A Quick Synopsis of the "I Have Dream" Speech

King’s “I Have a Dream" speech begins by referencing the Emancipation Proclamation as a “great beacon light of hope” for slaves who were experiencing injustice; despite this hope, King pointed out further work was required for African Americans to be truly free in their own country.

Widely hailed as a masterpiece of rhetoric, King's speech invokes pivotal documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the United States Constitution. Early in his speech, King alludes to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address by saying "Five score years ago ..." In reference to the abolition of slavery articulated in the Emancipation Proclamation, King says: "It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity." Anaphora (i.e., the repetition of a phrase at the beginning of sentences) is employed throughout the speech. Early in his speech, King urges his audience to seize the moment; "Now is the time" is repeated three times in the sixth paragraph. The most widely cited example of anaphora is found in the often quoted phrase "I have a dream", which is repeated eight times as King paints a picture of an integrated and unified America for his audience. Other occasions include "One hundred years later", "We can never be satisfied", "With this faith", "Let freedom ring", and "free at last". King was the sixteenth out of eighteen people to speak that day, according to the official program.

My favorite way to eat popcorn is with some Carmel sauce poured on it

National Hugging Day 2022: History, Significance, and All You Need to Know

National Hugging Day 2022: The underlying significance behind this beautiful initiative is to encourage people to be more compassionate and demonstrate their emotions in a more pronounced manner.

National Hugging Day 2022: January 21 marks the National Hugging Day in the USA and UK. A beautiful, thoughtful expression of love and support, a ‘hug’ is that wonderful gesture that can speak louder than words if given at the right moment. On the occasion of the National Hugging Day, let’s take a look at its history and significance:

NATIONAL HUGGING DAY: HISTORY

National Hugging Day was first celebrated in 1986 in Clio, Michigan, USA. Kevin Zaborney was the one to coin this idea. The concept dawned on him when he observed during the holidays that people seemed to be a little low in spirit, especially between the gap that follows after Christmas, New Year, and Valentine’s Day.

He figured out that during this stretch of the year, to ensure people are in high spirits and don’t feel depressed or lonely, it is best to introduce a day like Hugging Day. Kevin felt that the American society was kind of embarrassed to express feelings in public, so a day like this would change that, probably. He had also asked people to always respect personal space of others, and act accordingly.

He figured out that during this stretch of the year, to ensure people are in high spirits and don’t feel depressed or lonely, it is best to introduce a day like Hugging Day. Kevin felt that the American society was kind of embarrassed to express feelings in public, so a day like this would change that, probably. He had also asked people to always respect personal space of others, and act accordingly.

Hugging ushers in joy and boosts bonds between people. Not only does it bring positivity and sweetness in relationships, hugging is also known for its other beneficial aspects such as stress reduction, better heart health and improved immunity. Hugging generates oxytocin in the brain which is a chemical (neurotransmitter) that is responsible for happiness.

Owing to the pandemic, when social distancing norms are to be followed, a virtual hug or a gesture that goes on to embody the spirit of National Hugging Day would be perfect to propagate this heartwarming initiative. Be it with virtual hugs or generous words, attitude and actions, people can continue to embrace each other and make each other feel safe and cheerful.

NATIONAL PIE DAY

National Pie Day on January 23rd celebrates one of the Nations’ favorite desserts. No matter how you slice it, pie in just about any form makes a crowd happy. Fruit pies, berry pies, cream pies – they are mouthwatering servings of homemade goodness. 

Each week we offer a new poll of a popular National Day… National Pie Day poll results are in! 

Take part in this week’s poll: Celebration Participation.

National Pie Day simply celebrates the pie. Everyone is invited to bake their favorite pie, but more importantly, the day reminds us to enjoy eating pies! The only other question to ask is, will it be al a mode?

Did you know, the first pies appeared around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age? So, humans have been eating pies for a very long time. And with so many to choose from, we shouldn’t have any problem finding one we like. After all, we celebrate the day twice a year (plus their cousin National Pi Day). 

Click play and enjoy a story about National Pie Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

My favorite type of pie is definitely PEACON PIE.

I realize this is an unpopular opinion and that you might even revoke my internet food ranting license for saying this, but I’m not particularly bothered by corn syrup in recipes. For me, it’s more of a math thing. It mostly shows up in things nobody is eating for underlying health benefits and we all understand we’re only supposed to enjoy in moderation (candies, caramels, pie

etc.) so it’s hard to get up in arms over a glug of it in a recipe that yields a few dozen tiny items one might eat one or two a day of a few times a year. [I will now duck until you’re all done yelling.]

I will try this one more time! What is your favorite type of pie?

National Chocolate Cake Day – January 27, 2022

Dear Chocolate Cake,

It was love at first bite. You may come in many forms: layered, molten, bundt, fluffy, mousse-y, decadent, frosted… …but we love you all the same. You’re the reason we know what happiness tastes like. Your special day may only come once a year on January 27th, but you’re also the reason we know how to REALLY celebrate a birthday or a sweet valentine. We would make ourselves sick over you. We would steal the last piece for you. We’d even lick the bowl for you. But no matter what, we’ll keep coming back for you.

Thank you always for your chocolatey, decadent goodness.

Sincerely,

All the Chocolate Cake Lovers In The World!

Early spring’s coming! Jimmy the Groundhog didn’t see his shadow

Jimmy predicts warm weather around the corner.

The first Friday in February (February 4) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.

NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY

National Cheddar Day adds some cheesy goodness on February 13th!

Grilled cheese would be buttered bread without melt-able slices piled high; burgers would be lackluster without a perfect ooze; mac & cheese would just be…mac, to be frank. So many of our iconic American dishes simply wouldn’t be the same without a slice of cheddar’s deliciousness.

CHEDDAR HISTORY

There’s some history to this love of cheddar as well. How exactly did cheddar become a staple in so many of our favorite foods? Let us tell you!

Cheddar first rolled into being in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England in the 12th century. While cheddar accounts for more than a third of all the cheese sold in the United States, it is a royal hit in the United Kingdom where it was created. In fact, more than half of the cheese sales in the UK go to cheddar.

In 1894, renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon where it rains a lot and the grass was always green. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

No wonder cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite.

In 1894, renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon where it rains a lot and the grass was always green. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

No wonder cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite.

How many varieties of cheddar cheese are there?
A. Basic cheddar cheeses are extra sharp, sharp, and mild ranging from a real tangy bite to a mild smooth flavor. However, herbs and spices can be added to cheddar for even more flavor!

How many varieties of cheddar cheese are there?
A. Basic cheddar cheeses are extra sharp, sharp, and mild ranging from a real tangy bite to a mild smooth flavor. However, herbs and spices can be added to cheddar for even more flavor! 

NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY! LET'S PARTY!

The Big Day is quickly approaching. However, we’re not just talking about Super Bowl 56. Now, Feb. 13 can also be dubbed the cheesiest day ever thanks to the inclusion of National Cheddar Day.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending Valentine cards.    

Ancient History

Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions.

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.