October 17, 2013

Today we celebrate:

National Pasta Day – My children's favorite food is pasta in any shape or form. And they do come in any shape or form.

Black Poetry Day – This day celebrates Jupiter Hammon. Mr. Hammon was the first African-American man to publish his own poetry. He was born on this day in 1711 and was a slave who lived most of his life on Long Island. He was one of the few who learned how to read and write and was allowed to use his master's library. He published his first poem at the age of 49.

Get Smart About Credit Day – This is a day for bankers to reach out to their communities by going to the high schools and colleges and teaching the kids about budgeting, using credit cards wisely and building a good credit history.

Wear Something Gaudy Day – This is a day to stand out, buck the fashion trends of the day and make up your own wacky outfit. If you are old enough, you will remember a TV sitcom called Three's Company. On that show, one of the actors, Richard Kline, declared this day and it has been celebrated ever since.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – This is a United Nations created day that has been celebrated since 1993. The goal is to spread awareness of the need to end poverty all over the world. Governments need to work to fight against poverty in their own countries and in the foreign policy they create for interacting with other countries. You may see a call for a moment of silence to commemorate this day, or you might be asked to sign a petition or perhaps attend a fundraising concert.

Get to Know Your Customers Day – This is the fourth Get to Know Your Customers Day for the year. Use the opportunity to find out what your customers need so that you can be better prepared to provide it.

Four Prunes Day – I love prunes, but not prune juice. I know, I'm a little odd that way. But there's nothing like a few prunes every day to give you enough fiber to keep you regular.

To celebrate today, pick out a very gaudy outfit to wear today, have four prunes with your breakfast, and spend the work day getting to know as many of your customers as you can. At lunch, take some time to talk with your banker about how you're doing with your credit. This evening, recite some Black Poetry to your kids over a dinner of pasta and then finish the day by going online and donating to a poverty eradication organization.