World Elephant Day - August 12, 2020

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate World Elephant Day

They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own.

Taking into consideration all of that and much, much more, what’s not to love about elephants? Still, countless elephants are brutally killed every year for their ivory by greedy poachers who then leave their carcasses to rot in the sun. As Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair put it:

We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits, but the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.

World Elephant Day is the perfect time to find out more about these amazing animals and what we can do to preserve and protect them so they do not go the way of the mammoth.

History of World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day was created in 2011 by two Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and first celebrated on August 12, 2012. The initiative was greatly supported by film star and Star Trek legend William Shatner who narrated the documentary Return to the Forest, a fascinating 30-minute film about the reintroduction of captive Asian elephants to the wild.

The motivation for the first World Elephant Day was to draw attention to the plight of these majestic creatures to populations and cultures all over the world. Due to their pleasant and intelligent nature, the world’s largest land animals are loved worldwide. But, unfortunately, these magnificent creatures face multiple threats to their survival. 

One major issue is the ivory trade. Currently, the demand for ivory is the biggest in China, with the price of ivory often exceeding the price of gold, something that makes elephants bigger targets than ever. The economics here work firmly against the humble elephant. Extreme levels of poverty in Africa mean that people can often make a month’s wages or more from the ivory of a single animal, selling it on the international market.

Furthermore, the parts of the world that demand ivory, such as China, are becoming increasingly wealthy, meaning that they can pay more for tusks. These dual factors are combining to make elephant poaching one of the most lucrative activities on the plant. 

Habitation loss is also a danger to the world’s elephant population as it deprives elephants of the hundreds of pounds of food they need every day, making it more difficult for them to breed and making it easier for poachers to track them down. Unfortunately, researchers believe that loss of habitat is the primary driver for the loss of elephants in the wild. A century ago, they numbered more than 12 million in the wild. Today, that figure may be as low as 400,000, with as many as 20,000 per year killed by poachers.

Data suggest that the geographic range of elephants fell by around 30 percent between 2002 and 2011, with a similar loss of savannah for them to roam. The introduction of large parks throughout Africa has allowed habitat destruction to stabilize, but illegal poaching remains a dire threat. Circuses and tourism are also serious problems for the animals’ well-being.

World Elephant Day is an opportunity for everyone to get together to find ways to reduce conflict between humans and elephants. The solution probably lies in a combination of strategies. These could include land development that minimizes habitat destruction, electric fences to keep elephants away from farms, and changes in local attitudes. 

Luckily, an increasing number of both celebrities and politicians have become interested in the cause, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashley Judd, and President Barack Obama.

Joke of the Day

thanks, Sue

Scotch with two drops of water.   

 

A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says, " I'm on this cruise to celebrate my 80th birthday and it's today. "

 

The bartender says, " Well, since it's your birthday, I'll buy you a drink. In fact, this one is on me. "

 

As the woman finishes her drink, the woman to her right says,  

" I would like to buy you a drink, too. "

 

The old woman says, " Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of water.  

 

" Coming up, " says the bartender. As she finishes that drink, 

the man to her left says, " I would like to buy you one, too. "

 

The old woman says, " Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops of water. "

 

" Coming right up, " the bartender says. As he gives her the drink, he says, " Ma'am, I'm dying of curiosity. Why the Scotch with only two drops of water? "

 

The old woman replies, " Sonny, when you're my age, you've learned how to hold your liquor. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue. "

 

Word of the Day

Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom and Little Eva (detail), 1866

MEANING:

noun: A person regarded as betraying their cultural allegiance by being subservient to another.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Uncle Tom, an enslaved man in the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-96). Earliest documented use: 1852.

NOTES:

The term is considered disparaging and offensive, especially when applied to a Black person seen as being subservient to White people. In the book, Uncle Tom is a heroic figure. For example, he disobeys the orders to beat other enslaved people. In minstrel shows he was depicted as a passive figure and that image has taken root in the language.

USAGE:

“Fuming that he had been racially profiled, pulled from his car at gunpoint on his way to a team practice in Detroit, Russell proceeded to beat on white teammates until Reed intervened, asking, ‘What the hell are you doing?’
‘Be quiet, Uncle Tom,’ Russell snapped at his captain.”
Harvey Araton; The Old Knicks Made Basketball Games the ‘Hippest Place’ in New York; The New York Times; May 8, 2020.

Idiom of the Day

A textbook case

A textbook case, it is a classic or common example of something.

This Day in History

1865 - Disinfectant was used for the first time during surgery by Joseph Lister.

1877 - Thomas Edison invented the phonograph and made the first sound recording.

1915 - "Of Human Bondage" by William Somerset Maugham was first published.

1937 - Red Skelton appeared on network radio for the first time on the "Rudy Vallee Show" on NBC.

1939 - "The Wizard of Oz" premiered in Oconomowoc, WI. Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The movie premiered in Hollywood on August 15th.

1960 - The balloon satellite Echo One was launched by the U.S. from Cape Canaveral, FL. It was the first communications satellite.


1964 - Mickey Mantle set a major league baseball record when he hit home runs from both the left and ride sides of the plate in the same game.


1969 - The Boston Celtics were sold for $6 million. At the time it was the highest price paid for a pro basketball team.

1972 - The Festival of Hope concert took place at Roosevelt Raceway in Long Island, NY. It was the first rock festival to raise funds for an established charity. The Nassau Society of Crippled Children and Adults was the sponsor.


1981 - IBM unveiled its first PC.


1999 - Hang Thu Thi Ngyuen shot an arrow from a bow with her feet on "Guinness World Records: Primetime" and hit a target that was 16 feet and 5 inches away.

thanks, Abby

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, August 12

You have a wonderful sense of humor. A "doer," you tend to always keep yourself busy. You are one of the most resourceful people around, as you are often assessing usefulness and value of the things around you. You love to play, throughout life, and seem to be looking for ways to entertain yourself at every turn. Even so, you are a hard worker. You are a true pioneer in whatever you do, although you also do your best when you feel secure. As such, although you are a self-starter, the risks you take in life tend to be calculated ones. A true individualist, you also have very high ideals. You have a good sense of opportunities. In love, you are quite brave emotionally. Your emotions tend to be quite up and down, however, when it comes to matters of the heart, and you can surprise partners with great warmth and interest one day, and cool detachment the next. Famous people born today: 

1881 Cecil B. DeMille, American filmmaker (The Ten Commandments), born in Ashfield, Massachusetts (d. 1959)

1887 Erwin Schrodinger, Austrian physicist and Nobel Prize Laureate (wave mechanics), born in Vienna, Austria (d. 1961)

1910 Jane Wyatt, American actress (Father Knows Best, Star Trek), born in Mahwah, New Jersey (d. 2006)

1954 François Hollande, 24th President of France (Socialist: 2012-17), born in Rouen, France

1971 Pete Sampras, American tennis player (14 Grand Slam titles), born in Washington, D.C.

READERS INFO

1.

(Not So) Totally Useless Facts of The Day:

The term "genuine leather" doesn't simply mean real leather; it refers to the lowest quality of all products made from real leather.

Studies were done that showed that kissing is more sanitary than shaking hands.

Brazil is known for many things, soccer, Carnival, Rio De Janiero, Amazon Rain Forest, to name a few. Here's something new to add to the list… green peas is one of the more popular pizza toppings.

2.

thanks for the Offbeat Holiday, Patty

AUGUST 12: MIDDLE CHILDREN’S DAY

We have just the thing to send those oft-overlooked kids who could use some encouragement.

3.

Coronavirus Style by Sylvia, CAN DO Correspondent

On Nov. 3, millions of Americans will head to the polls for the only act of civic responsibility more important than allowing people to get off a subway car before you enter. The 2020 election will be one for the history books, particularly for its anticipated surge in mail-in voting. 

If everyone requests their mail-in ballot last-minute, your mailman's going to lose a lot of sleep. Apply for yours early!

Register To Vote

Pictures of the day

Lietava Castle is an extensive ruined castle in the Súľov Mountains of northern Slovakia. It was built some time in the 13th century, most likely as an administrative and military centre. It occupies a strategic position alongside the Amber Road, a trade route along which amber and other goods were transported southwards from the Baltic Sea. Originally a four-storey tower, it was expanded and reconstructed under a succession of owners, before being abandoned in the seventeenth century. The ruins contain handsome fireplaces, wall inscriptions, coats of arms, and renaissance portals, which attest to its previous grandeur.

Singapore

One of Singapore’s oldest Public housing buildings.

knit
thanks, Grace

Cotton Bam Boo Smocked Top pattern by Rebecca Hatcher

knit
thanks, Ruth

Cotton Mix Pillow

knit

Wendiesel Knitting pattern by MaDonna Marie
knit

"Snap" the Norwich Dragon pattern by Hannah Loveless

knit

107-7 Wood Fairy Tunic pattern by DROPS design

Crochet Pattern of the Day: 

thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Honey Cocoon Modesty by Laura Modesty by Laura

Ruffle Sleeve Crochet Top for Women

crochet
thanks, Gabby

Crane Hill Tank pattern by Miriam L. Felton

crochet
thanks, Marsha

Camellia Tote Bag

crochet

Oval Table Mat with Jute Hemp pattern by Erangi Udeshika

crochet

Pearl Lamé Linen Summer Top

crochet

Elephant Pacifier Bib

Quarantine Cooking Recipes

thanks, Debbie

Creamed Tuna on Toast – Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 can drained tuna fish
• 1 cup frozen peas (or to taste)
• salt and pepper
• bread (for toasting)

Directions

• Thaw frozen peas in a colander.
• Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
• Add the flour and blend.
• Add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and stir until creamy.
• Add the tuna, peas, salt and pepper and warm through.
• As the tuna is warming, toast bread.
• After toasted, cut in triangles and spoon tuna mixture over the toast.

RECIPE

thanks, Sandy

Rainbow Swirl Bread

CROCKPOT RECIPE

thanks, Shelley, New York Food Correspondent

Slow-Cooker Bacon-Ranch Chicken and Pasta

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

Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

COPYCAT RECIPE 

thanks, Jenny

Copycat Orange Julius

This fabulous recipe for a Copycat Orange Julius is sure to become your new favorite drink! Frothy, sweet, and super refreshing!

Ingredients

• 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in blender.
2. Blend until fully combined.
3. Serve immediately.

SWEETS

thanks, Shelley, New York Food Correspondent

Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

ADULT COLORING

FUN

answer:

CRAFTS

thanks, Emma

The single-use masks reportedly "limit the transmission of droplets", lowering the chances of coronavirus carriers passing on the disease.

Staples are used to secure the mask the elastic bands go around the user's ears. The creators said the mask should be thrown away after each use.

How to make an origami face mask from paper towels to 'protect against Covid-19'

CHILDREN'S CORNER

thanks, Jill

Bubble Refill Station

PUZZLE

Stone Tower Top Jigsaw Puzzle



WORD SEARCH

ample aroma assess caramel caricature colon craft

dahlia dinosaur enjoy gale glamor grate

imbue immerse irony lace llama matter maxim mercantile

nullify pasta rate rest salty scholar sepia

settle skate smart soggy stake strike tamper tarantella

SUDOKU ... easy

solution:

QUOTE

thanks, Becky

CLEVER 

thanks, Helen

FREE MASTERCLASS

FREE masterclass specifically for aspiring knitwear designers on creating publish-worthy designs this week only and you're invited! 

Bring your questions, a cup of coffee, a notebook (and your knitting...!).

MOST importantly, bring an open mind.

The 6 Step Framework to Creating Publish-Worthy Designs

EYE OPENER 

Consider giving your time to help mentor underserved students in your area or provide virtual companionship for senior citizens living alone. 

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

If you would be pungent, be brief; for it is with words as with sunbeams -- the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn. -Robert Southey, poet (12 Aug 1774-1843)

thanks, Heide

OPTICAL ILLUSION

Fix eyes on the black spot in between the uniform cyan and yellow areas for about 30 seconds. Then look down and shift your gaze to the black spot in the 2nd image.

Note that the image of the seaplane appears approximately uniform after this adaptation.

www.DianesDailyCorner.Blogspot.com