Ask a Fashion Editor: Is It Ever Okay to Wear Uggs?

When winter’s biting winds swoop in and whisper suggestively in our ears, “Put on your Uggs. Just do it,” as a fashion editor, people begin asking me what I think about the long-lasting footwear trend. Which I translate as “Can I pull my stained and stretched-out Uggs from the back of my closet and still wear them in public without looking like I stepped out of an episode of The Simple Life?” To which I *would* like to politely request “Please don’t.” Alas, the answer is more complicated than that, so here’s my ultimate take.

5 Ways to Deal With Noisy Neighbors

Block Out the Noise
If you've lived in an apartment building with neighbors on all sides, chances are you've had to deal with some unwanted noise infiltrating your home. Maybe it's the thump of bass from a set of speakers in the room above or the sound of a laugh track from the tv next door keeping you up at night. Whatever the cause, unwanted noise in your home is an annoyance that nobody should have to deal with. Luckily, there are a few ways to soundproof an apartment without having to undertake major construction projects.

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Getting A Tattoo

Let's face it: Getting a tattoo can be scary! It's not exactly a life-changing choice (as long as it's done safely), but it is one that's painful and very difficult and time-consuming to remove if you ever change your mind. So, I wanted to be sure I was doing absolutely everything by the book. When I finally decided to go for it. I reached out to three of the best tattoo artists I know for what not to do when getting your first tattoo. With their help, I finally did it, and I'm so glad I did!

These Pets Are More Excited About The Holidays Than You Are

Nala The Christmas Cat

Nala the cat is so popular that she has her own brand of cat food. She's also available for meet and greets, if you want to give her some in-person pets. Not a stranger to dressing up, here she is in her Christmas best, circa 2015. With over 4 million followers, she knows that she's got to look her best for Santa Claus, even though there's no way she's going to end up on the naughty list.

Why Do Some People Hang a Pickle on Their Christmas Tree?

We all have our Christmas traditions, but here's one perhaps you haven't heard of: The Christmas pickle.

Believe it or not, some people hang a pickle ornament from their Christmas tree. The first person or child to find the ornament gets a present. Others believe the finder will be the recipient of good fortune in the new year. However, no one seems to know where the tradition comes from.

A couple had the most Australian Christmas ever when they found a 10-foot-python in their Christmas tree

A couple in Brisbane, Australia discovered some live garland decorating their outdoor Christmas tree on Thursday. Leanne Chapman said that when she and her partner returned from work, they noticed some birds acting bizarrely on their porch. "We came home from work and there's a couple of butcher birds that visit every day and they were just kicking off on the balcony, going crazy," Chapman said. Her partner went out to take video of the birds, and was leaning on a Christmas tree to do so, when he suddenly realized the focus of the birds' fear. 

Chapman said he stepped back from the Christmas tree and realized that there was a snake wrapped around it. "It was a bit of a shock to begin with," she said. "You don't really expect to see a snake in your Christmas tree." Her partner went back inside and the two watched the snake for a few hours before it eventually slithered off later that night. "It wasn't bothered by us. It just stayed there for a good few hours as we watched it through the window." "After the initial shock wore off, it was a really beautiful snake," Chapman said. "It was actually quite nice to see it that close up because I've never seen anything like it before." 

The snake was about 10 feet long. 

Zombies: The Real Story of the Undead

From "World War Z" to "The Walking Dead" to "Shaun of the Dead" to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and countless brain-dead rip-offs, zombies  re-animated corpses with an unstoppable craving for human flesh, especially brains  have invaded pop culture like never before. For staggering, slow-moving monsters, zombies have become quite a force in the entertainment industry over the past decade.

Though George Romero's 1968 film "Night of the Living Dead" is often considered to be the original modern zombie film, the first actually appeared nearly 40 years earlier in "White Zombie," starring Béla Lugosi as an evil voodoo priest in Haiti who zombifies a beautiful young woman. In the years since, only a handful of zombie films have returned to their Haitian origins  most notably "The Serpent and the Rainbow."

Microsoft Has Some Bad News For Windows 10 Haters

Windows 10 users are plagued by ongoing problems with Windows 10 updates such as systems freezing, refusing to install if USB drives are present and even dramatic performance impacts on essential software. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that there is a large tranche of users who are refusing to make the move from Windows 7 to the Microsoft operating system flagship. According to the latest market share statistics the number of people still using Windows 7 has remained pretty static month on month. What may well surprise you is that while Windows 10 enjoyed a 44.1% share of the overall operating system market in April, Windows 7 still accounted for 36.43%. That figure hasn't moved much at all from the 36.9% in December last year.

When is the best time to online date?

As we approach Christmas season (though, I’m already starting to hear Christmas music … too soon!), I want to talk about whether there is a best time of year to do online dating or meet someone.

People ask me the same question all the time: “Is there a best time of year to do online dating?” In short, the answer is no. I would first say that the best time for you to do online dating is when you’re emotionally ready and available for it.

Sloppy gift wrapping may actually be beneficial, study shows

If you've never fully mastered the art of gift wrapping, the holidays can be a stressful time. But a new study from the University of Nevada has some welcome news for gift givers who struggle to make their presents look perfect.

What is a Pocket WiFi & How to Use It?

As technology advances so do our concerns and interests. It is important being informed about new products which could possibly make our lives better. Pocket WiFi's are one of those. Yesterday we were sending carrier pigeons; nowadays we have the gift of communication in the palm of our hands.

Thus you need to learn a few things about the Pocket WiFi. Also, you need to know how to use it, as well as their advantages and how to find the best portable internet on the market.

There's a Scientific Reason Your Hair Hurts When You Don’t Wash It

Ever notice how your hair hurts when you haven’t washed it in a few days? It’s not just you—greasy hair pain is a thing, according to dermatologists, and there’s a legit scientific reason for it.

Behind-the-scenes facts about 'Sesame Street'

Happy 50th, Sesame Street!It's hard to imagine a world without Sesame Street, but it's equally hard to believe that the beloved children's show is turning 50 this year! TV shows sometimes have the power to change the world, and Sesame Street has definitely done that. And even though the most die-hard fans may think they know everything there is to know about Big Bird and company, trust us—they don't. We got the behind-the-scenes scoop on America's longest-running children's show from Sesame Street's current executive producer, Ben Lehmann, and former cast member Emilio Delgado, who played Luis for a whopping 44 years. Here's what they had to say about the sunniest street in America.

What Are the 12 Days of Christmas?

Everyone knows to expect a partridge in a pear tree from your true love on the first day of Christmas ... But when is the first day of Christmas?

You'd think that the 12 days of Christmas would lead up to the big day—that's how countdowns work, as any year-end list would illustrate—but in Western Christianity, "Christmas" actually begins on December 25 and ends on January 5. According to liturgy, the 12 days signify the time in between the birth of Christ and the night before Epiphany, which is the day the Magi visited bearing gifts. This is also called "Twelfth Night." (Epiphany is marked in most Western Christian traditions as happening on January 6, and in some countries, the 12 days begin on December 26.)

9 signs you've shifted from frugal to cheap

There was a time when your friends admired your money-saving ways. Yet now you’re starting to work most of your friends’ and coworkers’ last generous nerve. Why?
Because you left frugal behind and are now as cheap as those yellowed greeting cards you pull from your closet for special occasions. Friends and family members know you’ve crossed the line into the cheapskate lane. But do you?

You won’t go out for a full-priced meal

It’s smart to hit lunch specials or use restaurant coupons, but when you constantly turn down invitations to dine out with others if no discount is involved, you may want to loosen your cheapskate standards.
If you’re always turning down invitations, those offers will cease, and your social circle will shrivel like the raisins you buy at the discount grocer. Try setting aside part of that money you save with all those fast food coupons so you can still splurge with friends occasionally.

You never offer to drive

If you have an old car and the seats are covered with dog hair, that could be a good reason for not offering to drive. But not wanting to burn gas driving your friends to a movie isn’t.
Yes, gas is expensive but that’s true for your friends, too. You can spare a few gallons of gas to drive next time if you schedule most of your weekly errands into one or two trips that use less gas.

You’re a stingy tipper

If you stiff the restaurant server to save money, you should just stay home next time and eat a bowl of generic cereal while pondering your bad karma. Even worse than no tip, however, is an insulting tip.
No server wants your $1 tip on a $20 check. Either cough up a 20% gratuity or stay home.

You bring your own condiments to restaurants

Yes, most Mexican restaurants typically charge too much for a dollop of sour cream. But that doesn’t mean you get to bring your own. And don’t even think about pulling a pint of guacamole out of your purse.
If you’ve dropped to this level of cheapness, cut back on the meal itself, ordering ala carte to save money so you can afford condiments and appetizers.

You’re that person always holding up the grocery line

If you quibble over a coupon’s fine print to save 25 cents while people in line glare holes into the back of your head, you may be taking coupon cutting too far.
Choose cashier battles wisely. Getting $5 off $15 may be worth annoying everyone if the coupon doesn’t ring up properly. On the other hand, if a coupon for a tiny discount isn’t working, let it go.

You cut your own hair

Okay, maybe some people are good at cutting their own hair. The thing is, you’re not one of them, so stop taking a hatchet to your head to save a relatively small amount of money every couple of months.
Instead, ask friends and coworkers for referrals to a good hair stylist or a barber with fair rates.

You take back wine after a dinner party

It’s bad enough that you brought a bottle of $5 wine to Thanksgiving dinner. But when you have the nerve to grab the unopened bottle to take home when you’re leaving, you’ve gone way past cheapskate territory.
You’re now in the land of people who never get invited to dinner again. Next time, buy a bottle of better wine on sale and leave it for the people who fed and entertained you.

You hang on to your old car way too long

It’s smart to hang on to a paid-off car so you can wring as much use out of it as possible. Yet all good things must eventually end.
If your vehicle is missing most of the trim, held together by tape and glue and is known for making mysterious noises, there’s a reason nobody takes you up on an offer to drive. Save your money for a good down payment and get a new ride, you big cheapskate.

You’re too cheap to hire movers

When you’re in your 20s and struggling to save, it makes sense to ask your friends to help you move. After all, you’ve done the same for them. There comes a time, though, when enough boxes have been moved for all concerned.

Hire a moving company next time but resist your urge to hire the cheapest. You get what you pay for, and relocating on the cheap is one move you’ll surely regret.

Shrimp and Grits

RECIPE COURTESY OF BOBBY FLAY

Level: Easy
Total: 40 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 cups water

Salt and pepper

1 cup stone-ground grits

3 tablespoons butter

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 slices bacon, chopped

4 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 cup thinly sliced scallions

1 large clove garlic, minced

Directions

Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.

Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.


Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well.

 Serve immediately.

13 Glaring Grammar Mistakes in the U.S. Constitution

In 1787, the U.S. Constitution was drafted by members of the Constitutional Convention, as led by James Madison. On September 15, 1787, as the convention wound down, a man named Jacob Shallus, who was a clerk for the Pennsylvania State Assembly, set about committing it to "final form." He did so by hand, with pen and ink, as was standard for the time. Shallus did a "fine job" inscribing the more than 4,000 words across four large sheets of parchment paper, as the National Archives states, but that's not to say Shallus didn't make errors, or that further errors weren't made by others who had a hand in its signing and amendment. Some were substantive. Some were grammatical. Some may or may not involve a little of both:

Rambling on about a whole lot of nothing

I ramble on about some YouTube video's and I also recommend some binge worthy YouTube video's to subscribe to see some links below.

YouTube channel My channel

The Food Ranger  Exploring with Josh  The Proper People  Max Mcfarlin  Call me Kevin  Freakin Reviews 

There many others and you can check them all out if you go to my channel

Check out this episode!

What To Do When Your S.O. Has To Have The Last Word During Arguments

You know the type: the person who just can’t walk away from an argument unless they’ve had the last word, proving once and for all that they’re right and you’re wrong. When you’re in a relationship with someone like that, it can make any dispute needlessly long, frustrating and unproductive. 
“Partners who seek to win against their mate may end up ‘winning’ the battle and losing the war by destroying their relationship connection,” said Kurt Smith, a therapist in Roseville, California, who specializes in counseling men. “Conversations and arguments shouldn’t be a competition.”
I asked relationship experts to explain why some partners fall into this bad habit and how to deal if it’s hurting your relationship. 

What It Means When Someone Has To Have The Last Word

It may be helpful to first understand why some people are hell bent on having the last word and what it might say about them. Here are a few common explanations, according to experts: 

Things You Can Do With a Jack-O-Lantern After Halloween

Save The Seeds For Planting
If you have a jack-o-lantern that's fully intact (perhaps you drew on the face instead of carving), you can take advantage of the guts once Halloween is over. Scrape out the seeds, wash them, towel dry and then store them in a brown paper bag for a month. After a month, discard any seeds that show signs of rot or mold, then label your good seeds and store them in a dark, cool place until spring rolls around and you can plant them. Get in the spirit of fall with these pumpkin spice goodies.
Compost It
Toss that jack-o-lantern in your compost pile if you're using a heap method to compost. For more delicate composting, be sure to cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces first. Highlight autumn's freshest hues on white, orange or pale green pumpkins.
Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder
DIY your own bird feeder by simply filling up your old jack-o-lantern with a layer of bird feed. Place it in the yard where you'll get a good vantage point of the birds coming and going. You can also hang the pumpkin, carving out a large section of the back of the pumpkin to see the birds eating. Check out these 20 jack-o-lantern ideas that'll make you wish you had a bigger porch.
Save Them to Make Pumpkin Snowmen
If snow is around the corner in your part of the country, why not save your pumpkins and reuse them as heads for your snowmen?
Try a Pumpkin Cannon
You're not the only one wondering what to do with your leftover jack-o-lantern! See if there's a local pumpkin cannon party in your neck of the woods and plan to show up and shoot your JOL through the sky! You could also build your own pumpkin catapult or trebuchet.
Have a Pumpkin Smashing Party
Another fun way to use your jack-o-lantern is to host a pumpkin smashing party. It's a great excuse to get friends together and have a little outdoor fun in the fall. Ask your guests to bring their old pumpkins over and something to damage it with: slingshot, hammer, broomstick etc. 
Make a Pumpkin Flower Planter
Hollow out a jack-o-lantern that wasn't carved and transform it into a festive fall flower pot. You can also put a whole plant in the pumpkin, then place the pumpkin in the ground. The pumpkin will deteriorate in the ground, fertilizing the plant as it breaks down.
Make Pumpkin Potpourri
Fill your house with the smell of pumpkin pie by using your leftover pumpkin as indoor potpourri. If it's not already carved, add some vents once you've hollowed it out, then burn a candle inside once you've rubbed spices in the lid.
Feed Wildlife
Do you live in an area with an active wildlife population? Make use of your old jack-o-lantern by bringing it into the woods or to the edge of your lawn, away from the road, and allow deer, raccoons, squirrels and other animals to eat it the pumpkin. 
Make a Thanksgiving Tablescape

Pumpkins aren't just for Halloween! Keep a pumpkin or two around and add them into your tablescape for Thanksgiving. Add candles, pine cones and leaves for a beautiful setting. To make sure the day goes smoothly, here are 12 must-haves for a successful Thanksgiving.

Totally useless information

After my long absence, I talked about some useless information that you might want to hear or you might not. I did mention a few articles I have written in my blog which you can read it here at my Wordpress I also list a few binge worthy YouTube channels to subscribe to.

Check out this episode!

Here’s Why People Love Eating Chicken Feet

Most Americans are missing out on this tasty forgotten part of the chicken , chicken feet.

14 ways to become a more interesting person

Even the briefest lull in a conversation can prompt some people to wonder: "Am I boring?"
The honest answer is that you're probably perfectly fascinating, but you can always become more so. It's a question of collecting new skills, knowledge, and experiences and learning how to share them with others.
Over on Quora, dozens of people have answered the question, "How do I become a more interesting person?" with creative insights based on their own experience. I sifted through their responses and pinpointed the most practical advice.

Read on for ways to leave every social gathering feeling confident that you captured people's interest and won their admiration.

Toxic towns you still can't live in

These abandoned communities are seriously hazardous 
Dangerously unfit for human habitation, a number of settlements around the world remain strictly off-limits, ranging from once-thriving cities contaminated with radiation to desolate villages riddled with asbestos, anthrax and explosives. Grab your hazmat suit and let's take a tour of 10 of the world's most toxic towns.

10 things you need to replace way more often than you probably do

• There are a lot of items you use every day that you may not be replacing often enough.
• The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Mascara lasts two to three months, or until it looks clumpy and develops an unusual odor.
• Bras can lose their elasticity and shape after six months of heavy wear.

Surprising Things the U.S. Government Knows About You

In 1967, Stephen Stills sang the words "Paranoia strikes deep, Into your life it will creep," in the hit song "For What It's Worth," which he penned for the band Buffalo Springfield. More than 50 years later, it's no stretch to feel the same sentiment when considering how much information is readily available about practically everyone on the planet. Somewhere there is documentation of things even (especially!) your mother doesn't know from where you drove when you were supposed to be at work or school, to the image depicted in that cheeky little tattoo that seemed like such a great idea at the time.

How to Wash Your Pillows the Right Way

People often overlook cleaning their pillows, but it's not something you should skip. You shouldn't forget to clean these other everyday items you don't wash nearly enough, either. Not only do pillows collect dust, but bacteria as well, according to Michael Silva-Nash, the Executive Vice President of Molly Maid of Arkansas, a Neighborly company. Removing these unpleasant odors is as simple as washing your pillows. Here are pro tips on how to wash pillows the right way.

23 Grossest Things in Your House You’ve Never Bothered to Clean

Refrigerator

Spend 30 minutes on these simple maintenance steps to keep your fridge running in tip top shape. It's hard to believe, but six simple maintenance steps will prevent almost 100 percent of refrigerator breakdowns and eliminate those service calls. Take these steps and you can forget about spoiled food, lost time waiting for repair people and shelling out $70 an hour plus parts for the repair itself. In this story, I'll show you how to keep your fridge humming and trouble-free. And we'll also tell you what to check if a problem does occur.

Why Do We Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day and Other Fake Holidays?

Got plans for September 19, 2019? You do now: It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! So prepare your timbers to be shivered and wait… what? Is this seriously a holiday? What is this all about? And why, exactly, is there a formal holiday for not just pirates but for talking like pirates? You have questions. I have (weird) answers.

25 biggest retail boycotts of all time

Market Forces: Ordinary people can often feel powerless to do good through individual actions. That's where community organizing tactics such as labor strikes and consumer boycotts  including the recent boycott against fitness companies Equinox and SoulCycle  can come in, with citizens applying economic pressure against organizations perpetuating injustices by refusing to buy their products or services. Many boycotts fizzle out with little effect, while others get results by stopping the problematic behavior or simply calling attention to an underlying issue.

Click ahead to see some of the most powerful boycotts in history, some long gone and others still ongoing.

Today in history August 27

1776: The battle of Brooklyn
During the American Revolution, British forces under General William Howe and his brother, Admiral Richard Viscount Howe, defeat Patriot forces under General George Washington at the Battle of Brooklyn in New York, also known as the Battle of Long Island.

Neon eye shadow has never been more popular, but is it safe?

This article is long, instead of duplicating this article twice READ 

Things Only People Who Lived in the 1970s Will Remember

Here’s one thing everybody who was alive during the 1970s can agree on: The entire decade still feels like it only happened yesterday. Seriously, how can the ’70s be four decades ago? It’s just not possible that the era ruled by bell bottom jeans and 8-track cassettes was nearly half a century ago. For those of us who lived through it, and survived that groovy and perilous time it will forever be a part of our souls. Here are things that, if you were alive during the 1970s, you probably still remember. (And chances are, you’re also still shocked that those born in the ’80s, ’90, and gulp, the 2000s don’t.)

Sausage bread (Sausage-ppang: 소세지빵)

Here’s What Chicory Is, And Why It’s In Your Coffee

If you’ve ever had the experience of drinking chicory coffee (and chances are, you were in New Orleans when you drank it), you might’ve had to wonder just exactly what chicory even is. For the record, chicory is this pretty flowering plant.

What you should teach your child about bullying

From insults hurled on the playground to nasty rumors spread on social media, bullying continues to be a pervasive issue that seems to grow worse as time goes on.  Many layers add to the difficulty in addressing it: a child too afraid to report it, a teacher failing to take reports seriously, parents not knowing what to do,  these can result in severe consequences down the line. 

Below is a guide for parents to identify, address, and solve issues surrounding bullying.

Wild Boars Are Besieging European Cities

Europe is experiencing a hot boar summer. Why? For one thing, it’s crazy hot there, the kind of heat wave that necessitates kiddie pools under tables at restaurants. For another, wild boars are reportedly ransacking the Continent.

Wild shoe designs that you have to see to believe

• The "ugly shoe"trend has been popular since 2018.
• Now, major retailers like Fashion Nova, Nordstrom, and ModCloth are selling wild footwear online.
• Not only can you purchase heels that look like pianos, but you can also find sneakers with built-in socks.

Wild shoe designs have been rising in popularity amongst celebrities in recent years. Miley Cyrus, for example, wore heels shaped like her initials to the 2019 Grammy Awards, while Cardi B donned sneakers that created an optical illusion months earlier.

But, as is the case with most fashion trends, there’s much debate over whether or not these "ugly" shoes are stylish – some called for the trend to end in 2018, while others were in search of standout kicks ahead of Coachella in April 2019.

Still, the trend lives on today, with many major retailers making and selling unconventional shoe designs. Below, check out some of the most eye-catching shoes you can currently find online.

Delta Aquarids, Perseids: How To Watch Meteor Showers In Texas

Summer meteor showers are firing up, yielding nature’s spectacle of lights high up in the night sky. And the show’s something of a double feature running through August, with the Perseid meteor shower overlapping with the Delta Aquarids.

 The problem is finding a dark-enough spot in which to watch the celestial show. Enter the Texas Parks & Wildlife to list some of the best place in Texas to watch and marvel.

To extend the show analogy further, think of the Delta Aquarid as the dress rehearsal to the highly anticipated, main feature that is the Perseid meteor shower for which sky-watching parties are being organized across the landscape below.

Both showers overlap in early August, and both events are already active. The Delta Aquarids, which officially started July 12 and run through Aug. 23, favor the Southern Hemisphere, but the show is still visible from mid-northern latitudes. Both peak here around Sunday, July 28, producing some 10 to 20 meteors an hour. What's more, the approaching new moon on July 31-Aug. 1, will make for optimum viewing conditions. 

 The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn, regardless of time zone.

If the meteor showers are the show, the sky is the screen. Unfortunately, some of those heavenly screens are better suited to project the action than others. Texas Parks & Wildlife officials report that night skies are fading as natural darkness disappears: "An estimated 80 percent of Americans have never seen the Milky Way," state parks officials wrote on their website. The culprit: The growing glow of artificial lights.

But there's an effective workaround. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has partnered with the McDonald Observatory, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and local astronomy groups to promote stargazing in our state parks.

 "We hope to raise awareness of preserving night skies with star parties, self-guided constellation tours and light pollution education programs," officials wrote. "In addition, we are reviewing our own lighting, and making changes to protect the night skies over our parks."

Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Copper Breaks and South Llano River state parks are IDA Dark Sky Parks, while Devils River is an IDA Dark Sky Sanctuary, officials noted.

 Through the showers' run, The Perseids, which began July 17 and last through Aug. 24, will likely produce about 10-15 visible meteors per hour because the moon will be very close to full during the peak dates, from around Aug.11-13. For optimum effect officials at Earthsky advise star-gazers to start watching for the Perseids in the pre-dawn hours from Friday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 11. On those dates, there will be more moon-free viewing time than during the peak dates, astronomers noted.

It's a summertime favorite that shouldn't be missed. Texas Parks & Wildlife officials have listed some of the best places to fix one's gaze heavenward, and enjoy the show. For good measures, we've included star-watching parties beyond the meteor matinee through year's end.

 JULY 2019
July 31: New Moon Stargazing. Join Ranger Pick for a night of stargazing, stories, and planetary exploration. Visitors are welcome to bring their own binoculars and telescopes, but it is not required. Be sure to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, snacks and Something to sit on. Location: Huntsville State Park, Old Equestrian stables. Time: 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is a single occurrence of a repeating event. View all dates. Map & directions. Contact: Ted Pick at (936) 355 - 9275 or ted.pick@tpwd.texas.gov

AUGUST 2019
Aug. 1: Hike-In Star Party. Take a 1/4-mile night hike to a star viewing area. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on (something you don't mind carrying down a trail). Take a walk on the starry side on the darkest night of the month. Meet up in the parking lot at Palmetto State Park's historic CCC Refectory. Participants will walk approximately 1/4 mile of trail to the viewing location and then back again. Please bring a flashlight, a telescope if you have one and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on (something you don't mind carrying down a trail with you). The group will walk to the long boardwalk on the Mesquite Flats trail and view the stars through a telescope. This program is free with regular admission to the park. ($3.00 for adults, children under 13 are free). Location: Palmetto State Park. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Liz Palfini at (830) 672-3266 or liz.palfini@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.

Aug. 3: Star party. Join rangers as they guide explorations of the night sky with telescopes while sharing stories about the stars. No flashlights allowed, only red lights to protect night vision. Staff will be able to loan out red light filters for flashlights on a limited basis. Follow signs for parking once you arrive in the park and we will be set up near the Nature Center parking lot. Location: Fort Parker State Park. Time 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Amanda Zumwalt (254) 562-5751 or via email at amanda.zumwalt@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.

Aug. 3: Starrytelling. This will be a night under the stars at Copper Breaks State Park, which is designated as an International Dark Sky. Participants will take a closer look at some of the constellations, what they mean to us and the stories behind them. This program subject to cancellation depending on weather. Participants should bring a camp chair, and dress for the weather. Contact the park office for more information at (940) 839-4331. Location: Big Pond Campground. Time: 8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Event is free with park entrance fee. Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.

Aug. 3: Stargazing the Texas Night Sky. Observe stars, planets and constellation through the park telescopes while learning about constellations and basic astronomy. This is a come and go event. Come by any time between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Location: Lone Star Amphitheater in Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX, 76067. Time: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The program is free with paid park entrance fee or a State Park Pass. Contact: David Owens(940) 328-1171 ext 227 or david.owens@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.

Aug. 3: Starry Night. Dress for the weather, bring water, bring camp chairs or blankets for sky viewing. Meet at the the Wolfberry Day Use Area, park with headlights away from central. No fee for this program. Regular park entrance fee applies ($8 per adult, kids 12 and under are free). You can reserve your day pass and even print it ahead of time by clicking here. You can also read details on Facebook. Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Time: 9:30 p.m. Contact: Lindsay Pannell at (806) 488-2227, extension 2067 or lindsay.pannell@tpwd.texas.gov. This is a single occurrence of a repeating event. View all dates. Get map & directions.

Aug. 4: Starry-Eyed and Star-Crossed. Learn about stars through storytelling. Participants will create star maps and learn to navigate the skies. Then, those participating will act out stories of constellations seen from the park, including: a starry-eyed story, a star-crossed story, and the story of our stars. After that, participants will name their own constellations and discover how we are all stars. Participants should bring their own water, weather-appropriate clothing, blankets/pillows, chairs and red flashlights/light pens. Park programs are open to the public and free with park entrance fee ($5 per persons ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are always free! Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.). No need to register -- just show up!Location: Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit. Time: 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Bianca Banda at (903) 395- 3100 or via email at bianca.banda@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.

Aug. 10: Perseids Meteor Shower 2019. The Group Primitive Camping area has been reserved for this annual event. Attendees should bring something comfortable to sit on, some snacks and some bug spray. Then, just relax and look upward for the celestial show. Pre-registration is not required but those wishing to attend are asked to fill out a Self Pay Envelope and write "Star gazing" so they know who is attending. Fees have been waived for this event from 8 p.m. until 9:45 p.m. "...so please feel free to come out for a relaxing evening watching the stars," officials said. Please remember the park gates close at 10 p.m. Location: Lake Tawakoni State. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Maria Shipley(903) 560-7123maria.shipley@tpwd.texas.gov. Get parkmap & directions.


CELESTIAL PRIMER
The Perseids radiate from the constellation Perseus, named after the hero Perseus in Greek mythology, near the famous Double Cluster. The constellation is found in the northern sky and is one of the largest. Finding the radiant point for the Perseids isn’t necessary because they fly in all parts of the sky.
The Delta Aquarids,when traced backward, appear to radiate from a point in front of the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer, which arcs across the southern sky in North America. The radiant point for the Delta Aquarids nearly aligns with the star Skat (Delta Aquarii), for which the shower is named.
For both showers, find a dark, open sky. Be patient. It’ll take your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and set aside at least an hour to view them. They can come in spurts, and there can be a lull between shooting stars. Bring along a blanket or reclining lawn chair and settle in to enjoy the show.

Stop saying this to single people

You might have the best intentions when speaking to people about their single lives. But certain things you say can annoy or even hurt them. So for the sake of your single friends and loved ones, here are things you need to stop saying to single people, coming from one

Here’s Why You Shouldn't Use an Electric Fan in Summer to Keep Cool

Everyone knows that an air-conditioned home is one of the ultimate respites from sweltering summer heat. However, for those unlucky souls among us who live without the benefit of central air, staying cool when the mercury rises is a much more difficult feat.

Gone Home Walk through part 1

Visit Wordpress for today's blog post

The post is long and I didn't want to double post read today's blog at Wordpress Blog

How well do you remember 1999?

Simple math reminds us that 1999 was only two decades ago. But, if we’re honest, it simultaneously seems so much closer and so much farther away than that. On the one hand, the advent of technology, makes ‘99 feel light-years away (remember, in 1999 the internet was just truly beginning, while today most of us carry it around in our pockets).

There is a lot of nostalgia for 1999, especially among millennia’s, for whom it marks the end of the “good old days.” There’s also no denying that much of what came out of the ‘90s had a major effect on pop culture and society as a whole. The music, style, and breaking news of that decade continue to inform and inspire.

To see just how well you remember the last year of the 20th century, Stacker rounded up some of the biggest events of 1999, from the Y2K scare and President Bill Clinton’s acquittal on two articles of impeachment to the premiere of "SpongeBob Square Pants" and Pokémon fever. Using data from various sources I’ve created a unique list of political, cultural, and technological occurrences and achievements as well as year-defining statistics and memorable incidents
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Read on to test your knowledge and find out how well you truly remember 1999.

Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Yield 8 pancakes
Time 30 minutes

Japanese soufflé pancakes start with the same ingredients as American varieties namely, eggs, flour and milk  but they tower above traditional diner versions thanks to the addition of extra egg whites. A meringue mixture is beaten to stiff peaks, then folded into the batter, which cooks directly in metal pastry rings to help the pancakes attain their distinctive height. The key is to cook the batter at a very low temperature. If your stove has a small burner, or an especially low heat setting, use it here to create these custardy pancakes, worthy of breakfast, an afternoon snack or even dessert.

Who Is Wednesday Named For?

Where did the name Wednesday come from?
Surprise, surprise … Wednesday Addams wasn’t the originator of the name. In fact, the name Wednesday actually derives from two mighty but distinct gods. The Old English word for Wednesdayindicates that the day was named for the Germanic god Woden. In Romance languages, the name is derived from the Roman god Mercury. (For example, Wednesday is mercredi in French and miercuri in Romanian.)

Woden (also known as Odin) and Mercury have  been associated since Scandinavian and Roman cultures crossed paths. Under Woden’s supervision, the earth and sky were created from the dead body of a giant named Ymir. Woden also created the first man and woman from an ash tree and an alder. As if fashioning the human race wasn’t enough, Woden also established the laws of the universe.

The Surprising Reasons Why Animals Play Dead

Fight or flight are cited as the two most common responses animals have to immediate threats. But there’s a third reaction that will seem familiar to anyone who’s seen a "dead" possum spring to life: In the face of danger, some animals will enter a tonic state as a last-ditch shot at survival. Assuming a vulnerable, motionless position may seem like the worst way to get out of an emergency situation intact, but "playing dead" can be a life-saving behavior.

You Can Get a Custom Game of Thrones Pet Portrait that Puts Your Dog on the Iron Throne

Game of Thrones’ Battle of Winterfell has come to a (distractingly dark) end, and now it is time to fight for who will sit on the Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms.