Great Lakes Awareness Day Review

Great Lakes Awareness Day is celebrated on the Monday of the first full week in May—May 4th in 2026—to honor and protect the five massive, interconnected freshwater lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario). It focuses on water conservation, ecosystem health, and raising awareness about environmental threats like pollution and invasive species. 

Having lived on one the the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario in New York State), and remembering how pollution was an issue in the 1950s, this Awareness Day really ‘speaks’ to me. 

To briefly review, there are five (5) Great Lakes. The best way to remember the names is by the acronym HOMES.

1. H - Huron
2. O - Ontario
3. M - Michigan
4. E - Erie
5. S - Superior

Why Are These Lakes Called GREAT Lakes?

The difference between regular lakes and the Great Lakes is basically their immense size in area and volume of water, which together contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. They are like massive ‘inland’ seas and, as such, react to weather and other phenomena similar to the world’s oceans. 

The Five Great Lakes

*Lake Huron

Lake Huron shares borders with the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. State of Michigan. It has the longest shoreline (3,827 miles) of all the Great Lakes and boasts over 30,000 islands, including the popular tourist location Mackinac Island. It connects with Lake Erie by way of the St. Clair River.

*Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is the Great Lake I am most familiar with, having grown up nearby and enjoyed many summers filled with swimming and shoretime activities (frozen custard stand, picnic areas and camping along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

This lake is known as the most eastern of the Great Lakes. It is also the deepest, and the smallest (by surface area) and acts as a crucial shipping link via the St. Lawrence River.  Lake Ontario is also well known for its abundant trout and salmon fishing and for the popular 1,000 Islands on the Ontario, Canada side of the lake located along the St. Lawrence Seaway as it exits Lake Ontario. 

*Lake Michigan

It is the only Great Lake that is fully in the United States, not sharing borders with Canada as the other four lakes do. Ports along its shoreline include Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. 

Lake Michigan is known for its many beaches; in fact, it is sometimes refered to as the 'third coast' (after the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The soft, off-white sand of these beaches are known as "singing sands'', when you walk on it, which is caused by the high quartz content. It also has the largest freshwater sand dune system in the world!

*Lake Erie

It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes. It also copes with significant pollution, causing toxic algae. At times it has been referred to as the 'dead' lake.  The Clean Water Act of 1972 and stricter regulations have brought about a great deal of improvement in the quality of the lake water. 

*Lake Superior

This is the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area), and the third largest by volume. 

Lake Superior is fed by more than 200 rivers. There is a steep gradient (25 feet) with rapids between Superior's outlet at the St. Marys River and Lake Huron. Therefore, ships bypass the rapids and the height problem by using the Soo Locks (an interesting story in its own right).

Other Ways to Explore and Enjoy the Five Great Lakes 

• National Museum of the Great Lakes 

There is a museum dedicated to the continuing history of the Great Lakes located on the Maumee River which flows into Lake Erie just outside of Toledo, Ohio. It is definitely a museum well worth visiting for anyone interested in the fascinating stories involving the Great Lakes. 

• Great Lakes Tours

There are Great Lakes Tours, which two of my friends have taken in the  past couple years and found to be a fascinating experience.  These tours range from 8 to 15 days and include many and diverse packages to choose from. There are tours which include all five lakes and Niagara Falls, tours for Seniors, Guided-Group Cruises, and Self-Guided Tours. These scenic small-ship cruises also can include Viking Cruises, and Fall Foliage Tours. Click here to explore tours which may interest you.

• Lake Effect Weather

One last mention of things related to the Great Lakes, which anyone who has ever lived on or near one definitely has experienced, is the amazing effect weather has on nearby communities. No such city is better known than Buffalo, NY, located at the eastern end of Lake Erie where it flows into the Niagara River. These winter storms, known as Lake Effect Storms, have hit Buffalo with snowfalls measured in FEET instead of inches. 

Summary

So, set aside the beginning of May to celebrate Great Lakes Awareness Day by enjoying reading about or experiencing in person one or more of the five Great Lakes. It is a crucial, industrial inland waterway connecting Canada and the U.S., plus the sites of many fascinating places to visit or tour.

*This review of the five Great Lakes and their Awareness Day holiday was written by Wednesday Elf.

*Images in this review are courtesy of Pixabay

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater TreasureCheck PriceThe Story of the Great LakesCheck PriceUnited States Great Lakes Travel Guide: Cities, Beaches, Train Routes, Scenic Drives, Food, Festivals, and Practical Planning for the Freshwater MidwestCheck Price

 

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National Pretzel Day Review

National Pretzel Day is celebrated each year on April 26.

Pretzels and Their History

Founded in 2003 by Governor Ed Rendell, this food holiday honors Pennsylvania’s long-standing pretzel heritage, a cultural staple that remains a vibrant part of the state today.  Pennsylvania, and especially Philadelphia, is home to 80% of the country’s production of pretzels. 

In the late 18th century, immigrants from southern Germany and Switzerland introduced the pretzel to North America. These immigrants became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, and became known for their handmade pretzel bakeries throughout Pennsylvania. Southeastern Pennsylvania is considered the birthplace of the American pretzel industry, and many pretzel bakers are still located in the area.

Created by monks as 'little rewards' (pretiola) for children learning prayers, the pretzel’s signature shape mimics arms folded in prayer. Its three holes represent the Holy Trinity.

Two Kinds of Pretzels

• Crunchy and Salty - Crunchy, salty pretzels are baked snacks, often knot-shaped, but also popular in a variety of shapes. These shapes include the traditional knot, along with mini twists, bites and nuggets, rings and pretzel sticks, plus several ‘fillable’ shapes of pretzels. These pretzels have a satisfying crunch with a savory burst of salt and a slightly nutty wheat flavor.

• Soft - Soft pretzels are fresh-baked pastries with a warm, chewy interior and a distinctively shiny, golden-brown crust. This type of pretzel is perishable and best eaten soon after baking.  Soft pretzels became very popular in areas such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York. You can frequently find them available from street vendors in these cities.  Philadelphians on average consume five times more soft pretzels than anyone else in the country.

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Summary

Your choice of pretzel comes down to two things: the setting and your snacking style.

Soft pretzels are wonderful on cold days when you crave something warm and tasty.  Hard pretzels are a convenient, crunchy snack. 

For the perfect pretzel taste, why not choose both on April 26 to celebrate this tasty food holiday known as National Pretzel Day! 

For more holiday reviews, check out 

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*This National Pretzel Day Review was written by Wednesday Elf

Pretzels Galore:

The Ultimate Pretzel Recipe Book: Delicious Pretzel Recipes for You to Make at Home!Check PriceAmazon Grocery, Mini Twist Pretzels, 40 OzCheck PriceUltimate Guide: Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe: Delicious and Easy Pretzel Meals to Make at HomeCheck Price

 

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Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters

For truly unique, you can't beat 'handmade'. Etsy has some very talented clock-makers. Below are a few from my favorite Shops.

You can also browse throughout Etsy to search for your own unique ideas. Click here to get to Etsy

Owl Wall Clock | Decoylab on Etsy

DECOYLAB is a designer/illustrator in Kansas City, Missouri who makes very unique timepieces using wood and paper.

Pictured here is an Owl Wall Clock, from her collection for the nursery/kids room that are simple, modern and fun! 

This clock is made with laser cut, ¼ thick 3 ply bamboo and clock parts .The clock measures Size: 6" w x 8” h x .75” d. Made with sturdy 3ply bamboo (¼” thickness)

Clock for your Craft Room

If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft, like this one about Knitting! 

Funny Knitting Time Clock

This very amusing clock design fits a crafters' thoughts exactly. When you are engaged in working with your favorite craft, time tends to either 'stand still' or be ignored because of the pleasure it gives you. Thus, this delightful hobby clock will fit in your craft room perfectly! 

Knitting clock is created using solid oak or maple in several sizes, and the wood is laser cut with a laser engraved design.

Sports Clock

Sports Clock on Etsy

There are a variety of sports-related handmade clocks on Etsy. Since MY favorite sport is BASEBALL, I chose to display a clock with my favorite MLB team - the New York Yankees. 

Handcrafted out of wood, these sports clocks with your favorite team are Laser-cut out of fine wood and hand painted. They measure an average of 14 x 14 inches.

Created by a Vero Beach, Florida designer for their TimeOutPaintedDesign Etsy Store, here’s what they say about **Why You'll Love It:**

These clocks are not just about telling time; it’s about celebrating our love for sports with style. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, this handcrafted piece adds a personalized touch to your decor. It also makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions for the sports enthusiasts in your life. --- Add this charming sports clock to your collection today and enjoy a perfect blend of elegance and enthusiasm in your home!

Summary

So browse through the handmade clocks on Etsy and find just the clock design that suits your needs.  Perfect for various rooms throughout your home, hand-crafted clocks also make lovely gifts for friends and family. 

Take a lesson from the clock;

it passes the time by keeping its hands busy.

                                                ~Evan Esar

For more reviews of ‘clocks’ on ReviewThisReviews, click here

*This guide to “Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters, was originally published on November 12, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Baseball Diamond Review

 

How the "Baseball Diamond" Got Its Name

The playing field of most sports are rectangles, including a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court and tennis courts.  So how come the playing field of baseball is a Diamond?

The basic definition for the Baseball Diamond describes the surface on which the game of baseball is played. It is the infield square formed by home, first, second and third bases.

A baseball diamond is actually a square. It only looks like a diamond if you look at it from behind home plate or any of the bases. The distance between each base is equal, with four 90-degree angles and having 90 feet between each base. 

A baseball “Diamond” is really a square turned on its side! 

Baseball’s Playing Field

Baseball is unique in the world of sports. In addition to having a different shaped playing area, it is the only sport with no time limit. Whereas, football has four 15-minute quarters, soccer has two 45-minute halves, basketball has four 12-minute quarters (NBA), and hockey has three 20-minute periods (plus two 17-minute intermissions), baseball, on the other hand, has 9 innings with no set time limit. Each inning continues until  the team at bat incurs three outs, however long it takes.  And, if the game is tied after the end of the ninth inning, an unlimited number of innings is played until a winner is declared. 

More ‘Diamond’ Terms in Baseball

In addition to baseball’s playing field being called a ‘Diamond’, the term is attached to a couple other areas of the game.  

During the 1930s, ballplayers were called diamond artists or diamondeers. The fans were known as diamond bugs. 

Summary

So, the next time you go to a stadium to watch a baseball game (or view it on television), take the time to notice how the playing field appears from the stands or from the angle of the TV camera  as the batter looks out toward the pitcher. You will see how it looks like a ‘Diamond”.   

For more Baseball Reviews, check out
ReviewThisReviews: Baseball

For more Sports Reviews, check out

ReviewThisReviews: Sports

*This Baseball Diamond review was written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews.com. 

The Language of Baseball or How to Speak Baseball

How to Speak Baseball: An Illustrated Guide to Ballpark BanterCheck PriceBaseball as a Second LanguageCheck Price

 

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Clutter Cornucopia Review

 CORNUCOPIA:

One of the dictionary definitions for the word ‘Cornucopia’ describes it as “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.” In this review, you will find a compiled list of several helpful books on how to conquer clutter and/or organize your home and your life. All have been reviewed by the contributors here on ReviewThisReviews.com.

A Collection of Books on Clutter (and what to do about it)

Clut`ter To fill with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or efficiency.  A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.

For simple ways to take back control of your stuff, author Stephanie Culp’s book “How to Conquer Clutter” will give you some advice on the subject in an informative, but also humorous,  way. 

Paper Clutter

MY clutter, in general, is mostly under control. I like things orderly, and almost everything in my domain stays pretty much under control.  EXCEPT, when it comes to paper. For whatever reason, I do not deal well with paper  ~ sorting, filing or disposing! I begin with good intentions, then become overwhelmed and just turn around and go do something else! 

Thus, Barbara Hemphill’s “Taming the Paper Tiger” has been a lifesaver for me, and perhaps it will for you. 

More De-Clutter Book Reviews

Our RTR Contributor Brite-Ideas gives us "Three Ways to Hide Clutter."

Between screens with lovely scenes and furniture with storage places, your clutter can quickly be tucked away if unexpected company arrives, or if you simply have gotten tired of ‘looking’ at the clutter' which you have not had time to put away.

Personal Thoughts on ‘Tidying Up’

This Japanese ‘art of decluttering and organizing’ found in the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” written by Marie Kondo, does more than simply aid you in putting your house (and your life) in some semblance of order. It basically puts your past in order, revealing that you are now surrounded only by the things you love. 

Summary

Since this is the Spring-Cleaning time of year, having just celebrated the first day of Spring, this list of helpful de-clutter books seems appropriate.  There also just happens to be a National Cleaning Week beginning the 4th Sunday of March each year. 

*This reviewed group of How-To books for learning how to declutter your home and life, is brought to you by Wednesday Elf. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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