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Fun Holidays

Penguin Awareness Day

Penguin Awareness Day is observed annually on January 20th to celebrate and raise awareness about penguins, their habitat, and the challenges they face due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate these charming birds, learn more about them, and support efforts to protect their populations.

Ways to Celebrate Penguin Awareness Day:

  1. Learn About Penguins: Discover interesting facts about the different species of penguins, such as the Emperor Penguin, King Penguin, and the Little Blue Penguin.
  2. Watch a Documentary: Films like March of the Penguins or Penguins of Madagascar are both educational and entertaining.
  3. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or local wildlife conservancies working to protect penguins and their habitats.
  4. Spread Awareness: Share information about penguins and their plight on social media.
  5. Visit Penguins (Responsibly): If possible, visit a local zoo or aquarium that supports conservation efforts and learn more about their programs.

Here are some fun and fascinating penguin facts to celebrate Penguin Awareness Day:

1. Penguins Are Birds, but They Can’t Fly!

While penguins are birds, they are adapted to life in the water rather than the air. Their wings have evolved into flippers, which are perfect for swimming.

2. There Are 18 Species of Penguins

Penguins are found in a variety of environments, from the icy waters of Antarctica to the temperate beaches of New Zealand and South Africa. Some of the most famous species include the Emperor Penguin, Adélie Penguin, and Little Blue Penguin.

3. Emperor Penguins Are the Largest

The Emperor Penguin is the largest species of penguin, growing up to 4 feet tall and weighing up to 90 pounds. They’re known for their distinctive black and white plumage, as well as their behavior of huddling together to keep warm during the harsh Antarctic winter.

4. Penguins Can “Fly” Underwater

Penguins can’t fly in the air, but they can “fly” underwater! Their strong flippers allow them to move swiftly through the water, reaching speeds of up to 22 miles per hour.

5. Penguins Mate for Life

Many species of penguins are monogamous, forming strong bonds with a single mate during breeding season, and some even mate for life. They are known to exchange pebbles or small rocks as part of their courtship.

6. Penguins Have Excellent Vision

Penguins have adapted to their environment with incredible eyesight. They can see well both underwater and on land, allowing them to hunt and navigate effectively in their habitat.

7. Penguin Parenting Is a Team Effort

After laying eggs, penguin parents take turns incubating them, with the male often keeping the egg warm while the female hunts for food. In some species, both parents share responsibility for feeding and caring for their chicks.

8. Penguins Can “Toboggan” on Ice

Penguins have a fun way of getting around on land! They use their bellies to slide across ice and snow, a technique called tobogganing, which allows them to move faster while conserving energy.

9. Some Penguins Are Great Divers

Species like the Gentoo and Adélie Penguins are excellent divers, able to go as deep as 500 feet to hunt for fish, krill, and squid.

10. Penguins Are in Trouble

Several penguin species are considered to be at risk due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists several penguin species as endangered or vulnerable.

Fun Holidays

Tin Can Day

Tin Can Day is celebrated annually on January 19th to honor the humble invention of the tin can, a game-changer in food preservation and storage. The day commemorates the patent of the tin can in 1825 by Peter Durand, a British merchant who improved food preservation by sealing food in airtight tin containers. This innovation transformed how food was stored and transported, revolutionizing industries like military rations and global trade.

Ways to Celebrate Tin Can Day:

  1. Recycle Tin Cans: Organize or participate in recycling initiatives to give old cans a second life.
  2. DIY Crafts: Repurpose tin cans into creative items like planters, lanterns, or pencil holders.
  3. Cook a Canned Recipe: Use ingredients from canned goods to create a special meal.
  4. Learn History: Explore the history of food preservation and the role of tin cans in modern industry.
  5. Donate Canned Goods: Support your local food bank with donations of canned food.

1. Easy Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can sweet corn (drained)
  • 1 small red onion (chopped)
  • 1 cucumber (diced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix chickpeas, corn, onion, and cucumber in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, and serve chilled.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk or evaporated milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and basil for seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes and broth, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Blend the soup until smooth.
  4. Stir in coconut or evaporated milk, season with salt, pepper, and basil, and heat through.

3. Canned Tuna Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 can tuna in oil (drained)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 300g spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add diced tomatoes and chili flakes, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tuna, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Toss the pasta in the sauce, garnish with parsley or parmesan, and serve.

4. Black Bean and Corn Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Tortillas
  • Toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Heat black beans and corn in a skillet with cumin and paprika.
  2. Warm tortillas in a separate pan.
  3. Fill tortillas with the bean and corn mixture.
  4. Add toppings of your choice and enjoy!

5. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 can pineapple rings (drained, reserve juice)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt butter in a baking dish and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it.
  3. Arrange pineapple rings (and cherries) on top of the sugar.
  4. Prepare the cake mix, substituting pineapple juice for water in the recipe.
  5. Pour the batter over the pineapples and bake as directed.
  6. Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping the cake onto a serving plate.
 
Breaking News

TikTok has shut down

TikTok Restores Services in U.S. After Trump Says He Will Issue Executive Order Delaying Ban

As of January 19, 2025, TikTok has shut down its services in the United States. This action follows the enforcement of a federal law requiring the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.

Reuters

In compliance with this mandate, TikTok displayed a message to U.S. users stating:

“We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable.”

NBC Chicago

While there were discussions about potential extensions or reprieves, including considerations by President-elect Donald Trump to grant a 90-day extension, no official action was taken before the deadline.

Reuters

As a result, TikTok is currently inaccessible to users in the United States.

local

Saint John’s Population Reaches 40-Year High

Saint John’s Population Reaches 40-Year High: A Milestone for the City

New population estimates from Statistics Canada showed 78,165 people living in Saint John as of July 1, 2024.

That is a year-over-year increase of 2,902 residents or 3.9 per cent nearly double council’s annual growth target of two per cent.

City officials said 87 per cent of the region’s population growth occurred within the Saint John city limits.

Around 2,172 permanent residents chose Saint John in 2024, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of new immigrants to the region.

Saint John is experiencing a historic moment, with its population reaching its highest level in approximately 40 years, according to the city. This significant milestone highlights the region’s growing appeal as a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and thrive.

Eunice Flores – Photography

Recent years have seen Saint John evolve into a hub of opportunity, driven by a combination of economic growth, cultural revitalization, and an increasing focus on livability. From a flourishing arts scene to job opportunities in diverse industries, the city has been drawing new residents and encouraging former ones to return.

This population growth not only reflects the city’s resilience but also underscores its potential for the future. A larger population brings fresh energy, new ideas, and greater diversity to the community, fueling optimism for continued progress.

As Saint John celebrates this achievement, it’s a moment for residents to reflect on how far the city has come and to look forward to the opportunities ahead. Whether it’s strengthening local businesses, enhancing infrastructure, or nurturing community initiatives, this growth marks an exciting new chapter for Saint John.