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In the Distance

What do you think about my pic?  

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Buck Canyon Overlook, Canyonlands National Park (No. 1)

Buck Canyon Overlook is located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, just off Grand View Point Road. Compared to some of the other overlooks in the area, Buck Canyon is less popular, but you still shouldn’t expect to have it to yourself.

The overlook is just a short walk along a paved pathway from the parking area. Fantastic views are to be had down into the Buck Canyon area. The La Sal Mountains provide a striking contrast against the red canyon rock, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Colorado River and the popular 4WD White Rim Road.

You might be able to see the faint outline of some other roads and seismic lines down in the canyon. These were constructed in the 1950s during a search for uranium and oil. Although these mining activities have long ceased, the impacts are still visible. Natural revegetation is slowly repairing these impacts, but it will take many years in this arid environment.

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Clouds (No. 926)

Dinosaur National Monument, UT (two pics)

Starvation Reservoir, UT (seven pics)

Pinion Ridge Rest Area, UT

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Santillana del Mar, Spain (No. 3)

The place that today occupies Santillana del Mar was called Planes since the Roman conquest, as attested by a Latin document of the year 980: baseleca Sancta Iuliana locum qui dicitur Planes. Plans could come from the Latin planum (clear place between mountains). From that moment the importance of the religious complex exceeded that of the place, and as a result of the belonging it had with the Asturian kingdom, in 1228 it is called Villa de Sancta Illana ("Illana" in Asturian is "Juliana"). It is believed that the current toponym is a derivation of this, to which it was added from the Sea simply because of its proximity to the Bay of Biscay.​

Thus, the original name of Sancta Illana is united in the form Santayllana in a document of 1326. In another of 1338 it reads Santillana, and in another more than 1390 Sancta Illana, Sanctayllana, Santyllana and Santillana are used indifferently. In another of 1453 there is only the Santillana form.​

​ ​Source: Wikipedia  

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International Astrology Day

International Astrology Day (most often observed on either March 20 or March 21) is an annual observance/holiday celebrated by astrologers and astrology enthusiasts. It is seen by astrologers as the beginning (first day) of the astrological year. It is the first full day of the astrological sign of Aries and thus marks the beginning of the tropical Zodiac.

International Astrology Day is celebrated/observed depending on the exact day that the Northward equinox actually occurs. This varies year to year between March 19–22, though it usually falls on March 20 or March 21.

The date of the holiday occurs at the same time of the Iranian new year (Norouz), which is celebrated in many places throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. It also corresponds with the beginning of the Bahá'í calendar, which is celebrated as Bahá'í Naw-Rúz. Other holidays occurring around this time include Ostara (amongst neopagans), Chunfen in China, and Vernal Equinox Day (a public holiday in Japan), among others.

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World Frog Day

World Frog Day is an annual celebration celebrated on March 20. Unlike other animals, not all of us love frogs for their looks, appearance, and most importantly, their croak. Most often they are tiny creatures, small in body, and will make us scrunch up our faces. Frogs are amphibians that can be found both on land and in water. They are considered to be predators and play an important role in preserving the environment throughout their lives. In recent years, however, frogs have been critically endangered for several reasons. World Frog Day is an awareness day celebrated to save these living beings and provide them with a safer environment to survive.

History of World Frog Day

World Frog Day has been celebrated since 2014. There is no precise mention of the person or organization that started this awareness day; it was created to save the different frog species from extinction. Frogs are tailless amphibians with origins dating back nearly 256 million years. They were valued as food by the people and also have many cultural roles including literature, symbolism, and religion. Approximately 6,000 known frog species have been found, of which 4,800 recorded frog species have been found around the world except for Antarctica. But around 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the past decade. The reason for their population decline is different, as they are disappearing due to both human activity and fungal infections.

Frog populations have declined significantly since the 1950s and around a third of the world’s species are critically endangered, while more than 120 species are believed to have been extinct since the 1980s. The extinction of certain frogs has been traced back to emerging fungal diseases, habitat destruction and alteration, pollution, climate change, pesticide use, and more. All of this led to an increase in malformations in frogs in particular.

Many conservation biologists around the world are actively working to find and understand the causes of these problems and ways to solve them. Frogs are tailless amphibians of the order. Anura. They are widespread from the tropics to the subarctic regions, but the highest concentration of biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests. The oldest fossil of the “Protofrog” appeared in the early Triassic of Madagascar. However, the dating of the molecular clock suggests that the origin of the frog could stretch further back into the Permian, approximately 265 million years ago.

World Frog Day timeline

265 Million Years Ago Frogs are Discovered

The first species of frogs are discovered.

2014 The First Year of the Celebrations

World Frog Day is first observed.

2016 Frog Numbers have Boomed

Local volunteers help to increase conservation work in Scotland.

2020 The Work in Scotland

A becoming population of common frogs is discovered.

World Frog Day FAQs

Why is World Frog Day celebrated?

It is celebrated to mark the existence of frogs, to create awareness of the different species, and to advocate for their protection.

What is the biggest frog in the world?

The Goliath frog is the largest in the world.

What country has the most frogs?

Brazil has the most frogs with a total Amphibian species count of 1,022.

World Frog Day Activities

Get to know more about frogs

Help raise awareness

Start practicing some new environmental-friendly habits

Get to know about the frogs, their habitats, types, and their ecological roles in detail. It’s sure to be interesting!

Help to raise awareness of the decline in the frog population and the importance of saving them in the community. Instead of killing them, ask them to protect this incredible creature.

Help create some environmental changes such as reducing pollution and pesticide usage to prevent them from being killed. What are you waiting for?

5 Facts About Frogs That Will Leave You Baffled

6,000 species of frogs across the world

Frogs can drink water through their skin

Jump 20 times their body length

Some of them are poisonous

They display vibrant colors

Frogs are among the most diverse animals on land, with more than 6,000 species distributed across various parts of the globe.

Frogs drink water through their skin by absorbing it and have a drinking patch located on their belly and the underside of their thighs via which they absorb water.

One trait that stands out among frogs is their ability to jump and can reach heights of 20 times their body length.

Poison dart frogs have highly toxic skin and one species known as the golden poison frog perfects the ability to kill 10 adult males.

Frogs are not just green or yellow — which are commonly seen during the monsoon months — but display a range of colors from vibrant red to dark blue.

Why We Love World Frog Day

It's aimed to raise awareness

It celebrates these diverse and valuable treasures of the ecosystem

It improves people's overall knowledge about frogs

The primary aim of this day is to raise awareness of the different species of frogs and to protect them further. See what you can do on this day to contribute.

Frogs play a central role in many ecosystems. They control the insect population, and they're a food source for many larger animals. Frogs can also secrete substances through their skin. Some secretions are beneficial and researchers have used some of them to create new antibiotics and painkillers.

Aside from the celebration of the tailless amphibians, it's a day also set aside to help educate the general populace on the different species of frogs that exist, their habitats, how they feed, what is causing their ecological decline, and how we can better protect and save these awesome creatures.

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French Language Day

French Language Day is on March 20 and we’re more than excited to celebrate with some French culture, language, and history as we ask…parlez vous Francais? Even if you don’t speak the language there’s a lot of aspects of French culture to learn about. This occasion is meant to respect multilingualism and cultural diversity. When most people think of French they think of France, but it’s actually Africa that has the most French speakers. There are an estimated 120 million Africans from 29 countries that speak the language alongside their indigenous languages.

History of French Language Day

The French language comes from Vulgar Latin of the Roman Empire. France was known as Gaul during that time and they were conquered by the Romans in the first and second century BC. At that time, they spoke Gaulish which is a Celtic language, but that was replaced by Latin from the Romans. In the fifth century, Germanic tribes invaded Gaul and they were Romanized as well. As a result of these outside influences, modern French owes its origins to Celtic, Germanic, but most of all to Latin.

Old French was spoken by the ninth century to the thirteenth and it was different from Latin. The Oaths of Strasbourg is the oldest known document that uses Old French and it had varying dialects including Francien, a dialect that was used near Paris. In the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, Middle French was used with expressions from Latin, Greek, and Italy. A group of French poets known as the Pléiade, inspired the French to strengthen their language and literature.

The seventeenth-century marked the modern period of French and in 1635, Cardinal Richelieu founded the French Academy. The purpose of this was to maintain the sanctity of the language and its literature. The language evolved over time with artistic movements like romanticism and realism, but in large, it has stayed true to this period.

In 2010, the UN’s Department of Public Information made French Language Day official to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. The day is also used to promote the equal use of all six official languages throughout the UN which are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. March 20 is also recognized as the International Day of La Francophonie that celebrates the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) that began March 20, 1970.

French Language Day timeline

2010 Language Days

French Language Day is made official by the UN to celebrate multilingualism.

1635 French Lit

Cardinal Richelieu founded the French Academy to maintain the sanctity of the language in literature.

842 The French of Old

The Oaths of Strasbourg is the oldest known document that uses Old French.

5th Century AD Epidemics

Gaul is conquered by the Roman Empire and the language Gaulish gives way to Latin.

French Language Day FAQs

What is World Language Day?

World Languages Day is a worldwide career expo that connects over 1,000 high school and college students to businesses and professions that value global skills.

Why do we celebrate Francophonie

International Day of La Francophonie celebrates the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation that began March 20, 1970.

Do people in Canada speak French?

French is the mother tongue of an estimated 7.2 million Canadians, which is 20% of the population.

French Language Day Activities

Learn French

Have French cuisine

Join the discussion

French is known as one of the most romantic languages for a reason. Find out by trying it out for yourself! There are a plethora of French language learning guides online to practice with. You can make this a group activity and challenge a friend to try learning it as well and see how well you do in conversation with one another.

France is also known for its exquisite cuisine. Try your hand at cooking (and saying) some of the meals that they’re most known for. There’s soupe à l'oignon, cassoulet, chocolate soufflé, and more. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can go to an authentic French restaurant and share your experience with pictures on social media to spread the word.

The United Nations organizes dialogues all over the world as part of their UN75 initiative to hear from diverse groups about their hopes, fears, and experiences. Join the discussion by providing your own opinions, or listen to other voices to get a better grasp of global perspectives.

Five Facts About French Language Day

Recognized language

Social media ranking

Simplicity

Fast growth

Wide-spread

French was one of the first two working languages used by the United Nations.

French is the sixth most common language on the internet.

French is one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers.

French isn't the most commonly spoken language, but it's a fast-growing language.

French is spoken on five different continents.

Why We Love French Language Day

It celebrates culture

Multilingualism is important

Know your French history

There’s no denying that the French language is a beautiful one. A long list of talented poets, writers, and artists are French and their works have lasted the test of time. By honoring the French Language Day, you also show respect to the hard-working artists that have put so much beauty out into the world.

French Language Day is a show of support for multilingualism and accepting diversity. The day reminds us to respect other communities and cultures and to act in cooperation with one another. Language can be a bridge between worlds.

Oftentimes, there are incorrect beliefs about a country, but you can never know the full story unless you investigate. France has an important history that has affected and has been affected by many other countries. We owe it to ourselves to understand these truths so that collectively we have a broader and more cultured mindset.

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The Great Boston Fire of 1760 destroyed 349 buildings on March 20, 1760.  

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Vernal/Spring Equinox

The March Equinox is an annual celebration that occurs on March 20. In the Northern Hemisphere, the March Equinox is referred to as the vernal equinox. It marks the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the Sun’s crossing above the Earth’s equator, moving from south to north. Like all equinoxes, the March equinox is distinctive in that it has almost exactly the equal amount of daylight and nights across many latitudes of Earth.

History of March Equinox

Wherever you may be on Earth, the equinox brings us several seasonal effects which have been noticeable to nature lovers around the globe for years. The word ‘equinox’ originates from two Latin words: ‘aequus’ meaning equal and ‘nox’ meaning night. The literal meaning is ‘equal night.’ Our ancestors, who had far less precise timekeeping than we do, believed that night and day were equal. But today we know this is not true.

People have been celebrating the March Equinox for centuries and since it is associated with spring the festivals tend to celebrate fertility and agriculture. The Romans used this day to celebrate their goddess Cybele who has driven around in a chariot drawn by lions. Ancient Persia in roughly 550 B.C., celebrated the vernal equinox as Nowruz, their New Year. Modern Iranians still celebrate this time as their New Year. During the era of the Shang Dynasty, which ruled China from 1600 to 1046 B.C., it was believed that the spring equinox marked a mythic beginning, a type of ‘start of their line.’ Jews in the 12th Century believed that the spring equinox marked the day in the year in which the Biblical plague that turned Egypt’s water into blood occurred.

The festival of ‘Holi’ is the March equinox festival in India. This is celebrated in honor of various Hindu deities and legends. It signals the triumph of Good vs Evil, the most notable being the legend of Krishna and Rhada. Ancient cultures had great awareness of nature, the seasons, and the movement of the celestial bodies. Many built sites that had a glaringly obvious use: that of a calendar. These were often aligned to display shafts of sunlight during solstices and equinoxes. Examples of these are Chichen Itza in Mexico, Mnajdra Temples in Malta, and Stonehenge in England.

March Equinox timeline

Before the year 68 B.C.The Sun Lines Up in Aries

The sun lines up with Aries on the spring equinox but in 2567 the sun will line up with the constellation Aquarius.

2700 B.C.The Egyptian Easter Monday

Sham el-Nessim is an ancient Egyptian holiday that can be traced back to 2700 B.C.

1582The Gregorian Calendar Created

The Gregorian calendar is created and is based on the March equinox, falling from March 11 to March 21, the date it occurred in 325 CE.

1948Japanese Make Holiday Secular

In Japan, those who practiced Shintoism used the March equinox to honor their ancestors.

March Equinox FAQs

What happens during the March equinox?

During this time the Sun will cross the celestial equator from the south to the north.

What is the spiritual meaning?

Tradition states that this is the time to cleanse out old energy at home and with oneself.

Why is equinox important?

Equinox is important because it points to changing seasons.

March Equinox Activities

Spring Clean

Do some gardening

Visit ancient sites

The March equinox is the perfect time to give your house an overhaul. Start by decluttering your house.

Growth symbolizes triumph over death and being reborn therefore it has become a tradition to plant seeds at this time of the year. Add some colorful flowers to your garden to celebrate spring.

Various ancient sites are linked to March equinox celebrations and traditions. Pack a bag, call a friend or two and set out on an adventure.

5 Facts About The March Equinox

The sun rises and sets the fastest

Spring occurs on two different days

It’s Mother's day

It marks the middle of Spring

It signals the start of a festival

The fastest sunsets and sunrises occur during this time of the year.

There are two different calendars: the astronomical and the meteorological calendar. If we go by the astronomical calendar, spring will fall on March 20 but if we go by the other, spring will occur on March 1.

In Arab countries, Mother's Day is often observed on the March equinox.

In East Asian countries the March equinox marks the halfway point of spring.

Boatyard employees and sailboat owners in the U.S hold the Burning of the Socks festival where socks are burnt to celebrate the warmer weather.

Why We Love March Equinox

It is celebrated around the world

It signals new beginnings

Days are longer

The March equinox is celebrated by many cultures around the world. We love that it has a unifying factor.

The March equinox symbolizes growth and new beginnings. It is a clear marker of the change from winter to spring.

Along with longer days, the weather starts to warm up as well. Nature reflects this change with the blooming of new flowers and plants.

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International Day of Happiness

Happiness on a personal level can make any day better and add great value to your life. But what if happiness was cherished on an international scale? How would that change the way the economy works or how societies function?

International Day of Happiness aims to celebrate happiness all over the world, inspiring people to spread positivity, whether big or small, with others and encouraging each nation to prioritize the happiness of its citizens.

As one of, if not the key pursuit of human life, it’s no surprise that there’s been endless philosophizing and discussion on the subject of happiness for thousands of years.

The Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, for example, argued that happiness is the only thing humans seek in and of itself – all our other wants and desires ultimately contribute to our happiness, while happiness itself is the end goal. And in the 18th and 19th centuries, utilitarians such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed an ethical theory that saw virtuous acts as those which maximize happiness and decrease suffering.

Happiness can bring a fairer and more balanced approach to economic growth in particular, such that it foregrounds sustainable development, tackles poverty and increases personal and social well being. A great example of this is the East Asian country of Bhutan, which adopted the idea of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product in the 1990s, prioritizing its citizens’ happiness in all decisions relating to economic growth.

History of International Day of Happiness

International Day of Happiness has a truly global history regarding its creation. Back in 2011, the idea was introduced to the United Nations by the advisor Jayme Illien. Illien also founded the United Nations New Economic Paradigm project and ‘happytalism’, which aim to change the way nations approach economic growth by focusing on ‘happytalism’ over capitalism.

The General Assembly of the United Nations agreed with the proposal and officially founded International Day of Happiness in July of 2012, with the occasion first being observed in 2013. The celebration acknowledges how important and desirable happiness is to people everywhere and how essential it is that happiness is incorporated into public policy.

International Day of Happiness is celebrated and hosted by various organizations, including Action for Happiness, Happinessday.org and the United Nations. Through these websites and via social media, people can share inspirational stories about what makes them happy, how their happiness contributes to those around them and how it can pave the way towards a better future.

International Day of Happiness Timeline

1972 “Gross National Happiness” is introduced

When the phrase “Gross National Happiness” is uttered by the 4th king of Bhutan, he takes a stand for valuing sustainable development and a holistic approach over economic growth, giving equal importance to non-economic aspects of well-being.

2006 “Happytalism” Campaign begins at United Nations

Founded by Jayme Illien and Luis Gallardo (Presidents of World Happiness Foundation), the “Happytalism” project is formed to advance the cause of happiness, well-being and freedom all over the world.

2011 Idea for International Happiness Day is introduced

The brain child of Jayme Illien of the “Happytalism” project, the idea for International Happiness Day is proposed at the United Nations General Assembly to promote the economic development of all countries.

2013 First International Happiness Day is celebrated

Agreed upon and established the previous year at the UNGA, International Happiness Day is first celebrated on March 20 of this year.

2015 UN Launches Sustainable Development Goals

Working toward the goal of making the world a happier place, the list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals includes items like eradicating poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water, affordable and clean energy, and several others.

What do we mean by happiness?

Happiness can be a difficult concept to define, but broadly it covers two key areas – how we feel in the present moment and how satisfied we are with our lives overall. Happiness can therefore range from a sudden rush of intense emotion such as joy or euphoria to a much calmer and steadier sense of contentment.

There is some debate over the relative importance of these two aspects for achieving genuine happiness, with many arguing that long-term quality of life is more essential than short-term emotional highs. Indeed, the Ancient Greeks believed in the concept of eudaimonia (‘happiness’ or ‘flourishing’) – under eudaimonia, happiness became associated with virtue and excellence, an ongoing activity or process through which individuals fulfilled their role in society to the best of their abilities.

Various other cultures have also viewed happiness as a collective achievement, something the community should work towards together. More recently, and particularly in the West, the focus has turned towards our individual psychology and wellbeing as the source of contentment.

How to celebrate International Day of Happiness

Celebrate International Day of Happiness by sharing what makes you happy. Taking the time to notice and appreciate everything we have to be grateful for, even the little things, can lift our mood and help us feel more content with life. And think about making this a regular habit, for example by starting a gratitude journal.

Good quality relationships are key to our happiness, so spend time with loved ones and try to rebuild any relationships that are going through a rough patch. Another simple tip for an improved quality of life is to get more sleep, so why not treat yourself to an early night and wake up feeling rejuvenated!

Organizations such as Action for Happiness provide plenty of great resources that can set you on a journey to greater happiness. These include things like monthly action calendars and an app, both of which give you daily nudges on how to incorporate more positivity and mindfulness into your life. There are also a whole range of self-help articles and books available detailing various keys to happiness – check out your local bookstore to see what’s available.

While these are great ways to increase your personal wellbeing, happiness also comes from our contributions to the groups and societies in which we live, so why not share these tools and resources with your friends, family, colleagues and community?

Try out a step-by-step program, meeting regularly with like-minded people to support each other in taking action and achieving happier lifestyles. And you could also donate to or volunteer for a charity of your choice that promotes good deeds.

Another way to reach out to others is through social media. It’s an especially powerful tool for this day, as it allows us to share and spread our activities and the happiness they bring all around the world within seconds.

Also check out the World Happiness Report, published on International Day of Happiness each year, which ranks cities and countries all around the world by happiness levels. Where do you and your community sit?

However you celebrate International Day of Happiness, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face!

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World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day, observed annually on March 20, is a day to raise awareness of the protection of sparrows. We are particularly excited about this holiday because we just can’t resist the cuteness of these little birds and we know at the end of this article, you will be as excited to join too.

History of World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day is an initiative started by the Nature Forever Society of India (founded by Mohammed Dilawar) along with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France and many other organizations around the world. Though the holiday carries the name Sparrow, it was mainly created for awareness of Sparrows but also includes the beauty and biodiversity of other common birds that may share the same space as us.

Mohammed Dilawar, a dedicated conservationist, started the campaign to provide special care for house Sparrows in Nashik. The idea to make the campaign official was born during an informal discussion at the office of the Nature Forever Society. Thereafter, the first World Sparrow Day was observed in 2010 all around the world.

It created a platform for bird conservationists to network and exchange ideas to improve conservation. It aims to provide a point of contact for people around the world to come together and create awareness of the necessity for the protection of common biodiversity or species of lower conservation.

Sparrows or house sparrows have been known to live in green patches and backyards chirping away in urban areas though, during the harsh summers, they require cool shades and water. They’ve always been quite common in residential areas but are currently on the verge of extinction due to noise pollution, lack of nesting sites in modern buildings, pesticide usage, and non-availability of food as reported by ornithologists.

The awareness created led to the house sparrow becoming the state bird of  Delhi in 2012.

As the years go by, more people are joining the campaign to conserve these birds as a way of giving back to nature. Some have gone as far as creating bird nests for sparrows and other common, birds in the community.

World Sparrow Day timeline

1863 Introduction of the House Sparrow

The house sparrow is introduced into America, parts of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand from this time, such that it is now the most widespread urban bird in the world.

2008 Heroes of the Environment

The founder of the Nature Forever Society, Mohammed Dilawar is named one of the ‘Heroes of the Environment.’

2012 State Bird of Delhi

The efforts of the Nature Forever Society, a conservationist group, lead to the declaration of the house sparrow as the state bird of Delhi.

2019 I Love Sparrows

The theme for World Sparrow Day in 2019 is ‘I Love Sparrows.’

World Sparrow Day FAQs

Why is World Sparrow Day celebrated?

It is a day celebrated to raise awareness and protect the common house sparrows.

What does a sparrow symbolize?

The sparrow symbolizes simplicity, creativity, community, power, and empowerment. The sparrows are not independent birds but they are neither needy nor desperate.

Are sparrows the smartest birds?

Sparrows are smart and sharp birds but research has shown that parrots and the corvid family of crows, ravens, and jays are considered the smartest species.

How to Observe World Sparrow Day

Care for a sparrow

Organize walks and hikes

Create awareness about sparrows

Make nests, put water for sparrows during the summer season, and put bird feeders in gardens or any open area to protect the adorable bird. They’ll surely appreciate it.

Organize a sparrow-watching trip with your family and friends, feed the birds, take pictures to document, and create beautiful stickers or posters. You can create beautiful memories on this day.

Host a sparrow event and organize teachings that create awareness and enlighten people about sparrows. Also have entertainment like sparrow poetry, a photography contest, and a sparrow treasure hunt.

5 Interesting Facts About Sparrows

Once upon a time in Britain

A movement to the grain fields

The first day in the world

Sparrow Awards

Making of the World Sparrow Day

Sparrows were once one of Britain’s most common birds, however, their population has declined in recent years.

Although house sparrows are non-migratory birds, the urban flock had traditionally moved to the countryside to feed on ripening grain fields.

The first World Sparrow Day was celebrated in 2010 in different parts of the world.

The Nature Forever Society instituted the first Sparrow Awards in March 2011 to encourage the efforts made towards the cause and to selflessly conserve the environment.

The idea to mark World Sparrow Day came up during a discussion at the N.F.C’s office where the idea was to earmark a day for the conservation of the house sparrow and other common birds.

Why World Sparrow Day is Important

It’s a day to admire nature’s beauty

It is a time to spread  awareness on biodiversity conservation

It is a fun event

World Sparrow Day is a day to celebrate the conservation and protection of sparrows. It is also a day to admire the beauty of biodiversity and nature.

This day provides a meeting ground for people from different parts of the world to come together and play an important role in advocacy and spreading awareness of the need of conserving common biodiversity. We love this!

Various kinds of campaigns, events, and activities are organized on this day to encourage people to participate and contribute to the cause. See what you can do to help!

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Bibliomania Day

Stephen Blumberg loved books. It has been written that “it was his habit to read constantly through the night, cat-napping, walking, reading, dozing, waking, reading again, never fully sleeping.” Stephen Blumberg didn’t just love books, he was a bibliomaniac. Bibliomania is when someone has a strong love of books, where they collect them to the point of hoarding, and social relations and health may suffer. Symptoms may include acquiring more books than would be useful for any reason or getting many copies of the same book. The term was coined by John Ferriar, who published a poem in 1809 with the word as its title, for his friend Richard Heber, who had the condition. The term became used to describe obsessive book collectors. That same year, Reverend Thomas Frognall Dibdin published Bibliomania; or Book Madness. Bibliomania is different from bibliophilia, which is a healthy form of love for books.

On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg’s bibliomania caught up with him. He was arrested for stealing more than 23,600 books (weighing 19 tons) from 268 libraries, universities, and museums. It had taken him over 20 years to steal them, and he got them from 45 states, Washington D.C., and Canada. After originally being thought to be valued at around $20 million, the value of the books was estimated at $5.3 million. He is known as the number one book thief in American history and became known as the Book Bandit. The books he stole, which included a first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin among other rare books, became known as the “Blumberg Collection.”

An acquaintance of Blumberg, Kenneth J. Rhodes, turned him in for a $56,000 reward. During Blumberg’s trial, a psychiatric doctor let it be known that Blumberg had gone through psychiatric treatment as an adolescent. The defense claimed that Blumberg had stolen the books because of psychiatric issues beyond his control. According to the defense, Blumberg had thought he was saving the books from destruction by stealing them. He thought that the government was trying to keep them so that everyday people wouldn’t have them, and he thought he was acting as custodian of the books and doing something good. Because he was well-intentioned, he said he would have never sold any of the books for a profit, and hoped they would go to another person who would take good care of them after he was gone. Nonetheless, he was sentenced to 71 months in prison and given a $200,000 fine, and insanity or psychology wasn’t factored into the decision. He was released on December 29, 1995, and has since been arrested for burglary multiple times.

On Bibliomania Day, we remember Stephen Blumberg and his remarkable feat of stealing over 23,600 books. Could you buy, steal, or gather together that many books? Probably not, but you aren’t the world’s most famous bibliomaniac. Perhaps on Bibliomania Day, you could at least try.

How to Observe

Celebrate the day by getting as many books as possible. It’s probably best not to steal them as Stephen Blumberg did, but that’s a decision you will have to make for yourself. You could start by getting some books about bibliomaniacs, such as A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books or The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession. After that your options are limitless. As bibliomaniacs tend to collect any and all books, regardless of their value, you could just start trying to gather up any books you can find. But maybe it’s best to start by getting some of the best fiction or non-fiction books of all time.

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National Ravioli Day

National Ravioli Day is a food feast celebrated on March 20th of every year. Pasta is one most popular food item preferred and eaten by many. Those pasta lovers would have known about one famous Italian pasta dish named Ravioli. It is been relished by millions of people not only in Italy but also from all over the world. Ravioli if often a homemade preparation and is a dumpling with fillings. Although, the fillings vary from place to place Ravioli makes the best pair of broth or pasta sauce. Pick your favorite Ravioli fillings from cheesy to meaty in square or circular shape. Bite to eat some finger licking, soft, delicious Ravioli as to treat yourself on National Ravioli Day.

“Pasta is the one food I can’t live without. It’s the food I eat to fuel my running.” – Joe Bastianich

History of National Ravioli Day

The history and origin of the National Ravioli Day are not precisely found. Also, there is no record found about the first occurrence and the person who has created this Day. However, the history of Ravioli is rich, and that would be the reason for this food feast. Ravioli are one of the traditional recipes from the Italian cuisine. It is a type of dumpling made of a filling sealed between two layers of thin egg pasta dough. The Ravioli will usually be served in either in a broth or with a pasta sauce. Ravioli are typically made into a square shape. In the present day, this Italian filled pasta is available in circular or semi-circular shapes.

Ravioli are often served as the main course, a side dish or even an appetizer. It is baked or deep fried in many popular recipes. The Italian filled pasta is also served as a dessert with the addition of chocolate, cream cheese stuffing and a caramel sauce. Traditionally, Ravioli are made at home, and the filling varies according to the area where they are prepared, and it ranges from meet to cheese and chocolate. The filling is made with ricotta cheese, nutmeg, spinach, and black pepper in Rome and Latium.

Whereas in Sardinia, ravioli are usually filled with the ricotta and grated lemon rind. The machines are involved in mass-production of Ravioli in the modern-day. Other fillings include beef, chicken, processed cheese, or Italian sausage and are served with a tomato, tomato-meat, or tomato-cheese sauce. In some parts of the world, Ravioli has been breaded and deep-fried to serve it as a snack food or appetizer. The earliest known mention of this Italian filled pasta appeared in the 14th century.

How to Celebrate National Ravioli Day

Celebrating the National Ravioli Day is quite simple and easy. Firstly, you must eat some Ravioli from your favorite restaurant. Take this Day to perfectly enjoy eating some different Ravioli recipes like Ravioli Lasagna, Easy Ravioli Bake, Ravioli Dolci or anything you haven’t tried eating. You can also prepare Ravioli traditionally at your home although you need little patience. So get to know about the Ravioli, its variants, and its making to prepare homemade Ravioli dish. Dump your favorite fillings and make it either sweet or savory. Serve this Italian pasta recipe to your family to make them enjoy this delicious pasta dish. Bake it or add chocolate and cream to serve it as a snack food for your children.

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Santillana del Mar, Spain (No. 2)

Santillana del Mar is a municipality located in the autonomous community of Cantabria, Spain. It is located on the western coast of Cantabria, region of which is its eastern end. It is popularly known by the nickname of the town of the three lies, since according to the popular saying "it is not holy, nor flat, nor has a sea" (the town does not have a sea, although its municipality does).​

The town was declared a historic-artistic site in 1889. In its vicinity is the cave of Altamira, protected as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the most touristic and most visited towns in Cantabria, being an essential stop for tourists visiting the region. This has meant that a large part of the inhabitants of the municipality live from tourism, especially from the hotel industry, rural accommodation and shops of typical products.

Since July 2013, Santillana del Mar has been part of the network of The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.

​ Source: Wikipedia  

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Colors

What do you think about my pic?  

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Clouds (No. 925)

Fruitland, UT (three pics)

Pinion Ridge Rest Area, UT (seven pics)

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Grassland, Canyonlands National Park 

Grasses grow throughout Canyonlands. Individual grasses sprout almost anywhere there is soil. Grasslands form in areas where wind-blown sediment and erosion have created a layer of soil that is several feet thick. Small grasslands form in potholes that have filled with dirt. Most desert grasses can be fit into two groups: bunch and sod-forming.

Bunch grasses are classic desert plants that occur in scattered clumps. This growth pattern reduces competition for limited soil nutrients and water. Indian ricegrass and needle-and-thread are bunch grasses. The relatively large ricegrass seeds are rich in protein and were an important source of food for Native Americans. Needle-and-thread has a sharp seed attached to a wound “thread” that drives the seed into the ground as it unwinds. Both of these grasses are perennial, becoming dormant during droughts. Ricegrass plants have been known to live over 100 years.

Sod forming grasses are what most people have in their yards. Galleta and blue grama are sod-forming perennials native to Canyonlands, and usually grow together. Unlike most desert grasses, galleta can withstand heavy grazing and is important forage for bighorn sheep and mule deer. The seed head of blue grama looks like eyelashes.

Cheatgrass is a sod-forming grass that was accidentally brought to the United States in the 1800s. This European annual is now established throughout the west and frequently takes over areas disturbed by fire or livestock grazing.

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