The Road to Arizona--AFC Champions New England Patriots

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Good afternoon on MLK Day (or Civil Rights Day in some parts of the U.S.). I hope you are all reflecting and thinking about the messages Dr. King conveyed during his short life. If you haven't seen the movie Selma, I highly recommend it. I can't believe the movie didn't get any acting nominations, but that's another story. The Academy also blew it when it had a chance to nominate the first African-American woman  (Ava DuVernay)for Best Director. I hope Cheryl Boone Isaacs keeps to her promise for more diversity in Oscar nominations.

The New England Patriots coasted their way to the other spot in Super Bowl XLIX with a 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Here are some fun facts about the team:

• In 1959, the Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the final spot in the new American Football League (now the NFL's AFC Conference). They were called the Boston Patriots until 1974.
• The Patriots' mascot is Pat the Patriot. 
• The Patriots' all-time leaders are Tom Brady, Sam Cunningham, and Stanley Morgan
• Their main rivalries are the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens.
• Robert Kraft (of Kraft Company container fame and more) has owned the team since 1994.
• The Patriots have played at Gillette Stadium since 2002. Until then, the Patriots played all their games at Foxboro Stadium.
• The Patriots have 18 players in the NFL Hall of Fame, along with broadcaster Gil Santos and contributor Sullivan
• All of their Super Bowl victories have been won by three points
• The Patriots' former owner, Victor Kiam, was sued for sexual harassment and his team had a dismal record during his four-year tenure.
• The Patriots are the sixth most-valuable franchise in the world.
• They played at four different stadiums in their first 11 years.
• Tom Brady and his wife, model Gisele Bundchen, are the richest celebrity couple (worth $76 million), thanks to lucrative endorsements

In the coming days before the big game, I will write about Glendale, AZ and present some stats about each team. We will also give away some free printable games, so stay tuned!

Now onto Listmania:

Party Idea of the Day: More fun with grass carpet! Chica and Jo show us how to make these cool pennants. 

Super Bowl Fun Fact of the Day: The 1970s halftime shows featured many themed performances, including tributes to the big band, America’s Bicentennial, Caribbean Culture, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, the Silver Screen, the Olympics, Mardi Gras, the world’s children, and the future.

Today's Birthdays: Dani Thorne (21), Shawn Johnson (22), Logan Lerman (22), Erin Sanders (23), Jodie Sweetin (32), Drea De Matteo (42), Shawn Wayans (43) Paul Rodriguez (59), Katey Segal (60), Desi Arnaz, Jr. (61), Paula Deen (67), Dolly Parton (68), Shelley Fabares (70), Michael Crawford (72), and Tippi Hendron (84),

Holidaze: Hooray for National Popcorn Day! Popcorn is probably my favorite munchie food. It's a whole grain loaded with fiber and keeps you more full than chips or candy. Beware of movie popcorn as it's full of fat and salt. I tend to limit my intake at the theater. Also, avoid slathering it with butter. Try some popcorn recipes, or throw some of your favorite seasonings (such as cinnamon or Parmesan cheese) on your treat. Popcorn probably dates back to Biblical times and was an integral part of Aztec culture.

That's all for today. Tonight it's the gym and finishing up another custom crossword for an Etsy customer.

Have a PRINTASTIC day!

Kathy

The Road to Super Bowl XLIX--Ravens vs. Patriots

Good afternoon, football fans! It's snowing in NYC and we're in the middle of our first deep freeze of the winter. Despite the cold weather, our shop has reason to celebrate because we reached our 20th sale this morning. It was our goal to hit 20 sales by the end of 2014, so we were just a few days short. We hope this upward trend continues.

Our Super Bowl series continues with the first game of the division playoffs--Ravens at Patriots--taking place this Saturday. It looks like Baltimore will probably have the edge in this game. Although the Patriots have a strong home record (53-10), the Ravens are just as competitive on the road (10-5) in postseason play. Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco has outperformed Patriots' Quarterback Tom Brady in their last two playoff meetings.

The Party Idea of the Day goes to the Celebration Shoppe for their snack table set up. I love the map of the U.S. Check out their website for instructions.

Super Bowl Fun Fact of the Day: The Vince Lombardi trophy is crafted in sterling silver by Tiffany & Co. It stands 20-3/4 inches tall, weighs 6.7 pounds, and is valued at around $25,000.  

Today's birthday include: Kate McKinnon (31), Eddie Redmayne (33), Danny Pintauro (39), Julie Chen (45), Norman Reddus (46), John Singleton (47), Eric William (55), Kathy Sledge (56), Rowan Atkinson (60), Jett Williams (62), Malcolm Young (62), Kim Wilson (64),

Holidaze: Today is a day for foodies everywhere. It's National Bean Day and National Shortbread Day. As most of us know, beans are a great source of fiber and protein and come in many colors. I can find authentic English shortbread at a store near my office called Chelsea Market Baskets. It's a very simple recipe made with flour, sugar, and water.

We mourn the death of Bess Myerson, the first Jewish Miss America, who was 90. Ms. Myerson faced much prejudice while on the pageant circuit and was denied many opportunities despite her win. She became Commissioner of Consumer Affairs for New York City but became tabloid fodder when it was speculated she was having an affair with a married man (Andy Capasso, a wealthy contractor who was serving time for tax evasion). She was also arrested for shoplifting during this time. In later years, she stepped away from the public spotlight. Rest in peace, Bess.

Hope you are all staying warm! Have a PRINTASTIC Day!

Kathy