July 10th, 1871 - French author, Marcel Proust was born near Paris. He was a novelist, literary critic and essayist who wrote the monumental novel, In Search of Lost Time. His father was a prominent epidemiologist who studied cholera in Asia and his mother was a literate, humorous and very well-read daughter of a wealthy German-Jewish family.

July 16th, 1769 - the present-day San Diego in the state of California, USA was founded by Spanish friar, Junipero Serra. It was the site of the first Christian burial as well as the region`s first public execution. In 1778.On 16 July 1769, San Diego, now California, USA, was founded by the Spanish monk Junipero Serra. Called Mision San Diego de Alcala, it was the second Franciscan mission in California.1778 saw the first Christian burial and the first public execution in the region.

July 16th 1872, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was born near Oslo. He was the first to sail from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via the Northwest Passage. He discovered the South Pole in 1911 and flew over the North Pole in a dirigible in 1926. In June 1928, he flew from Norway to rescue survivors of an Italian Arctic expedition, but his plane vanished.

Announced in 2007 and celebrated for the first time at the wall park in Berlin, the event raises awareness on the nutritional and health benefits of fruits, and the importance of reducing losses and waste in food systems. The regional and seasonal diversity of fruit may be seen as the diversity of people and their cultures. The idea is to share fruit and vegetable with others at a meal to gain solidarity and create cultural exchange. Pomegranate is voted Fruit of the Year in 2024.

Every July 7th, it recognizes the history and cultural significance of chocolate and promotes its consumption and health benefits as well as efforts to improve cocoa production and the sustainability of the chocolate industry. Chocolate is believed to have been first brought to Europe from Americas by Spanish friars while it is believed that it first reached Asia in Indonesia from Venezuela.

World Population Day on July 11th was established in 1990 by the UN, to raise awareness about global population issues and to promote efforts to address these issues. The rapid and alarming population growth can have significant impacts on the demand for agricultural products and the availability of resources such as land and water. Find sustainable ways to address the planet`s resource shortage!

Every year on August 1st, Beer Day promotes its responsible consumption. Beer is made from a variety of grains, including barley, wheat, and rice, which are important crops in many countries. The celebration of International Beer Day may include activities such as beer tastings, brewery tours, and other events to recognize the cultural significance of beer.

This 2020 American romantic action comedy is directed by Ben Falcone, husband of actress Melissa McCarthy, who plays the movie`s main character, Carol Peters. Eight years ago, Carol left her executive job at Yahoo in order to lead a more altruistic life. Unsatisfied with the current job market in Seattle, she now lives day to day, doing non-profit work to advocate for the environment, care for animals and make the world a better place. Disrupting her mundane routine, an all-powerful Superintelligence, played by James Cordon, chooses her to study human character and suddenly, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. As the A.I. is trying to decide whether to enslave, save or destroy humanity, it’s up to Carol to prove that people are worth saving. Critics called the movie “forgettable” despite McCarthy`s praised performance but they all agree, it is a pleasant and easy watch.

Sicilian Watermelon Pudding

Start by pureeing 4 cups of chopped, seeded watermelon (rind discarded) a stand mixer until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a measuring cup, discarding any remaining solids. You need about 3 cups (750 ml) of watermelon juice.

Ladle 2 tbsp (30 ml) of watermelon juice into a small bowl and stir in 2 tbsp of cornstarch, until smooth.

Pour the rest of the watermelon juice into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and 10 ml of vanilla, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Stir the cornstarch mixture again, then whisk it into the watermelon juice. Simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes, then whisk in 2 tsp of fresh lemon juice.

Pour the pudding through a clean strainer and transfer into small glass jars, glasses, or ramekins. Cover and chill until set, at least 3 hours.

Just before serving, garnish the watermelon puddings with whipped cream and coarsely chopped pistachios.

Can be stored covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 days.