Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Collage...for April, 2014



From Planet Earth Calendar

Oxygen Factories:  The coral reefs are the oldest ecosystems on Earth.  Next to the rainforests, they are also the most biologically diverse...based on how many creatures depend on them.  Coral reefs are made up of small creatures called “coral polyps” that secrete a substance...calcium carbonate. This material makes up the coral reef.  The polyps feed on algae that absorb carbon dioxide.  The polyps release oxygen as a byproduct of the algae that they consume.  This dietary conversion process is  one reason why coral reefs are so important.  Much like trees, they remove carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen which animals need in order to survive.  The polyps are tiny ranging in size from a pinhead to about a foot long.  It is interesting to note that the coral reefs are the only natural formation that can be seen from space ~ proof that the small things make a big difference on our planet.

Did You Know?
(from the Canadian Wildlife Federation Calendar)

The Grizzly Bear is North America's largest land carnivore.  The largest is the polar bear.  Adult grizzlies have no natural enemies...apart from human beings. 

Making a habitat for wildlife can be part of your garden plans. At WildAboutGardening.org, you can find tips on providing food and shelter for birds and butterflies.

April Message from the Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross violence, bullying and abuse prevention programs*  teach thousands of young Canadians each year how to grow and sustain healthy relationships throughout their lives...in all areas of life ~ family, work and community.  This is an important foundation from which they'll be able to grow into happy, healthy and giving members of our communities.  *Visit www.redcross.ca for info.

Recent studies suggest as many as 25% of teens will experience violence
in a dating relationship before they reach adulthood.

MADD Fact

Car crashes are the leading cause of death in teens...and about one-third of those are alcohol related.

Niagara Falls and Great Gorge
(from Niagara Falls of Canada calendar 2014
picturing a colourful nightly display located at
Table Rock Welcome Centre at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.)

Niagara's waters serve more than one million people in the two countries for recreation and industry ~ most importantly for hydro-electric power generation. The mighty Falls  are known around the world!

Special Event Days

April 1 (Tuesday) ~ April Fool's Day
April 7 (Monday) ~ World Health Day
April 10 (Thursday) ~ Birth date of Jack Miner
(one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement)
April 13 (Sunday) ~ Palm Sunday
April 14 (Monday) ~ Passover begins
April 18 (Friday) ~ Good Friday
April 20 (Sunday) ~ Easter Sunday
April 21 (Monday) ~ Easter Monday
April 22 (Tuesday) ~ Earth Day…
(will publish a blog commemorating this day)
April 30 (Wednesday) ~ International No Hitting Day
refers to Major League Baseball when a pitcher
throws a complete game with no hits by the opposing team.

April Musings

April Fool's Day is the date upon which we are reminded
of what we are on the other 364.
(Mark Twain)

Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!
(Chinese proverb)

The roofs are shining from the rain;
The sparrows twitter as they fly;
And with a windy April grace
The little clouds go by.

Yet, the back yards are bare and brown
With only one unchanging tree ~
I could not be so sure of Spring
Save that, it sings to me.
(Sara Teasdale)

April, Dear April...I beg you come soon
And bring your sweet primroses too.
Let them join in with the daffodils' play
As skies offer sunshine anew.
(Mark R. Slaughter)

Flower and Garden Philosophy
June reared the bunch of flowers you carry
from seeds of April's sowing.
(Robert Browning)

April ~ National Poetry Month

Established in 1996 by the American Academy of Poets, this has become a literary gem for educators to teach and encourage students to develop a love for this form of writing...and for adults alike, to delve into...as an alternative to the essay.

A Thought to Ponder

Isn't it appropriate that the month of the tax begins on April Fool's Day
and ends with cries of...May Day???

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 8, 2014
Comments welcome...e-mail to:

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