Something’s always happening at UUCDC.
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What is the Oldest Recorded Joke in English?
/in TriviaA book of Anglo-Saxon poetry from the 10th century includes what researchers believe could be the first recorded joke in the English language: “What hangs at a man’s thigh and wants to poke the hole that it’s often poked before?” The punchline? (Keep it clean.) “A key.” 3,000 years before that, the Sumerians had the… Continue Reading What is the Oldest Recorded Joke in English?
Rev. Laura Solomon
/in NewsAt a congregational meeting on May 11, 2025, after a week during which members of UUCDC had multiple opportunities to hear them speak and get to know them, Rev. Dr. Laura Solomon was called to be our settled minister. The vote was unanimous, as 159 people said a resounding “Yes!” There was also a non-binding… Continue Reading Rev. Laura Solomon
Pure Imagination
/in Weekly Musical InspirationThe Soul Matters theme form May is Imagination. In the movie Willie Wonka, children are brought into a wondrous place where candy of all sizes and shapes abounds. Willie sings to them about the joy of letting their imaginations run free. Here is Gene Wilder as Willie Wonka, singing Pure Imagination.
How can clams save lives in Poland?
/in TriviaClams and some other mollusks filter water to remove debris and pollutants. A water station in Poland has a setup wherein eight clams are monitoring the city’s drinking water. When they encounter heavy metals, pesticides or other pollutants, they close their shells. They are hooked up to computers that register whether their shells are open… Continue Reading How can clams save lives in Poland?
Peter’s Place
/in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for May is Peter’s Place, which provides no-cost groups and other support services for grieving children and families. They also deliver school-based educational programs on the effects of death and grief. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a… Continue Reading Peter’s Place
What state has a “state monster?”
/in TriviaEvery state has designations for things like state flower, state dog, even state dessert. But Washington is the only state to have a state monster. In 1970, Washington’s governor issued a proclamation declaring Sasquatch the state monster of Washington; he even affixed a lock of the legendary monster’s supposed hair to the document. However, the… Continue Reading What state has a “state monster?”
What animals can hold a grudge longer than their lives?
/in TriviaYou would think that a grudge would end when an animal dies. Not so with a murder – a murder or group of crows, that is. Crows tend to live for 5-7 years. If one member of a murder has a serious grudge against someone, their murder has been known to display anger against them… Continue Reading What animals can hold a grudge longer than their lives?
Our Ministerial Candidate
/in NewsRev. Laura Solomon has been selected as the candidate to become the settled minister of UUCDC. Their breadth of experience, compassion, and the ability to preach and foster trust showed the Ministerial Search Committee that Rev. Laura is the person best suited to lead our congregation. On Sunday, April 27, the Ministerial Search Committee will… Continue Reading Our Ministerial Candidate
MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMPLETE!
/in NewsAfter a nearly year-long process, a candidate for settled minister at UUCDC has been chosen! Because there are still a few I’s that need to be dotted and T’s that must be crossed, the name of this person cannot yet be revealed. More information will be provided once everything is officially set. On Sunday, April… Continue Reading MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMPLETE!
The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain that serves many functions. Among them, it tells us to laugh when we experience a light touch to a sensitive area, and at the same time, tells us to expect a painful sensation. That’s why we tell people to stop. Laughing when tickled could be a… Continue Reading
How do chimpanzees recognize each other?
/in TriviaHumans recognize others by their faces. And yes, chimpanzees can do that. But they also recognize each other by looking at their anogenital areas, their butts. Rear ends serve a big purpose in the chimp world. Bottoms and faces are both symmetrical, and interpreting what a behind is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success,… Continue Reading How do chimpanzees recognize each other?
Happy
/in Weekly Musical InspirationThere is one particular song that embodies April’s Soul Matters theme: The Practice of Joy. When Pharrell Williams was young, he always had big goals. He still believes that the sky’s the limit, and has a song that lightens his spirit and brings him joy whenever he’s upset or angry: Happy.
Thresholds
/in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for April is Thresholds, a nonprofit organization working to prevent violence and enhance problem-solving skills, and provides education to develop a more positive self-image for incarcerated citizens. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.
How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?
/in TriviaLouis Armstrong had many nicknames as a child, all of which referred to the size of his mouth: “Gatemouth,” “Dippermouth,” and “Satchelmouth.” During a visit to Great Britain, Louis was met by Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, who greeted him by saying, “Hello, Satchmo!” (He had inadvertently contracted “Satchelmouth” into “Satchmo.”) Louis… Continue Reading How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?
What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?
/in TriviaIf you take the Ambassador Bridge south from Detroit, it will take you directly into Windsor, Ontario, the only major Canadian city south of the U.S. Windsor is home to, among other things, an engine plant for Ford. Detroiters had been able to pop down to Windsor and do duty-free shopping. But with tariffs, is… Continue Reading What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?
Ministerial Search Update
/in NewsThe Ministerial Search Committee has finished meeting with the pre-candidates for settled minister at UUCDC. Over the next few weeks, the committee will be meeting and discussing their relative suitability for our congregation. Our rankings of these candidates will be submitted to the UUA before the end of March, and the name of our candidate… Continue Reading Ministerial Search Update
What ballerina is on an American coin?
/in TriviaIn 2023, the US mint released a quarter that bears the image of the woman considered to have been America’s first prima ballerina, known as Maria Tallchief. Her American name was actually Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, and her Osage name, Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba, translates to Two Standards. Her stage and Osage names adorn the back of the… Continue Reading What ballerina is on an American coin?
What does rain smell like?
/in TriviaRain itself has no scent. But moments before a rain event or as it begins, an earthy smell known as petrichor permeates the air. This comes from the moistening of the ground. Tiny microorganisms decompose dead or decaying organic matter, and a byproduct is a type of alcohol that has a strong scent. Its complex… Continue Reading What does rain smell like?
Count On Me
/in Weekly Musical InspirationThis Soul Matters theme for March is The Practice of Trust. In that spirit, the First Unitarian Brooklyn has a cover of Bruno Mars’ Count On Me. As the lyrics say, “We find out what we’re made of when we are called to help our friends in need.”
ACHIEVEability
/in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for March is ACHIEVEability, a nonprofit working in West Philadelphia to permanently break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income, single parent and homeless families through higher education, affordable housing, supportive services, community and economic development and accountability. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received… Continue Reading ACHIEVEability