Four Fascinating Facts About Humans in Space

Are you fascinated by space exploration? Do you dream of joining the 12 people in history who've walked on the moon? Before you don your space suit, check out these interesting facts about humans in space!

1) Before you can even think about becoming an astronaut, you must log at least 1,000 hours of flying in a jet aircraft. This will prepare you, at least somewhat, to go from zero to 17,000 miles per hour in less than nine minutes on the Space Shuttle.

2) Once you've been launched into space, astronauts receive 3.8 pounds of food a day. Most of the food is precooked and processed so that it doesn't require refrigeration. Some fresh fruits and vegetables are on board, but they must be consumed within the first couple days. Astronauts can season their meals with ketchup, mustard, and taco sauce, among other condiments provided on the Space Shuttle.

3) The food consumed during Apollo 11 included bacon squares, sugar cookie cubes, beef stew, and fruit cake. The astronauts quenched their thirst with coffee, fruit juice, and orange drink.

4) On Earth, space suits weigh a whopping 280 pounds. It takes the better part of an hour to put on a space suit, and each astronaut wears special undergarments.

For more interesting space facts, check out NASA's website.

Happy Presidents Day

Today we take the time to honor our courageous leaders and how their visions have shaped our great country.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wishing you a sweet day with your loved ones!

Everything Old Is New Again at the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center

What really makes an antique mall special is the dealers who choose to show their wares there, and the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center is proof positive of that. Opened in 2013 by local dealer Geoff Walsky, it’s quickly grown into a popular shopping destination with over 20,000 square feet of floorspace.

What’s exciting about the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center is that it hosts an invigorating mix of dealers, from veterans with decades in the business to collectors with unique wares that stand outside the norm. (Shoppers rave about the vintage clothing and home decor items on offer here.) Because the space is so huge, budget a fair amount of time to explore it all!

On Wednesday nights, the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center hosts auctions for higher-ticket items that draw a crowd. Adjacent to the antique center is the Leclerc Contemporary Gallery, run by the same owners, which displays a powerful collection of modern art for sale.

Fairfield County Antique and Design Center
19 Willard Road
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 826-8575
www.fairfieldantiqueanddesign.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fairfield-county-antique-and-design-center-norwalk

Mario the Baker: The Best Pizzas in Stamford

Ask any pizza aficionado and they’ll tell you that a true pie is nothing without the perfect dough. That’s why Mario the Baker has been Stamford’s go-to choice for exceptional pizzas since it first opened in 1970. With almost a half a century under their belts, the chefs have developed a devoted clientele of locals.

The first thing you need to do upon entering the restaurant is order some garlic bread for the table. It’s made from a fresh loaf of Italian bread slathered in garlic and butter, and it’ll disappear quickly after it arrives. Other appetizers that win raves include the clams and mussels Posillipo and the cold antipasto.

Moving on to pizza, Mario the Baker offers a number of popular combinations, including the popular Mario’s Special of sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni, and onions. The Scarpariello with chicken, sausage, and hot peppers is also very good. Pasta dishes also win raves from regulars, as do the wedge sandwiches. Prices are fair and portions are enormous.

Mario the Baker
864 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 329-0440
www.mariothebakerstamford.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mario-the-baker-stamford

Head to Stamford’s Whip for Sandwiches for Breakfast or Lunch

Stamford residents have no shortage of quality casual eateries to choose from, but Whip manages to stand out due to its dedication to fresh ingredients, healthy preparations, and tons of flavor. Crowds head in for breakfast before work for the reasonably-priced egg sandwiches. You can get one with sausage, bacon, or steak on a bagel or roll, and the most expensive one comes in at just five bucks.

Other popular morning choices include omelets and danishes. For lunch, the offerings stick to traditional salads and sandwiches, but they’re executed expertly. Some favorite sandwiches include the Calamity Jane, made with ham, Swiss cheese, honey mustard, lettuce, pickles, oil, and vinegar, as well as the tasty Jeff Spicoli Stromboli that is loaded with quality Italian meats. All of the sandwiches can be ordered on white, wheat, or rye bread, or as a wrap or “wedge." The daily specials are usually very good as well.

Whip
36 Dyke Lane
Stamford, CT 10506
(203) 325-3595
www.whipeatwell.com
www.yelp.com/biz/whip-stamford

Easy Tips for Tackling Even the Toughest Stains

When you spill red wine on your favorite shirt or get a grease stain on your jeans, it may seem impossible to get your clothes to look normal again. There is a way to remove just about every stain, provided that you know these simple techniques.

  1. Tackle it quickly. Never let a stain set into your clothes, even if you’re away from home when it happens. Pre-treat the affected area with a stain remover, and be sure to toss a portable version in your purse or glove compartment.
  2. Know the types. Dye stains such as coffee, tea, or ink are the easiest to remove, and simply require running the stain under cold water and then washing in hot water. Protein stains like sweat or blood need to be treated with an alkaline stain-removal solution, while stains caused by lipstick, ketchup, and crayons require a combination of the other two treatments.
  3. Take care of delicates. If you stain delicate articles of clothing, don’t fret. Simply rub the stain with a solution of equal parts salt and lemon juice using a soft cloth or your finger to loosen the stain without damaging the fabric. Let it dry in the sun and it should look as good as new.

Stain Removal Smarts [She Knows]
How to Remove Stains [Esquire]
Stain Removal Tricks and Shortcuts [Real Simple]
Stain Removal Chart [For Better Living]

Let the Good Times Roll at Bowlmor Lanes in Norwalk

Formerly known as AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes, Norwalk's Bowlmor Lanes is replete with amenities that make this bowling alley a favorite among locals. Traditionalists will appreciate the venue's reliable equipment, 38 refurbished lanes, a bar area with cold brews and pub snacks, and weekly league play, while those seeking an experience with more flair can expect some top-class amenities and entertainment options. These include craft beers and custom cocktails, laneside food and drink service, and an arcade with billiards, air hockey, even laser tag.

Professional event planners can even help you organize a great birthday party, office outing, or fundraiser at Bowlmor!

Bowlmor Norwalk
701 Connecticut Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 838-7501
amf.com/ripvanwinklelanes
www.yelp.com/biz/amf-rip-van-winkle-lanes-norwalk

Public Domain/Photos-Public-Domain

Sink Your Teeth Into a Slice at Remo’s

Pizza is serious business in Connecticut, and Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza Company in the heart of Stamford is not messing around. This restaurant's brick oven has been firing since 2006, and Remo's has made its name by producing quality pies in Napoletana and New York styles. You'll never go wrong with a classic margherita pie, but locals also rave about Remo’s signature offerings: the salad pie with mixed greens and avocado and the Parma with prosciutto and arugula.

But remember that Remo’s is more than just a pizza joint. This shop does a brisk lunch business (try the Mediterranean salad with salmon if you’ve had your fill of pizza), and the spacious dining room provides a lovely atmosphere for a family dinner. Whatever you order, be sure to leave room for a fresh-filled cannoli for dessert. Take-out and delivery options are prompt and efficient.

Remo's
35 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 973-0077
www.remospizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/remos-stamford-2

Mexican Food Goes Mobile at El Charrito

El Charrito has had a brick and mortar location in Riverside for quite a while, but in recent years their food truck in Stamford has gained quite the following. The menu is pretty extensive, serving all kinds of authentic Mexican street-style food: tortas, enchiladas, and even Mexican burgers all have their devotees among the truck’s loyal customers.

But let’s be real here: El Charrito is about the tacos and the tortas. You can go with the standard chicken, fish, steak or chorizo tacos, or you can branch out to try the tacos lengua (cow tongue), tacos oreja (pig ear), or tacos chicharones (fried pork skin). Best of all, you can work your way through all of their offerings without ever spending more than a few bucks per meal. Just a quick note: All of the food is made to order, so it usually takes 15 minutes or so to get your food.

El Charrito
Richmond Hill Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 940-0922
elcharritollc.com
www.yelp.com/biz/el-charrito-stamford

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