International Plastic Bag Free Day - July 3, 2020

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate Int'l Plastic Bag Free Day

Most of us use them every day, the thin plastic bags used by almost every retailer we visit. Whether we’re shopping for groceries or the newest Prada, you can almost guarantee that you’ll be leaving the store with a plastic bag stuffed full of your new goodies.

Then, when you arrive home, you’ll quickly remove them like a kid opening Christmas presents, tossing aside the wrapping with thoughtless abandon. Have you ever stopped to consider what happens to those plastic bags? Has it ever occurred to you just how many of them we go through, individually, in a year?

Learn about International Plastic Bag Free Day

Plastic pollution is a global catastrophe and sadly it is a man-made one. Did you know that approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used on a global scale? Just think about how many of these bags will end up littered all over the planet. This is having an extremely detrimental effect on the environment, wildlife and indeed human health. 

The marine ecosystem in particular is suffering immensely as a result of plastic pollution. 31 species of marine mammals are known to have ingested marine plastic whilst over 100 species of sea birds have ingested plastic artefacts. Over 250 species have become entangled in plastic, whilst entanglement rates of approximately eight percent have been discovered in some sea lion and seal species. 

This pollution is also extremely dangerous because it is leading to the transportation of invasive species, which can have a catastrophic influence on biodiversity. We are not immune from the impact either. Plastic particles in the ocean attract toxins, which in turn affects us, as the toxins enter the food chain.

International Plastic Bag Free Day is dedicated to heightening awareness about these and very real and pressing issues brought about by this most popular of disposable carrying devices. We are reminded that those bags we pick up from the retailers are used for an incredibly short time, usually under 25 minutes, and are then disposed of.

They may pass out of our thinking then, but they do not pass out of our world. Plastic bags remain in the world for anywhere from 100-500 years before finally decaying completely, and have a profound impact upon our environment as a result.

Out in the great reaches of the ocean are massive reefs made up of all sorts of plastic waste, and plastic bags play heavily among them.  Such is the magnitude of the problem that these great floating islands reach hundreds of miles, like great monuments to mankind’s wastefulness, and disregard for the world upon which we live. International Plastic Bag Free Day gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves, and others, that every action we take, and every bag we dispose of, effects the lives of everyone in the world for generations to come.

History of International Plastic Bag Free Day

International Plastic Bag Free Day was created by Bag Free World. It was created as a worldwide initiative for the purpose of getting rid of the single-use of plastic bags around the world. It is all about promoting environmental conservation by encouraging us all to stay away from the use of plastic bags and instead look for more eco-friendly alternatives.

If we can do it on this one date, then we can do it for the rest of the year, right? The day is also important in terms of increasing awareness of the dangers and the harm that is associated with plastic bags in terms of the impact they have on marine life, animal life, and nature. So, it is good to share awareness and use your voice on this date.

25-year-old Russian artist Ellen Sheidlin, known as Sheidlina, invites us to her creative, weird, and whimsical fantasy world. Her photos are not your regular perfect shots we are used to seeing; she takes her craft to another level by combining photography, digital art, fashion, and makeup. 

Joke of the Day

thanks, Frances

What’s the difference between COVID-19 and Romeo and Juliet? One’s the coronavirus and the other is a Verona crisis.

Word of the Day

couth

MEANING:

adjective: Cultured; refined; sophisticated.
noun: Refinement; sophistication.

ETYMOLOGY:

Back-formation from uncouth, from Old English uncuth (unknown), from un- (not) + cuth (known), past participle of cunnan (to know, to be able). Ultimately from the Indo-European root gno- (to know), which also gave us know, recognize, acquaint, ignore, diagnosis, notice, normal, anagnorisis, prosopagnosia, agnosia, cognize, gnomon, kenning, and unco. Earliest documented use: 1896. Uncouth is from 1732.

USAGE:

“In public life, brassy, unclassy, light on couth. In private life, elegant home, antiques, Tiffany dinner service.”
Cindy Adams; You Can’t Find a Better Lady; New York Post; Sep 2, 2014.

Idiom of the Day

A little bird told me

If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.

This Day in History

1608 - The city of Quebec was founded by Samuel de Champlain.


1871 - The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company introduced the first narrow-gauge locomotive. It was called the "Montezuma."

1890 - IDaho became the 43rd state to join the United States of America.

1922 - "Fruit Garden and Home" magazine was introduced. It was later renamed "Better Homes and Gardens."

1924 - Clarence Birdseye founded the General Seafood Corp.

1930 - The U.S. Congress created the U.S. Veterans Administration.

1945 - The first civilian passenger car built since February 1942 was driven off the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company plant in Detroit, MI. Production had been diverted due to World War II.


1954 - Food rationing ended in Great Britain almost nine years after the end of World War II.


1962 - Jackie Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

1969 - Brian Jones (formerly of the Rolling Stones) was found dead in his swimming pool at his Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, England, home.

1971 - Jim Morrison (Doors) died in Paris at age 27. He allegedly died of a heroin overdose.

1981 - The Associated Press ran its first story about two rare illnesses afflicting homosexual men. One of the diseases was later named AIDS.


1986 - Mikhail Baryshnikov became a U.S. citizen at Ellis Island, New York Harbor.


2002 - Sony/ATV Publishing announced it would buy a country music catalog from Gaylord Entertainment for $157 million.

thanks, Tina

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, July 3

You have strong charisma and people tend to follow your lead. You are loving, family-oriented, intelligent, and versatile in your talents. You are not always content, however, and this trait can bring interesting twists and turns into your life. Love relationships are important to you. Watch for expectations that run too high or a critical stance. Your ability to work hard and follow through is admirable. Famous people born today:

1567 Samuel de Champlain, French explorer (Lake Champlain), born in Hiers-Brouage or La Rochelle, France (d. 1635)

1878 George M. Cohan, American father of musical comedy (Phantom President, Give My Regards to Broadway), born in Providence, Rhode Island (d. 1942)

1883 Franz Kafka, Czech author (Metamorphosis, Trial, Amerika), born in Prague, Austria-Hungary (d. 1924)

1962 Tom Cruise, American actor (Risky Business, Jerry MaGuire, Rainman), born in Syracuse, New York

1970 Audra McDonald, American actress (Private Practice) and singer (6x Tony award winner), born in West Berlin

thanks, Renee

READERS INFO

1.

thanks for the Offbeat Holiday, Patty

JULY 3: COMPLIMENT YOUR MIRROR DAY

If you haven't quite gathered it yet, this holiday isn't about the mirror (wink).

2.

Coronavirus Style by Sylvia, CAN DO Correspondent

Sunrise Illusion Face Cloth

FRIDAY'S INTERESTING JULY 4th FACTS

YOU LOOK GREAT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

It may seem like distant history but July 4, 1776 is only 340 years ago!

13 stars US flag by Betsy Ross

JOHN ADAMS WANTED THE 2ND OF JULY

That’s when Congress passed the Declaration of Independence

John Adams

ONLY 2 PEOPLE SIGNED THE DECLARATION ON JULY 4TH

Only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the declaration of independence on July 4th, the rest actually signed around August 2nd

John Hancock’s Famous Signature

A CELEBRATION TO TALK ABOUT

Oratory in the days before movies, TV, and radio was considered prime entertainment & a speaker invited to deliver an Independence Day speech was expected to talk for at least two hours

A Rally

RIPLEY’S MADE THE NATION ANTHEM OFFICIAL

In November 3, 1929 Robert Ripley drew a panel pointing out that the United States didn’t have an official national anthem.

At that time the United States was in the middle of Prohibition and the Star-Spangled Banner then was based off an old English drinking song!

The Star-Spangled Banner was made the official national anthem by Congress and Woodrow Wilson on March 3, 1931.

Ripley’s Cartoon November 3, 1929

WORKING TITLE

The song “The Star-Spangled Banner” was originally published with the title “The Defense of Fort McHenry”

The Star-Spangled Banner

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated Independence Day late on July 25th—the day they were informed in 1776 that the declaration had been adopted.

Home of Washington

LUCKY PRESIDENT NUMBER 30

Calvin Coolidge—the 30th President of the USA—was born on Independence Day.

GOT THE DAY OFF?

Independence Day wasn’t a legal holiday in the United States until 1941.

Officially get the day off!

…BUT MASSACHUSETTS MADE JULY 4TH OFFICIAL 160 YEARS EARLIER!

In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration.

The Stockbridge Townhall, Berkshires County, Massachusetts, USA

RHODE ISLAND

On May 4, the Rhode Island legislature became the first to declare its independence from Great Britain

Rhode Island

“INDEPENDENCE DAY”

In 1791 the first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” occurred

Happy Independence Day!

PATTERN BOOK FRIDAY

thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Love Knitting For Babies

Pictures of the day

Enallagma cyathigerum, the common blue damselfly, is a species of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic realm and can reach a length of 32 to 35 mm (1.3 to 1.4 in). This composite photograph, taken in Oxfordshire, England, shows a pair of E. cyathigerum damselflies preparing to mate. Having transferred a bundle of sperm known as a spermatophore to secondary genitalia on the third segment of his abdomen, the blue-coloured male grasps the dull-colored female by the head with the claspers at the tip of his abdomen. The female then curls her abdomen downwards and forwards under his body to pick up the sperm from the male's secondary genitalia. The distinctive posture that the pair adopt when transferring sperm is often called the "heart" or "wheel".

West Bank

A murmuration of starlings flying near a stork during their traditional dance before landing to sleep in the Jordan Valley. 

knit

thanks, Sheri

Anchors Away Romper

knit
thanks, Rose

Knollwood Shawl pattern by Steven Hicks

knit

Swirling Leaves Baby Blanket

knit

Lace Socks

knit 

Made in USA pattern by Phoebe Leigh-Suelflow

Crochet Pattern of the Day: 

thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Country Crochet Hot Pad Pattern

Crochet Cheat Sheets You'll Love

crochet
thanks, Helen

Crochet Bohemian Clutch - by Donna Wolfe

crochet
thanks, Tara

 

Primrose Crochet Dolls

crochet

Astrid Top

crochet

Kids' Bike Basket

crochet

Flower Throw

Quarantine Cooking Recipes

A company-worthy meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Add a heart-healthy salad to accompany this delicious dish. Using a whole chicken is an incredibly frugal option that gives you a lot more chicken for less per pound compared to packaged chicken breasts. You can also use the typically discarded parts to make your own chicken stock. After all, the more parts you can reuse, the less expensive a meal becomes per day.

Price: $1.62 per serving

thanks, Debbie

Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Butternut Squash

RECIPE

thanks, Shelley, New York Food Correspondent

Strawberry Drop Biscuits Recipe

CROCKPOT RECIPE

thanks, Jane

Chicken Enchilada pie made in slow cooker

VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN RECIPE

Both vegetarian and vegan diets may provide health benefits, including reduced body weight, lower cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important for vegetarians and vegans to ensure that they are meeting all of their nutritional requirements.

thanks, Alice

Easy Vegan Stir-Fry


SWEETS

thanks, Carol

Quick Strawberry Cheesecake

COOKBOOK FRIDAY

Easy Food Issue 101

ADULT COLORING

FUN

answer:

CRAFTS

thanks, Mary

How To Create A Mini Cardboard Kitchen For Your Toddler

CHILDREN'S CORNER

Earlier this year, readers were asked for their favorite children's museum.

Shortly after announcing the winners, these museums had to close their doors to help protect their communities from the spread of COVID-19. But they also pivoted, bringing some of their programming online, so families across the country (and the world) can experience a bit of what makes them winners.

These 10 award-winning children's museums offer online programs

PUZZLE

Cactus Purple Jigsaw Puzzle



WORD SEARCH

application bases center charge conference control couple current

drown economy float great group guest

health holly hurricane issue justice learn

media mule node nurse palm player range robust

saber seer shone slash sneak supervise system throw title

SUDOKU ... hard

solution:

QUOTE

thanks, Agnes

CLEVER 

thanks, Becky

Vinegar Is the Secret to Soft Towels, Whiter Whites, and More Laundry Solutions

EYE OPENER 

thanks, Heide

Evidence That Grandmothers Were Crucial for Human Evolution

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

A book must be an axe for the frozen sea inside of us. -Franz Kafka, novelist (3 Jul 1883-1924)

OPTICAL ILLUSION

3d chalk art by Julian Beever, a Belgium-based artist, who has been creating his masterful 3D drawings since the mid-1990s. The chalk artworks are done by using a technique called anamorphosis, and that is what create the optical illusions of 3D when viewed from the intended angle.

Swimming-Pool In The Street (Glasgow, Scotland)

Wrong side:

These drawings only work from one viewpoint otherwise the image appears strangely distorted.

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