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Why is Bastille Day celebrated?
The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancien rรฉgime. What does Bastille Day celebrate? July 14, often called la fรชte nationale in France, became an official holiday in 1880.
Bastille Day, national holiday in France and its overseas dรฉpartements and territories, marking the anniversary of the fall on July 14, 1789, of the Bastille, in Paris. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the Bastille eventually came to be used as a state prison. Political prisoners were often held there, as were citizens detained by the authorities for trial. Some prisoners were held on the direct order of the king, from which there was no appeal. Although by the late 18th century it was little used and was scheduled to be demolished, the Bastille had come to symbolize the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy. During the unrest of 1789, on July 14 a mob approached the Bastille to demand the arms and ammunition stored there, and, when the forces guarding the structure resisted, the attackers stormed the prison and released the seven prisoners held there. The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancien rรฉgime.
The summer solstice is Thursday, June 20. It's the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. It's also the first official day of summer. Our ancient ancestors certainly took note of it!
Summer Solstice 2024: What It Is And Why Itโs The Earliest For 228 Years
Stonehenge will celebrate the earliest June [+] GETTY
Solsticeโthe longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphereโwill occur on Thursday, June 20, at 20:50 Universal Time (4:50 p.m. EST).
It signals the beginning of astronomical summer north of the equator and winter in the southern hemisphere. The sun will not set at the north pole, and at the south pole, it will not rise.
Hereโs everything you need to know about the June solstice this week, including why itโs the earliest since 1796.
What is the difference between summer solstice and midsummer day?
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and astronomically, it's the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter will begin. Some people like to celebrate Midsummer's Day on June 24, which is an ancient quarter day that historically marks the middle of growing season.May 7, 2024
Happy Flag Day! We salute the Stars and Stripes today as it commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.
Flag Day! <Click
Here's to the biggest holiday that you didn't know you were supposed to celebrate.
It's true that mail delivery might not stop for Flag Day and you definitely won't be receiving a day off from work. But that doesn't mean the holiday isn't worth celebrating.
It's Best Friends Day!
HI! @catwoman500 ....
And to my other BEST PORCH PEEPS: Dave @DaveMcK @LaDolceVita @MsStretch Nicole @SummerIsTooHOT & Lee @LeeS4949 and Froze! @Frozenoem (& others of course)
HAPPY Best Friends Day!
As always, ...Stay safe....&...Take care!
โฎ๏ธ ๐ฉ๐ฆ~Allen ๐ โต ๐
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM DAY
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day falls on June 7 and all you need for this food holiday is chocolate ice cream. Whether you eat it in a bowl, with a cone, or directly out of the container, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is a day for everyone.
#CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM
DAY
Chocolate ice cream has been around since the late 19th century. This ice cream flavor is the second most common flavor in the world, right behind vanilla. History says chocolate ice cream was created in 1775 by Italian doctor Filippo Baldini. In his written work De Sorbetti, Dr. Baldini recommended chocolate ice cream as a remedy to treat or cure various medical conditions, including gout and scurvy. However, there is some debate as to whether Dr. Baldini was actually talking about chocolate sorbet.
NATIONAL MACAROON DAY | MAY 31
Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day celebrates the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety, too. Do not mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss.
#NationalMacaroonDay
The Italians receive credit for creating these sweet morsels sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The recipes later traveled to France. However, in other parts of the world, the once flourless cookie served its purpose during religious observances.
Eventually, the cookie made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. Shredded coconut serves as the main ingredient. Usually sweetened, the coconut may also be toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM DAY | May 21
Each year on May 21st, we combine two favorites for a celebration on National Strawberries and Cream Day. Fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream is a must when strawberries are in season. They are the perfect, refreshing, light snack on a beautifully warm day!
#StrawberriesAndCreamDay
With these bright red berries in season, it should be no surprise that it's also National Strawberry Month. Strawberries are a very healthy snack as they are low-fat, low in calories, and an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.
National Nurses Week 2024 May 6 - May 12
The American Nurses Association is celebrating National Nurses Week 2024 May 6 - May 12, and throughout May. This year's theme, "Nurses Make the Difference," honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.
Join us in recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Whether you're a health care professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates nurses' dedication, this is your chance to express gratitude and support for their capability and fortitude. Letโs come together to celebrate Nurses Week 2024 and show our appreciation for these extraordinary professionals!
Hey Lee! @LeeS4949
Good points!
I saw this: โ....Nurses make a difference by serving as a guiding light and advocate for every patient they interact with. They use their knowledge, training, and compassion to educate communities, prevent and manage suffering, and offer emotional support. Nurses are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare, as their work affects the health and wellbeing of society....โ
Also they know the value of therapeutic humor...
of which I am often trying to incorporate into my posts...
it helps to ease the frustrations, disappointments, pains & sufferings we all must deal with!!
As always... Take care my friend!
โฎ๏ธ ๐ ~Allen ๐ ๐จ
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY?
Letโs all scream for ice cream.
Spring weather has finally entered the chat, just in time for this yearโs Ben & Jerryโs Free Cone Day.
On this Tuesday, April 16, participating Ben & Jerryโs locations worldwide will offer customers one free ice cream cone โ no purchase necessary.
The ice cream chain will be handing out free cones from 12 pm to 8 pm.
National Eat A Cranberry Day!
The Indians and English use them much, boyling them with Sugar for Sauce to eat with their Meat, and it is a delicious sauce.
John Josselyn, Visiting New England in 1663
It just goes to show that the history of this tart red berry with its delicious flavor and the odd name has been around since before America was America. Aside from being delicious, there have been discoveries stating that cranberries are incredibly healthy for you, being packed with anti-oxidants and rich nutrients.
National Eat A Cranberry Day encourages you to follow a long-standing tradition and enjoy cranberries throughout the year, not just with a seasonal meal.
History of National Eat A Cranberry Day
Let us first address the unusual name that is โCranberryโ, what precisely is a cran anyway? Well, it turns out the name for Cranberry was originally craneberry, derived from the German โkraanbereโ. Why would a berry be named after a bird? Well, if you guessed it was because the berries were a favorite food of the bird known as the crane? Youโd be wrong, but you would be on the right track. The craneberry got its name due to the English believing that the flowers and stem resembled the neck of that self-same bird.
Thank you to US Armed Forces on National Day of the Deployed
October 26, 2023God bless all those serving overseas this National Day of the Deployed. Let us honor our nationโs heroes and recognize the sacrifices of our servicemembers and their loved ones during deployment. Thank you to all who courageously serve our country.
HOW TO OBSERVE DAY OF THE DEPLOYED
Many deployed troops leave their families behind to serve their country. They make the greatest sacrifices to keep their country secure. A few ways to recognize their services include:
- Donate to a military organization like theUSO. They support troops in the U.S. and overseas. The USO also provides support to the families before, during and after service.
- Send care packages. VisitSupport Out Troopsto find out what and where to send care packages worldwide.
- Locally, attend ceremonies honoring the military.
- Volunteer your time and services to local military organizations.
- If you know a military family, ask what support they need. Needs vary by family. Some just need to hear from home and know they are in your thoughts.
- Offer to support military personnel who have no family. They deploy with no one back home to send care packages or other support.
National Magic Day each year on October 31st recognizes the thrill of seeing the performance art. It takes place during National Magic Week.
In the beginning, the idea for National Magic Day started out with something called โHoudini Dayโ. The first of these days took place in the summer of 1927, less than one year after the death of the famous magician after whom it was named. His wife presented a trophy in honour of him on that day.
History of National Magic Day
Harry Houdini is quite probably one of the reasons magic is so popular today and, at the time of his death, he was the most famous member of the Society of American Magicians. Houdini died in the afternoon on October 31st, 1926 in a hospital in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This date means that October 31 is not only National Magic Day and Halloween, it is also the anniversary of the death of this famous magician.
Born as Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, he later changed his name to Harry Houdini. He was most famous for his escape artistry, varying from escaping from chains, ropes, handcuffs and straight jackets while dangling in the air above his audience, to escaping from locked milk can, filled with water. He went so far as to challenge police in every city he visited to restrain him in their jails and handcuffs โ more often than not he was strip-searched first.
How to Celebrate National Magic Day
Enjoying National Magic Day is meant to be filled with mystery and delight. Check out these ideas for celebrating, or come up with some magical, mysterious ways of your own
Attend a Magic Show
Nothing beats an in person, real-life magic show! And this is the perfect day to enjoy watching a magician perform their acts of illusion and trickery. Of course, magic shows happen all over the world at various times, but one of the most common places to find entertainment of all kinds, including magic, is in Las Vegas, of course.
- David Copperfield. It is in Vegas that the MGM Grand houses the David Copperfield Theater. Of course, thatโs where Copperfield performs any of his shows, as well as inviting other guest magicians to show off the tricks of the trade.
- Penn & Teller. This is another magic show that is one of the most famous on earth. Housed at the Penn & Teller Theater as well as the Rio All-Suites Hotel, this show combines delightful magic with clever comedy that keeps audiences coming back for more. It is especially enjoyable that Penn does the talking for both of them while Teller (ironically named (never actually speaks on stage).
- Criss Angel. Well known from a previous television series, Angel continues to perform his Mindfreak show that plays at the Criss Angel Theater in the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Vegas. Although a unique character, Angelโs shows are sure to be filled with fascinating illusions as well as wild pyrotechnics. Itโs sure to be an unbelievable, immersive experience.
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NATIONAL BUNDT CAKE DAY
National Bundt Day, also known as National Bundt Cake Day, is observed every year on November 15th. As people across the United States plan menus for the holidays, a bundt cake is sure to be on the list at least once.
NATIONAL BUNDT CAKE DAY
A Bundt cake can be any cake baked in a Bundt pan, forming it into a distinctive ring shape. The mold of the Bundt pan was initially inspired by the traditional European fruit cake known as Gugelhupf. It was in the 1950s and 1960s that the cookware company Nordic Ware popularized the style for the mold design and trademarked the name Bundt. Nordic Ware started producing Bundt pans made from cast aluminum. Similar pans are sold as โfluted tube pansโ or other similar names.
U.S. National Bundt Day is celebrated on November 15 every year. Bundt cakes can be any kind of cake, just as long as they're baked in a Bundt pan.
NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY
National Boston Cream Pie Day serves up a delicious dessert on October 23rd each year. Pie lovers, move along. Cake lovers, pull up a chair. Let's celebrate the cake with an identity crisis! Boston Cream Pie is a chocolate frosted, custard-filled cake that is loved by millions.
Boston Cream Pie Day
In 1856, at Bostonโs Parker House Hotel, French chef Monsieur Augustine Francois Anezin created this pudding and cake combination.
The decadent cake comprises two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla-flavored custard or creme patisserie. The cake is then topped with a chocolate glaze, such as a ganache or sometimes powdered sugar and a cherry.
In 1996, Massachusetts declared the Boston Cream Pie as their official dessert.
HOW TO OBSERVE BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY
Celebrate dessert with a slice of homemade Boston Creme Pie made from one of your favorite recipes. Be sure to invite someone to share it with you and make it a real celebration. Don't want to bake? Visit your favorite bakery and give them a shout-out while you're there. Take a selfie and share it on social media.
DEPARTMENT STORE DAY | OCTOBER 16
On October 16th Department Store Day urges us to consider how department store innovations have impacted shopping in our daily lives.
I personally feel that department stores were negatively impacted by Covid-19 and many stores have closed and chains have gone bankrupt or only sell over the internet.
Department Store Day
In existence since the early 19th century, department stores provided safe, clean environments for the new middle class to shop. They often offered many firsts, combining services with revolutionary style and convenience. Many department stores had lunch counters where shoppers could take a break for a drink, snack or lunch.
Learn about Department Store Day
Department Store Day is a day that encourages us to think about how the innovations in department stores have had an impact on the way in which we shop and go about our daily lives. Department stores have been in existence since the early 19th century. Today, they contain a wide range of different shops, as well as plush seating, elevators, escalators, and food places as well. It is all about providing the full shopping experience. Department stores make shopping an enjoyable activity, rather than simply being a necessity.
To understand why we need a Department Store Day, it is worth thinking about the different reasons why we love department stores so much! They hold a special place in the heart of the consumer, and there are a number of reasons why this is the case. As touched upon, you can make a day of it. Itโs fun and relaxing. Also, where else can you buy everything from a strapless bra, to a dog collar, to a Lego set? Shopping is made easy and convenient. Everything you could possibly need is under the one roof!
A lot of people also love nothing more than heading to a department store during the festive period so that they can look at the beautiful Christmas window displays. Department store window displays have become big business, and a lot of retailers strive to outdo one and other. It is always amazing to see what creative masterpieces they have come up with. Plus, you can finish off your day with a bite to eat at one of the many on-site eateries. From fast food joints to pizzerias and organic cafes, you will find a whole host of different food places at most department stores as well.
Oh, and the list goes on, and on, and onโฆ I mean, there are toilets on every floor! Where else can you go shopping and not have to worry about finding a WC when duty calls? You can also come out of the department store smelling nicer than when you went in thanks to the numerous tester bottles that are on display. Plus, if you hate gift-wrapping, you can even get your items wrapped for you while youโre there. Like we said, everything you need is under the one roof, and so we are definitely on board with celebrating department stores!
NATIONAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING DAY | OCTOBER 13
National Yorkshire Pudding Day is observed across the United States each year on October 13th.
Yorkshire Pudding Day
Not to be confused with a dessert, Yorkshire Pudding is a traditional English dish similar to a popover. The dish is made from a batter and usually served with roast meat and gravy.
My mother and Mary made Yorkshire around Christmas time. It was one of my holiday time meals.
FOOD
National Coffee Day 2023: Dunkin', Krispy Kreme and more coffee spots have deals, promotions
Whether you call it joe, java, jitter juice, brew, rocket fuel or mud, coffee is a constant companion for many of us.
About two-thirds of Americans (63%) drink coffee daily, according to the National Coffee Association. That equates to about 1.7 cups daily for everyone in the U.S., or 2.8 cups daily per coffee drinker, amounts which have remained steady since 2020, the group says.
The U.S. imports the most coffee and is expected to import 20% of the world's volume of coffee in 2023-2024 (about 28.3 million bags, compared to 47.5 million in the European Union), the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.
But the U.S. doesn't even rank among the top ten countries in terms of per capita coffee consumption (324 cups per capita), falling far below Lebanon, which is No. 1 at 1,516 cups annually, according to research firm Euromonitor International.
Every day is coffee day, many of us would contend. However, one day of the year is officially National Coffee Day. This year, that day falls on Friday, September 29, and to celebrate, a bunch of chains and other coffee purveyors are offering deals and freebies. Here are a few youโll want to stay alert for:
Bean Box: The coffee subscription service is offering a free 12-ounce bag of coffee with any purchase made on BeanBox.com or through the Bean Box Mobile App starting on September 29 and extending through October 1 when you use the code COFFEEDAY23.
Caribou Coffee: The Panera-owned chain is offering its Caribou Perks members free, app-exclusive rewards, deals and discounts all week long โ from September 25 to October 1 โ timing its Caribou Perks Appreciation Week to coincide with National Coffee Day. On National Coffee Day itself, Friday, September 29, Caribou is offering a medium Espresso Shaker for $3, including a new Pumpkin Espresso Shaker.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The premium coffee and tea brand is celebrating not only National Coffee Day, but also its 60th anniversary, by offering one customer a chance to win one solid year โ 365 days of free drinks โ and 60 other customers free drinks for the remainder of 2023. Customers will be automatically entered to win with every purchase made via the brandโs rewards app starting on September 29 and extending through October 31.
Dunkinโ: Dunkinโ is celebrating National Coffee Day by offering its rewards members a complimentary medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on September 29. In addition, at 8 a.m. that day, the chain is dropping four bracelets featuring Dunkinโ-inspired phrases โ โIced Coffeeโ and โCafecito Timeโ to โEat the Donutโ and โGet Sip Doneโ โ created in collaboration with the kindness-spreading Little Words Project.
Dutch Bros Coffee: Hereโs an interesting one. On National Coffee Day, September 29, and on that day only, Dutch Bros is offering an exclusive "Drink More Coffee" hat at all of its 750-plus locations, for $20 and while supplies last. Customers who buy a hat will get a free drink of their choice โ any size.
Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme has two National Coffee Day offers this year: On Friday, September 29, you can get a free medium hot or iced coffee (espresso-based lattes or drip coffee from the chainโs recently released โnew and improvedโ beverage line โ your choice), with no purchase necessary. You can also get a $2 Original Glazed Dozen with the purchase of any dozen. Both offers are available in-shop and drive-thru at participating shops nationwide, as well as on pickup or delivery orders placed online or via Krispy Kremeโs mobile app.
Introduction
Get ready to celebrate National Drink Beer Day on Sept. 28 with a cold one! This day, which dates back to the early 1900s, is all about raising awareness and appreciation for beer - an alcoholic drink made from malted barley or wheat, hops, yeast and water. It's also a great opportunity to enjoy some quality time with friends while sampling different beers of various styles. So grab your favorite brew this September 28th and join in on the festivities!
History of National Drink Beer Day
Like most things, we look to the ancient Egyptians for answers. Historians point to beer as a ceremonial drink over 5,000 years ago because papyrus scrolls have been discovered documenting early beer recipes. But the Mesopotamians may have actually been the first to develop beer over 10,000 years ago, before recorded history.
Beer made its way to Europe and gained popularity during the Middle Ages. (Why drink polluted, possibly contaminated water, when you can drink a safer alternative, beer?) Eventually, German monks became master brewers, coming up with some of the fermentation techniques that brought the world closer to the beer we know and love today.
Did you know in European cities like Prague โ ordering beer in a restaurant is cheaper than ordering water?
Europeans who arrived in the New World actually complained when they were out of beer and had to brew more. (Apparently, the love of beer was so strong, that upon arrival, brewing beer was one of the first things on the Pilgrimsโ to-do list!)
Today, there are light beers with great flavor and less calories as well as dark beers like Guinness, served up warm in authentic English, Scottish and Irish pubs alike. There are ales and lagers which are distinguished by the type of yeast used in the fermentation process.
Is craft beer on your radar? Millennials especially are showing much more refined palates and a broad knowledge of all kinds of beer. Youโll find a wide spectrum of craft brews, foreign and domestic, to fit every taste.
If youโre really looking for something different, try hard cider. It has a great โkickโ to it! Plus, Foodie Alert: Donโt miss the perfect opportunity to pair a great beer with a delicious dish. And if youโre the adventurous sort, DIY with a home brew kit.
So on National Drink Beer Day, drink responsibly and in moderation, but enjoy. Just this once, pass up the white wine or your evening Cabernet. Get a frothy, ice-cold glass of beer with a good โheadโ on it and remember that beer is no longer just your parentsโ brew!
BOTTOMS UP!
CHEERS!
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