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?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
America’s history is a brief yet rich one. Relative to the rest of the world, we are still just a little baby of a country. We often forget that our founding fathers were humans just like the rest of us — they just happened to have lived some 300 odd years before we did, and, you know, wrote the Declaration of Independence. But these American heroes had their flaws and their secrets, too.
These secrets about the founding fathers are both surprising and eye-opening. There are myths about these men that we’ve all gone along believing our whole lives without a second thought. But in some cases, we may have been entirely wrong!
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson Was A Terrible Public Speaker
The author of the Declaration of Independence and our third president only ever gave two speeches, one at each of his inaugurations. While he was elegant with words on paper, he didn’t like speaking out loud, much less in front of large crowds. The speeches he did give were delivered very quietly, too.
Thomas Jefferson was also addicted to learning. Born April 13 (April 2 on the pre-Gregorian calendar), 1743 at his father’s Shadwell plantation in Virginia, Jefferson was one of 10 children (eight of whom survived to adulthood). While he attended the College of William and Mary, he was said to have studied for 15 hours daily on top of violin practice. The hard work paid off: Jefferson moved into law studies before becoming a lawyer in 1767. Two years later, he became a member of Virginia’s House of Burgesses, the Virginia legislature. His autodidact ways continued throughout his life: Jefferson could speak four languages (English, Italian, French, Latin) and read two more (Greek and Spanish).
John Adams
John Adams And Jefferson Were Rivals
John Adams and Jefferson were the only two signers of the Declaration to become president, but they also hated each other’s guts. Before Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, he had finally made amends with John Adams, the president who preceded him in office and for whom Jefferson served as vice president. The two men, once on the same side, had grown to resent the other’s approach to diplomacy and politics, with Jefferson lamenting Adams’s preference for centralized and meddlesome government—though according to Jefferson, the major issue was the so-called “Midnight Judges,” appointments that Jefferson felt “were from among [his] most ardent political enemies.”
Strangely, Adams passed away the same day as Jefferson, just five hours later. The date, July 4, was also the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being adopted.
George Washington
George Washington Didn’t Have Wooden Teeth
This is a fun fact that lots of people like to pull out of their back pocket, but it isn’t even true. George Washington’s teeth were actually made of bone, hippopotamus ivory, human teeth, brass screws, lead, and gold metal wiring. That’s quite the mouthful right there. And his hair was all real but it looks white because he powdered it.
He was a very moral and virtuous man, and he watched carefully everything he did. But he certainly doesn’t fit into our conception of a Christian evangelical or somebody who read his Bible every day. He was not an atheist on the one hand, but on the other hand, he was not a devout Christian. But what about he story of him kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge to pray? “That’s a story that was made up by [early Washington biographer] Parson Weems.” Oh, and Parson Weems, who wrote a myth-filled biography of Washington shortly after he died, made up the cherry tree story. The Mount Vernon Digital Encyclopedia identifies that book, The Life of Washington, as “the point of origin for many long-held myths about Washington.”
Benjamin Franklin
Adams Was “Out Of His Senses”
Well, at least according to Benjamin Franklin. And it seems the feeling was mutual. The two were at the French court of Versailles together as ambassadors when Adams wrote that a statue in the court would make a better ambassador than Franklin. Harsh!
Adams thought Franklin uncouth, vulgar, pretentious…and those were his good qualities. Their poor relationship got off to a rocky start in the fall of 1776. Franklin and Adams had to share a room and a bed in Brunswick where Adams and Franklin went to parley with Adm. Lord Richard Howe over a possible end to hostilities. Adams wanted to sleep with the window closed. Franklin wanted it open. Adams thought it would cause him illness. Franklin thought it would cause good health. After much argument, Franklin prevailed.
Adams grew to dislike Franklin more in Paris. Franklin wore plain clothes for effect. Adams disapproved of his garb. Franklin was a particular favorite of French women. Adams could not understand why this was the case. Adams thought Franklin behaved disreputably and immorally. He did not see how Franklin was using his conduct to obtain contacts and access. What Adams could not understand was how Franklin used these idiosyncrasies to advance the nation.
Paul Revere Wasn’t The Only Midnight Rider
A 16-year-old girl named Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles, twice Revere’s distance, when the British took Danbury, CT. She may have even staved off a band of highway robbers on the way. On April 26, 1777, at age 16, Ludington, the daughter of a colonel in the Colonial militia, Henry Ludington, is said to have made an all-night horseback ride 40 miles (64 km) to rally militia forces in neighboring towns after the burning of Danbury, Connecticut by British forces.
Relatively unknown through the 1870s, Ludington became widely recognized around the time of World War II, after historic road markers were placed in locations she was speculated to have visited on her ride. Memorial statues honor her, and books have been written about her. She was honored on a United States Bicentennial postage stamp that was released on March 25, 1975, which depicts her on a horse.
Peggy Shippen
Benedict Arnold Had Help With His Famous Betrayal
Arnold’s wife, Peggy Shippen, was half his age when they met. She’d previously had a fling with a British spy, John André, and introduced her old lover to her new husband. Together, the three of them plotted to give West Point to the British, which would have squashed America’s independence entirely.
Benedict Arnold
Rumors Swirled Around Washington’s Lack Of Children
Many historians have speculated that perhaps George Washington struggled with infertility, as he had no children of his own. Experts say that tuberculosis often causes this extremely common condition in men. Throughout his life, Washington suffered from a laundry list of ailments: diphtheria, tuberculosis, smallpox, dysentery, malaria, quinsy (tonsillitis), carbuncle, pneumonia, and epiglottitis—to name a few.
“Classic studies of soldiers with tuberculous pleurisy during World War II demonstrated that two-thirds developed chronic organ tuberculosis within five years of their initial infection. Infection of the epididymis or testes is seen in 20 percent of these individuals and frequently results in infertility.”
James Madison
James Madison Used A Secret Code
Madison—like any good politician—was terrified by the idea that someone might intercept one of his private letters. Along with Jefferson and many mutual allies, Madison used complicated encryptions when relaying delicate info. “Having now the use of my cypher,” he informed Jefferson in 1784 after mastering a new system, “I can write without restraint.”
Said to be shy and reserved, Madison apparently had a counterbalance in wife Dolley, who entertained the whole of Washington. At the time, the city was not exactly a hotbed of partying, and her lavish affairs helped endear congressional members to the idea of Madison as president. To date, Madison remains our smallest president at 5 feet, 4 inches and 100 pounds.
Both of James Madison’s vice presidents died in office. George Clinton kicked the bucket in 1812. His short-lived replacement was former Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who’d redistricted that state to tip the political scales in his favor—a process we now call “Gerrymandering.” Gerry also died in office, and is the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to be buried in Washington, D.C.
He also had a sharp sense of humor. Politics is a pretty serious career, but that didn’t take away Madison’s sense of humor. Among friends, he was known for his quick wit, quippy banter, and well-timed personal anecdotes.
Franklin House
Skeletons Were Buried Under Franklin’s London Home
No, he didn’t murder the people. There was a human anatomy class being run from his basement, which was a very tricky subject at the time. The bones from 15 different bodies were found when, in 1998, work was being done on the historic home.
While all of the Founding Fathers are renowned for pushing the idea of liberty and independent choice, Benjamin Franklin apparently came to the idea a little late. In 1725, when he was just 19 years old, Franklin self-published a pamphlet titled ‘A Dissertation Upon Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain,’ which argued that humans didn’t actually have free will and weren’t responsible for their behavior. Maturity prevailed, however, and Franklin later burned almost every copy of the booklet he could find.
Ben Franklin’s eccentricity wasn’t limited to that strange philosophy. He once had a plan to rearrange the English alphabet by eliminating the letters C, J, Q, W, X, and Y, declaring them redundant. It didn’t katch on.
If you’re reading this while watching a sunrise, you might have Ben Franklin to thank. A more reasonable Franklin contribution: bifocals, which he invented in order to both see from a distance and read text up close without having to switch lenses.
Sew Colorful 