Good 48º clear sunny morning.
Yesterday we topped at 93º.
Picture of the Day
Interesting about armadillos...
Armadillos (meaning "little armoured one" in Spanish) are New World placental mammals in the order Cingulata. The Chlamyphoridae and Dasypodidae are the only surviving families in the order, which is part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. Nine extinct genera and 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armour. All species are native to the Americas, where they inhabit a variety of different environments.
Armadillos are characterized by a leathery armour shell and long sharp claws for digging. They have short legs, but can move quite quickly. The average length of an armadillo is about 30 inches, including tail. The giant armadillo grows up to 59 inches and weighs up to 119 lbs, while the pink fairy armadillo has a length of only 5–6 inches. When threatened by a predator, Tolypeutes species frequently roll up into a ball (these being the only species of Armadillo capable of such).
They are prolific diggers. Many species use their sharp claws to dig for food, such as grubs, and to dig dens. The nine-banded armadillo prefers to build burrows in moist soil near the creeks, streams, and arroyos around which it lives and feeds. The diets of different armadillo species vary, but consist mainly of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates. Some species, however, feed almost entirely on ants and termites.
Armadillos have very poor eyesight, and use their keen sense of smell to hunt for food. They use their claws for digging and finding food, as well as for making their homes in burrows. They dig their burrows with their claws, making only a single corridor the width of the animal's body. They have five clawed toes on their hind feet, and three to five toes with heavy digging claws on their fore feet. Armadillos have numerous cheek teeth which are not divided into premolars and molars, but usually have no incisors or canines.
Remarkably, there’s one animal out there that always has identical babies: the armadillo. The nine-banded armadillo is the only vertebrate that gives birth to identical quadruplets every time! A female produces a single egg that, once fertilized, splits into four genetically identical embryos that share one placenta. This process, through which multiple embryos develop from a single fertilized egg, is called polyembryony. How and why this unique pattern evolved and continues is a mystery.
From Mr. Food
If you're looking for a timeless Southern recipe , then you have to try our Southern Potato Bake. Dish up hearty portions of this hot and hearty potato casserole and enjoy it with the whole family.
- 1 (10-1/2-ounce) can cream of broccoli soup
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
- 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 stick butter, melted, divided
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen southern-style hash browns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups corn flakes, coarsely crushed
- Preheat oven to 350º. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, and 1/2 stick butter; mix well. Stir in hash browns, salt, and pepper; pour into baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine corn flakes and remaining butter; mix well. Sprinkle over potatoes.
- Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
Special anniversary today.......... Phil and Suzanne Santisteven (both LASD ret) are celebrating #19. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KIDS! 
Historically this date.....
1908 – Wilbur Wright makes his first flight at a racecourse at Le Mans, France. It is the Wright Brothers' first public flight.
2008 – The 2008 Summer Olympics officially opened with the opening ceremony at National Stadium, Beijing, China.
And births this date include....
1921 – Esther Williams, American actress and swimmer (d.2013)
1922 – Rory Calhoun, American actor (d. 1999)
1937 – Dustin Hoffman, American actor
1938 – Connie Stevens, American singer and actress
1949 – Keith Carradine, American actor
All I know. Nuff said. Happy Saturday. Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo
National Dollar Day on August 8th commemorates the day Congress established the U.S. monetary system in 1786.
In 1862, the United States printed its first dollar bill. Do you know whose face was printed there? It wasn’t George Washington. The first dollar bill featured Salmon P. Chase, President Lincoln’s Secretary of Treasury.
More Dollar Facts
Interestingly, the dollar bill in our pockets today hasn’t been changed for more than 50 years. While the $5, $10, $20, and $50 earned redesigns in recent years, the single remains unchanged. Due to counterfeiting, redesigns keep the larger currencies ahead of counterfeiters. However, the single doesn’t face attention the more significant notes see.
Above the right number 1 on the face side of the dollar, a tiny bird peeks out. Whether it’s an owl, an eagle or another such bird is uncertain. Like other embedded items in the bill’s design, it fuels many conspiracy theories.
Speaking of conspiracy theories, the pyramid on the back fuels a few. It’s part of the Great Seal of the United States. However, the truth of the pyramid represents several things. You’ll find 13 steps on the pyramid equaling the 13 original colonies. The unfinished top represents a young country growing and expanding. Finally, the Eye of Providence includes the Latin motto Annuit Coeptis, which means, “It is favorable to our undertakings.”
The number 13 is represented on the dollar bill in several places. Do you know where else?
Opposite the pyramid is an eagle. The image represents both war and peace. In the eagle’s left talon it holds arrows and in its right an olive branch. How many arrows do you think the eagle holds? If you guessed 13, you’d be right.
Above the eagle’s head, there is a cloud with a constellation. How many stars are in the constellation? Again the number 13 is represented. The eagle includes a shield 13 stripes, too.
