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LydiaN586309
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
March 24, 2019

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY?

  • March 24, 2019
  • 485 replies
  • 398102 views

Today is March 24th and it is:

World Tuberculosis Day

 

World Tuberculosis Day is a worldwide event that aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and the efforts made to prevent and treat this disease. This event is held on March 24 each year and is promoted by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

March 24th marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis--the TB bacillus. This was a first step towards diagnosing and curing tuberculosis. World Tuberculosis Day can be traced back to 1982, when the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease launched World TB Day on March 24 that year, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Dr. Koch’s discovery.

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I plan on posting interesting tidbits about each day/date of the calendar.  I hope others will add to it as well.  It can be related to any subject as long as it happened on or is correlated in some way with that particular date.

    485 replies

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    October 21, 2019
    National Retirement Security Week – October 20-26, 2019
     
    National Retirement Security Week - History September 13, 2006 The Senate passes the resolution

    By unanimous consent, the Senate votes to designate the third week in October as National Retirement Security Week.

    August 3, 2006 National Retirement Security Week is proposed

    U.S. Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) introduce a resolution to establish the weeklong observation.

    How to Observe National Retirement Security Week
    1. Start saving money

      Ubiquity Retirement + Savings discovered that 32% of Americans didn’t start saving until they were in their 30s, and another 13% waited until their 40s to prepare for retirement. Don't wait any longer, start saving now.

    2. Speak with a retirement plan consultant or expert

      Nearly 60% of Americans say they have a workable knowledge of how their retirement vehicles operate, but 30% say they don’t know much about how their's works, if anything at all. Find a consultant or expert who can guide you through the details and works closely with you to develop a retirement strategy that meets your needs.

    3. Spread the word

      Most money-related issues are tagged with a me-first mentality, but preparing for retirement should never be viewed as a competition — National Retirement Security Week is the result of a bipartisan effort, after all. Whether you share a post about the week on your social channels, ask your friends if they are on track for a secure retirement, or set up a meeting at work to discuss retirement planning with your coworkers, just do your part to get the word out there.

    5 Tips Everyone Should Know About Saving For Retirement From Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
    1. Automate Your Saving

      Have your contributions automatically deducted from your paycheck to guarantee that you're saving.

    2. Boost Contributions as You Age

      If you're over 50 years old, you can save an extra $6,000 per year tax deferred.

    3. If You're Young, Invest More Aggressively

      Choosing a more aggressive investment strategy early will quickly grow your nest egg and give you time to recoup if the market takes a dip.

    4. Meet Your Company Match

      If your company offers to match your contribution up to a certain percentage do it. It is free money and as Ubiquity Retirement + Savings CEO Chad Parks points out, that match can be tax-deductible for your employer.

    5. Diversify Your Retirement Vehicles

      Add a tax-advantaged retirement account like a Roth IRA so that some of your saving grows tax free. For more information visit www.myubiquity.com

    Why National Retirement Security Week is Important
    1. Planning for the future is paramount

      While we don't think it's practical to plan out every aspect of one's life, looking forward when it comes to saving money is imperative. While there's nothing wrong with using welfare if you absolutely need it, but it shouldn't be your only choice in terms of financial support during your retirement years.

    2. Retirement funds are a concern for most people

      According to Ubiquity Retirement + Savings, 66% of Americans are worried that they won't have enough money saved up by the time they retire. These concerns aren't unjustified. 1 in 3 Americans currently have less than $5,000 saved — an amount that would last a few months at most depending on location — and it is predicted that half of Americans won't be able to maintain their standard of living once they retire.

    3. Not all employees are offered a retirement plan

      While 28% of Americans take full advantage of their company’s retirement saving options, 20% aren't even offered a plan by their employer. This week is here to help guide those individuals to alternative solutions, like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

     
    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    October 9, 2019
    National Fluffernutter Day – October 8, 2019
     
    National Fluffernutter Day 2019 – October 8

    Marshmallow Fluff, peanut butter, bread — what’s not to love about a Fluffernutter? And on October 8, you can eat as many as you’d like thanks to National Fluffernutter Day. Initially, the term “Fluffernutter” was coined as a way for the marshmallow spread manufacturing company, Durkee-Mower Inc., to market a sandwich that featured Fluff. Now, it’s a national holiday. So celebrate National Flutternutter Day by eating it in sandwich, cookie, cupcake, or candy form — we promise not to judge how you get your Fluffernutter intake.

    National Fluffernutter Day - History ​1960 ​"Fluffernutter" used as a marketing tactic

    ​As a way to market the marshmallow/peanut butter sandwich idea — and appeal to more people — an advertising agency coined the term “Fluffernutter."

    ​1920 Same creme — new name

    ​Archibald Query sold his Marshmallow Creme recipe to Durkee-Mower, Inc. — the company that still owns it today — and renamed it Marshmallow Fluff

    ​1917 ​The original creme is created

    ​​Archibald Query of Somerville, Massachusetts, invented a sweet, marshmallow-like spread that he named Marshmallow Creme.

    National Fluffernutter Day Activities
    1. Go nuts with your fluffernutter creations.

      Although Fluff with peanut butter is the OG of fluffernutters, there’s no rule saying you can’t get creative — so experiment with new combinations. For a more savory take, try adding bacon. To add a bit of tang, spread on some jam. If you want to create the ultimate sweet treat, try adding bananas, chocolate chips, or Nutella.

    2. Spread the fluffernutter love

      While it may be tempting to keep the gooey goodness of a fluffernutter to yourself, remember: there’s plenty of Fluff to go around. So on National Fluffernutter Day, celebrate by spreading the love by making extras for your coworkers and friends. If you have kids, bake fluffernutter-inspired cupcakes or cookies for them to bring to school and share with classmates and teachers.

    3. Share the goodness on social media.

      Whatever fluffernutter creations you choose to consume, share your tasty treats on social media. Snap a pic, take a Boomerang, capture the deliciousness on a video — however you choose to post about your National Fluffernutter Day treat, just be sure to use #FluffernutterDay when posting.

    ​​5 Reasons We Can't Get Enough Fluff
    1. Fluff has made it to outer space

      ​Former International Space Station commander Sunita Willimas requested to have containers of Fluff on her 322-day journey to space.

    2. Fluff festival

      ​Celebrated every September, the “What the Fluff?” festival takes place in Fluff’s hometown of Somerville, Massachusetts, and draws approximately 10,000 visitors every year.

    3. Only 4 ingredients

      ​Fluff has yet to change its recipe: corn syrup, dried egg whites, sugar and vanilla.

    4. The Northeast luffs Fluff

      ​Half of all Fluff profits (through selling 7 million pounds annually) comes from New England and upstate New York.

    5. ​Paul Revere’s descendants invented the first Fluff-like product

      Paul Revere’s great-great-great grandchildren created Snowflake Marshmallow creme and started selling “Liberty Sandwiches"— consisting of creme and peanut butter, during World War I.

    Why We Love National Fluffernutter Day
    1. We get to eat something delicious

      There are a lot of great reasons why celebrating National Fluffernutter Day is so much fun, but one of the main reasons is pretty simple: they’re just so fluffin’ amazing. Marshmallowy goodness with peanut butter spread between two slices of bread — who doesn’t love that? Plus, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (Well, on this day anyway.)

    2. Adults get to embrace their inner kid

      Of course kids love National Fluffernutter Day, but it's also an opportunity for adults to feel like a kid again. Although people of all ages can eat fluffernutters any day of the year, chances are most adults don’t — so National Fluffenutter Day is the perfect opportunity for them to indulge on a treat they most likely haven’t had in a long time.

    3. It’s an excuse to not cook

      Whether or not you love cooking, National Fluffernutter Day is an automatic night off. So relax, because you’ll have all this extra time to do whatever you want — like savor every last bite of a fluffernutter. To save even more time, shop for your fluffernutter ingredients the day before National Fluffernutter Day.

     
    DaveMcK
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    September 23, 2019

    Good by!

    Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    September 23, 2019

    Fall is a beautiful time of year indeed, Dave.  Love your pictures!

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    September 12, 2019

    Related image

    In remembrance of all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and all those whom they left behind.  Godspeed and blessings.

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    September 2, 2019
    Not only is it LABOR DAY, but today is...... World Coconut Day – September 2, 2019
     

    You can’t make a piña colada or a decent Thai curry without it, its water makes a great recovery drink, and its fibrous husk, when burned, repels mosquitos — these are just three of many excellent reasons to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2. One of nature’s most versatile products, the coconut plant (and its various parts) can be used for food and drink, cosmetic preparations, and decorating. Some coconut proponents (cocoproponents?) even claim that the fruit’s oil can reverse dental decay — if you swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day! Most of us aren’t comfortable with a mouthful of oil, no matter whence that oil comes or what it’s purported to do. But we can still get caught up in the coconut craze. Whether you’re stuck on a deserted island or comfortable in your own home, here are some (relatively normal) ideas for using this tropical wonderfruit.

     

    World Coconut Day - History

    2000s Coconut Water Boom

    Coconut water becomes a popular drink in the West

    1971 Put the Lime in the Coconut

    Harry Nilsson's "Coconut," which tells the story of a woman who put the lime in the coconut and drank them both up, debuts

    1280 Indian Nut

    Marco Polo encounters the coconut on his travels to Sumatra and refers to it in his writing as "nux indica," or "Indian nut"

    World Coconut Day Activities
    1. Crack one open

      It’s a lot of fun to crack into a real coconut, and no, you don’t need a machete. There are a number of methods, so check out some YouTube videos. Whichever you choose, be sure to save the coconut water before prying out the sweet meat for snacking.

    2. Cook something different

      If you have only ever had coconuts in tropical drinks and macaroons, get acquainted with the savory side of this fruit. Try your hand at a coconut-based curry, coconut shrimp, coconut-lime rice, or even coconut-crusted onion rings!

    3. Throw a tiki party

      Now that you have all these coconutty delights, why not host a Polynesian-themed party? They’re best held in the backyard, where you can light the area with tiki torches. Provide leis and/or grass skirts, decorate with orchids and tropical fruit, and play some festive ukulele music to get guests in the mood. Don’t forget to put umbrellas in the drinks!

    Why We Love World Coconut Day
    1. There are so many ways to enjoy coconuts

      Odds are that you have recently experienced coconut, in some form or another. If you haven’t had a smoothie or a cocktail or an entree made with coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut water, coconut oil, or the fruit itself, you may have washed your face, shampooed your hair, moisturized, or exfoliated with a coconut by-product. Coconut shells can be used as bowls, to make buttons, and to create the sound effect of horses’ hooves.

    2. Coconuts are delicious

      Coconut products add a scrumptious creaminess to any drink or dish. A smoothie takes on a tropical flair, while even the simplest curry gets depth from coconut milk. Raw coconut makes a perfect snack, and lends just the right amount of chewiness to baked goods. And unless your coconut has added sugar, it will work well in savory applications as well as sweet ones.

    3. You guessed it — coconuts are nutritious

      Is coconut the new kale? Well, probably not, but coconuts are high in iron, magnesium, fiber and protein. Coconut water provides potassium and sodium. In moderate amounts, coconut oil — a medium-chain fatty acid — is not harmful, although the jury is out on whether or not it’s helpful. And coconut products play prominent roles in gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan diets.

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    September 2, 2019
    Labor Day – September 2, 2019
     
     
    Summer’s final fling has arrived in the form of Labor Day. Yes, most of us get the day off, but this holiday triggers mixed emotions. While summer still has 21 calendar days left, it’s time to get serious. School’s starting and there’s a sense that summer vacation is over. So what’s behind Labor Day — and how did it earn a place as a federal holiday?

    Let’s take a look.

    What is the the meaning of Labor Day?

    Do you get weekends off work? Lunch breaks? Paid vacation? An eight-hour work day? Social security? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you can thank labor unions and the U.S. labor movement for it. Years of hard-fought battles (and the ensuing legislation they inspired) resulted in many of the most basic benefits we enjoy at our jobs today . On the first Monday in September, we take the day off to celebrate Labor Day and reflect on the American worker’s contributions to our country.

    When is Labor Day in 2019?

    Labor Day always falls on the first Monday in September, which means anywhere from September 1 through September 7. This year it’s September 2 in the U.S. and Canada — where it’s known as Labour Day. However, this is not the case for most countries — the majority of which celebrate on May 1.

    Labor Day History

    Labor Day History

    There’s disagreement over how the holiday began. One versions is set in September 1882 with the Knights of Labor, the largest and one of the most important American labor organizations at the time. The Knights in New York City held a public parade featuring various labor organizations on September 5 — with the aid of the fledgling Central Labor Union (CLU) of New York. Subsequently, CLU Secretary Matthew Maguire proposed that a national Labor Day holiday be held on the first Monday of each September to mark this successful public demonstration.

    In another version, Labor Day in September was proposed by Peter J. McGuire, a vice president of the American Federation of Labor. In spring 1882, McGuire reportedly proposed a “general holiday for the laboring classes” to the CLU, which would begin with a street parade of organized labor solidarity and end with a picnic fundraiser for local unions. McGuire suggested the first Monday in September as an ideal date for Labor Day because the weather is great at that time of year, and it falls in between July 4th and Thanksgiving. Oregon became the first U.S. state to make it an official public holiday. Twenty-nine other states had joined by the time the federal government declared in a federal holiday in 1894.

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    August 15, 2019

    U.S.National Financial Awareness Day 2019 – August 14
    How much would you like to bet that most people don’t know August 14 is National Financial Awareness Day?
    It’s more important than you think. And plus, what’s more fun than financial independence? First off, think about that great feeling you get when you don’t have the looming specter of debt hanging over you. Also, sound financial decisions can really make a difference down the road. Remember, retirement is a time to take all those vacations you couldn’t when you were working the daily grind. Because money is important to our overall peace of mind, Financial Awareness Day is a great time to review where you are now and where you’re going financially. Don’t let bad financial decisions ruin the best years of your life!

    National Today News: New Apple Card generates lots of interest

    National Financial Awareness Day - History
    1959
    Put it on plastic
    American Express introduced its first credit card in 1958 and the following year releases the first plastic credit card.
    1950
    Check, please
    Frank McNamara and Ralph Schneider introduce the Diners Club Card as an alternative to cash. It has 20,000 cardholders in a year.
    1946
    Charge ahead
    John Biggins, a banker in Brooklyn, introduces the "Charg-It" card, believed to be the first bank card. (Customers used it at local businesses, who then forwarded the bill to the bank.)
    How to Observe National Financial Awareness Day
    Invest
    Got some money burning a hole in your pocket? Instead of spending it on some fleeting luxury, why not get in on some of that sweet return-on-investment action? Very rarely do you get the chance to spend your money on something that gives a bit back — well, unless you take a trip to Vegas, but those odds are for suckers. In the end playing it safe is always sexier than spending it all. Use National Financial Awareness Day as an excuse to start investing. It’s sure to pay off!
    Take a trip to the U.S. Mint
    What better way to celebrate money than by finding out how it’s made? There are four U.S. mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco and West Point. If pennies aren’t quite as pretty as paper to you, head down to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing or BEP for short. Not only do they offer tours and rare currency products, but you can take any of those ratty dollars that accidentally got tossed in the dryer and redeem them for free. How’s that for smart money?
    Get smart about your money
    National Financial Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to make a budget. We know, we know, it’s not an attractive task but it’s so important. Find out where you spend your money by making a spreadsheet or using one of the many online services and apps that will do it for you. The numbers may shock you but that’s okay — knowledge is power!
    Why National Financial Awareness Day is Important
    It celebrates Easy Street
    As the saying goes, why work for your money when you can make it work for you? Sometimes in the seemingly endless race to chase that paper, we forget that we don’t always need to take the uphill course. With the right knowledge, you can make the road to riches far less bumpy and a lot more scenic. Sound investment practices can help you spend less time working and more time enjoying your life.
    It teaches us that finances don’t have to be confusing
    In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king and if there's one thing most people are clueless about, it’s finance. There’s no downside to having a bit of financial literacy in life. It’s a subject many people find daunting, but taking the initiative to learn how money works will make all your peers green with envy. Just like everyone flocks to that one mechanically-inclined friend when their car breaks down, you’ll be that guy — but for money. Plus, when your car breaks down you can just buy a better one!
    It reminds us to prepare for the unforeseeable future
    They say money can’t buy you happiness. Perhaps — but not having money can sure bring you a lot of sadness. That’s why it’s so important to make sound investment decisions now so you’re not suffering later. You never know what kind of pitfalls life may throw your way but there’s no better safety net than having a nice contingency fund in your pocket.

    LydiaN586309
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    August 13, 2019

    TODAY IS......

    INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY- August 13


    International Left Handers Day on August 13th recognizes all those individuals who have mastered using their left hand in a right-handed world. We take our hats off to you – left-handed!
    Approximately 10% of the population are southpaws. Scientists don’t know why a person develops left-handedness. But it’s more likely a child will be left-handed if one parent is a lefty, too. Parents of left-handed children used to force them to use their right hands. In the eyes of right-handers, the predominant use of the left hand seemed evil. Parents feared their communities would shun their children. While we accept left-handedness more readily than days gone by, its occurrence hasn’t increased.
    Famous Cartoonist Joe Wos, founder of mazetoons, states that his favorite day to celebrate is International Left Handers Day, being a lefty himself.
    Many lefties seek to blend in because they will stand out soon enough. Their unique quality makes them feel awkward. They bump elbows or seem like a klutz. However, in a world designed for the right-handed, those who are other dominant adapt quite well. For example, eight United States presidents were left-handed, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Would the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa stand the test of time if Michaelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci had been right-handed?
    Left Handers Day recognizes the uncommon individual who throws, catches, writes, and uses a fork with their left-hand. They view the world just a little differently. At a restaurant, they seek out the seat that will place their dominant elbow on the outside of the booth. Right-handed athletes groan a bit when the southpaw shows up as an opponent on the roster. They present a challenge right-handers aren’t always sure how to handle due to lack of practice. Lefties square off against righties all the time.
    Don’t be shy on Left-Handers Day. Show the world how brilliant and unique you are!
    HOW TO OBSERVE #LeftHandersDay
    Take a left-handed friend to lunch or out for coffee. If you’re right-handed, try doing everything with your left hand. Left-handers post photos using #lefthandersday to prove your left-handed awesomeness.
    Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for a project designed just for Left-Hander’s Day. Use #NDCClassroom to let share your ideas with us.
    INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY HISTORY
    International Left Handers Day was founded in 1992 in the United Kingdom. Because of the popularity of this observation in the United States, the Registrar at National Day Calendar added the day to its list of national days.

    DaveMcK
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    August 8, 2019

    NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY

    Observed annually on August 7, National Lighthouse Day honors the beacon of light that for hundreds of years symbolized safety and security for ships and boats at sea.  At one time, the beacon of light could be found across almost all of America’s shorelines.

    A lighthouse is described as a tower, building or any other type of structure that is designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. 

    Lighthouse Facts

    • Mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, safe entries to harbors
    • Assist in aerial navigation
    • The number of lighthouses has declined due to the expense of maintenance. Modern electric navigational systems are replacing them. 
    • Their light source is called a lamp (either electric or oil-fueled).
    • Originally lit by an open fire and then candles.
    • Differ depending on the location and purpose but have standard components
    • The lantern room is a glassed-in housing at the top of a lighthouse tower
    • Beneath the lantern room is the Watch Room or Service Room 
    • Next to the Watch room is an open gallery.
    • Development accelerated in the 17th century with Britain’s Trinity House constructing its first in 1609.
    • In North America, St. Augustine, Florida built the first lighthouse. Printed on a 1791 map, it had been built by Menendez after his landing in 1586.
    • Boston Light built on little Brewster Island next in 1716.
    • The oldest existing lighthouse in the United States is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey.  Built in 1764, this lighthouse is still in operation.
    • At the end of the 19th century, the United States had the most lighthouses of any nation.
    • The 9th Act of the first Congress created the US Bureau of Lighthouses in 1789, which placed lighthouses under federal control.
    • The United States Coast Guard took over on July 7, 1939.
    • Hobbyists enjoy visiting and photographing lighthouses. They also collect ceramic replicas.  

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLighthouseDay

    Tour lighthouses near you. Take a road trip. With lighthouses on every coast and the great lakes, one or more is surely worth the trip! Share your photos of lighthouses and use #NationalLighthouseDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY HISTORY

    On August 7, 1789, the United States Congress approved an act for the “establishment and support of Lighthouse, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers.”  It was two hundred years later that Congress designated August 7 as National Lighthouse Day.

     There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!

    Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
    DaveMcK
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    August 6, 2019

     

    NATIONAL ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY 

    On August 6, National Root Beer Float Day tells us to float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in an ice-cold mug of frothy root beer. The classic beverage creates a creamy treat loved by generations!

    Also known as the “Black Cow,” the root beer float got its start in Colorado in a mining camp. Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek, Colorado, gets the credit for inventing the “Black Cow”  way back in August of 1893.

    One night Wisner, owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, was staring out the window and thinking about the line of soda waters he was producing for the citizens of Cripple Creek when he came upon an idea.  The full moon that night shined on the snow-capped Cow Mountain and reminded him of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  He hurried back to his bar and scooped a spoonful of ice cream into the children’s favorite flavor of soda, Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. After trying, he liked it and served it the very next day.  It was an immediate hit.

    Wisner named the new creation, “Black Cow Mountain” but the local children shortened the name to “Black Cow”.

    Since its inception, thousands of root beer floats have been enjoyed around the country each day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRootBeerFloatDay

    Gather up some root beer and ice cream and mix up the perfect root beer float. Enjoy a root beer float over lunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant.  Use #RootBeerFloatDay to post on social media and spread the word.

    Also, find Root Beer Float Deals here!

    If a root beer float is your favorite ice cream soda, National Ice Cream Soda Day is on June 20 so you can enjoy it twice!

    ROOT BEER FLOAT HISTORY

    We were unable to identify the creator of National Root Beer Float Day.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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    Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper