2012: leap year

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Alfred Lord Tennyson


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Desmond Tutu

Jean-Bertrand Aristide

• 1940 For her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind, Hattie MacDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Academy Award.
• 1988 South African archbishop Desmond Tutu is arrested along with 100 clergymen during a 5-day anti-apartheid demonstration in Cape Town.
• 2004 Jean-Bertrand Aristide is removed as President of Haiti following a coup.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Happy Leap Year! A leap year happens every four years, and February has 29 days, and if your birthday is Feb 29, then you're a leapling. So listen to this NPR report about leaplings.
What on earth is brain power? Click here to find the answer to this interesting question.
Which is the most dangerous country for journalists? Believe it or not, this CNN report has a surprising answer waiting for you.
How about nude magazine covers? If you're curious enough, follow this link to read a Time article.
You don't have to be an actor to win an Oscar, according to this Reuters report, but a little money might help.
Finally, if you want to feel younger, be sure to check out this Yahoo report which discusses red light therapy.

Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love." Tom Robbins

TODAY IN HISTORY:

Cuauhtemoc

David Koresh & Waco

• 1525 The Aztec king Cuauhtemoc is executed by Hernan Cortes' forces.
• 1954 The first color television sets using the NTSC standard are offered for sale to the general public.
• 1993 Federal agents raid the Branch Davidian Church in Waco, Texas with a warrant to arrest the group's leader, David Koresh.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Angelina Jolie

Anorexic? Bulimic? Skinny? Angelina Jolie's appearance at the Academy Awards has sparked debate, as you can see on this CNN interview. What's your opinion?
And talking about health, have you heard about or tried the beer diet? Seriously... check out this Yahoo report and see the results.
Now if you prefer ice cream over beer, take a look at this BBC report that discusses ice cream classes... yummy...
How about sleeping pills, though? Do you use them before hitting the sack? According to this Time article, these pills are not the best idea.
Do you think there's life outside our planet? Well, according to this NPR report, some scientists are trying to answer that question.
Can teachers be heroes? Make sure to click here to see how teachers reacted to a gunman in action at Chardon High School.
Finally, follow this link to see Chileans people protesting against their government.

National Day (Dominican Republic)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic." Alphonse de la Martine


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Valparaiso, Chile

Japanese flag

• 1870 The current flag of Japan is first adopted as national flag for Japanese merchant ships.
• 1940 Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben discover carbon-14
• 2010 An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale strikes Chile leaving 500 victims and hundreds injured.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Sacha Baron Cohen

Did you watch the Oscar ceremony last night? Well, we've got a few items to check out in case you did miss the big event.
To start off, take a look at this BBC report with a weird moment on the red carpet. Then, listen to this NPR report featuring a story about "The Artist." Afterwards, watch this Reuters report presenting some of the highlights. And then, check out this Time photo-documentary describing Meryl Streep's films.
What's the connection between illegal immigration and the anti-drug war? Have a look at this CNN report to learn about a case in point.
Mandela's back home, according to this USA Today report. Now that's good news...
Finally, click here to watch a Yahoo report on what's trending these days.

Liberation Day (Kuwait)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"When love is not madness, it is not love." Pedro Calderon de la Barca


TODAY IN HISTORY:

• 1909 Kinemacolor, the first successful motion picture process, is first shown to the general public in London.
• 1917 The Original Dixieland Jazz Band record the first jazz record in New York.
• 1993: In New York City, a truck bomb parked below the North Tower of the World Trade Center explodes, killing 6 and injuring over a thousand.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Nelson Mandela

As you may already have noticed, Nelson Mandela is all over the web, but why? Be sure to watch this CNN interview which explains what Mandela means for Africa and for the world.
The Oscar Academy Awards is taking place as we speak, so you shouldn't miss this set of interviews that Times conducts with several actors. By the way, check out George Clooney's gorgeous friend at the red carpet on this Reuters inteview
The Cranberries were mentioned yesterday, and the NPR features this report on how the band's music has changed their fans' lives.
How do you like to eat your carrots, boiled, blended, or raw? According to this BBC report, raw carrots may not be the best idea.
Have you either heard about or suffered from cyber-bullying? Check out this Yahoo report about an online harassment case going to court.  

People Power Day (Phillipines)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving." Paulo Coelho


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Corazon Aquino

A Colt revolver

• 1836 Samuel Colt is granted a US patent for the Colt revolver.
• 1932 Adolf Hilter obtains German citizenship by naturalization, which allows him to run in the 1932 election for Reichspräsident.
• 1986 Corazon Aquino becomes the Philippines first woman president. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Nelson Mandela

Two politicians are in hospital: Nelson Mandela, former South Africa President, and Hugo Chavez. Nelson Mandela's situation can be viewed on this USA Today report and people's reaction can be viewed on this CNN report. Please follow this link for an update on Chavez arrival in Habana, Cuba.
The National Public Radio today features a song performed by the Cranberries. Make sure to click this link for a really cool tune.
Enough has been said about "illegal" Mexican tourists in the US, but how about "illegal" American tourists in Mexico? The BBC has published this article about this interesting situation.
Do you suffer from migraine? According to this Time article, men and women don't experience headaches the same way.
Finally, do you belong to the group of students who cannot wake up early in the morning? Go ahead and watch this Yahoo report so you can learn about the final solution to this situation.

Mexican Flag Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever." Henry Drummond


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Fidel Castro

Space Shuttle Discovery

• 1920 The Nazi Party is founded.
• 2008 Fidel Castro retires as President of Cuba after nearly fifty years.
• 2011 Final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
The Oscar Award ceremony is just around the corner, so we'll start with some stuff about and then we'll move on to something else.

Woody Allen

Woody Allen is a popular movie director but does he go to the ceremony? Follow this link to listen to an NPR report on the New Yorker movie-maker. Do you know how the Oscar statuettes are made? Time has published today this report on the golden trophy. What about foreign films at the Academy Awards? Be sure to watch this BBC report discussing the foreign language category.
So that's about the Oscars for now. Next, we have this CNN documentary that describes the life of a real junkie.
And talking about obsessions, how obsessed can you be with your height? Click here to watch short people getting taller... artificially...
We all know life in Mexico is more and more dangerous but how about the penal system? Click this link to watch a Reuters report on Mexican prisons.

National Day (Brunei)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you." Loretta Young


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Fall of the Alamo

Osama bin Laden

• 1455 Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible.
• 1836 The Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas.
• 1998 Osama bin Laden publishes a fatwa declaring jihad against all Jews and "Crusaders" (the people of Europe and USA).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

J. K. Rowling

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Well, J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous book, has something totally different in mind, as reported on this Time article.
Do you like traveling and how deep would you like to go? Have a look at this BBC report on visiting the bottom of the sea.
We've been discussing addiction, and today CNN features this interview with a news anchor who overcame several addictions.
What's the connection between astronauts and Tabasco sauce? Listen to this NPR report to fin out.
The carnival in Rio de Janeiro is over but who was the winner this year? Click here to enjoy the Brazilian festive atmosphere.
What's trending now? Believe it or not, young girls are posting controversial videos on youtube. Follow this link to find out more.
Finally, a cool science video. Yahoo has this report about what looks something between weird and artistic.

George Washington's Birthday (USA)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"It's the friends you can call at 4:00 am that matter." Marlene Dietrich


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Lee Petty

Samuel Byck

• 1959 Lee Petty wins the first Daytona 500.
• 1974 Samuel Byck tries and fails to assassinate US President Richard Nixon.
• 1979 Independence of Santa Lucia from the United Kingdom

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Do you remember Rhianna and her boyfriend... uh... Chris Brown? Surprisingly, they seem to be back together according to this NPR report.

Rhianna & Chris again?

Have you ever been to San Miguel? Check out what this town has to offer on this BBC documentary.
Good news for science lovers and Einstein's fans! According to this Time article, neutrinos are not what we thought...
Talking about science, well, kind of, do you know what will taxis in New York have? Don't miss this Yahoo report for the answer.
Do you remember actor George Clooney? He seems to be in pain for some reason. Click here to find the details on a USA Today report.
By the way, watch this CNN interview with Oscar de la Hoya, a famous Mexican boxer.
Finally, we've got news from Monterrey, Mexico. Check out this Reuters report.

International Mother Language Day 02/21

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mother Theresa


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Malcolm X

Peace symbol

• 1958 The Peace symbol is designed and completed by Gerald Holtom.
• 1965 Malcolm X is assassinated in New York City by members of the Nation of Islam.
• 1972 The Soviet unmanned spaceship Luna 20 lands on the Moon.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
How many languages can you speak, honestly? Meet Alex Rawlings, a true polyglot, on this BBC report. It's quite probable that Alex learned vocabulary by watching videos like this Yahoo report which explains the meaning of abbreviations.

Copy of Mona Lisa

What's addiction? I mean, seriously. Click this link to watch a CNN report by Dr. Gupta discussing the effect of addiction on the brain.
Are you planning on getting a piercing? Sure piercing is "in," but please check this NPR article before you or anyone you know makes an uninformed decision.
Talking about "customizing" your body, how about gender reassignment, or sex change? That's a new trend, according to this Time article.
And talking about kids, inhaling helium at a party can be deadly, according to this USA Today report.
Finally, we've already mentioned the Mona Lisa painting. Check out this Reuters report to learn more about the copy of the painting.

World Day of Social Justice

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." Albert Camus


TODAY IN HISTORY:

John Glenn

Paricutin volcano

• 1935 Caroline Mikkelsen becomes first woman to set foot in Antarctica.
• 1943 The Paricutin volcano begins to form in Paricutin, Mexico.
• 1962 While aboard Frienship 7, John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the earth, making three orbits in 4:55 hours.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

La Quebrada, Acapulco

As you've already noticed, it's been 50 years since the first American astronaut went into space. Time has prepared this documentary about the space program.
What's the relationship between personal trauma and weight gain? Take a look at this CNN interview to find out.
What would you rather drink, regular, light, or diet soda? According to this Yahoo article, diet soda isn't a wise decision.
Everybody likes to go to Acapulco and watch cliff divers plunge into the sea, but what does the future hold for them? Meet diver Angel Castrejon on this BBC interview discussing his options.

Mexican Armed Forces Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge." Nicolas Copernicus


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Nicolaus Copernicus

Ezra Pound

• 1473 Nicolaus Copernicus is born in Poland.
• 1878 Thomas A. Edison patents the phonograph.
• 1949 Ezra Pound is awarded the first Bollingen Prize in poetry.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
We're going to start today's blog with this NPR report on Josefina Vazquez Mota's fight against machismo. That's correct English: machismo is a friendly cognate.

This BBC report presents a different fight: a girl versus a tattoo artist (but isn't "tattoo artist an oxymoron?) So if you think tattoos are cool, please think again.
Are we looking at the same Adele, first at the Grammy's Awards and then on Vogue cover? Watch the controversy on this CNN interview.
The week dedicated to love and romance is about to end, and Time has prepared this report on how kissing has evolved from movie to movie. 
Finally, watch this Yahoo report on the Mexican president visit to Juarez.

Independence Day (Gambia)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop." H. L. Mencken


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Pedro Lascurain

Snow in Sahara

• 1913 Pedro Lascurain becomes President of Mexico for 45 minutes, the shortest term to date of any person as president of any country.
• 1954 The first Church of Scientology is established in Los Angeles, California.
• 1979 Snow falls in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria for the only time in recorded history

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

The human brain?

We'll start today with an interesting talk about an interesting organ: the human brain. Click here to watch a CNN presentation by Ted Jones. And talking about the brain, have you or anyone around you had suicidal thoughts? Follow this link to watch an interview with Dr. Goebert via Yahoo.
Today is Whitney Houston's final farewell. Listen to this NPR report describing the diva's funeral.
February is certainly the month of love, and there are many ways to propose, aren't there? Well, watch this Time's video featuring wedding proposals the world over.
What? A computer on your wrist? According to this USA Today report, now you can wear a smart watch that looks... super smart.
Do you remember the Concordia? Reuters has this update on the infamous Italian shipwreck.
Finally, a report about a wonderful Mexican site. Click here to watch a BBC report describing Santiago del Pinar.

Independence Day (Kosovo)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other." Euripides.


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Muammar Gaddafi

• 1972 Sales of the Volkswagen Beetle exceed those of the Ford Model-T.
• 1996 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, world champion Garry Kasparov beats the Deep Blue Supercomputer in a chess match.
• 2011 Libyan protests begin.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Do you like Mexican archeology? This BBC report features a new archeological finding in Mexico City.

Snickers bar

I know you're a chocoholic so I'm posting this CNN report on the famous Snickers chocolate bar... mmhhh...
The Simpsons have been around for 23 years, yep, 23. Listen to this NPR report discussing the longest animated program about a dysfunctional family.
Down syndrome numbers are going down, according to this Time article. Check it out!
Either you love her or loath her, Lady Gaga's always making news. Now she's making something totally new according to this USA Today report. What do you think?
We've mentioned flying mini-drones, but how about domestic multi-lingual robots? According to this Reuters report, we're not talking about science fiction.
Do you like wine? So do I. Wine's supposed to be good for you; however, there are new findings according to this Yahoo report via Dr. Manny. Cheers!

Kim Jong-il's Birthday (North Korea)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love." Mother Theresa


TODAY IN HISTORY:

The CBBS

• 1968 In Haleyville, Alabama, the first 9-1-1 telephone system goes into service.
• 1978 The first computer bulletin board is created (CBBS in Chicago, IL).
• 2005 The Kyoto Protocol comes into force, following its ratification by Russia.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Mexicans are proud of their Mayan ancestry, but what's the situation for Mayans today? Watch this BBC report to find out the answer.
Grammy winner Adele sure lots of fans all around the world, but this CNN video features a very young fan on her way to popularity.
We've previously mentioned "El Chapo" Guzman, but how about Jaime Herrera Herrera? Check out this NPR report discussing the methamphetamine mastermind.
Did you say you love fast food? Well, next time you're for hamburgers you'd better check this Time report about a fast food incident.
North Korean president Kim Jon-il may have died a few weeks ago, but his birthday is celebrated as you can see on this USA Today report.
Do you remember the "Slum Dog Millionaire"? Watch this Reuters report describing the real situation in India.
Finally, do you know who's watching you? Check out this yahoo report that mentions mini robots in the sky.

National Day (Serbia)

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two." Eric Fromm


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Boris Yelstin
First President of Russia

ENIAC

• 1946 ENIAC, the first electronic general-purpose computer, is formally dedicated at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
• 1994 Standard of the President of Russia is established.
• 2001 First draft of the complete human genome is published in Nature.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Love is celebrated all through the month of February, but would you marry naked? Take a look at this AP report via Yahoo. And talking about romanticism, this NPR report explains why Adele's songs touch our feelings.

Meryl Streep

Seems like we'll keep talking about Whitney for a while, but how about addiction? Check out this CNN discussion about prescription drugs and dependence.
It used to be BYOC but now it's BYOD. Find out about the difference between the two on this BBC article.
What's "Linsanity/Linfection"? Discover the details on this Time article.
Do you play soccer? According to this USA Today report, soccer is not the best idea for everyone.
Finally, Meryl Streep's popularity keeps growing. Watch her on this Reuters report at the Berlin Film Festival.

Valentine's Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
" Where there is love there is life." Mohandas Gandhi


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Al "Scarface" Capone

• 1929 Saint Valentine's Day massacre: seven people, six of them gangster rivals of Al Capone's gang, are murdered in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1962 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy takes television viewers on a tour of the White House.
• 2000 The spacecraft NEAR Shoemaker enters orbit around asteroid 433 Eros, the first aircraft to orbit an asteroid.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Today we're full of love stories. First, Elisabete's boyfriend proposes her on this BBC report. Second, this couple of classmates get together after quite a long time on this CNN report. Then, Time has published this Valentine's Day special. Next, USA Today features this video about a wedding... guess where? After that, check out love around the world on this Reuters report. Following that, the NPR presents this article about the origin of Saint Valentine. Finally, have you heard about the Grinch? Well, this article describes the Anti-Valentine if you want to be a protester. Happy Valentine's everybody...!

Monday, February 13, 2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"I can live without money, but I cannot live without love." Judy Garland


TODAY IN HISTORY:

Black Sabbath debut album

• 1633 Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome for his trial before the Inquisition.
• 1970 Black Sabbath, arguably the first heavy metal album, is released.
• 1990 An agreement is reached on a two-stage plan to reunite Germany.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Adele

As you may already know, it was the Grammy's ceremony yesterday. What went down at the event can be heard on this NPR report. 
And tomorrow? Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! So, check out this Reuters report discussing online dating. In contrast to the Reuters report, CNN talks about traditional dating on this interview. If you're looking for the funny side of love, watch two pets getting married on this USA Today report. Do you like to give or receive flowers on Valentine's? Every flower has a meaning, which you can learn on this Yahoo report.
Do you think there's a relationship between excessive eating and poor memory? Find the answers on this Time article.