D.C.’s Cherry trees are now blooming

March 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms, March 17 to April 17

With the Region’s Earliest Blooming Cherry Tree Waterfront Display

Special concert on Saturday, March 19 and Sakura Sunday celebration on Sunday, April 3

Washington DC cherry tree

National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region. This year marks the 110th anniversary since Japan gifted its beautiful cherry trees to Washington, D.C. and, once again, National Harbor is an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

To celebrate National Harbor’s own spectacular display (the trees are now blooming!), the property is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 17 through April 17. The month-long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more.

On Saturday, March 19, Minyo Crusaders will perform from 4 to 5 p.m. on the waterfront stage (150 National Plaza.) The group performs minyo music with Latin and African influences and uses instruments from around the world. They will give a short talk explaining minyo and traditional Japanese dance and then will invite (voluntary) audience participation in learning the dance choreography and being part of the performance. The Japan Foundation organized the performance in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.A. and National Harbor.

In addition, there will be a formal cherry tree planting ceremony at 3 p.m. on March 19 with the Embassy of Japan.  National Harbor has selected a special Kanzan cherry tree. They have been characterized as the “showiest” cherry trees with dramatic, deep pink blossoms.

Special Sakura Sunday festivities will be held on Sunday, April 3 and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights and a Japanese market.

Art in Bloom artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival. Last year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival featured a number of artist’s cherry blossom inspired chairs. National Harbor artist Martinez has updated his chair at National Harbor and will have it on display.

“We are delighted to have become a destination for viewing cherry blossoms,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we provide visitors with an extended opportunity to view and celebrate cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”

National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms.  In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms and retailers will feature a wide array of cherry blossom promotions. Some of the classes that will take place during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, flower making, Japanese gardens and more.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Collecting Evidence And Protecting Yourself After A Traffic Accident

March 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

car accident

Unfortunately, the United States is one of the countries with the most road traffic. Indeed, there were nearly 284 million vehicles on the road in 2021. Therefore, unfortunately, accidents, whether they are severe or minor, are unavoidable. With 228.7 million registered drivers in the US and further drivers traveling from foreign destinations, it is fair to say that roads are busy. Busy roads mean:

  • Every second matters
  • People are more likely to make mistakes
  • Rush hour traffic can increase stress levels behind the steering wheel
  • The presence of disruptions in cities encourage inattention behind the wheel 
  • More unexpected situations that drivers must react to every day

Even with the best of wills, a careful driver could still be involved in a car accident. However, when that happens, there is a lot you can do to protect your rights and seek evidence. 

Check for injuries

After an accident, your first priority is to ensure that everybody is safe. This includes yourself, your passengers, but also the people in the other vehicle or bystanders. If you suspect an injury, you should immediately contact an ambulance. Depending on the situation, you may also want to get in touch with the local firefighting services. 

Not every vehicle involved in an accident gets in touch with the local authorities. More often than not, people try to arrange things between themselves if there is no serious damage made to people or vehicles. In reality, involving the police from the start can help protect your rights, as the police can help sort out the situation. They can also record evidence based on the position of the vehicles and your answers to routine questions. 

Inform your car insurer

Your car insurance provider will serve a dual purpose in the event of an accident:

  • They can provide support and guidance to help you go through the essential steps
  • They can pay for damage or sort out damage payment with the other insurer

Your insurer can also help determine whether the other vehicle is insured based on their registration number. At this point, you can also take photos of the scene for future evidence. You may not require to use the photos, but you don’t want to take chances. Ideally, the other driver should provide their name and contact details, including insurance-related data. 

Be on the side of the law

Does it make sense to involve a team of personal injury lawyers after a car accident? The answer is yes. Having legal professionals on your side can help speed up the process with car insurers. Additionally, if you have sustained a serious injury that affects your future lifestyle and income, personal injury specialists are here to help protect your income and your family. 

Additionally, lawyers can also prove useful in smoothing out many administrative tasks after an accident. They can offer legal advice, so you know how to react and what to do next. Having lawyers to handle your situation can also ensure nobody will take advantage of your situation. 

Rely on dashcam footage

Not every car is equipped with a dashcam. However, if you have recently added a dashboard camera to your vehicle, you may want to review the footage of the accident. It could reveal important information to defend your rights, such as:

  • Traffic signals
  • The speed of the other vehicle
  • Unavoidable obstruction on the road
  • Etc. 

You may also want to reach out to the owners of the vehicles parked along the road in case their dashcams also recorded the accident. 

Ask for witnesses

In some cases, the police may launch a public call for witnesses by using signs placed on the scene of the accident and reaching out through their social media. However, you can also seek witnesses by yourself through social media, local press, and signs in local shops. Remember to provide the exact date, time, and location of the accident, your contact details, and a photo of the accident if relevant.   

Provide mechanic care evidence

Not everyone will blame the accident on the vehicle rather than the driver. However, it can be a good idea to collect and keep evidence of repair and servicing done to your vehicle. If the expert decides that a technical fault caused the accident, you can provide invoices proving that the vehicle was looked after. 

Typically, faults tend to include:

  • Poor brakes
  • Worn out tires
  • Clutch and pedal issues for petrol vehicles
  • Electrical faults in electric vehicles 

In conclusion, the last thing you want after a car accident is to hope for the best. Ideally, you should already take some precautions before any accident, such as maintaining your vehicle and investing in car insurance. The purchase of a dashcam can prove advantageous if you need to demonstrate your version of the event. Finally, involving medical, police, and legal experts can make a huge difference! 

 

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: ,

Locations Where Masks Can Benefit Us

March 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Even though mask mandates are being lifted, are there situations you may want to continue to wear a mask? In places like nail salons, we are exposed to toxins such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate also known to the CDC as the “toxic trio”. Too much exposure to chemicals like those could possibly cause extreme dizziness, breathing difficulties and even organ failure.

covid masks

Whilst many of us have never worn masks before, we’ve learned a lot since the COVID pandemic began. Focusing on health and wellness, especially when it comes to airborne threats, is always a good idea. Below are some other situations people may want to continue wearing masks in:

  • Hospitals, medical clinics, dentist’s offices or any other place where you could be exposed to viruses.
  • Public transportation (and hubs) including rideshares, buses, subways, planes and ferries.
  • Nursing homes and various other long term care facilities.
  • Places that use chemicals for everyday services such as nail salons, gas stations and more.

DemeTECH, a leading maker of surgical and N95 masks, has kept millions of Americans safe. This Miami-based company uses only the highest grade American-made material for their leading products, including their face mask and at-home COVID antigen tests.

DemeTech masks are:

  • NIOSH & FDA-approved with a 98% filtration efficiency for particles 0.1 microns in diameter.
  • Made 100% in the U.S.
  • Proven to be effective at protecting against COVID-19 & variants
  • More effective than cloth masks
  • Offer a full array of sizes, styles and colors
  • Now offering styles with ear loops for greater comfort

DemeTECH produces 1 million surgical and N95 masks for Americans each day, thus avoiding the supply chain issues plaguing so many and also providing for the entire family. They offer a full array of colors such as: blue, black, purple, yellow, green and pink.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: ,

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe #StPattysDay #Recipe

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Looking to get ready for the seasonal favorite, Corned Beef and Cabbage? We prefer a Dutch Oven, and that’s how we make ours, but you could use a crock pot as well if you prefer.

DID YOU KNOW

Corned beef was used as a substitute for bacon by Irish immigrants in the late 19th century, because it was much cheaper and easier to come by. Corned beef and cabbage is the Irish-American variant of the Irish dish of bacon and cabbage, which has long been a popular dish in Ireland. Of course, you mustn’t forget the potatoes! What’s an Irish dish without them, I suppose, lol.

corned beef

Prep time : 10 min. Cook: 2.5-3 hours

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 corned beef brisket (about 4 pounds) with spice packet
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3-1/2 pounds small potatoes (10-15), peeled
  • 8 medium carrots, halved crosswise
  • 5 stalks celery, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 medium head cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Place corned beef, the contents of seasoning packet (that is typically included), and bay leaves in a large Dutch oven or stockpot; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 2 hours.
  2. Add potatoes and carrots; return to a boil. (Make sure that your potatoes are cut in small enough pieces that they will soften, but not so small they will turn to mush. I like to “cube” them.) Reduce heat; simmer, covered, just until beef and vegetables are tender, 30-40 minutes.
  3. If pot is full, remove potatoes and carrots before adding cabbage. Please reheat before serving.
  4. Add sliced cabbage and celery to the pot; return to a boil. Again, remember to make it all  into bite size pieces, or you will be slurping your cabbage like noodles, LOL. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until cabbage is tender- about 15 minutes. Remove vegetables and corned beef; keep warm.
  5. Cut beef across the grain into slices. Serve with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, as well as broth (if you like).

Enjoy, and Happy St. Patty’s Day!

 

Filed Under: cooking, recipes Tagged With: , ,

Syosaku Japanese Knives #MothersDay

March 9, 2022 by 1 Comment

Is your mom the best cook around? If her happy place is the kitchen, she will love some fancy cookware for her big day. What better way to show you care then to show you know what she loves- as well as love to eat what she makes you? After all, food is love. Well, at least an expression of it.

One brand that has cookware down is Syosaku, one of Japan’s –and arguably the world’s– finest tableware brands. They specialize in creating Urushi Glass Plates and knives that are suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
syosaku knife

Urushi is a lacquer that has been used on wood in Japan for over 9,000 years including in building the Kinkaku-Ji (the Golden Temple). Syosaku’s innovative process allows them to create beautiful glass plates. Each plate undergoes a one-month process of layering the Urushi, drying the lacquer, and painting. Since each plate is made individually, they are all one-of-a-kind pieces. Syosaku is able to fulfill custom orders, featuring any size, shape, or design that can be desired, as well ready-to-purchase plates.  Urushi glass plates have incredible depth and provide vividness that cannot be found in china or porcelain.

These are truly beautiful, and one of a kind.

glass plates

Each plate is individually wrapped in a newly designed package that matches the beauty of the product itself. 

syosaku tableware

In addition to creating beautiful plates, Syosaku is one of Japan’s –and arguably the world’s– finest knife producers. Syosaku crafts knives that are suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs alike. 

Syosaku’s knives are made in Sakai, a port city in Japan that has a centuries-long history of creating knives, originating from forging samurai swords. Each part of the knife making process is divide among different artisans and small producers who specialize in each making each part of the knife, forging the metal, creating the handles, combining the knives and finishing them. Depending on the knife, it can take up to six months for the artisans to craft a fully finished product. each knife can be custom ordered to cater to the consumer’s preference in a variety of different wooden handles, handedness, and each knife can be engraved with a name in Chinese characters. Syosaku makes kitchen knives that can be used by professional chefs and home cooks alike, ranging from $50 to $3,000.

syosaku knives

Syosaku’s collection makes for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day and all other celebratory occasions. There is a wide selection of ready-to-order designs and price ranges to choose from, as well as the ability to place a custom order.

Filed Under: cooking, gifts, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment

With the Covid crisis going on, hygiene and cleanliness has never been more important or brought to the attention so often. Lysol, bleach, alcohol, and other cleaning supplies were completely depleted from shelves in the beginning of the pandemic, and remain items that are scarce at times. People were frightened, and rightly so.

sanitizer

We all had to sanitize everything- every doorknob, backpack, remote, phone- you name it.

Even though the COVID vaccine and boosters are currently being distributed, which means people are now more likely to get out of the house and return to their normal activities including going to the gym, shopping, traveling, and enjoying a night out on the town. It’s not uncommon to set your phone, keys or even mask on a dirty surface like shopping carts, counters, or gym equipment without thinking twice. Save your Lysol wipes and use the Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant and Wireless Charging Accessories Tray to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria on high-touch items in as little as four minutes. The Mundus Pro also features two wireless charging spots on the top of the case to quickly recharge phones and other compatible devices.

My youngest son and I use it the most, I think. I’m a bit of a clean freak- I’m not worried if kids or dogs make a mess, I know that’s what they do. Cleaning is possible, LOL. It’s the germs that worry me, as I’ve got a compromised immune system and he has pretty bad asthma. We use air filters, we clean all the “touch” surfaces, etc constantly (pre covid, too, haha).  But now? Oh man, it seems like it never stops. Now, I know that some people didn’t feel the need to worry at all, and that’s all them and their own business. These are my own thoughts and feelings, everyone is entitled to their own. I DO worry, and continue to wear my mask, sanitize a little more than usual, and that’s just my prerogative. Hopefully soon, this will be over entirely, but until then….I think some things will linger, however. Fist bumps might take over hand shakes for some people, I’ll probably always carry a mask, and the cleanliness will likely stay up a notch.

If you are like us, and want everything as clean as possible, you might want to check into the Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant, it makes things so easy to clean and you KNOW they are sanitized. I hope you and your family are staying safe, no matter how you are getting through this.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: ,

Wildlife Conservation Society partners with Everland to help address the climate and biodiversity crises

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Wildlife Conservation Society partners with Everland to expand its portfolio of high-impact forest conservation projects to help address the climate and biodiversity crises

WWE

  • Everland will provide financing for and market WCS’s global REDD+ portfolio of up to 15 new projects to reduce deforestation, mitigate climate change, protect wildlife, and support local communities.
  • Projects could generate at least 10 million tons of carbon emission reductions annually with an estimated value of $2 billion over the next decade.
  • WCS REDD+ projects target areas with high positive impacts on biodiversity conservation and local community livelihoods.

A new agreement between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Everland will scale a portfolio of forest conservation REDD+ projects to achieve at least 10 million tons of verified emission reductions (VERs) annually with an estimated value of $2 billion over the next decade. Everland will provide funding for the creation, development, and implementation of up to 15 REDD+ projects globally, and serve as the exclusive marketing agency for the VERs generated by the projects.

This collaboration with Everland stems from a mutual interest in scaling REDD+ as a mechanism to halt deforestation, mitigate climate change, protect wildlife, and support local communities through market-based carbon financing.

The program builds on WCS’s long history of working on the ground to save wildlife and wild places in nearly 60 countries worldwide. WCS sees REDD+ as a critical tool for fighting climate change and keeping global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius—the target agreed to in the Paris Agreement to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Through this agreement, WCS will facilitate the development of new projects in collaboration with and on land owned or controlled primarily by national governments, as well as local governments, communities, and private landholders.

Consistent with a recent civil society consensus agreement on high-quality tropical forest carbon credits, WCS and Everland share the goal of transitioning from project-based REDD+ support to jurisdictional or national programs or nesting projects within larger-scale programs where they exist and can maximize emission reductions and mitigate climate change impacts.

Everland is a specialized marketing company exclusively representing a portfolio of some of the most impactful REDD+ projects across the globe that protect wildlife and enhance the well-being of local forest communities, including WCS’s flagship REDD+ project in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia.

The Keo Seima REDD+ project started in 2010 and protects one of the most important remaining intact forests in Cambodia. It is home to the Indigenous Bunong people and has one of the greatest diversities of species in any protected area in Cambodia. The project has issued over 16.7 million VERs by avoiding over 21,500 hectares of forest loss. Last year, the project achieved a long-standing goal: to become financially sustainable through the sale of its VERs. As part of this project, WCS has helped to secure land and resource tenure for local communities, improve protected area management, and establish sustainable alternative livelihoods.

Todd Stevens, Executive Director of the WCS Markets program, said:

“We must eliminate the source of 10 percent of annual global emissions by keeping forests standing. REDD+ is a means for generating the much-needed financial support for on-the-ground forest protection, wildlife conservation, and local communities. We are excited to partner with Everland on this work. They continue to serve an important role in the success of the Keo Seima project, and they share WCS’s values and ambition to scale REDD+ projects that contribute to the nature-positive mitigation action we need.”

Gerald Prolman, Everland’s CEO and co-founder said:

“Since 1895, WCS has established itself as one of the world’s most trusted, respected, and effective wildlife conservation organizations. We are extremely proud to have been chosen as WCS’s exclusive marketing partner and we’re excited to bring 15 new high-impact REDD+ projects to the market. The projects will help meet the surging demand for high-quality VERs that companies can use toward their climate and SDG targets.”

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquariums to achieve its conservation mission. Through understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity, WCS focuses on the biggest challenges facing long-term conservation efforts: climate change, sustainable financing, economic and food security, and data and science gaps. Visit newsroom.wcs.org. Follow @WCSNewsroom.

Filed Under: environment Tagged With: , , , ,

Every Library Reports Link Between Low Literacy and Negative Health Outcomes

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Low health literacy levels account for hundreds of billions of dollars spent each year on health care that would otherwise be unnecessary, with recent estimates settling around $236 billion. Unfortunately, low health literacy is common, difficult to spot, and negatively impacts health outcomes.
Libraries can be a front-line in the fight against low health literacy. In order to fund and utilize libraries and librarians in realizing health literacy goals, new policies must be created. That is why EveryLibrary Institute has commissioned a report on the effects of Low Health Literacy. The EveryLibrary Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Institute gifts fund our research, data, training, and public education efforts.
Authors Ellen Thieme and Christina Pryor review current issues with understanding and delivering health literacy services and make recommendations for changes to systems for better outcomes.
Why is the report important?
Studies show that a patient’s level of health literacy impacts their ability to:
Carry out their treatment plan
Fill out forms
Find providers and services
Share relevant health history
Understand risk and probability
As a result, those with low or no health literacy are more likely to:
Require emergency care or be hospitalized
Return to the emergency department after 2 weeks
Struggle to manage a chronic illness or disability
Miss needed tests and screenings
Underuse preventive health care
“Nearly 40% of the population suffers from low health literacy rates,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary Institute. “Our report shows that this problem frequently goes unnoticed. Now more than ever, our communities need their libraries to provide literacy services that will provide valuable assistance in access to healthcare.”
Libraries are particularly situated in communities and schools to help identify and support people at risk. Thieme and Pryor observe that “dedicated funding to libraries for literacy programs aiming to increase print, information, and health literacies is vital. Within these programs, curricula could be subject-focused – as opposed to the more general education sometimes seen in adult language and literacy initiatives – to most readily target the appropriate literacy in adult learners while respecting the demands of the bandwidth of adult learners.”
How can you access the report?
Policy makers, voters, and interested individuals can access EveryLibrary’s report through their website: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/literacy_health_outcomes_report_2022
“This report has taken on a new relevance to our society, because of the ongoing COVID crisis,” said Chrastka. “Access to healthcare means the difference between life and death.”
The EveryLibrary Institute is a national 501c3 non-profit with a mission to support libraries and librarians in the United States and abroad. We partner with allied organizations including foundations, philanthropic organizations, associations, non-profits, and academic institutions to enhance the perception of libraries and librarianship through direct engagement with the public.
Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,