In the world today about 62 countries only have 100% blood supply from the unrewarded voluntary blood donors. With around 40 countries depending on the paid or family donors. Every year around 92 million units of blood is collected internationally from voluntary blood donations. Eachyear the countries celebrate world blood donor day on 14 June to raise awareness and thank the voluntary unpaid donors.

The occurrence of blood borne infections is low among the voluntary blood donors which is the safe group. WHO encourages people both from urban or rural areas to continue donating blood and the young people who are in good health are encourage to begin doing so. The goal of every country is to obtain their blood supplies from voluntary blood contribution.

This year the world marks the 10^th anniversary of the word blood donation. Blood donated acts like a gift that saves life and help individuals live longer and more industrious lives. The objective of this year campaign is to recognize and thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The silent and unrecognized heroes are those people who save lives every day.

10. Other Focuses

Photo Source: http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/newsletter/92/newsletter_en.htm

The major intention of the World Blood Donor Day is to encourage more people to donate blood. It focuses on the countries to increase the safety supply of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Where emphasize is put on individuals to be regular blood donors. Convince ministries of health to commit in achieving self-sufficiency in safe blood based on the 100% voluntary non-compensated blood donations

 9.  Facts supported by figures

Photo Source: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs279/en/

Only 62 countries get 100% of the national blood supplies from the unpaid voluntary blood donors. The basic blood requirements a country is supposed to meet requires only 1%of its population. Statistics collected show that 92 million units of blood donated are collected internationally from voluntary donors.

8. Primary Intention

Photo Source: http://metro.co.uk/2012/04/26/blood-donations-need-to-rise-ahead-of-olympics-games-and-diamond-jubilee-403160/

The main aim of World Blood Day is to provide a chance for the world to bond in volunteerism and harmony globally and not to replace national blood days. To create awareness for the responsibilities people are supposed to fulfil in saving and improving lives. Put educational programs and operations to support blood transfusion services for long term. Encourage people to enroll as voluntary blood donors.

7. Four core Agencies that Support World Blood Day

Photo Source: http://www.rexhealth.com/world-blood-donor-day

The four core agencies are the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The establishment includes 193 WHO member countries, 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, with more than 60 national blood donor organization and over 3000 blood transfusion specialists. The World Blood Donor Day movement is supported by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) with others like the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals (ADRP),Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also in  the list is United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),World Council of Churches (WCC) and Rotary International.

6. Yearly Theme

Photo Source: http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2013/posters/poster_large.jpg

Each year the World Donor Day operates under different theme which focuses on specialized issues related on blood donation. For example the theme set for the year 2011 is more blood more life.

5. A Day to Say Thank You

Photo Source: http://tfpak.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/faith-world-blood-donor-day/

This day takes place on 14 June every year worldwide which also honors birth of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize winner for discovering the ABO blood group system. The day is devoted to thank and celebrate voluntary unpaid blood donors for their good work of ensuring easy availability of safe blood for transfusion. There are millions of people around the world who are happy to give blood and 14^th of June is set aside to thank them and encourage them to continue doing so.

4. Target to save lives

Photo Source: http://www.chelsey.co.nz/power-and-inspiration/green-and-virtue/world-blood-donor-day

It identifies humble blood donors who use some few minutes of their valuable time to donate blood and save lives of thousands of people worldwide in every year. The blood collected from donations help patients who are suffering from dangerous conditions live a higher quality and longer life. It also very important for playing a role in both perinatal and maternal care, and supports surgical and the complex medical procedures. It acknowledge the key role played by the regular, voluntary blood donors in ensuring that safe blood is readily available for patients who may need it.

3. History and Foundation

Photo Source: http://antonk.com/2012/06/17/june-14-on-this-day-history/

In 2004 the World Health Organization and the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies started the world donor day. It takes place on 14^th June every year where an opportunity is provided for the nation and global celebration to take place. This day has another significance as well since it marks the birthday of Karl Landsteiner who is a Nobel Prize winner for his discovery of the ABO group system. The national blood transfusion was established in1983, and since then it been supporting research and education of advanced transfusion of blood that benefits patients and donors.

2. A Global Observance

Photo Source: http://www.featurepics.com/online/World-Blood-Donor-Day-1300791.aspx

On world Donor day many events and activities are held globally to increase the awareness and knowledge about the significance of safe blood supplies. It is not a public holiday but instead it’s a worldwide observance. On June 14^th a number of events which are held includes; blood donation clinics, football matches, concerts and many other fun activities.

1. Safe Blood

Photo Source: http://specialforworld.com/2012/06/14/world-blood-donor-day/

In developing countries safe blood supplies are scarce despite the 92 million units of blood donations. The demand of safe blood is increasing every day while the supply does not meet this demand especially in third world countries. For safety blood transfusions the ABO blood group system is used which was created by Karl Landsteiner on 14^th June 1868.

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10. Stop Using Chemicals.

Photo Source: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/doing-good-science/tag/chemistry/

Chemicals are dangerous, even the seemingly mild ones have a compound that can be very fatal. If the chemical sweep in to the seas, they may lead to death of sea plants and sea animals including sea turtles. Ensure that you dispose off waste and chemicals in the right way. Take care of the environment and all that is in it by using natural products and if one has to use chemicals, dispose them well.

9. Be a Volunteer

Photo Source: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/7/161811/0644/travel/Volunteer+Travel%3A+Save+the+Turtles+in+Coast+Rica

There are many ways you can help save and preserve sea turtle as a volunteer. This can be as simple as gathering friends to clean up the beaches, collecting all wastes and disposing them in the right way. This is also a great way to give up to the community and environment. You can write an essay or project about sea turtle and share with your school or community and urge them to join in the work.

8. Avoid Nesting and Hatching them

Photo Source: http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/seaturtle/sthatch.html

As much as we might be tempted to touch the cute creatures, it is important to give them their space especially when they are nesting. Keep of the nesting areas and ask others to do the same. Females especially when they are nesting might get scared and in the process of protecting themselves and the eggs they might step on the eggs and ruin them. Also avoid stepping on the hatchlings as they head back to the sea.

7. Stay Alert When Boating

Photo Source: http://www.kctv5.com/story/19445463/troopers-ask-boaters-to-stay-alert-even-as-summer-boating-season-ends

Be careful when you are out boat riding. Turtles love to float on water and relax or even come up to the surface for a breath. Avoid accidents and collusion with sea turtles that might lead to their death. Just watch out, be careful and watch out for the sea grass beds to protect the habitats. Avoid running in the sea grass and reefs that act resting places for turtles.

6. Dispose your Garbage Properly

Photo Source: http://thegreenleaf.staradvertiserblogs.com/2011/10/

Plastics and other garbage through in the sea can be fatal for sea turtles. Their might mistake plastics for food resulting to rather injury or death. Fishing nets and things like plastic bags may also lead to suffocation especially for small turtles. Avoid dumping garbage in the sea or in beaches that are then sleep away by the current back into the water.

5. Keep beaches clean

Photo Source: http://www.bloggsd.com/live_surf_travel_blog/2008/12/no-butts-on-the-beach-keep-the-ocean-clean-and-can-your-litter-excellent-signs-to-help-potential-pol-1.html

It is our responsibility as human being to take care of our environment for a better tomorrow. Ensure that when you are out on the beach you do not leave trash lying around. Most of trashes in the beaches are often sweep away by the current back in to the water and in to the sea. Collect your litter and any other litter near you before you leave the beach and dispose it correctly.

4. Rescue and Rehabilitate

Photo Source: http://footage.shutterstock.com/clip-2259895-stock-footage-michmoret-israel-may-volunteer-at-the-sea-turtle-rescue-and-rehabilitation-center-clean.html

There are people and organizations that are dedicated to taking care of turtles especially the injured turtles. These groups are doing a great work in preserving their lives and taking care of the future. Some of the groups are the Mote Marine Laboratory which is found in Sarasota, Florida, there is also the Marine Mammal Center found in Northern California, also the Clear Water Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, and the Sea Turtle Inc. organization in South Padre Island, Texas. With all this organizations we need to help them protect turtles as they can’t do it alone.

3. Protect their Habitation

Photo Source: http://bluelivingideas.com/2013/01/10/conservation-groups-file-lawsuit-to-protect-loggerhead-sea-turtle-habitat/

Turtles always return to the same beaches to nest so it is important to preserve those habitations. Protecting turtle’s habitants starts with protecting their nests. In some beaches there has been great support with police and beach controls putting fences around the turtles’ nurseries. This is to prevent disruptions from people who are in high risk of stepping on them or disputing them. The fish and wildlife service is said to have put a fence around the creatures’ nests in the beach about 739 miles protecting about 84% of turtles nesting in the area. This is a great move and hope people can join and put an effort to protecting their habitation.

2. Don’t Eat Sea Turtles

Photo Source: http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Hawksbill-Sea-Turtle-Eretmochelys-Imbricata-Eating-Soft-Corals-Posters_i6016489_.htm

There are campaigns launched against eating and buying eggs and turtle meat. This will help reduce the black market for this commodity. Public figures like Dorismar, Los Tigres del Norte and Maná are on the top list to defending and preserving turtle lives. Turtles have a spiritual significance in some cultures in the world, although this has not prevented the precious animals to be consumed. Some Catholics do not consider turtle as meat thus choose to consume it especially during rent time. This has led to the some conservative organizations writing to the pope asking him to intervene and pronounce turtles as meat to avoid Catholics and other people from eating them. In some countries like Asia and South America, turtles are regarded as a major food delicacy. We need to educate people on turtles and their preservation, about their nesting. The government needs to impose strict measures regarding consumption of turtles.

1. Lighting Restrictions

Photo Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/newsimage/sea-turtles-dig-dark-11-Mar-135.jpg

Turtles are shortsighted outside the water into the land. The artificial lighting confuses them as they use the natural lighting from the sun and moon to find their way back into the sea or water. The artificial lighting might confuse them and lead them back in to the land instead of the sea leading to death or getting lost. If you live near a beach or sea reducing your lights will help in preserving and shielding the turtles. Reducing or dimming the bench lights especially during the nesting period will do an extra mile. Also avoid camp fires that attract turtles. Let’s take initiative and find ways we can preserve sea turtles.

10. Wash his car

Photo Source: http://pittypittypatter.blogspot.com/2010/06/washing-daddys-car.html
Making the day special for your dad does not mean you have to come up with something huge or expensive. You can make him feel special by just expressing love through actions. So start the day off by washing his car or truck. Cars are usually not as messy from the outside as they are from the inner side, so try cleaning up in there as well. You can easily get the car washed from anywhere, but doing it yourself is what expresses your love. Keep in mind that in order to surprise him, you must know the time he wakes up in the morning and try to wash the car before he wakes up. Dad’s love their cars and this small gesture of yours can make him very happy.

9. Iron his clothes

Photo Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Rayon
This again is a very small gesture and you can easily get the clothes ironed from anywhere but then again, this day is about doing it all on your own, so before he wakes up take his favorite clothes out of the wardrobe and iron it for him. And if you want to you can buy him new clothes, iron and hang them somewhere in the room to surprise him. You can also polish his shoes and get them ready to be worn. Set his favorite perfume, his watch, his wallet, his keys, and whatever your dad usually keeps with him, ready at one place. All this might not sound anything so special to you but for dads, it is, seeing that their children care so much about them will surely make them feel special.

8. Bring breakfast in bed

Photo Source: http://www.volunteerprincess.com/yachtingaround
When you are done doing the tasks mentioned above, the next task is to take your apron out and get ready to show off your cooking skills. You are going to cook your dad’s favorite breakfast, so be sure of not making any mistakes or your mission will not turn out to be successful. If you are good at cooking, then this step should not be a problem for your, but if you are good, then don’t be scared. The internet is always here to help you, search around for recipes of whatever you are cooking and try following it without making any changes. If your does not have any favorites then you can come up with anything you like or whatever looks tempting to you.

7. Make him a card

Photo Source: http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?p=1561
This is the time to show how creative you are. There are hundreds of cards available in the market in the Father’s day season that you can buy and give it to your dad, but giving him a card that you made by your own self, will hold a different place in his heart. You can do this task a day before because it might take a lot of time. Run through internet and look up for ideas, you can easily find how to make father’s day tutorials. Just collect all the materials you need and get on work. Be sure to come up with a very nice message for your father, it does not have to be a quote or something very formally written, instead come up with something original, like your feelings for him. Your dad will love it for sure!

6. Watch his favorite movie with him

Photo Source: http://www.clonedvd.net/blog/top-5-fathers-day-movies.html
Go out, rent his favorite movie, and watch it with him. Spending the day with your dad is the best you can do on father’s day, so plan in advance what you will be doing on this day. Like everyone, your dad must have a few movies very near to his heart, that he made you watch when you were a kid. If you plan to make this day special, it’s time to bring back those memories and watch those movies again with him. Grab a pack of popcorns and live the memories again.

5. Make a slideshow

Photo Source: http://www.slidewow.com/special-gift-for-dad-on-father’s-day.html
Childhood is very near to everyone and almost everyone miss it. The time spent with mom, dad and siblings as a kid always brings back a smile. Get into that old box of family pictures from the childhood and pick your favorite photos out of them. Select one of your favorite songs as a child and you are ready to make a slideshow. Download any software you think can turn your pictures into a movie, put the pictures in it along with the song, and play the slideshow to your dad. This act might bring back a lot of memories and nostalgia but it will surely put a smile on his face.

4. Buy him his favorite drinks

Photo Source: http://www.blisstree.com/2011/06/14/sex-relationships/fathers-day-gift-idea-drinking-with-dad/
Time to head out of the house and enjoy the day a little more. Father’s day is commercialized in many countries now and a lot of clubs have started to hold different kinds of activities and parties for this day. Take your dad and take part in games and activities to make the day even more fun. Buy him his favorite drinks,, if your dad drink, nothing can be better than a beer and even if he doesn’t get him whatever he likes to drink.

3. Make barbeque

Photo Source: http://rollingout.com/food-2/best-barbecue-restaurants-in-houston-for-memorial-day-weekend/
There is no one who dislikes barbeque, so for dinner get ready to cook on the coals. Make sure you get your dad’s favorite kind of meat and vegetables. If you are not sure of what recipe to follow, again internet is here for your help. Look up for recipes and whatever looks good to you, go for it. A cake would be a cherry on the top, so get a cake with “Happy Father’s Day” or “You are the best Dad” written on it and give your dad another surprise.

2. Write him a poem

Photo Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dad-Happy
This might be a little tough for everyone, but giving it a try won’t do any harm. Search through the internet to get ideas for writing a poem and put your feelings into works for your Dad. Even if it sounds funny or childish, do not worry, whatever you would do for your dad would make him feel happy at the end of the end, so what matters is your effort. So write a short poem for him and read it to him after you are done cutting the cake.

1. Present Dad with a Trophy

Photo Source: http://www.zazzle.com/worlds_number_one_dad_championship_trophy_photosculpture-153236961482287418
What can be a better gift than giving someone a trophy? Nothing I guess. Start googling around a day before Father’s day about how to make a trophy or you can also get a ready-made trophy and then personalize it. To give your own touch to the trophy, get a photograph of you with your dad, any photo would do the job (even if from childhood), some glue, and a ribbon. Stick the ribbon on the photo from behind or you can also sew ribbon as a frill and then stick it to the picture. Glue this frilled photo to the trophy, similarly write a message on a colored paper, stick it with the ribbon and glue to the bottom of the trophy. To end the day, before your dad is heading to bed, present him the trophy, say “I love you”, and give him a hug.

But in real life, this is not the case always, where in some families; the father is unable to cope up with his responsibilities. In the other, the children are not close enough to their fathers and this is sadly the harsh reality. This same truth is portrayed in a lot of flicks in different ways to convey the message and importance of father and child relationship. These movies might make you laugh or leave you teary-eyed, but the essence of these flicks leaves you to think about your own relationship with your father and how would it feel like to have children of your own. Here are the top 10 movies dedicated to fathers.

10. About a Boy

Photo Source: www.filmweb.no

The thirty eight years old Will Freeman, is shown a slacker who has lived a life full of royalties without ever going through difficulties of life due to a song written by his father, which he uses to lure in single mothers who pay him for his living. Will’s life changes when he meets a twelve year old boy named Marcus Brewer who lives with his depressed and mentally unstable single mother Fiona. Marcus tries everything to make Will date Fiona se he can make his mother’s life better. Wills starts to realize what Marcus has gone through living a life like this and decides to guide him through his difficult life.

9. 3 Men and a Baby

Photo Source: trakt.tv

3 bachelor friends, architect Peter, artist Michael, and actor Jack live together, apparently a life free of tensions. They are all scared of commitments and family life. Just when Jack leaves to film in Turkey, the other two friends face something surprising. Peter and Michael discover a baby girl left outside their door, which turns out to be a daughter of Jack, who he does not know about. They all go through hardships while taking care of the baby and at the end get attached to her. The movie shows how a baby changed the life of these confirmed bachelors.

8. Riding Alone for Thousand Miles

Photo Source: www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk

Gou-ichi Taka is a Japanese father who loses his son at a very young age and struggles to complete his final wish. His son had a dream of filming a Chinese opera, even though Gou-ichi does not know anything about filming or opera, he is seen working hard to make his son’s dream come true. He finds out that his son had made a promise to film an opera named “Riding Alone for Thousand Miles” after returning to China. During his struggle for the opera-making, Gou-ichi faces a lot of hardships, his encounter with an opera star who is prisoner and cannot perform and with a kid from a village further strengthens his feelings for his son.

7. Parenthood

Photo Source: i.mtime.com

Parenthood, as the name suggests if the story specially based on the responsibilities and the hardships parents have to go through to provide their kids a better life. The story is mainly about the fatherhood of 3 men and the 14 children in their lives. The movie conveys the message of the duties and responsibilities of the fatherhood of these men, where they go through different situations and face various problems but still manage to be the best fathers and husbands. The challenges, the hardships, the terror, the happiness, the proud feeling and the satisfaction of fatherhood is what makes this movie worth watching.

6. Real Steel

Photo Source: www.hdfilmizledi.com

The movie is set in future, where a former boxer Charlie Kenton is seen handling robots. This is an era where the typical sports and boxing are talks of the past now. Instead of real human boxing, people are now seen fighting with their Robots or more like fighting through their Robots. The story starts off when Charlie’s ex wife dies and her sister brings Charlie’s son Max. She asks Charlie to hand her over the custody of Max, because he will not be able to keep Max happy. Charlie in need of money agrees on handing over the custody to the couple in return of money, but he has to keep Max for the summers. The movie then revolves around Charlie and Max struggling to get a Robot and fight in a tournament. Through this journey the Father-Son relationship is portrayed beautifully and it strengthens more towards the end.

5. A Better Life

Photo Source: www.argentinawarez.com

The story is about a California based family, where the father Carlos Galindo works as a gardener. Carlos’s boss Blasco wants to return to his homeland, Mexico so he sells his business to Carlos. Carlos gets a hold of Blasco’s business to provide his son Luis, a high school student a better life. In a tragic turn of events Carlos ends up being caught by the police for a crime and is deported back to his country. During this journey, the bitter relation between the father and son takes a U-turn and their relationship strengthens. The ending scenes are very emotional where the son and the father exchanges promises and say their goodbyes, in hopes of meeting again.

4. The Pursuit of Happyness

Photo Source: rmutl.bloggang.com

The movie is based on a true story, about the life of a man called Christopher Gardner, which is played by Will Smith. The movie starts off with Christopher inventing a device called “Bone Density Scanner”. He tries to sell this device but fails because it is almost similar to the current technology in a much higher price. Even though he has to face rejection, Christopher still continues to sell his device and goes broke because of no job. Seeing his condition his wife leaves him, saying she wouldn’t be able to be a single mother, leave their son with Christopher. The movies moves forward where Christopher is seen struggling hard to earn a living for his son and the father-son relationship strengthens.

3. Lion King

Photo Source: kinobanda.net

Lion king is an animated movie, which mainly shows the life of a Lion, Mufasa who is the king of the jungle and his newly born son Simba. The movie shows the lovely relationship of a father and son who spend time together, where the father teaches the son about the world. The villain lion then jumps into the story who is named Scar. Scar tries to kill Simba, to get the throne for himself but in turn of events end up killing Mufasa the king. Simba then after years, takes revenge from his father’s Murderer and sits on his rightful place that is the throne of the king.

2. Road to Perdition

Photo Source: flixchatter.net

This flick differs from the others on the list, because not every father-son relationship is sweet or strong, it can be complicated at time, and this complicated scenario is shown in Road to Perdition. Michael Sullivan, who plays a mob bodyguard, kills people and apparently is not a good man. But he loves his son and he wants to protect him from the enemies, who has killed the whole Sullivan family and all he is left with is his son now. Michael ends up dragging his son into his dirty business to save him, but hopes that one day he will choose the right path. The action packed movie is worth watch due to the great performances by the actors, Tom Hanks who plays the lead role of Michael, says “if you’re a man, and you’ve got offspring…emotionally, it’s devastating.”

1. Finding Nemo

Photo Source: www.peliteca.com

This animated flick is based on the love and struggle of a father-fish who has lost his son Nemo in a tragic incident. The movie starts with showing how the father loses his wife and is only left with a son who he names Nemo. When Nemo is lost in an accident, the father sets on a journey along with another fish named Dory. The movie depicts the love of a father beautifully and is one of the best movies 2013 the industry has produced about a father-son relationship.

Though we should respect and shower our love to them all 365 days of the year, this day gives us a chance to make them feel even more special. Like every occasion, Father’s Day too is celebrated differently all over the world. The essence of the day remains the same, whereas the way of celebration slightly differs due to variation in traditions from place to place. Here are the top 10 Father’s Day traditions around the world:

10. India

Photo Source: www.prlog.org

When compared to other countries, the tradition of India is quiet different in all respects, therefore Father’s Day is also celebrated differently. The day starts off with a holy ritual called Pooja, where the kids along with the Mother pray for the long life of their Father. The day proceeds by presenting gifts and sweets to the Father. Schools and Colleges also organize special functions in the honor of the Fathers or Fatherly figures. This way the children also get a chance to express their love through performing different acts at the event.

9. Romania

Photo Source: www.timeanddate.com

Romania, never celebrated Father’s Day until 2010 when an association known as TATA appealed for a holiday in the honor of the Fathers. Their appeal was heard and the second Sunday of the month of May was declared as a holiday so that Fathers could celebrate the day without any tension of work with their kids. The day is celebrated with the same rituals like other countries where the kids present gifts to their Fathers, which includes neckties, shirts, trousers, etc along with flowers and cards. What make this country’s tradition special is the enthusiasm and a fresh feeling that is observed because of the newly declared holiday in the name of Fathers.

8. Australia

Photo Source: www.8bitdad.com

In Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated somewhat like US. What makes them different is the date on which this day is celebrated. Where in the US and most countries of the world, Father’s Day fall on the third Sunday of the month of June, it is widely celebrated with much enthusiasm in Australia on the first Sunday of September. The day gives the children an opportunity to express their love to their Father in different ways. Some people prefer to enjoy the day at home, by cooking the dinner for their Father, watching a movie together, going through childhood photographs and talk about the golden old memories whereas the others likes to go out in the public clubs and malls where different games and activities are organized especially for entertainment on this day.

7. South Africa

Photo Source: www.jhuccp.org

The day is celebrated here, almost the same as USA and Australia, where kids present their fathers different kinds gifts (sometimes homemade), cards, neckties, flowers and chocolates. Their tradition of this day includes picnic where kids would go out with their parents to the beach or mostly for fishing. They enjoy the day fishing and try to catch some fishes for fresh dinner. To use this theme to celebrate your day, you can also plan to go fishing with your Father and experience yourself how it feels.

6. Germany

Photo Source: lincolnsquarecc.wordpress.com

In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on a Thursday exactly about 40 days after the Easter. When looking back at the history of this day in Germany, this day was also called Vatertag or Männertag, which started off as a religious activity. In those days on men would celebrate the day with wagons filled with food, beer and wine. Now after so many years, men still celebrate the day in the same traditional way in a more urban tone, where men would party in a bar and drink all day long. The kids celebrate this day with their Fathers by going on hiking, where the family goes out on vacation for the weekend and the family explore the countryside or forests and usually camp.

5. Brazil

Photo Source: www.worldlandtrust.org

The Father’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of August. From the history of Father’s day in Brazil, the day was celebrated on the 16^th of August, but it was moved to a Sunday, so it would be easier for Fathers to spend time with the children. Brazilian tradition is quiet distinct from other countries because here, it is not the kids who make effort to make the day special, instead it is the Fathers who take this responsibility. The Brazilian Dads arrange an all you can eat barbeque, called churracos. This dinner includes roasted beef and pork, chicken, sausages, seafood and some other side dishes.

4. Japan

Photo Source: tobidasu.wordpress.com

Japanese culture differs from the culture of USA, so the day is celebrated differently. In Japan, the day starts off by kids presenting flowers to their Fathers, as flowers are an important part of their culture. Kids in Japan, focus more on presenting gifts made by their own hands, which includes beer glasses, Japanese candles, a box of sweets or sandals. A special kind of dinner is also prepared by the children for their Fathers which mainly consist of crabs, prawns, fish, or any other seafood. Japanese Fathers also likes to be presented a good scented perfume as a gift.

3. Thailand

Photo Source: strangerinbangkok.blogspot.com

In Thailand, Father’s Day is observed on 5^th of December every year, which is also the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyade. The day is celebrated on this day, in the honor of the King, as he is very much loved and respected by Thais. Their tradition for this day is that everyone is seen wearing yellow, which is considered to be the color of the day of Monday, on which the King was born. Thais consider Canna Flower, a masculine flower, thus the children start the day by gifting a Canna Flower to their Fathers along with presents.

2. USA

Photo Source: www.portlandglass.com

Looking back at the history, the origin of Father’s Day started from USA. Thus, the day is still celebrated in USA with entirety and zeal on the third Sunday of the month of June. Children living away from their families, takes time out of their busy life and come over to meet specially meet their Fathers. The day starts off with a breakfast served in bed to the Father by the children, which follow up with flowers, gifts and cards. In USA, Father’s Day preparations start a few days before the event with heavy campaigning, which includes discounts on gifts, special parties and activities organized to spend the day out and hot deals for dinner.

1. Mexico

Photo Source: sanchezsink.blogspot.com

In Mexico, the day starts off with the same rituals of presenting fathers with gifts, cards, flowers or chocolates to honor fathers for whatever they have done for the kids up till now. The most adventurous and a very exciting tradition is a 21-kilometer race that is held in Mexico City’s Bosque de Tlalpan, which is an open area which is in normal days used for jogging or running. The race makes the day very special for everyone around that place, which gives a feeling of a festival, where people buy food from the stalls, for entertainment different programs are arranged for the kids as well as adults and the race is also widely broadcasted around the country. The day ends with a traditional Mexican dinner and dessert.

Planning something unusual and not so ordinary, can be tiresome but there are a lot of stuff you can come up with to enjoy the day with your Father. The easiest is to come up with a Father’s Day greeting card. For a change and to make your Father even more special, you can make these cards at home. Make sure to write a very memorable message for your Father on the card, telling how much he means to you. Here are the top 10 ways to make unique and special cards for your Father:

10. Modify a Ready-Made Card

Photo Source: www.shutterfly.com

Get a big sized Father’s day card. Use photographs of you and your father or any of your family photos where you and your dad are together. Stick the photos on the inner side of the card. You can also decorate the pictures using a ribbon. Stick the ribbon on the edges of the photos to form a frame for it.

Things you will need:

• A Father’s Day card
• Photos of you and your father
• Markers
• Ribbon and glue (optional)

9. Brown Paper Bag Card

Photo Source: sarahhearts.com

Cut a card from the brown paper bag using pinking shears or scissors, of any shape of your choice. Make holes at equal distance, near the edges of the paper using a hole punch. Carefully pass the ribbon through each hole, pulling the ribbon roughly might tear the paper. After passing the ribbon tie both the edges and make a bow out of it. When tying the ribbon, again be careful to avoid tearing the paper. Write your message in the centre and your card is ready!

Things you will need:

• Brown paper or construction paper
• Pinking shears or Scissors
• A hole punch
• Ribbon (about 1/4 inch wide) – Any Color
• Markers or crayons

8. Design and Print Cards

Photo Source: media-saver.com

You can also design cards on the computer for your Father and print it. There are a lot of websites that are offering you ready-made cards that you can print, whereas you can also design a card yourself too. Use your imagination and keep your dad’s favorites in mind. A Batman card would be a great idea for a Batman- Fan Father. You can also design a card using some of the family photos. This is the time to use your artistic abilities!

7.  Pop-up card

Photo Source: www.donnaclick.it

Fold one of the papers into half and make a crease. On the middle of the crease, make a cut of about 2 inches. Fold both the flaps backward to make triangles. Open the card and try pushing one the triangles up and crease the edges. Do the same to the other triangle. Now close the card and push down the folds. When you will open the card now, the pop would be ready. You can decorate the card according to your desires, best option is to stick the other paper on the outer side of the card and write a message on the inner side of the pop-up. So when you open the card, the message will also pop-up.

Things you will need:

• 2 pieces of paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Crayons and Markers

6. Twig Frame Card

Photo Source: www.etsy.com

Collect at least 16 twigs, when collecting the twigs; make sure they are 2 inch longer in size than your picture. Arrange the twigs on the sides of the photo, making a frame. Each side of photo should contain equal number of twigs or should be equally thick. Using a string, tie the twigs together it makes an X-shape near the edges of the twigs. Stick a photo of you with your dad on the back side of the twig frame. On the top of the twigs stick a piece of card on any one side of the twig frame, so you can open the flap to see the picture inside. Write your message on the inner side of the flap.

Things you will need:

• Twigs
• Twine or string
• Glue (hot glue works well)
• A photo for framing
• A piece of card – same size as the photo

5.  Hanging Wall-Pocket Card

Photo Source: tryhandmade.com

Cut one of the plate half, into two equal parts. On the straight edges of the plate, make holes at equal distance. Put this piece of plate on the uncut plate so as to make a pocket with it. Holding firmly, make holes on the circular edges now using a hole punch. Using the thread or twine, sew the plates together and the pocket is ready. Make sure you leave a hole on the top to hang it on the wall. Write your message on front side of the plate and surprise your dad!

Things you will need:

• 2 plain paper plates
• A hole punch
• Twine or Thick thread
• Scissors
• Markers

4. Picture Frame Card

Photo Source: www.mcpactions.com

On a heavy paper, write the letters DAD, in a way that they are joined together and the holes of D and A are big enough to hold your pictures. Make sure you also cut the holes of all the letters neatly. Stick your pictures at the back of these holes and cover the back using the same heavy paper. Make slight creases between the letters DAD and fold both of the Ds over A. Write your message on the back of the card.

Things you will need:

• Heavy paper
• 3 small photos of you and your Father
• Glue
• Scissors

3. Photo Collage Cards

Photo Source: www.procollage.com

Take out your huge collection of family photos from childhood to present. Fold the heavy paper from the middle to turn it into a typical card shape or just let it be as it is without creases. Stick up your favorite photos randomly, in a way that the edges are on top of one another. For the spaces left, you can also cut up photos and fit them up. Use your imagination and write different things on the colored papers in bubble font, cut them out and stick them on the top of the pictures or on empty spaces. You can also use paints and ribbons to decorate it more.

Things you will need:

• A heavy paper or card
• Photos
• Glue
• Scissors
• Colored Papers

2. Sleeve – Cuff Card.

Photo Source: bonkersaboutbuttons1.blogspot.com

This is one of the easiest and most sober looking cards. What you need is a thick paper, you can print your message on it in advance or you can write it on your own using markers. Fold the paper round, not making any creases. Careful make two slits near both the edges of paper. Write your message before sticking the edges the edges together and glue small buttons on one side of the slits giving it a look of the real cuff. If you want to gift your dad cuff-links, you should stick the edges together in a way that the slits remain open. Place the back side of the cuff-links on the slits and your card is ready with a gift!

Things you will need:

• A thick paper
• Markers
• Small buttons
• Cuff-links (optional)

1. Folded Shirt Cards:

Photo Source: refinedfocus.com

First of all cut the top of the card into an M shape. Draw a line in the middle vertically and fold the M-shaped area horizontally. On the vertical line, glue real buttons if available, or you can make buttons out of paper. Make a tie using a paper or just cut out the bottom part of an old tie. Glue the top of the tie on the lower part of the M-shaped area in the middle. Fold that area back down and stick it to the shirt using glue. Write your message on the underside of the tie. If you wish to, you can also make a pocket and stick it to the shirt.

Things you will need:

• A heavy construction paper
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons
• Glue
• 5 small white shirt buttons (optional)
• A piece of colored construction paper or an old tie.

10. Grilling tools

Photo Source: www.womansday.com

While mothers mostly do the cooking at home, fathers normally hold the fort when it’s done outside. Men generally just love grilling–whether it is for a plate of la parilla or a simple beef roast—but the grilling experience somewhere in the backyard becomes a lot more fun when he knows he has all the grilling tools he needs to feel his being the master griller. Give him a set of personalized grilling tools that may include a grilling apron, grilling spatula, a pair of mitts, instant marinater, utensil rack and grill rack and corer and see how he enjoys his cooking experience all the more.

9. Perfume

Photo Source: www.societychic.com

Among the best gifts that fathers would always love receiving on Father’s Day are perfumes. Because perfumes are considered a very classic way for people to express their wishes to those whom they find special, they are tagged among the most common gifts especially during birthdays or anniversary celebrations. A bottle of perfume makes a special gift for fathers because fragrances refresh them and make them feel sexy. In choosing which perfume to buy for your dad, make sure that it suits his personality pretty well. There are certain fragrances that are best to give to prim dads, while there are those that are best for sporty dads.

8. Fishing Gear

Photo Source: uncrate.com

If your dad is somebody who would opt for an exciting outdoor activity such as fishing at a nearby pond than an extravagant day at a restaurant or shopping center, then giving him a fishing gear for Father’s Day would be perfect. As most people believe, fishing gear does not only involve a fishing rod and a fishing bait. There is much more to this exciting outdoor activity than just those two. Regardless of how small the fishing boat that your dad uses when he fishes, there are certain things that he should never forget to bring. Aside from his rod and bait, he should also have his extra fish hook and line, navigation aids and his safety kit in case of emergency. Giving him his complete set of fishing gear would not only make him feel more excited about his hobby; it will also make him feel how supportive you are of him.

7. Set of Golf Clubs

Photo Source: www.ebay.com

Most of our professional golfers today learned to play golf because of their fathers. Golf is a type of sport that is most common among men, especially fathers. Fathers who play golf during their free hours are normally seen playing with their children, teaching them the sport that is closest to their hearts. This is the reason why a set of golf clubs is one of the perfect ways through which most people show their love for their fathers on Father’s Day. A set of expensive golf clubs and a matching golf bag would definitely be an effective way for you to express how much you value your father as much as you value his interests.

6. Personalized Gift

Photo Source: www.personalisedgiftsshop.co.uk

Some dads would never want to receive expensive gifts on Father’s Day, believing that it’s the thought that counts. If your father happens to be one of them, then giving him a personalized gift on his special day would be a great idea. Among the most common personalized gifts given to fathers are cards containing messages that tell them how special they are and how appreciated they are as fathers. But that does not mean that personalized gifts are only limited to cards. If you are creative enough to create an artwork for your dad, pull that off. It could be a portrait of him or anything that would remind him of your love for him, like a mug or a shirt with a Happy Father’s Day greeting on.

5. Books

Photo Source: www.wired.com

Now that we are already done talking about gifts for sporty and sentimental dads, let’s now go to the best gift to give to sober dads. If your dad is the type who would rather sit at a corner and read a book than talk about rubbishes, then a good book is the perfect gift idea for him this Father’s Day. Some dads are really born like that—serious, insightful and always knowledge-thirsty. Book sales offer a broad range of books that are not only cheap but full of fresh insights to give your dad. There are books that are especially intended for fathers, like those that tackle issues normally faced by them.

4. Gadgets

Photo Source: www.emerce.nl

Gadgets are not only for teens. Reality is, there are so many fathers out there who are already 40 and up yet still enjoy collecting and toying with gadgets. Some fathers love collecting gadgets not only because they help them make their tasks faster and easier, but also because they look for some source of enjoyment after a tiring day at work. Giving him a gadget that will hold his interest will certainly be a good idea because not all fathers are techie enough to identify which brands are most convenient for them to use. If you will pick the right gadget on his behalf while considering his taste, then getting that gadget on his special day would be an awesome surprise.

3. Accessories

Photo Source: www.pinupin.com

Not because your dad is old does not necessarily mean that he has no right to do up the way he used to as a youngster. If you think your dad needs some revamp to freshen him up after years of plugging away to earn money, then buying him some men’s accessories would be a great idea this Father’s Day. A credit card case, a bi-fold wallet, a pocket watch or a leather watch will do.

2. Sports Tickets

Photo Source: btlsports.net

Being a lover of sports is common among men, especially fathers. There are fathers out there who would really take some time off their busy schedules just to watch the games of their favorite football or basketball teams. If you have enough savings to buy him a sports ticket for the football or basketball match of his favorite team, then go and get him one. Fathers feel that they are special when the people around them support them in their interests, and sports are commonly among them. You can accompany this sports ticket with another ticket for your mother, whom your dad would surely love to watch the game with.

1. Automotive Tools

Photo Source: www.automotivedreamscometrueinc.com

Fathers love cars. And it is good that when your father drives, he has with him his own set of automotive tools so he can use them in case of a road emergency. Automotive tools and equipment are very useful for fathers who encounter sudden auto breakdowns while driving in the middle of somewhere. Giving him his own set of these tools will surely be a cool idea to make his heart swell with joy this Father’s Day.

10. Mortality Rate Relating to Cigarette Smoking

Photo Source: http://www.oyston.com/SSfSS/generel-risk-of-smoking.htm

Among the kind of cigarette types that boosted mortality or death rates is tobacco, it is the major cause of all other diseases that people are experiencing. Just in United States alone, it has killed over 440,000 people, which also includes second-hand smoking or those who were exposed to it, but never smoke cigarette in their lifetime. American Indians have the incurred the highest mortality rate as of 2013 for about 31.5%, being followed by Whites at 20.6% and Blacks at 19.4%. Of course, men still contribute to the overall percentage of 21.6% while 16.5% from women.

9. Smoking is a Legal Drug

Photo Source: http://www.gomhuriaonline.com/main.asp?v_article_id=56017

Universally speaking, smoking is not illegal, but there’s a restriction set by law which also varies based on articles that exist in specific countries. In fact, some countries allow minors to smoke cigarette, but majority of the countries prohibit the selling of it to teenagers until the legal age has reached. It all depends on legal legislation, but compared to prohibited drugs, this is still considered safe despite of its ill effects along the process.

8. First Smoking Ban Implementation

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The first law that was implemented prohibiting and restricting promotion or advertisement of cigarette smoking or endorsement happened during the time of President Nixon. He signed this law and enforced total banning of advertisements on television and the start of warning label in all cigarette brands.

7. Smokers  Immune System

Photo Source: http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v2/n5/fig_tab/nri803_F2.html

The person who smokes in a regular basis has less anti-oxidants found in their blood, which also weakens their immune system. In fact, it has to work doubly than the normal process because of the active nature of their body, which makes them vulnerable to common sicknesses, especially viruses.

6. Secret Sugar Intake

Photo Source: http://women-health-30plus.blogspot.com/

Who would have thought that aside from nicotine and other harmful ingredients of cigarette, it also contains 20% of sugar that may trigger sugar-related health problems like diabetes, which may result to increased sugar levels that is risky to overall health?

5. Countries that Have Lowest Rate of Cigarette Smoking

Photo Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/10/19/who-smokes-most-a-surprising-map-of-smoking-rates-by-country/

According to reports, countries that incurred lowest rate of cigarette smoking are those people who live in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Ethiopians. These countries are struggling according to economic development and opportunities, which explains and justifies why there is a huge gap in countries like Russia, Romania, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan, and other parts of Europe. For instance in India, an individual smokes cigarette an average of 96 pieces annually. No wonder why tobacco companies are not really progressing here, and not earning that well.

4. Scientist Explanation of Life Span

Photo Source: https://pgs.biologis.nl/pgs/voordelen/preventie/voorbeeld-preventie

According to scientific explanations from most of the scientist who have made intensive studies about the ill effects of cigarette, they have concluded that human life span decreases about 14 years. Hence, it also means that young people who are already expose in this vice would be more susceptible in various diseases especially respiratory illnesses. Of course, there would be some who could still live an adult age, but the overall immune system is weakening already.

3. Unknown Flavor of Most of the Cigarette Brands

Photo Source: http://www.urinetheclear.com/drug_testing_urine.html

Urine major component is urea since it is the waste being excreted from the human body in the form of liquid. If a person has a regular or normal metabolic process, this urea is the byproduct of the metabolized protein. There are break down processes until it has reached the kidney that would then be transfer it through human blood to urine. Imagine that urea from urine is one of the flavors that are being mixed in most of the cigarette brands? Would you still like to smoke it?

2. Other Carcinogens Content

Photo Source: http://chemlife-malavish.blogspot.com/2009/07/cigarettes.html

Aside from nicotine which is the known primary content of cigarettes, there are also 43 other carcinogen contents. Moreover, it has ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, lead, and nitrogen oxide. In fact, these components are also found in electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Some of the potentially toxic compounds are carbonyls, heavy metals, nitrosamines, and volatile organic. It is true that this type of cigarette might reduce the effects, but the effects are still a threat to human’s life, and health.

1. The Nicotine Content

Photo Source: http://www.epuffer.com/eshop/e-liquid-555-tobacco-flavor-30ml-bottle.html

With an increasing cigarette and tobacco companies across the globe, it is disheartening to know that nicotine content also increases. In fact, the surge of it was reaffirmed by the Massachusetts Health Department and supported by Harvard University since 1997 until 2005. They have specifically cited an 11% increase in brands like Camel, Doral, and Newport. Nicotine is dangerous because it can reach the brain within 10 seconds after inhaling or smoking it. It also affects other parts of the body.

In celebration of World Turtle Day on May 23, 2013, here are the weirdest turtles in the world that everybody loves.

10. Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)

Photo Source: http://perpustakaan.blogspot.com/2009/11/weird-and-cute-turtles.html

A species of softshell turtle, the bizarre-looking spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater species found in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They were named from their spiny, cone-like projections on the edge of their shells, which are not scales, and six subspecies are recognized that have different markings on the sides of the head, feet and on their carapace. However, these markings are only distinct in hatchlings since they usually fade once the turtles grow. First described by Charles Alexander Lesueur in 1827, adults of the various subspecies are not distinguishable from one another, so their subspecies are only assigned based on their geography, though the adult females are usually larger than the males.

9. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Photo Source: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/turtles/leatherback-sea-turtle/leatherback_sea_turtle.htm

Sometimes called as the ‘lute turtle,’ the leatherback sea turtle is considered as the largest of all living turtles and the fourth largest reptiles after three species of crocodiles at 3m and 916kg. It is distinguished from other sea turtles by its carapace that is covered by skin and oily flesh instead of a bony shell. Due to its large, teardrop-shaped body, it can dive to depths of 4200 feet, making it the world’s deepest-diver among all reptiles. It also holds the record for being the fastest reptile with the speed of 9.8m/s in the water. Though initially named by Domenico Agostino Vandelli in 1761 as Testudo coriacea when it was first captured, it was later reclassified in 1816 as Dermochelys coriacea due to its leathery texture and appearance; hence its first names as ‘leathery turtle’ and ‘trunk turtle.’

8. Eastern Long-neck Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdiamondimages/5426537012/

Included on the weirdest list not only for its appearance, the eastern long-neck turtle has some interesting traits as well. When it feels threatened, it will emit a very offensive smelling fluid coming from its musk glands, making it earn the name ‘stinker.’ Its most distinctive feature is its long neck, so it bends its head into it shell instead of directly pulling it back like other turtles. It also has a powerful webbed feet and a flattened, broad brown shell with black-edged scutes. Distinctive black lines or seams are also found on its underside plates and they prefer slow-moving freshwater habitats like dams, swamps and the lakes of Australia.

7. Argentine Snake-necked Turtle (Hydromedusa tectifera)

Photo Source: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/reptiles/turtles/ArgentineSnakeNeckedTurtle.php

A species of turtle known for its long neck, hence its name, the Argentine snake-necked turtle is one of the most traded pets among the exotic animals. Though it originated from South America and locally found in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, it actually came from Australia. Despite being known as the South American snake-necked turtle, it is more closely related to the Mata-mata. It can reach up to 11 inches in length and has a carapace or shell that is strongly keeled. It can also be distinguished by its black and yellow markings on its head and neck with the females usually larger and have larger tails than the males.

6. Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

Photo Source: http://hobbycanbefun.blogspot.com/2011/02/alligator-snapping-turtle-macrochelys.html

One of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, the alligator snapping turtle is known for its big, heavy head and long thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales, which make it look like the plated dinosaurs. It also known for eating anything it catches from snakes, alligators, and other turtles. Though they are often captive-bred as pets and available in the exotic animal trade, they only make good pets for experienced aquatic turtle keepers, who can determine the sex of the alligators based on the temperature at which they are incubated.

5. Cantor’s Giant Soft-shelled Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii)

Photo Source: http://www.turtlesurvival.org/blog/1-blog/167-field-surveys-for-wild-rafetus

A strange-looking species of freshwater turtles, the Cantor’s giant soft-shelled turtle is known for its broad head, small eyes near the tips of its snout, and smooth and olive-colored carapace. The juveniles have dark-spotted heads and carapaces, with yellow around it, while the adult can grow as much as 6 feet in length and weigh more than 100 pounds.  It is also known for its unique ability to spend most of its time buried and motionless underneath the sand with only its eyes and mouth showing, while surfacing only twice daily to take a breath.

4. Barbour’s Map Turtle (Graptemys Barbouri)

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nclarkii/3116117688/

Found in the rivers of southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the western panhandle of Florida, the Barbour’s map turtle is named after the American herpetologist Thomas Barbour. It can grow at an average of 3.5 to 5.5 inches in carapace length, though the females can attain imposing dimensions from 6 to 12.5 inches with their heads enormously enlarged. The males, however, have black-tipped spines on their 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th vertebrae, which resembles a dorsal fin. Their diet mostly consists of small fish, insects and mollusks; and their ownership is outlawed both in Alabama and Georgia, while species below 4 inches in length are not allowed to be sold in Florida.

3. Spiny Turtle Heosemys spinosa)

Photo Source: http://www.arkive.org/spiny-turtle/heosemys-spinosa/image-G21398.html

One of the most unusual-looking turtles in the world, the very attractive spiny turtle prefers the lowland and hilly rainforest of up to 900m with small streams nearby in areas in the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. Also known as the ‘cog-wheel turtle,’ its name was derived from its sharp, pointed and spiky-edged carapace, and spiny keel. Though nothing is known about their nesting behavior, their behavior appears to be triggered by the rain. Females, which develop a plastron hinge to ease laying of eggs, lay one or two eggs per clutch and produce three clutches per year with incubations of 106, 110 and 145 days in captivity.

2. Indian Flap-shelled (Lissemys punctata)

Photo Source: http://m.animal.memozee.com/m.view.php?q=lissemys+punctata&p=4&lang=kr

The Indian flap-shelled turtle is a cute-looking turtle that is endemic to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in South Asia and was later introduced to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A freshwater species of turtle, it derives its name from the femoral flaps on its plastron, which cover the limbs when they retract into the shell. Its carapace, which range from 240 to 370mm in length, is broadly oval in adults; though it is more circular and wider with the young. It is known to be omnivorous and feeds on the diet of fish, frogs, snails, shrimps, aquatic vegetation, flowers, plant leaves, fruits, seeds, and grasses.

1. Mata mata (Chelus fimbriatus)

Photo Source: http://petra-aqua.com/nove_zbozi.php?lang=en&page=2

A freshwater turtle found primarily in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America, the Mata mata has a shell that resembles a piece of bark, while its head resembles the leaves falling, which camouflaged its presence. The weird-looking reptile is a large sedentary turtle that has a large triangular flattened head with many tubercles and flaps, a horn on its long tubular snout, three barbels on its chin, and four additional filamentous barbels on its upper jaw. It also has a brown or black carapace and measures 18 inches in adult age and weighs 15kg. An adult has a grayish brown head, neck, limbs, and tail with its neck longer than the vertebra under its shell and has five webbed claws in each of its forefoot. Hatchlings, meanwhile, have a pink or reddish tinge underside of their shell and plastron, which gradually disappears as they grow.

10. Background

After the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United Nation adopted the 249^th resolution at the 57^th session of the United Nations Conference, which was a culmination of years of work. The goal of the resolution was to reaffirm the need for intercultural dialogue o prevent segregation and fundamentalism among nations. May 21 should provide people the opportunity to understand deeply the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together or co-exist better. UNESCO is therefore appealing to its member states as well as the civil society to celebrate this World Day with more participants as possible. However, this is just an observance and not a public holiday.

9. Aims of UNESCO’s Resolution

The proclamation of this day is based on the principle that ‘tolerance and respect for cultural diversity and universal promotion and protection of human rights, including the right to development, are mutually supportive.’ In essence, it was established based on the relationship between culture and development; once the culture is enhanced, prosperity and global peace can be easily attained. The new World Day is a culmination of commitments undertaken by the international community such as the Report of the World Commission on Culture and Development, the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the Declaration of the Stockholm Conference Action Plan on Cultural Policies for Development, and the proclamation of 2002’s United Nations Year of Cultural Heritage.

8. Why is there a need for this World Day?

This is not only to fight against the imbalances that exist in the global exchanges of cultural goods and the need for cultural policies in developing countries; but most importantly, to stress the importance of preserving the world’s most vulnerable cultures that are now heading to extinction. It can also be a means to highlight the importance of bringing awareness to the value of cultural diversity in a number of languages and in recognizing the contribution of traditional knowledge for environmental protection.

7. Events

The events organized for the World Day observance on May 21 aims to increase the understanding of issues around cultural diversity and development among the public, the non-governmental organizations, and the governments worldwide. A number of these events involved the presentations on the progress and implementations of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. These would include seminars for professionals, the launching of collaborations between official agencies and various ethic groups, and educational programs for children and young adolescents. There will also be exhibits to help people understand the history of various cultural groups and the influence on their own identities, and celebrations to create greater awareness of cultural values and the need to preserve them.

6. What is Culture?

Every country has its own culture that encompasses their language, literature and the arts. It also involves one’s belief, tradition, values system, and way of living. Respecting and protecting one’s culture are basic human rights that everyone should follow, regardless of race, color, or nationality. Since everyone should be able to participate in the cultural life o their choice, the Convention that aims to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expression was adopted in October 2005. The Convention outlines the obligations and legal rights concerning international cooperation for the protection of cultural diversity throughout the world.

5. Things People Do to Celebrate the Event

For the observance of the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity, people can have a movie night and watch an international movie that reflects a country’s culture. The media, including some Hollywood blockbuster films had been instrumental in promoting cultural diversity not only in the past, but in present times as well. You can also have a diversity and inclusion party by showcasing products, food, or traditional costumes of the various ethic group in your country. You can also spread the word about the observance of this World Day by hashtagging or #DoOneThing in Twitter and other social networking sites.

4. The 2013 Campaign

The 2013 campaign, “Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion,” encourages people and organizations from around the world to take concrete action to support diversity. It aims to raise awareness worldwide about the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity and inclusion to attain worldwide peace. It also aims to build a world community of individuals that will commit to support diversity through their daily actions; and to fight polarization and stereotypes to improve their understanding and cooperation among people coming from different cultures. This event will also be celebrated in countries that embraced their varied cultural history and acknowledge the importance and need of embracing it.

3. Popular People Involved in the Diversity Day Campaign

Well-known figures in politics and religion, movies, philanthropists, in the fields of science and the arts, etc. are used in the handouts to create awareness to this worldwide campaign. The list includes Mahnaz Afkhami, Kofi Annan, Isaac Asimov, Ruth Fulton Benedict, Jimmy Carter, and Pablo Casals. There is also Jackie Chan, the Dalai Lama, Eugene V. Debs, and other deceased historical figures.

2. How to join the campaign?

Individuals who want to join the campaign can ‘like’ the organization’s page on Facebook, DoOneThingforDiversityandInclusion; promote it by sharing it with your friends, and organize an event in your area and contact the organizers so they can put your event under the umbrella of the campaign.

1. Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion

There are simple things that you can do to become a part of this campaign, which may include visiting an art exhibit or museum that is dedicated to other cultures, learn about another religion, or listen to musical tradition from another culture. You can also play a sport related to a different culture, invite friends over and cook traditional food, or learn about the traditional celebrations from other cultures. You can also volunteer with an organization working for diversity and inclusion, learn another language, or spread the word to your family and friends and invite people from different culture to share your customs.