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Teens

Today is National Popcorn Day!

Posted on January 19th, 2013 by Anna in News
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Yep, you heard me right. National Popcorn Day is today. Though apparently the date isn’t entirely set in stone. According to The Popcorn Board  the day is celebrated at the end of January, but no one is sure who started the tradition and what the original date actually is. So, in lieu of elusive facts, January 19th is the day currently used.

So for all of you popcorn loving people, and who doesn’t love popcorn, here are some really awesome ways to make popcorn. It’s easy, it’s fast, and hey, tell your mother it’s healthy too!

Just want to run to the store and grab the microwavable kind? Well, I’ve got news for you. That stuff has apparently been linked to some very serious health risks. But, there is another way you can make microwavable popcorn, without the scary risks. Another good thing about this super simple recipe: It’s cheaper! Here’s how:

Pour 2 tablespoons of kernels into a paper lunch sack. Fold the top over once and tape closed. Place in the microwave, tape side down, and hit the popcorn button. Stay close and listen until the pops are three seconds apart. Stop the microwave.

Once it’s done, put the popcorn in a bowl, melt a tablespoon or two of butter in the microwave and pour over your popcorn. Add salt to taste and mix well. Enjoy!

Tired of the same thing every time? Try these spicy versions:

Chile-Lime Popcorn
Top popped corn with lime zest, chile powder, and a sprinkle of cayenne. Toss to combine.

Sugar & Spice Popcorn
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour over popcorn and toss well to coat.

These simple recipes were found here.

Today is Frank Zamboni’s 112 Birthday

Posted on January 16th, 2013 by Mary in Teen Services

Who is Frank Zamboni?  He was an American inventor. One of his inventions was an ice resurfacer. We now call the machine a “Zamboni” in his honor. You will find the Zambonis at hockey games, ice skating tournaments and open ice skating time. The Boston Frog Pond even has a Zamboni machine. Many Zambonis are decorated or plastered with sponsorship ads. Regardless, they make the ice nice and smooth to do spins and jumps when ice skating.

Google has a special doodle today. It’s a Zamboni game. It’s really addictive.

Here is some information about the doodle from YouTube:

Enjoy!

Duct Tape Workshop

Posted on January 14th, 2013 by Anna in Events, Programs, Teen Services
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Last week we had an awesome duct tape workshop. I still find it amazing the things one can make from duct tape, and the fact that the tape itself comes in so many different colors and designs. Sometimes it’s hard to choose which color to use for a project!

Below, are two projects that were made that day, a colorful necktie, that really is knotted around Edward Cullen’s neck like a real tie, and a messanger bag that works just as good as anything you can buy in a store! Check them out! And if you’re interested in making anything with duct tape because you missed the exciting workshop, all you need are three basic things: duct tape in colors you love, a pair of tough scissors, and a ruler. Here are two books with fantastic design ideas for everyone:

Ductigami: The Art of the Tape by Joe Wilson

Got Tape by Ellie Schiedermayer

 

 

 

 

History of Windows from Windows 1.0 to Windows 8

Posted on January 12th, 2013 by Mary in Teen Services
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While reading American Libraries Direct for 1/9/2012, I came across an article that provided a link to a lookback at Microsoft Windows history from 1.0 to 8. I will date myself here but I have used all versions except for Windows 8. That will happen someday. I hope you all will enjoy reliving the past with this really cool video posted on YouTube!

Life in Space

Posted on January 5th, 2013 by Laura in Teen Services

Are you ever curious about the nuts and bolts of life in space? This video with International Space Station Commander Sunita Williams gives you a pretty amazing look at what her day-to-day life is like. The biggest take-away – when you’re in space, your hair always looks amazing!