For many, this day becomes the opportunity to reflect upon and to give thanks for the many gifts given over the years by a male parent, including: love, time, caretaking, advice, wisdom, financial support, understanding, coaching, teaching and forgiveness.

In the case of biological fathers, there is also the miraculous gift of life for a child to experience life in this world.

Father’s Day exists almost all over the world to honor and commemorate fathers or forefathers. Father’s Day in some countries is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, though in most countries Father’s Day is a secular celebration.

Among the countries that observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June include: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, France, India, Pakistan, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela.

Since so many gifts have been given by fathers, it seems natural to want to give gifts in return, and Father’s Day can be one special occasion to give gifts.

Material gifts, such as a new tie or wallet, are concrete ways to “show” appreciation. But there are numerous ways to give gifts that allow time and experiences to be shared and provide opportunities for new experiences and growth.

In our overbooked, time-scarce days, just sharing time and/or offering to lend a hand surpass any monetary or material gifts.

For those who are looking for gift ideas to make this Father’s Day extra special, Catholic Online offer the following 100 gift suggestions:

Something to do (for him or both of you)
- A trip to the ball park to watch their favorite team.
- A game of Whiffle ball.
- A few games at the bowling alley.
- A day of fishing.
- A canoe or kayak rental.
- Tickets to see a favorite performer.
- Tickets to the local movie house.
- An afternoon at the beach.
- Golfing greens fees.
- A regular date for a meal out.
- Share a retreat weekend.
- A shared vacation.
- Sign him up for a class he has always wanted to take.
- Lessons on the computer.
- Offer to help or to paint a room in his home.
- Take him shopping for a few new summer shirts.
- Make his favorite meal for Father’s Day.
- If he has a garden, help him to weed.
- Attend Mass together and then share Sunday brunch.
- Watch a sports game with him.
- Plan a family picnic.
- Toss and catch, like old times.
- Shoot some hoops with him.
Something he needs
- Gift certificate to his barber shop.
- Car-care gear.
- A sturdy new tool kit.
- A new umbrella.
- A watch.
- A new belt.
- A colorful tie.
- A few boxes of handkerchiefs.
- A heavy duty flashlight (and batteries).
- Sandals for the summer.
- A new razor.
- His favorite aftershave.
- Computer software.
- Reams of paper.
- Ink cartridges for photos and photo paper.
- Office supplies like stamps and notepads.
- A new fishing pole.
- A new pair of running/walking shoes.
- An ipod/small radio to listen to music, games and talk radio.
- CDs from his era of music.
- A trip and gift certificate to the book store.
- A new grill.
- A recipe book for the grill.
- Golf club(s), putter.
- A subscription to a magazine.
- A pair of really cool sunglasses.
- A camera or accessories.
- A hammock.
- A new bike and helmet.
- A CD/DVD player.
Gift that show honor, love and caring
- Request and write some of his boy hood memories in a journal for keeping.
- A list of important lessons he has taught over the years.
- A thank you note for the coaching, parents nights, support, etc.
- A new bible with a special note.
- A handmade quilt for chilly nights.
- A handmade pillow for his favorite chair.
- Plan a tree in his honor.
- Make a donation to one of his favorite causes.
- Mow the lawn as a surprise now and then.
- Call him more often.
- Invite him over more often.
- Ask for his advice once in a while.
- Tell him you love him.
- Ask him his opinion.
- Ask him to teach you something you do not know how to do.
- Frame and hang a favorite picture of him in your home.
- Have an updated extended photo done.
- Forgive him for any harm done, he was doing the best he knew how to do.
- Say grace in his honor.
Something luxurious
- Personalized stationary.
- An extra special fountain pen.
- An Adirondack chair painted his favorite color.
- A photo album with lots of favorite moments.
- A lounge chair.
Something for kids to do for dad or grandpa
- Make his favorite cookies.
- Bake and decorate a cake.
- Paint a picture of a favorite place.
- Draw a picture of your family.
- Write a letter about why you love him.
- Make him breakfast in bed.
- Buy him some comfy slippers.
- Offer to do extra chores.
- Make an effort to do chores when asked.
- Make a family book with photos and mementoes.
- Take him on a walk.
- Bring him to a movie.
- Take him out to eat.
- Read to him.
- Write a poem dedicated to him.
- Sing a song for him.
- Tell him he’s the BEST dad in the whole wide world.
- Go for a bike ride with him.
- Give him a t-shirt with the logo of his favorite team.
- Go on camping trip.
- Go for a hike together.
- Share a hot fudge sundae.
- Tell him you love him.

Home Routines for iPad

The Home Routines for iPad app allows you to keep track of all of your household chores for less than $4. You just enter everything you have to get done each day, and then you can easily check them off as you complete them. The Home Routines for iPad app will make sure that you never forget something important on your busiest days.

Epicurious Recipes and Shopping List

Every mom knows that coming up with different meals to have for dinner each day can be a very difficult task, but this will no longer be the case if you download the Epicurious Recipes and Shopping List app on your iPad. There are thousands of recipes available on the app, and all of them are easily found through the multiple search features. The app will even make a shopping list once you select a recipe so you do not forget an important ingredient at the grocery store.

Mom Maps

Mom Maps is a great app that helps you find something fun to do with your children no matter you location. Mom Maps uses the GPS in your iPad to determine your location to give you all of the best family friendly places that are close. Mom Maps is a great way to find new places to take your children or find one of your favorites in an unknown area. Mom Maps will even give you directions to the destination of your choice from your current location.

Bill Tracker

If you are looking for a way to better organize your household finances, then you absolutely must download the Bill Tracker app on your iPad. The Bill Tracker app allows you to enter all of your monthly bills so you can view them all in one place. The app informs you when you have a bill due, tells you when a payment has cleared the bank and even has a calendar that displays the due dates of all of your bills. There just is not a better way to help a busy mom organize the finances like the Bill Tracker app, and it is available for less than $2.

2Do

Moms have more hectic lives than just about anyone else, so it can sometimes be very hard to remember everything you have to do. The 2Do app is built to handle large project management tasks, and there are very few apps currently available that are designed better than 2Do. 2Do allows you to separate your tasks in different categories and rate their importance. You can even enter a time when the task needs to be completed and the app will set an alarm to make sure you remember. If you are looking for the essential organization app for your iPad, then it would have to be 2Do.

The addition of a new gadget like the iPad in any house should not only provide entertainment for the family. First and foremost it should be able to assist family members in their everyday lives, and who else needs the most assistance in the house but our supermoms right?

Guest Post  Bio -Loren Stacks has been freelancing for a couple of years. When he’s not hunched over his laptop in coffee houses he can be seen in obscure bookstores or lined up for a concert. He writes regularly for SecureYourTrademark. In this guest post he shares iPad apps to get moms organized.

Alice Lake

It’s summer time and I cannot think of a better way to spend the day than being at one of our very many lakes around the Vancouver’s Lower Mainland of BC. 

Alice Lake: Located approximately 13 km (8 mi) north of the town of Squamish off Hwy #99. This popular lake supports a mixed fishery of Rainbow, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden. Rainbows are stocked annually but remain small and numerous.

Allouette Lake: This Fraser Valley lake is located only 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of the small town of Maple Ridge. Although the number of fish are great, the large size and the great depth of the lake make sure there is not a large number caught. Rainbow average about 1 lb and Cutthroat can average 1 to 1-1/2 lbs Lake Char can reach 20 lbs or better at Allouette Lake.

Alta Lake: Alta Lake can be easily accessed from the city of Vancouver by travelling 120 km (72 mi) north on Hwy #99. Rainbow trout is the primary game fish averaging just under 1 lb Dolly Varden are also popular catches with some reaching up to 6 lbs or better at Alta Lake.

Brohm Lake: Brohm Lake is located within a couple of hours drive north of the city of Vancouver on scenic Hwy #99. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) north of the small town of Squamish. Good spring fishing for Rainbow trout and Cutthroat which usually average from 1/2 to 1 lb. Good numbers of Gammarus shrimp and Chironomids are present in Brohm Lake.

Buntzen Lake: From the city of Vancouver, travel east on the Barnett Highway towards the town of Port Moody. Turn north and travel to the community of Ioco. Buntzen Lake is located 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Ioco on paved and good gravel road. Cutthroat usually reach to 2 lbs, while Rainbow are found from 1/2-1 lb at Buntzen Lake.

Callaghan Lake: Hwy #99 north from the city of Vancouver will take you to Callaghan Lake. The average size of the Rainbows is usually 1/2-1 lb, but can reach over 2 lbs at Callaghan Lake.

Cheakamus Lake: Cheakamus lies within the boundaries of Garibaldi Provincial Park found approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) south of the resort village of Whistler. Cheakamus supports a Rainbow fishery with trout reaching into the 1+ lb class. Dolly Varden char also inhabit Cheakamus Lake and are reported to grow to large sizes.

Chehalis Lake: The 10 km (6 mi) long lake is reached by turning north off Hwy #7 at the community of Harrison Mills. Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden are the game fish in Chehalis Lake.

Chilliwack Lake: Located in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, approximately 48 km (30 mi) southeast of the town of Chilliwack. Chilliwack is a large, deep lake which contains a variety of fish species. Rainbows average 1+ lbs while Dolly Varden and Cutthroat can reach into the 4-5 lb range at Chilliwack Lake.

Cultus Lake: This popular recreational lake is located in Cultus Lake Provincial Park, 13 km. (8.1 mi.) south of the city of Chilliwack. Trout may reach over 3 lbs.

Dodd Lake: From the ferry terminal at the town of Powell River, follow Highway #101 south to Lang Bay and then turn north along a gravel logging road. Average size for Cutthroat is around 1/2-1 lb however much larger have been caught at Dodd Lake.

Erroch Lake: Lake Erroch is located on Hwy #7 between the community of Harrison Mills and the town of Mission. Lake Erroch is a very popular lake which provides a good fishery of Rainbow and Cutthroat.

Garibaldi Lake: This large lake is located amidst the spectacular scenery of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The lake is reached by travelling north on Hwy #99 from the city of Vancouver and turning east into the park at the community of Garibaldi. Even with the late start for fishing – early July – the productivity of the lake remains good until the fall. There are reports of trout over 4 lbs but the average is usually around 1 lb at Garibaldi Lake.

Green Lake: Green Lake is located along Hwy #99, 3 km (1.8 mi) north of the town of Whistler. Dolly Varden have been reported over 7 lbs while Rainbow have come in over 2 lbs at Green Lake.

Harrison Lake: Harrison Lake can be found by travelling north on Hwy #9 from the town of Agassiz. Harrison contains a great variety of fish, however Cutthroat and Rainbows reaching up to 3 lbs.

Haslam Lake: This large, long lake can be reached from the town of Powell River. Cutthroat are the main attraction and are reported to reach over 2 lbs in this productive lake.

Hatzic Lake: Hatzic can easily be found by travelling 6 km (3.7 mi) east of the town of Mission on Hwy #7. Not known as a great fishing lake, Hatzic does however support Rainbow, Cutthroat, Black Crappie, juvenile Coho and Sturgeon. Rainbows are the most numerous and will reach up to 1 lb.

Hicks Lake: Located in Sasquatch Provincial Park, Hicks Lake is only a couple of hours east of the city of Vancouver. Cutthroat is the predominant game fish, usually averaging 1+ lbs.

Kawkawa Lake: Found just 5 km (3.1 mi) east of the town of Hope on paved roads. Kawkawa contains many species of fish, however it is best known for its large Kokanee that can reach up to 3+ lbs.

Lois Lake: Lois Lake can be accessed by travelling south from the town of Powell River and then turning northeast on the Macmillan Bloedel Stillwater mainline. Cutthroat can reach up to 3 lbs at Lois Lake.

Morris Lake: Located down in a valley, Morris Lake can be accessed by turning north off Hwy #7 at the community of Harrison Mills. Although not very numerous, the Cutthroat can reach up to 3 lbs or better at Morris Lake.

Nanton Lake: From the town of Powell River (142 km/85 mi), travel south on Hwy #101 to Lang Bay where a logging mainline going north will bring you to the lake. The average Cutthroat reaches 1 lb with larger Cutthroat reported in the spring when there is a good Chironomid hatch.

Pitt Lake: Pitt lake is 16 km (9.9 mi) north of Haney town centre in Maple Ridge. Good year round fishing is available at this easily accessible lake. Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat are the game fish in Pitt Lake

Rolley Lake: Rolley Lake, located in Rolley Lake Provincial Park, 23 km (13.8 miles) northwest of Mission, BC. Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat are the game fish in Rolley Lake.

Ruby Lake: Access to this lake is a short drive either south from the ferry slip at Earl’s Cove or north from the community of Madeira Park, both communities are on Hwy #101 on the scenic Sechelt Peninsula. Ruby supports a Cutthroat and Kokanee fishery. The size for the Cutthroat is usually about 1 lb but there are reports of them reaching to 3 lbs at Ruby Lake.

Sakinaw Lake: Follow Hwy #101 to Sakinaw Lake Road. Turn west off the 101 onto Sakinaw Lake Road and follow it to the lake. Sakinaw is known for its large Cutthroat trout which can reach over 4 lbs Kokanee, Sockeye and Coho salmon are also found in Sakinaw Lake.

Silver Lake: Silver Lake is located in the Silver Lake Provincial Park 12 km (7.5 mi) south of the town of Hope. This small (1 km/.6 mi) long lake is usually very calm in the evenings. Although the majority of fish caught are small, the Dolly Varden can reach up to 5 lbs at Silver Lake.

Stave Lake: From the town of Maple Ridge on Hwy #7, the Dewdney Trunk Road will take you to Stave Falls where you will find Stave Falls Dam and the flooded area below the lake itself. An alternate route only suitable for trucks is the Davis Lake Road going north between Mission and Dewdney. Year round fishing is possible in this large lake where the Cutthroat can get to 3-4 lbs at Stave Lake.

Wahleach (Jones) Lake: Jones Lake Reservoir lies approximately 25 km (15.5 mi) southwest of the town of Hope. Fair to good catch rate for rainbows to 1+ lbs. Kokanee up to 2+ lbs are also found in Wahleach Lake, and fishing for these can be excellent at times.

Weaver Lake: This small lake, located 14 km (8.7 mi) northeast of the community of Harrison Mills on Hwy #7. The Rainbow trout usually average around 1-1/2 lbs with reports of some reaching up to 4 lbs at Weaver Lake.

Welcome Lake: This small lake is located in the city of Coquitlam on Gatensbury Street. Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat are the game fish in Welcome Lake.

Wood Lake: This small lake can be accessed from the community of Harrison Mills on Hwy #7. The possibility of large Rainbow attract many fishers to this small lake. The average size, however, is about 1 lb.

1. Library-check out books that have IDEAS – give reason for further hands on study (activity). Reserve books through your online service at your local library that have items of interest for your childs age group, how to make paper airplanes, science experiments, craft projects, etc. even as we are learning about different artists we are practicing our learning by completing art projects…get creative with the books you can get…

2. Library-STORY TIME – something about a different setting breaks up the routine for the kids, gives them something to look forward to.

3. Local Park – go early, pack a lunch, bring a drawing tablet, enjoy the outside before its too hot.

4. Take a field trip.

5. Visit a fire department.

6. Play in the water – but aside from the everyday play in the sprinkler, kiddie pool – make games with the water – use the water with paint brushes and paint the fence (it dries clear, lol)…put coloring in the water and stretch paper across a fence – fill water guns with this colored water and then they are really painting with water colors.

7. Build a fort, go to nearby woods, gather sticks, broken branches, etc. build a fort, or house this will provide days worth of enjoyment both in the gathering/building/playing inside.

8. Take a nature walk.. take along a journal, let the kids bring cameras, then go home, identify everything your photographed, create a nature book. Thats a whole nother days activities (paper, photos, glue, scissors, notebook) this is especially good saved for a rainy day.

9. Take an “Alphabet tour”… again camera(s) in hand, journals – letter guides for younger kids – drive to town/city – begin with the letter a (Apple street) b (building) c (colosseum) d(dairy queen) e(eatery) you get the drift – when you are done – each child has a personal and creative alphabet memory book.

10. Check out kids free days at your museums.

11. Make homeade ice cream (if you dont keep heavy cream on hand you will have to buy it, but hey its still pretty cheap entertainment/enjoyment). Make popcicles, smoothies, ice cream sundaes.

12. Go on a scavengar hunt

13. Host a neighborhood carnival (we’re talking bean bag toss, use the water gun to shoot the ducky, egg on the spoon, those kind of games) – each neighbor hosts a game/activity and gives out a snack/drink – makes for a very fun day..

14. Go to an outdoor concert (most towns/cities have a website where you can see what/when and which ones are free.)

15. Check your movie theatre for free summer movies (usually morning showings)

16. Go to the beach.

17. Check out your local hardware store – they offer free kids club building projects.

18. Cook with your kids (my kids are still loving to cook the evening meals with me) but let them plan it, be apart of the shopping, table setting – make dessert!)

19. Host a cooking party – invite some friends (your kids arent the only ones home and wanting something to do) – have each mom bring a few ingredients and spend the day making cookies, treats, etc. (maybe you know someone who could use some extra love and attention – make a whole meal with these friends, let the kids make cards, and go make someones day brighter and happier).

20. Teach the kids frisbee golf.

21. Go fly a kite (why not make them first).

22. Do a sewing project together. Make a picnic or story time blanket, apron, or summer dress.

23. Make sock puppets – put on a puppet shows.

24. Go outside for reading time.

25. Make and blow bubbles.

26. Hide all the army men, mini animals, etc. in the sand pit – have a excavation. (even read a book about archeologists before hand).

27. Play dress up.

28. Have a tea party.

29. Make an obstacle course out of your back yard and have races.

30. Play jacks.

31. Go fishing.

32. Go on a bike ride.

33. Camp in your back yard.

34. Melt and create with crayons.

35. Visit a local state park.

36. Go bowling (a lot of the alleys offer students 2 free games over the summer).

37. Plant a garden using seeds from your vegetables/fruits.

38. Tour local historic sites.

39. Make a star gazing map.

40. Teach the kids to knit.

41. Check with a local farm – offer to help feed the animals.

42. Set up a lemonade stand.

43. Set up hotwheels races in the driveway. (my guys love this – they always want to see which of their 100′s of cars is awarded ‘the fastest” – have them make a trophy to give to the winning car – then next time – the new winning car gets the trophy.

44. Have a LEGO building contest (using x# pieces, only using blue pieces, creating something a certain height, create something that moves, etc.)

45. Make a doll.

46. Hunt for animal tracks. (get a book from the library to help identify them).

47. Have a dress up party (doesnt have to be halloween to wear those costumes).

48. Learn bird calls.

49. Use magazines to make mosaics.

50. Check your craft stores for make and take craft projects (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc.).

51. Tour a factory.

52. Make musical instruments and become a ‘home band’ sensation! (think – pie pan tamborine, papertowl holder rain stick, string and cereal box guitar) – dont forget to dress the part!

53. Make tye die shirts. (play some groovy tunes, too)

54. Take a picnic to dad/mom/grandma/ etc… give them a nice break from their work day.

55. Make a tent in the living room.

56. Go to an Arboretum.

57. Make a bird feeder with pine cones & peanut butter (and bird seed of course).

58. Paint with fruit and veggies (and anything else you will let them paint with – think q-tips, old toothbrush, sponges, leaves…. etc.)

59. Play charades.

60. Have a “BORED” game day – pull out all those dusty games and let each child pick a game – if its nice outside – take em out on your picnic blanket.

61. Walk your neighbors dog.

62. Blow up Diet coke with mentos.

63. Make sillouettes.

64. Check out local VBS offerings – a lot of time you can volunteer while your kids attend.

65. Learn/Go Orienteering.

66. Make a compass. (ties in to 65)

67. Gather friends and have a “clean” the park day – celebrate your good deed with a picnic and play time.

68. Sculpt with homeade SALT CLAY.

69. Collect Seashells. (then sort by color/size. etc. – make a seashell necklace or use the shells to decorate an empty jar – adults should use the glue gun).

70. Play “I Spy” as you walk around your neighborhood.

71. Go to a farmers market.

72. Check with a local pizzaria to see if you can come in for a tour (they will probably want you to buy a pizza – so it may not be “free” – but fun!)

73. Check your newpaper for local summer festivals.

74. Make school related activities fun – create your own matching cards (I make mine using these cute digital supplies found here and here). Use maccaroni for math reinforcement, make a clock with a paper plate, help with geometry by giving building tasks, etc.)

75. Learn (play) street games.

76. Make Taffy.

77. Make a checker board and your own checkers. then play for a bit…

78. Make your own board games.

79. Make a Milk Carton Boat – and head to a pond.

80. Have a Christmas in July party and ask all the guests to bring donations for your local food pantry.

81. Participate in a free activity at Bass Pro Shop.

82. Have a major league team in your area – call about free kids tickets this summer.

83. Take a trip to tour your state capitol, local courthouse, etc.

84. Gather, paint, make pet rocks.

85. Plan a theme week (keep checking back here for more details about our themes this summer).

86. Volunteer at a local charity/Habitat for Humanity.

87. Have a pajama day, enjoy movies and popcorn (great for a rainy day).

88. Color.

89. Make a Windchime.

90. Write your own poems.

91. Do a toy swap (pack up those forgotten toys and swap with a friend – kids love new “to them” toys as much as they love :NEW: toys.

92. “Play” school.

93. Make paper dolls for boys, for girls, or for the more advanced.

94. Travel around the world. Have English scones for breakfast, Chinese Stir Fry for lunch, Italian for dinner. Make a craft to go with each country, get a library book with photos of these places. (maybe even see if you have a friend your child can become pen pals with.)

95. Have a switcher-oo day, you send your kids to someone elses house and their kids come to yours… kids LOVE this… just plan a few activities (you can choose from some on this list) and give them a great day as your friend will do with your kidos.

96. Play tennis, soccer, kickball, football, etc.

97. Make slime.

98. Make glowing fireflies. we get our glowsticks at Target’s $1.00 bins and they come with 10, so its practically free.

99. Make a sandcastle. If you dont have a sand box, gather up all sorts of containers and some water jugs and head over to your local park – spend the day building a great sand castle together -lots of kids will want to get in on the action so its a great social time, too.

100. Enjoy an art lesson.

Most importantly remember the simplicity of childhood is found in the quality of the time spent together – enjoy each moment, create an environment of joy and excitement, learning and fun and I am certain this summer will be one we all remember for a very long time.

Source from Digital

The line was found tangled between the whale’s mouth and tail but was cut away in an early morning rescue effort. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE WHALE 

The eight and a half metre whale was found severely emaciated and likely starved to death hours after beaching itself.

David Clattenburg, a fishing officer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said, from his experience, the thick nylon line is used for bottom fishing — but not in Canada.

Surrey Mounties said the humpback took its last breath around 6:15 a.m., long before it became a sad spectacle for hundreds of White Rock residents and visitors throughout the day.

The carcass of the beached humpback was supposed to be removed by the coast guard at high tide, around 2 p.m. Tuesday, but the water wasn’t high enough, leaving plans for the humpback’s removal fluid.

“We’re going to have to let Mother Nature assist on this … There’s just not enough water to latch onto it,” said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Paul Vadik.

At this point, it’s unclear if the fishing line was the only cause of death. Open sores on the tail and dorsal fins of the humpback could be sources of infection.

Lance Barrett-Lennard, who heads the Vancouver Aquarium’s whale and dolphin research program, said samples taken from the skin will look at that possibility.

“I think it’s the worst humpback I’ve ever seen,” said Barrett-Lennard.

The whale had been starving for two to three months and was unable to feed with the debris in its mouth. Humpbacks migrate from as far as the Mexican coast up to B.C. to feed in the colder waters.

“Even it he’d been found entangled in the last week, the chances of him surviving would have been very, very minute,” Barrett-Lennard said.

There were fresh wounds that bled into the sea, but Lindsaye Akhurst, manager of the marine rescue unit, said there are also some old wounds too, suggesting the whale has been struggling for some time.

White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin was on the beach flooded with onlookers Tuesday morning.

“It’s sad to see that big chunk of fishing line sitting right beside it,” said Baldwin.

Humpbacks are considered threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. It’s not odd, but rare when they’re seen in the Strait of Georgia.

Barrett-Lennard is also looking to gather stomach samples to see how tsunami debris affected the whale.

“With all the debris floating in from Japan right now, all the plastic debris, phenomenal amounts of floating foam … I’m very curious how much plastic debris these animals are accumulating in their stomach,” Barrett-Lennard said.

Lara Sloan, a communications officer with the DFO, said a necropsy is unlikely. Barrett-Lennard said the whale will likely go to a museum or be sunk at sea.

The beached whale came exactly 10 years after Springer, a killer whale, was rescued in Pugut Sound. A celebration of the rescue and the successful return to her pod is being held at the Vancouver Aquarium Tuesday night.

Copyright The Province

Although there haven’t been any direct answers on the show as to why Rebecca hasn’t any teeth at such a young age. I have done some research, and an anonymous commentor had some light to shed on the matter too.

Commentor X :

“Amish women get rid of their teeth, because teeth is an expense to a future husband. Therefore, having no teeth is a part of a women’s dowry.”

So in order to not to burden a future husband with dental bills, they take out all their teeth. Remember, Amish aren’t allowed to have any modern conveniences, including dentistry. So it’s not surprising how one at the age of 20 could end up without teeth.

On another site:

“You can not become Amish you have to be born Amish. They don’t take in new members. They marry close relation. It is common for them to marry a second, third, forth, cousin. They are having medical and genetic problems because of this. One real problem is with eyes and dental.”

I’m no geneticist, but I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to marry your 1st cousin for a reason.

Just not being able to go to a dentist alone in 20 years I imagine, can lead to having no teeth.

What we know of the Amish is what we get from those who share, or those who have left the community, and “tell all”. So this is just what my curious lil’ self found out.

My bet is on not believing in dentistry is what has led to Rebecca not having any teeth

1. Canada Day at Granville Island

Image Courtesy of Granville Island

Image Courtesy of Canada Place Corporation

What: Canada Place hosts Downtown Vancouver’s biggest Canada Day celebration with a street festival, live music concerts on four stages, and an annual Canada Day Parade. It also co-produces the Burrard Inlet Fireworks that are Number 5 on this list.
When: Street Festival: 10am – 6pm; Parade starts at 7pm
Where: Street Festival at Canada Place; Parade starts at the corner of Georgia Street & Broughton Street.

3. 2012 Surrey Canada Day

Image Courtesy of City of Surrey

What: OK, this one is not actually in Vancouver….But it has to go on this list because Surrey’s Canada Day celebration is both the biggest Canada Day event in western Canada and one of the biggest outdoor concerts in B.C. And it’s all FREE! The Fruiticana Fireworks Spectacular follows the concert.
When: 10am – 10:30pm
Where: Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey

4. Canada Day at the Steveston Salmon Festival

Image Courtesy of Steveston Community Society / Steveston Salmon Festival

What: Steveston, Richmond’s historic fishing village, attracts over 70,000 visitors to its joint Canada Day and Steveston Salmon Festival. The festival includes a parade, craft shows, cultural events, and Steveston’s famous salmon barbecue, where over 1200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits.
When: 6:30am – 5pm
Where: Steveston Village, Richmond

5. Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show

Image Courtesy of Canada Place Corporation

What: Cap off your Canada Day celebrations with this pyrotechnic extravaganza! Happening in Burrard Inlet, the 5th annual Fireworks Show will be visible from Downtown, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Vancouver’s west side.
When: 10:30pm – 11pm
Where: Vancouver Downtown and west side

It spins around
It makes me dizzy
But when its done
My clothes feel frizzy – dryer 

The Easter Eggs are near now,
On this I’d like to bet
The next place that they’re hiding in
They’re bound to get quite wet. – shower or bath 

You sit on me all day
Sometimes you even lay
I’m where you watch T.V.
I’m very easy to see - Couch

I’m always cold
I’m never hot
You keep food here
I’m always near - Refrigerator

Go into the room that has a shoe,
Your next clue,
Is under something blue.
~ Put the next clue in the closet under a blue shirt you put on the shoes.

In the room we bake a pie,
Where do we look out to see the sky?
Your next clue you will spy.
~Put the next clue on the kitchen window

Look, oh look see
And yourself you will see.
And when you do,
You will find your next clue.
~The next clue will be on a mirror

So clean you should be
So wet, ~ but so not
To find it will be,
The clue to see.
Clue in the shower curtain, or under a towel in the tub, or under the bathroom sink behind some towels.

Six bald heads  In their cardboard beds Thin shells and much to fear Please find your next clue here. – egg carton

this is where you wash your face,
and take a bath if that’s the case,
you also brush your hair here,
if it’s as snarly as as a bear’s- bathroom

This is where you surf the net,
you type and move the mouse,
if you can’t find it don’t fret,
it is surely in the house- computer

4 + 4 = ..?…
make a rhyme with the answer ,
and go to the…… ( GATE)

Go to the the place where you sleep,
and you might find something sweet
( BED)

Go to the kitchen and find 4 of these.
Sit on one is what you must do
if you want to find the next clue
(DINING CHAIR)

the numbers 1 to 12 are here,
take a look for some Easter cheer. (CLOCK)

I have 4 legs,
but cannot walk.
you may sit and me
and use your knife and fork.
( DINNER TABLE)

if eggs are what you are looking to find,
take a look in the paper you unwind.
(TOILET ROLL)

Roxy is his name.
take a look in his bowl/cage/basket
to continue the Easter bunny’s game
(PETS BOWL/CAGE ect)

Could be for the Last clue~~

Your clue you unfold
Brrr it is cold.
Now find your candy
Near to the pantry.
~ Hide the basket in the refrigerator.

or

This is close to where you sleep,
you might keep toys under here,
there are no monster here as you see,
you will find something and say “YIPEE!”-

under bed hid their”biggest/ best present

Happy Easter Hunting from the GGS Crew!

Honua Kai very well stocked kitchen

My family just got back from a two week vacation in Hawaii, one week in Maui and one week in Waikiki.  I had a fairly strict budget to the amount of money I wanted to spend on a daily bases.  I want to pass on to you on how I was able to go to Hawaii on shoestring.

• Cook For Yourself   Look for a hotel with a kitchenette and/ or an outside BBQ.  We stayed at Honua Kai in Maui and Aston Sunset in Waikiki.  If this is not possible, empty the hotel fridge and stock this with milk and other basics so you can breakfast in your room. Simple picnic lunches save money too, and your kids will thank you for letting them spend more time on the beach and less time waiting for their food.
• Stock up at Costco We all know what a great money saver warehouse clubs can be on the mainland. That’s even more true in Hawaii where markups on groceries can be significantly higher. Costco has locations on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, making this a great place to stock up before heading to your vacation rental. In addition to discounted food items, you may also find discounts for local attractions or macadamia nuts to take home as gifts.
• Stay at a resort/ hotel close to a decent grocery store  Even after your Costco trip, you will still find that you need some other odds and ends.   We also used the grocery store for some prepacked lunches such as sandwiches, soup, salads etc.  My family of 4 could ’eat out’ at the grocery store for under $15.  Everyone got to pick what they wanted and we shared our dishes.  
• Bring the Basics Bathing suits, sunscreen, and even snorkeling gear are likely to be cheaper at home than in Hawaii, and you won’t spend your precious vacation time shopping for these essentials. We brought our own snorkeling gear plus a small umbrella for some quick shade anywhere.  Another super handy article, I brought was a fold down bag with wheels to bring all of our gear and water from beach to beach.
• Buy reusable swim diapers If your child isn’t potty trained, you can spend a fortune on disposable swim diapers during a week in Hawaii.
• Find free or almost free entertainment Malls and shopping center often host free hula dancing, lei making, and other activities. Even better, if you pick up a local paper you’ll find out about school performances, festivals, farmers markets and other activities designed for locals! Here’s your chance to drop into the local world for a short time and save money too.  The Times market across the street from our resort Honua Kai in Maui rented movies for $1 per night and in Waikiki, Aston Sunset, the movies and games were FREE from the lobby – SWEET!
• Eat with locals Yelp is a great resource for finding inexpensive but delicious local resources, and your guidebook should also list inexpensive choices.   Ask the locals, what is their favorite place to eat.
• Eat what locals eat Sure, you can buy La Brea Bakery Baguettes imported from the mainland, but why not try sweet Hawaiian bread with butter instead? or enjoy locally grown Papaya with your breakfast.
• Search for coupons. Try searching for coupons for the attraction you are interested in.  Before I left I started to receive Groupon coupons for Maui and Waikiki to save more than 50% on some local restaurants and attractions.
• Take advantage of ‘Happy Hour’  When you do want to have an evening out for dinner, take full advantage of happy hour.  It was a great way to have 1/2 price appetizers and $2 margerita’s.  Cheers to that!

How do you save money on vacation?

(And, yes, I know that’s an understatement! I’ve been there as the parent AND as the teacher. Finding that gem of a topic that lights up a child’s imagination can be a mutually exhausting exercise. Hopefully this page will provide the gem you need very quickly.)

As their teachers or parents, we want stimulating, interesting subjects for them to work with butwe also need them to be aligned with their age group. 

If we make them too adult we risk pushing them into areas they’re too young to cope with. If we make them too simplistic we run the risk of minimizing or patronizing their growing sense of awareness. As in everything, we need to find the balance.

The topic suggestions below worked well for me with middle-school children, aged between 11 years to approximately 14 years. Some are more suitable for the imaginative child and others for the practical, factual child. How you select them will also depend on the objective or goal for the speech.

If by small chance you reach the end of the page and no speech idea has leapt out to grab you you’ll find another 50+ elocution topics for kids waiting here.

Speech Topics for Children – Community & Social Issues

• Should more ‘green’ space (parks) be set aside for community use?
• Should recycling be compulsory and why?
• Should large cars be banned?
• What rights should a child have and why?
• Smacking a child should be illegal
• Does watching violent TV programs make a child think violence is acceptable?
• Does advertising influence our food choices?
• Do certain types of pop music teach the wrong values?
• Should students have the right to choose what school they go to?
• Should students have a greater say in what classes/subjects they study?
• The school leaving age should be abolished.
• We care too much about the way we look rather than who we really are.
• Clothes and being fashionable are way too important.
• Uniforms are better
• Parents should monitor how we use the internet.
• Chat rooms are dangerous
• I Pods are anti-social
• Good manners are important

Speech Topics for Children – Arts & Culture

• Tagging is art.
• Explain a cultural festival or practice of significance to you that others may not know about or appreciate.
• Why are film stars so popular?
• Who is your screen hero and why?
• Who is your favorite book/cartoon character and why?
• What inspires you about dance/art/drama/music or film?
• If you were to write a book for your age group to read what would it be about?
• My favorite festival is…
• I learn the piano, violin, trumpet, drums(insert whatever instrument)…because…
• The type of art I like to look at is…
• Strange facts about artists, dancers, musicians etc.
• If I was a famous screen star I would…
• My favorite story/poem/song as a little child was…

Speech Topics for Children – Fun & Whimsy

• A day in my life as a …(table, pencil, car, potatoe, bicycle, blackboard, window, ball, anything at all!)
• If I ruled the world…
• If I was a parent the ground rules I would make are…
• If I had three wishes they would be…
• If I re-wrote the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’, ‘Cinderella’ etc. it would go like this…
• I am a fashion guru and I have decided the new trend will be…
• What I think of people from the viewpoint of a tree in the school grounds.
• My secret life as a hero.
• My greatest invention.
• Weird and wonderful words – what do they mean?
• How to write using invisible ink.
• My secret code…How to invent and use a coded language.

Speech Topics for Children – Sports & Games

• Explain the game of checkers/drafts/chess.
• My favorite sporting hero is….
• The best summer sport is…
• Extreme sports are dangerously exciting.
• In winter I love to ski, ice skate…
• Everybody should learn to play a team sport.
• Sport should not be compulsory.
• The best indoor games are …
• The best on-line games are…
• In sport, the rules are there to protect the players.
• What I learnt through learning to play…
• Winning is not so important as participating.
• Strange sports or games.

Speech Topics for Children – Food

• The best meal in the world is…
• The foods I do not like are…
• My favorite recipe is…
• How I learnt to cook.
• Healthy food I really like
• Food to make you fit not fat
• Birthday party food
• My favorite Christmas (celebration) food.
• Meal times in our house
• Table manners …Are they important?
• Do Americans eat too much?
• Fashions in food
• Should children diet?

Speech Topics for Children – Seasons & Nature

• Why do we have seasons?
• How and why does a tree change the color of its leaves?
• How does a tree grow?
• Why do we have day and night time?
• How come the earth goes round and round?
• What are stars?
• How does gravity work?
• Why are there tides?
• Explain how snow is formed.
• How is a diamond made?
• What is global warming?
• Show the patterns formed in frost.
• How does a rainbow work?
• Research strange plants – carniverous etc.
• What and where are the biggest trees in the world?
• How and why should we conserve nature?

Speech Topics for Children – Animals/Birds/Fish

• Why is a dog often called ‘Man’s best friend’?
• Are there bad dogs or bad dog owners?
• What is horse sense?
• How has the horse been used by man throughout history?
• What animal makes a great pet and why?
• How to look after a pet properly
• Do animals really think or do we only think they do?
• Is hunting animals fair?
• Is eating meat fair?
• What rights should animals have?
• Tell an inspiring true story about an animal.
• Are zoos good places and why?
• Find out about conserving animals/birds/fish in your local area.
• Retell a myth or legend about an animal/fish/bird.
• Research strange or rare animals/birds or fish.
• Interview a pet shop owner to find out what are the most popular pets.
• What do you think about restrictions around fishing?
• What is the symbollism associated with some animals/birds or fish? For example a lion stands for courage or strength.

Speech Topics for Children – Hobbies/Interests

• My doll/car/card etc collection
• How to make a model car, truck, plane
• How to sew your own clothes
• How to scrapbook
• How to learn another language
• How to ride a horse, skateboard,etc
• My perfect holiday
• The best rainy day activities are…
• How to tell a joke
• The best thing I’ve ever learnt…

As you can see the variations of speech topics for children are vast!
However if you’ve found nothing here to ignite your imagination try this page of 50+ elocution topics for kids

If you’re here looking for a topic for your own child, go through both pages with them. Suggest other possibilities and adaptions of the topics as you go. You’ll need to find a subject they genuinely care about and it’s best if the final decision is made by them!

Were you looking for information to help you write a speech for children rather than speech topics for them to use?
If so, you’ll find this page How to write a speech for kids useful.

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