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.

10. Sheryl Sandberg

Photo Source: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/steve_clemons/Sheryl_Sandberg.jpg

Born on August 28, 1969, Sheryl Sandberg is an American business tycoon who has been the chief operating officer of Facebook since 2008. In 2012, she became the first woman to have ever been elected in the board of directors of Facebook. She completed her AB Economics degree at Harvard University in 1991 as summa cum laude and was awarded the John H. Williams Prize for the top graduating students in Economics. She used to be a research assistant in World Bank and worked on health projects in India, particularly those dealing with AIDS, leprosy and blindness. She finished her MA degree in Harvard Business School where she got the highest distinction. Since 2007, she has been among the most powerful women list of the Forbes Magazine because of her unparalleled leadership skills. Before she served Facebook, she was the Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google.

9. Janet Napolitano

Photo Source: http://images.politico.com/global/news/110404_janet_napolitano_ap_605.jpg

A member of the Democratic Party, Janet Napolitano is known as the first woman to serve as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. She has been in the office since 2009, following her six-year term as the 21^st Governor of Arizona. She was also the first woman and the 23^rd person to serve as the Attorney General of Arizona, where she pushed for innovative gun laws such as the Youth Handgun Safety Act. She began entering the public stage when she served as attorney for Anita Hill during the Senate testimony against the US Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991. Among her major achievements was her being one of the prosecutors of the first Violence Against Women cases in the United States, punishing offenders who committed acts of domestic violence. As the Governor of Arizona, she converted $1 billion deficit in year 2003 to a $300 surplus without calling for a raise in taxes.

8. Christine Lagarde

Photo Source: http://liveindia.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/images/14_IMF-HEAD.jpg

Christine Lagarde is the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Union for a Popular Movement politician. As a French lawyer, she was appointed as the Minister of Economic Affairs, Finances and Industry, as well as the Minister of Agriculture and Fishing of the French Government. She was the first woman to have ever become the Finance Minister of a G8 economy and was also the first woman to have been called to the IMF leadership. Aside from being an active lawyer who held several ministerial positions in the French government, she also was the first female chairman of Baker & McKenzie, an internationally acclaimed law firm. Following her appointment, the Financial Times recognized her as the best Minister of Finance in the Eurozone. In 2012, she finished her doctoral degree from the KY Leuven.

7. Michelle Obama

Photo Source: http://www.humanevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/m_obama.jpg

An American lawyer and writer, Michelle Obama is known as the first African-American First Lady of the United States. She grew up in the South Side of Chicago where she attended Princeton University and Harvard School of Law. She previously worked as one of the staff members of Richard Delay, former Mayor of Chicago. When her husband ran for US Presidency in 2007, Michelle Obama was there to help in the campaign. Since President Barack Obama won the presidential bid in the United States, his wife Michelle has been a fashion icon and a role model for women as well as an advocate for poverty awareness, nutrition and healthy eating. She has been widely admired because of her decorum and sense of style. Among the advocacies that she championed was the amendment of the Human Rights Act, in which she included the protection of the LGBT people through prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

6. Sonia Gandhi

Photo Source: http://static.ibnlive.in.com/ibnlive/pix/sitepix/05_2012/sonia_upa_cong_pti.jpg

The widow of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi is an Indian politician who was elected as President of the Indian Congress in 1998. Since 2004, she has been the Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance since 1998 and has been the longest-running President of the Congress party. In 1999, Sonia Gandhi was also elected the Leader of the Opposition of the 13^th Lok Sabha where she called for a non-confidence motion against the NDA Government. During the 2004 general elections in India, she initiated a nationwide campaign to counter the “India Shining” slogan of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by launching a slogan saying “Who is India Shining for?” She won the 2004 elections and became the Prime Minister of India, and was elected to lead a 15-party coalition government which eventually became the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), where she played a key role in making the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Right to Information Act into law.

5. Jill Abramson

Photo Source: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Business/Pix/pictures/2011/6/3/1307100578627/Jill-Abramson-007.jpg

Jill Abramson was the first woman who held the executive editor position of the The New York Times in its 160-year history. She finished her B.A. in History and Literature Degree from Harvard University in 1976. During her undergraduate years, Abramson served as the Arts editor of The Harvard Independent and also became one of the editors of Time Magazine. She had served as a senior reporter in the Washington Bureau of The Wall Street Journal until she got her promotion as the deputy bureau chief years in 2000. With Jane Mayer, she co-authored Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas, a controversial publication which exposed the confirmation hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas. In 2011, she replaced Bill Keller as the new executive director of Times.

4. Melinda Gates

Photo Source: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2010/9/17/1284749435783/Melinda-Gates-006.jpg

The wife of the richest man in the world Bill Gates, Melinda Gates is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who once served as a Project Manager for Microsoft Bob, Microsoft Encarta and Microsoft Expedia. As one of the members of the Board of Trustees of Duke University from 1996 to 2003, she took part in several Bilderberg Group Conferences. Melinda Gates also held a Director position in the Washington Post Company. Since she retired from the board of Drugstore.com, she has been actively serving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which she established herself together with her husband Bill Gates. She has been widely recognized for her world impact through charity, particularly in the areas of health and education. She was also the one who chaired The Campaign for Children, a fund raising campaign that sought to expand the facilities of hospitals for better healthcare among children.

3. Dilma Rouseff

Photo Source: http://tenacarlos.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/dilma-rousseff.jpg

Known as the first female president of Brazil, Dilma Rouseff is a Brazilian politician who previously served as the Chief of Staff of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Together with her partner Carlos Araujo, Rouseff founded the Democratic Labour Party (PDT) in Rio Grande do Sul where she participated in several electoral campaigns. Prior to that, she was also the Secretary of the Treasury of the City of Porto Alegre during the administration of Alceu Collares. Following her term, she joined the Worker’s Party and was appointed as the Minister of Energy. She took over the post of Jose Dirceu following his resignation due to issues on corruption. She ran and was elected President of Brazil in 2011.

2. Hilary Clinton

Photo Source: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/1/23/1358956313048/Hillary-Clinton-testifies-011.jpg

The 67^th United States Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton was the wife of former US President Bill Clinton and is currently a diplomat serving under President Barack Obama. In 1977, she cofounded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and served as the first female chief of the Legal Services Corporation a year after. In 1979, she became the first female partner at Rose Law Firm and was tagged among the most influential lawyers in the United States. As the First Lady during the reign of President Bill Clinton, she led a task force to reform the education system of Arkansas. The Clinton Health Care Plan was also among her major initiatives, though it failed to gain approval from the US Congress. Since 1997, she has been an advocate of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program as well as the Adoption and Safe Families Act.

1. Angela Merkel

Photo Source: http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/11/2006/34AH.jpg

Dubbed as “The De Facto Leader of the European Union,” Angela Merkel is the current Chancellor of Germany and the Leader of the Christian Democratic Union. She is a German female politician who began to make a name in the field of politics during the Revolutions of 1989, when she served as the deputy spokesperson for the East German Government. Following her appointment, she became the Federal Minister for Women and Youth in 1991 and was promoted as the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety three years after. In 2007, she chaired the G8 and was elected President of the European Council. Among her advocacies since she started politics are the strengthening of transatlantic economic relations, energy development and healthcare reform.

10. Home schooling

Photo Source: http://doctorg.tappmd.com/files/2013/04/homeschooling.jpg

Home schooling or home-based education is common among mothers. Unlike schooling in a formal setting, home schooling involves staying at home and doing assignments given by a tutor. Though this practice has been adopted as an alternative form of education in other nations, most people still believe that going to a formal school is better than staying at home to study.

Some parents opt for home based education for their children for a broad range of reasons. Most of the time, mothers who opt for home schooling for their children are those who would not want their children to get bullied in crowded classrooms. Also, these mothers believe that it is better to study at home because it is more conducive for learning and it helps children achieve better focus when studying. This is hardly possible in a classroom setting, where 30-50 students normally crowd a single classroom and not everyone gets the same attention from the teacher.

9. Vaccination

Photo Source: http://tinyfeetbigheart.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/baby-vaccination-for-better-life.jpg

Vaccination involves the administration of a vaccine to an infant to stimulate his immune system, thus allowing him to develop adaptive immunity to pathogens. The common notion is that when a child gets vaccinated, he is less likely to catch diseases in the future because he is already immune to those diseases. Sometime in the past, however, there was a doctor who conducted a study and published a book that stated that the development of autism and other neurological conditions stem from vaccination. Since then, a good number of mothers have been opting not to get their babies vaccinated when in reality, they should. Just recently, the medical license of the doctor who published the misleading study was taken from him because of the confusion that he spurred among mothers. Since his study was published, there came a rise in the number of communicable diseases afflicting children.

8. Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Photo Source: http://www.b-ecochic.com/image-files/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-2.jpg

Whether to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers has been a bone of contention among mothers. Both diapers have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, but mothers have got to pick the one whose advantages outweigh its disadvantages. Disposable diapers are reusable and create less waste than disposable diapers. Also, this kind of diaper is far less costly than disposable diapers because these diapers are washable while disposable diapers are not. For most mothers, however, disposable diapers are more convenient because they never have to wash every now and then. All they just have to do is to make sure that they never run out of stock.  Also, they are more breathable and convenient, because with disposable diapers, they do not need to deal with complicated folds and pins. Some mothers who prefer cloth diapers, however, complain that disposable diapers increase the risk of diaper rash among their babies.

7. Discipline

Photo Source: http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_02/072discipline_468x351.jpg

Mothers have different concepts of discipline. For some, spanking their children is the right way to teach their children discipline, while for some, this is not the way to go. A recent study in the United States showed that more than one third of parents in the United States prefer to spank their kids so they will be forced to behave as their parents would want them to. Whenever a child does something wrong, what most parents do is spank the child so he would learn his lesson. Several mothers go up against this practice, saying that using physical force does not teach children discipline but fear towards their parents. These mothers believe that they can bring up their child into becoming well-rounded individuals even without having to inflict physical pain on them.  Mothers can choose not to become violent in rearing their children, though this is case-sensitive.

6. Organic Products

Photo Source: http://www.mummums.com/wp-content/uploads/carrots1.jpg

Most mothers would prefer feeding their babies with organic products, believing that they are healthier. While it is true that eating organics allows one to reduce his exposure to chemicals, many experts believe that it is not always so. In fact, a large group of pediatricians recently revealed that parents who buy organic food for their children are actually wasting money. Experts say that to believe that organic products are more nutritious than non-organic products is nothing but a false notion because the nutritional differences between conventional food and organic food are far more minimal than most mothers think. Most mothers also use organic milk to feed their babies believing that it is more nutritious than the processed ones, when in fact, it is not worth it. Mothers who are working on a limited budget should not go for organic because they are costly. Those who have more than enough budget argue that organic is still better, though.

5. Attachment Parenting

Photo Source: http://www.whitezine.com/images/Martin-Schoeller-Attachement-Parenting-Jamie-Lynne-Grumet-580×771.jpg

Attachment parenting refers to the tendency of a child to develop or form very strong emotional bond with his mother. One of the practices that lead to attachment parenting are co-sleeping with babies until they come of age, extended breast feeding and baby wearing. Some mothers believe that practicing attachment parenting allows them to produce healthier and better nurtured babies and children. On the other hand, those who oppose the practice believe that it only delays the socio emotional development and well-being of the child because he tends to become too much dependent on his mother. Today, the population of mothers is halved by this practice. Those who are up for attachment parenting argue that the practice is nothing but a simple demonstration of love, while those who think otherwise argue that this is detrimental to the development of a child and will do no good to him.

4. Breast-feeding vs. Bottle-feeding

Photo Source: http://www.momlogic.com/images/breastfeeding_vs_botlefeeding_pm-thumb-270×270.jpg

Determining whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed her baby is one of the first decisions that an expectant mother makes. Because the very first thing that a baby looks for as he gets out of her mother’s womb is milk, this is one of the most basic decisions that a woman makes as she enters motherhood. The common notion is that breast milk is the most valuable source of nutrition for babies because it helps defend the baby from harmful infections as well as protect him from allergies and other chronic conditions. But working mothers would prefer bottle-feeding their babies because they need to earn money and go to work. These mothers cannot afford to stay at home and breastfeed their babies the entire day, unless the earnings of their husbands are enough to provide for the needs of the family.

3. Scheduled Caesarean Sections

Photo Source: http://www.birthstoriesondemand.com/storage/CSection%20birth%20stories%20birth%20stories%20on%20demand.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1310691959363

Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that is performed when a mother gives birth, characterized by one or more incisions made on her abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby. Normally, this procedure is the last resort when vaginal delivery poses death risk either on the mother or the child. Nowadays, however, some mothers who are capable of normal vaginal delivery would still opt for cesarean section because it is less painful. In fact, celebrities are known to have scheduled caesarean sections even months before the due date of the baby. This practice has been emulated by several mothers today, believing that this makes the birth of the child more convenient. Those who go for vaginal delivery argue that those who go for C-sections are harder to recover compared to those who go for normal delivery.

2. Natural Birth

Photo Source: http://www.babylifetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/natural-birth.jpg

Though cesarean sections are growing in popularity these days, giving birth the natural way is still generally the most preferred of most mothers. Mothers who have laboured and gave birth to their babies without the need for an epidural or medications are often prouder than those who underwent procedures because they were able to suffer the real pain of giving birth. However, some mothers are just not healthy enough to go through the natural way of giving birth so doctors prefer having them incised. Mothers who argue that those who go for c-sections are weaker should understand that what may be good for them may not be good for another.

1. Cord Blood Banking

PhotoSource: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wViheaKHk0E/TzaQWKi5a2I/AAAAAAAAAa4/01h9Xgpowtc/s1600/CordBloodBank-full.jpg

Cord blood banking is a practice wherein the blood from the umbilical cord of a baby is saved and stored in a facility for possible use in the future. The umbilical cord of a baby is the major source of stem cells, which are used today the way bone marrow cells are used to treat different kinds of illness, particularly leukemia. This is a more guaranteed match compared to a donor. Cord blood banking is a choice that mothers make. Most mothers oppose the idea of cord blood banking because it is too expensive, while those who are up for the practice claim that this practice is life-saving.

10. Mud Bowl

Photo Source: http://solneelman.photoshelter.com/image/I0000MGrDt5SB_oE

An annual sports event played in knee-deep mud, the Mud Bowl is a highly amusing sports event normally held at the Hog Coliseum in North Conway, N.H. This sport is also known as “the championships of mud football” and is commonly participated in by teams made up of clans and several grand marshals from New England. Families engage in zany games such as the Mud Bowl as part of their annual festivity called “The Tournament of Mud Parade.” Participants in this fun sports event join to raise money for local charities in New England, the most common of which are the North Conway Day Care, North Conway Community Centre and the Carroll County Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

9. World Urban Golf Day

Photo Source: http://om911.com/the-most-unusual-kinds-of-sport.html

Every year, 30 countries around the world participate in the World Urban Golf Day—an event that promotes Urban Golf as a sport. This international event is held in a “live aid” style of format and has been one of the most exciting street sports since its inception six years ago, especially in Australia. Australian golf enthusiasts participate in the annual Urban Golf Australia to raise thousands of dollars for several charities, particularly Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets Program. Normally, golfers who take the streets to take part in the annual World Urban Golf Day are clad in their fun golfing attires and bring with them their own pitching wedges and golf balls. Sometime in the past, however, a photographer spotted a woman who participated in the sports event and pitched a tennis ball, not a golf ball.

8. Summer Redneck Games

Photo Source: http://www.frogcitycheese.com/east-dublin-georgia-2010-summer-redneck-games/

Since its inception in 1996, the Summer Redneck Games has been an annual major event in East Dublin. For the last decade, about 95,000 individuals from the United States have been participating in the one-day event, which features a host of fun sports such as the Hubcap Hurl, the Bobbin’ for Pig’s Feet Fest and the Redneck Horseshoes. More than pleasurable and energy-sucking, the Summer Redneck Games is known for being among the dirtiest sports event to have ever been incepted, akin to Mud Bowl. Participants in the sports event under this banner enjoy a silly time adhering to the mechanisms of each sport for a prize, only to end up grimy. This photo features the mud pit belly flop, the highlight of the Summer Redneck Games in East Dublin.

7. Water Hockey

Photo Source: http://news.discovery.com/adventure/extreme-sports/slideshow-extremely-unusual-sports.htm

A non-contact sport that was invented in 1954 by four sporty individuals who sought to have a means to stay fit even during winter, underwater hockey is pretty much like ice hockey, except that players of this sport compete underwater. Underwater hockey players are grouped into two teams and compete against each other in maneuvering a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool until they arrive at their goals. The puck is a sports equipment made from vulcanized rubber and usually serves as a ball, especially in conditions when the use of a ball is unfeasible. This photo features four female divers trying to get hold of the puck during an Underwater Hockey event in America.

6. Cardboard Tube Fighting

Photo Source: http://www.wired.com/playbook/2012/05/cardboard-tube-fighting/

If one is to create a list of the oddest sports events that exist today, the Cardboard Tube events certainly won’t miss a spot. Every year, the Cardboard Tube Fighting League (CFTL) spearheads sports events that are based on cardboard tubes, of all sports equipment there are. The cardboard duelling event happens every year in several parts of the world, including San Francisco, California, Sydney, Australia and Seattle, Washington, above all. The cardboard tube events are held during summertime in public parks and encourage participants to crack down on fun over competition. This odd sports event was started by Robert Easley, who used to love hitting his enemies with cardboard tubes as a child. This photo features a cardboard tube duel in Seattle, where kids wrestle with one another just to win a customized cardboard tube.

5. Dodgeball

Photo Source: http://www.solneelman.com/blog/2010/05/13/grab-life-by-the-ball/

Dodgeball is a sport participated in by two teams whose fundamental objective is to throw large balls against their opponents without being hit by the balls their opponents throw to them. Typically, this sports event is played by kids 6-12 years of age, though it has evolved into a popular informal game played by people of all ages in not-so-formal recreational settings such as playgrounds and barren lands. The normal number of balls used in an episode of a dodgeball game is three. Sometime in the past, however, the largest dodgeball game, which featured larger than life figures, was held in Manhattan, USA. This photo features the most massive dodgeball game to have ever been held in history, featuring 600 balls and 712 players.

4. Dirty Dash

Photo Source: http://pdnphotooftheday.com/2012/12/17960

Dubbed as “the dirtiest race,” Dirty Dash is a race that lets people look at race events in a whole new dimension. It is a mud run obstacle course where, according to its organizers, “military boot camp meets your inner five-year fantasies.” Because of the backbreaking and grubby stunts involved in joining dirty dash, this all-fun event is said to transform boys into men, and men into swine. Participants, normally boys, race through a long, extremely dirty and exigent obstacle course until they finish the race stinking after dipping into a pit of mud. This photo features a woman who once joined the dirty dash, leading through a six-foot wall—one of the first hurdles in the course.

3. Outhouse Race

Photo Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/nyregion/07outhouse.html?_r=0

Every year, thousands of people come out to witness what is known today as the oddest sporting event in the upper Peninsula—the Outhouse Race. This race happens along the snow-covered Main Street and is held under changing themes every year. In this sports event, participants go on head-to-head races under different divisions, normally depending on their age and height. Watchers of this special festivity often shout out the names of their bets all throughout the competition, so it is always raucous right the way through the end. This photo features teams of male players who joined the amusing Outhouse Race in the Washington State.

2. Chessboxing

Photo Source: http://www.solneelman.com/blog/2011/07/04/the-king-of-chessboxing/

Considered as a hybrid sport that fuses chess and boxing in sporadic rounds, chess boxing is a not so popular sport that was introduced in 1992. Invented by French artist Enki Bilal in a comic book that he once wrote, chess boxing requires players to be good at playing both chess and boxing at the same time, as this can be won either way. For a specified period of time, both players box at the boxing rink, then go down the rink to play chess. The first real sports event of its kind was organized in 2003 in Denmark, until its thrill has become viral among the people of Berlin, Germany and London, United States. This odd photo features two players in their boxing attires, playing chess beside the rink following a round of boxing match. The sports event only ends once one of the players beats the other either through a knockout or a checkmate.

1. Tough Guy Competition

Photo Source: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/the-weird-world-of-sports/

Fondly known as the most taxing one-day survival ordeal in the world, the Tough Guy Competition is an extreme challenge that has never been finished by anyone since its first staging in 1987. Because of the tests involved in joining this arduous sports event, many people describe it as “the toughest race in the world.” It has been staged 25 times since 1987 and has suffered two fatalities throughout its history. The odd thing about this sport is that it is held during freezing winter conditions and involves a cross-country run and an “assault course.” This photo features the dirty participants of a Tough Guy Competition held in Staffordshire, England.

10. Wet n’ Wild Water World

Photo Source: http://www.travelling-times.com/2011_08_01_archive.html

Located in Oxenford, Gold Coast, Wet n’ Wild Water World is a popular water park that offers a wide range of pools and attractions. Since it was launched in 1984 as Cade’s Country Park, it has attracted people from around the world, especially in Australia. Its Extreme H2O Zone features leading-edge attractions such as the Kamikaze, Tornado and Black Hole, plus Mach 5, a water complex that features five different types of slides. It also features a collection of slides with speed reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour. Among its oldest rides are the Double Screamer, Mammoth Plunge, Speed Coaster, Speed Slide, Terror Canyon, Twister and White Water Flumes.

9. Noah’s Ark Water Park

Photo Source: http://www.y101hits.com/pages/nicole?pn=21&pagefeed=2602

The largest in the United States, Noah’s Ark Water Park has a total of 51 water slides and is dubbed as “the place for water in the Midwest.” Based in Wisconsin Dells, this water theme park involves 18 different indoor water parks that offer different attractions such as paradise lagoons, wave pools, lazy rivers, and 4-D Dive-in Theatre, above all. Noah’s Ark opened in 1979 and was originally named “Noah’s Incredible Adventure.” Nine years after it celebrated its 27 years of operation in 2003, the popular park was bought by US-based amusement company Palace Entertainment. Among its most thrilling water slides today are the Black Anaconda, the world’s largest bowl ride known as Time Warp, and the Scorpion’s Tail, which is the first ever vertical looping water slide in the United States.

8. Sandcastle Water Park

Photo Source: http://www.priceline.com/holiday-inn-preston-lancashire-england-united-kingdom-139890-hd.hotel-reviews-hotel-guides

Located in the south beach of Blackpool, Lancashire, England, Sandcastle Water Park started its operations in 1986 and is known today as the largest water theme park in the whole of the United Kingdom. It is located opposite the famous Pleasure Beach and has water chutes, wave machines and fun pools as its major attractions. It houses the world’s longest indoor roller-coaster water slide internationally known as the Master Blaster. Through the years, this water park has also grown in popularity because of the first-ever vertical indoor drop slide known as the Sidewinder. Just in 2012, Sandcastle introduced two more theme slides, the Aztec Falls and the Montazooma. It is also popular for the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, a play area with a tall artificial coconut tree that sprinkles water on guests. The jets, mini slides and water cannons are also among its major tourist attractions.

7. Sunway Lagoon

Photo Source: http://sebcu.u.re.pl/blog/czytaj/24011.html

Home to the largest wave pool in the world, Sunway Lagoon is a water theme park located in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and involves an expansive count of water slides and rides. It is one of the major attractions of Malaysia today not just because of the water park but also because of the dry park located just adjacent to it. Among its major attractions are the Wild Wild West, Waters of Africa and the World of Adventure, three of its most popular water rides. Tourists are now looking forward to the new water and dry parks that will be launched within the vicinity of the Sunway Lagoon in 2014. This extreme park also offers extreme activities such as archery target shooting, go-kart and all terrain vehicles (ATR). Tourists who visit the place also get to explore the simulated waters of Africa.

6. Pacific Park

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Located in Santa Monica, California, USA, Pacific Park is among the most visited water theme parks in the United States because of its good location. Tourists who visit the place can try its rides and look straight out on the Pacific Ocean as well as the famous Catalina Island. It has the largest solar powered Ferris wheel in the world and houses dozens of rides and food stalls. Among its major attractions are the Ship Ahoy, Red Baron, Frog Hopper, Pier Patrol and Crazy Submarine, a spinning small yellow submarine for kids. It is also popular for its wooden roller coaster known as the Blue Streak Racer. The Pacific Park is the only water theme park in the West Coast of the United States that is situated near an actual pier.

5. Dream World

Photo Source: http://www.tidichi.vn/diadiem/chitiet/3102/Cong-Vien-Dream-World.html

A water theme park situated in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, Dream World includes a total of three roller coasters and numerous rides that fit all ages. It is divided into four zones, namely Dream World Plaza, Adventure Land, Fantasy Land and Dream Gardens. All in all, this Asian water theme park has 40 thrill rides. Its main attraction is the first hanging roller coaster to have ever launched in Asia, located in the Adventure Land zone. It also features a river rafting area that emulates the Grand Canyon. Its Dream Garden zone is widely visited as it surrounds a beautiful lake located just across the Dream World Plaza. An event named “The Color of the World” is held here every weekend.

4. Wonderla Water Park

Photo Source: http://robnizzle.tumblr.com/post/42457476849

Spanning a total of 33 hectares of land in South India, Wonderla Water Park is one of the largest water amusement parks in Bangalore. It is the second water theme park to have been promoted by the V-Guard Industries, Ltd. and has a total of 53 water rides in its vicinity. Among the wide range of attractions that this theme park offers are the electronically controlled rain showers and the solar heated pools during the winter season. The free fall ride for children is among its major attractions for children. Since it was launched in 2005, Wonderla Water Park has been an attraction for several Asian countries. Its Fantasy Land features state of the art rides such as The Giant House and Hurricane the Ride.

3. Schlitterbahn

Photo Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/schlitterbahn

Operating in New Braunfels, Texas, USA, Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort is a water theme park that began as a simple river accommodation dubbed as Landa Resort. Through the years, the facility has evolved as it began to feature new water slides and pools for its guests. Since 1998, Schlitterbahn has been getting awards from different award giving bodies because of its beauty. Its major attraction is the Boogie Bahn 2 and the sea trek experience that it offers especially for tourists. It also offers sea trek experience for its guests, where they can catch a glimpse of the underwater with their diving helmets.

2. Las Cascadas Water Park

Photo Source: http://www.blindloop.com/index.php/2012/02/top-5-most-awesome-water-parks-of-the-world/

Known as the largest water park in the Caribbean region, Las Cascadas Water Park offers several attractions that are great for both children and adults. Among its major attractions today is the Crazy River, an artificial river that was built to emulate natural fast-flowing rivers. Its wave pools are also there to simulate the waves of the sea. The kiddie pool area inside Las Cascadas and the speed slides are most popular among children, while the water tunnel and “The Bomb” are among the favourite attractions of most adults. Its list of popular rides includes El Laberinto, El Torbellino, Tunel Acuatico, Rio Loco, Piscina de Actividades, Piscina de Olas, and Rio Tropical Pasivo. Since it was opened in 1985, the Las Cascadas Water Park has been among the most visited theme parks in Puerto Rico.

1. Water Country

Photo Source: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49241-tripadvisor-america-s-top-10-water-parks

Located in New Hampshire, United States, Water Country was introduced in 1984 and was recently awarded as “The Largest, Cleanest, Safest and Friendliest Water Park” in New England. It is among the very few water theme parks in the country that allow tourists to have picnic in its vicinity. This water theme park features kid-only water playground areas, high-speed slides, family oriented water playground areas. It is also popular because of its Whirlpool, Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon. It is not affiliated with the Water Country USA, another water park that was launched in 1984. Tourists who visit this place are offered with a variety of options, as they can choose among its 18 major water attractions and its 47 other resort facilities.

10. Eco-friendly Computing (Dell Studio Hybrid)

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Both Energy Star and EPEAT (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool) compliant, this is the greenest consumer desktop ever due to its 87%-efficient power supply that meets Energy Star’s 4.0 green computing standards. The EPEAT also gives the system its highest rating, gold; since it is 80% smaller than a typical desktop, so it uses about 70% less power. Its packaging also comes from 95% recyclable materials with 75% less weight as well. You can personalize it with a bamboo sleeve and it comes with its own recycling kit should you prefer to upgrade.

9. Energy-Saving Washing Machine (Samsung WF210ANW/XAA)

Photo Source: http://img.consumersearch.com/files/cs/imagecache/product_spp_main/images/products/samsung_wf210anw_xaa_0.jpg

Though front-loading washing machines are the best choice than top-loaders, as proven by professional tests; they also tend to cost more. The best solution therefore is the Samsung WF210ANW/XAA, which has the efficiency of a front-loader but the price of a top-loader. This 3.5-cubic foot washer complies with the Energy Standards and gets good overall ratings from consumers as well. Though it has a limited number of wash cycles and options; most users will find it quiet and easy to use.

8. Ecological Water Filter (Multi-Pure MP750SB)

Photo Source: http://www.amazon.com/Multi-Pure-MP750SB-NEWEST-Under-Sink-Filter/dp/B0017I95SW/?tag=reactual-20

This under-sink water filter has a rating of 90 out of 100 from the Consumer Report and has a wide range of NSF Standard 53 contaminant reduction. It provides good value for your money in terms of Cost per Contaminant (CPC) Ratio and has low yearly maintenance costs as well. Easy to install and convenient to use, you can now have a great tasting healthier drinking water whenever you need it, which you can also use for cooking and for mixing baby formula.

7. Eco-friendly Battery Charger (Amzer Solar Charger)

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This multi-functional solar-powered emergency charger can be charged not only by sunlight, but by computer via USB, a car charger, or an AC adapter as well using its charging cable. A built-in 3500mAh high capacity rechargeable polymer lithium-ion battery; it is easy and convenient to use. It allows you to charge all your mobile digital devices from your digital camera, mobile phone, GPS device, MP3 player and Bluetooth headset as long as they are between 3.6V and 5.5V. This eco-friendly re-charger is suitable in all emergency situations.

6. Environmental Air Filters (Blueair Eco10 Air Purifier)

Photo Source: http://www.achooallergy.com/blueair-eco.asp

The world’s most energy efficient air purifier, it is 10 to 20 times more efficient than comparable units. It also uses 10 watts on its highest fan speed, which is just a fraction of the energy use by a low-wattage bulb. The entire unit includes the recyclable HEPASilent filter and made from non-toxic components. It also provides the combined benefits of clean air and reduced electric bills; and helps save you money in operating costs.

5. Green Television (Sharp LC-20B8U)

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For a 20-inch TV, this has the right combination of size and performance if you are looking for an HDTV for your bedroom. Among the 20 television sets tested, this is the least power-hungry as it only costs $13 a year to run. Though it cost more than the no-name sets, its features include the ability to accept high-def sources in its 2:3 pull-down, aspect ratio control, and the ability to serve up decent DVD or HD content when necessary.

4. Green Heating and Cooling (Trane XL16c HVAC Pack)

Photo Source: http://www.americancoolingandheating.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/trane-cut-out1.png

Incredibly energy efficient, this system performs near the top of the line when it comes to energy-saving ability compared with other systems in its category. Energy Star qualified, it comes with 16.60 SEER and 80% AFUE. It also has the durable two-stage Climatuff compressor and an all-aluminum Spine Fin coil, which are not only made to last but for energy-efficiency as well. With minimal noise levels, it also allows you to control energy usage for sustained performance all years.

3. Energy-Efficient Refrigerator (GE-GTH17DBCBB)

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This 16.5 cu ft frost-free top-freezer refrigerator, which is energy-compliant, has a quiet design and suitable for small spaces. This capacity is perfect for singles and couples who may want to replace their rusted ref. It is also affordable and the design of the freezer shelf allows you to fit a turkey or ham and still have space for other small items. It also comes with an ice tray and an option for an ice-maker if you ever need one.

2. Solar-powered Fans (Attic Breeze Solar Attic Fan)

Photo Source: http://www.ecodirect.com/v/vspfiles/photos/Attic-Breeze-AB-202A-2T.jpg

Manufactured from the highest quality of materials, it was designed to keep your attic cool all throughout the day. With its UltraFlotechnology, it can also reduce heat transfer in your home. Available in variety of colors, solar panel mounting options and roof flashings, it provides the best ventilation solution for any residential or commercial applications. This is an important component to maintain your health and in making your home energy efficient as it deters attic build up that can directly impact your electric bills and the performance of your A/C system.

1. Energy-Saving Light bulb (LED light bulbs)

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Energy-efficient lighting system has evolved rapidly and nowadays, LED light bulbs have been replacing even the low-wattage CFLs and incandescent bulbs. Its technology has advanced so much that it now allows LEDs for a number of fixtures and applications. You can now have it cool or warm, and can be dimmable or non-dimmable as well. They also contain no mercury and are very durable and though the initial cost seems high; they will prove to be less expensive when it comes to their overall life.

10. Bobolee

It is a known tradition in Trinidad wherein people make figures to represent Judas using rags. It’s one way of defining or representing the betrayal made by one of the apostles. Along with it, little girls wear apron and scarf with a paint on their cheeks while carrying a broomstick to visit people in the neighborhood to get free candies.

9. The Passion Play

In most of the countries that have devotees, they usually observe the death of Christ in different ways although they are doing it for the same purpose, and that is to make the self-sacrifice in order to be forgiven from their sins. It’s a procession, which is popular in Mexico, and other countries that have vast number of congregations and followers. They make a reenactment of what had happened to the last few breaths of Jesus Christ, wherein the highlight focuses on His death.

8. Black Nazarene

This is popular in the Philippines, wherein they call Holy Week as “Semana Santa” or “Mahal na Araw” in their native tongue. This is the tradition, where a dark colored wooden sculpture that resembled Jesus Christ is revered. Yes, it’s a life-sized sculpture, which was originally known in Spain, and it has influenced the early ancestors of the Philippines during the Spanish invasion in the country. In fact, it’s commonly the center of celebration in the country every year of January, where people make sacrifices in order to touch the Black Nazarene that carries the cross.

7. The Penitential Robe in Spain

Another celebrated and observed tradition that people in Spain do, where you would see a couple of people wearing the so-called penitential robe. This robe is used through the entire procession in the country, which is distinct because of its hood or capirote. It can actually be traced back historically as symbolism of repentance and forgiveness.

6. Large Bonfires

In the northwestern part of Europe, people gathere together and make large bonfires, which they also called as Easter Fires. This event happens on Easter Sunday and Monday that represents the chasing of darkness away during the winter season. It is also an effective way to unite people especially in communities, wherein people organize a festive night with heavy snacks, lager, and gin

5. Black Saturday

Based on history, it also refers to way of the cross that the Pope in Rome does early, being held in the Coliseum. It is also called as Black Saturday or Holy Saturday in several countries that observe the Holy Week. Another name of it is Easter Eve, which happens after Good Friday, and the day before Easter Sunday comes. It’s a day of mourning for all Catholic devotees where there would be Psalms recitations, reading the entire book of Acts in the New Testament, masses, and people hallow this day by not participating in any businesses, merchandising, and even performing household chores.

4. Maundy Thursday

It has different names like Sheer Thursday, Holy Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries. Some of the sacred activities done on this day are Maundy money, holding of masses, giving of alms, and of course, the visitation to the seven churches that were erected in Rome. It is also the day of abstinence from daily activities and eating of meats. Other countries also include the washing of feet and anointing of oil on this day that Roman Catholic churches do every Holy Thursday of the Holy Week.

3. Good Friday

This is the most sorrowful day among the days marked in the Holy Week since it’s the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Different Roman Catholics in different parts of the world give respect and remembrance on what Jesus Christ has sacrificed. There are Stations of the Cross remembering the many stages that occurred before during, and after the crucifixion. Other penitence activities also enliven the real sufferings that the Savior did for the world.

2. Palm Sunday

Prior to Holy Week, Palm Sunday signifies the commemoration of the Holy Week, and it’s a sign that the Lenten season is up. It refers to the Last Supper that is canonized in the Holy Bible of most of the Christian communities and nations that believe Jesus Christ. Another part of it is the deep kind of suffering that He had while in the Garden, which most of the bible scholars said was the most crucial part of His life, since it’s a big decision that changed the history of the world. This is a joyous feast to all Christians, where palm leaves are displayed in the door of their homes in celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ in Nazareth.

1. Easter Sunday

After the solemnity and individual solitude that people do from Monday to Saturday, people celebrate Easter as a gift of life. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ where you could see happy faces of people on the streets, and all businesses are in operation again. Of course, devotees don’t forget to attend masses to thank the Lord, and a testimony that He comes back again and He lives. Religious traditions are observed and the last festivity for the whole week is made.

10. They Are Delicious

Photo Source: http://blog.girlscoutsmoheartland.org/category/cookies/

They are not just ordinary cookies that you could buy in any available or nearby stores. In fact, they are very unique and each cookie tastes differently. It’s very scrumptious and adorable that one will never let go of one cookie after tasting it. The taste itself is really appetizing, and it feels like you would ask not just for two, but a box of it.

9. Girls Might Cry

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This is not to terrify guys. But you should know that the only way to pacify most girls, whether you are a father, a boyfriend, a brother, and even a friend, is to buy pieces of Girl Scout cookies just to end any future concerns that it might create by refusing to buy one. You don’t want to see your little girl or lady having tantrums on this day. Anyhow, it does not mean that you are bribing them.

8. They Are Affordable

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If you’re thinking that they are not worth the buy, and you would like to save some dimes in your own “piggy bank,” stop worrying! It would not even break your budget on this day because they are not just affordable but you could really savor the quality in every bite that you’ll give on several cookies that you wish to purchase. The price is set since it’s not really meant for long-term business, but for the benefit of the Girl Scout celebration on this day.

7. It Only Happens Once a Year

Photo Source: http://mockingwords.blogspot.com/2011/02/girl-scout-scissor-stabbin-badge.html

Don’t think twice since this celebration of the Girl Scouts of the USA only happens once a year. It’s an event, and not just the day where you’ll see bunches of Girl Scout cookies being sold in many cities and homes where it’s allowed and legal. Imagine that you’ll also make a difference by making contribution to this worldwide cause. Although, this day is intended in the United States, there are also other countries that also pay respect to all leaders of Girls Scout, and they are holding different dates to salute this day.

6. To Promote Girl Scout Day

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If you are one of the members of the Girl Scout Organization whether you are active or not, you could extend your help by buying Girl Scout cookies. This is one way of promoting and disseminating information about specific theme for the year. In fact, there are still people who are unaware that this event exists, and even part of the yearly calendar of events. You don’t need to overdo it since the spirit that you have will unify everyone, wherever place they might be.

5. For Small Business

Photo Source: http://www.slate.com/articles/business/explainer/2013/03/honey_boo_boo_s_girl_scout_cookies_why_is_the_gsusa_so_controlling_about.html

You don’t know how you magnify each Girl Scout member’s worth with your simple purchase of their cookies. In fact, they will learn at an early age of the value of work and developing self-reliance. They will know how to manage and budget the earnings that they will get from sales that they will get because of cookies. Of course, it might be a simple and small business, but to those girls who are actively participating or contributing to this yearly Girl Scout Cookies Project will truly appreciate everything, and learn the real price, and cost of it.

4. The Mints

Photo Source: http://sunfoundation.tumblr.com/post/9677024591/curiositycounts-sales-breakdown-of-girl-scout

This is not just the favorite, but it has the highest number of sales among all other available Girl Scout Cookies Flavors being sold by Girl Scouts themselves. According to the report, it contributes 25% to the average sale in an annual statement being released thereafter. It sells like hotcakes because of the primary ingredients of it, which are the mint-flavored chocolate wafers that are coated in chocolate too. Who would refuse that taste?

3. Lover of Sweets

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If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the varieties of Girl Scout cookies from mints to trefoils flavors. You can’t resist the taste of these mouthwatering and tasteful cookies. If you love desserts and pastries, you’ll truly enjoy this sugarplum kick.

2. No Calories at All

Photo Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20027845-10391704.html

If you would check the ingredients of each flavor of these cookies, which are officially counted up to 28 varieties, there is a guide given not just to the Girl Scout members who are allowed to bake and sell it, but even to those bakeries. Of course, there are changes of ingredients every year, but they are all healthily prepared, baked, and served. You’ll be assured that despite of its sweetness, you are saved from any health threats as it promotes physical wellness, which is certainly not even close to heavily disturbing calorie levels in your body.

1. To Be One with Their Cause

Photo Source: http://blog.sfgate.com/mpark/2012/02/13/thin-mints-or-samoas-girl-scout-cookies-are-here/

There’s nothing convincing than to know that you are buying for a good cause. Whether you are directly or indirectly doing it to help the Girls Scouts in the United States, you are saving the legacy that has been started by its founder. You are saving one Girl Scout by inculcating self-esteem and allowing each of them to acquire or hone new skills through this program that has been established by the group.

10. Crafting is Fun

Photo Source: http://www.fandrop.com/collection/michaelprise/indoor_activities

Kids love something interactive, something where they can explore, discover, and develop new things and skills. They could also socialize with other kids, and you’ll get to spend time with them as you join them learning a new craft. This is better, especially these days, because kids don’t move that much because of too much exposure in gizmos and social networking sites.

9. Watch Films

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There are films being shown today, which you could watch together with the whole gang of your family members. If you want to try the Kitchen, then it’s something that you could talk smartly as a family since there is critical information that you can discuss with your brood. It’s one way of educating yourselves not just with textbooks that children learn at school, but to be amused on something that you have never learned before, which you could peruse in the future.

8. Ice Fishing

Photo Source: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/21/outdoors/annual-family-ice-fishing-day-on-pickerel-pond/

Since its winter, it’s a fun-filled activity that you can enjoy amidst the icy and cold surrounding. It’s one of the suggested outdoor activities that kids will surely love. The thrill of catching fish is really tickling, especially to those families that have not tried this activity at all. You’ll know how to fish bait, and other methods that you could learn as you ask professional assistance from those who knows already.

7. Learn a New Language

Photo Source: http://www.savjetnica.com/savjeti-za-odgoj-djece/

Learning a new language in order to celebrate the bonds of family is a special way of being close to each other. In fact, you do not need to go too far from studying, practicing, and applying a new tongue for you to feel the complete satisfaction of doing this activity. All you need to do is to talk with everyone and gauge as to what language would be easier to study, and most applicable to use. It could be Spanish, French, German, or any other that would be very comfortable for everyone.

6. Hot Snacks with the Family

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Since celebrating Family Day at this time of the year is still cold and chilling, warming up with hot chocolate, a nice serving of freshly made hotcakes, or even other warm baked goodies would lighten everyone up. If this could be observed at each time of the year during Family Day, then this could actually pass as a family tradition. But if you wanted alternatives since there are so many hot snacks that can be made with cookbooks and creativity, then doing so would make sharing such treats with family an exciting yearly experience.

5. Visit Art Exhibitions

Photo Source: http://www.ago.net/

There are numbers of museums and art galleries that you can visit nearby that actually foster and promote family day bonding and activities. Some of which is Robert McLaughlin Gallery that hosts art-themed movies for children, games, and other hands-on art activities that you can enjoy together. In fact, they have organized and prepared it in a way that it would suit not only for kids, but also for adults.

4. The Lightbox

Photo Source: http://www.torontoisawesome.com/

This is one of the activities that families can take advantage with yearly. Since it’s free, you could enjoy watching movies without putting big holes in your pockets. It does not mean that it’s free that it’s less of a quality. This is one of the traditions that provide ample and quality wholesome time to each family where they can watch kids and family oriented movies that teach values relevant still in our time. You don’t need to spend all the time just to create wonderful memories on this day. In fact, the best parts in all of the activities are things which money cannot buy.

3. Winter Picnic

Photo Source: http://ebw.evergreen.ca/

Have you ever imagined having a picnic where there is no grass, tweeting birds on the tress, or the crisp fresh air? Whenever you mention the word picnic, the first thing that comes to mind are the blooming flowers of spring. But do you really need to wait for some months before you could even enjoy that kind of activity with family? Yes, you could already make a winter picnic, which includes hot and warm treats for sharing. Aside from having this family activity as being cool, everyone else might think of chilling around winter with this special endeavor.

2. Bake Cookies Together

Photo Source: http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bake-cookies-day/

Baking cookies together is not just an activity that is being done by a mother and daughter tandem, but it could be shared by everyone, especially the dads and sons that are not that fond of spending so much time in the kitchen. If you are doing this not so often, then you could consider doing some non-bake treats like oatmeal biscuits, cheesecakes, or other cold snacks. But if you are serious with having everyone involved into making cookies that will later be shared together during movie nights or family dinners, then preparing a simple recipe would do so well, not implying too much stress for everyone.

1. Skating is Thrilling

Photo Source: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/02/11/family-day-leaves-small-businesses-in-holiday-dilemma

Known to be one of the most famous winter activities that can be done by almost everyone, skating on ice is just a thrilling thing to do with dads, moms, the kids, and even the pet dog, or with grandma and grandpa. Even if you are just skating together in the snow, pulling some easy tricks, or even going places where the frozen rivers would take you is a great bonding moment for family. A word of caution though. You need to be extra careful when going in groups as you may not know when you’ll expect cracking ice floors because of your combined weight, especially when you have stepped on the ice from a heavy winter picnic, eating those nice and warm baked cookies and goodies.

10. An Unforgettable Dinner

Instead of doing it in your favorite restaurant, you could find a place where you could set-up a table and chairs for the two of you. You may ask assistance from your most trusted friends who are willing to keep everything before the big night of revelation happens. Ask someone or a catering service that is willing to plan for that night, from food down to the moment that you would get down on your knees and ask her hand. It’s best that you know her favorites from food down to the colors that she wants so you could coordinate it to whoever or whatever services that you would get to make that night successful.

9. A Sense of Humor Will Do

A guy’s sense of humor will do best compared to an overly acted effort although the latter also matters, but one of the ideal traits that any woman seeks and looks for is the ability of a guy to make her laugh. In fact, it will naturally come out if it’s innate in you. However, at the end of the act as you spill out the phrase “will you marry me?” let her feel and know that you are showing the serious side of it and you want to laugh and smile with her until your hair turns grey.

8. Serenade

There are still a couple of women who still find serenade thrilling, special, and romantic despite of the “modern” misconceptions that it’s an old school, and it would not work at all. There are things that can be better done in traditional ways than resorting to gizmos without spending too much. Genuine feelings can be expressed as you sing it from the bottom of your heart. However, make sure that you rehearse before you do it, so you will not be out of tune once you utter the “will you spend your whole life with me?” Otherwise, you will find yourself singing it alone.

7. The Glow-In-the-Dark Proposal

Bring her to a dark room after you did an activity prior to this momentous moment. You could actually buy the glow-in-the-dark letters, and other shapes that you can mount to the wall of a room. Add to that is the sweetest name of your darling at the end of the question and show her a ring after she sees it.

6. Scatter Rose Petals

You may do it once she wakes up in the morning. As she opens her door, she’ll be mesmerized to see the scattered rose petals from her room going outside her house. As she reached the end of the scattered rose petals, stay there, as she reach to the main door of the house, kneel down and say the sweetest words that she would ever hear in her life aside from the astounding three words, I love you.

5. Make a Trail

Plan a trail that’s just as adventurous as popping the question. Usual recommendations are long ones that have an average fare uphill climbs, downward slopes, and rugged paths. But more important than the journey is the destination of where the trail ends. Think of stopping on a high mountain or a cliff that has an amazing view of nature’s beauty, and while enjoying the view, you could give that proposal underneath the azure sky with the birds, the trees, and all the animals watching your sincere act of commitment.

4. Do it On Your Favorite Restaurant

While it is common for most couples of having dinner at their favorite restaurant, asking a proposal in this venue would be less predictable as most women think that men ought to ask this life-changing question in a location that would be more than ordinary. But since you are doing it in a place that is both familiar to you, why not create a diversion that would never be deemed possible? Say, inviting a group of singing balladeers, or calling the attention of the crowd as you pop that question. Since you are a regular, people would find it easy to play along in your dream proposal.

3. The Countdown Begins

Counting the hours, minutes, and seconds is just really exciting, especially if it involves a marriage proposal during the day of hearts. While most girls are just feeling the thrill based on received text messages, the surprising phone calls, and even the midnight visits, some guys also think of this countdown as a day to end the moments of singlehood and beginning the countdown for marriage. If you think that 12 midnight for Valentine’s is just another day, then you may be surprised as someone may be standing at the door, kneeling and waiting.

2. Include Family Members

Since marriage is taken to be an event that would change life forever, why not include the parents, the siblings, and even some of the relatives as you make that proposal and ask the question? Though some may think of it as a very corny gesture, but knowing that you are respecting your soon-to-be in-laws, letting them see you give that proposal would be something that can be valued not just by the lady, but even by the family. At least they would know that your intentions are noble and that you are appreciating the people that are closest to your partner’s heart.

1. The Very First Place

Every relationship began at a place where everything started. It could be the first time where you introduced each other, the first location where you fell in love, the first place where you dated, or the moment when you knew each other better. Having the marriage proposal done in one of these locations only mean that you have never forgotten the very period when everything good began, and that you cherish the first time something of great value happened. It will not only be an amazing spot for proposing marriage, but it also reflects of your thoughtfulness and sincerity.