International Day of Peace

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

The world has been shocked by the recent murder of American Ambassador Christopher Stephens in Egypt.  That set off a series of other protests and army attacks. Then the unrest moved to other parts of the world.  News of impending wars in Egypt and violence in Afghan and violence in China.  The fury in the Islamic Nation and the prospect of Iran building a nuclear bomb.  Even in the USA there are random acts of violence such as the shootings in Colorado and various places across the country.

(Google Image) 

According to Wikipedia, the International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters (in New York City). The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents except Africa, and was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as "a reminder of the human cost of war"; the inscription on its side reads, "Long live absolute world peace".

(Google Image) 

Individuals can also wear White Peace Doves to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which are badges in the shape of a dove produced by a non-profit organization in Canada.

(Google Image) 

The first occurrence was in 1982, and this year there thousands of planned activities including school activities, music concerts, global comedy clubs (www.thinkPEACE.net), peace doves, prayer vigils, peace conferences and U.N. activities.

To see how you can help or things to do, visit these sites:  www.cultureofpeace.org , www.UN.org , www.wiserearth.org , www.thinkPEACE.net or search "peace day events."

(Google Image) 

National Watermelon Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

You know its summertime when you see those big watermelons hit the tables.   There is nothing better than diving in to an ice cold slice and feeling the sweet juice dripping down your chin and fingers.  After all they are 90 to 92 % water.  Then holding the seeds in your mouth to spit them out for a seed spitting contest to see how far you can make them fly.

(Google Image) 

Watermelon is thought to have originated in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on walls of their ancient buildings. Watermelons were often placed in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife.

(Google Image) 

From there, watermelons spread throughout countries along the Mediterranean Sea by way of merchant ships. By the 10th century, watermelon found its way to China, which is now the world's number one producer of watermelons.

(Google Image) 

The 13th century found watermelon spread through the rest of Europe via the Moors.

Southern food historian, John Egerton, believes watermelon made its way to the United States with African slaves as he states in his book, "Southern Food."

(Google Image) 

The United States currently ranks fourth in worldwide production of watermelon. Forty-four states grow watermelons with Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona consistently leading the country in production.

(Google Image) 

Today is National Watermelon Day.  It’s the perfect time to ice one down and slice it up.  Here are some fun facts about Watermelons:

• The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
• Watermelon is 92% water.
• Watermelon's official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Curcurbitaceae. It is cousins to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
• By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.
• Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
• The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1776 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.

(Google Image) 

In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the record books (1998 ed. Guinness Book of World Records).