DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Save the Elephant Day
They might be wildlife icons, but, sadly, elephants are in crisis. Save The Elephant Day is a chance to show our love and support for these much-loved giants and raise awareness of the threats to their future in both Africa and Asia, ranging from ivory poachers and traffickers to loss of habitat.
Also known as World Elephant Day, the occasion was founded by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, based in Thailand, working together with Canadian film-maker Patricia Sims. The launch of this international initiative in 2012 saw the release of the documentary film ‘Return to the Forest’, narrated by Star Trek legend William Shatner.
The ideal way to mark the day is to donate to a charity helping elephants or organise an event in aid of these beautiful but threatened beasts. You could also watch a wildlife film about elephants or sign a petition to raise awareness.
Word of the Day
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| Definition: | (noun) A section of DNA that contains the genetic code for a single polypeptide and functions as a hereditary unit. | ||
| Synonyms: | gene, factor | ||
| Usage: | When cistrons are located in reproductive cells, they pass their information to the next generation. | ||
Idiom of the Day
dead asleep
— In a deep, immovable sleep.
History
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 | Mansart was a French architect and town planner who completed the Palace of Versailles. Favored by Louis XIV, he was made the chief architect for royal buildings. After enlarging the château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, he began work at Versailles. Much of his work was executed in Roman baroque style, but some of his designs at Versailles point toward the lightness and elegance of the rococo. The impressive Dôme des Invalides in Paris is considered his greatest achievement. | ||
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 | The three-day feast of the New Year in Burma (now Myanmar) is also known as theWater Festival because of the custom of throwing or squirting water on others. The festival has been a tradition for centuries. During the celebration, pots of clear water are offered to monks at monasteries to wash or sprinkle images of the Buddha. Everyone else gets drenched, as young men and women roam the streets dousing everybody with buckets of water or turning hoses on them. The water-splashing custom originated with the idea that, through this ritual, the bad luck and sins of the old year were washed away. | ||
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| Scientists have been able to develop artificial intelligence (AI) capable of besting humans at their own games, but a new study suggests that people may have the upper hand when it comes to intuitive thinking. | |||
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1705 - Queen Anne of England knighted Isaac Newton.
1900 - The first book of postage stamps was issued. The two-cent stamps were available in books of 12, 24 and 48 stamps.
1905 - Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000,000 of personal money to set up the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
1912 - Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.
1922 - Annie Oakley shot 100 clay targets in a row, to set a women's record.
1947 - The Zoomar lens, invented by Dr. Frank Back, was demonstrated in New York City. It was the first lens to exhibit zooming effects.
1962 - Walter Cronkite began anchoring "The CBS Evening News".
ling-ling and hsing-hsing
1972 - Two giants pandas arrived in the U.S. from China.
areas of the world that were ever part of the British Empire
1982 - Queen Elizabeth proclaimed Canada's new constitution in effect. The act severed the last colonial links with Britain.
DAILY SQU-EEK
If You Were Born Today, April 16
While you yearn for security and stability, you are easily bored with routines and can get antsy if you don't have freedom of movement. This can make you somewhat difficult to please at times! You can be quite indecisive in love, and in long-term setups you'll need to vary the routine frequently in order to keep your interest levels high. Dynamic and spirited, you have a kooky sense of humor and your interests (as well as talents) are many. Famous people born today: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Peter Ustinov, Ellen Barkin, Charlie Chaplin.
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Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990) was an American jazz singer who rose to fame in the 1940s and remained active for nearly five decades. Described by Scott Yanow as having "one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century", Vaughan has received extended recognition, including induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, two entries in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and several tribute albums.
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Rugged Beauty
Photograph by Aya Okawa, National Geographic
A small plane sweeps over Iceland in this photo submitted by Aya Okawa. The aerial shot offers an eye-opening view of a landscape scraped by glaciers and shaped by volcanic eruptions.
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Flower Pot Tea Cosy pattern by Jenny Stacey
A variation of my Flower Garden Tea Cosy. A free pattern in memory of my Mum for Mother’s Day. The daisies are crochet.
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Preview by Yahoo
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Ashley pattern by Trudy Van Stralen
Co-host Eunny Jang demonstrates how to make this “Ashley” skirt in Episode 108-5 of Knitting Daily TV. This skirt uses pleats of linen yarn for beautiful dra...
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Desertstar pattern by Berroco Design Team
This easy sleeveless pullover’s unusual construction results in a sweeping high-low hemline perfect for layering.
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Preview by Yahoo
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CROCKPOT RECIPE
Latin Chicken, Black Beans & Sweet Potatoes
CRAFTS
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CHILDREN'S CORNER ... crafts
vintage craft ideas
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Free Craft Patterns | Kids Crafts | Craft Ideas | Purple...
Printer-friendly versionSend by emailPDF version Easy Friendship Bracelets Friendship Bracelets Candy Train Engine Crazy Crayons New Year's Bells Hanging Vase Glas...
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PUZZLE
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Caribbean marina Jigsaw Puzzle
Caribbean marina Jigsaw Puzzle, 67 Piece Classic. Small marina with wooden huts in a Bahamas Caribbean
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QUOTE
CLEVER
EYE OPENER
examiner
Don’t toss empty plastic pill bottles. Why not recycle them creatively instead?
Plastic prescription bottles can be handy for storing all sorts of tiny objects and essentials. Instead of pouring empty prescription containers into landfills, why not find creative and practical ways to use them instead?
Here are 45 different ways those empty plastic prescription bottles can be used for storage and organization. Perhaps you can think of many more applications as well.
Be sure to peel the labels off your empty plastic prescription bottles. Wash the containers carefully, and dry them thoroughly. Mark empty plastic prescription bottles with stick-on labels, or write the contents directly on the containers with a permanent marker.
Use empty plastic prescription bottles to store:
- Thumb Tacks – Keep push pins and thumb tacks neatly stored in the office or home in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Snacks – Pack cereals, peanuts, pretzels or other small snacks in empty plastic prescription bottles for bag lunches or traveling treats. (Be sure to warn children that not all contents of plastic prescription bottles are readily edible, to prevent them from consuming actual medications.)
- Sewing Kit – Stick a needle, thread, straight pins, safety pin and spare button in an empty plastic prescription bottle to create a personal sewing kit for travel or the workplace.
- Screws – Store screws, nuts, bolts, brads and nails in empty plastic prescription bottles to tidy up the tool chest.
- Salad Dressing – Take a single serving of mayonnaise or salad dressing in a bag lunch by packing it into an empty plastic prescription bottle.
- Rubber Bands – Stash rubber bands for ready use in empty plastic prescription bottles. Use another empty plastic prescription bottle for coated hair elastics.
- Picture Hooks – Pick up picture hanging hooks and nails, and keep them in empty plastic prescription bottles for easy organization.
- Paints – Mix powdered poster or tempera paints in empty plastic prescription bottles for painting crafts. Store leftover acrylic paints in empty plastic prescription bottles as well. Dab a bit of paint on the top of each plastic prescription bottle for easy color identification.
- Pain-Relief Medications – Many consumers purchase acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications in bulk containers for better pricing. Why not store smaller supplies in empty plastic prescription bottles for daily use? Be advised, however, that original labeled packaging may be required for airport security, when you travel.
- Nail Polish Remover – Fill empty plastic prescription bottles with cotton balls, soaked in nail polish remover, for handy do-it-yourself manicures.
- Medical Information – Place a list of pertinent personal medical information inside an empty plastic prescription bottle, and store it inside the freezer. Stick a note on the refrigerator door to alert paramedics, in case of an emergency. (Storing medical information in the freezer is a common practice, especially in senior citizen communities.)
- Glitter – Craft glitter, sequins and sand art may be stored easily and neatly in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Fruit Snacks – Pack healthy dried apricots, cranberries, prunes or raisins in empty plastic prescription bottles for bag lunches. (Be sure to warn children that not all contents of plastic prescription bottles are readily edible, to prevent them from consuming actual medications.)
- Earring Backs – How often have you looked for stray earring backs in your jewelry box? Why not keep a small supply of earring backs in an empty plastic prescription bottle?
- Disposable Razor Heads – Toss used razor heads into child-proof empty plastic prescription bottles. Seal the tops securely before discarding these potentially dangerous items in the trash.
- Cough Drops and Throat Lozenges – Store a few cough drops or throat lozenges in an empty plastic prescription bottle in your school backpack, purse or briefcase. Stash another empty plastic prescription bottle of cough drops or throat lozenges in your desk drawer or at your workstation. (Be sure to warn children that not all contents of plastic prescription bottles are readily edible, to prevent them from consuming actual medications.)
- Cotton Balls – Tidy up the bathroom vanity or cosmetics kit by storing loose cotton balls in an empty plastic prescription bottle. This solution is particularly convenient for traveling, offering just enough cotton balls for make-up removal or first-aid uses on the road.
- Christmas Tree Light Bulbs - Boxes of new Christmas tree lights usually include miniscule packets of spare light bulbs and fuses. Tuck these into an empty plastic prescription bottle, and stick this in the Christmas ornament box for easy access when you need new bulbs or fuses.
- Buttons – Often, store-bought garments come with tiny packets of spare buttons or snaps. Keep these extra fasteners in an empty plastic prescription bottle, so you will know exactly where to find them, if one should pop off of your favorite apparel.
- Bobby Pins – Hair clips and bobby pins fit easily into empty plastic prescription bottles. Instead of digging through vanity drawers for hair pins, why not keep these hairstyling supplies inside empty plastic prescription bottles?
- Beads – Crafters and jewelry makers may find empty plastic prescription bottles particularly handy for storing beads, clasps, hooks and other beading supplies. By using several empty plastic prescription bottles, crafters can keep beads and adornments sorted by color, size, style or other criteria.
- Bandages – Most adhesive bandages fit nicely inside an empty plastic prescription bottle, and the container will keep these first-aid necessities clean and dry. Why not keep empty plastic prescription bottles of adhesive bandages in the car, as well as the bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
- Antacids – How many times have you reached into your pocket or purse for a chewable antacid tablet, only to find the last one stuck to the bottom? Somehow, that fuzzy, lint-covered over-the-counter antacid seems less than appetizing. If you store that opened roll of Rolaids, Tums or other antacids in an empty plastic prescription bottle, you will always find a fresh tablet when you need it.
- BBs and Air-Gun Pellets – Do you have a toy or hobby gun? Empty plastic prescription bottles are ideal for storing those BBs and pellets. The child-proof lids will keep the contents securely stored, although you will still want to stash the plastic prescription bottle in a safe spot – out of sight and out of reach.
- Beanie Baby Tags - Do you still have an assortment of Beanie Baby animals or other collectible toys? How about keeping those little hang tags in empty plastic prescription bottles?
- Breath Mints – Once opened, breath mints or rolled candies may tumble out of their packaging into a backpack, handbag or pocket. Prevent sticky messes and fuzzy candies by keeping these treats in empty plastic prescription bottles. (Be sure to warn children that not all contents of plastic prescription bottles are readily edible, to prevent them from consuming actual medications.)
- Cash – Store an extra $20 or two in an empty plastic prescription bottle in the glove compartment or door cubby of your car, just for emergency use.
- Coins – The larger empty plastic prescription bottles easily hold coins of all denominations. You can keep a supply of coins (particularly quarters) for the Laundromat and the toll booth in an empty plastic prescription bottle in the car.
- Cotton Swabs – Q-tips and other cotton swabs fit neatly inside an empty plastic prescription bottle for daily use or travel.
- Daily Medications – Track your daily medication doses and vitamins by storing these in seven empty plastic prescription bottles. Label the empty plastic prescription bottles for each day of the week, and you will always know if you have taken your daily doses. (Some folks find it helpful to use 14 empty plastic prescription bottles, if morning and evening doses are needed.)
- Doll Accessories – Store miniature doll toys and fashion doll accessories in empty plastic prescription bottles, and you won’t lose any more of those tiny high-heeled Barbie shoes.
- Fishing Hooks – Do you love to fish? Keep track of those little fish hooks and lures by sealing them in empty plastic prescription bottles. Use several empty plastic prescription bottles to sort and store those small angling accessories.
- Game pieces – Track pairs of dice, game tokens and other small pieces in empty plastic prescription bottles. Tuck one plastic prescription bottle inside each game box, filled with the tiny components of that game. Plastic prescription bottles are just right for packing those little Monopoly pieces, for example.
- Matches – Keep matches (cardboard and wooden) in empty plastic prescription bottles. This storage method prevents matches from striking accidentally, while keeping these fire starters dry as well. What a super solution for boaters, campers, canoeing enthusiasts and white-water rafters.
- Medical Sharps – Put used lancets and hypodermic needles inside empty plastic prescription bottles, and seal lids securely for safe disposal. This suggestion may be particularly helpful while traveling, as a safer means of transporting spent sharps home for proper permanent disposal in an appropriate container.Be sure to check state and local requirements for medical waste disposal, as licensed containers may be required in some areas.
- Orthodontic Rubber Bands – Do you have a brace-wearer in your household? Those tiny orthodontic rubber bands may seem to show up everywhere. Prevent this minor mayhem by storing these supplies in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Paintballs – Paintball enthusiasts may store leftover paint pellets in empty plastic prescription bottles to prevent these supplies from popping and spilling.
- Paper Clips – De-clutter a home office or workplace desk by storing loose paperclips in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Postage Stamps – Avoid sticky messes by storing postage stamps in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Safety Pins – Always have safety pins available when you need them by keeping them in empty plastic prescription bottles.
- Salt and Pepper – Carefully punch a few holes in the tops of empty plastic prescription bottles to make your own salt and pepper shakers.
- Seeds – Organize flower, vegetable and other plant seeds in empty plastic prescription bottles. You can even start seeds in empty plastic prescription bottles by adding peat or planting medium.
- Shampoo and Conditioner – Stop overspending on sample-sized sundries for travel. Pour small amounts of shampoo and conditioner into empty plastic prescription bottles for use on the road. Just be advised that airport security may require such items to appear in original labeled containers, if you fly.
- Spices - Empty plastic prescription bottles make super spice storage containers. Pour cinnamon, cloves, ginger, paprika, parsley or other spices into empty plastic prescription bottles to organize your spice cabinet.
- Toothpicks – Tuck a supply of wooden toothpicks in an empty plastic prescription bottle for easy accessibility in the kitchen. How about keeping an extra supply of toothpicks in an empty plastic prescription bottle in your briefcase, car, handbag or school backpack for quick use when you need one?
Hugs! Cannot get better than that:)
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