Re: WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY? - Page 13

LydiaN586309 · ‎03-24-2019

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.

LydiaN586309 · ‎06-05-2019

TODAY IS.....

World Environment Day – June 5, 2019

World Environment Day, which the UN first established in 1972, urges all of us to protect our natural surroundings.

The stunning facts? An estimated 7 million people die each year due to causes related to air pollution, with a majority occurring in the Asia-Pacific region. This day, which falls on June 5, encourages worldwide activism. That means everything from littering to climate change. World Environment Day is both a global celebration and platform for public outreach.

China, which now owns half the world’s electric vehicles and 99 percent of the world’s electric buses, is hosting the 2019 event. “The country has demonstrated tremendous leadership in tackling air pollution domestically,” says Acting Head of UN Environment Joyce Msuya. “It can now help spur the world to greater action.”

How to Observe World Environment Day

Make a commitment to recycle
It might seem like a basic tip, but are you really taking every possible opportunity to recycle? Next time you're thinking about throwing that piece of paper in the trash because a recycling bin isn't accessible, think twice. Holding a plastic container and too lazy to see if it's one of the biodegradable kinds? Open up your smartphone and look it up! Everyone's responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions— including you.
Plant a tree
Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Placed strategically around a single-family home, they can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.
Volunteer
Anyone can volunteer, and volunteering can make a difference to the whole community. Get out of your comfort zone by volunteering for the National Park Service, or stay local by volunteering at your farmers market. Any way you choose to participate, you'll feel the positive impact of getting out of the house and caring for the planet.

Why World Environment Day is Important

It reconnects us to nature
Sometimes we forget just how much natural systems support our own well-being. But we're part of nature, and we depend on it. So today's the perfect occasion to go out and enjoy your country’s national parks, and celebrate the vital relationship.
It raises awareness
More and more people are starting to understand that we need to sustainably manage our planet’s resources and ecosystems. However, that belief is far from universal. That's why World Environment Day is so important: it provides an occasion to raise awareness and teach friends and family that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable. But before you begin promoting environmental awareness in your own community, make sure that you have a thorough understanding of environmental issues yourself. There's always more to learn!
It encourages us to take action
The environment has become increasingly polluted with contaminants and toxins, and these have a harmful impact on our health. They can cause respiratory diseases and cancer—and that's just for starters. By raising awareness of the issues with the air that sustains us, World Environment Day inspires us to do something about it and fix the environment we can't live without.

LydiaN586309 · ‎06-03-2019

Today Is....

World Bicycle Day – June 3, 2019

For many of us, riding a bicycle without training wheels is the first challenging physical activity we ever learn how to master. We all remember, don’t we? A running start. The protective hand secured to the bicycle seat is released. And then — ZOOM! — the child is off and peddling, and a lifetime of adventure and freedom awaits aboard a succession of beloved two-wheeled conveyances. In the spirit of that very first trip, let’s take a closer look at World Bicycle Day, shall we?

World Bicycle Day - History April 12, 2018 Stamp of approval

The United Nations officially designates June 3 as World Bicycle Day.

March 2016 Sibilski appears at Scientists for Cycling

Sibilski speaks at the Scientists for Cycling colloquium in Taipei, Taiwan, and argues for a World Bicycle Day.

February 2016 World bicycle day gathers momentum

Professor Sibilski publishes another blog post for the World Bank titled "Why is there no world day for the bicycle?" Momentum begins to build.

February 2015 The movement begins

Leszek Sibilski, a sociology professor and cycling and physical education activist, writes a blog post for the World Bank titled, "Cycling Is Everyone’s Business."

World Bicycle Day Activities

Plan a trip
No matter where you are in the world, we're sure that your city or town will look completely different once you start to explore it by bicycle. Many cities have dedicated bike lanes that allow you to ride at your own pace and convenience. And many bicyclists love to get outside of town to take in the sweeping vistas and wind-in-your-hair excitement of rural bicycling.
Acknowledge the worldwide celebration
European Cyclists’ Federation Secretary General Dr. Bernhard Ensink says of the United Nations' declaration of June 3 as World Bicycle Day: "Cycling is a source for social, economic and environmental benefits, and it is bringing people together."
Spread the word
World Bicycle Day is pretty much brand new — adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in April 2018. Let everyone know about this super cool celebration.

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-24-2019

Today Is.....

National Brother's Day – May 24, 2019

When you were growing up, you may have envied only children. They never had to share their dessert, they were exempted from sibling rivalry, and they didn’t live in constant fear of wedgies. Today, cast aside that envy and feel sad for those onlies, who don’t get to celebrate National Brother’s Day on May 24. When you were younger, you argued over LEGOs, whose turn it was to sit in the front seat, or who would get the last brownie. Yet in some strange way, those childhood squabbles served to make you closer over the years. As a grownup, you know that having a brother confers a number of advantages: a whole lifetime’s worth of jokes and memories, the camaraderie that comes from having endured the same sadistic algebra teacher, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get at family reunions (OK, maybe that is the wedgie, or a poorly executed Indian burn?) .

National Brother's Day Activities

Indulge in your favorite bonding ritual
Beer? Ballgames? Barbecue? Brunch? Whatever you guys like to do, today’s the day to do it together. Even if it just means grabbing a bite to eat, take time out to bond with your brother.
Tell him what he means to you
This doesn’t have to be as touchy-feely as all that, but it ought to be a bit more meaningful than slurring “I love you, man!” after a couple of Jameson shots. Just let him know that you appreciate all he’s done for you, or that you really dig hanging out with him.
Buy him a little something
Unlike Mother’s Day, when it’s basically de rigeur to spring for flowers, perfume, or a brunch buffet, there are no guidelines when it comes to buying your brother a treat. How about a funny t-shirt you saw online, a book he’d enjoy, or movie tickets? If he’s a whiskey aficionado, get him that special bottle he wouldn’t buy for himself. Who knows, maybe he’ll share.

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-19-2019

National Endangered Species Day – May 19, 2019

Animal lovers and conservationists unite: May 19 is National Endangered Species Day. This is a day to consider the dwindling populations of certain animals and work together to help. Environmental conservation didn’t gain traction until the mid-1800s. America’s Endangered Species Act of 1973 sparked both domestic and international conservation by providing a framework for protection.

Even today some remain critical of human efforts to make the world more habitable for endangered animals. They argue that natural selection should decide which species live or die. But let’s remember that humans have an unprecedented effect on the planet, which can have negative consequences on the lives of other animals.

The question remains: Should humans have ultimate authority over which animals live and die?

How to Observe National Endangered Species Day:

Make a donation
There are thousands of charitable organizations dedicated to conserving endangered species, and they all could use your help. These organizations exist at national and local levels as well, so you can choose how far and wide your money goes.
Volunteer at a local nature center
If you can spare the time, find a nature center near you and volunteer. Take the opportunity to learn something new about this wonderful planet we live on, and learn how you can make sure it’s in good shape for the future. Most nature centers offer helpful literature, and those who work there are always ready for a chance to talk about their work. If you’re interested volunteering could turn into a regular hobby!
Go on a nature walk
Take time on National Endangered Species Day to see for yourself what the natural world looks like, right in your backyard. See if you can spot all the creatures that make their homes with you, and try to figure out the best way to help your local ecosystem work.

Why National Endangered Species Day is Important?

Healthy planet
Every animal is a vital link in its own respective food chain. Removing any link has disastrous effects on other animals, humans, and the planet in general. The key to making sure that human history continues is to make sure we live on a healthy planet, and in order to do that, we must allow other animals to live and thrive along with us.
Bald eagles: A success story
The pesticide DDT once posed a threat to America's bald eagle population. The U.S. banned DDT in 1972. The Endangered Species Act took effect a year later. Bald eagles recovered by 2007 and no longer occupy a spot on the endangered list.
Research
When it comes to studying disease or biology or natural history, it’s not enough to study fossils and other humans. Studying the animals who share our planet allows us to form a deeper understanding of the way life works. If a species goes extinct, there is no real way for us to truly understand how they impacted the planet. After all, dodo saliva could have been utilized as a natural antidepressant, but since they all died out several centuries ago, we’ll never know for certain.

Some Endangered Species:

Panda

Orangutan

Red Panda

Rhinos

Wolves

Giraffees

Iberian Lynx

...and many, many other species.

What else can we do?
ACT NOW IN HONOR OF ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY
May 17, 2019
Dear Humanitarian,
Today is Endangered Species Day! Our world is a richer and more beautiful place thanks to the enormous diversity of species that inhabit it, and today we are honoring a law that is vital for protecting that incredible biodiversity—the Endangered Species Act.
The UN’s Global Assessment report that came out earlier this month painted a bleak picture, projecting that we could lose approximately one million species over the next 50 years due to exploitation of species, habitat encroachment, climate change, pollution, and invasion by non-native species.
However, laws such as the ESA still give us a fighting chance to save wildlife from extinction. Under the protection of the law, 99 percent of listed species have been spared from extinction, and thanks to the ESA a number of species such as the bald eagle, grizzly bear, and West Indian manatee are on the road to recovery.
SEND YOUR LETTERS
What You Can Do
Unfortunately, the ESA frequently comes under attack, particularly by certain members of Congress. In recognition of Endangered Species Day, we ask that you write to your members of Congress and urge....
Be sure to share our eAlert with family, friends, and co-workers, and encourage them to contact their members of Congress, too. Thank you for all you do for animals!
Sincerely,
Cathy Liss
President, Animal Welfare Institute

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-17-2019

May 17th is...

National Walnut Day – May 17, 2019

They may not be as popular as almonds or peanuts, but let’s give walnuts their due respect: they’re great for your heart, your brain, and your bones; you can incorporate them into any meal; and they’ve literally been around for almost 10,000 years. The Walnut Marketing Board established National Walnut Day in the 1950s, and it’s been celebrated on May 17 ever since. Read on for all the best ways to celebrate walnuts, because they’re so much more than just another ingredient to toss in chicken salad.

National Walnut Day Activities

Shell your own
Don’t you find that food tastes better when you’ve worked a bit for it? Buy some walnuts still in their shells, grab a nutcracker (or a hammer), and get going. Bonus: it doubles as a stress-relieving exercise!
Gift ‘em
Candied walnuts are an impressive gift that couldn’t be easier to make. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sugar, and add any spices you want (we like cinnamon and ginger). Toss the walnuts in this mixture until they’re coated; then spread them out on some parchment paper to cool. Pack them into small jars, distribute among your friends, and pretend you're Martha Stewart.
Make a walnut cocktail
Nocino is an Italian liqueur made from unripe walnuts. It’s nutty, sweet, strong, and a bit spicy—in other words, it will warm you right up. The Italians drink it on its own as a digestif, but it also pairs very well with brown spirits. We think it’d be a great addition to a Manhattan.

5 Reasons We're Sort Of Nuts About Walnuts

Kitchen chameleons
These versatile nuts can be eaten raw or toasted, pickled or candied, added to a wide range of cereals, baked into pies, cakes, and cookies, tossed onto ice cream, used in pesto and other sauces, and processed into oils and nut butters.
More than just food
Ink still made today from walnut husks is said to have been used by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt for writing and drawing; shells are crushed for use as landscape mulch; and the abrasive quality of ground walnut shells also makes them useful in cleaning products.
Wall-to-wall
Especially abundant in the U.S. and China, walnuts are also cultivated in Iran, Turkey, Mexico, Ukraine, Chile, England, Slovenia, and Romania.
Healing properties
Walnuts have been used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and freshen breath
Long-lasting
A walnut tree can live to be 250 years old

Why We Love National Walnut Day

Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse
Walnuts are the only nut with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat just a quarter cup, you’ll have more than 100% of the daily recommended amount. These omega-3s contribute to your brain function, heart health, and reduce inflammation. Walnuts are also a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Plus they’re high in protein and fiber, so they make a great snack.
They’ve got some (ancient) history
Walnuts are the oldest known tree food—they date back to 7000 B.C.! The walnuts we eat today are known as English walnuts, but they actually originated in ancient Persia where they were considered a delicacy for the royalty. They first moved through the Asian and Middle Eastern world by trade along the Silk Road, and then further via sea trade. They eventually made it to England, where merchants would sail them to ports around the world, hence the “English” name.
They’re versatile
Walnuts are great in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes. Eat them by themselves, or chop them up and toss them in cookies, oatmeal, salads, sauces, cakes, you name it! And calling all vegetarians/vegans: their texture makes for a great meat-substitute. Seriously, Google “walnut chorizo.”

The main thing is just to "Eat and Enjoy!"

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-15-2019

May 15th Is...

National Chocolate Chip Day – May 15, 2019

WEDNESDAY MAY 15

National Chocolate Chip Day 2019 – May 15

We might not know which came first — the chicken, or the egg — but when it comes to chocolate chips and their namesake cookie, the history is well-documented, and it might not be what you think. Chocolate chips actually came after the chocolate chip cookie, and despite their ubiquity, are likely younger than your grandmother (they were first marketed in 1940!). Legend has it that the chocolate chip cookie was a happy accident, born when baker ran out of baker’s chocolate and opted for semi-sweet instead.

The recipe spread like wildfire, and after a few years of selling their semi-sweet chocolate bars with a chopping tool (for easy chunking of the bar), Nestlé went one step further by introducing chocolate “morsels” to the world. With such a history, and with so much mass appeal, it’s no surprise that this kitchen delight deserves celebration, and that’s why, on May 15, we’ve got National Chocolate Chip Day.

National Chocolate Chip Day Activities

Hack The Kitchen: Chocolate For Dinner
Most chefs know how to use tried-and-true flavor combinations to great effect, but the best chefs create new combinations altogether. Try using chocolate chips in a dinner recipe for a real challenge. If you’re looking for a place to start, you might consider trying the mole recipe in the section below!
How Big Can You Bake It?
You probably won’t approach the world record, but National Chocolate Chip Day is the perfect occasion to try your hand at baking the biggest chocolate chip cookie possible.
Art You Can Eat
With a mix of chocolate chips, M&Ms, and some other similarly-sized chocolate candies, you’re well on your way to a kid-friendly edible art project! This can get messy, though, so it’s probably a project best suited for the kitchen!

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-14-2019

TODAY Is.....

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day – May 14, 2019

TUESDAY MAY 14

There’s nothing quite like a flaky, buttermilk biscuit paired with jam, honey, maple syrup, or butter to send your taste buds into overdrive. What better way to celebrate a long-standing Southern tradition than by commemorating National Buttermilk Biscuit Day on May 14? These flakey, carby treats emerged in the pre-Civil War era as an inexpensive addition to meals. When people realized these robust bread products absorbed the gravy on their plates better than plain bread, biscuits soared in popularity and the version that we all know and love — the buttermilk biscuit — was born. From celebrating at your favorite restaurant to whipping up a gourmet batch at home, there are ample ways one can pay homage to this Southern staple.

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day Activities

Go on a biscuit quest
Rule #1: You can never have too many biscuits. In preparation for the holiday, scope out the local restaurant scene a few days beforehand to discover what kind of deals you can find. Then, on May 14, put your game face on and head over to your local Cracker Barrel to enjoy some home-style cooking, complete with mouthwatering buttermilk biscuits and flavorsome gravy. For dessert, mosey on over to Red Lobster to scarf down copious amounts of their legendary (and addictive) cheddar biscuits. Popeyes, Bojangles’, and Church’s Chicken also have tasty biscuits. Remember, the earlier you start , the more ground you’ll cover.
Make some biscuits
Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats homemade buttermilk biscuits. If you aren’t sure where to start, there are hundreds (give or take) of recipes floating across the Internet at this very second. If you’re feeling adventurous, make up your own recipe! We’ll give you a hint: you’ll probably need buttermilk.
Turn ordinary buttermilk biscuits into an extraordinary dish
As wonderful as buttermilk biscuits might be on their own, they can often be made even better when combined with other awesome ingredients. From exotic casseroles to scrumptious cinnamon rolls, there are heaps of unique dishes that can be made using buttermilk biscuits as a base. Get creative — the possibilities are truly endless!

LydiaN586309 · ‎05-02-2019

MAY 2 is ......

National Brothers and Sisters Day 2019 – May 2

Today is dedicated to the people who (we hope) made your childhood memorable — your siblings. They’ve been there for you during the good times. And they haven’t left your side through the bad (even if they created it by getting you in trouble). Of course, there were probably times where you couldn’t stand the sight of each other. What siblings don’t get into fights? Still, National Brothers and Sisters Day is the day to reflect on the best times.

We all agree about the importance of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. But brothers and sisters know you like no one else ever will.

National Brothers and Sisters Day Activities

Get nostalgic
Revisit special memories and moments with your siblings. Go to the places they taught you to drive. Visit your favorite childhood haunts. There’s no way to go wrong here, as long as you’re celebrating and spending time together.
Hang out
Go out to lunch or dinner and catch up on old times. Talk about what’s new in your life and your upcoming events. Maybe this will even start a new tradition, or even a habit of catching up more often.
Family vacation
Make a list of places you’ve dreamed about visiting, local or internationally, and start checking off your bucket list. Create memories with them that will last a lifetime.

Why We Love National Brothers and Sisters Day

Family ties
Your brothers and sisters know you inside and out. If they’re older than you, they’ve been a part of your life since you were in diapers (they probably even changed a few, and for that, they deserve eternal gratitude). If you’re the older one, you’ve probably helped a sibling or two navigate through life — whether you’re intimidating their bullies or showing them a cool new trick on the swing set. These amazing bonds are what makes your relationship meaningful. Embrace them on National Brothers and Sisters Day
Understanding
No one will ever “get” you better than your sibling. At our jobs, we have to monitor what we say because we don’t want our thoughts to get misinterpreted. With our friends, we’re allowed to be a little weirder, but we can’t be too weird in case they decide to bail on us. But this isn’t the case with your siblings. You can be as crazy as you want, and say everything that comes to mind. They know the true you — and more importantly, they’re stuck with you.
No secrets
Remember those horrible fashion trends you participated in? All those toys you obsessed over that you would never be caught dead with today? Your siblings were there for all of it. They have the power in their hands to destroy you if they choose — and they’re being very nice by deciding not to (for the moment). As the saying goes, keep your friends close, your enemies closer — and your siblings closest. You’ll never know what they’ll reveal if you make them angry!

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-30-2019

APRIL 30th is.........

In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. The Institute is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing this annual celebration.

International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.

International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-28-2019

Today Is..........

National Superhero Day

April 28, 2019

Marvel employees created National Superhero Day on April 28, 1995. That’s Marvel, as in Marvel Comics, the creators of “The Fantastic Four,” “The Avengers,” “X-Men,” and supervillains like Magneto, Green Goblin, and Loki.

However, as we all know, supervillains are unworthy of their own day.

Still, the idea behind superhero day is to honor those who serve and protect while fighting evil. Whether you’re a fan of the Marvel Universe or the DC Comics variety (like Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, or Superman), honoring heroes, real or fictional, is a worthwhile cause.

Holy holiday, Batman! Let’s get started on this…

National Superhero Day Activities

Throw a cosplay party
Halloween is still months away and mostly for children. But cosplay can happen anytime, and no time is better than National Superhero Day. So whether you choose a theme, like DC comic books heroes, Marvel heroes, or neighborhood heroes, invite people to come as their favorite! Look, a dinner table boasting the likes of Silver Surfer, the Huntress and Iron Man is bound to be fun!
Sponsor a superhero film festival
Even if you’ve never wanted to don a cape and save the day, it’s awesome to watch other people do it. So celebrate National Superhero Day by streaming films like "Iron Man," "Justice League," "Logan'" or even Captain Underpants. Just make sure you have plenty of candy and popcorn on hand — and maybe some masks too for the immersion experience.
Honor your own real-life superheroes
What makes a superhero? Usually it’s the attribute of powers, but don’t let that stop you from taking the day to thank your own heroes. You can thank an entire group, like firefighters or police officers, or honor just one person who has demonstrated fairness, courage and compassion. Make this superhero day your perfect day to honor all heroes

Why We Love National Superhero Day

Superheroes unite!
Start a debate amongst comic book fans about who's the best superhero and you'll soon find yourself in the middle of a heated argument. Batman? Some say he’s just a guy with gadgets. Who’s faster, the Flash or Quicksilver? Who’s more powerful, Spiderman or the Green Lantern?
National Superhero day solves this conundrum by honoring ALL superheroes. So quit arguing and embrace the wonderful diversity of heroes offered in this, and other, universes.
They're real
When we consider the attributes that make a superhero, aside from special powers, they embrace truth and justice, fight evil and demonstrate courage. There are many people in our society who embrace those same values and that makes them pretty super too!
There's a hero for everyone
Superheroes come in all colors, genders, religions, and incarnations. What’s not to love about a day that embraces an alien with a green pointy head (Martian Manhunter), a woman with wings (Hawkgirl), or a man half-metal, half-human (Cyborg)? Even Squirrel Girl has her own loyal following, and although she may not reach the status of having her own day, she is certainly a superhero.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-23-2019

Today is.....

World Book Day 2019 — April 23

World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, is an annual event the organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. World Book Day was first celebrated on 23 April 1995, and continues to be recognized on that day. A related event in the United Kingdom and Ireland is observed in March.

We love books, and our friends at UNESCO agree. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization proposed World Book Day as a day of celebrating the joy of reading for enjoyment.

One hundred countries observe World Book Day, and why not?

Children who regularly read for enjoyment have higher test scores, develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures than their non-reading counterparts. Whether you read traditional paperbound books or turn to your Kindle/iPad/whatever, reading’s a passport to this and many other worlds.

So celebrate with us on April 23! Here’s how to harness your inner bookworm — and maybe get a free book.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-21-2019

It's April 22nd!

Welcome to.........

A brief history of Earth Day

By Dane Sager Kelly - Web Producer

Posted: 8:24 PM, April 21, 2018Updated: 10:17 PM, April 21, 2019

Monday (April 22nd) will be the 49th Earth Day, an event celebrated in 193 countries worldwide, currently coordinated by the Earth Day Network.

Earth Day's origins start with Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired to organize the event after the Jan. 28, 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. More than three million gallons of oil spilled into the Santa Barbara Channel in the Pacific Ocean, killing more than 10,000 animals. Nelson enlisted Stanford University graduate Denis Hayes to assist in coordinating and organizing the event.

The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. The New York Times estimated the gather in in New York City had crowds of 20,000 people and more than 100,000 over the course of the day. Since New York City was home of most television networks and several large publications, coverage of Earth Day was spread nationally.

Across the country, approximately 2,000 colleges and universities and approximately 10,000 schools participated in the first Earth Day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The first Earth Day was said to bring 20 million Americans together, pressuring the United States to prioritize environmental issues.

"My primary objective in planning Earth Day was to show the political leadership of the nation that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement," Nelson said in 1980. "While I was confident that a nationwide peaceful demonstration of concern would be impressive, I was not quite prepared for the overwhelming response that occurred on that day."

The first Earth Day's success didn't take President Richard Nixon by surprise, having representatives around the country at events. On July 9, 1970, Nixon proposed consolidating the environmental responsibilities of the U.S. government into one agency, the EPA.

In the nearly 50 years since its inception, Earth Day continues to influence the environment on both local and international scales.

In 1995, Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his environmental work. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 89.

Since 1970, Earth Day celebrations have grown. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in over 140 nations participating, according to the Earth Day Network (EDN), a nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities. In 2000, Earth Day focused on clean energy and involved hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries and 5,000 environmental groups, according to EDN. Activities ranged from a traveling, talking drum chain in Gabon, Africa, to a gathering of hundreds of thousands of people at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Today, the Earth Day Network collaborates with more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. According to EDN, more than 1 billion people are involved in Earth Day activities, making it “the largest secular civic event in the world.”

Citation Information: Article Title--Earth Day 2019

Author: History.com Editors

Let us all play a part and be a part of celebrating the earth and our world.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-21-2019

TODAY Is,,,,,

APRIL 21ST

Amen!

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-17-2019

APRIL 17TH IS.....

NATIONAL HAIKU POETRY DAY

Observed annually on April 17, National Haiku Poetry Day encourages all to try their hand in creativity. Haiku poetry is a form of Japanese poetry that is non-rhyming and normally consists of 3 lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Haiku poems are usually inspired by an element of nature, a season, a moment of beauty or an individual experience or event. Sensory language is used to capture a feeling or image.

From Haiku: This Other World
Richard Wright (1908-1960)

Whitecaps on the bay:
A broken signboard banging
In the April wind.

English haiku does not always follow the strict syllable count found in Japanese haiku. The typical length of haiku found in English language journals is 10-14 syllables, versus the 5-7-5 syllables used in the Japanese language.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Celebrate National Haiku Poetry Day by creating a haiku poem of your own! Post your Haiku poem on social media using #NationalHaikuPoetryDay.

Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for a project linked to National Haiku Day.

HISTORY

National Haiku Poetry Day was registered by Sari Grandstaff in 2007 and implemented as a project of The Haiku Foundation in 2012.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-16-2019

TODAY is....

EMANCIPATION DAY!

Emancipation Day is a holiday in Washington DC to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, which president Abraham Lincoln signed on April 16, 1862. It is annually held on April 16.

Is Emancipation Day a Public Holiday?

Emancipation Day is a public holiday in District of Columbia, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Emancipation Day marks the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862.

©iStockphoto.com/Felix Möckel

What Do People Do?

A wide range of events are arranged in Washington DC to mark Emancipation Day. These are spread throughout the month of April and include exhibitions, public discussions, presentations of historic documents, the laying of wreaths, concerts and poetry readings. The events aim to educate a broad spectrum of people about the history of the municipality of the District of Columbia in general and slavery in particular. Attention is also paid to the African origin of many slaves and racial issues in modern American society.

Public Life

April 16 is a legal holiday in Washington DC. Local government offices are closed and many public services do not operate. However, many stores and businesses are open and there are no changes to public transit services. In some years, Emancipation Day may be the reason to extend the deadline for filing an income tax return (Tax Day). In 2007, the observance Emancipation Day in Washington DC had the effect of nationally extending the 2006 income tax filing deadline from April 16 to April 17. This 2007 date change was not discovered until after many forms went to print.

In all other areas of the United States, April 16 is a normal day and public life is not affected.

Background

Formal slavery was legal until 1865 in most of the area that is now the United States. Many slaves were of African origin and many slave owners were of European descent, although some other groups also had slaves. By 1860, there were about four million slaves in the United States. On April 16, 1862, Abraham Lincoln, who was the US president at the time, signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed more than 3000 slaves in the District of Columbia. However, slavery did not officially end in the rest of the United States until after the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 until 1865.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution formally ended slavery in the US. It was proposed on January 31, 1865, and ratified by 30 of the then 36 states in the same year. However, it was only ratified in Mississippi in 1995. Slavery and the racial divisions, upon which it was based, have had and continue to have huge implications for individuals and American society as a whole.

Emancipation Day in Washington DC marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act. On January 4, 2005, legislation was signed to make Emancipation Day an official public holiday in the District of Columbia. Elsewhere in the United States, the emancipation of slaves is celebrated in Florida (May 20), Puerto Rico (March 22) and Texas (June 19). There are also similar events in many countries in the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many of these events occur during the first week of August as slavery was abolished in the British Empire on August 1, 1834.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-15-2019

Just in Case Someone Out There does not know,

Today Is......

Enough said!

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-14-2019

Today is.....

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday - The History
Palm Sunday (first known as Pasha) originated in the Jerusalem Church around the late third or early fourth century. Ceremonies consisted of prayers, hymns, and sermons as people moved through the numerous holy sites within the city. At the last site, the place of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the clergy would read the biblical account of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Then as evening approached, the people would return to the city reciting: “Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). By the fifth century, the celebration had spread as far as Constantinople. It wasn’t until the sixth and seventh centuries that the ritual blessing of the palms was added. A morning procession replaced the evening one and by the eighth century, the Western Church was celebrating “Dominica in Palmis” or “Palm Sunday.”

Palm Sunday - The Tradition
Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday in recognition of the beginning of Holy Week and Jesus’ final agonizing journey to His crucifixion. Falling on the sixth Sunday in Lent and the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday is celebrated in all major Christian churches—Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. In many Orthodox churches, Palm Sunday is known as Entry into Jerusalem. In some countries, the graves of loved ones are decorated with palms. Since palm trees are not indigenous to colder climates, branches of sallow, willow, and yew are often used.

Today, many Palm Sunday traditions remain much the same as those celebrated in the tenth century. Some ceremonies begin with the blessing of the palms. Afterward, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields. In many churches, children serve as an integral part of the service since they enjoy the processions. Children often craft crosses from palm leaves which were used in the Sunday processional. The traditions of Palm Sunday serve as reminders of the life-changing events of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday - The Remembrance

In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an opportunity to reflect upon the final week of Jesus' life. Jesus did not deny the image that the crowd expected -- the fulfillment of the hopes of Israel that He would be their earthly king, destroying the Roman government. Instead, Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem to give His life on a cross, saving mankind from sin and death. One day, Jesus will return gloriously as a mighty warrior in battle (Revelation 19:11–16). Palm Sunday serves as a preparation of one’s heart for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
"Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-13-2019

Today is.......

NATIONAL PEACH COBBLER DAY – April 13

NATIONAL PEACH COBBLER DAY
National Peach Cobbler Day is observed annually on April 13. It recognizes a delicious dessert that originated during the 19th century.
Unable to make traditional suet puddings due to lack of suitable ingredients and cooking equipment, the settlers instead covered a stewed filling with a layer of uncooked plain biscuits or dumplings, fitted together. When the dish is fully cooked, the surface has the appearance of a cobbled street. The name may also derive from the fact that the ingredients are “cobbled” together. Some cobbler recipes resemble a thick-crusted, deep-dish pie with both top and bottom crust.
In 2007, the world’s largest peach cobbler was made at the Georgia Peach Festival. It consisted of:
90 lbs of butter
150 lbs of sugar
150 lbs of flour
32 gallons of milk
75 gallons of peaches

Origin of "National Peach Cobbler Day":
Peach Cobbler Day was created by the Georgia Peach Council in the 1950's, to promote the consumption of canned peaches. Canned peaches can be enjoyed any month of the year. This helps to answer the placement of this special day in April, when fresh peaches are not available.

How to Observe

Find and eat as much peach cobbler as your stomach can hold. Enjoy!

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-11-2019

TODAY IS...

National Pet Day
Celebrated annually on April 11th, National Pet Day is an unofficial holiday that encourages all of us to pay our pets some extra attention. It is also a day to commemorate everything that our pets do for us on a daily basis. So if you have a pet, you can do something special for them on this day by taking them for a long walk; buying them a special treat or maybe, just by spending a little bit of extra time with them. After all, don’t they deserve it?

History of National Pet Day
National Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige – an Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert – in 2006 to celebrate pets and the joy they bring into our homes. She also created the day to shine a spotlight on the plight of the many types of animals which are in shelters all over the planet.

Ways to Celebrate National Pet Day!
1. Adopt a pet from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization.

2. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to care for the animals.

3. Donate blankets, food and toys to a favorite animal welfare organization.

4. Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells pets from puppy or kitten mills.

5. Have a National Pet Day party and celebrate all your pets!

6. Spend the day taking photos of your pets and then post them on our Facebook page!

7. Assist an ill, elderly or a financially struggling neighbor or friend by purchasing pet food, hay or needed items for their pets.

8. Purchase a National Pet Day Tee Shirt (or other gift item) here, to express your devotion to all animals.

9. Buy your pet a fun new toy....or two...or five.

10. Post photos of your pets on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-09-2019

Today is April 9th

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed April 9th to be National Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

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NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY – April 9

NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY

National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 9 honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors, separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.

On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.

Many POWs endure conditions much like this. These heroes deserve a day of recognition. An annual presidential proclamation is signed for National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day and government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events. Some states require the POW/MIA flag to be flown in this day.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Honor former POWs by helping to organize events. Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag. Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-08-2019

APRIL 8TH is....

History
As a rule, discovering the next holiday (the today’s matter concerns the direction what day World Zoo Lovers Day in 2019 is) we have to tell our readers something really special about the historical background of the event. However, unfortunately, we haven’t managed to find our any information available about the holiday establishers. And at the same time we know nothing about the reasons to celebrate the event on April 8th annually.
The first institutions of this kind were opened outside the cities, when the owners of the farms organized separate aviaries for pets and birds and conducted excursions for local kids.
Zoos of the new format began to enjoy great popularity among visitors. A few years later, innovation reached the towns and the cities and has turned from the possibility of additional earnings for farmers in the main and profitable business of private entrepreneurs.

Meaning
What does National Zoo Lovers Day mean? All in all it is only up to you to decide what special occasions to hold and which ones can be quite forgotten.
However, we can’t but mention that among the contemporary children and their parents, so-called mini-zoos are becoming more and more popular all around the planet. They are also called rural or contact ones.
The main difference between the rural zoo and the usual one is that all birds and animals represented there are allowed to touch and to feed. However, the number of them, as a rule, is small. Basically, these are rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, pigeons, turkeys and pigs.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-07-2019

What is special about today?

APRIL 7th is...

What is World Health Day About?

April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.

Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-05-2019

Today is.....

GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY – April 5

GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY
Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5 honors the surviving loved ones of military service members killed in the line of duty.
The day is a time of remembrance for the spouses and their families and a time of recognition of their sacrifices. Many communities and organizations hold events showing support for Gold Star families on this day. Through ceremonies, teas, memorial races, and luncheons, fallen warriors are honored and remembered.
The loss of our service members extends beyond the battlefield. They leave behind grieving wives and husbands who become members of an exclusive community no one asks to join. As a nation, our support, understanding, and respect are the least we can provide in return.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Attend a local event or volunteer with a veterans group. If you know a Gold Star family, stay connected. Find out more about Gold Star spouses by visiting goldstarwives.org. Use #GoldStarSpousesDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
World War I and Army Captian Robert L. Queissner paved the way for Gold Star families. National Gold Star Mother’s Day was designated on June 23, 1936, by a joint congressional resolution to occur on the Last Sunday in September. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”
In 2010, the first Gold Star Wives Day was observed in December. In 2012, the U.S. Senate designated Gold Star Wives Day to be recognized each year on April 5th. The language was later changed to be more inclusive of all spouses, and the name of the day is often used interchangeably.
The nonprofit organization Gold Star Wives, Inc. welcomes all spouses.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-04-2019

Today is APRIL 4th.....

NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY!

NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY

Feel beautiful and vibrant when you recognize National Vitamin C Day on April 4th!

While Vitamin C is widely recognized for warding off colds, the vitamin is also clinically proven to be a powerhouse in other areas of health, too. For example, Vitamin C may reduce blood pressure and potentially lower risk of heart disease. Those at risk of gout can lower that risk by increasing their intake of Vitamin C.

Topically, Vitamin C keeps skin healthy by protecting it from oxidative damage caused by daily exposure to light, heat, and pollution. The popularity of topical vitamin C products has risen dramatically.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn more about why vitamin C is essential for skin health – find the right vitamin C serum for you.
Discover more with #vitaminCday on social media.

HISTORY

SkinCeuticals founded National Vitamin C Day in 2019 to celebrate this research and the proven benefits of vitamin C.

The research of Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, founding scientist of SkinCeuticals, established the parameters for effective vitamin C antioxidant delivery to the skin, allowing SkinCeuticals to pioneer the emergence of cosmeceuticals.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Vitamin C Day to be observed on April 4th annually.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-04-2019

Thanks Dave for filling in on the 2nd. I've been having mucho problems with my computer.

LydiaN586309 · ‎04-01-2019

Hey, Everybody!

Today is April 1st. And I'm sure y'all know mischievous gremlins will be out and about. So watch out and don't be fooled!

Also, thank God we lived to be able to kick March to the proverbial curb. It was a rough month and will NOT be missed. Even on the last day of the month, we had to endure one last dusting of snow. Winter. Icky Poo! Yes, there's no love lost as March passes. So to it I say, "Bye Felicia!"

LydiaN586309 · ‎03-31-2019

MARCH 31ST is......

NATIONAL TATER DAY

National Tater Day is observed annually on March 31. This day is set aside to celebrate the potato that is loved by almost everyone and provides us with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

There are numerous ways to fix and enjoy the potato:

Baked – Boiled – Steamed – Roasted – Mashed – Fried – Grilled – Scalloped – French Fries – Cottage Fries – Hash Browns – In Stew – In Soup – Potato Salad – Potato Dumplings – Potato Pancakes – Anyway You Like Them!!

This day may have originally had a different meaning. At the beginning of April, there is a celebration of the sweet potato (Tater Day) in parts of Kentucky. Sweet potatoes are one of the main cash crops in that area. Tater Day started way back in the early 1840s with the trading and selling of sweet potatoes. It is the oldest continuous trade day in the United States.

Worldwide, there are more than four thousand potato varieties.

Since the time potatoes were shipped from Europe to the colonies in the early 17th century, their consumption has been a major part of the North American diet.

A Few Potato Facts

There are over 100 potato varieties in the United States and more than 4,000 worldwide. Potatoes were shipped from Europe to the colonies in the early 1600s and today they are a large part of the typical American diet. They are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, and they have more potassium than a banana.

So let’s all give potatoes some recognition by making them the star of the meal rather than a side dish. Try the following breakfast recipe if you want some inspiration. Served with OJ and coffee, this will start your day off just right.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Have your potato, tater or spud the way you like it. Use #NationalTaterDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

In Benton, Kentucky, where this unofficial national holiday is best known, games, floats, carnival rides, mule pulls, sweet potato-eating contests and “who can grow the biggest potato” competitions are the order of the day. Sweet potatoes are one of the main cash crops of that region, and National Tater Day is a day of celebration there. But why limit it to Kentucky? We all love potatoes, both sweet and not, so let’s celebrate this holiday in style with some fries, wedges, mashed potatoes or whatever happens to be your favorite tater dish.

Enjoy!

LydiaN586309 · ‎03-28-2019

MARCH 29TH is.....

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.

It was on March 29, 1973, when combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S.military personnel, it left an indelible mark on the American psyche.

Returning Veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrive on American soil. There were 58,000 killed, never to return. National Vietnam War Veterans Day recognize the military service of these men and women who answered the call to service their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decisions to go to war.

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Around the country, commemorative events, speeches and luncheons are being held inviting Vietnam Veterans as honored guests. Thank a Vietnam Veteran. Buy them a drink or lunch. Send them a shout out using #VietnamWarVeteransDay on social media.

HISTORY

U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., introduced legislation in 2017 to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day on the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served.

THANK YOU, VIETNAM VETERANS AND ALL AMERICAN VETS AS WELL!

LydiaN586309 · ‎03-28-2019

March 28th is:

Respect Your Cat Day

Today is Respect your Cat Day, celebrated on this day every year because on March 28, 1384, Richard II of England issued an edict forbidding the consumption of cats.

Just to be clear, around here, every day is Respect Your Cat Day. It should be at your house, too. But in case it isn’t, start with today and work from there. You have to start somewhere.

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Respect Your Cat Day Activities

Spend some quality time with your cat
Schedule some time with kitty. Go ahead, actually put it in your calendar. Our lives get so busy, but it's definitely worth taking some time to give your kitty some TLC. How else are you going to develop a strong bond with your best friend?
Get your cat a new cat toy
Sometimes showing your love is as easy as refreshing that catnip mouse or getting a new scratching post to replace the old beat-up one. You know she'll love it when you wave that ribbon wand around.
Learn new ways to make your cat happy
You knew that kitty likes a good scratch behind the ears, but did you know she also likes to play peekaboo with you behind the curtain? Find fun new games or places your kitty likes to be petted today, even if it takes a bit of experimentation. It's all in service of letting your cat know he or she is loved.

And if all else fails, you can always give him or her a nice massge.
They'll love you for it!!!

LydiaN586309 · ‎03-27-2019

MARCH 27TH is......

National Spanish Paella Day – March 27, 2019

WEDMAR 27

Considered by many to be the national dish of Spain, paella originated, as many traditional dishes do, as “peasant” food — a lunchtime rice dish prepared by workers in the field over an open fire. National Spanish Paella Day, on March 27, celebrates a food filled with tradition. Always cooked in a round, flat bottomed pan with handles, the dish most likely takes its name from the Latin term “patella,” a flat plate on which offerings were made to the gods. The open flame is essential, as it creates the layer of toasted rice at the bottom of the pan that is essential and unique to paella. Delicious!