WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY?

[LydiaN586309]

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.

[DaveMcK]

July 20th! In Honor of National Lollipop Day. Better late than never. 

[LydiaN586309]

National Hot Dog Day – July 17, 2019

National Hot Dog Day 2019 – July 17

For the uninitiated, National Hot Dog Day may sound pretty straightforward. It’s a celebration of grilled wieners and toasted buns, and the long history this iconic summer meal has had in North America. But there’s far more to this pork-based pig out than that. This July 17, you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about why people come together throughout the hot dog-eating world to celebrate National Hot Dog Day. While the exact history of National Hot Dog Day is as obscure as the ingredients of your uncle’s secret dog sauce, we’re not too worried about the origins. What’s more important these days is the myriad ways people celebrate all over the country. Typically, restaurants or fast food chains will offer deep-discount dogs, while some cities host day-long events to raise money for a specific charity. Here you’ll find some of America’s most treasured champions: Hot dog eating winners, root beer chugging enthusiasts, and lightning quick wiener dogs, just to name a few.

National Hot Dog Day - History 1916 An employee of Felman's named Nathan Handwerker opens Nathan's Famous on Coney Island, selling hot dogs for just 5 cents (Feltman charged 10)1870 Charles Feltman begins selling sausages in rolls on Coney Island in New York.18th Century A butcher begins selling Frankfurters in Vienna, Austria13th Century Frankfurter Wuerstchen are given out in Germany on the eve of imperial coronations

National Hot Dog Day Activities

1. Find a famous party

   Across the countries, cities and towns are holding official parties to celebrate dog day. If you’re in the Washington, D.C., area, check out the Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill, where you can chow down and rub elbows with more than a thousand members of Congress, lobbyists, journalists and other government officials. Just be sure not to spill your mustard on them. Other famous parties can be found in the village of Alfred, New York, and Huntington, West Virginia.

2. Build a hot dog bar

   All you need is a grill, some friends, a hot summer day, and some cold drinks to have your own footlong fiesta. Get creative by setting up a bar with less-than-common condiments, and see how adventurous you and your friends really are.

3. Find your city’s best wiener

   Every city’s got one. That one restaurant that boasts having the greatest hot dogs in the state. Do a little research in your own area, and perhaps make a road trip out of it to test whether it really is the cream-of-the-crop Coney.

[LydiaN586309]

National Corn Fritter Day – July 16, 2019

High summer is peak season for delicious corn, so what better day to celebrate National Corn Fritter Day than July 16? We love eating corn in all ways — cornbread, corn salad, corn hash, corn on the cob slathered in butter — but one of our very favorites is crispy, golden brown corn fritters. A fritter is a dish where some ingredient (meat, fruit, vegetables, seafood, you name it) is mixed with batter and fried. Corn fritters originated as a dish in the South but now can be found on menus throughout the country. The traditional version includes a plain batter and corn but you can find all sorts of variations out there. Just try Googling “corn fritter recipe” and you’ll get more than 800,000 results! We love them on their own as a snack at pretty much any time of day, or as a tasty side to round out any meal (yes, even breakfast). Pour yourself a glass of iced tea, sit back, and let summer wash over you as we take some time to appreciate the fact that there’s an entire day dedicated to this delectable dish. No corn-y jokes, we promise.

National Corn Fritter Day Activities

1. Make your own

   Corn fritters are made out of ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry: flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and butter. All you need to do is mix them together, stir in some corn (fresh, canned, or frozen), and fry them up in hot oil. You could even make a whole dinner party out of it and serve them alongside a bunch of other Southern-inspired dishes.

2. Harvest your own corn

   See if you can find a pick-your-own farm near you that grows corn, and get lost in the corn fields. Maybe if you’re lucky they’ll have a corn maze, too. If you can’t find a farm, buy some fresh corn on the cob from your local grocery store and shuck it yourself—the hard labor will make the fresh corn in your fritters taste so much better.

3. Branch out to another cuisine

   Did you know that corn fritters are also an incredibly popular dish in Indonesia? Over there they’re known as perkedel jagung. Their version is similar to ours, but with some key differences. They kick up the spice level by mixing scallions, shallots, and garlic into the batter, and they deep fry the fritters in coconut oil. Indian pakoras are another form of Asian fritter, and they’re delicious when made with corn.

Why We Love National Corn Fritter Day

1. They’re all-American

   Corn is the number one crop grown in the United States, and we produce more corn than any country in the world. We grow so much of it that there’s actually a region known as the Corn Belt. The majority of it goes into livestock feed or is turned into biofuel in the form of ethanol, but it’s also a distinct ingredient in American cuisine. There’s a reason why no Fourth of July meal feels complete without some sort of corn dish on your plate.

2. They’re versatile

   The traditional corn fritter recipe calls for savory ingredients, but many people choose to sweeten them up by dusting them with powdered sugar or serving them with a sweet topping like honey, maple syrup, or jam. And because the recipe is so simple, you can think of them as a blank canvas. Want to throw some onion in there? Chop up some fresh herbs like parsley or dill? Kick them up with cayenne powder? Go for it.

3. They’re fried

   And let’s be honest: it’s hard to find a food that doesn’t taste better when fried. It may not be the healthiest way to eat, but everything in moderation, right? Besides, holidays were meant to be celebrated.

[LydiaN586309]

National Pet Fire Safety Day – July 15, 2019

For many of us, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we would dedicate a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire. It was started by the Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.

National Pet Fire Safety Day - History 2009 The Awareness Begins

The Kennel Club and ADT Security decided it was time to get serious about pet fire protection

1988 Emotional Support Animals Protected

The Fair Housing Amendments Act allows people to keep their ESAs, despite landlords

6,000 B.C. Sacred Dog Burials

Special dog graves include expensive items. Proof of their deep meaning to humans

13,000 B.C. People Make Pets

Evidence suggests people bred dogs in Europe and Asia around this time

How to Observe National Pet Fire Safety Day

1. Get this useful decoration

   On July 15, get a free Pet Fire Safety Window Cling at your local volunteer firehouse. First responders will see this and know to look out for any pets inside.

2. Share it to save lives

   Use #PetFireSafetyDay to post on social media and raise awareness to friends and family about the day and ways that they can keep their pets safe from fires.

3. Have a fire drill

   For families with kids, this tradition is even more important. Discuss your family evacuation plan, designate someone to carry out the pets and execute a fire drill on this day every year.

5 Facts About Pet Fire Safety

1. Pyro Pets

   Pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year in the United States

2. A Big Problem

   Nearly 360,000 house fires occur each year in the United States

3. Save a Life

   Over 40,000 pets die every year in house fires. Awareness can save lives

4. Furry (and Slithering) Heroes

   There are thousands of stories about pets, even snakes, saving humans from house fires

5. Have a Plan

   The #1 tip is to have an escape plan that includes your pets

Why National Pet Fire Safety Day is Important

1. Keep your pets out of trouble

   There are many ways to keep your pet from causing fire. Blow out candles before leaving home, block off access to kitchen or remove stove knobs if pets can reach it, and keep any and all wires out of chewing distance, especially from kittens and puppies!

2. Have a pet rescue plan in place

   Discuss with your family who will be in charge of rescuing your pet in the event of a fire. Planning and practicing fire drills will help the family remain calm and help ensure that your pets are not forgotten during a chaotic evacuation.

3. Make rescuers aware of your pets and their hiding places

   As part of your evacuation plan, include a list of your pet’s hiding places, so that firefighters will know where to look in case your pets don’t make it out with you. Also, make sure your pets have collars with up to date tags attached in case they escape on their own.

[LydiaN586309]

Today is........

National Free Slurpee Day – July 11, 2019

Each year, approximately 7,290,000 gallons of Slurpee are consumed worldwide. For comparison, that’s enough sugary substance to fill TWELVE Olympic-size swimming pools. If that alone isn’t enough to convince you of the world’s unanimous love for Slurpees — well, we aren’t quite sure what will. What we do know is that National Free Slurpee Day falls on July 11 each year and gives humanity a reason to unite for the greater good: free, ice-cold Slurpees. The Slurpee, an exceptionally sweet, slushee-type beverage sold and marketed by 7-Eleven, was invented on accident back in the late 1950’s and originally bore the name ICEE. It later became the well-known drink that we love and adore, and in 2002, the very first National Free Slurpee Day was celebrated in correlation with 7-Eleven’s 75th birthday. The long-standing tradition allows one to stop by a participating 7-Eleven on July 11, between the hours of 11am and 7pm, and receive a free, 12 oz Slurpee (while supplies last — so get there early). Join us while we ode to the greatest summer drink of all time!

[LydiaN586309]

TODAY IS...

National Hydration Day – June 23, 2019

Each June 23, the U.S. celebrates National Hydration Day. Proper hydration is vital to living a healthy life, but it’s often overlooked. It’s easy to forget to carry a water bottle on a hot day outside, but skipping out on H2O can lead to major health risks. National Hydration Day was created in honor of late football coach Victor Hawkins, who invented a special hydrating mouthguard to keep his players healthy on the field. SafeTGard, the company that now sells his invention, launched the holiday after Hawkins’ passing to honor his legacy and to encourage others to stay hydrated. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a casual exerciser, or someone who simply loves to spend time outside in the sun, drinking water is key to avoiding heat stroke, dehydration, and other dangerous issues. Celebrating National Hydration Day is a great way to raise awareness!

National Hydration Day Activities

1. Set reminders to regularly hydrate during the day

   Write out reminders on post-it notes or type them into your phone. You can even download apps that remind you to drink a set amount of water each day. After following these reminders for a while, they’ll likely become a habit that you’ll practice without even thinking about it.

2. Tell everyone you know to stay hydrated

   Remind your loved ones that it’s important to drink lots of water each day, especially when they’re outdoors in the summer or are exercising. People often forget to prioritize hydration, but being prompted by a friend or family member who cares can stand as a great reminder.

3. Make some tasty infused water

   If you avoid drinking water because you find the taste a little bland, infuse a pitcher of water with mix-ins like lemon wedges, cucumber slices, strawberries, cantaloupe, mint, or other refreshing produce. Sometimes, simply having a tasty beverage on hand can make all the difference. You can even take things a step further by filling up grab-and-go bottles of infused water at the beginning of each week, or filling up a special pitcher for your desk at work.

Why We Love National Hydration Day

1. It encourages healthy physical activity

   We all know how great exercise can be for our health, but working out while dehydrated is anything but healthy. Water provides your body with the power and fuel it needs to get you through a workout or a busy afternoon outside. When you’re properly hydrated, you’re able to exercise in a happy, healthy way—and that makes your mind and body happy.

2. It inspires people to make other positive choices

   When you’re properly hydrated, you may find that you feel a lot better than you do when your body is short on water. (After all, dehydration can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and feelings of exhaustion.) Getting into the habit of drinking water more often can feel like a victory, and that may inspire you to build other healthy habits into your life. The sky’s the limit!

3. It reminds us of how important our health is.

   Heat stroke or dehydration can happen to anyone, no matter how healthy they may seem on the surface. Symptoms can sneak up on you, and nobody is immune to the risks of not staying hydrated enough. Hydration awareness is an important reminder that no matter how young, agile, or fit we may feel, our bodies need water, and health isn’t something to mess around with.

[LydiaN586309]

TODAY IS.......

International Yoga Day – June 21, 2019

FRIJUN 21

If you had to guess which bill presented to the United Nations General Assembly had the highest number of co-sponsors ever, which would you guess? You probably wouldn’t think of International Day of Yoga—but that’s the answer! India’s Prime Minister called for the adoption of June 21st as International Day of Yoga, and here we are celebrating today. You may know yoga as a recent workout trend, but yoga has Indian roots that date back as far as 5000 years ago. In ancient India, yoga was considered a mental, physical, and spiritual way to practice meditation and transform the body and mind. So grab your yoga mat and let’s get to work. Namaste!

 International Yoga Day Activities

1. Bring Your Tree Pose to Nature

   Practicing outside can breathe some fresh air into your yoga poses. Practice on the beach, at your local park, or even in your backyard. Surrounding yourself in a new environment can be much more engaging by having new things to focus on.

2. Do your om thing

   Create your own flow of movements and discover new combinations to your favorite music. Sometimes a change in movement or music can help you focus your energy and sync your breathing perfectly to musical transitions.

3. Introduce a friend to the yogi lifestyle

   Bringing a friend can be just the right motivation you need to revamp your practice. Not only will their presence inspire you to strengthen your poses, but also they can score big on free yoga deals for new students. Win win.

[LydiaN586309]

TODAY IS.......

National Loving Day – June 12, 2019

Celebrate your loved one on National Loving Day! Every June 12, we honor the United States Supreme Court’s 1967 decision to strike down laws in several states that banned interracial marriage. The decision was sparked by Loving v. Virginia, a court case involving Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who married in 1958. Upon returning home after their wedding, they were arrested. The couple fought back against the laws that forbid their partnership, and ultimately won the right to marry. Richard and Mildred’s determination changed the lives of millions of Americans and shaped the future of relationships in the country. From June 12, 1967 onward, Americans were no longer prohibited from marrying someone they loved solely because they were of different races. At the time of the Supreme Court’s decision, sixteen U.S. states still forbid interracial marriage, so the ruling was a necessary game-changer.The holiday was not created until decades after the decision, in 2004. It was launched by Ken Tanabe, who grew up in an interracial family with a Japanese father and a Belgian mother. He launched the holiday in hopes that the day of celebration would bring together multiethnic families from around the world.

National Loving Day Activities

1. Host a barbecue

   National Loving Day is often celebrated with backyard barbecues. Invite your family and friends over for great food and a celebration of love. Early June is the perfect time for a summer gathering, and what better reason than to honor a holiday that’s all about love?

2. Attend a festival

   Many communities mark National Loving Day with joyful festivals and city-wide celebrations. New York City hosts the holiday’s flagship celebration each year, and other communities also host parties and gatherings. Find one near you at LovingDay.org, or consider hosting your own!

3. Watch a film inspired by the holiday

   National Loving Day inspired the film Loving, a cinematic tribute to the couple that started it all. The movie, which was released in 2016, follows the story of Richard and Mildred Loving’s arrest, legal battle, and ultimate Supreme Court victory nine years later. The film was nominated for an Oscar and received widespread critical praise. If documentaries are more your style, press play on The Loving Story, a 2012 HBO film that shares little-known details of the couple’s journey. Kicking back on the couch with one of these films is a great way to reflect on the struggles that went into securing rights for couples of all races.

Why We Love National Loving Day

1. It celebrates love in all forms

   National Loving Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge the fact that love does not discriminate, and that millions of families throughout the U.S. and around the world consist of multiple races and ethnicities. Love is love — and what’s more beautiful than that?

2. It honors the Loving couple’s bravery

   Richard and Mildred Loving’s bold choice to fight for their rights created a better future for so many of their fellow Americans. Had the Supreme Court not ruled in their favor, millions of happy families that consist of more than one race may not exist today. The freedom to marry whomever we love was granted far more recently than most of us realize, and it’s important to protect that right in any way we can. National Loving Day is a great reminder to appreciate our current liberties and to ensure our rights are always recognized.

3. It spreads awareness

   National Loving Day is a great cue to ditch discrimination and treat all families and couples with the respect they deserve. It’s also a reminder that race is not what matters in a happy relationship — what’s important is that a couple is happy and compatible.

[LydiaN586309]

TODAY IS.....

National Donut Day – June 7, 2019

Random thoughts on June 7 — National Donut Day — from a pair of highly regarded scholars:

“Whether you take the donut hole as a blank space or as an entity unto itself is a purely metaphysical question — and does not affect the taste of the donut one bit.”
     — Haruki Murakami (Japanese writer)

“Mmmmmm…donuts.”
     — Homer Simpson (Husband)

Here we go. Donuts are religion in the U.S. Perhaps no snack food symbolizes all-out joy for Americans like this chewy deep-fried treat. We seem to want them all the time. Bring a box to the office during any part of the workday and just see how long they last.

National Donut Day falls on the first Friday in June each year. This replaces The Salvation Army’s “Donut Day” event created in 1938 to honor members who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

Here are some National Donut Day 2019 deals:

Dunkin’: Get a free donut when you purchase a beverage.

Krispy Kreme: Stores are giving away one free donut to anyone who comes in on Friday, no purchase necessary. Yes, you can pick from the whole menu!

Tim Hortons: This chain doesn't so much have a deal or freebie offer, but it did decide to introduce a new doughnut Friday. Tim Hortons will debut a churro flavor, a honey cruller filled with caramel filling and topped with cinnamon sugar. Just note, the rollout will be at participating locations Friday, then debuted at the rest of its locations starting June 12, for a limited time only, according to published reports.

Walmart: Looks like someone’s trying to one-up Krispy Kreme! Walmart is trying to give away 1.2 million doughnuts Friday, so just head over to the bakery section at your nearest store and you can get one glazed doughnut for free.

Entenmann’s: Well, Entenmann’s isn’t handing out any freebies Friday, but the company does have a cool-sounding contest going on.

From now until June 14, Entenmann’s is running the Fan Flavor Challenge & Sweepstakes in hopes of finding its next big flavor. If you win, you’ll score $5,000 and free doughnuts for an entire year. To enter, head to the sweepstakes site and create your own doughnut, picking a base, flavor, glaze and topping -- then, provide a brief summary for why you like Entenmann’s doughnuts. Be sure to come up with a creative name for your creation! The winning entry will debut during the holiday season.

Also, if you have a favorite neighborhood shop, check its social media pages. It appears many mom-and-pop-type smaller businesses are running deals, special flavors and promotions of their own.

[LydiaN586309]

TODAY IS....

National Moonshine Day – June 6, 2019

Moonshine, once a fiery (and illegal) homemade liquor, has now gone legit. Still, the drink conjures up colorful early 20th century memories of Prohibition, fast cars, and makeshift stills in the Appalachian woods. So, when it’s time to celebrate National Moonshine Day on June 6, you can indulge guilt-free.

The drink achieved legendary status upon the passage of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) in 1919. At that point, Americans who wanted to drink alcohol had to turn to the black market of the day, which belonged to the moonshiners and bootleggers. They distilled the moonshine and then delivered it, making criminals of everyone involved.

Today large distilleries sell moonshine, looking to rekindle nostalgic memories of the illicit drink. But the days of cheap, questionable brews with deadly contaminants are thankfully over.

National Moonshine Day Activities

1. Try a craft whiskey

   Craft whiskeys are those distilled by small companies or even individuals. These whiskeys are made in a non-mechanized way. So if you want to feel like you’re celebrating the days of moonshining, a craft whiskey is going to put you closer than drinking large batch whiskey from one of the well-known distillers. We can’t guarantee your craft whiskey came from a still in someone’s back yard, but we can’t guarantee it didn’t either.

2. Watch a NASCAR race

   The origin of NASCAR is filled with stories of bootleggers hauling moonshine in their souped-up cars, running from authorities. As the need for bootleggers waned, the drivers needed a way to show off their fast cars. They eventually began racing each other on local back roads, and then on dirt ovals. NASCAR was born. Historians note North Carolina's tradition of auto racing developed in the garages of bootleggers, particularly on the roads between North Wilkesboro and Charlotte. Today’s NASCAR doesn’t much resemble the early days of back roads and bootleggers, but the whiskey doesn’t much resemble moonshine’s risk of blindness either. Both are good things.

3. Work in the moonlight

   Want to gain a feel for the difficulty of moonshining? Those making moonshine had to work in the dark to help them hide from authorities. Moonlight was their only guide. So you can try doing an outdoor chore only by moonlight. (Preferably something that doesn’t involve fast-moving blades or working on a ladder please – safety first, after all.)

[LydiaN586309]

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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]

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

1. 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.

2. 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."

3. 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]

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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]

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:

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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]

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

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Healing properties

   Walnuts have been used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and freshen breath

5. Long-lasting

   A walnut tree can live to be 250 years old

Why We Love National Walnut Day

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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]

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

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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]

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

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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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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]

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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]

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]

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

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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]

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]

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.

Copyright 2018 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

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]

TODAY Is,,,,,

APRIL 21ST

Amen!

[LydiaN586309]

APRIL 17TH IS.....

NATIONAL HAIKU POETRY DAY 

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]

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]

Just in Case Someone Out There does not know, 

Today Is......

Enough said!

[LydiaN586309]

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]

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]

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]

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.