Rocking chairs are often seen as evocative of parenting, as the gentle rocking motion soothes infants and sends them off to sleep.
Many adults find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle motion. Gentle rocking motion has been shown to provide faster onset of sleep than remaining stationary, mimicking the process of a parent rocking a child to sleep.
Rocking chairs are also comfortable because, when a user sits in one without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backward until the sitter's center of gravity is met, thus granting an ergonomic benefit with the occupant kept at an un-stressed position and angle. Rockers are also good to use during pregnancy as it reduces back pain and promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called "platform rockers" and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.
Etymology
The word rocking chair comes from the verb to rock. The first known use of the term rocking chair was in 1766.
Rocking chairs are often seen as evocative of parenting, as the gentle rocking motion soothes infants and sends them off to sleep.
Many adults find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle motion. Gentle rocking motion has been shown to provide faster onset of sleep than remaining stationary, mimicking the process of a parent rocking a child to sleep.
Rocking chairs are also comfortable because, when a user sits in one without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backward until the sitter's center of gravity is met, thus granting an ergonomic benefit with the occupant kept at an un-stressed position and angle. Rockers are also good to use during pregnancy as it reduces back pain and promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called "platform rockers" and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.
History
Rocking cradles long predate rocking chairs and an example exists from antiquity, found in the ruins of Herculaneum.
Originally used in gardens, rocking chairs were simply ordinary chairs with rockers attached. In 1725, early rocking chairs first appeared in England. Though American inventor Benjamin Franklin is sometimes credited with inventing the rocking chair, historians actually trace the rocking chair's origins to North America during the early 18th century, when Franklin was a child. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.
During the 1830s, Peter Cooper designed the first steel chair in America which was a rocking chair, and was displayed at the Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851.
Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, created the first bentwood rocking chair in 1860. This design is distinguished by its graceful shape and its light weight. These rocking chairs were influenced by Greek and Roman designs as well as Renaissance and colonial era artistry.
During the 1920s, however, folding rocking chairs became more popular in the United States and in Europe. They were handy for outdoor activities and travel purposes. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, an American craftsman, became famous for their durability and deluxe appearance. Maloof's rocking chairs are distinguished by their ski-shaped rockers.
- 1 pound baby bella mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh garlic
- 1 (9-ounce) package frozen creamed spinach, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen precooked sausage crumbles
- 3 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
- Preheat oven to 375º. Gently clean mushrooms by wiping them with damp paper towels.
- Remove stems from mushrooms; place mushroom caps on baking sheet. Finely chop the stems.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped mushrooms, onion, and garlic, and saute 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Add spinach and sausage; mix until well combined. Remove from heat and add bread crumbs; mix well.
- Evenly divide spinach mixture on top of each mushroom cap and mound with a spoon.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately.
1917 – Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India (d. 1984)
1919 – Alan Young, British-born American actor (Mister Ed) (d.2016)
1961 – Meg Ryan, American actress
Known as one of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly was originally based on a board game designed by Elizabeth Magie in 1902. Since then, the game has been played by an estimated 500 million people since 1935.
The object of the game is to collect as many properties as you can to create a monopoly. When players land on your property, you get to collect rent. The more properties you own, the more money you make, too. But watch out, there are taxes and other fees involved. To win the game, you need to bankrupt your opponents and be the last landowner standing. Many families have house rules that make the game more interesting, too.
Monopoly also comes in numerous versions. Do you enjoy a particular book or movie franchise or hobby? The game likely comes in themes focusing on famous characters and likely scenarios. How about sports teams or pop culture? Monopoly money goes there, too!
Monopoly was published by Parker Brothers, an American toy and game manufacturer since 1883.
