Issue #294: Stunning Planetary Parade, Ledecky in St. Pete, Liver Health Warning, Super Bowl Eats

1/21/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
21 Jan

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Six-Planet Alignment Creates Stunning Celestial Parade This Weekend

— Olympians Inspire in St. Pete: Ledecky and Finke Race Local Youth

Of Interest

— Alcohol Use Now Leading Cause of Liver Transplants, Surge Among Women

Food

— 10 Super Bowl Snacks to Score Big with Guests

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Six-Planet Alignment Creates Stunning Celestial Parade This Weekend

This month, six planets align in the night sky, forming a dazzling celestial parade. While such planetary groupings occur regularly, this one offers a treat: four planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—are visible to the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune can also be spotted using binoculars or telescopes.

The best viewing times are clear, cloudless nights this month, a few hours after sunset. Venus and Saturn will appear especially close together, just two degrees apart, in the southwestern sky on Friday and Saturday nights. Jupiter will glow in the southern sky, and Mars will shine bright red-orange in the southeast.

For help locating the planets, stargazing apps are recommended. Mercury is expected to join the lineup in late February, offering an even more spectacular view before the parade ends in spring.

Olympians Inspire in St. Pete: Ledecky and Finke Race Local Youth

Olympic swimming icons Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke raced alongside middle schoolers in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the St. Pete Aquatics Trials Fundraiser on Friday. 

Held at the North Shore Aquatic Complex, the event was a warm-up for the 2025 World Championships, blending world-class talent with local youth swimmers.

Finke, a Countryside High graduate, and Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history, competed in the 1,500-meter freestyle alongside young swimmers. They then mingled with kids, shared tips, and signed autographs.

Finke, 25, finished in 14:58.68, while Ledecky, 27, clocked in at 15:42.73. The Olympians emphasized the joy of connecting with the next generation. "Being around these happy young athletes...brings me back to when I was their age," said Ledecky. Finke, equally nostalgic, remarked on the irreplaceable feeling of race-day adrenaline.

The event underscored how grassroots moments inspire Olympic dreams and foster community connections.

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Alcohol Use Now Leading Cause of Liver Transplants, Surge Among Women

Excessive alcohol use is now the primary reason for liver transplants in the U.S., with young women driving much of the increase, according to UCHealth.

Dr. James Burton, UCHealth's Liver Transplant Medical Director, highlights a major shift: younger patients, including those in their early 20s, are being referred for transplants, compared to older men in previous decades. In 2023, UCHealth treated 19 patients needing liver transplants due to alcohol use, a sharp rise from just one case in 2016.

Dr. Burton attributes this trend to the social acceptability and widespread availability of alcohol, noting, “There’s no amount of alcohol that’s good for you.”

He advocates for habits like “Dry January” to give the liver a chance to regenerate. This month-long abstinence can reverse alcohol-related liver inflammation and fat buildup, offering a path to improved liver health.

10 Super Bowl Snacks to Score Big with Guests

  • Hot Pickle and Cheese Cracker Dip
    Topped with crushed Cheez-It crackers, this 30-minute dip is creamy, tangy, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

  • Beef Picadillo Puffy Tacos
    Delicate, crispy taco shells filled with juicy beef picadillo. The perfect balance of crunchy and savory.

  • Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
    Two flavors, one platter: classic Buffalo sauce and sticky ginger-soy glaze for a crowd-pleasing duo.

  • Giant Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
    A chewy, gooey dessert baked in a cast-iron skillet and perfect for sharing.

  • Zucchini Sausage Rolls
    Flaky puff pastry stuffed with zucchini and pork sausage, ideal for finger food enthusiasts.

  • Queso, Not From a Jar
    A quick, creamy cheese sauce paired with tortilla chips for the ultimate dipping experience.

  • Classic Pigs in a Blanket
    A party staple with just four ingredients—easy to make and a guaranteed hit.

  • Crispy Potato Skins
    Loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, these crispy skins deliver classic game-day flavor.

  • Nachos With All the Fixings
    A mountain of chips topped with cheese, beans, salsa, and your choice of meat or veggies.

  • Creamy French Onion Dip
    A decadent dip loaded with caramelized onions and gooey Gruyère cheese.

Read More: bonappetit.com — this is a monster article w/many great ideas

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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week

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Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/16 - 1/22
Source: tampabeacon.com

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1/14 - 1/21
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