hello

Greetings to each and everyone of you.


This section for English-speaking viewers –
and all those enjoying the culture –

has developed over the months and is now offering materials of all kinds:

texts, images, poems, videos, etc.

It will continue to provide you with rich contents week after week.

 

International Artist Day – October 25

We celebrate International Artist Day on October 25. Art as a creative human expression encapsulates myriad things. It portrays the beauty of life or a bitter reality. It records history, revolutions, rebellions, and sometimes is a means to escape them. In short, there is no history or culture without art. This day celebrates all forms of art — paintings, sculpture, photography, architecture, music, and more. Through this celebration we show our respect for the passion and creativity in all artists. As art provide you with a medium of speech let us also see the work of those artists who study, research and criticize artists to showcase their art of words, here is a list of top art journalist.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ARTIST DAY

In the summer of 1961 President Kennedy made an effort to settle a salary dispute between the Metropolitan Opera and the American Federation of Musicians. He succeeded. Kennedy’s actions signaled his passion for the arts. Congress, in the mid 60s, designated the National Cultural Center, launched in 1958, as a “living memorial” to President Kennedy and authorized $23 million to begin construction. It’s now simply known as the Kennedy Center.

The following year President Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts & the Humanities Act, which created the National Endowment for the Arts. 

By 1970 focus on the arts increasingly spread to television and cinema. Mobil Oil committed more than $1 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for presentation of Masterpiece Theatre on PBS — and for 5 million copies of new Sesame Street magazine to be given free to preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. This was the largest gift to CPB from the business community to date.

A decade later President Reagan, himself a former actor appointed a Presidential Task Force on the Arts & Humanities to review the purposes of the National Endowments; broaden private support; engage more non-government professionals, private groups & individuals; & recommend ways to strengthen the overall structure of both agencies.

Still another president would show his support as well. Bill Clinton, in his 1997 State of the Union Address, asked Congress to maintain support for the arts — and urged citizens to make the year 2000 a national celebration “so that we can remain the world’s beacon not only of liberty but of creativity, long after the fireworks have faded.”

Recently the Museum of Modern Art in New York City reopened after a $400 million renovation — adding over 40,000 square feet for galleries (including two at the street-level)— inside the new West 53rd St. tower. They are free to the public.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaltoday.com/international-artist-day/

 

Feast of Diwali – 24-28 October 2022

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a religious observance commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world.

(A five day celebration), every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend firework displays, prayer services and festive events in celebration of the occasion.

However, festivities were cancelled last year for many due to the coronavirus pandemic. With restrictions eased this year, some people are planning to hold big gatherings, while others plan to have another quiet celebration.

While Diwali holds significance for a variety of reasons, one of the core themes of the festival, as symbolised by the prevalence lights, is the triumph of good over evil.

Here is everything you need to know about Diwali:

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Dipavali, comes from the Sanksrit word dipavali meaning “row or series of lights”.

Rajnish Kashyap, general secretary and director of Hindu Council UK, explains that the festival, which is one of the most significant for those of the Hindu faith, can trace its origins back to ancient times “when the end of the summer harvest season was celebrated with much pomp and splendour”.

“It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and sees millions of lamps lit at homes, temples, shops and public buildings across the world,” Mr Kashyap tells The Independent.

Another main theme of Diwali is the recollection of a story called Ramayan, which details how the Hindu god Rama returned to his kingdom with his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakchman, after several years of exile.

“To illuminate the path through which they return and in order to guide them home, diyas (clay lamps) are lit everywhere and the world is bathed in golden hues of light,” Mr Kashyap explains.

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity, is also celebrated in Hindu households during the festival.

 

Source: Text: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/diwali-2022-festival-lights   

World Polio Day – 24 October

World Polio Day highlights the global efforts to end poliomyelitis (polio) worldwide. Polio is a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, which the World Health Assembly committed to eradicate in 1988. The WHO European Region was declared polio-free in 2002 and has sustained this status every year since then.

Every year on 24 October, we observe World Polio Day to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from this devastating disease, and to celebrate the many parents, professionals and volunteers whose contributions make polio eradication achievable.

To ensure a polio-free future for everyone, efforts must continue to maintain high immunization coverage, implement high-quality surveillance to detect any presence of the virus, and prepare to respond in the event of an outbreak.

Source: Text: WHO   Image: Vecteezy

 

United Nations Day – 24 October

United Nations Day recognizes the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. The celebration is observed annually on October 24th. 

#UnitedNationsDay

U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization.

The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people and cares for the Earth, our one and only home. ~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Today the United Nations consists of 193 member states and 2 observer states. The mission of the United Nation is to maintain international peace and security.

The UN also sets terms for protecting human rights around the world. In 1948, they created international law with a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The member nations deliver humanitarian aid to populations in crisis. The first aid delivered was an immediate response to the devastation following World War II.

Another aim of the international organization is to promote sustainable development.

Some major achievements of the UN include:

  • The UN peacekeeping budget is less than 0.5% of global military spending
  • Their World Food Programme (WFP) provides food and assistance to 91 million people in 83 countries
  • They also supply vaccines to 45% of the world’s children
  • The UN helps people who displaced by violence, conflict, and persecution.
Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/united-nations-day-october-24

International Snow Leopard Day – 23 October

On October 23rd, International Snow Leopard Day celebrates this endangered cat. It’s also a day to learn more about the snow leopard and how to protect this elusive animal.

Although called snow leopards, these big cats are more closely related to a tiger than a leopard. Snow leopards live in alpine areas that are 18,000 feet in elevation, mostly in the Himalayas. China and Mongolia have the highest numbers of snow leopards. They also live in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Russia.

These cats earn the name snow leopard because they adapt well to the snow and cold. Their wide fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. Snow leopards are often called “ghosts of the mountains” because people rarely see them. One reason for this is they usually only come out at dusk and dawn while it’s still dark. Snow leopards are also well camouflaged, which makes them hard to spot.

Snow Leopard Facts
  • Their thick fur is grey and yellow-tinged.
  • They have long, thick tails that they wrap around themselves to stay warm.
  • Instead of roaring, they meow, yowl, or blow through their nose with their mouth closed.
  • They can travel over 25 miles in one night.
  • They can jump nearly 30 feet, six times their body length.
  • These big cats have pale grey or greenish eyes.

A snow leopard’s diet consists of wild sheep. However, wild sheep are also a food source for humans. With the reduced numbers of wild sheep, snow leopards resort to killing livestock. This causes farmers and herders to kill snow leopards. These retaliatory killings are one reason for the low numbers of snow leopards in the wild. Today, there could be as few as 4,000 snow leopards. Due to their low numbers, snow leopards are considered endangered.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-snow-leopard-day-october-23/

International Stuttering Awareness Day – 22 October

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-stuttering-awareness-day-october-22/

 

 

30th Sunday of Year C – 2022

Reading the gospel text of this Sunday (Luke 18:9-14) some could exclaim:
“This is the world upside down!”

Somehow, it is!

The last verse says:
All those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
 
It seems obvious from these words that we need to learn something very important.

We must learn to appraise situations and judge people – including ourselves – in God’s way.
Better still, we should leave the judging to him!

Of course, we must gauge the situations we find ourselves in, so as to act accordingly.
It is also necessary to ascertain the attitudes of people around us, so as to react appropriately.
But discrimination and condemnation like those we see in the Pharisee of Jesus’ parable,
these are unacceptable to God.

We need to adjust our vision –

    • the manner in which we perceive the world,
    • the way we regard people,
    • the way we consider ourselves,

must become God’s ways.

This may be the work of a lifetime… but now is the moment to start!

And the new vision that results may fill us with wonder!

 

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/30e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/

 

Source: Images: pixabay.com  nextbigideaclub..com

World Iodine Deficiency Day – 21 October

World Iodine Deficiency Day - October 21

On October 21st, World Iodine Deficiency Day spreads awareness for the role that iodine has in the health of the human body. The day is also called Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day.

Iodine is a mineral that the body needs to make thyroid hormones. These hormones play a role in several bodily functions, including heart rate, metabolism, body temperature, and muscle contractions. Thyroid hormones also control the rate at which dying cells get replaced. When the body doesn’t get enough iodine, all of these bodily functions are affected.

Low iodine levels also result in:

  • Swelling in the neck
  • Unexpected weight gain
  • Fatigue and muscle weakness
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Trouble learning
  • Irregular periods

When pregnant mothers are deficient in iodine, it could result in stillbirth. It could also lead to mental retardation, speech impairments, and deafness in children.

According to the latest statistics, one-third of the world’s population has an iodine deficiency. Eating certain foods can increase the body’s iodine levels, though. Fish, such as cod and tuna and shrimp and seaweed, are all high in iodine. Dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, are also good sources of iodine. One of the best sources of iodine is iodized salt.

Adults should get 150 mcg of iodine each day, and pregnant women should get 220 mcg. While most people in the United States and Canada get enough iodine, 2 billion people worldwide still have iodine deficiencies. Regions with the highest cases of iodine deficiency include Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Conflict Resolution Day – 20 October 2022

Conflict Resolution Day is observed on the third Thursday of October every year, falling on October 20 this year. Conflicts tend to arise in many areas of our lives, such as workplaces, relationships, and families. It is an unavoidable process of life. What is important, however, is how we resolve it. Conflict resolution does not have to be nasty; it can be resolved through peaceful methods.

HISTORY OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION DAY

In any relationship, disagreement is unavoidable, and possessing the ability to peacefully resolve it when it arises becomes necessary. Conflicts arise because humans have needs, and in a bid to satisfy their individual needs and interests, disputes occur because of clashes of interests. These conflicts can arise between family or friends. It is in consideration of the above that the Association for Conflict Resolution (A.C.R.) established in 2005 what we now know as Conflict Resolution Day.

In inaugurating this important day, A.C.R. highlighted promoting awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other creative, peaceful methods of resolving conflict as the motive behind its formation. Also, promoting conflict resolution in schools, families, businesses, communities, governments, and the legal system. The day also seeks to recognize the significant contributions of peaceful conflict resolvers and to obtain national synergy by having celebrations happen across the country and around the world on the same day.

Conflict Resolution Day, which has now been celebrated for over 15 years, coincides with the ABA Mediation Week of the American Bar Association. The week was created to build on the efforts of many other national, state, and local organizations, including the Association for Conflict Resolution. The ABA and A.C.R., along with other organizations, raise awareness about the importance of mediation and conflict resolution.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaltoday.com/conflict-resolution-day  

International Chefs Day – 20 October

International Chefs Day is celebrated each year on October 20th. The day focuses on educating kids around the world about eating healthy. It’s also a day for chefs to pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of chefs.

There are approximately 942,000 chefs, head cooks, and food and serving supervisors in the United States. Along with overseeing the daily food service operation of restaurants, chefs also direct other cooks in the kitchen. Chefs use their creativity and knowledge to create and prepare recipes. Additionally, chefs must deal with a multitude of food-related concerns.

The different kinds of chefs include:

  • Executive chef – as managers for multiple outlets, executive chefs do very little cooking.
  • Head chef – manages kitchen staff and controls the whole kitchen.
  • Sous chef – the chef that is second in command to the head chef.
  • Chef de Partie – runs a specific part of the kitchen.
  • Commis chef – a junior member of the restaurant staff that works under a chef de partie.
  • Kitchen porter – assists with basic food preparation, such as peeling potatoes.
  • Dishwasher – washes all the dishes and cutlery. It’s not uncommon for a dishwasher to work their way up the chef ladder.

Some chefs specialize in preparing certain kinds of food. For instance, a butcher chef is in charge of preparing meats and poultry. A grill chef manages the grill. A pastry chef is responsible for creating desserts.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-chefs-day-october-20/