HELPING HUMANS SLOW DOWN AND LOOK UP THE ART OF STARGAZING
2. EXTRA SET OF EYES While novice stargazers often want to immediately throw their money at a new telescope, astronomy experts recommend starting with binoculars instead. You’ll need to identify several anchor planets or constellations to help you navigate the sky before using a telescope. 3. UTILIZE ASSETS Put your phone to good use by downloading apps like Stellarium, Starwalk, and Google Sky Map. Each of these apps offers a unique benefit for aspiring stargazers. For example, Starwalk lets you point your phone at the sky to see stars, constellations, and planets in real time based on your location. 4. MARK YOUR CALENDAR In 1972, beloved singer-songwriter John Denver wrote about a meteor shower he witnessed during a camping trip in Colorado. He describes the scene by singing, “I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky.” The “fire” he recounted was actually the
Modern humans are stuck in a routine of expected and constant industriousness. But with all this rushing, people often drag themselves home at night with no energy left to enjoy the most splendid show nature has to offer: the wondrous night sky. Most people go through life looking straight ahead, but if they would stop and peer skyward, they’d bear witness to a massive, unexplored frontier made up of the moon in all its phases, burning stars sailing through the sky, constellations with epic origin stories, and meteor showers bright enough to warrant sunglasses. If you’re looking for a hobby to help you slow down and appreciate the world around you, stargazing is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started. 1. THE HIGHER, THE BETTER If you’re a city dweller, meander a little way out of town or try to find a tall building to keep the light pollution to a minimum.
Perseids meteor shower, the most recognized shower on Earth. This astrological wonder takes place every year from July 17 to Aug. 24. During this time, viewers should be able to see shooting stars associated with the Perseids, but the shower reaches its maximum rate of activity on Aug. 12–13 this year. 5. VISIT THE CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY It’s one of Dr. Brooks’ favorite places to take his kids or to go for a date night. The staff and volunteers are so helpful and knowledgeable, the history is incredible, the location is beautiful, and the equipment to view the night sky is top-notch. For hours and events, visit CincinnatiObservatory.org. Grab some friends and family, and head outdoors to put your newfound stargazing knowledge to work.
SUMMERTIME GAZPACHO
HOW BIG IS YOUR BRAIN?: We’re giving away $25 every week! Just check our Facebook page every Tuesday to play our Tuesday Trivia contest. We’ll post a question, you post the answer, and you’re entered to win! Every Wednesday, we’ll post the answer, some additional info, and announce the winner of a $25 Amazon e-gift card. Visit our page at www.facebook.com/atowndental. AUGUST 22 IS NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY!: While your child’s tooth can fall out any time of the year, this month you can join in with other parents around the world to honor National Tooth Fairy Day. You can start by sitting down with your kid and researching the various stories surrounding this mythical tooth-collecting character known by families in other countries. For example, many Spanish children tuck their tooth under the pillow in hopes that a small mouse will come to collect it in order to preserve their health! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs. ripe tomatoes; cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 small cucumber; peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 red bell pepper; cored, seeded, and sliced into ribbons • 1 small Vidalia onion, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup basil leaves • 1 clove garlic, peeled • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a blender and medium mixing bowl on your workstation. 2. Divide the tomato chunks, cucumber pieces, and bell pepper slices evenly between blender and bowl. Place entire onion in blender. 3. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to blender. Blend on low, gradually raising speed to high until smooth, about 2 minutes. 4. Add blender contents to bowl and mix until just broken up, about 10–20 seconds. 5. Let mixture sit in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Transfer to bowls and serve.
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