World Consumer Rights Day - March 15, 2019

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate World Consumer Rights Day

If you have ever purchased something and needed to return it, you have exercised your consumer’s rights. These rights have not always been something that was easily defined or enforced. The organization Consumers International has been bringing awareness to these rights with World Consumer Rights Day.

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History of World Consumer Rights Day

Consumers International was founded in 1960 with the goal to fight for a fair, safe and sustainable future for consumers in a global market dominated by international corporations. Citing President John F. Kennedy’s groundbreaking address to Congress, they take his definition of consumer rights as their definition. It is also agreed that the President’s remarks set the ball in motion to make these rights something more than just words on paper, but rights that would come to be something enforceable.

World Consumer Rights Day originated in 1983 to mobilize citizen action. Citizen action groups have been a large part of bringing change into the marketplace. They have lobbied for safer products and protections from harmful practices and products. Over time, the consumer movement has worked to write what is now regarded as the 8 basic consumer rights. These rights include ideas such as the right to safety, the right to satisfaction of basic needs, the right to redress and the right to be informed.

Consumers International has over 200 members and spans 100 countries. They take their mission of being a voice and champion for consumers in policy-making forums and in the global marketplace. They work outside of any political parties and maintains their independence so that they can make sure that consumers are treated properly.

Cute Polar rabbits are also known as Arctic Hare and have the unique ability to adapt to the surroundings and changing weather as well.

Word of the Day

bingeable

MEANING:

adjective: Able to be consumed in rapid succession; typically said of entertainment, such as movies, television, streaming video, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

From English dialect binge (to soak). Earliest documented use: 2013. The term binge-watching has been around since 1996.

NOTES:

GoT bingeable? An example of something bingeable could be a television show with multiple episodes that can be watched one after another, especially on a streaming video service. Better to snack than binge, if you ask me.

USAGE:

“Its format, as a halfhour drama with four episodes a week, makes it very bingeable.”
Steve Faguy; Why Not Vary Your Program?; Montreal Gazette (Canada); Jan 26, 2019.

This photo proves that electricity and water form a deadly combination. It has captured, lightning hitting the ocean water. The electric discharge spreads out over the surface of water and anyone coming near it would lose life.

Idiom of the Day

easy does it

Meaning 

• used to tell someone to go ahead with something with slowly, and carefully
• used to ask someone not to lose their temper, to keep calm
• be careful/relax
• lightly or carefully
• do something gently
• calm down
• slow down
• 
  

Example Sentences

1. Sandra: I asked him for a simple drawing! To be honest, I am so angry right now. Andrew: Easy does it, Sandra. We will make sure he refunds the money.
2. 
   
3. “Easy does it, guys, that’s a Verrocchio you are handling.”
4. 
   

Origin

The expression was first used in the new testament of the Bible, Mathew 6:34, which urges us not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow would always take care of itself and that each new day comes with troubles of its own. Later, it was ascribed to the Parthians. The Parthians were a ferocious bunch of warriors who fought war after war and always came out victorious. They made fighting, conquering territories and winning so easy that the phrase “easy does it” was used in describing most of their fighting styles. Today, it is part of the alcoholics anonymous (AA) slogan as they use this to encourage themselves whenever they find that any of their members is struggling with sobriety. This expression is now being used in just about any situation.

This Black Jaguar must have spotted black parents that is why its fur is golden in color while the spots are deep black. They belong to the family of big cats (feline).

This Day in History

44 BC - Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated by high ranking Roman Senators. The day is known as the "Ides of March." 

1820 - Maine was admitted as the 23rd state of the Union. 

1875 - The Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, John McCloskey, was named the first American cardinal. 

1892 - Jesse W. Reno patented the Reno Inclined Elevator. It was the first escalator. 

1900 - In Paris, Sarah Bernhardt starred in the premiere of Edmond Rostand's "L'Aiglon."

1907 - In Finland, woman won their first seats in the Finnish Parliament. They took their seats on May 23. 


1910 - Otto Kahn offered $500,000 for a family portrait by Dutch artist Frans Hals. Kahn had outbid J.P. Morgan for the work.


1913 - U.S. President Woodrow Wilson held the first open presidential news conference. 


1937 - In Chicago, IL, the first blood bank to preserve blood for transfusion by refrigeration was established at the Cook County Hospital. 

1945 - "Billboard" magazine began listing a top albums chart. The first #1 was "The Nat King Cole Trio." 


1948 - Sir Laurence Olivier was on the cover of "LIFE" magazine for his starring role in Shakespeare’s "Hamlet." 


1954 - CBS television debuted its "Morning Show." 

1956 - The musical "My Fair Lady" opened on Broadway. 

1979 - Pope John Paul II published his first encyclical "Redemptor Hominis." In the work he warned of the growing gap between the rich and poor. 

2002 - In the U.S., Burger King began selling a veggie burger. The event was billed as the first veggie burger to be sold nationally by a fast food chain. 



DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, March 15

You possess much personal magnetism and inner strength. Often you are drawn to the more challenging of any chosen paths, and you have a strong sense of responsibility. Success comes to you through hard work, as well as a personality that is sweetly persuasive and very likable. It's important to you that others see you in a favorable light, and you are helpful and thoughtful not only with the people close to you but with strangers as well. 

270 Saint Nicholas [Nikolaos of Myra], Greek Bishop who became the model for Santa Claus, born in Patara, Asia Minor (d. 343)

1767 Andrew Jackson, General and 7th US President (1829-37), born in Waxhaws in the border area between North and South Carolina (d. 1845)

1912 Lightnin' [Sam] Hopkins, American blues musician (Ball of Twine), born in Centerville, Texas (d. 1982)

1933 Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, born in Brooklyn, New York

1975 Eva Longoria, American actress (Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives), born in Corpus Christi, Texas



READERS INFO

1.

Humana Festival of New American Plays 2019

Mar 1 - Apr 7, 2019 | Louisville, KY 

Actors Theatre of Louisville|316 W Main St

The Humana Festival of New American Plays is one of the premier events in the theater world and attracts thousands of theater-goers every year. Actors, directors, playwrights and producers from around the world come to the festival to experience workshops, discussion panels, parties with the artists and dozens of other events in addition to the theatrical productions during the five-week event. The productions occur daily throughout the month (excluding Mondays) so be sure to check the festival website for specific dates and events.

further information: Actors Theatre

2.

Gilda’s LaughFest 2019

Mar 7 - 17, 2019 | Grand Rapids, MI

If it has to do with funny...you will find it at LaughFest - a 10-day festival of stand-up comedy, improv, live shows, films, authors, community showcases (featuring you!) and a variety of other seriously funny stuff.

further information: https://www.laughfestgr.org/

3.

Fracas! Improv Festival 2019

Mar 21 - 23, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA 

Join the student run group, Second Nature Improv, in a comedic celebration of improv. Top comedians and entertainers give panel discussions and advice to aspiring comedians and fans alike. Learn and laugh at Fracas!

further information: Fracas! Improv Festival - Los Angeles, CA | DanceUs.org

This Morning Glory Cloud formation is captured from a plane and are formed due to the low- level atmospheric waves which take the shape of a tunnel.

Pictures of the day

Simone Biles (born March 14, 1997), pictured receiving the gold medal for the all-around event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Biles also won golds in the vault and the floor events in Rio, a bronze medal on the balance beam, and a gold in the team all-around event as part of a U.S. team dubbed the "Final Five".

Rei Kawakubo

A design by Rei Kawakubo, the 74-year-old Japanese creator of the avant-garde clothing label Comme des Garçons.

This cell tower is covered with snow flakes after a snowstorm hit the place it is situated at. It could do a huge damage to the basic structure of the tower.

knit
thanks, Jennifer

Cat Lover's Cowl pattern by Becky Greene

knit
thanks, Helen

Super Chunky Swirl Hat

knit

Stormy Staghorn Cardigan

knit

Baby Bliss Merino 8Ply Hat Project

knit

Skacel Pine Bough Cowl

This rare photo of Tasmanian Tigers, which is unfortunately extinct, was taken in 1910 at Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart. They were the largest carnivorous and nocturnal predators.

Crochet Pattern of the Day: Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Super Stretchy Leg Warmers

The one who photographed this image was really on time to have captured this beautiful phenomena - a lightening storm over Lake Michigan.

crochet
thanks, Doris

Puff Stitch Slouchie Beanie

crochet
thanks, Adele

Cat Pillow Pattern

crochet

Kimono Cardigan
crochet

Hexie Puff Seat Cushion

crochet

Mila baby booties

This photo is depicting a natural phenomenon of blue ice - 50 feet blue ice monolith in Antarctic. This frozen ice is so thick that, when a white light passes through it, only blue color is reflected back.

RECIPE

thanks, Shelley

Everything Parker House Rolls Recipe

The photographer took this shot of lightening striking a tree using long exposure on his camera, due to which one can see how energy radiates off a high intensity light.

CROCKPOT RECIPE ... St. Patrick's Day
thanks,  Debbie

Slow Cooker Shepherds Pie Recipe

This photo shows a Soviet Soldier feeding Polar bears in the year 1950. Due to the extremely cold weather, bears were having a hard time finding food, when the soldiers helped them.

SWEETS ... St. Patrick's Day

thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Murphy's and Baileys Cheesecake

Murphy's and Bailey's Cheesecake.

Serves: 12 / Preparation time: 45 minutes / Total time: 4 hours, 45 minutes (not all active time)

CRUMB CRUST 
1½ cups crumbs from gingersnaps or Irish digestive biscuits, such as Carr's or McVitie's brand (6 to 8 biscuits)
3 tablespoons unsalted Irish butter, melted

SYRUP
4 cups Murphy's or Guinness stout
2 cups dark brown sugar

FILLING
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¾ cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
1 envelope (¼ ounce) unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
Fresh berries for garnish

To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch round springform pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

To make the syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the stout and brown sugar. Gently bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and let cool. It will continue to thicken while it cools. It should be the thickness of molasses.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth with an electric mixer. Add the cream and beat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until smooth. Stir in half the Murphy's syrup and all of the Baileys.

In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Stir 2 tablespoons of the syrup into the gelatin, then stir the gelatin into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the filling over the crust. Refrigerate about 4 hours, or until firm. Set aside the remaining syrup at room temperature.

When ready to serve, release the sides of the pan and cut the cheesecake into wedges. Drizzle some of the remaining Murphy's syrup around each slice and garnish with fresh berries.

Seems that this cute baby bear is trying to play on a slide. It has been noticed that bears love to chill out in the backyards of the human habitat.

ADULT COLORING

Observed under an electron microscope, the structure of the foot that enables spiders to cling and walk on walls.

CRAFTS

thanks, Ellie

DIY: Personalized Envelope Lining

Resembling a cotton ball, these are Honduran or white bats take shelter in the large leaves by snuggling together. Their look is entirely different from the normal dark colored, scary bats. (which shouldn't scare you at all)

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... crafts

thanks, Gwen

How to do Batik with Kids

Babies of elephant are known to have temper tantrums and often break down, and when they do so they are adorably cute.

PUZZLE

Venus Fly Trap Jigsaw Puzzle

Although this appears to be the work of a painter, this breath-taking view is real, one photograph. A ride on this road has captured it all - mountains, trees, water, cloud.

WORD SEARCH

acclaim account accuse adjustment another beach block brisk

change crisis dictate dowel dress escape extort

fault glass march miser nine

overthrow penalty position remove repeat rough

skewer slippery sorrow tail thongs thud wars waste

These amazing sea creatures do not have any brains, blood, or bones. They are generally found in salt and fresh waters. Some types of jellyfish stings can be deadly.

SUDOKU ... hard

solution:

The Milky Way appearance over the Pyramids of Giza is due to the cluster of stars which are indistinguishable when viewed from the Earth. 

QUOTE

The difference in density, salinity as well as temperature in salty water and glacier melted water makes it difficult for them to mix properly. It results in distinguishable line.

thanks, Shelley

CLEVER

BABY BOOMER QUIZ

me: You scored 49 out of 60 YOU JUST ABOUT GOT THE WHOLE KIT AND CABOODLE!

YOU?

thanks, Heide

EYE OPENER

Uses for Coca-Cola – the Ultimate List

wisebread

1. Remove grease stains from clothing and fabric (I had to start there)

2. Remove rust; methods include using fabric dipped in Coke, a sponge or even aluminum foil. 

3. Remove blood stains from clothing and fabric.

4. Make gooey Coke funnel cakes . 

5. Clean oil stains from a garage floor; let the stain soak, hose off.

6. Loosen a rusty bolt; pour on some Coke and wait for the magic to happen.

7. Kill slugs and snails; a small bowl of Coke will attract them, the acid will kill them.

8. Help a lawn become lush and green (see my lawn tonic article here )

9. Prevent an asthma attack! Apparently, the caffeine in two 12oz cans can prevent the onset of an attack.

10. Defrost a frozen windshield. Apply liberally and wait (I’ll see if this works in winter)

11. Clean burnt pans; let the pan soak in the Coke, then rinse.

12. Descale a kettle using the same method in 11.

13. Neutralize a jellyfish sting.

14. Clean car battery terminals by pouring a small amount of Coke over each one.

15. Cure nausea; let a can of Coke go flat then take a teaspoon of Coke every hour. 

16. Also, flat coke can help relieve an upset stomach (aka “the runs”)

17. Make a Mentos & Coke exploding fountain. This one takes a 2-liter bottle of Coke.

18. Get rid of hiccups; gargle with a big mouthful of ice-cold Coke. 

19. Shake up a can and pour it over your windshield to remove bugs and other crud.
20. Use the method in 19 for your car bumpers, too.
21. Clean your engine; Coke distributors have been using this technique for decades.
22. Relieve congestion; boil and a can of Coke and drink while hot to clear you up.

23. Make a sweet BBQ sauce. Mix a can of Coke with ketchup and brush over ribs or chicken.

24. Baste a ham roast with Coke as it cooks. The sugars will caramelize; the ham will be moist.
25. Add a can of coke to your pot roast to tenderize it and add extra flavor. (Thanks Linsey).
26. Make pretty pennies; soaking old pennies in Coke will remove the tarnish.
27. Make your hair curly; pour flat Coke onto long hair, leave for a few minutes then rinse.
28. Age documents and photos; for that antique look, apply Coke, pat with paper, leave to dry. 

29. Clean tile grout; pour onto kitchen floor, leave for a few minutes, wipe up.

30. Mix a can of Coke with a packet of Italian seasoning; cook a tough steak in it.
31. Make better compost; Coke increases the acidity, adds sugars and feeds microorganisms.
32. Dissolve a tooth in it; Use a sealed container, this takes ages. Why would you want to though, unless you’re Hannibal Lecter?
33. Remove gum from hair; dip into a small bowl of Coke, leave a few minutes. Gum will wipe off.
34. Get silky skin; mix a spoonful of Coke with regular lotion and apply liberally.
35. Make low-fat brownies . 

36. Pour a little in a cup and set it out an hour before a picnic, away from your site; it will attract wasps and bees so they’re not bugging you and your grub. 

37. Remove stains from vitreous china. More info on vitreous materials here .
38. Got a dirty pool? Add two 2-liter bottles of Coke to clear up the water (it acts as rust remover).
39. Add Coke to your laundry to remove bad smells, especially fish.
40. Remove (or fade) dye from hair by pouring diet Coke over it.
41. Mop a floor with Coke to make it sticky. It’s a movie industry trick to stop actors slipping. 

42. Remove marker stains from carpet. Apply Coke, scrub, then clean with soapy water. 

43. Clean a toilet; pour around bowl, leave for a while, flush clean.
44. Apply to skin for a deep tan (although this seems like a recipe for skin cancer to me).
45. Supposedly, drinking an 8oz can of Coke every day can prevent kidney stones.
46. Add it to a Sloppy Joe mix 

47. Perk up your Azaleas or Gardenias. 

48. Coke and aluminum foil will bring Chrome to a high shine.
49. Strip paint off metal furniture; soak a towel in Coke, sit it on the surface for days. Make sure you keep adding Coke to keep the towel wet. (Seems like a hassle, I’d rather buy paint stripper.)

50. Add it to vodka, rum or bourbon.

51. Drink it straight from the can, if you can (too sweet for me)

And a few Coke fallacies:

• Coke is not used by the authorities to clean blood from the roads after accidents.
• Coke will not dissolve teeth or nails OVERNIGHT. It takes a long time.
• Coke and aspirin will not get you high.
• Coke is not an effective spermicide.
• Coke poured onto raw pork will not cause worms to come crawling out of it.
• The acids in Coke do not make it dangerous to drink (your own stomach acids are much stronger).
• Drinking too much Coke will not make you die from CO2 poisoning.
• Coke does not contain cocaine (although it used to).
  Coke did not become carbonated by accident.