And today is .......

6 December


National Microwave Oven Day, held on December 6, celebrates the incredible appliance that has transformed kitchens worldwide.

This day highlights the microwave’s role in making cooking faster and more convenient. The microwave oven is a staple in many households, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals. This special day recognizes microwave ovens’ convenience and versatility to everyday life.

Initially, microwave ovens were large and expensive, but technological advancements made them more affordable and compact over time. Its ability to save time and effort in meal preparation has made it an essential tool for busy families, students, and professionals alike.

And by the 1970s, they had become common household appliances, significantly changing how people prepared and cooked food. Easier and quicker – just all round more efficient if time is prime the factor.

Today especially highlights the microwave’s role in modern culinary practices, from quick reheating to cooking complete meals. A kitchen make-over for all cooks!

But beware, there’s a few no nos when coking in a microwave oven: Don’t ever cook anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals – these should never go in your microwave.

Anyways, get home, raid the freezer and fire up your trusty microwave; Dinner is served. Quick eh!?


Fun Fact about microwave ovens (1):
The microwave oven was invented by accident (as so many inventions have been). While testing magnetrons (the vacuum tubes that produce microwave radiation) in 1945, engineer Percy Spencer noticed that the candy bar in his pocket had started melting. After testing out other foods, including popcorn kernels (more on that later), Percy's discovery was official: Microwave radiation could indeed cook food. The invention was patented soon after. His discovery was later converted to domestic use in 1967.

Fun Fact about microwave ovens (2):
Ice doesn't melt quickly in a microwave because the rigid structure of ice, held together by strong hydrogen bonds, prevents its water molecules from rotating freely, which is how microwaves heat food.

Fun Fact about microwave ovens (3):
Sanyo once hired Dynasty diva/actor Joan Collins to act like she had no idea what cooking was in a TV commercial for its microwave. "It's so amazing, I almost feel the urge to cook," the diamond-adorned actor says at the end of the spot: “I’m sure it will pass."


Fun Fact about microwave oven (4):
Turns out those drab microwaved meals that fliers are always complaining about haven't ever been inside a microwave at all. In most cases airlines aren't allowed to use microwaves at 36,000 feet, and instead reheat pre-cooked food using convection ovens that blow hot, dry air over the food. Still tastes “tres ordinaire!”




"Everything for an easier life."

"Popty ping" is the Welsh word for microwave, but I'm pretty sure it's just the sound it makes when it's working correctly.

"Smart ideas for your home."

“Just nuke it for 60 seconds!”



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Anyone follow Nat's What I Reckon? He calls them "tucker ........s" 🤭
 
Nana BF bought the first one in our family in the early 80’s off a door in door salesman. He sold it as a bake dinner machine, and those first few baked dinners were scary, last few were worse.
Our first one was 1983 I think. It didn't even have a turntable 🤣 you had rotate what you were cooking halfway through!
 
8 December


National Crossword Solvers Day is observed each year on December 8 and celebrates the enjoyment and mental stimulation that crosswords provide to millions of people.

Surveys have revealed that approximately 1.4 million Australians engage in some form of puzzle, including crosswords, each month, whether from a newspaper, an online source, or a dedicated app.

Crosswords can be done solo, or with a friend or family member where two heads can be better than one – ultimately, it's a great way to bond over problem-solving.

The difficulty of crosswords often increases throughout the week, with Mondays being the easiest and Saturdays the most challenging. It’s recommended we find one which suits your skill level, before challenging yourself with a harder one.

If you get stuck, look up the answer. This can be a fun way to expand your general knowledge and vocabulary. This is not cheating; it’s part of the learnings in doing a crossword – win/win, you get it right and learn all at the same time. That feeds into the survey findings that Crossword puzzlers had higher verbal IQ compared to non-puzzlers at baseline even as both groups had comparable years of education.

Latest medical research found that participation in cognitively stimulating leisure activities such as crossword puzzles may delay onset of the memory decline in the preclinical stages of dementia, possibly via its effect on improving cognitive reserve. It’s thought that crosswords are good for your brain because they exercise complex thinking, memory, and knowledge, as well as improving visual and spatial reasoning skills. They require focus and can help build cognitive reserve, which may delay memory decline, and have even shown benefits over digital games in some studies.

So have fun, learn lots, and keep the grey matter sound too.

Serious Aussie crossword players even have their own Face Book Page under the name “Australian Crossword Club” which currently has 520 people in its public group. All players are welcome to join.

And as a relationship expert once said: “Don’t have any cross words (except of the puzzle type).”


Fun Fact about crosswords: A lover of crosswords called a cruciverbalist.



“Every answer is a small victory.”

“I speak fluent Across and Down.”

“Clueless? Perfect—you’re qualified.”

“Crossword mood: 80% confident, 20% clueless.”



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6 December


National Microwave Oven Day, held on December 6, celebrates the incredible appliance that has transformed kitchens worldwide.

This day highlights the microwave’s role in making cooking faster and more convenient. The microwave oven is a staple in many households, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals. This special day recognizes microwave ovens’ convenience and versatility to everyday life.

Initially, microwave ovens were large and expensive, but technological advancements made them more affordable and compact over time. Its ability to save time and effort in meal preparation has made it an essential tool for busy families, students, and professionals alike.

And by the 1970s, they had become common household appliances, significantly changing how people prepared and cooked food. Easier and quicker – just all round more efficient if time is prime the factor.

Today especially highlights the microwave’s role in modern culinary practices, from quick reheating to cooking complete meals. A kitchen make-over for all cooks!

But beware, there’s a few no nos when coking in a microwave oven: Don’t ever cook anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals – these should never go in your microwave.

Anyways, get home, raid the freezer and fire up your trusty microwave; Dinner is served. Quick eh!?


Fun Fact about microwave ovens (1):
The microwave oven was invented by accident (as so many inventions have been). While testing magnetrons (the vacuum tubes that produce microwave radiation) in 1945, engineer Percy Spencer noticed that the candy bar in his pocket had started melting. After testing out other foods, including popcorn kernels (more on that later), Percy's discovery was official: Microwave radiation could indeed cook food. The invention was patented soon after. His discovery was later converted to domestic use in 1967.

Fun Fact about microwave ovens (2):
Ice doesn't melt quickly in a microwave because the rigid structure of ice, held together by strong hydrogen bonds, prevents its water molecules from rotating freely, which is how microwaves heat food.

Fun Fact about microwave ovens (3):
Sanyo once hired Dynasty diva/actor Joan Collins to act like she had no idea what cooking was in a TV commercial for its microwave. "It's so amazing, I almost feel the urge to cook," the diamond-adorned actor says at the end of the spot: “I’m sure it will pass."


Fun Fact about microwave oven (4):
Turns out those drab microwaved meals that fliers are always complaining about haven't ever been inside a microwave at all. In most cases airlines aren't allowed to use microwaves at 36,000 feet, and instead reheat pre-cooked food using convection ovens that blow hot, dry air over the food. Still tastes “tres ordinaire!”




"Everything for an easier life."

"Popty ping" is the Welsh word for microwave, but I'm pretty sure it's just the sound it makes when it's working correctly.

"Smart ideas for your home."

“Just nuke it for 60 seconds!”



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Certainly changed our lives. Good Onya microwave !
 
9 December


The International Day of Veterinary Medicine, celebrated annually on December 9th, recognizes and appreciates the vital work done by veterinarians worldwide, as all pet lovers know and appreciate beyond words.

This day shines a light on the important role veterinarians play not only in animal health but also in human health and welfare.

Veterinarians do more than just take care of our pets; they’re involved in groundbreaking medical research that benefits both animals and humans, work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, and are key players in managing public health concerns.

Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, from shelter medicine and parasitology to complex fields like epidemiology and zoonotic diseases. The day encourages us to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

The International Veterinary Outreach organizes this day to highlight the importance of veterinary medicine. It’s a call to action for better awareness and support for veterinarians worldwide, recognizing their often-unnoticed contributions to society.

It’s a moment to acknowledge that healthy animals lead to healthier communities and that the well-being of animals and humans is deeply interconnected.

Veterinarians are often on the front line when it comes to animal welfare. They make recommendations to improve the welfare of animals in the wild, in conservation organizations and rescues, and in homes.

All these things are worth celebrating, and much of the grunt work goes unnoticed by many people. Veterinarians also provide tangible and widespread benefits to the communities that they serve, but often with much less recognition of this fact. Today is about them and how grateful the communities are that they serve.

Hoping that your dear pets never need the attention and care of your local vet, but should you need their services, today’s a great day to pay-it-forward.



“Anything’s paws-able at the vets.”

“Bone to be wild, but my vet keeps me tame.”

“Vets are the purr-fect prescription for pet problems.”

“Vets: the only people who love your pet as much as you do.”



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9 December


The International Day of Veterinary Medicine, celebrated annually on December 9th, recognizes and appreciates the vital work done by veterinarians worldwide, as all pet lovers know and appreciate beyond words.

This day shines a light on the important role veterinarians play not only in animal health but also in human health and welfare.

Veterinarians do more than just take care of our pets; they’re involved in groundbreaking medical research that benefits both animals and humans, work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, and are key players in managing public health concerns.

Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, from shelter medicine and parasitology to complex fields like epidemiology and zoonotic diseases. The day encourages us to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

The International Veterinary Outreach organizes this day to highlight the importance of veterinary medicine. It’s a call to action for better awareness and support for veterinarians worldwide, recognizing their often-unnoticed contributions to society.

It’s a moment to acknowledge that healthy animals lead to healthier communities and that the well-being of animals and humans is deeply interconnected.

Veterinarians are often on the front line when it comes to animal welfare. They make recommendations to improve the welfare of animals in the wild, in conservation organizations and rescues, and in homes.

All these things are worth celebrating, and much of the grunt work goes unnoticed by many people. Veterinarians also provide tangible and widespread benefits to the communities that they serve, but often with much less recognition of this fact. Today is about them and how grateful the communities are that they serve.

Hoping that your dear pets never need the attention and care of your local vet, but should you need their services, today’s a great day to pay-it-forward.



“Anything’s paws-able at the vets.”

“Bone to be wild, but my vet keeps me tame.”

“Vets are the purr-fect prescription for pet problems.”

“Vets: the only people who love your pet as much as you do.”



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Thanks to all the vets from everyone of us who has pets !
 
December 10



December 10 is a world-first where our Government activates:

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024.


The Australian Government passed a new law called the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 on 28 November 2024. This law introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media platforms. It will take effect on 10 December 2025, and parents cannot give their consent to let under-16s use these platforms.

From today, the government is legally protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development, through world-first social media age restrictions. These restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and well-being.

The social media platforms that have already complied (prior to 10 December) and others (including exemptions) are in the news services for clarification.

From today, anyone under 16 in Australia won’t be able to keep or make accounts on social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Facebook and more.

The Government says the social media ban is needed to protect the mental health and well-being of Australian children and teens. They believe the risks of social media, such as cyber-bullying, harmful content, and online predators, outweigh the positives. It’s said that the law is necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms that can promote it to users.

Anyone under 16 in Australia won’t be able to keep or make accounts on social media apps like popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube (but not You Tube Kids), Snapchat, X, Facebook and more. The rule doesn’t punish young people or their families, instead, social media companies must stop under-16s from having accounts or risk serious fines (up to about $50 million). The new law is meant to make things safer online, but it is believed the real fix should be improving social media safety, not just delaying access.

Currently, the platforms the ban will apply to are YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. Tech companies that own these platforms could face fines of up to $50 million if they don’t take reasonable steps to stop under-16s from having accounts.

Apps like Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, Google Classroom and YouTube Kids are expected to not be part of the ban.

In short, the "ban" is not exactly a ban. This amendment to the Online Safety Act will force some (but not all!) social media companies to prevent (or try to prevent!) under-16s from holding an account on their platforms (but not from using them!). It’s the next few months that will reveal the success or otherwise of the actual success of the “ban” as played out between the young Australians/families, the media platforms and the government.

Parents can check the eSafety Commissioner website for information about the new social media ban, including which platforms are affected and how to prepare.

The OAIC also provides a parent and carer resource explaining the new rules.

Other resources for support include the Raising Children Network, Beyond Blue, and helplines like Kids Helpline



“Think before you click.”

"Nothing goes away on the internet"

"Ask a grown-up before you go on the internet,"

“If you don’t know the sender, it might be a pretender"



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December 11



UNICEF, established on 11 December 1946, originally stood for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. In 1953, it was renamed the United Nations Children's Fund, but the acronym UNICEF continues to stand as a beacon of hope for children worldwide. Today’s anniversary serves to honour this organization’s past and hope for the future.

Around the world on December 11, people celebrate UNICEF Birthday, commemorating the day the charity was created in 1946. What started as a means of providing emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II grew into the absolute necessity it is in our current war torn world.

Now, the reputable and trustworthy charity has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization by providing healthcare and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. On this day, we especially remember their global impact and how we can make a difference ourselves.

The very sad truth is that children suffer through conflicts around the world and are in constant need of reliable, ongoing support. These young and innocent victims are vulnerable to malnutrition, disease and trauma, and need ongoing support after an emergency strikes.

When disaster strikes, UNICEF is on the ground in as little as 48 hours, and remain helping long after the headlines fade. Often, humanitarian supplies remain far below the minimum amount required to immediately meet children’s immense needs, and humanitarian movements still face significant delays preventing the delivery of aid at scale.

Even after the conflict ends, it can take years to rebuild what has been lost – homes, schools, healthcare, and access to clean water.

Millions of children are saved

UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization — 90 million since 1990.

Providing nutrition

UNICEF is the world’s largest provider of ready-to-use therapeutic food, a high-protein paste that can bring a malnourished child back to health within weeks.

The importance of immunization

UNICEF immunizes nearly 40% of the world’s children.

Protecting children from mosquitos

Globally, UNICEF is the largest buyer of mosquito nets, which can be used to protect children from harmful insect bites.

Reporting data on serious issues

According to UNICEF, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 US states, the highest rates reported in California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Texas. These are the statistics reported by UNICEF in one of their “Fast Facts” publications.



So it’s easy to see UNICEF’s true worth in a world of tragedy and chaos. And today allows us all to reflect and acknowledge their strengths and capacity and be grateful for their ongoing help to the ultimate victims of conflict world-wide: the dear children.



“For every child, hope."

"For every child, everywhere."

"To promote and protect the rights of every child."

"A better world for children and young people, no matter what."



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December 12



National-Ding-A-Ling- Day happens each 12 December and is all about the idea of connecting with family members or friends, particularly those where it has been some time since chatting, therefore making the connection that “ding-a-ling” is the sound of the bell ringing from a phone. A day which started as an American invention to reconnect with others has now gone world-wide, so we all can be part of our community, nationwide and local, to simply reconnect with others. A wonderful, thoughtful variation of “RUOK Day, if you like.

Simply, It is an unofficial, light-hearted observance that encourages people to reconnect. Ring up someone you haven’t talked to in a while, like a cousin, classmate or old friend. Just connect.

Yes, it’s getting close to Christmas and all the holidays and all that but sometimes someone gets through the net and somehow misses that connection. So today is also a chance to see who might be missed and fix things, one call at a time. Just connect.

Today, we might think of some friends and family you haven’t heard from lately and give them a call. Ask them how they are, what they’ve been up to, what interesting hobbies they are involved in or how the family is faring. It’s a nice gesture to catch up with folks from the past. Just connect.

Those who aren’t as much into making phone calls can certainly still connect in a wide range of ways. Perhaps reach out by sending a text message, an email, or even reach out on one of the social media outlets like Facebook or Instagram in honour of the day. But, of course, there’s nothing quite like hearing someone’s voice to bridge the distance created by space and time. Telephone, facetime, text, whatever, just connect.

Yes, texting is a thing we do now. But today, why not buck that trend for just one day and pick up an actual phone to call someone? All jokes aside, National Ding-A-Ling Day was created not only as a day to remember our loved ones but also to keep people from feeling isolated. Plus, hearing someone's voice on the phone is a warmer, deeper connection than just texting. Just connect either way.

The joy and courage in reconnecting with others can also provide emotional support, offer healing or closure for past issues, and lead to personal growth and inspiration. Reconnecting with people enables natural and meaningful social connections that are linked to better mental and physical health and can help combat feelings of loneliness. Revisiting past relationships can be an opportunity to resolve old issues and find a sense of peace. Whatever your thinking, whatever your purpose, just connect.

Today, National-Ding-A-=Ling Day, is a reminder that small gestures of kindness can have a big impact. Just connect.



"Today's the day to embrace your inner ding-a-ling: put down the text and pick up the phone!"

"Don't be a stranger; on National Ding-a-Ling Day, your call is all it takes.”

“I wish you’d answer.”

“The phone rings. The voice is heard. The heart stops. Healing happens.”



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