#21 march

[newyorkthegoldenage]

On the first day of Spring—March 21, 1943—Coast Guardsmen William T. Bowen (left) and Wilbur D. McKay explore the city on bikes.

Photo: Pat Candido for the NY Daily News via Getty Images

[askarsjustsoswedish]

This World Day of Glaciers [21 March] we’re taking a moment to be grateful #TimeandWater can share the story of glaciers with audiences around the world, including the one and only Alexander Skarsgård!

Glaciers aren’t just striking, but necessary. They store freshwater and protect biodiversity, but we could lose a third of them by 2050. In Iceland alone, glaciers are shrinking rapidly.

Oscar® nominated director Sara Dosa’s latest film explores how to document this profound loss, working with Icelandic poet and author Andri Snær Magnason’s cinematic time capsule of his home to chart a map for our shifting world.

Follow for updates on where to see TIME AND WATER.

[luvinaeverdene]

Green Book (2018) Directed by Peter Farrelly

[oediex]

How many more kitten pictures do I have to share? And why am I making such slow progress on cleaning my flat?

It frustrates me. When I hit 100 days of 'a kitten every day' I wanted to at least get my place ready by day 200, but that one passed by a few of weeks ago already. Then I thought by the end of March. Just in time for kitten season. But that day is slowly creeping up too.

I know part of it is sleep and time. I need to get my daily chores done, but my sleep cycle is so out of whack that my days are shortened, and I cannot find superfluous time. Part of it is the problematic nature of my back. The few times I have been able to do some cleaning, was followed by plenty of protest for days afterward. Another part of the problem is stored in the scale of what must be done. The last couple of years, filled with depression and back pain, have found a piling up of stuff, of papers and kitten toys and kitten beds and clothes. Clothes that don't make it up the stairs anymore. A kitchen table overflowing, because I don't use it anyway (should I just get rid of it?). Just stuff.

But most of it is a matter of discipline or whatever. Right? But how is the prospect of kittens not motivating me? I want them, I need them. I do! But I have unlearned the work that is required. It's impressive what our brains get used to and how hard it is to overcome it again.

Maybe I need to introduce 'a clean every day'. Those have worked for me so far. Shall I start tomorrow?

[dateinthelife]

21 March 1967

Paul officially recognizes John as the Emperor of Eternity.

[rabbitcruiser]

National French Bread Day

Oui, Oui, monsieur – please, pass me another loaf of French bread! Few things are more tantalising than a long, thin stick of French bread (also known as a baguette) enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Its crispy crust and soft center are defining factors for this tasty treat. But before it even comes out of the oven, though, this bread beckons to anyone nearby who can enjoy the smell.

Because they must be eaten fresh, French people typically purchase their baguettes twice a day: one in the morning on their way to work, and one in the evening on the way home. While a little difficult to track, it is estimated by the Observatoire du Pain (The French Bread Observatory) that French people consume 320 baguettes every second of each day!

In fact, access to bread is so vital that, until 2014, Paris lawmakers prohibited certain community bakeries from closing for summer holidays at the same time, lest the entire neighborhood be tragically without bread!

National French Bread Day is a great opportunity to indulge in some classic comfort food at its finest, while also learning a little bit about French culture.

History of National French Bread Day

The French have been baking long sticks of bread for more than 200 years, but it was only in 1920 that the current baguette we know and love came into being.

During that time, a law was passed in France in 1920 that prohibited anyone from starting work before 4am, making it impossible for French bakers to get their traditional breads baked in time before all of the people went off to work. They needed a creative solution to make their bread bake faster, but they didn’t want to cheat their customers.

Voilà, the quick baking baguette was born!

During this time, the innovative French bakers discovered that bread made in this longer shape was actually convenient for cutting as well as for storage. What began as a creative way to speed baking time ended up as a revolutionary way to appreciate bread.

How to Celebrate National French Bread Day

Enjoying National French Bread Day doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as serving a lovely loaf of French bread warm, slathered with butter and a chunk of cheese on the side. Why not embrace the whole continental experience and have a glass of fine French wine with it? More, s’il vous plaît!

But, for those folks who absolutely love all things French–or those who just love a tasty baguette of French Bread–many more ideas come to mind for celebrating the day:

Learn to Make French Bread Baguettes

Although bread-making can sometimes be tedious, some people might really enjoy the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes from making their own French Bread.

Traditional bakers of French bread use a starter that has been passed down through generations, which makes it a little difficult to recreate. Still, it’s worth a try!

Many recipes are available online or in cookbooks, but the basic ingredients are likely to include bread flour, sea salt, dry yeast and warm water. In fact, in order to be truly authentic, national law dictates that “French” Bread contains only these four ingredients.

Of course, when making it at home, other creative ingredients, such as seeds for topping, are subject to personal preference.

The steps for making French Bread are fairly simple, including mixing, kneading, allowing time for the dough to rise, and then rolling it into the proper baguette shape. The lack of preservatives make it so yummy–but also mean that it must be eaten right away, so don’t make it unless you’re also ready to eat it!

Dress as a Frenchman (or Woman)

The French are about as stylish and savvy as Europeans come, and their fashion is no exception. However, one specific idea comes to mind when thinking of a traditional French costume: the black and white striped shirt.

Get the look by donning a black and white striped shirt with elbow-length sleeves. Add a pair of plain black or red pants. A set of black or red suspenders would look great too. It might also be fun to draw on a curly mustache (with eyebrow pencil or mascara).

And for those who happen to have a poodle or who can borrow one, well that is certainly taking this costume to the next level. But the most important part of the outfit? The French beret on top, of course!

Once dressed up, if people ask why the costume, then it’s a great opportunity to tell them that it’s time to celebrate National French Bread Day.

Watch a French Film

One excellent way to embrace French culture from afar is to sit down comfortably in front of a French film–with a baguette in hand, of course!

Les Miserables, 2012 musical (based on the 1862 book by Victor Hugo and the 1987 Broadway musical adaptation) starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and more. In the story, Hugh Jackman’s character went to jail for stealing bread.

La Vie En Rose, 2007 biopic of French singer, Édith Piaf, starring Maria Cotillard (who won an Oscar for the film).

Amélie (The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie), a 2001 fictional tale about a whimsical young woman in Paris who seeks to help those in the world around her.

French Kiss, 1995 romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.

Learn to Speak a Little French

Embracing the fullness of French culture, it’s fun to learn a few French words to practice with friends. Try out these basic words to celebrate National French Bread Day:

Pain (pronounced like the English “pan”): Bread

Bonjour: Hello, Good morning

Au revoir: Goodbye

Oui (pronounced like the English “we”): Yes

Non: No

Merci: Thank you

Enjoy Many Types of French Breads

Of course, the baguette isn’t the only bread that France has offered the world.  Those who can locate a nearby French bakery are in luck and may find all kinds of treats to appreciate on National French Bread Day, including croissants, pain au chocolat, brioche, batard, and much more!

Source

[lazyworksinprogress]

Human rights and history: SAHA reflects on the Sharpeville Massacre and how it changed South Africa

"On March 21, 1960, Sharpeville became the focus of an international outcry against the evils of apartheid when 69 peaceful demonstrators were shot by police. Under Robert Sobukwe, the PAC advocated a strategy of mass action, including boycotts, strikes, peaceful demonstrations and civil disobedience. To launch this campaign, Sobukwe called on all African men and women to join the anti-pass campaign by leaving their passes at home to join countrywide peaceful demonstrations in police stations.

The African people have entrusted their whole future to us...and we have sworn that we are leading them, not to death, but to life abundant... in this campaign we are going to observe absolute non-violence...if the other side so desires, we will provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate to the world how brutal they can be.

March 21 started off peacefully, as a large gathering waited outside the local police station. The police were nervous after reports of a mob killing of 9 police officers in Cato Manor two months before. 69 out of 300 protesters were killed when police shot into the unarmed crowd. Hundreds were injured, many shot in the back while attempting to flee. The death toll included 8 women and 10 children. Within days, a State of Emergency was declared. In early April, both the PAC and ANC were declared illegal. Forced underground, both organisations initiated an armed struggle which would continue for over three decades.

International condemnation of the Sharpeville Massacre was unanimous. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966. Thirty years later, Nelson Mandela inaugurated South Africa's new democratic Constitution at the site of the massacre. In 2001, a plaque bearing the 69 names was unveiled. March 21 is also known as Heroes Day. SAHA salutes the memory of all South Africans who experienced violence, lost loved ones, or perished in the name of human rights. We also salute organisations set up to help survivors cope with the trauma suffered in the name of human rights, particularly the Khulumani Support Group."

SAHA reflects on the tragic events that took place at Sharpeville on this day 50 years ago.

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in Irish History | 21 March:

1181 – John Cumin (or Comyn) was elected archbishop of Dublin and consecrated by the pope at Velletri on this date. He is the first Englishman to be appointed to an Irish see. 1656 – Death of Bishop James Ussher. The Dublin-born cleric deduced from biblical studies the exact date of the Creation (23rd October, 4004 BCE), and the date of the end of the world: 4th November 1996. The Bishop had a…

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