Lemon Bars

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September 28, 2024

Lemon Bars are a beloved dessert that marries a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, lemony custard-like filling.

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup flour,
1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter

Filling:

1 cup sugar,
2 large eggs,
3 tbsp lemon juice,
Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix crust ingredients until crumbly and press into an 8×8 inch pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Whisk filling ingredients until well blended.
Pour over hot crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.
Cool before cutting.

When you bite into a Lemon Bar, expect a burst of lemony tartness balanced by the sweet crust, making it a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer or any time you’re craving something zesty and sweet.

Note:

The base layer is made from a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, which is pressed into a baking dish and pre-baked to create a golden, crumbly texture.

When baked and cooled, the filling should be firm yet tender, almost like a creamy lemony custard. The contrast between the dense, almost cheesecake-like filling and the crunchy crust creates a delightful mouthfeel.

Lemon Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Some prefer them cold from the fridge for a refreshing bite, while others enjoy the slightly softer texture they get when closer to room temperature.

While the classic version is perfect as is, there are variations where you might see additions like blueberry or raspberry for a fruit swirl, or even a hint of lavender for a floral twist.

Lemon Bars are best stored in the refrigerator due to the egg-based filling, and they tend to be even more delicious the next day as the flavors meld together.

Lemon Bars are a staple in many dessert repertoires due to their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. They’re often found at bake sales, potlucks, or as a homemade treat that’s easy to transport and serve.

Enjoy!

National Public Lands Day

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is an annual initiative celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September each year, which in 2024 falls on September 28.

Here’s how you might engage with or understand this event:

NPLD serves as a celebration of the nation’s public lands, promoting volunteerism to help restore and maintain these spaces, which include national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and more. It’s also an opportunity for education on environmental stewardship and encourages public engagement with these natural resources.

On this day, thousands of volunteers participate in activities like trail maintenance, tree planting, beach clean-ups, and invasive species removal across the country. These activities not only improve the lands but also foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

One of the highlights for visitors is that all national parks waive entrance fees on this day, encouraging more people to explore and appreciate these public lands.

Volunteers receive various benefits, including in some cases, a voucher for free entry into national parks on another day. The idea is to give back to those who contribute their time and effort.

The NPLD theme for 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow” and underscores the communal effort towards preserving these lands for future generations, emphasizing unity in conservation efforts.

Beyond the immediate activities, NPLD highlights the importance of public lands in providing recreational opportunities, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of communities. It’s also a platform for political leaders and environmental groups to discuss policies related to land management, conservation, and public access.

If you’re considering participating in National Public Lands Day, whether by volunteering or visiting a national park, it’s an excellent opportunity to engage directly with America’s natural heritage, contribute to conservation efforts, or simply enjoy the outdoors without the usual entry fees. Remember, this day not only encourages personal engagement with nature but also underscores the collective responsibility towards preserving these spaces for future generations.

Poop exploded everywhere in China

By

Alan

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September 28, 2024

Poop exploded everywhere in Nanning, China when a sewage pipe ruptured during a pressure test, resulting in an extraordinary incident where human waste was propelled approximately 33 feet into the air, creating what some have humorously dubbed a “poo-cano.”

This event took place around 11am on September 24, 2024, on a busy street, affecting pedestrians, vehicles, and even pets with an unexpected shower of sewage.

See video:

The explosion was not only visually shocking but also led to a significant cleanup operation. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, but the scene was described as chaotic with human waste covering everything in its path.

The incident quickly went viral on all of the social media platforms around the world, where it was met with a mix of horror, humor, and sympathy for those directly affected. Users expressed concern over the infrastructure’s reliability and the immediate health concerns for the people involved.

This incident highlights potential issues with infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. The pressure test that led to the explosion suggests possible errors in either the design, material quality, or the execution of the test itself.

Beyond the immediate shock, there are broader implications regarding public health and environmental safety. Sewage contains pathogens and pollutants, making cleanup not just a matter of aesthetics but crucial for preventing disease outbreaks.

When the poop exploded everywhere, local authorities responded with a massive cleanup effort. However, the long-term effects, including psychological trauma or health issues among those affected, remain a concern.

This event, while initially causing widespread disgust and amusement online, underscores serious questions about urban infrastructure, public safety, and the potential consequences of infrastructural failures in densely populated areas.

Note:

Nanning is the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It is known as the “Green City (绿城)” because of its abundance of lush subtropical foliage. Located in the South of Guangxi, Nanning is surrounded by a hilly basin, with a warm, monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate.

Mary Smith: “Knocker-Upper”

By

Alan

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September 27, 2024

Mary Smith, famously known as a “knocker-upper,” was a significant figure in London’s East End during the 1930s.

Her job was to wake workers early in the morning so they would not be late for their shifts, a critical service at a time when alarm clocks were neither affordable nor reliable for everyone.

Mary Smith used a pea shooter to fire dried peas at the windows of her clients to wake them up. This method was her unique approach to the job, which was typically done with a stick or other means to tap on windows or doors.

She earned around sixpence a week for her services, which was standard for knocker-uppers at the time.

Mary Smith operated in East London, with her activities well-documented around the 1930s. Her work was part of a broader profession that emerged during the Industrial Revolution and continued until affordable alarm clocks became common.

The profession of knocker-uppers highlights the societal changes brought by the Industrial Revolution where strict work schedules became the norm, necessitating reliable methods for people to wake up on time.

Mary Smith became somewhat of a local legend, not just for her job but for her character. She’s remembered not only for her pea-shooting method but also for her interactions with her community, offering a glimpse into daily life in industrial Britain.

Her story has been referenced in various forms of media and literature, showcasing interest in this quaint occupation that once played a crucial role in urban life.

Mary Smith’s life as a knocker-upper provides a fascinating look into historical occupational necessities and the ingenuity of individuals like her in adapting to the needs of their time. Her story, preserved through photography and anecdotes, offers a window into a bygone era’s morning routine.

Anecdote:

But who woke the knocker uppers? A tongue-twister from the time tackled this conundrum:

We had a knocker-up, and our knocker-up had a knocker-up

And our knocker-up’s knocker-up didn’t knock our knocker up

So our knocker-up didn’t knock us up

‘Cos he’s not up.

“The knocker uppers were night owls and slept during the day instead, waking at about four in the afternoon,” – author Richard Jones.

I guess that the Knocker-Uppers of their day did a pretty good job at helping folks to wake up in time to make it to work.

I’ve got a feeling that if I were living then back in the day that this is what my windows would have looked like on account of my liking to sleep in.

The Home Café in Conrad is closing

By

Alan

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September 27, 2024

The Home Café in Conrad, Montana, which has been a community staple for 66 years, is set to close its doors.

The closure was scheduled for the end of September 2024, specifically on September 28th. This establishment wasn’t just a diner but a place steeped in memories and tradition for locals and visitors alike, often described as a throwback to the 1950s or 60s with its ambiance and service.

Conrad’s Home Cafe was featured on the May 14, 2018 episode of the MontanaPBS travelogue, ‘Backroads of Montana’, and customer reviews had always maintained the 4 star – 5 star ratings because, yes, the food was that good.

The decision to close has stirred a mix of emotions among its patrons, with many expressing their sorrow over losing such a historic spot.

The closure marks the end of an era for Conrad, representing more than just a business shutting down; it’s seen as the loss of a cultural landmark where generations have shared meals, celebrations, and everyday moments.

Despite its popularity and the nostalgia it evoked, the café faced challenges that led to its closure.

There were mentions of mismanagement and the owner’s refusal to accept offers from potential buyers interested in preserving the café’s legacy. This suggests underlying business issues, possibly including financial or operational difficulties, which could not be overcome.

Community reactions range from heartbreak over the café’s closure to discussions on what might have been done differently. There’s a significant amount of community disappointment, with some folks reminiscing about their experiences at The Home Café, highlighting its role beyond just food service.

Although the café itself is closing, there’s mention of potential interest from businessmen to restore it, indicating there might still be hope for its revival or transformation under new management or ownership, though as of now, these are just possibilities.

The closure of The Home Café reflects broader themes of business sustainability in small towns, the impact of local eateries as community hubs, and the challenge of preserving historical establishments in the face of modern economic pressures.

Photo courtesy: Gord and Roxanne – Edmonton, AB