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From ancient customs to Disney magic: the journey of the American Tooth Fairy

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- The idea of the Tooth Fairy, a uniquely American concept, emerged from a blend of various cultural traditions, infused with a touch of Disney magic. However, the practice of disposing of baby teeth has roots dating back to medieval times, with different customs such as burying, swallowing, or even setting them on fire. In Ireland, it was believed that fairies would swap a child with their teeth, known as changelings.The origins of the American Tooth Fairy can be traced back to an 18th-century French fairy tale called "La Bonne Petite Souris" or "The Little Good Mouse." The story revolves around a small rodent that sneaks into your house while you sleep, deftly carrying a coin or bill. Its destination is your bedroom, where it skillfully hides under your pillow, replacing your lost tooth with money.The first mention of the tooth fairy appeared in The Chicago Sunday Tribune on September 27, 1908, in an article titled "Practical Housekeeper's Own Page." It described how ch...

Undefeated DU women’s lacrosse, aiming to become sport’s first western champ, primed for Elite Eight showdown against North Carolina

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

When DU women’s lacrosse made its first appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight in 2019, the Pioneers were walloped 17-8 by Maryland in a game that showed coach Liza Kelly where her program was, and where she wanted it to be.Now, the Pios are back in the Elite Eight as the lone undefeated team left and three victories from becoming the first western women’s team to win the national title.“That was what set the bar for us,” Kelly said of the loss at Maryland. “It was, ‘Okay, we’re good to this point — and then we need to be better.’ That’s been our goal since, and it was great earlier in the season to come out and beat Maryland … and on the same field we lost to them on that year. That was big milestone for us.”DU’s 8-7 win over Maryland early in the season March 5, the Pios’ first-ever win over the Terps, foreshadowed the history that the program would accomplish this year. Kelly’s No. 5 Pioneers ar...

Nuggets vs. Lakers: Three keys to victory in Game 2 of Western Conference Finals

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

The first chapter of the 2023 Western Conference Finals certainly didn’t lack for thrills. But it did lack defense.The Nuggets escaped Game 1 with a riveting 132-126 win over the Lakers on Tuesday. Still unbeaten at home in these playoffs, Denver has an opportunity to move the series to Los Angeles with a 2-0 lead Thursday (6:30 p.m. MT, ESPN) at Ball Arena.Here are three keys to Game 2 victory:1. Rescue Jamal Murray from LeBron Island: The Lakers must have watched the film of Aaron Gordon guarding Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevin Durant in the first two rounds, because they wanted none of that. Los Angeles designed actions throughout Game 1 to isolate LeBron James against Jamal Murray, and it became one of their most effective forms of offense. James shot 5 for 5 when he drove against Murray. Three times in the first quarter, the Lakers got Murray switched onto James. The all-time scoring leader could back down Murray and put his shoulder into the Nuggets point guard with ease. T...

Flooding possible on Southern California coast: NWS

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

Some areas of the Southern California coast could see flooding Wednesday and Thursday.South-facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including at least some of the Channel Islands, "are likely to see minor coastal flooding" during and near high tides through Thursday, the National Weather Service said.Because the flooding, which began Tuesday evening, occurs at high tide, Southern California residents should be extra careful near 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 9:40 a.m. Thursday and 9 p.m. Thursday.During those hours, "beach erosion along with water over walkways & parking lots could occur," the NWS said. "Stay off rock walls & jetties," the agency added.

Man Dies in Motorcycle Collision on East Cactus Avenue [Las Vegas, NV]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

40-Year-Old Motorcyclist Pronounced Dead after Fatal Accident on Bermuda RoadLAS VEGAS, NV (May 17, 2023) – Wednesday morning, one man was fatally struck in a motorcycle collision on East Cactus Avenue.First responders arrived to the scene around 7:10 a.m., at the intersection of East Cactus Avenue and Bermuda Road.According to reports, the driver of a delivery truck was attempting to make a left turn onto Cactus Avenue when a motorcyclist struck the right rear of the truck.Medics arrived and pronounced the 40-year-old rider dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released his identity. Meanwhile, the driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.At this time, an active investigation to determine further details remains ongoing. Once available, more information will be provided about the deadly crash on East Cactus Avenue.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies go out to the friends and family of...

Child Killed, 3 Injured in 2-Car Accident on McCutchen Road [Bakersfield, CA]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

Young Girl Pronounced Dead after Two-Vehicle Collision near Mountain Ridge DriveBAKERSFIELD, CA (May 17, 2023) – Friday afternoon, a young child was killed and three were hurt in a 2-car accident on McCutchen Road.Officers responded to the scene around 4:19 p.m., at the intersection of McCutchen Road and Mountain Ridge Drive.Upon arrival, first responders located two vehicles at the scene. Investigators say the driver of a westbound vehicle ran through a stop sign and collided with another car.Medical personnel arrived and treated the female driver of the westbound vehicle for minor injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, crews pronounced a young girl inside the second vehicle dead at the scene.Officers also say the second vehicle was occupied by another young boy, and an adult female. Paramedics transported them both to a nearby hospital for further treatment of moderate injuries.The Kern County Coroner’s Office has not yet disclosed the identity of the deceased victim. ...

Hayward PD: Man kills mother of his 5-year-old child, remains at large

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

HAYWARD — Police pleaded for the public’s help Wednesday in tracking down a man suspected of gunning down the mother of his 5-year-old child, as well as critically injuring her new romantic partner.Authorities suspect Vaughn Boatner, 33, of San Mateo fatally shot his former wife, Monique Aldridge, 30, in a brazen killing inside the woman’s Hayward home on May 11. (Courtesy Hayward police) Authorities suspect Vaughn Boatner, 33, of San Mateo fatally shot his former wife, Monique Aldridge, 30, in a brazen killing inside the woman’s Hayward home on May 11. Boatner appeared to flee his residence later that day, shortly before police detectives arrived with a warrant for his arrest — prompting authorities to ask the public Wednesday for any information that might lead them to him.“He remains at-large and he should be considered armed and dangerous,” said acting Hayward police Chief Bryan Matthews said. “We believe Mr. Boatner has access to v...

House expected to take up GOP Rep. George Santos expulsion resolution

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

By Clare Foran, Kristin Wilson, Lauren Fox and Haley Talbot | CNNThe House is expected to take up a resolution to expel embattled GOP Rep. George Santos Wednesday evening, but Republicans appear on track to avoid a politically painful up-or-down vote on the resolution.California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia introduced a privileged resolution this week to expel Santos from Congress. When the resolution comes up for floor consideration, Republicans are expected to make a motion to refer it to the House Ethics Committee, triggering a vote on whether to send the resolution to the panel instead of a vote directly on the expulsion measure itself.That would give Republicans an opportunity to sidestep having to go on record on the question of whether Santos should be expelled.A vote to expel Santos would be politically perilous for House Republicans. Republicans control only a narrow majority and cannot afford to lose more than a handful of votes to pass legislation. The party also wants t...

Michelin honors 19 Bay Area restaurants as ‘new discoveries’

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

The dining world’s prestigious Michelin Guide on Wednesday named 19 Bay Area restaurants as “new discoveries” — a prelude to the release later this year of its California stars.The finds include Mexican heritage cooking and a plant-based cafe in Oakland, a San Mateo noodle specialist, an Ethiopian restaurant in San Jose, a barbecue pitmaster on the coast, the sister restaurant of San Jose’s Michelin-starred Adega and an innovative San Francisco seafood restaurant.Will the praise for these restaurants, which are listed as “new additions” on the guide’s website, be elevated to Michelin stars come this fall? Or become Bib Gourmand honors, the Michelin awards given to restaurants that offer “excellent food at reasonable prices” to diners? It’s a wait-and-see situation for these chefs.Here is the list of the additions, along with dining notes from the Michelin inspectors:Auro, Napa: “Soak up the bucolic splendor of Napa’s northern reaches in the Four Seasons resort, the ideal...

Tupac Shakur to be honored with a street name in Oakland

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:25:49 GMT

OAKLAND  — The late Tupac Shakur will have a stretch of an Oakland street renamed for him after a unanimous vote by the city council Tuesday.Rapper Tupac Shakur. On September 7, 1996. (Gary Reyes / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives) Shakur was born in Harlem and later lived in Baltimore, Maryland; and in Marin City, California, but credited Oakland as the location where he got his “game” and launched his career, according to legislation authorizing the commemorative street renaming.A stretch of MacArthur Boulevard by Lake Merritt where Shakur once lived will keep its existing name, but also receive the additional, honorary name of Tupac Shakur Way. Commemorative plaques and signs signaling the change will be paid for by the Tupac Shakur Foundation.Related ArticlesMusic | Reviews rip Johnny Depp’s big-screen comeback as ‘gone-to-seed’ French king Music | Harry and Meghan say they survived ‘near catastrophic car chase’ with paparazzi in N...