These were our first postings at the Rogers Public Library webpage blog. We have transferred there here for you convenience.
MAY 31, 2013
Food for Thought
Today in History
First Copyright Law passed, 1790, signed by George Washington, extending protection for 14 years for American writers; later extended to foreign authors as well.
Johnstown Flood anniversary; 1889; Heavy rains caused the Connemaugh River Dam to burst, resulting in 2,300 people killed and thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 800 victims were buried in a common grave unidentified. Floods have repeatedly afflicted the area, with floods of 1936 and 1977 being the more notable ones since 1889.
Genealogy Tip for today:
Want to write your family history but feel overwhelmed? A speaker at a genealogy conference once suggested that each evening, you write for about 15 minutes then stop. After a while you have accumulated a story. If you are writing your own memoirs, write down one memory at a time. Eventually you will have it all. Of course editing and re-writes are always needed. But take small bites and you will have the “whole elephant eaten” before you know it.
Birthdays today:
Birth Anniversaries:
Don Ameche, 1908-1993
Prince Rainier, 1923-2005
Walt Whitman, 1819-1892
Colin Farrell, 37, actor, b. Dublin, Ireland
Phil Keoghan, 46, television host, b. Christchurch, New Zealand
Archie Panjabi, 41, actress, b. London, England
Terry Waite, 74, Church of England envoy and Lebanon hostage, b. Cheshire, England
Word for the day:
Iota – 1. a very small quantity, jot, wit; 2. the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet.
Quote for the day:
What is valuable is not new, and what is new is not valuable.
May 30, 2013
Food for Thought
Today in HistoryTraditional Memorial Day – honors the dead with memorial tributes, especially those who have died in battle; observed as a legal holiday now on the last Monday in May.
Lincoln Memorial Dedication anniversary – The memorial is made of marble from Colorado and Tennessee and with limestone fromIndiana . It stands in West Potomac Park in Washington , DC
Genealogy Tip for today:
Ages! As we have said documents are only as good as the people who make them. You may discover that your great grandmother did not age 10 years, from census to census like your great grandfather did! Ages may not be correct on other documents as well. It is best, when trying to deduce a birth year, that you take several documents and see what answer is the most common or maybe the most plausible.
Memories do fail in all of us as we get older. So sometimes the age given wasn’t given intentionally wrong. Sometimes the younger the lady, the more accurate her age may be. On the other hand, if ‘she’ (or ‘he’) isn’t old enough to get married legally, she/he may lie about her/his age. If one is considerably older than the other, they may lie about their age so that they appear closer in age than they really are. So be careful about being adamant regarding a person’s age, and always be willing to be flexible. Use your best judgment in recording someone’s age based on all your sources of information.
Birthdays today:
-Mel Blanc birth anniversary, 1908 The greatest voice artist, Mel performed over 400 different voices in his career, but he is best known for “Loonie Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies” where we were entertained by Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweetie Pie and Road Runner. He died June 10, 1989 in L.A.
-Peter I, (a k a Peter the Great), born on this day, 1672; His primary aim was to make Russia a major power equal to the size and potential of the country. He accomplished this through education, and technology. He established printing presses and published translations of foreign books, particularly science and technology material. He simplified the Russian alphabet and introduced Arabic numerals.
Steven Gerrard, 33, soccer player
Manny Ramirez, 41, baseball player
Gale Sayers, 70, football player, (Hall of Fame)
Word for the day:
Estuary – 1. A water passage (as the mouth of a river) where the tide meets the current of the stream; 2. A drowned river mouth caused by the sinking of the land near the coast
“We hide ourselves in our music to reveal ourselves.” Jim Morrison, 1975
May 29, 2013
Food for Thought
This day in history:
From history.com:
1953, Hillary, of New Zealand , and Norgay, of Nepal , both set foot on the summit of Mt. Everest
On this day in 2005, 23-year-old Danica Patrick becomes the first female driver to take the lead in the storied Indianapolis 500.
In 1988, President Reagan made his first trip to Moscow to meet with Gorbachev and begin their fourth summit meeting. Just six months earlier, during a summit in Washington , D.C.
1848, Following approval of statehood by the territory's citizens, Wisconsin enters the Union as the 30th state.
2003, In a public ceremony held in Hollywood , city officials renamed the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Avenue --famous for its historic buildings and as a central point on the Hollywood Walk of Fame--Bob Hope Square
1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born.
Born on this day:
Patrick Henry, 1736-1799, Patriot
Bob Hope 1903-2003, Comedian
John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, U.S. President
Annette Bening, 55, actress
Eric Davis, 51, baseball player
Al Unser, Sr. 54, car racer
Lisa Whelchel, 50, actress
Quote for the day:
“Everyone excels in something in which another fails.” Publilius Syrus
“We cannot all do all things.” Vergil
Word for the day:
Kaput – 1. Ruined, done for, demolished. 2. unable to operate or continue.
Genealogy tip of the day:
If your deceased ancestor served in the U.S. armed forces [since 1900] and filed a claim for benefits, you can request to view the C-File kept on the veteran by contacting your nearest Veterans Affairs Office. Include as much relevant information as possible, especially full name, Social Security Number, and C-File number, if known.
May 28, 2013
Food for Thought
This Day in History:
World War I: U.S. troops score victory at Cantigny , 1918
World War II: Belgium surrenders unconditionally, 1940
Birthdays today:
Dionne Quintuplets, 89 - 2 of which are still living, Cecile and Annette
Rudolph Giuliani, 69, former NYC mayor
Gladys Knight, 69, singer
Christa Miller, 49, actress
Quote of the Day
“The sources of information are the springs from which democracy drinks.” Adlai Stevenson, 1956
Word for the Day
Smirch – 1. to discolor or soil; spot or smudge with or as with soot, dust, dirt, etc. 2. to sully or tarnish a person, reputation or character, disgrace; discredit; 3. a dirty mark or smear, as of soot, dust, dirt etc.; 4. a stain or blot, as on reputation.
May 23,2013
Food for Thought
Genealogy Tip for today: From neags.com (North East Alabama Genealogical Society): Look at the ages of your ancestors when they had their "first" marriage. Was their age at that "first" marriage old enough that there might have been a marriage before the marriage you think was their "first?"
Birthdays today:
Rosemary Clooney 85th birth anniversary
Douglas Fairbanks, 130th birth anniversary
Drew Carey, 52, actor
Joan Collins, 80, actress
Word for the day: Neap tide – a tide of minimum range occurring at the first and the third quarters of the moon.
Quote for the day: “Conscience is the inner voice which warns us that someone may be looking.” H. L. Mencken, 1955
Today’s Strawberry Recipe From Campbell’s Kitchens
Petit Four Berry Shortcakes
Petit Four Berry Shortcakes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, cut into 36 slices (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed according to package directions
1 container (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed or 4 cups sweetened whipped cream
2 squares (1 ounce each) semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Directions:
-Heat the oven to 400°F.
-Toss the strawberries with the sugar in a medium bowl.
-Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 3 strips along the fold marks. Cut each strip into 3 squares, and cut each square into quarters, making a total of 36 (1 1/4-inch) squares. Place the squares 1-inch apart on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
-Bake the pastries for 15 minutes or until they're golden brown. Remove the pastries from the baking sheets and cool them on wire racks.
-Split each pastry into 2 layers. Spread 1 tablespoon whipped topping on each of 36 bottom layers. Top each with 1 strawberry slice, 1 tablespoon whipped topping and a top pastry layer.
Food for Thought
Today in History
-Johnny Carson's final show, 1992. After almost 30 years as host, Johnny Carson hosted for the last time. Johnny Carson followed Steve Allen who had started the show as a local New York program. When Johnny retired, Ed McMahon his sidekick for those 30 years, and Doc Severenson, his band leader retired with him. He was followed by Jay Leno who is also now retiring.
-Strongest earthquake of the 20th century: On this day in 1960 an earthquake of the magnitude of 9.5 struck southern Chile, killing 2,000 people and leaving 2 million homeless. The earthquake was so strong that it also caused damage to Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines.
Document from the very beginning. It is much easier to do this from the start then to have to catch up, down the road. It is easier on the wallet to spread this over time, as you need it, then to have to pay out a large amount to catch up.
Birthdays today:
-Richard Wagner’s 200th birth anniversary. German composer who made radical changes in the structure of opera
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author, and creator of Sherlock Holmes; b. 154 years ago today
-Peter Nero, 79, conductor, composer, pianist
-Novak Djokovic, 26, Tennis player, b. in Belgrade
Word for the day:
Pedant: 1. a person who makes an excessive or inappropriate display of learning, 2. a person who overemphasizes rules or minor details. 3. a person who adheres rigidly to book knowledge without regard to common sense. 4. obsolete, Schoolmaster.
Quote for the day:
“Congress is so strange. A man gets up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens—and then everybody disagrees.” Boris Marshalov, 1941
Today’s Strawberry Recipe
From foodnetwork.com
Chocolate Brownie Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (18 ounces)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
White Chocolate Ganache Filling:
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 cups white chocolate chips or 12 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped
Strawberry Preserves:
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
About 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
White Chocolate Drizzle:
3 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
Lollipop sticks, optional
Directions
For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
Stir the 2 cups chocolate chips and butter in a medium bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water until the chocolate mixture is melted and smooth. Remove the bowl and set aside. The mixture may be thick.
Combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat the egg mixture using an electric mixture, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the melted chocolate mixture and beat until well blended. Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips into the batter. If the batter is very soft, chill for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the batter to firm up slightly. The batter can be prepared 1 day ahead. Let the batter stand at room temperature at least 1 hour before continuing.
Using a small cookie scoop, drop the batter in rounded tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, spacing 1 1/2-to-2-inches apart. Bake the cookies until slightly firm to touch and crackled all over tops but still soft in the center, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool the cookies on the sheets.
For the white chocolate ganache: Bring the cream to simmer over medium heat in a heavy small saucepan. Remove the pan from heat and add the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. Chill the ganache until firm enough to spread, 1 to 2 hours. The ganache can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled. Let the ganache stand at room temperature 2 hours to soften slightly before using.
For the strawberry preserves: Mix the preserves and the
lemon zest in a small bowl. Spread about 1 teaspoon ganache onto the flat side
of each cookie to within 1/4-inch of the edge. Spoon 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
strawberry preserves on the ganache side of half of the cookies. Place the
remaining cookies on top, ganache side down, to form sandwich cookies. Chill
until the ganache is firm, 15 to 20 minutes. Insert lollipop sticks into the
ganache filling, if desired
For the white chocolate drizzle: Place the white chocolate in a small bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of one side of each sandwich cookie, using a fork. Chill until the chocolate has set, about 10 minutes. The drizzle can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store airtight in the refrigerator.
May 21, 2013
Today in History
American Red Cross Founded, Anniversary. The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881. It had been started inSwitzerland , in 1864. Besides providing blood and blood products, the teach health and safety classes and act as a go between for emergency messages between American families and their military family member.
On this day in 1878 Glenn Hammond Curtiss was born in Hammondsport , NY Buffalo , NY
Genealogy Tip for today:
Boundaries change, constantly, with every war, or skirmish or acquisition and other event. Be sure to be aware of the time period you are working in. For boundaries in the US , William Dollarhide’s book “Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses 1790-1920” show state and county changes from census to census.
Birthdays today:
Janet Dalley, 69, b. 1944, author, romance novelist.
Judge Reinhold, 56, b. 1948, actor (Beverly Hills Cop)
Mr. T. 61, b. 1952, actor (Rocky III, the A-Team),
Word for the day: Afterday is the day after tomorrow.
Quote for the day:
My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.
Mitch Hedberg
Today’s Strawberry Recipe
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients:
1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
5 pkg. (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 cup Sour Cream
4 eggs
1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam
Directions:
HEAT - oven to 325°F.
LINE - 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Mix graham crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar and butter; press onto bottom of pan. Bake 10 min.
BEAT - cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust. Gently drop small spoonfuls of jam over batter; swirl with knife.
BAKE - 40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours. Use foil handles to lift cheesecake from pan before cutting to serve.
May 20, 2013
Today in History
Today is the 100th birth anniversary of William Hewlett, one of two people who founded Hewlett-Packard Company. He passed away in 2001 with an estate worth $9 billion.
Genealogy Tip for today:
Remember names can have various spellings, or be anglicanized, or translated. Names can be completely changed to another surname, including legally changed in court or not.
Birthdays today-
Ronald Prescott Reagan, 55, television host and commentator.
Bronson Pinchot, 54, actor.
Word for the day: Coalesce
-to cause to unite in one body or mass.
Quote for the day
Today’s Strawberry Recipe
Strawberry-Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
1 cup finely chopped strawberries
¼ cup finely chopped peeled avocado
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapenos
¼ teaspoon sugar
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in medium bowl; toss gently and serve.
Delicious on pork tenderloin.
Recipe from www.cookinglight.com
May 18, 2013
Genealogy DNA, part two
Continuing from my last blog...hang in there...
Last time we talked about a chromosome browser. Here is an example of one.
This graph is comparing father and son on each line, on the right. This is similar to what you will receive.
There is somewhat of a learning curve because of the terms used in the DNA science. For example: autosomal, mitochondrial, chromosome and others. ISOGG.com is a good website to study. This is an International Society for those involved in genetic genealogy. They have a tab “For Beginners” you can click on and it gives lots of helpful information. DNA 101 also lists terms that are used in this research and what they mean.
There is another organization/website that is doing testing: the Genographic Project. The National Geographic in cooperation with IBM and a foundation is providing public testing for DNA. Field researchers at 11 regional centers around the world collect DNA samples from indigenous populations. Different populations have different genetic markers, and by following them through the generations scientists are able to identify the different branches of the human diversity. Indigenous populations provide geographical and cultural context to the genetic markers in their DNA. Their primary focus aims to map historical human migration patterns by collecting and analyzing DNA samples of people from around the world. FamilyTreeDNA does that actual testing for the Genographic Project. You will receive the results (Data) from the test.
Any of these tests are easy and simple to perform. A quick swab of the inside of your cheek is all it takes. The costs range from $49 to over $600, depending on what you want done. You can start out small and upgrade over time to spread the costs out.
The Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell, has an article on Genealogy DNA that is worth the read. It explains it so that it is easy to understand and sheds more light on the various website then given here. Check out her website here. She also talks about another website, Gedmatch.com that is being revised but you can still access their front page.
May 15, 2013
Genealogy DNA
Testing for Genealogy DNA is the newest “big thing” in genealogy. It is no different then any other DNA testing; you get the same kind of results. But how the results are used in genealogy is a little different. In genealogy you upload your data and see if there are other matches (i.e. people) out there in your same tree that you don’t know about. This can bring together folks who are researching the same ancestor but are not aware of each other.
There are three organizations who are the major players: 23andme.com; FamilyTreeDNA.com; and Ancestry.com. They all do the same thing, but they do have different focuses.
23andme.com has a chromosome browser. This means you can look at your raw data in graph form, which makes a little more sense. Their primary focus, however, is for health issues in people groups, for example, the Amish.
But this is still a useful sight; more on that later. If you want to trace the male/surname line, you might find matches here because of the target groups they research. However, their gene pool at the moment is not as large as the others.
FamilyTreeDNA.com has a large database for comparison. For YDNA (male) or mtDNA (female) or even autosomal DNA (total) this is the website that will bring you the biggest results. They have a large surname testing project. This would be the place to research unless you want something more on the medical side of your line. FamilyTreeDNA does not have a browser yet, but they are working on it. For now, you can receive your raw data and for a fee, upload it at 23andme.com and look at it in their browser.
Ancestry.com is the third site that is doing genealogy DNA. This is the best place to go for matches in your tree. However, they, too, do not have a browser yet. They are also working on standardizing their terms so that you can receive your raw data and upload it else where and all the terms match. You will probably find your biggest amount of matches here. When it comes to genealogy this is probably the most exciting place as you may find others working on the same ancestor.
May 9, 2013
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
May is National Strawberry Month
May is National Strawberry Month. Strawberries are low in calories and high in Vitamin C. They contain antioxidants and may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Research indicates strawberries may help improve memory. Remember to pick up a basket of strawberries for reasons of health and taste. These easy tips will help you get those berries from the basket to the table.
-From ehow.com
Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet
Ingredients
· 2 cups fresh strawberries
· 2 cups buttermilk
· 1 cup sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Garnish: fresh mint sprigs
Preparation
1. 1. Process strawberries in a food processor or blender 30 seconds or until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Pour strawberry puree through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing with back of a spoon. Discard solids. Add buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla to puree; stir until well blended. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. 2. Pour strawberry mixture into freezer container of a 1 1/2-qt. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. (Instructions and times may vary.) Garnish, if desired.
3. 1 (16-oz.) package frozen strawberries, thawed, may be substituted.
Southern Living
MAY 2008
MAY 2008
Today’s word of the day
Specious
Specious adj. 1. Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious. “A specious argument.” 2. Deceptively attractive.
From wordthink.com
Today’s quote of the day:“The less you talk, the more you’re listened to.” – Abigail Van Buren
From eduro.com:
New Urban Word for Today
Said no one ever - Declarative phrase appearing at the end of a statement which effectively negates the meaning of the previously stated text. Essentially, the presence of this statement instructs the reader that what has been stated up to this point is a fallacy in that no one would make that statement under any circumstances, at any time (in the past, present or future) in any corner of the known universe.
From urbandictionary.com
This Day in History
Last Episode of Honeymooners airs. On this day in 1971, the last original episode of the sitcom The Honeymooners, starring Jackie Gleason as Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden, airs.
Genealogy Humor
Genealogists don’t die. They just lose their census.
Poem for Today
Poetry Is
Poetry is the thinking of my mind
Revealing my thoughts as words.
Poetry is the music of my soul
Revealing the words as song.
Poetry is the feelings of my heart
Revealing by song who I am
-swg
Revealing my thoughts as words.
Poetry is the music of my soul
Revealing the words as song.
Poetry is the feelings of my heart
Revealing by song who I am
-swg
Submitted by Ms Guinn on Thu, 2013-05-09 19:58
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