Defining Derp

When the kids come home speaking in tongues i.e... brandishing a new slang word in their vocabulary that I've never heard of, I often tend to go in search of meanings and definitions. This time was no exception...

So what exactly is Derp?
Derp is an expression associated with stupidity, much like the earlier forms of “duh” and “dur.”

Derp = Duh!

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Shakespeare & Eddie George - Free

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is kicking off thier fifth annual Winter Shakespeare production with the production of Julius Caesar this month.
Some think and have said that William Shakespeare and his production of Julius Caesar doesn't resonate well with teenagers but to tell you the truth I think that this production would actually be a great introduction for several reasons....

First off, it's one of Shakespeare's shortest plays if not the shortest.
-Brief encounters are always good when introducing teens to Shakespeare as well as most of the cultural arts.

Secondly, it's filled to the brim with muderous plots, political mayhem, and even touches on the beginings of the massive Roman Empire.
- Yes I do think that most teen males can/will fully appreciate a good king of the hill battle.

Lastly, it will give one a greater insight into one of the most timeless and tragic love stories ever written, Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
- While this love affair ended tragically, the gals will surely enjoy the value of an enduring love and maybe even contrast it to the real ups and downs of dealing with teen love.

If that not enough...did I mention that part of Julius Caesar is being played by none other that former Tennessee Titian Eddie George? Now,if you ask me, that's pretty cool too!

Performanacense are being held on the Belmont University campus in the Troutt Theater and cost of tickets normally range from $12-$25. Although.... there is a way you can see the show for free because they are still in need volunteers...and volunteers will, of course, get to see the show for free.

Want to Volunteer?  For this year's winter production, they are in need of at least 6 volunteers per performance. Volunteer's duties include: ticket takers, ushers, and concessions helpers. You can do this by emailing volunteers@nashvilleshakes.org and letting them know what day you want to volunteer. 

Performance Dates and Times are as follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7:30pm

Thursday, Jan. 12th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 13th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 14th, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 15th, 2:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 19th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 20th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 21st, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 2:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 26th, 7:30 pm

Friday, Jan. 27th, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Jan. 28th, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 29th, 2:30 pm.

Volunteers need to arrive an hour before curtain time.

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Happy New Years & Happy Birthday to the Breathalyzer too!

Yes, Yes it's true the very first Breathalyzer i.e... stable breath-testing instrument to measure alcohol levels was introduced seventy years ago today, in 1938.

It was called, at the time, the drunkometer! The inventor, Dr. Harger was, among other things, a professor of toxicology...how ironically funny!

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Foto Fix: Po' Man Deer Stand

Yes, yes this scenario really had me questioning the ANY logical and logistical reasoning behind this too!

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Commendable Cookies

OK, so it's that time of year, again...the time of year when we all tend to pull out our kitchen gadgets and secret baking recipes from those dusty ole cupboards to get an early start on testing and fine tuning all of those holiday goodies.

So in honor of one of our favorite cookies, I give you both the REAL and the FAUX Neiman Marcus $250 Cookie Recipes....let the baking begin!

Faux Neiman Marcus $250 Cookie Recipe

2 cups butter

4 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups brown sugar

5 cups blended oatmeal ( blended to a fine powder)

24 oz. chocolate chips

1 tsp. salt

1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)

4 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)

2 tsp. vanilla

Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips, Hershey bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 112 cookies

Real Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 cup light brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder

1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds.
Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.
Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges.
Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.
Yield: 2 dozen cookies

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