5 Interesting Facts About Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s voice made him quite possibly the most popular singer of the 20th century, delivering personal lyrics and irresistible melodies with command and flair. He was a tough guy with a softer side, and American audiences simply couldn’t get enough of Ol' Blue Eyes. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Frank Sinatra.

  1. Frank Sinatra was so inspired by Bing Crosby that he dropped out of high school to pursue singing as a career. He performed at local nightclubs in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area and even got some air time on the city’s radio stations.
  2. After noticing his local success, bandleader Tommy Dorsey invited Sinatra to join his band. Sinatra and Dorsey enjoyed two years of hit songs together, but eventually Sinatra quit to pursue a solo career.
  3. In just three short years between 1943 and 1946, Sinatra released 17 Top 10 singles.
  4. In addition to his incredible voice, Sinatra was also a talented actor. He made his film debut in 1943 with the movie Higher and Higher, and in 1953 he won an Oscar for From Here to Eternity.
  5. Though Sinatra was signed to Capitol Records for the beginning of his recording career, he left the label to start his own label, Reprise, in the late 1950s. Warner Bros. bought Reprise, and Sinatra then started his own film production company, Artanis.

Are you a Sinatra fan? Tell us which song by Ol' Blue Eyes is your favorite!

Frank Sinatra [Biography]
Frank Sinatra Biography [Rolling Stone]
About Frank Sinatra [MTV]

8 Tips to Keep You and Your Children Safe in the Kitchen

Though it seems like fun to let your children help cook dinner, kitchen injuries are more common than you may think. These thought-provoking tips will show you how to keep yourself and your children safe while cooking.

1. Roll up your sleeves before using the stove. Long or draping shirt sleeves can catch fire if they come into contact with a hot stove, so make sure to dress appropriately when cooking.

2. Turn pots and pans inward. If the handles of your pots and pans hang off the edge of the stove, children can bump them and sustain dangerous burns.

3. Practice frequent hand washing. Encourage children to wash their hands before and after cooking to avoid spreading germs.

4. Take precautions with raw meat or eggs. Clean countertops, utensils, and containers carefully to prevent foodborne illnesses from meat and eggs.

5. Don’t let your children lick the spoon. While kids love to eat batter from cake or cookies, raw egg can make them sick. Tell them they can have the first taste after baking is complete.

6. Check food temperature. Using a food thermometer to check internal temperatures after cooking or baking will help ensure that food is safe to consume.

7. Sharpen knives. It may seem counterintuitive, but dull knives require much more force than sharp knives and can result in more injuries.

8. Always supervise your children. The most fun part about teaching children to cook is spending time together, so don’t forget this important tip!

Keeping Your Kitchen Safe [National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute]

5 Fun Facts About Legendary Guitarist Jimi Hendrix

He’s known for his incredible guitar licks, but there’s a whole lot more to know about the fascinating Jimi Hendrix. Here are a few interesting facts about one of the greatest guitarists of all time:

  1. Though his guitar skills are unparalleled, Hendrix had no formal training when he began playing. He taught himself to play guitar as a teenager by listening to blues guitarists at his childhood home in Seattle, Washington.
  2. Jimi Hendrix was left handed, but instead of playing a left-handed guitar, he simply took a standard Fender Stratocaster and played it upside down. Hendrix is also often credited with being one of the first guitarists to master electronic sound effects, like feedback and distortion.
  3. Hendrix joined the army in 1961 with hopes of becoming a paratrooper. He managed to play music even while he was enlisted, forming a band called The King Casuals.
  4. Before branching out on his own, Hendrix was a backup guitarist for Little Richard, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, and other recognizable names.
  5. Hendrix started the Jimi Hendrix Experience in London after his manager, Chas Chandler of the Animals, suggested that he move there. The band became popular among England’s most elite musicians, from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to The Who.

Jimi Hendrix Biography [Rolling Stone]
Jimi Hendrix [Biography]
Jimi Hendrix [Britannica]

Tap Into Your Creative Side: Starting a New Hobby

Tapping into your inner creativity can offer rewards to both your personal and professional life. If you've been wanting to pursue an artistic hobby at home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge, these tips can help you get started.

First, gather the materials you will need. There is nothing more challenging than getting your creative juices flowing only to discover that you are lacking a necessary tool or piece of equipment. That said, don’t pressure yourself to purchase the most expensive or fanciest supplies — you just need something to get started with.

Next, set aside some time where you won’t be interrupted — this is key. In order to learn a new skill you need both time and undivided attention. We all know it can be difficult to schedule the time, but be realistic. If you can only set aside fifteen minutes, then make those fifteen minutes count.

Sometimes, it's helpful to set aside time to get creative with your friends. Finding people at a similar level of skill can provide an environment where you can all learn together, and also support each other as you learn. Whether you’re crocheting, scrapbooking or whatever, a group can’t do anything but help you improve, and make the process more fun!

If you're finding your new talent a challenge, seek out some professional instruction. You don’t have to commit to an overwhelming schedule of lessons, but having a few pointers can be really helpful as you get started, and make the whole process more pleasureable.

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