Enjoy an exciting ride through the world of sugar, avocados, and mood-boosting strategies that'll leave you feeling informed and inspired.
S
For Statistics
Sugar Rush Alert: Sweet Treats on a Pricey Rollercoaster
Get ready for a dose of "sugarflation" hitting your favorite treats and snacks! From soda and baked goods to Halloween candy, it seems like sugar prices are on an unstoppable sugar rush, and your sweet tooth might feel the pinch.
According to the researchers at The Smart Cube, sugar prices have soared globally by a whopping 42% since June 2022. That's right, sugar has turned into a hot commodity, and it's not showing any signs of cooling down. Brace yourself for those sugary indulgences to cost a little extra as we navigate these candy-costly times.
And just when you thought it couldn't get any sweeter (pun intended), the experts predict that sugar prices will keep climbing. Tight supplies and unpredictable weather mayhem are the culprits behind this candy catastrophe. It seems like Mother Nature is playing a prank on us, with the dry season influenced by El Niño expected to reduce sugarcane yield globally by 10%–15%.
But let's break it down by the numbers, shall we? Sugar and sweets have already experienced an 11% spike in prices in June compared to the same time last year. Now that's a sugar rush of a different kind! And if that wasn't enough to rattle your candy jar, candy and chewing gum decided to outdo themselves with an impressive 13.2% year-over-year increase. Looks like those sweet treats are truly becoming a luxurious indulgence.
So, whether you're a candy connoisseur, a soda enthusiast, or a baked goods buff, be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pocket for that sugar fix. The "sugarflation" phenomenon is here, and it's wreaking havoc on our favorite guilty pleasures. But fear not, dear sugar lovers, a little extra cost won't keep us away from the sugary delights we cherish. After all, there's no such thing as too much sweetness, right? Happy snacking, and may your treats be ever scrumptious, despite the sugar-infused twists and turns!
U
For Unusual
Avocado Alert: Luna Takes the Fruit Scene by Storm, Set to Dethrone Hass!
Introducing the "Luna," the cool new avocado that's here to shake up the fruit scene! Move over, Hass, because Luna is stepping into the spotlight with its compact tree and easy-peasy harvest. The Hass has been the star of our guacamole and avocado toast dreams, but Luna is set to revolutionize the avocado game, potentially making our favorite green delight more plentiful.
After a half-century of dedication and development, the University of California, Riverside proudly presents the Luna UCR. It boasts great flavor, a tell-tale black rind when ripe, and top-notch post harvest quality. But that's not all; growers are in for a treat too, as Luna's smaller and slender tree allows for denser plantings, making harvesting efficient and ladder-free.
Mary Lu Arpaia, co-inventor of Luna UCR, explains that the Hass's large tree size presents challenges, especially when it comes to worker safety and harvest logistics. But Luna comes to the rescue with its tall yet slender frame, delivering more fruit per cubic meter and saving us from ladder-climbing escapades. Not to mention, this avocado sensation can be stored with ease and ripens like a charm.
Now, don't rush to your local supermarket just yet; it takes 15-20 years to bring a new avocado variety to market, and Lunas are still a few years away. But when they hit the shelves, they might just be the next avocado sensation, following in the footsteps of the successful Gem variety from UC Riverside in 2003.
While the Luna does have subtle differences compared to the creamy Hass, it still makes a fantastic bowl of guacamole. The texture is smooth, and the peel is slightly thicker, making it a unique and tasty option for avocado lovers.
Yet, not everyone is convinced about Luna's future. Some skeptics argue that it needs to match or even surpass the Hass in flavor and texture to gain popularity. But Luna remains optimistic, with potential to be the next big hit.
And as if Luna's entrance wasn't exciting enough, Chipotle is jumping on the avocado innovation train too! They're testing the Autocado, a robot that can cut, core, and peel ripe avocados, saving precious time and effort in the guacamole-making process. The future of avocados looks interesting, and we can't wait to see Luna and the Autocado in action! Avocado lovers, get ready for some deliciously smooth times ahead!
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For Explore
Flip the Script: Beat the Bed Blues with 'Opposite Action’
Feeling down and having a rough day is something we all experience from time to time. While staying in bed may bring temporary comfort, it's essential to avoid falling into the trap of "bed rotting," as it can ultimately worsen our mood and outlook on life.
According to Jennifer Taitz, a clinical psychologist, and author of "Stress Resets," a rising trend known as "bed rotting" has been observed, with countless videos on TikTok garnering over 2 billion views related to this practice. However, if we keep wallowing in our thoughts, believing that life is too hard, we'll likely perpetuate those negative feelings.
Instead, Taitz suggests trying a therapeutic technique called "opposite action." This method involves deliberately doing the opposite of what our emotions tell us to do, with the aim of building emotional resilience and lifting ourselves up when we're feeling down.
For instance, rather than remaining in bed, we could take proactive steps to improve our mood, such as going to a gym class, visiting a museum, or reaching out to a friend for a chat. Engaging in activities that create opportunities for positive experiences, like making impromptu dinner plans or finding inspiration in art, can be remarkably effective in combating negative emotions.
Even if we choose to stay at home, it is recommended to get out of bed to read a book. This small achievement can provide a sense of accomplishment and contribute to a more positive mindset.
Remember, when you're having a tough day, practicing the opposite action can be a powerful way to break free from the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions and pave the way for a more positive and fulfilling life. So, get up, embrace the day, and take the first step towards creating a virtuous cycle of positivity!
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For Small Peeps
Sleepover Shenanigans: Unleash Your Stuffed Animal's Wild Side at Cos Cob Library
Attention all stuffed animal owners! Prepare for a wild and whimsical adventure at Cos Cob Library's stuffed animal sleepover! Drop off your cuddly companions on Friday, July 28th, and let them experience a night of excitement like never before. We promise to take extraordinary care of them, with a schedule packed full of planned activities and games for your plush pals.
But don't worry, we won't keep you in the dark! Come back on Saturday, July 29th, at 10 am, and join us for a delightful morning of donuts and juice as we reveal the hilarious and crazy antics your furry friends got into during their overnight escapade at the library. Oh, the stories they will tell!
Rest assured, your beloved stuffed animals will be safely returned to you, but not without a keepsake from their thrilling adventure. We'll capture every thrilling moment with pictures of their escapades that you can cherish forever.
Parents, we kindly ask you to ensure that the stuffed friends you entrust to us for the night will not be missed during their library expedition. The more, the merrier, so let's make this the most memorable stuffed animal sleepover ever! We can't wait to welcome your furry companions and see what fun-filled memories we'll create together. Get ready for a night to remember!
More Info here (please
hyperlinkhttps://greenwichlibrary.libcal.com/event/10305411)
Thank you for reading the entire list!
See you next week-
Sue
