new people.
- Give Back: Contribute to your community through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring. Such activities allow you to share your knowledge and experience, enriching your life and those around you.
- Build Relationships: Dedicate time to nurturing relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Strong relationships are foundational to emotional support and community ties.
For more insights and resources on how to participate in Older Americans Month, visit the official OAM website. You can also engage with the Administration for Community Living on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Use the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth to join the conversation and share your experiences.
This May, let’s honor the significant impact of older Americans by fostering deeper connections and community involvement, enhancing the well-being of everyone involved.
Interesting Things to Know
The Mystery of Fingerprints: Why Do We Have Them?
Fingerprints have become integral to our daily lives, from unlocking smartphones to helping detectives solve crimes. But why do humans even have fingerprints in the first place? This question has intrigued researchers, and recent studies illuminate this fascinating feature.
A 2020 study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” suggests that the unique ridges on our fingertips enhance our ability to grip and hold objects. Another study featured in the “Journal of Neuroscience,” indicates that these ridges play a role in the sensitivity of human touch, making our sense of touch more refined.
Fascinating Facts about Fingerprints:
- Shared Traits: Fingerprints aren’t exclusive to humans. Only primates and koalas share this characteristic.
- Ageless Patterns: Fingerprints remain unchanged throughout a person’s life, even as other features evolve with age.
- Natural Patterns: The unique patterns of a zebra’s stripes and a leopard’s spots form like human fingerprints.
- Early Formation: Human fingerprints begin developing around the 10th week of gestation and are fully formed by 17 weeks.
Fingerprints are not just functional; they are unique identifiers that reveal much about us. The ongoing research into why they exist continues to unveil their remarkable properties and role in human evolution.
Interesting Things to Know
The Mystical Origins of “Abracadabra”: A Journey Through Time and Magic
Imagine a neighborhood kid performing magic tricks for younger children. The kid magician might use the word “abracadabra” to amaze the crowd, unknowingly invoking a word steeped in ancient history and magic. This iconic term, which dates back more than 1,800 years, was first recorded by Quintus Serenus Sammonicus, a Roman nobleman, tutor, and medical writer.
In the second century A.D., Sammonicus wrote “Liber Medicinalis” (Book of Medicine), a medical poem in which he recommended “abracadabra” as a remedy for fever. He advised writing the word on parchment, arranging it in a downward-pointing triangle, with each subsequent line shorter than the previous one until only a single letter remained. The parchment would then be worn around the neck of the sick person. This unusual remedy was widely used, as evidenced by numerous papyrus fragments discovered over the years bearing the magic word.
Despite its ancient origins, the meaning of “abracadabra” remains a topic of debate. One theory is that it derives from the Hebrew phrase “ebrah k’dabri,” meaning “I create as I speak.” Another suggests it comes from “ha brachah dabarah,” meaning “name of the blessed.” Regardless of its exact meaning, “abracadabra” has been associated with magic and healing for centuries.
The word also found its way into modern literature. In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the forbidden killing curse “avada kedavra” is similar to “abracadabra” and translates from Aramaic as “the thing that must be destroyed.” This demonstrates how ancient and modern magic intersects, with “abracadabra” remaining an enduring symbol of the mystical and unknown.
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
