Weather ~ Dude ~ Picture of the Day ~ Original Bikini ~ Beef 'n' Broccoli Noodle Toss ~ National Chocolate with Almonds Day

Good 47º clear sunny with the moon out morning....

Yesterday morning we started off with the clouds....

After a short time they all disappeared. 

We topped at 80º.

Yesterday Dude had to go to the vets for an xray of his right rear leg he's been limping on. Fortunately it wasn't anything serious. The doc was worried it had to do with the screws and plates that were put into both his rear legs but it's arthritis. Whew..... now he has meds for that. 

Picture of the Day .... hmmmmm

Interesting about the bikini..........

On July 5, 1946, the bikini bathing suit was introduced at a popular Paris swimming pool by French designer Louis Réard.

It Was Named After a Nuclear Test SiteRéard was expecting his creation to cause a stir especially with the conservative public of the 1940s. Hoping that his new swimsuit would be as explosive as an atomic bomb, he named it “bikini” after the Bikini Atoll, a place somewhere in the Pacific Ocean that was used by the Americans for nuclear tests.

Because of the raunchiness of “le bikini,” no model in Paris dared to wear it. Réard was left with no choice but to hire Micheline Bernardini, an 18-year-old exotic dancer to model his creation. On July 1946, Réard unveiled the bikini to the press in a public pool in Paris. As the swimwear made the headlines, Bernardini became an instant celebrity. In fact, she received 50,000 fan mail letters—from men, mostly—after the launch.

The bikini was so scandalous that it was banned in countries like Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Even the Americans were appalled by it for many years, with Modern Girl magazine saying “it is inconceivable that any girl with tact and decency would ever wear such a thing.” Some women were also denied entry to the beach for wearing bikinis. And if that wasn’t enough, during the very first Miss World pageant in 1951, some countries threatened to withdraw delegates when the winner, Kiki Hakansson of Sweden, was crowned in her bikini. Not surprisingly, the Pope condemned Hakansson, claiming that the two-piece swimsuit was sinful.

Although most countries have since lifted those early bans on the bikini, some cities around the world still ban the provocative piece. Such places include Hvar, Croatia, where you can get fined for walking the streets in a swimsuit; the Maldives, where most public beaches are for one-piece suits only; and Ras al-Khaimah in United Arab Emirates, where swimwear is banned entirely.

The most expensive bikini in the world was created specifically for Sports Illustrated and Molly Sims in 2012. Designed by jeweler Susan Rosen, the two-piece is made of over 150 carats of flawless diamonds set in Platinum, and it is valued at more than $30 million.

From Mr. Food

This easy recipe is sure to become a family-favorite! Our Beef 'n' Broccoli Noodle Toss is an Asian-inspired dish that starts with budget-friendly ramen noodles. Whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner that's sure to please everyone!

 

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 head fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 onion, slivered
• 1 pound top round steak, thinly sliced
• 2 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles (reserve seasoning packets for another use)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine broth, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch; mix well, set aside. 
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining oil until hot. Add broccoli and onion, and saute 5 minutes. Add steak and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until browned. Meanwhile, in a small pot of boiling water, add noodles and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender; drain well. 
3. Add soy mixture to beef mixture and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Historically this date......

1874 – The Mounties begin their March West

1947 – Reports are broadcast that a UFO crash landed in Roswell, New Mexico.

1948 – The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into a program called Women in the Air Force (WAF).

1960 – Francis Gary Powers is charged with espionage resulting from his flight over the Soviet Union.

Interesting read (click on his name). I had heard about him back then, but never paid much attention.

2011 – Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program.

And births this date include...

1907 – George W. Romney, American businessman and politician (d. 1995)

1908 – Nelson A. Rockefeller, 41st Vice President of the United States (d. 1979)

1918 – Craig Stevens, American actor (d.2000)

1932 – Jerry Vale, American singer (d. 2014)

1934 – Marty Feldman, English comedian and actor (d. 1982) .... strange

1935 – Steve Lawrence, American entertainer and singer

1947 – Kim Darby, American actress

1949 – Wolfgang Puck, Austrian chef and restaurateur

1951 – Anjelica Huston, American actress

1958 – Kevin Bacon, American actor

1961 – Toby Keith, American country music singer-songwriter

All I know. Nuff said. Happy Hump Day. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Chocolate with Almonds Day on July 8th each year offers combo deal to celebrate. What a great way to wrap up chocolate and almonds in one package. Celebrate it by giving some to a friend or neighbor. 

When it comes to adding almonds to chocolate, the options are plentiful. From cakes to chocolate bars, puddings and cookies we can celebrate this National Day with snacks and desserts galore! Whether you pick up a chocolate bar or make something from scratch, this holiday will surely hit the spot. This timeless combination brings smooth chocolate and crunch to snack time. However, it also adds a warm nuttiness to cakes and brownies. Add both to ice cream or mousse for a richer flavor or elevate other divine desserts such as cheesecake and custards. 

Chocolate syrup with chopped nuts drizzled over your favorite pastry adds just a hint of sinful flavor. And when popcorn screams for added crunch, chocolate and almonds answer the call. The options are unlimited for this combo, don’t doubt it.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALMONDS:

• reduce the risk of heart attack
• lower ‘bad’ cholesterol
• protects artery walls from damage
• help build healthy bones and teeth
• provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss
• lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals
• help provide good brain function
• nourish the nervous system
• alkalize the body

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try this Chocolate Almond Cake recipe to celebrate. Other simple ways to enjoy chocolate and almonds are by sipping coffee flavored with the combination. Be sure to invite friends who appreciate these holidays, too. Anyone who savors friendship and chocolate should be included.