Something’s always happening at UUCDC.
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What do all Maryland lakes have in common (besides water)?
/in TriviaThere are about a dozen major types of lakes, meaning there are about a dozen ways lakes naturally form. None of those are found in Maryland. Some 74% of all lakes are glacial in origin, but glaciers never entered Maryland during the last Great Ice Age. Other major types of natural lakes include those that… Continue Reading What do all Maryland lakes have in common (besides water)?
Shelter From the Storm
/in Weekly Musical InspirationOne of Bob Dylan’s classic songs explores themes of love, refuge, and the struggle to find stability amidst life’s chaos. It offers a reflection on finding peace and meaning in a turbulent world. In keeping with the September Soul Matters theme of Building Belonging, hear now Joshua Hyslop’s gentle take of Shelter From the Storm.
Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
/in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for September is the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Their mission is to prevent domestic violence and empower victims towards self-sufficiency, providing confidential, no-cost services. Share the Plate recipients receive half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.
What was the treadmill originally designed for?
/in TriviaUsing a treadmill, the constant walking, maybe even up at an angle, can seem like torture. It was designed for use by prisoners, providing useful labor. Originally called a treadwheel, up to 40 prisoners at a time were forced to walk on planks, rotating a giant wheel for up to eight hours a day. The… Continue Reading What was the treadmill originally designed for?
When is a building like a beer mug?
/in TriviaThe headquarters of Asahi Breweries in Tokyo is the Asahi Beer Tower. It is a golden office building designed to look like a glass of beer, complete with a foaming head on top. Next to it is the Asahi Beer Hall, a three-story restaurant topped with the Asahi Flame, the official name of which is… Continue Reading When is a building like a beer mug?
What are the “dog days” of summer?
/in TriviaThe brightest star in the night sky, and in the constellation Canis Major (greater dog), is Sirius. During the summer, it rises in the pre-dawn sky in the same area as the sun. The ancient Greeks believed that Sirius, which translates as “the scorcher,” enhanced the heat of the sun. Sirius is sometimes referred… Continue Reading What are the “dog days” of summer?
A Change Is Gonna Come
/in Weekly Musical InspirationBased on his personal experience of racism and discrimination, Sam Cooke wrote this song, whose central message reminds us that we should cling to hope, and “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” A Change Is Gonna Come
Why do fingers get pruney when wet?
/in TriviaA common explanation of pruney digits has the outer layer of skin absorbing water. The outer layer swells, causing wrinkles. Another theory posits that wrinkling is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels: when exposed to water, nerve fibers shrink, and this causes the skin to prune. But to what purpose? One hypothesis suggests these… Continue Reading Why do fingers get pruney when wet?
What amusement park ride can you enjoy any day for free?
/in TriviaIn 1896, engineer Jesse W. Reno brought his patented “Endless Conveyor Elevator” (he called it the “inclined elevator”) to the Old Iron Pier at Coney Island. Reno’s invention stretched a mere seven feet angled at 25-degrees, and instead of steps, it used a conveyor-like belt. The Coney Island installation is said to have carried more… Continue Reading What amusement park ride can you enjoy any day for free?
LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group
/in NewsUUCDC has a peer support group that provides a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ adults to find emotional, spiritual, and social support. Meetings are 6:30–7:30 pm on Zoom (1st Wednesdays), and in person (3rd Wednesdays) in the McClennon Room. There will also be a Zoom meeting on July 30. The focus this summer is on… Continue Reading LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group
What do Play-Doh and Verizon Wireless have in common?
/in TriviaPlay-Doh and Verizon: one you squeeze into shape and the other squeezes your wallet? Nope. They both have trademarked smells. Chances are you’d immediately recognize the scent of Play-Doh. In 2018, the patent office formalized their ownership of that aroma. But Verizon Wireless? They own Reg. No. 4,618,936 for the “flowery musk scent” that consumers… Continue Reading What do Play-Doh and Verizon Wireless have in common?
What country has the world’s longest standing army?
/in TriviaOn a tour of the Vatican, they said that the Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, is the oldest military unit in continuous operation. They have great uniforms, but they are not the oldest. The record goes to Infantry Regiment “Inmemorial del Rey” No. 1, which is part of the Spanish… Continue Reading What country has the world’s longest standing army?
Treat People With Kindness
/in Weekly Musical InspirationHarry Styles wrote a song about making small changes in your life that will lead to your own personal happiness, and doing the same for others. It is about acceptance and treating others the way we would like to be treated regardless of our differences. You should always Treat People With Kindness.
Who wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?”
/in TriviaThe popular story is that 6-year-old prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote that little ditty. He wrote variations on it in the 1780s, which were probably exercises for his music students. They were described as being based on a French folk melody. It was popularized as a song about candy: Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman. So who… Continue Reading Who wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?”
Media Food Bank
/in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for July is the Media Food Bank. They help alleviate local food insecurity, and are committed to improving lives by collecting and distributing food and resources to support financially disadvantaged citizens in Delaware County. Located at the First United Methodist Church in Media, the Media Food Bank is the largest… Continue Reading Media Food Bank
What was the first item ever sold on eBay?
/in TriviaIn 1995, Pierre Omidyar wrote code for AuctionWeb as a personal project in a spare bedroom in his Silicon Valley town house. He had bought a $30 laser pointer for making flashy presentations, but ended up using it to make his cat chase the red dot. It broke after two weeks, so he listed it… Continue Reading What was the first item ever sold on eBay?
What is the sunniest place on Earth?
/in TriviaThere is one location on Earth where you get about the same solar radiation as you would if you were on Venus, which is 28% closer to the sun. The Chajnantor Plateau in Chile has an altitude of 1,500 feet. The thin, broken clouds at this location can intensely focus the sun on the surface… Continue Reading What is the sunniest place on Earth?
Love and Gratitude
/in NewsOn Sunday, June 15, we will celebrate with love and gratitude the retirement from ministry of Rev. Ed Brock, who has been our interim minister for the past two years. During that time, he has guided our congregation with love and care, preparing us for our next settled minister. Rev. Ed has served as a… Continue Reading Love and Gratitude
What does Pennsylvania mean?
/in TriviaPeople say that Pennsylvania was named after William Penn, who founded the Province of Pennsylvania. Nope. He wanted to name it “New Wales.” (New York, New Jersey…) But King Charles II “suggested” it be named after Penn’s father, Admiral William Penn. The admiral had loaned the king money, which was repaid with a grant of… Continue Reading What does Pennsylvania mean?
What school sport has religious roots?
/in TriviaThe Onandaga believe that the Creator gave them the sacred game called Deyhontsigwa’ehs, which roughly translates as “they bump hips.” Most schools call it Lacrosse. It is said to have healing power, which is why it is also known as the Medicine Game. Using hand-made sticks of hickory, the spirit of the tree connects the… Continue Reading What school sport has religious roots?