Cancer

Emotional, intuitive, and practically psychic; ruled by the moon and characterized by the crab, Cancer has so much going on in its watery depths. Cancer signs may seem prickly and standoffish at first meeting, once they make the decision to become friends with someone, that person has a friend for life.

Most Cancer signs have been called psychic at some point, and with good reason—Cancer can often intuit relationships, ideas, and motivations before anyone has actually spoken. That can make for challenging interactions with this sign—Cancer hates small talk, especially when it contains white lies (like saying, “How nice to see you!” when it’s clear that both parties would rather avoid each other). That’s why social gatherings can be overwhelming for Cancers. They’d much rather spend time in small groups where everyone is on the same page.

In romance, Cancer is a giving and generous lover and expects the same in return. The Crab is above mind games and hates the thrill of the chase—if you love someone, why not say it now? It’s not uncommon for Cancer to fall into committed love after just a few days or weeks, and even though that decision is sudden, it can easily last a lifetime. Cancers tends to be happiest when they’re part of a pair, and the best relationship brings out their greatest traits. But even though a Cancer thrives in a duo, he or she also has an independent streak, and needs plenty of time to do things solo. This sign has an active internal life, and is often are happy living in the realm of imagination. Sometimes Cancers need help from one of the more grounded signs to make their dreams a reality.

Cancer loves creating and needs some type of creative outlet, whether it’s painting, writing, or even just reading. Cancer also loves connecting to a higher power, and may find comfort in religion or spiritual practices. And even though Crabs can be intense, they also have a funny side with a wry sense of humor, and they’re adept at observing and mimicking people around them.

Finally, Cancer is incredibly loyal, sometimes to a fault. Cancers will go to the ends of the earth and even against their own beliefs to help someone they love. Learning how to step up for what they believe in—even if it means turning down or against a friend—is a lifelong lesson for Cancer. As the emotional heart of the Zodiac, this sign teaches everyone else that, while there’s so much in life that we may not be able to see, we should still pay attention to the unseen because it does exist—and we do need it!

Cancer’s Love Style

Sensual, passionate, and super in tune with their bodies, Cancers are highly attuned to love and physical sensation—as long as they can trust enough to let down their barriers and allow another person into their world.

Cancer Friendship Style

Cancers may turn down the first invite you give them. They may even turn down the fifth. But once they finally say yes, know that you may have found a real friend. While Cancers, like their spirit animal the Crab, are known for their thick outer shell, trust that the standoffishness is all an act.

Cancer Career, Money & Success Traits

Cancer’s greatest career strength: Intuition. Affiliated with Artemis, goddess of the hunt, Cancer knows which way the wind will blow, work-wise, before there’s a memo or email.

Cancer’s Greatest Gifts

With off-the-charts emotional intelligence, Cancer quickly cuts through the BS and noise to the heart of an issue. Crabs don’t need all the facts and figures to know the right course of action, and their ability to trust intuition without judgment can aid them well. This gift is one that other Zodiac signs can learn from and be inspired by.

Famous People Born Under Cancer:

Know-It-Alls: Trivia Tuesday

Today’s category is America—Then & Now

How much does the Washington Monument in DC weigh?

What is the length and width of a dollar bill?

How many windows are there on the 102 -story empire State Building?

On the reverse of the $100 bill, what time is shown on the Independence Hall clock?

Where are the only remaining free-roaming panthers in North America?

What’s on the flip side of the Susan B. Anthony $1 coin?

Mistletoe is the state flower of which US state?

How much does the Liberty Bell weigh?

How many islands compose the Hawaiian Islands?

How much does it cost the government to produce a quarter?

How much does the Plymouth Rock weigh?

How many crayons does the average American child wear down in his or her coloring lifetime? (ages 2 to 8)

Where are the oldest church bells in the United States?

What is the most frequently stolen street sign in New York City?

What major vegetable crop was grown in Beverly Hills, California, before it became the home to the rich and famous?

Whose body was the first to lie in state in the rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, DC?

What did Thomas Jefferson smuggle out of Italy in 1784 to help boost America’s post-Revolution economy?

How many chests of tea were dumped overboard at the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773?

What triggered the legendary feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys in 1873?

What is the second most visited house in America? (the White House is the first)

The US bought the Virgin Islands for $25 million in 1917 from what country?

In an effort to avoid recapture, how did convicted robber Robert Alan Litchfield change his features after his 1989 escape from Fort Leavenworth?

How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?

How many signers went on to become US Presidents?

Where is the Superman Museum located?

What state capital was originally called Pig’s Eye?

What is Mary E. Suratt’s significance in US History?

Where were the Library of Congress’s original copies of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence kept during WWII?

ANSWERS

90,854 tons

6.14 inches by 2.61 inches

6,000

4:10

In southern Florida. In the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp

An eagle landing on the moon, commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969.

Rhode Island

2,080

132—8 major islands and 124 islets

2 ½ cents

Approximately 4 tons

730, according to the Crayola folks

In Boston’s Old North Church. They were made in England in 1744 and shipped to Boston.

Hooker Place

Lima beans

Senator Henry Clay’s.  He died in 1852.

2 sacks of an improved strain of rice-despite a ban on its export from Italy.

342

The alleged theft of a pig.

Graceland—Elvis Presley’s mansion.

Denmark

He underwent plastic surgery to look like actor Robert DeNiro.

56

2

In Metropolis, Illinois

St. Paul, Minnesota

She was the first woman executed by hanging for her part in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

How did you do?

The Patriot

The Patriot is one of my all-time favorite movies, and since today is July 4th, let’s play a game! There are thirteen trivia questions in honor of the original 13 colonies. Let’s begin! 

Who plays Benjamin Martin?

Who plays Gabriel Martin?

How many children does Benjamin Martin have in the beginning of the movie?

What did Gabriel do to Anne when he was a child?

Which of Benjamin’s sons dies at their farm after being shot by Colonel Tavington?

Which country promises to help the Americans?

What breed of dogs do Benjamin and his militia steal from a British carriage?

How many of Benjamin’s men do General Cornwallis’s troops capture?

When John Billings finds his wife and son dead, what does he do?

Who kills Gabriel?

What color eyes did Frenchman Jean Villineuve’s children have?

When Tavington says that Benjamin was not the better man, who does Benjamin say was?

Does Benjamin die in the end?

Here are the answers…how did you do?

Mel Gibson

Heath Ledger

7

He got ink on her teeth

Thomas

France

Great Danes

 18

Kills himself

Colonel Tavington

Green

His sons

No

Know-It-Alls: Trivia Tuesday

Today’s category is TELEVISION.

What are the names of the 2 old codgers who wisecrack from their box seats on The Muppet Show?

Where did Hawkeye Pierce (M*A*S*H) hail from?

What childhood word game was the inspiration for Wheel of Fortune?

What does “kemo sabe” mean (from The Lone Ranger)?

Which of the Golden Girls was the oldest (in real life)?

On Petticoat Junction, what were the names of the 3 girls?

On Andy Griffin, what did deputy sheriff Barney Fife keep in his shirt pocket?

What tv sex symbol appeared on The Dating Game and wasn’t chosen?

Remember all the hoopla in 1980 about who shot “Jr”?  Who did it?

What is the diameter of the famous Wheel of Fortune?

Who showed up disguised as a man at a stag Friars Club roast for Sid Caesar in 1983—and got through the entire evening undetected by any of the 2,200 male guests?

What popular tv series was originally supposed to be called The Alley Cats?

What company supplied all the numerous devices used by Wile E. Coyote?

What was Laverne’s favorite drink on the Laverne & Shirley show?

How many hours a day does the average person watch tv, according to Nielsen Media Research?

On tv game shows, what’s a “Bambie”?

Still thinking?

ANSWERS

Statler & Waldorf

Crab Apple Cove, Maine

Hangman

Trusty scout

Betty White

Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and Betty Jo

His one bullet

Tom Selleck

Ewing’s pregnant mistress—his sister-in-law Kristin Shepherd (Mary Frances Crosby)

Eight and a half feet

Phyllis Diller.  She attended as Phillip Downey.

 Charlie’s Angels

Acme

Milk and Pepsi

About 4 hours

A contestant who freezes in front of the camera—as in deer in the headlights.

How did you do?

Gemini

Smart, passionate, and dynamic, Gemini is characterized by the Twins, Castor and Pollux, and is known for having two different sides they can display to the world. Expert communicators, Gemini is the chameleon of the Zodiac, adept at blending into different groups based on the vibe and energy they perceive. While they’re also amazing at showcasing surface traits, the Gemini well runs deep, which is why the Twins are one of the Zodiac’s most emotionally intelligent signs.

Energetic and quick-witted, Gemini never gets stuck in the past and doesn’t ruminate on what might have been. Instead, they move forward with glass-half-full optimism and an ability to always look on the bright side—and land on their feet—in nearly any situation. With a mind that’s constantly racing, even when they’re just quietly hanging out, the Twins never get bored. In fact, Gemini are happy keeping their own company, and can often turn their solitary daydreams into reality.

Gemini signs are in love with love, and they adore the ritual of it all, from those “do they like me?” butterflies to the anticipation of a back-and-forth text volley. Gemini loves dating, and the world loves Gemini. But a Gemini will eventually settle down, because this sign is incredibly loyal and steadfast once they’ve chosen a partner. Let’s be clear, though: Steadfast isn’t a code word for boring. Gemini always love to keep things fresh and are happy to try almost anything in the bedroom. They’re proud of their sexuality and depend on frequent physical check-ins to keep them grounded in their body. To them, sex is a celebration of life, and Gemini loves both sex and life.

Despite their unfair rep for being two-faced, once a Gemini is in your life, they’re loyal for life—but they aren’t afraid to voice their opinion if they feel you’re doing something they disagree with or if they perceive you as not being loyal to them. Always a sign to see all sides of the situation, Gemini may seek input from friends before going to the root of the problem. It’s not gossiping—it’s gathering information.

And even though Gemini is easily the life of the party without trying, the Twins also have a deep emotional side that needs care and feeding. Gemini like time by themselves to read, create, daydream, and come up with other ways of sharing their gifts with the world. When a Gemini can truly tap in and share their gifts, they’re an unstoppable force of energy that can motivate, inspire, and enchant the rest of the Zodiac.

Gemini in Love

Dynamic, intense, and with so many shifting parts to their personalities, Gemini love to date. Indeed, they consider dating a skill. Gemini are great at drawing first dates out of their shells, and they rarely have a “bad” date—because this optimism-infused sign will always find something positive about the person they meet or the conversation they shared.

Gemini Friendship Style

The bad news: Gemini will forget your birthday or flake on a date that you set in the calendar months ago. The good news: It’s not personal, and your Gemini friend will make it up to you. Funny, witty, and talking a mile a minute, a Gemini will keep you laughing, and it’s likely that some of your best memories involve a Gemini.

Gemini Career, Money & Success Traits

Gemini’s greatest career strength: Communication. Inspired by Mercury the messenger, Gemini is an amazing communicator who knows innately how to present ideas for approval. Whether it’s standing in front of a meeting, delivering a killer deck, or writing an amazing article, Gemini is a master wordsmith.

Gemini’s Greatest Gifts

Equipped with almost uncanny emotional intelligence, Gemini can easily read a room and know exactly what other people want to hear from them. They can easily shift their personality depending on mood, going from Friday night life of the party to Monday morning office superstar. Energetic and passionate, Gemini can breathe new life into a same-old routine and excite other people simply by their all-in presence.

Gemini’s Greatest Challenges

That social chameleon rep can sometimes earn Gemini a reputation as two-faced. While a Gemini is all about truth, sometimes a Gemini is more likely to talk to others about a conflict instead of approaching the person who’s actually causing it. The Twins have also been known to stir up gossip just to keep things exciting.

Gemini’s Secret Weapon

Intelligence. Gemini is quick-witted and can read a room or situation in an almost supernatural way. Without saying very many words, a Gemini soon knows who has an agenda, who’s a good ally, and who may need someone to bolster them up. Because of this, Gemini is an amazing friend, leader, and person everyone should be lucky to have in their lives.

Famous Geminis

Clint Eastwood

Morgan Freeman

Novak Djokovic

WORLD OTTER DAY

World Otter Day occurs on the last Wednesday of May, which is May 31 this year. Otters are beautiful, playful animals that live in wetlands across the world. Species are declining due to habitat destruction, reduction of prey, roadkill, and illegal trade for fur and as pets.

There are 13 different species, 12 of which are disappearing. Seven of these species are classified as vulnerable and five are endangered. The International Otter Survival Fund founded World Otter Day with two goals in mind. First, to help raise awareness of the dangers that otters face. Second, to educate people on how to protect their habitats.

River Otters
Sea Otters

HISTORY OF WORLD OTTER DAY

World Otter Day had humble beginnings as Otterly Mad Week, a week of events, education, and fun. Then International Otter Awareness Day was founded before becoming the International Otter Survival Day, then World Otter Day, whose singular purpose is to ensure that future generations can enjoy these charming animals.

International Otter Survival Fund began in 1993 to protect and help the different species of otters worldwide. It was inspired by observing otters in their natural habitats. The Fund is one of the world’s leading charities with various projects that protect otters. They have dedicated over 20 years of research to conserving, protecting, and caring for otters and have developed a worldwide program to encourage education on otters.

To date, they have supported projects in 44 countries and helped cubs in 33 countries.

Since 2009, they held workshops across the world in places such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China. The workshops provide training in otter field techniques, public awareness programs, law enforcement, and general conservation issues. Some other activities include research, campaigns, training, and otter hospitals.

5 FACTS ABOUT OTTERS

1. Most of them live in Alaska: About 90% of all sea otters live on the coast of Alaska.

Alaska Otters Rebound

2. They have their own tools. Otters use rocks to open clams and carry them around in case they are needed.

3. They are amazing at holding their breath. Sea otters can hold their breath for five minutes and river otters can hold theirs for eight.

4. They have a thick fur. Sea otters lack any blubber, so their thick, dense, water-resistant fur keeps them warm.

5. Their dung tells a story. Scientist believe they may be able to determine the sex, age, and reproductive status of an otter just by studying it’s dung.

WHY WORLD OTTER DAY IS IMPORTANT

Otters are cute. We don’t need too much convincing to spend the day learning about them. They are the cutest, quirky, furry animals.

Conservation is always a plus. World Otter Day focuses on teaching people about the conservation of our planet and our wildlife.

It’s a worthwhile global cause. Otters are found all over the world. They are also celebrated in over 20 different countries.

DIY: Yard Games

The weather is turning warmer and sunnier (hopefully) and is the PERFECT time for picnics!  I found a wonderful article on the Pioneer Woman’s website listing some great outside games for picnics.  (She includes instructions at her site—which I’ve listed at the end.)

Kerplunk

This game uses some chicken wire, painted dowels and balls!

Hook and Ring Game

She says this is popular at bars and restaurants in Florida. It looks like fun. 

Giant Jenga

This game requires 2 x 3 blocks of wood and paint…seems easy enough. Hubby and I will make this one for sure!

Bean Bag Toss

Bean Bag Toss is another simple to make outside game.  It requires clay pot saucers, some paint and bean bags!

There are many more ideas at https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/entertaining/g36687460/best-outdoor-games/

Aries

Aries, the first sign in the zodiac, belongs to those born between the dates of March 21st and April 19th. And I totally screwed up last month, posting Taurus ahead of myself….sorry!

Aries Zodiac Sign Traits

The first sign of the Zodiac, Aries are the trailblazers. Passionate and independent, Aries will never do something just because everyone else is doing it—a Ram needs to be 100 percent committed to the task at hand. Competitive to the max, the best way to motivate an Aries is to turn something into a contest. Aries will put everything they have (and then some) into winning. Loyal, smart, and impulsive, they always have multiple projects on their mind, and won’t be satisfied until their work, social life, and personal lives line up exactly with the dream life they’ve envisioned. Those who are drawn to magnetic Aries may have trouble keeping up—but if they can, they’ll have a friend for life.

An Aries sign will always tell you what they’re thinking, with a frankness that may occasionally border on rudeness. But even if an Aries seems overly blunt with their opinion, that’s only because Rams value honesty above all else. And it works both ways. While an Aries may be the first to say if they think that you just phoned in a project, they’ll also be the first to compliment you for a job well done. Rams may also have a short fuse. That fiery temper can be an asset. When an Aries is angry, they’ll never play the passive-aggressive card. But for people who don’t know them well, their temper can be a turn off. Learning how to work out their anger—whether by going to the gym every day, taking some deep breaths, or learning to chill before they Tweet their thoughts to the world—is a lifelong process for Rams.

When it comes to love, Aries signs are all about initial attraction. They can sense chemistry in the first sentence uttered by a potential partner. Forthright and unabashed, an Aries will do everything in their power to go after someone they want. Sometimes, they need to learn how to slow down and foster long-term connections. Fireworks are fun, but they don’t necessarily make a great match. Aries are amazing lovers: versatile, passionate, and always invested in the moment.

Aries’ Love Style

Like their ruling planet Mars, Aries are hot and stormy. They’re a combination of confidence and passion combined with temper and petulance. Everyone who ever loves an Aries tries—unsuccessfully but excitingly—to tame them.

Aries’ Friendship Style

“Activity” is the key word for this sign. When it comes to Aries’ friends, the more variety, the better. Easy to meet and get along with, an Aries makes an incredible amount of connections in a lifetime. Long-term friends are trickier.

Aries’ Career, Money & Success Traits

Aries’ greatest career strength: Leadership. Everyone naturally looks to Aries, and being responsible for others comes naturally.

Aries Motto

“When you know yourself, you’re empowered. When you accept yourself, you’re invincible.”

Aries’ Greatest Gifts

Whether it’s backpacking around the world, launching a business, or training for a marathon, once an Aries sets a goal, they will achieve it. They don’t care what anyone else thinks, and can tune into their intuition and dreams in a heartbeat. Rams never need a plus one—they love their own company, and consider going solo to the movies a rare treat.

Aries’ Greatest Challenges

The world according to an Aries makes so much sense that they have a hard time listening to, much less accepting, alternative viewpoints. Slowing down is also tough. A Ram’s mind goes a million miles a minute, and slowing down for others can be excruciating. But when it comes to maintaining relationships, Aries must learn to adapt and embrace other ways of doing, being, and seeing.

Aries’ Secret Weapon

Strong, adamant, and forged in fire, it’s fitting that Aries’ secret weapon is iron, one of the strongest elements. Weld, cast, machine, forge, temper, harden, or anneal it, iron can take on a seemingly limitless range of shapes and qualities. For an Aries, an iron-rich diet can boost confidence and performance.

Famous Aries

Chris Kyle

James Woods

Jeff Dunham

Doris Day

There’s A Roller Skating Museum In Nebraska And It’s Full Of Fascinating Oddities, Artifacts, And More

Since 1980, Lincoln, Nebraska has been the home of a one-of-a-kind museum that most people aren’t even aware of. The National Museum of Roller Skating sits in an unassuming little brick building that it shares with the headquarters of USA Roller Sports, the national governing body of roller sports. The next time you’re in the area, don’t pass by this hidden gem; step inside and get to know a fascinating part of American history.

The people behind the National Museum of Roller Skating believe that everyone should know about this delightful activity and its long history. What comes to mind when you think of roller skating? If you’re of a certain age, you probably picture couples gliding hand-in-hand around a hardwood floor as live music floats through the air from the on-site organist.

Younger people may picture a similar scene, but with a DJ and colorful flashing lights in place of a live organist. No matter what your personal experience is with roller skating, chances are you’ve got some positive associations with the activity.

Those fond memories – and much more – are all on display in this unique museum. The exhibits trace the history of roller skating back through the generations, all the way to the early 19th century.

When you visit, you’ll see some early versions of roller skates, beginning with the most primitive pieces of wood with wheels attached.

Some of the crowd-favorite exhibits are the rare and unusual types of roller skates. Would you ever try to race around the rink in these cowboy-boot skates?

Other exhibits tell little-known stories of roller skating as a sport, a hobby, and an all-around cultural phenomenon.

The museum houses the world’s largest collection of roller skating items, making it a must-visit for anyone who has ever felt a rush of excitement as they laced up a pair of skates.

The museum also contains the National Roller Skating Archives, a collection of publications and other information on all aspects of roller skating’s history.

Roller skating is explored here as a sport and an art form, as a diplomatic tool, and a unifying experience that just about everyone can enjoy. See old costumes and uniforms and read all about the surprising ways in which roller skating has influenced the world.

Whether your interest lies in leisurely rolls around the rink, dominating in a roller derby league, or even competitive speed-skating, you’ll find fascinating information at the museum about this underrated all-American activity.

Address: National Museum of Roller Skating, 4730 South St, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA

Wait in the Truck

Every once in a while, a song comes along that just moves you. Maybe it appeals to your patriotic side—like Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”.

 Or maybe a song just makes you want to get up and dance—like Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance?”

Or maybe the song has a deeper more profound effect.  “Wait in the Truck” by Hardy and Lainey Wilson has that effect on me.  The premise of the story is a man driving in an unfamiliar town who comes upon a “broken” woman in the road. He can tell what she’s been through so he merely asks, “where is he?” The woman responds and he delivers what he believes to be justice.  Then he doesn’t run, doesn’t try to hide from what he’s done, he just calls the police and waits for them to come. 

Lainey tells the woman’s side in the song:

I don’t know if he’s an angel
‘Cause angels don’t do what he did
He was hellbent to find the man behind
All the whiskey scars I hid
I never thought my day of justice
Would come from a judge under a seat
But I knew right then I’d never get hit again
When he said to me

Wait in the truck
Just wait in the truck

The story continues that he’s been in prison for 5 years and she still comes to see him from time to time.  He accepts his fate—says it was worth it to see a brighter side of the girl from that night.  But what moves me so much is his pleadings with God to have MERCY on him.  He doesn’t ask for forgiveness (in my opinion) because he thinks what he did was unforgivable.  Instead, he asks for mercy.  He took a stand, giving up his life essentially to save another and then takes responsibility for that action.

I do not advocate for vigilante justice.  But being a victim of spousal abuse, I can relate.  It was settled long ago, by his own hand. Thankfully I do not need to live in fear that he would ever find me again…others are not so fortunate.