Memorial Day Reading with Quiz
Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honoring those who have died in the nation’s wars.
Let’s learn about this federal holiday in America. It’s a 3-day weekend with parades, marching bands, and remembrances. There is a short quiz at the end of the reading.
Here is the assignment. Match the phrases below to the article. There are 2 sets of phrases for the 2 paragraphs. The correct answers can be found by rereading the article. Good luck!
Source: memorial_day.doc (eslholidaylessons.com)
Lost Wi-Fi Capability Lately? Solved!
What would you do if suddenly you lost all access to the internet? This happened to me last Saturday. Ok I freaked out a bit, but fortunately, I have an ethernet connection that was up and working. So, what happened to my laptop?
Not seeing this symbol can really mess up one’s day, so what did I do to solve the problem. I turned to Microsoft’s troubleshooter that was installed on my laptop. It said to touch Fn+F3 to enable Wi-Fi. I tried it…nothing. Tried it again…nothing. Digging further into the details, the troubleshooter said that the radio HW switch was turned off. Thanks, but no mention of how to turn it on.
You won’t believe what caused the loss of my Wi-Fi, or how many days and unsuccessful fixes it took to solve. Long story short. I stumbled upon the Acer Community Forum and started looking for an answer to the problem. No luck, but someone suggested uninstalling the latest Windows update (occurred the morning of my outage). I didn’t realize that an update could be uninstalled. Guess what? As soon as I did that, the orange Wi-Fi light came on. And stayed on.
The MS troubleshooter never mentioned that its own company could itself be the source of the problem and the solution could be uninstalling the update. So one week later, I know, and now so do you.
5 Incredible Effects of Taking Vitamin D Supplements After 50
One day we are trucking along enjoying our youth. And then one day we wake up in our 50s, and we find creaks, cracks, and other feelings that we never experienced before.
Unfortunately, as our age increases, our risk for developing certain health conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, and hypertension increase as well. In other words, a 50-year-old body is very different than a 20-year-old body. And because of this, taking certain supplements may result in some surprising effects once we reach a certain age.
Many of us have jumped on the vitamin D supplementation bandwagon over the past few years. This supplement has become so popular that it is now the second most common supplement consumed by Americans.
Vitamin D is unique because, when exposed to the sun, the human body can make this nutrient. But since most of us are not baking in the sun like we used to, the opportunity to produce this key vitamin gets diminished.
If you are over 50 and you fall into the category of “vitamin D supplement taker”, here are some side effects that you may experience.
1. You may have stronger bones.
As people age, their risk of osteoporosis increases. Approximately 10 million adults, over the age of 50, suffer from osteoporosis and 34 million have reduced bone mass or osteopenia. Fortunately, supplementation with vitamin D has been liked to higher bone mineral density and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis (weaker bones).
Especially in the case of women who are post-menopausal, focusing on bone health is key, as the risk of fracture is increased. And who wants to deal with a bone fracture when you don’t have to?
2. You may experience less depression.
Over half of depression cases manifest later in life. And late-onset depression is associated with increased risk of morbidity, increased risk of suicide, decreased physical, cognitive and social functioning, and greater self-neglect, all of which are in turn associated with increased mortality.
Several vitamin D receptors have been identified in the brain that affect mood, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may be associated with cognitive decline and symptoms of depression.
There are direct links between low levels of serum vitamin D higher late-life depression risk. Taking vitamin D supplements can help support healthy vitamin D levels, possibly combatting depression risk.
3. You may have a lower cancer risk.
Results from a study published in BMJ suggest that high levels of vitamin D are associated with a 20% lower risk of certain cancers in both men and women compared with those with low vitamin D levels. If you are taking vitamin D supplements and end up having levels on the higher side, you may notice a reduced risk of certain cancers too.
4. You may have a healthy blood pressure.
Observational data have shown an association between low vitamin D levels and an increased incidence of high blood pressure as well as risk for hypertension. So, one surprising side effect you may experience if you regularly take vitamin D supplements is healthy blood pressure, although that doesn’t mean you can’t neglect following an overall healthy diet.
5. You may have a healthy immune system.
As a person ages, their immune system gradually deteriorates. An association between low levels of serum vitamin D and increased risk of developing several immune-related diseases and disorders (including COVID-19) has been seen. Along with washing your hands and following all of the CDC recommendations, making sure your vitamin D levels are in check may help you keep the ick away.
Article by Lauren Manaker MS for Eat This, Not That©
Source: 5 Incredible Effects of Taking Vitamin D Supplements After 50 (msn.com)
How To Attract Cardinals To Your Garden
Cardinals are beautiful birds that adorn many backyards and wild landscapes across the U.S. The males can be easily identified by their brilliant red feathered coat, and tufted crest atop their head, notes All About Birds. Female cardinals bear a smaller tuft and accents of the same bright red, but their feathers are primarily a much duller brown. Both male and female cardinals, however, have black feathers in the shape of a beard around their eyes and red beaks, providing sharp color contrast and making it clear that the two birds are of the same species.
Cardinals are also lively songbirds, attracting attention for their singing in addition to their vibrant coloring. They communicate via a distinct, repetitive whistling, and male and female pairs may sing in a duet to strengthen their bond. The female will also call out from the nest to direct the male in his search for food. According to Bird Fact, Cardinals are primarily found in the southeastern United States, but their range extends as far north as Maine and Michigan, and as far west as Arizona. They are non-migratory, staying within the same place once they mark out their territory. Chances are, you are seeing the same cardinals make repeated visits to your backyard. If your garden or patio is missing this bright red beauty, check out these tips to attract more gardens to your outdoor space.
Offer Their Favorite Food Sources
Cardinals whistling and flitting around add a sense of enchantment to any backyard. If you happen to live in a colder climate, they are a welcome visual delight, contrasting against the dreary weather or snow-white backdrop. You’ll need, however, a few different strategies to draw them in.
Start by providing an accessible bird feeder. Tube feeders, mesh models, and platform feeders are all affordable and easy-to-install options that cardinals recognize and enjoy visiting, according to Birds and Blooms. If attracting other critters such as squirrels is a concern, you could also try one specifically designed to appeal to birds, but blocks other animals from gaining access to the food.
Speaking of food, you’ll have the most success attracting cardinals by filling your feeders with their favorite treats. Cardinals particularly enjoy mixes that include sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts, and corn — staples that are no match for their tough little beaks. According to Kaytee, cardinals will also be pleased if you provide a source of running water for them to drink or bathe in after a particularly messy meal at your bird feeder. This is especially helpful in the winter months when running water is hard to come by in the wild.
Plant Shrubs And Trees
Territorial by nature, cardinals seek out nesting areas that provide shelter from predators and other birds. While they can be found in semi-open areas, they are generally better protected in environments with thick bushes, tall brush, or towering pines. You can better mimic their wild habitats by adding to your garden dogwood or crabapple trees, or evergreen shrubs of varying heights to create a layered effect that will persist throughout the changing seasons, suggests Better Homes & Gardens. As mentioned earlier, cardinals will remain in the same area, so if you create a habitat that appeals to them, you will likely be rewarded with repeated sightings whether the birds are just visiting or decide to make your yard their permanent home. If you already have established landscaping you are hesitant to change, you can take less drastic steps to still provide adequate shelter for cardinals. While you may enjoy the look of a neatly tidied yard, the cardinals would prefer you leave things a bit on the messier side. According to Better Homes & Gardens, cardinals will make quick use of any sticks or fallen leaves littering your yard over the week or so it takes them to construct their nest. Less pruning also means more perches for cardinals and other bird species to use to seek out food or rest upon while they fill the air with their melodic whistling. Whichever strategy you choose, you won’t regret readying your backyard to attract these beautiful birds.
By Julie Boehlke for House Digest
Source: How To Attract Cardinals To Your Garden (msn.com)
NBC announces Premier League Championship Sunday plans
Nine of ten matches available on Peacock
NBC announced their broadcast plans for Championship Sunday, and much like the last two years, it’ll be a Peacock-heavy affair.
Like in 2020 and 2021, five matches will be Peacock-exclusive – a change from NBC’s formula during their earlier years of broadcasting the Premier League, when every match aired on cable or broadcast TV. But unlike last year, when even the cable and broadcast games were available on Peacock, only nine of the ten matches this year are on Peacock. The potentially crucial Liverpool-Wolves match is available only on USA and in Spanish on Universo.
Here’s the full schedule of matches and their network assignment. Kickoff for all ten matches is 11 AM ET.
- Manchester City vs Aston Villa – NBC, Peacock, Telemundo
- Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – USA, Universo
- Arsenal vs Everton – CNBC, Peacock
- Norwich City vs Tottenham Hotspur – SYFY, Peacock
- Burnley vs Newcastle United – GOLF Channel, Peacock
- Brentford vs Leeds United – Peacock
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs West Ham United – Peacock
- Chelsea vs Watford – Peacock
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester United – Peacock
- Leicester City vs Southampton – Peacock
It may be a bit jarring to see clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United only on Peacock, but it makes sense – Chelsea are locked into third in the table (barring an eighteen goal swing between them and Spurs on Sunday), while United will either finish sixth or seventh. The relegation fight is down to Burnley and Leeds following Everton’s dramatic win on Thursday, but only Burnley’s match with Newcastle will be on cable. Arsenal still have a slim chance of leapfrogging Spurs for fourth, and both teams’ matches will air on cable.
Source: NBC announces Premier League Championship Sunday plans, with nine of ten matches available on Peacock (msn.com)
The Easy Trick to Calm Everyone Down During an Argument
Whether you’re arguing with your husband about your mother-in-law’s politics, with your roommate about how to split utilities or with your six-year-old about why he can’t have two desserts instead of dinner, the goal should always be de-escalation (world leaders: take note). But how do you help everyone simmer down when you can physically feel your body and brain descending into a rage spiral? One family therapist has a great trick that we intend to try the next time we feel fiery: Speak in statements, not questions.
“Questions easily trigger childhood stuff,” therapist Robert Taibbi writes in Psychology Today. “Mental and emotional memories of a parent looming over us and wagging a finger: Why are you late? Did you do your homework? Did you hit your brother? They quickly evoke criticism and tension—that something is wrong, that you did something wrong, that you are not being honest. These reactions are hardwired into our brains.” And of course, there’s the nuclear missile of all questions: “Why do you always…?”
Statements, on the other hand, “soothe, calm and join,” Taibbi writes. While they will still enable you to get your (valid, obviously) point across, statements like “I know you feel upset, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, I said that because I was worried that…” will help to “lower the emotional temperature.” The most soothing statement of all, of course? I hear you.
Written by Suzanne Zuckerman for PureWow©
Source: The Easy Trick to Calm Everyone Down During an Argument (msn.com)
Utah To Colorado: The Most Scenic Road Trip Route
When on a plane, the geographical size between Utah and Colorado seems small. And the lack of up-close views of the natural sights may not arouse curiosity as much. With scenic road trips, every mileage presents enthralling discoveries that make up for a vivid and fascinating travel experience. Each route has outstanding topography for avid adventurers to explore.
From preserved footprints of humongous dinosaurs to spectacular rock formations, these roads never cease to leave tourists in awe. There are numerous viewpoints where hikers can admire the never-ending beauty for as long as they wish. Let’s explore some road trip routes that help vacationers understand how majestic the world is.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Byway
This awe-inspiring 512-mile byway cruises through eastern Utah and western Colorado. While it may seem like a tedious journey, there’s a lot to admire on this road. From deep canyons to monolithic formations, everything is guaranteed to give adventurers a lifetime experience. The discoveries are almost endless, all promising to leave tourists in wonder and contentment.
One of the most thrilling viewpoints is the Dinosaur National Monument. Besides offering fascinating information about the gigantic creatures, travelers can see and touch dinosaur fossils. The landscape that makes up this park contains mountains, canyons, and rivers, which are home to some stunning wildlife. Tourists with a watchful eye can get clear views of white-tailed prairie dogs, mountain lions, and coyotes. Peregrine falcons may be seen towering up in the blue sky, searching for their next prey.
View the complete article by clicking the link below.
Source: Utah To Colorado: The Most Scenic Road Trip Route (msn.com)
A Container Combo Hummingbirds Can’t Resist
With blooming beauties like petunias, salvias and calibrachoas, your backyard becomes a popular hummingbird hot spot in no time. Get growing in a snap with this easy planting plan from Proven Winners.
The Dirt on Dirt
It’s tempting to toss some dirt from the garden right into your containers, but a potting mix that includes vermiculite, peat moss, compost, perilite or a combination of these materials yields the best results.
By Birds & Blooms Editors
Source: 2 Container Combos Hummingbirds Can’t Resist | Family Handyman
Micro Miniskirts Are About To Take Over In Summer 2022
We’ve seen lots of skirts as a significant trend during the spring season, and, although some people can’t wait to ditch mini skirts, they’re still trending — even to the point where a sexier variation of them is going to be everywhere: the micro miniskirt. According to Vogue Britain, Miu Miu inspired this trend with their tiny, low-rise, super-short mini skirts that would be every strict parent’s nightmare.
Anyone considering experimenting with the micro miniskirt trend and looking for some style inspiration can find a plethora of looks on Instagram. Although a few examples are on the borderline of being NSFW, there are many provocative yet appropriate looks (depending on where you’re going).
For instance, a fitted white micro miniskirt with a chunky belt and a fun T-shirt makes an excellent going-out outfit. Or, if you want to wear a girly, preppier spin on this trend, try a pink pleated option. Furthermore, a tiny black or denim skirt will match countless summery tops in your wardrobe.
Not sure how to style such a low-rise skirt? PopSugar explained which pieces look fashionable with these seemingly promiscuous skirts. For instance, wearing a shirt in the same color or pattern as the skirt will come across as cohesive and sleek.
And, since this trend is only appropriate for warm or hot weather, why not tap into the spring or summery spirit by pairing it with a flowery piece for some floral fun? Although you may first associate miniskirts with date nights, partying, or brunches, PopSugar noted that you can rock this look with a more professional spin, too, styling it with a blazer or a button-up top and more serious shoes.
By Zoe Nolz for The List©
Source: Micro Miniskirts Are About To Take Over In Summer 2022 (msn.com)
(I just want to add this to the story. “They” say that when skirts get shorter, the economy starts booming. Just sayin)
10 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Even though the process of growing plants and vegetables from scratch may seem daunting, we found out the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them. Read on for 10 tips on what not to do, according to experts who school you on first-timer no-nos.
Mistake 1: Setting too lofty of a gardening goal
A bigger garden isn’t always better, at least if you’re a beginner, notes Megan Gilger, the gardening blogger behind Fresh Exchange. “It is easy to let your eyes get big when wandering the plant stores or looking online at ideas,” Gilger says. “Instead use those ideas to spur a bigger plan. Growing a great garden successfully takes time.” Gilger advises gardeners who are creating a garden from scratch to start small, but think big. A garden is a long-term investment and you should think about your goals three to five years from now.
Mistake 2: Not interplanting
Let all of your buds play together. “Break away from the idea that you can only grow one type [of plant] in a bed,” Gilger says. Interplanting, or intercropping, is a gardening practice that encourages pairing companion plants, as well as bundling taller and shorter plants. Mixing and matching can also whittle weeds and bring in beneficial pollinators, she explains. Bonus: Interplanting is also said to reduce pests and disease.
Mistake 3: Overcrowding plants
Although mixing plants together is A-OK, you still have to be mindful of spacing, notes Michael Giannelli of East Hampton Gardens, a garden and home shop in East Hampton, New York. “[People] want that instant garden full and colorful—big mistake,” he says. “Plants need room to grow and spread naturally.” Follow the planting recommendations, which typically suggest 2 to 3 feet between plants. You can probably cheat a little by skirting the recommendations by a few inches, but don’t pack plants side by side like sardines.
Mistake 4: Planting too much variety
Tempting as it may be to plant everything from acorns to zucchini, focus on growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers that bring joy to your plate. “It seems simple, but you are most passionate about growing the vegetables, herbs, and flowers you already find yourself grabbing for at the grocery store or farmers market,” Gilger says. No need to fuss over fennel if you think it tastes blah.
Don’t make a mistake. Click the link to see all 10 gardening mistakes.
Written by Sarah Lyon for Architectual Digest©
Source link: 10 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs (msn.com)