Venice, Italy, often referred to as the "beautiful, sinking city", has a well-known flooding problem.
Just steps from St Mark’s Square, the ‘Libreria Acqua Alta’ has figured out how to protect their books when the city floods. Their merchandise is stored in an array of boats, bathtubs, containers, and even a gondola inside the store. This simple, yet ingenious system eases the worries of rising waters that have become increasingly common in the city. (The store’s name translates literally to ‘The Bookstore of High Water.’)
Not only are there books for sale, but some have been turned into objects of art and even furniture. Old outdated encyclopedias (which no one buys any more) have been transformed into steps in a unique staircase, and are used to cover the walls of the outer courtyards. Visitors will also encounter gondola poles, oars, and mannequins.
In addition to the eclectic atmosphere, the store offers a huge selection of books, both new and old, in many languages. Approximately 60% of the books are new. The store’s whimsical atmosphere is reflected in their “fire escape,” which is simply a door leading directly out into a canal.
Browsers in the store may also encounter stray cats, who are allowed to wander through, or hang out atop the stacks, either to escape rising tides and floods, or just to catch a little cat-nap.
Looking for a budget friendly, fast, and delicious way to feed the kids now that school is back in session? Our Deep Dish Pizza Casserole is just what you need! This easy deep dish pizza is ready in just 30 minutes, and is sure to please the kids with its cheesy pizza goodness. You'll give the flavors and simplicity of this dish an A+!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen bell peppers and onions, thawed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat oven to 425º. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain off pan drippings. Stir in spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, and onion and pepper mixture and cook until heated through.
- Meanwhile, unroll pizza dough and press into bottom and halfway up sides of baking dish (see Notes). Line pizza dough with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese. Top with meat mixture. Place remaining 6 slices of cheese over meat filling and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese begins to bubble up. Cool 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
1944 – The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City hosts a jazz concert for the first time. The performers are Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge and Jack Teagarden.
1990 – Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry is arrested for drug possession in an FBI sting.
He wrote one of my most favorite books!!!
1813 – Joseph Glidden, American farmer who patented barbed wire (d. 1906)
1882 – A. A. Milne, English author (d. 1956)
1892 – Oliver Hardy, American comedian and actor (d. 1957)
1904 – Cary Grant, English actor (d. 1986)
1913 – Danny Kaye, American actor (d. 1987)
1941 – David Ruffin, American singer (The Temptations) (d. 1991)
1955 – Kevin Costner, American actor
National Winnie the Pooh Day on January 18th commemorates author A.A. Milne’s birthday in 1882. He brought the adorable, honey-loving bear to life in his stories, which also featured his son, Christopher Robin.
Milne’s lovable Pooh Bear, as he was fondly called, is a fictional bear inspired by a black bear named Winnie. Winnie lived at the London Zoo during World War I. The author’s son, Christopher Robin, would visit the bear often and named his own teddy bear after her and a swan named Pooh.
This friendship inspired a collection of books starting with Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. E.H. Shepard beautifully illustrated the books.
Their adventures took them and millions of children through the Hundred Acre Woods. Each character played a unique role in the books. Whether the wisdom of Owl or Rabbit lead the group awry or a celebration ensued, the story’s characters became beloved around the world.
In the 1960s, Disney bought the rights to the Winnie-the-Pooh characters dropping the hyphen from Pooh’s name. The illustrations were a bit different, too.
Milne’s stories have been translated into over 50 languages and are considered classic children’s stories today.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Snuggle up with your favorite Pooh fan, a pot of honey, and take turns reading about the adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Share your favorite Pooh Bear adventure or quote. Watch a Winnie the Pooh movie. Listen to songs like “Return to Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins.
NATIONAL WINNIE THE POOH DAY HISTORY
Since at least 1986, National Winnie The Pooh Day has been observed across the country. However, we’ve been unable to identify the founder of the day. We will continue researching.
