#STOPBLUEMONDAY

The Canary Islands form the backdrop to overturn the phenomenon of Blue Monday and demystify the theory proposed by British psychologist Cliff Arnall, who determined in a study published in 2005 that the third Monday of the year is the most depressing day. To refute his conclusion and halter the forces of pessimism, the Canary Islands' tourist board has created the #StopBlueMonday initiative, which uses the archipelago's natural resources to show that the formula is mistaken and does not hold true in home of the "best climate in the world".

This year, Blue Monday falls on 18 January and the creator of the theory has visited Tenerife to join the movement to foster optimism and encourage "the creation of happiness everyday",

During his visit to the archipelago, the academic from the University of Cardiff remarked that "it's hard to imagine a place so charged with life just a few hours from the centre of Europe". Arnall admits that on the Canary Islands "it's impossible to feel depressed with so many bright, sunny days, brimming with the energy transmitted by the island's volcanoes and its revitalising natural environment".

CAN YOU WRITE YOUR COMMENT TO #STOPBLUEMONDAY?

BLUE MONDAY

On 18 January, it will be upon us. Brace yourself for Blue Monday, the third Monday of January – “the most depressing day of the year”, when we are all at our most melancholy, according to the psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall.

In 2005 a television publicist persuaded him to create a “scientific formula” that looked so spectacularly superscience-y  that on a slow news day editors were powerless to resist.

It was: [W+(D-d)]xTQ/MxNA – where W is weather, D is debt, d monthly salary, T time since Christmas, Q time since failure of attempt to give something up, M low motivational level and NA the need to take action.  

but.... don't we have many reasons to think today isn't the saddest day of the year? 

Did you cry on your way to work this morning? Are you wondering why you even bothered to leave the house? Does your life feel more empty and futile than ever? If so, congratulations! You have unwittingly become part of an entirely made-up day of despair, nattily christened Blue Monday by someone even more miserable than you.  

The idea behind the ridiculous moniker is that the third Monday in January is the bleakest day of the year. But we disagree. Here are ten reasons why today is actually pretty darn excellent, with perky exclamation marks for added cheer:

WE'RE NOT GOING TO DIE!

An asteroid a third of mile wide that currently careering towards the earth is going to miss, by about 745,000 miles. Once this has failed to wipe out humanity (hurrah!) we're safe until 2027, when 1999AN10 will give it a jolly good go. 

WE HAVE A DREAM!

It’s Martin Luther King Day, which means you can legitimately spend time reading these inspiring speeches.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Dolly Parton turns 68 today. Any world with Dolly in it is a happy world.

SPORT!

After a rather dismal 2014, Andy Murray has made a cracking start to his Australian Open bid, beating Yuki Bambrhi in straight sets.

MUSIC!

The Decemberists’ latest album is out today. It’s called ‘What A Terrible World, What a Beautiful World’, so let’s focus on the latter, and the Oregon folk-rockers’ contribution to helping make it so. Choruses that can’t fail to uplift you.

EBOLA!

...has been eradicated in Mali.

TATTOOS!

Today's news that will make you question everything you think you know to be true: Judi Dench has Harvey Weinstein's name tattooed on her bottom. She had 'JD loves HW'  permanently etched onto her body as thanks for his part in persuading her to take the role of Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown, unveiling it to Weinstein at the Four Seasons, in front of Carly Simon, Nora Ephron and Mike Nichols. If that fails to make you smile, there may be something wrong with you.

INEQUALITY!

Is actually decreasing worldwide, for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.

FOX NEWS!

Have apologised, again. Are we soon to be living in a marginally less insane world?

CAMPAIGNS!

A series of auctions held for the Independent's Homeless Veterans Appeal raised almost £50,000. You can donate here.

....And if all of this fails to cheer you, it's only 74 days until the next bank holiday

CAN YOU THINK OF OTHER REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT TODAY ISN'T A BLUE DAY?

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of comaraderie at a restaurant or take the family to one of those popular places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of those popular sports centers? 

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds. 

4. Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! Even Allegheny County is trying to go smoke-free, and it's taken them a few tries as well. Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. 

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of your city's healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local. Your city offers a wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about anyone's wishes. 

6. Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available. There are also a number of treatment-based programs, as well as support groups for families of alcoholics. 

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 

8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. The Community College of Allegheny County offers a wide variety of "lifelong learning" courses, and local YMCA's offer great recreational training for beginners of all ages. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs. Or if the arts are more your thing, places such as a local center for arts and crafts will be the right option for you.

9. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. The local Cares organization makes it easy by connecting volunteers with projects to fit practically any schedule. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 

10. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. It is pretty sure that your city has quite a few professional orgainzers who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

NOW... IT'S YOUR TURN! 

What are your resolutions for this new year? Write a short list of your 5 top New Year's Resolutions giving reasons why you have chosen such ones.

•  Ask your parents about theirs , are they different from Americans ones?

NEW YEAR PROMISES

A completely new way of making new year's resolutions. Watch this great video from "Because I said I would and write down what are your promises for this year that has just started! While watching the video try to write down the promises you understand!

LEONARD COHEN...RIP

Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82.

"We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries," said a post on the artist's official Facebook page.

No further details were released, but the announcement comes a month after the artist told the New Yorker: "I am ready to die. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. That's about it for me."

A highly-respected artist known for his poetic and lyrical music, Cohen wrote a number of popular songs including the often-covered "Hallelujah."

His 14th studio album, "You Want It Darker," had just been released on October 21.

BOB DYLAN: BLOWING IN THE WIND

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

The uncertain origins of a foolish day 

AprilFools'Day (alternatively AprilFool'sDay,sometimes AllFools'Day) is celebrated on 1 April every year. 1 April is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated in various countries as a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other called April fools.

Ancient cultures, including those of the Romans and Hindus, celebrated New Year's Day on or around April 1. It closely follows the vernal equinox (March 20th or March 21st.) In medieval times, much of Europe celebrated March 25, the Feast of Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated Jan. 1. That year, France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted New Year's day to Jan. 1. According to a popular explanation, many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false. Eventually, the practice spread throughout Europe.

From: www.infoplease.com

What of these jokes is the funniest, in your opinion?

WHAT IS A LEAP YEAR?

A GREAT PIECE OF ADVICE

Kate Winslet revealed how a teacher put her down as she picked up the gong for Best Supporting Actress at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2016 on Sunday.

The award was presented to the 40-year-old by fellow actor Idris Elba and the beautiful blonde looked incredible in a black form-fitting fishtail gown as she made a speech at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.

Talking to press after her win, she said: 'When I was younger, when I was 14, I was told by a drama teacher that I might do OK if I was happy to settle for the fat girl parts.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3446922/Kate-Winslet-picture-elegance-form-fitted-black-gown-dazzling-diamonds-2016-BAFTA-Awards.html#ixzz40MwqUlfm
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

SUPER BOWL 2016: THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Wearing a glittering red suit and matching eye shadow, along with American-flag inspired shoes,Gaga belted out the anthem into a silvery microphone.

The singer and star of "American Horror Story" is one of many big names to grace the stage at this year's Super Bowl. Coldplay  performed along with Beyonce at halftime. Bruno Mars was scheduled to make an appearance.

2016 SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS

This year, 52 brands purchased air time in the 2016 Super Bowl – the 50th edition of the biggest day in American sports – and TV commercials. Each of these companies paid CBS a minimum of 5 million bucks per 30 seconds of precious air time. Eager to promote their goods before an audience of more than 100 million captivated viewers, most advertisers will tell you that each of those dollars was well spent. While the game is over,  we can still enjoy the best part of the action – the ads! If you ran for a pee break or fell asleep during what was universally considered a boring Game, here’s a look at all of the Super Bowl 50 commercials.

These are just some of them... you can watch them all at superbowlcommercials2016

which one is your favourite?

GROUNDHOG DAY 2016

Punxsutawney Phil sees no shadow, predicts early spring

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow Tuesday morning, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says.

The groundhog’s prediction came about 7:25 a.m. in Punxsutawney, Pa., with fair skies and temperatures in the mid-20s.

Groundhog Day  is a traditionalholiday celebrated on February 2. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then the spring season will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its den, andwinter weather will persist for six more weeks.^[1]

Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow.

HAVING A GREAT SNOW DAY!

The cuddly 275-pound panda woke up at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, Saturday morning to find his enclosure full of snow — and couldn’t be happier about it.

Cameras at the zoo caught 18-year-old Tian Tian rolling in the fresh powder and making snow angels, turning him into the biggest celebrity to emerge from winter storm Jonas thus far.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING A SNOW DAY? I RELY ON YOU!!

RIP

David Bowie, the iconic rock star whose career spanned more than half a century and whose influence transcended music, fashion and sexuality, has died aged 69.

The singer’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post on his official page: “David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

Writing on Twitter, Bowie’s son, the film director Duncan Jones, 44, said: “Very sorry and sad to say it’s true.” The news came as a shock to some, who were initially sceptical, but Bowie’s publicist, Steve Martin, told the Reuters news agency: “It’s not a hoax.”

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I WILL NOT GIVE YOU THE GIFT OF HATING YOU

This man lost his wife in last Friday terrorist attacks in Paris. Although it's in French, it's got English subtitles and it's absolutely worthwile to see it, just to make a reflection: won't an eye for an eye make the world blind?

Click on this link to watch the video...

I will not give you the gift of hating you

PRAY FOR PARIS

We deeply condemn Paris horrific attacks as well as any other kind of violence. 

Let's listen to two peace songs to try to biuld up a better world. 

BACK TO THE FUTURE

When Marty McFly was sent 30 years into the future as part of the plot in "Back to the Future Part II," he arrived in a time when where there were hoverboards zipping around, people wore self-lacing shoes and flying cars were the norm.

The date? It was Oct. 21, 2015.

Sure, there was a lot of the film got wrong about 2015 - but there are some things it got right too.

By this time in history, technology had progressed as much during the 30 years since 1985 as it had during the previous 30 years from 1955 to 1985. Electronics were in virtually everything from clothing to garbage cans to make them move, talk and/or make electronic noises.

Flying cars, once they were invented and perfected, had become so common that drivers no longer needed roads — except perhaps for short journeys. Skyways dominated the skies of central California and eventually the entire world. Cultural influences from other countries, particularly Japan, were more often seen in food and clothing.

Life was lived at a quicker pace than before, in evidence by the speed that people walked down the street, the time it took to cook dinner, and the swiftness of court trials.

Hill Valley underwent a period of gentrification, or revitalization of its downtown. With an increased concern for the environment, the Courthouse Square was landscaped with a large artificial lake (with the surrounding road having NO LANDING markings applied to dissuade drivers of flying cars from bringing their vehicles down near the lake), and businesses were brought back with the construction of an underground Courthouse Mall.

In Back to the Future Part II, while Doc Brown (dad of Jules and Verne Brown, husband of Clara Clayton Brown) takes care of an unconsious Jennifer Parker, Marty McFly lands into the water after using ahoverboard during the chase, managing to escape from Griff Tannen and his gang, and as a result, they crash into the courthouse and end up in jail, thus preventing the robbery for which Marty Jr. would have been jailed.

It should be noted however that 2015 encountered by the DeLorean is presented as only one possible future. Some events such as Marty getting into an automobile accident in 1985 as well as him being fired from his office job in 2015 are explicitly shown to have been averted by the end of Back to the Future Part III. Whether the rest of 2015 was altered as a result remains to be seen. It is also possible that Doc and Marty's activities in1885 had long-term effects that were still too subtle to be noticed when Marty returned to 1985, but which fanned out and caused significant historical changes between 1985 and 2015. Examples must remain purely hypothetical, but one could for instance imagine that the great-grandmother and great-grandfather of the person who would invent anti-gravity devices in the 1990s met on a train in 1886. However, since the locomotive that would pull said train was stolen and destroyed by Marty and Doc already one year earlier, an entire family line faded from history. The inventor of anti-gravity devices was never born. Such hypothetical scenarios could explain why we are currently living in a 2015 without hoverboards and flying cars.

Have a look at this link, to check the predictions that were right! 

BACK TO THE FUTURE

WORLD ANIMAL DAY

World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights  and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. It started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence, Italy who wished to highlight the plight of endangered species. 

Lets's watch a couple of videos as our particular homage to animals... the sea turtle, the tamarin monkey, and the honey bee! 

what's your favourite animal? why?

THE WORLD GURNING CHAMPIONSHIP

Have you ever heard about a contest called the World Gurning Championship?

The World Gurning Championships is a real thing in England, contested every year in Cumbria since 1216 (!!!). It’s pretty simple: People put a thing around their neck and then pull the weirdest face they can.

Tommy Mattinson was the defending champion …But he lost his crown this year to Gordon Blalklock in an upset. 

Adrian Zivelonghi finished third, but didn't he deserve far better?

From: www.usatoday.com

SCIENCE WEEK IS COMING...PREPARE YOUR OWN EXPERIMENT!

 Click on this link to choose your experient and become a scientist for a while!!

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html