Earth Day April 2026

 

Earth Day 2026

Our Planet, Our Power: Earth Day Is Wednesday April 22nd, 2026!

This year’s theme for earth day is Our Planet, Our Power. Here are some things you can do to celebrate earth day every day.   

Embrace your power to make changes that supports our planet.  Consider planting native plants, or share native plants and vegetable starts with others.  Compost all non-meat and dairy food waste, limit consumption of single use items, fast fashion and plastic packaging, Pick up two pieces of trash from public parks and/or beaches every time you go out.  Volunteer with any organization you support.  Go pesticide free in your yard or garden and collect rain water for landscaping and garden watering.  Consider limiting your driving and use public transportation or ride a bike or walk to your destination.

I challenge you to make one tiny change in your lifestyle this year. Even small changes matter when you do them every day!

Why change?

Just in the past year we have seen stronger storms, more erratic
weather patterns, and great droughts that have led to wildfires.

Scientists almost all agree that these events are because of climate
change and that these events will continue to intensify.

While it isn’t possible for all of us to do everything experts suggest to
slow down climate change, it is important to look at what changes we can make. We only have one earth…it is important to take care of it.

Can you name one sign of climate change?

Source:  yournec.org

Good Friday. Why We Believe.

 

The Friday that comes before Easter is Good Friday. Good Friday has religious significance since it is the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Good Friday is regarded as a day of mourning among Christians. Special church services are held on Good Friday. Read on to discover why we believe.

After much research and calculations, religious scholars concluded that Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a Friday. The estimated year of Jesus’ crucifixion is 33 AD. Good Friday is also referred to as Black Friday, Holy Friday, and Great Friday.

The Story of Good Friday

The famous Bible story begins with Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. Despite being one of Christ’s disciples, Judas betrayed Christ. Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate could not find any evidence against Jesus, he gave in to the crowd’s clamor to crucify Christ. Christ was flogged, made to wear a crown of thorns, and eventually crucified alongside two common criminals. The story goes that when Christ finally gave up his spirit there was an earthquake. This happened on Friday, which later came to be known as Good Friday.

Jesus’s followers later placed his body in a tomb just before sunset. However, the wondrous tale does not end here. On the third day, which is now known as Easter, Jesus rose from the grave. As an American author, Susan Coolidge put it, “Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!” This is why most Easter quotes brim over with happiness. A famous quote by Carl Knudsen goes, “The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise.” It’s why we believe.

 

The Promise of Easter

The tale of Good Friday is incomplete without the optimism of Easter. Christ’s death by crucifixion is closely followed by his resurrection. Similarly, the promise of eternal life follows the despair of death. 20th century English Christian leader and Anglican cleric John Stott once proclaimed, “We live and die; Christ died and lived!” In these words lies the promise of Easter. The gloom of death is replaced with unsullied joy, an optimism that shines through in these words of St. Augustine, “And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.” If you seek a deeper understanding of Christianity, this collection of Easter quotes and sayings may be insightful.

 

Sacrifice and Triumph

Christ’s death on the cross is regarded as the supreme sacrifice. The crucifixion and the following resurrection are widely regarded as the triumph of good over evil. Augustus William Hare, writer, historian and reverend, expressed his beliefs beautifully in the following lines, “The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.” Learn more about the Christian beliefs about Christ’s crucifixion with these Good Friday quotes below.

Good Friday Traditions

The prevailing mood on Good Friday is that of repentance, not celebration. Churches remain undecorated on this Friday of the Holy Week. Church bells do not ring. Some churches cover the altar with black cloth as a sign of mourning.

On Good Friday, pilgrims to Jerusalem follow the path Jesus walked carrying his cross. The pilgrims stop at the twelve “stations of the cross”, as a reminder of Jesus’ sufferings and death. Similar walks are observed around the world, especially among Roman Catholics who undertake the walk in a bid to atone for Jesus’s agonies.

Special services are held in many churches. Some organize dramatic renderings of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.

 
Relevance of Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday

Children often look forward to eating hot cross buns on Good Friday. Hot cross buns are so-called because of the pastry cross that runs across them. The cross reminds Christians of the cross on which Jesus died. In addition to eating hot cross buns, families often clean their homes on Good Friday to prepare for the big celebration on Easter Sunday.

 
The Good Friday Message

Among other things, Good Friday is a reminder of the compassion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you believe in religion, Good Friday tells us a tale of hope. The Bible upholds the teachings of Jesus — words of wisdom that are valid even after two thousand years.

Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness, and truth, and not of violence, fanaticism, or revenge. He urged his followers to tread the path of goodness. Regardless of whether Good Friday is near or far, we all stand to gain from these Jesus Christ quotes. Spread the Good Friday message of compassion and love through these quotes.

 

John 3:16
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Augustus William Hare
The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.

Robert G. Trache
Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus so that we can see ourselves in all our stark reality, and then it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” That’s us!

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler
Exalt the Cross! God has hung the destiny of the race upon it. Other things we may do in the realm of ethics, and on the lines of philanthropic reforms; but our main duty converges into setting that one glorious beacon of salvation, Calvary’s Cross, before the gaze of every immortal soul.

William Penn
So shall we join the disciples of our Lord, keeping faith in Him in spite of the crucifixion, and making ready, by our loyalty to Him in the days of His darkness, for the time when we shall enter into His triumph in No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.

 

Robert G. Trache
There is no faith in Jesus without understanding that on the cross we see into the heart of God and find it filled with mercy for the sinner whoever he or she may be.

Bill Hybels
God led Jesus to a cross, not a crown, and yet that cross ultimately proved to be the gateway to freedom and forgiveness for every sinner in the world.

T. S. Eliot
The dripping blood our only drink,
The bloody flesh our only food:
In spite of which we like to think
That we are sound, substantial flesh and blood–
Again, in spite of that, we call this Friday good.

by & thoughtco.com          

Credit: Richard Goerg/Getty Images

How to Dress on Easter

Easter Outfits Ideas – Easter signals the height of spring with little lambs and baby chicks bouncing around, Easter eggs appearing in every household and the season’s flowers coming into full bloom. What would you wear for Easter? Which colors are suitable and attractive? How would you do make-up to fit in with this season? 

Read on to discover how to dress for Easter.

What do people wear at Easter?

In general, people tend to dress up for Easter and embrace spring style, even if it’s still a little chilly out. You’ll see a lot of floral dresses, pastel tones, or white outfits. Dresses with ruffles, lace, or soft pleats are popular choices. And layering lightweight jackets like a tweed jacket or a tailored blazer can be helpful if the weather is a bit chilly. If you prefer separates, a blouse paired with a flowy skirt or white jeans works beautifully.

Latest Trend to Try for Easter 

Our absolute favorite trend this year is the choice of feminine colored, check print dresses. They’re available in a variety of colors and styles these days but we absolutely adored this look by blogger Alexis as she has flawlessly styled a dress with puffed bishop sleeves. Loving the Gingham vibes of this look.

 

 

 

What Not to Wear on Easter Sunday

While we’ll be talking about what to wear this Easter, there are, however, a few things to avoid. Dark, heavy fabrics can feel out of place, and overly revealing outfits aren’t appropriate for more formal gatherings or church services. And they also don’t lend themselves very naturally to spring weather anyway. Also, while sneakers can be a comfortable option for egg hunts or casual brunches, avoid athletic sneakers. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed when it comes to Easter.

What Color Should I Wear on Easter Sunday?

When deciding what to wear Easter Sunday, pastel shades such as soft pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue are traditional Easter colors. White and cream tones also work beautifully, especially with delicate lace details. Floral prints in soft hues are a timeless Easter favorite. If you prefer bolder colors, opt for cheerful tones like coral or yellow.

Can you wear white on Easter?

Yes, absolutely. Easter is actually one of the best times to wear white. It feels fresh and celebratory (as it should be)! Whether it’s a white dress, a white blouse, or even white accessories, it’s a classic choice for Easter Sunday.

What to Wear for Easter Church Services

Your Easter outfit should reflect your style, but also keep reverence in mind. If you’re attending a formal church service, opt for a knee-length or midi dress with classic detailing like lace or ruffles. A flowy maxi dress or a chic skirt with a tucked-in blouse will work perfectly for a casual Easter brunch or an outdoor gathering.

Also, for Easter church services, opt for a modest, conservative outfit, keeping in mind that different churches have varying dress codes.  If you aren’t sure, a knee-length or midi dress in a pastel shade or a floral print is a safe bet.  A blazer or a cardigan adds warmth and elevates the  outfit.  White pants paired with a blouse are a chic alternative for Easter church outfits. 

 

Matching Mother Daughter Easter Outfit

 

If you’re a mom to a little doll then Easter is just another occasion to dress up with her in a matching outfit as it’s the most adorable feeling ever and you only have a few years to enjoy it. Here’s a cute look and for more inspiration, you can check out  cute mother-daughter matching outfits on the internet.

 

Be the Chic Lady in White Jeans

 

 

Women love looking all chic and pretty. A nice idea to do is wear a tea pink feminine top with off white skinny pants and to add more glamor wear heels of the same shade as your top. This will add a dramatic yet subtle look to your dress. To add on more, you can wear a delicate necklace or the watch of your choice for some glam arm candy.

 

Source:   outfittrends.com©

 

Memorial Day in America

 

Memorial Day honors those who have died in the line of duty

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as a tribute to Civil War dead.   It was expanded after World War I to honor those who have died in all American wars. The day became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

It began as a tribute

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity.  The Athenian leader Pericles honored the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago.  That tribute could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in our nation’s wars.  “They are commemorated by columns and inscriptions.  But there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them.  It’s graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.” What a fitting reminder to all of us to learn about our military ancestors who died in service.

Indeed, for most Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and the start of barbeque season.  However, the true meaning of this holiday runs much deeper than a casual barbeque. The true meaning is to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces.

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or holding family gatherings and participating in parades.  Also, each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Peace to you and happy memories on this Memorial Day.

Article By Kimberly Powell for ThoughtCo.com©

Fascinating Women’s History Month Facts

As recent years have painfully indicated, inequality and sexism is still very much alive and prevalent in the United States (as well as the rest of the world). In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 42% of women said they’d experienced gender discrimination at work. They also face the “motherhood penalty,” in which women earn less money after they become mothers while men who become fathers actually earn more. 



These prevailing inequities are exactly why Women’s History Month, which is recognized in March, matters so much. Sharing Women’s History Month facts and the stories of historic women isn’t trivial — it helps celebrate those women who paved the way, and those who are fighting for and representing women now.

Women’s History Month Facts

Women’s History Month isn’t perfect. Professor Kimberly A. Hamlin argued in a Washington Post op-ed that when men make history, it’s just called “history.” But when women make history, it’s “women’s history.” It’s a fair point to keep in mind, now and especially as the country moves forward to a more equitable tomorrow. The below facts about women’s history and contributions of women aren’t historic just for women — they’re historic for everyone.

1. The first Women’s History Day was held in 1909.

February 28, 1909 marked the first Woman’s History Day in New York City. It commemorated the one-year anniversary of the garment workers’ strikes when 15,000 women marched through lower Manhattan. From 1909 to 1910, immigrant women who worked in garment factories held a strike to protest their working conditions. Most of them were teen girls who worked 12-hour days.

2. The day became Women’s History Week in 1978.

An education task force in Sonoma County, California kicked off Women’s History Week in 1978 on March 8, International Women’s Day, according to the National Women’s History Alliance. They wanted to draw attention to the fact that women’s history wasn’t really included in K-12 school curriculums at the time.

3. In 1987, it became Women’s History Month.

Women’s organizations, including the National Women’s History Alliance, campaigned yearly to recognize Women’s History Week. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 Women’s History Week across the country. By 1986, 14 states had declared the entire month of March Women’s History Month, according to the Alliance. The following year, in March of 1987, activists were successful: They lobbied Congress to declare March Women’s History Month.

4. The president declares every March Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, every president has issued a proclamation declaring March Women’s History Month, usually with a statement about its importance.

5. Every Women’s History Month has a theme.

The 2022 theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” according to the National Women’s History Alliance. This theme not only honors the tireless work of caregivers and frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also women of all backgrounds who have provided compassionate healing and hope for the betterment of patients, friends, and family.

Article by Jo Yurcaba and Elizabeth Berry for Woman’s Day©

Photo credit:  universal history archive Getty images

 

Seriously Easy and Fun St. Patrick’s Day Decorations

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to get creative. These 45 craft ideas cover everything from kids’ activities to home decor, party setups, adult projects, and outdoor fun.

Easy Crafts for Kids

  1. Paper Shamrock Cutouts: Fold green paper and cut out shamrock shapes. It is simple, mess-free, and perfect for little hands. Kids can decorate them with glitter or markers.
  2. Handprint Four-Leaf Clover Art: Press your child’s hand in green paint four times to form a clover. Add a stem and frame it for a sweet keepsake.
  3. Paper Plate Leprechaun Faces: Paint a paper plate green, add a hat, eyes, and a beard. It is a quick and cheerful craft kids absolutely enjoy making.
  4. Rainbow Cotton Ball Painting: Dip cotton balls in bright paint and dab them across paper in rainbow order. Fun, soft, and great for toddlers and preschoolers.
  5. DIY Leprechaun Trap: Build a small box trap using craft sticks and gold coin bait. Kids love setting it up the night before St. Patrick’s Day.
  6. Shamrock Sun Catchers: Cut shamrock shapes from contact paper and stick colored tissue pieces on top. Hang them on windows to catch the light beautifully.
  7. Popsicle Stick Rainbow Craft: Paint popsicle sticks in rainbow colors and glue them in an arc. Add cotton clouds on each end for a sweet finishing touch.
  8. Bubble Wrap Shamrock Prints: Cut bubble wrap into a shamrock shape, dip it in green paint, and press it onto paper. The texture makes every print look unique.
  9. Leprechaun Hat Headbands: Attach a small paper leprechaun hat to a plain headband. Add a buckle detail with gold paper for a festive and wearable craft.
  10. Rainbow Paper Chains: Cut strips of colored paper and loop them into a chain in rainbow order. A fun and easy decoration kids can make in minutes.

There are more ideas at: themastercraft.com©

65 Super Bowl Snacks for the Ultimate Football Party

These game day snacks are guaranteed to be fan favorites.

Some people get really into the Super Bowl, especially if their team is playing. Some people are just there to watch the ads, while others are most excited about the snacks they’ll get to eat during the Super Bowl party. If you fall into that last group, you’ve probably done some thinking about what Super Bowl snacks you’ll be preparing this year. These are some of the best Super Bowl recipes that will make game day a win this year, regardless of which team actually takes home the trophy.

There’s something in here for everyone, whether you’re serving a crowd of meat lovers, vegetarians, picky eaters, chocoholics, kids, or even all of the above. Win or lose, these Super Bowl snacks are sure to please any crowd when it’s time to gather around for the game.

Ham and Brie Quesadilla

Quesadillas are a Super Bowl staple, but this version takes them to the next level with ham, brie, and Dijon mustard.

 

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Add a special twist to deviled eggs on game day with hot sauce and leftover ham. There won’t be any of these left by halftime.

 

Pulled Pork Sliders with Romaine Slaw

These pulled pork sliders get a sweet-and-sour upgrade thanks to the orange marmalade and cider vinegar in this recipe. Most of it comes together in a slow cooker, leaving your oven and stovetop free for other game day goodies.

 

Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip

Pair your favorite crunchy snack with this cheesy, peppery dip for a snack your guests won’t be able to stay away from.

 

Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs

This vegetarian take on the classic party snack will make even the biggest meat-lovers want seconds.

 

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

For a sweeter Super Bowl snack, you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe for crisp, chewy chocolate chip cookies.

 

Article by Christy Pina, Katina Beniaris and Jamie Ballard for Woman’s Day

 

San Antonio Mini-Vacation by Rail

Photos taken during my recent trip to San Antonio, Texas.

 

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Yes, I did travel by Amtrak in a roomette that had seen better days. New equipment please Amtrak!

The Texas Eagle is one of the few Amtrak trains that doesn’t have WiFi, and some areas we passed through had little-to-no cell reception. My solution was to use my I-phone as a hot spot, and I enjoyed cell reception and was able to use it with my I-pad. Phew!

You will need an I-pad or similar device because long-distance trains are great when they run properly, but delays can be tough to avoid. Amtrak mostly operates on freight railroad lines, which means you’re often at the mercy of those dispatchers. To make matters worse, some lines run on a single track. So, if there’s an oncoming train, you have to wait on a track siding until it clears. Freight rules!

 

 

This is where I called home for 31 hours. New equipment pretty please!

 

Fast forward to some sightseeing.

The Alamo

 

The shrine Texans call “The Alamo”. Not very big, but has a heroic, heart-breaking story behind it. A 13-day siege that left 200 Americans dead. Its museum is a must see. The names of Alamo defenders James Bowie, William B. Travis along with Davy Crockett are etched into Texas folklore and American history. Do visit it if you can.

 

 

 

The Alamo’s statue lists all the men who died defending it.

 

The San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk, also known as the “Paseo del Rio,” is a stunning 15-mile urban waterway that weaves through the very heart of San Antonio. Also, every mile is walkable.

While the downtown section is famous for its lively restaurants, unique shops, and exciting nightlife, the River Walk offers a diverse range of experiences across its entire length.

 

 

The River Walk is San Antonio’s biggest draw. You will discover the best Tex-Mex food anywhere along its banks. They even serve food or drinks on the river boats. So, you can walk it or ride on it.

 

The San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a refreshing venue for someone used to cold and snow this time of year at home.

 

To see a bed of flowers growing so well in February that I came to question why I loved Chicago so much! It was 84 degrees and ok, somewhat warmer than usual but still, Veggies and flowers in February?

 

 

Warm enough to grow cabbage.

 

Hippeastrum

 

Peacock Plant

 

And this, that I first thought was a plant from outer space:

My phone states that it’s a Red Alga, but I can’t find it described anywhere else. So, outer space?

 

Vietnam Memorial

As a member of that particular group, this statue was poignant.

 

I also carried the radio in my platoon as does the figure.  San Antonio is a very veteran welcoming city. Also. many veteran retirees live there.

All good things…

So ends my mini. It’s back to snow and cold because the groundhog saw his shadow. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Have you ever visited San Antonio? I think it’s must-see.

The Ugly

Oh, wait.  The story doesn’t end there.  It continues with an Amtrak nightmare story.  Long story short, The Texas Eagle has a tradition of breaking down enroute.  This is what my taxi driver told me when I arrived (on time).  The previous day it was 10 hours late arriving.

My story concerns its departure to Chicago.  I won’t tell you how many times my engine broke down, but I will tell you that it was 12 hours late arriving at Chicago.  I was able to get an Uber at 2:00 a.m. thankfully.  And Amtrak did refund the return trip. 

I love train trips however, the next trip to San Antonio may well be by United.

 

Top 10 European Countries

OK, so someone had more time on their hands than usual and spent that time on making a top ten list of the best Euro countries.  Not France, Not Vatican City, not Switzerland.  So, what countries did make the top ten list?

Caution: Mostly tongue-in-cheek.

10. Germany

There are many things that make Germany great, from its boots of beer to its divine cuisine (Pretzels! Spätzle! So many sausages!) to its distinctive mix of fraught history and progressive present.

But all that pales in comparison to its really big words.

We’re big fans of Germany mostly because of its language and the many awesome singular words that describe something more complex. Everyone knows schadenfreude and wanderlust, but how about kummerspeck and backpfeifengesicht? Respectively, they mean the weight gained from emotional stress and the need to slap someone in the face who definitely has it coming.

The German language is the best language, basically.

9. Hungary

You definitely need an appetite when you travel in Hungary, as it easily has the most underrated food scene in all of Europe. It might not be as refined as French food or as creative as Spanish cuisine, but it checks off all the boxes when it comes to simple and flavorful, starting with perfectly satisfying cheeses and breads.

Add to that a wine industry that’s also massively overlooked and enough urban-rural interplay to satisfy everyone, and we’ll pretend those centuries of autocracy were just a phase.

8. Italy

Italy has its quirks — half a million exorcisms take place there annually, wine flows freely from fountains in town squares, and locals drink an unseemly amount of caffeine every day.

Then again, it has the best wine and food in the world and some of the oldest, most interesting cities you’ll ever see, from arts-hub Florence to history-mecca Rome to fashion-forward Milan.

So really, it doesn’t matter how weird Italy can be. We’ll still never want to leave.

7. Sweden

 

They put blonde hair dye in the water here and only eat cured fish, so how could it rank so high?

Because of its global contributions to those little things called prosperity, equality, science and technology and health, that’s why.

Locals know how to treat strangers well, they actually give parents time off to raise their kids, and if the economy isn’t humming along, the government will pay you to leave your job and relax for a while.

Actually, forget visiting Sweden. Can we move here instead?

6. Netherlands

You must be doing something right when your country is known for its wooden shoes, mild cheeses, legal cannabis and insanely large flower industry. Bikes rule over cars. Dutch people are direct, tolerant and generally friendly. The cities are organized and clean, and the standard of living is as high as the tourists in Amsterdam’s red-light district.  

What’s not to love?

5. Poland

We’re eagerly anticipating the reactions to this one. Yes, Poland is the fifth-best country in Europe. Why?

First of all, Poland is likely responsible for the bagel — a food so perfect that God must be Polish. It also has natural beauty, incredible cities, interesting food and tons of history, good and bad. Plus, it’s much more affordable to travel there than, say, all of Western Europe.

And it’s on no one’s radar. Shine on, Poland.

4. Spain

The siesta is real and you best not mess with it. In Spain, don’t expect to find a morning bun and coffee unless the morning starts at 1 p.m. What you will find is some of the best cuisine in the world, wines that are too delicious and affordable to be real, and a populace that just wants to party, sleep, party and sleep some more.

There are pretty beaches and fascinating cities, and a ham that takes three years to make from a pig breed that only exists here. Yes, please.

3. Greece

Where would Western Civilization be without Greece? The sentinel of the Mediterranean gave us democracy, the Olympics, sunny days, the Greek Salad, the oldest written language still around and, according to Hollywood, big fat weddings. 

Aside from all those statues with the blank eyeballs, this place is magical.

2. Portugal

Portugal has everything people love about Western Europe — food, drink, scenery, sunny beaches, history, memorable cities — in a smaller, cheaper and more accessible package. You’ll never find the tourist crowds of France, Spain and Italy, and none of the smug locals either.

It’s also the third-most-peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. And none of its neighbors are remotely close.

Still, there’s one European country that bests even it…

 

1. Denmark

When it comes to the essentials in life, no one does it better than the Danes. They might not have the museums of France, the cuisine of Italy, the beaches of Spain and Portugal, or the wine of Croatia, but the overall quality of life in this Scandinavian country is tops in the world.

It starts with incredible and affordable health care, housing and transit. But there’s so much more. Jobs are plentiful, education is accessible, pollution and crime barely exist, and people spend very little time feeling sad and depressed about the future.

Danes even have a word called “janteloven” that basically means, we’re all equal and important and deserve each other’s respect. This makes it an awesome place to live in, an awesome place for all to visit and the best country in Europe.

And that’s just a fact.

Source: farandwide.com©

Related:  Common Mistakes Americans Make in Europe (and How to Avoid Them) – TUTORING YOU

She was Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek, and Kate McCallister from Home Alone. RIP Catherine O’Hara.

Catherine O’Hara, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Actress, has passed away.

She gained recognition as one of the original cast members on the Canadian television sketch comedy show SCTV (1976). O’Hara stayed with the show for its entirety (1976-1984). She went on to devote her talents to several films directed by Tim Burton, including Beetlejuice (1988), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and later, Frankenweenie (2012). O’Hara also frequently collaborated with director and writer, Christopher Guest, appearing in his mockumentary films, three of which earned her awards and nominations, Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006).

Despite her knack for the quirky, Ms. O’Hara’s biggest screen achievement came with the 1990 Christmas film “Home Alone,” directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes. Playing a harried suburban matriarch trying to shepherd her brood on a trip to Paris, she discovers mid-flight that she has forgotten her youngest, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), who spends the bulk of the film enjoying freedoms rarely granted a child, when not fending off a pair of bumbling burglars.

She had no inkling that the movie would go into heavy rotation for decades as a Yuletide staple.

Ms. O’Hara was earlier cast in “Beetlejuice” (1988), directed by Tim Burton, as Delia Deetz, a sculptor of abstract statues and the clueless stepmother to a misanthropic teenager played by Winona Ryder. That film became a cult favorite, exposing Ms. O’Hara to an audience beyond the niche world of improvisational and sketch comedy, and it set her up for a film and television career that would last for nearly another four decades.

Michael Buble described her as being, “One of a kind. A rare light in this world and her passing hits with a weight I can’t fully put into words.

She wasn’t just a legendary artist, actor and comedian. She was an ambassador for Canada in the truest sense: brilliant, fearless, deeply original, and so full of humanity. She made the world laugh, but she also made people feel seen.

As an artist, she inspired me more than she’ll ever know. She set the bar for what it means to represent your country with excellence and grace and all without ever losing warmth or humility.”

She won a prime-time Emmy in 1982 for writing on “SCTV,” and in 2020 won her first acting Emmy for portraying the reality-challenged Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.” She also won a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for that role.

Her survivors include her husband, Bo Welch; her sons, Matthew and Luke; and her siblings, Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O ‘Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallice.

Catherine O’Hara died on 30 January in a Los Angeles hospital, at the age of 71 of a pulmonary embolism, her death certificate in the US has revealed.

In addition to the blood clot in her lungs, the death certificate listed rectal cancer as the long-term cause of death. It was indicated that she had been receiving treatment for the cancer since March 2025.

A memorial service will be held privately by the family.

Photo by britannica.com©