February 1, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Car Insurance Day – On this day in 1898, Traveler's Insurance Company issued the first car insurance policy. In 1927, not necessarily on this day, Massachusetts became the first state to make car insurance mandatory.

G.I. Joe Day – Launched by Hasbro in February 1964, G.I. Joe was the first doll that parents found acceptable for their sons to play with, mostly because it was called an “action figure” instead of a “doll”. Parents can be kind of funny about the suggestion that their sons should play with dolls so the creators decided that the term “action figure” would make this toy much more acceptable.

Hula In The Coola Day – On this day, usually more for those of us in the frozen north than for those basking in the warm southern sun (although this year even the southern states are pretty darn chilly), we should forget about winter by getting rid of the winter coats, turning up the heat in the house, wearing shorts and throwing a luau.

National Freedom Day – On this day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery. Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, thought that there should be a day for everyone to celebrate the freedom of ALL Americans. He began the National Freedom Association which worked toward accomplishing that goal and highlighting the continuing struggles of the African-Americans fight for equality. The first National Freedom Day was celebrated on this day in 1942 and a wreath was laid at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

Spunky Old Broads Day – This day celebrates any woman over the age of 50 who refuses to let her age dictate how she acts and what she does. I am not fifty years old yet, but when I am, I plan to be very spunky. Do something new and exciting today. Here are a few suggestions: http://voices.yahoo.com/february-1-spunky-old-broads-day-top-ten-ways-for-2600816.html?cat=12

Working Naked Day – Begun in 2010, I must stress that this day is for those of us fortunate enough to WORK FROM HOME today! Since it's Saturday, hopefully most of you don't have to be anywhere. Please, I beg you, do not celebrate this day if you work outside the house, or even if you work inside your home with other people. You might also want to reconsider doing this if you do a lot of video chatting or skyping as part of your job.

National Serpent Day – Today is a day for all things snakey and slippery. I don't like snakes, but if you do, see if you can find one in your backyard and wish him (or her, I don't know how to tell the difference) a Happy National Serpent Day. You could also play snake related games with your children, I'm sure the internet is full of ideas for you.

National Baked Alaska Day – The original Baked Alaska was invented in 1876 by chef-de-cuisine Charles Ranhofer at Delmonico's Restaurant and consisted of ice cream over a sponge cake and topped with meringue, then baked long enough for the meringue to set. It was called Baked Alaska in honor of the recently acquired Alaskan territory. Since then, brave people sometimes add a rum topping and set the thing on fire.

Robinson Crusoe Day – This is a day to be adventurous and self-sufficient. On this day in 1709, the sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who was the inspiration for the book, Robinson Crusoe, was rescued from the island where he had lived on his own for five years. His captain abandoned him there at Alexander's request after they had an argument. It must have been one heck of an argument if he preferred to be abandoned on a deserted island.

Take Your Child To The Library Day – Celebrated on the first Saturday in February, this day was created by Nadine Lipman, a retired librarian in Connecticut, to promote the multitude of services your library can provide for you. Although this is just the second year of celebration, it has caught on quickly so check with your local library, they just might have some special events planned.

Change Your Password Day – This is a day to keep your computer's security in mind and change your password. It's a good idea to do that now and then, so take the time today to change all of your many passwords. You might want to think about keeping a list of them in a safe location because it will be difficult to remember so many new ones.

Ice Cream For Breakfast Day – Celebrated on the first Saturday in February, today is a day to throw nutrition rules out the window and go ahead and have ice cream for breakfast! In case you're thinking I made this day up, take a look at this web site: http://www.itzahckret.com/icecreamforbreakfast.html
They even have a link to Unofficial ICFBD Frequently Asked Questions.

To celebrate today, give your kids some ice cream for breakfast, then be spunky and work naked (from home). During the course of the day, check on your car insurance coverage, change your password, and order some G.I. Joe dolls (do it online since you're naked) for someone in your house. Pretend your living room is an island and maroon yourself there and see if you can survive like Robinson Crusoe while you look for serpents (they're known to hang out on islands after all) and celebrate your freedom. Get some clothes on before the kids come home and have a luau on your island, then take them to the library to look up what real islands look like and have some Baked Alaska for dessert, or dinner if you're still on the unhealthy ice cream for meals plan.


January 31, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Backwards Day – This is not the same as Opposite Day which we just celebrated a few days ago. This is a day to do everything backwards. Walk backwards, wear your clothes backwards and talk backwards if you can manage it. .taht od ot elba ton ma I .sdrawkcab epyt nac I tuB

Brandy Alexander Day – Brandy Alexander is not a person, it's a beverage. More specifically, it's a cocktail made from cognac, cream and crème de cacao. I've never tried it but if I can find some cognac and crème de cacao, I'd be willing to give it a sip to see what it tastes like.

Chinese New Year – This is my younger daughter's year. The year of the Horse begins today and will last until February 18, 2015. Yeah, that is a little longer than a year which confuses me too, but as long as the Chinese know what's up, who am I to judge. And in case you are wondering, some Chinese years are a little shorter than a year so it all evens out somehow.

Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day – For those of you who receive Social Security checks, this is a day to appreciate them. I think it's odd that we have a day like this since I'm pretty sure that everyone who gets social security is pretty appreciative of it. Especially since you probably paid into it for years and years.

National Pre-school Fitness Day – Celebrated on the last Friday of January, this is a day to get those little people into the exercise habit. Get those little arms lifting those weights, take them jogging with you, train them to swim a couple of miles. They're little but strong, they can do it! Right after their afternoon snooze.

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day – This is a day to appreciate art and its' ability to inspire us. Today you need to find some art that inspires your heart to some romantic and/or loving feelings.



To celebrate today, drink a Brandy Alexander and walk backwards through an art museum while you look for something that inspires your heart. Then appreciate the Social Security check that enables you to pay for the gym membership so you can take your pre-schooler for a workout while you watch the Chinese New Year celebrations on television.

January 30, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Croissant Day – Okay, now I'm drooling. I haven't even thought about croissants since the last Croissant Day a whole year ago and now I want one. Too bad I haven't found a gluten free version yet.

School Day of Non-Violence and Peace – This day was founded in 1964 and is celebrated on this day, which is the anniversary of the death of Mahatma Gandhi. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is commonly celebrated on or around March 30th. The message of this day is, “Universal Love, Non-violence and Peace. Universal Love is better than egoism, Non-violence is better than violence, and Peace is better than war.” Celebrations are encouraged in schools, which are free to decide how they want to participate.

National Inane Answering Message Day – I think this is a made up day as I couldn't find any source for it. What information I could find suggests that it is a day to get rid of the inane messages left on your answering machine, but I think it would be more fun to call all your friends and leave inane messages on their answering machines so they will be sure to have something to delete.

National Escape Day – This is a day to take a little, well-deserved mini vacation from the stress of your hectic life. It doesn't matter if you go far away or just lock yourself in your room for a little while. Find a way to pamper yourself and relax.

To celebrate today, have a croissant, call up some friends and leave them some crazy messages and then spend the rest of the day away from everything by locking yourself in your room. Soak up the non-violent peacefulness of your escape.


January 29, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Corn Chip Day – Well, I generally try to avoid these because I love them so much but they are so bad for my hips. But since this is a special day, I'll be forced to make an exception. Any weight gain is not my fault.

National Puzzle Day – There are all kinds of different puzzles out there to enjoy. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, number puzzles like Sudoku, word puzzles. I plan to enjoy as many of these today as I can.

Kansas Day – Kansas was the 34th state admitted into our United States of America. That happened on this day in 1861. Schools in Kansas have been celebrating this day since 1877.

National Carnation Day – This is a day to celebrate one of my favorite flowers. I had mini carnations as the main flower for my wedding. According to Christian legends, carnations first appeared as Jesus carried the Cross.

Curmudgeons Day – Celebrated on the birthday of W.C. Fields, our most famous and beloved curmudgeon, this is a day to behave like a curmudgeon by pointing out hypocrisy wherever you see it and ignoring social niceties.

Freethinkers Day or Thomas Paine Day – Born on this day in 1737, Thomas Paine came to America in 1774 and published a pamphlet called Common Sense. He served in the Revolutionary War and later held positions appointed by congress. His words inspired many and he was the first to publicly call for an end to slavery and the establishment of basic human rights. Freethinkers Day was created by the Truthseeker magazine in order to educate the public on Thomas Paine and his importance to our history of freedom. Thomas Paine Day was created by the Thomas Paine Foundation simply to celebrate everything to do with Thomas Paine.

Seeing Eye Guide Dog Day – On this day in 1929, Seeing Eye, Inc was founded by Morris Frank, a blind man who heard of a guide dog program in Europe that didn't succeed. He convinced an American dog trainer living in Switzerland, who knew something about the guide dogs, to train him and provide him with a dog so that he could bring the program to America and train others. Seeing eye dogs are so important to helping the visually impaired maintain their independence. If you have a seeing eye dog, maybe you could give him/her an extra treat and belly rub today. http://www.seeingeye.org/aboutus/default.aspx?M_ID=472


To celebrate today, eat some corn chips while you watch a W.C. Fields movie so you can bone up on your curmudgeon skills to use throughout the day. Then send a Happy Birthday card and a bouquet of carnations to someone with a seeing eye dog in Kansas. Finally, use your freethinking skills to solve all of America's problems before you go to bed.

January 28, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Blueberry Pancake Day – One of my favorite breakfasts. Fluffy, soft pancakes filled with blueberries and soaked in maple syrup.

National Kazoo Day – Celebrating 164 years of kazooing. Kazooists are nothing if not flexible so they say you can celebrate today or any other day that's convenient. http://nationalkazooday.com/

Data Privacy Day – This is an international holiday with the purpose of encouraging everyone to think about their data and how important it is to keep it safe and private. Check your privacy settings today.

Thank A Plugin Developer Day – This is a relatively new day declared by Matt Mullenweg when the WordPress repository passed it's 4,000th plugin. It is now an official WordPress holiday because where would WordPress be without the hard work of it's plugin developers. Celebrations should include looking at the plugins that you use, find the author's website and contact them with a little note to say thanks for their hard work. You could also choose to donate some money to them to compensate them for their time.

Clash Day or Mismatch Day – My oldest daughter celebrates this every day but she's a bit of an over achiever. The rest of you might have some trouble with the concept of making sure your shirt doesn't match your pants which shouldn't match your shoes or your socks or anything else for that matter.

Christa McAuliffe Day – On this fateful day in 1986, Christa McAuliffe and six other crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger died in an explosion shortly after the shuttle launched. She was a teacher who was supposed to be the first teacher in space.

National Daisy Day – This is a day to celebrate the beauty and cheerfulness of the daisy. We don't have any daisies blooming here at my house in the frozen tundra of the northeastern United States, so I'll have to content myself by looking at pictures of beautiful daisies.

Fun At Work Day – This is a day to have fun at work. Work is not usually something you think of as fun but it is what you make of it. Find a way to incorporate some fun in your work day today with your co-workers, whether they like it or not, which is part of the fun!

Rattlesnake Roundup Day – Most places no longer round up wild rattlesnakes and this day has become more of a wildlife festival than an event to buy or sell rattlesnakes.


To celebrate today, mismatch your clothes and send your favorite plugin developer a thank you. Then, bring a rubber rattlesnake to work and have some fun fooling your co-workers with it. Liven up the workplace by playing your kazoo for your customers and serving them blueberry pancakes with a daisy centerpiece on the table. Make sure your data is safe before you leave for the day. Tonight tell your kids all about Christa McAuliffe and the rest of the crew of the Challenger.

January 27, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Punch The Clock Day – I don't know if anyone uses time cards inserted into a time clock at work anymore. I did when I was younger and I worked at Kmart. We had to punch a clock at the beginning and end of every shift as well as at the beginning and end of every break. This is a day to honor everyone who has to punch a clock at work.

National Chocolate Cake Day – I don't think this day needs any explanation. If you like chocolate cake, today is your day!

Thomas Crapper Day – On this day in 1910, Thomas Crapper died. While he did not invent the toilet, he did improve it by inventing various devices to make it work better like the ballcock (that floating device that stops the water flowing when the water gets to the right height in the tank).

Aushwitz Liberation Day – On this day in 1945, the Soviet Army liberated Aushwitz (a concentration, extermination and forced labor camp) and its' remaining 7,000 prisoners. Most of whom were very ill and dying which is why they were not included in the 60,000 prisoners who were forced to march to Wodzislaw ahead of the Soviet invasion. http://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-features/special-focus/liberation-of-auschwitz

Holocaust Memorial Day – Today is a day to remember the millions of people who were murdered in the Holocaust. It begins this evening and ends tomorrow evening. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/h/holocaustmemorialday.asp

International Holocaust Remembrance Day – The United Nations General Assembly created this day and urge all of their member nations to develop educational programs for the purpose of spreading knowledge of the horror of the Holocaust and preventing genocides from happening in the future.

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day – This day is always on the last Monday in January. If you are a bubble wrap aficionado, you already knew this was coming and you stocked up. I wonder if you were aware that there is now a Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day Hall of Fame. Thousands (yes, I said 'thousands') of people have created videos of their favorite inventive ways to use Bubble Wrap. The videos will be judged and the winner will be announced and will be the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame today. You can see some of the videos here: http://www.bubblewrapfun.com/.  And I'm getting one of these suits for a certain person I know who has had way too many accidents.

Vietnam Peace Day – On this day in 1973, the Vietnam Peace Agreement was signed ending the Vietnam War.


Better Business Communication Day – Celebrated on the 4th Monday in January, this is a day to work on improving your business communication skills. Communication is vital to businesses so good decisions can be made and I bet all of us could use some work on improving our communication skills.


To celebrate today, teach your children about the Holocaust and what was found in Aushwitz in an age appropriate way so that when they are older they don't try to mastermind their own genocide, then wrap your toilet in bubble wrap so you don't hurt yourself when you use it. Punch your time clock before you work on your communication skills with your Vietnamese customers.

January 26, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Peanut Brittle Day – This is a day to celebrate one of the first kinds of candy ever created. It's tricky to make these days since most recipes say you need a candy thermometer in order to regulate the exact temperature. It makes you wonder how they made it in ancient times, but somehow they managed because most cultures that had molasses, sugar or honey made some kind of brittle type candy.

Spouse's Day – If you have a spouse, this is a great day for you. This is better than Valentine's Day or your Anniversary because you don't have to think about what to get your spouse for a gift. Today is all about spending time with your spouse, not spending money. Do something together that you enjoy. If you live in a warm area, go on a picnic. If it's cold where you are, snuggle up under a blanket and watch a movie together. Or just sit in the living room with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and talk like you never usually have time to do anymore.

Australia Day – This is the national day of Australia. It celebrates this day in 1788 which was when the first fleet of British ships arrived at Sydney Cove, New South Wales and the Flag of Great Britain was raised by Governor Arthur Phillip.

National Pistachio Day – Pistachio's don't last long in this house, almost all of us love them. Make sure you stock up if you have a similar situation.

Lotus 1-2-3 Day – On this day in 1983, Lotus 1-2-3 was launched by the Lotus Development Corporation. I'm going to date myself and tell you I have fond memories of using 1-2-3. I am not old enough to have used the original version, but that's only because my parents didn't own a computer at that time. It was used on IBM PC's and required two disk drives and at least 192K of memory.

Toad Hollow Day Of Encouragement – There is an 1800's era school house located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and that is where this day comes from. Ralph Morrison organized a nonprofit group to create an 1800's style park for storytelling, Civil War reenactments and classes on candle making, blacksmithing, etc. They called it Toad Hollow and it was staffed with volunteers who called themselves “Voluntoads.” They had a passion for helping others and this day grew out of that passion. Today is all about encouraging others with kind words and supportive actions.

World Leprosy Day – Celebrated on the last Sunday in January, this is a day to spread awareness of the fact that leprosy is still a serious disease in places like Vietnam, China and India among others (incidentally, it does not cause body parts to fall off although they do become diseased or numb). It is easily treatable and curable but the social stigma associated with the disease prevents many from reporting it and having the treatment.


To celebrate today, start up a spreadsheet program, (I'll give you a pass on using Lotus 1-2-3, since I think there's very little chance that you could find it, let alone get it to work on your computer.) and use it to map out your special day with your spouse down to the minute. Nothing too expensive is required, it just has to be meaningful. Make sure you get some pistachio's and peanut brittle to share and give each other plenty of encouragement. Then call someone you know in Australia and wish them a wonderful day. Watch those time zones, you don't want to call too early and wake them up. Finally, contact a leprosy organization and see what you can do to help.  

January 25, 2014

To celebrate today:

National Irish Coffee Day – Whiskey, coffee, sugar and cream are the necessities of life if you wish to make the perfect cup of Irish coffee. http://www.irishcentral.com/news/-National-Irish-Coffee-Day--how-do-you-make-the-perfect-Irish-cocktail--137790618.html

Robert Burns Day – Born on this day in 1759, Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is well-known beyond Scotland's borders because he also wrote in English. His work has endured through the ages as he was voted the greatest Scot by the Scottish people in a television poll. While you might not recognize much of his work, unless you live in Scotland, you have surely heard of “Auld Lang Syne.”

National Seed Swap Day – Celebrated on the last Saturday in January, this is a day to swap seeds with other seed swappers. There are seed swap meets where great numbers of people swap seeds in person but you could also swap your seeds online or by mail. It is a great way to spread and preserve heirloom plants or unusual varieties of plants. Plus it's just fun to say.

Opposite Day – Another day that I can't seem to find agreement on. Some think it's celebrated on January 7th, others say it is on January 24th, and still others name today. I think they are just being contrary. But if you choose to celebrate it today, say exactly what you don't mean to say and do exactly what you don't mean to do.

Macintosh Computer Day – This is the 30th Anniversary of the launch of the Apple Macintosh computer. It had a tiny screen, a keyboard, a mouse and only 128 KB of memory, which at the time was a lot but today is less than you would need to store a single picture.


To celebrate today, put in a long, hard day working on your non-Macintosh computer. Then take seeds from everyone you meet who happens to be carrying them. Don't give them any of your seeds. Next you can dump your Irish coffee down the sink while you avoid listening to “Auld Lang Syne”.

January 24, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Peanut Butter Day – This is a day to celebrate that which the Aztecs may have created several hundred years ago by crushing peanuts into a chunky, pasty substance. Peanut paste was turned into more of a peanut buttery type substance similar to the peanut butter we know and love today in the 1890's with various patents by various enterprising people. One of which was Dr. John Harvey Kellogg who served it to his patients at his Battle Creek Sanitarium.

National Beer Can Appreciation Day – On this day in 1935, the first beers were served in cans and the rest is history. I wonder if this is the day when the first beer can was crushed as well.

National Compliment Day – This day is one of the easiest days you will ever celebrate. Simply compliment at least five people today. I don't know who created it but that is less important than the fact that if you celebrate today, you will lift the spirits of everyone around you.

National Eskimo Pie Patent Day – Christian Kent Nelson invented the I-Scream-Bar somewhere around 1920. His inspiration was supposedly seeing a child trying to decide between buying ice cream or candy because he didn't have enough money for both. So he created a bar that combined ice cream and chocolate. It was renamed the Eskimo Pie shortly after he received his patent on this day in 1920 or 1921.

Change A Pet's Life Day – This is a day to change a pet's life. Go to your local animal shelter and find a pet that would be perfect for your family. Change his/her life by rescuing them from the loneliness of a cage and sharing with them the love of a family.

Global Belly Laugh Day - Small chuckles and little teehee's will not do today. Today is a day for big, from your stomach, belly laughs. Join the belly laugh bounced around the world today at 1:24pm local time. http://www.bellylaughday.com/

Talk Like A Grizzled Prospector Day – If you thought Talk Like A Pirate Day was fun, here's another one for you. First, ya gots ta figger out a name fer yerself. Sumthin grizzly like Cactus Pete. Today back there in '48, James Marshall found himself the first great big ol' nugget up there at Sutter's Mill. Ev'r'one went plumb crazy after that.


To celebrate today, have a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich, along with a can of beer, and an Eskimo pie for desert, then offer compliments to your chef while sharing a great big belly laugh (at 1:24pm). All of the above must be ordered as if you were a grizzled prospector and the rest of your day should be spent at the SPCA finding the perfect animal to save.

January 23, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Data Innovation Day – This day is to celebrate information and make you aware of the benefits that will come to you if you increase your use of information and your efficiency in getting the information that you need. The day will be full of panel discussions, webinars and something called “hackathons”.

National Pie Day – According to some sources, this is to be celebrated on December 1st. I cannot determine which date is the correct one but the majority of the sites seem to consider it to be today. Whether it is today or not, you really can't go wrong by having a nice piece of pie today anyway.

National Rhubarb Pie Day – Well, if you're going to have to have pie today, you might as well have rhubarb pie and celebrate two days in one. Rhubarb is delicious in a pie especially if you mix it into a custard pie or with strawberries. I never really think of buying it in January, it's more of a June food here in the northeast.

National Handwriting Day – Celebrated on John Hancock's 276th birthday, this is a day to focus on your writing skills and how readable they are. Do you write sloppily so that no one can read it or do you write so tiny that people need a magnifying glass? Maybe you write with big loopy letters? What does your handwriting say about you? Today is the day to find out.

Measure Your Feet Day – Do any of us really know how big our feet are? I know that mine are larger than they were before I had children. I've heard that our feet continue to grow after the rest of us has stopped so I'd always assumed that old people have really big feet. But now that I'm approaching old age (according to my children), I've noticed that my feet are not as huge as I figured they would be so maybe feet don't keep growing after all.

Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day – This is a day for snowplow drivers to have some fun. Plowing roads is a lot of hard work with long hours during snowstorms and we depend upon them to keep our roads clear so that we can use them whenever we want or need to. So for all the snowplow drivers out there, today is a day for you to see how many mailboxes you can whack today.

Women's Healthy Weight Day – Celebrated on the Thursday of the third full week of January, this is a day to celebrate the fact that there is a different healthy weight for everyone. So today we honor women of all shapes and sizes who strive to be a healthy weight no matter what that number on the scale happens to be.


To celebrate today, measure your feet and write down your size in your best handwriting so you don't forget when you go shopping for shoes. Then use the internet data available to find out what your healthy weight should be and toast the information with a piece of rhubarb pie. Finally, if it's snowing, watch the snowplow people play hockey with your mailbox.

January 22, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Blonde Brownie Day – If you're not a fan of chocolate, these are the perfect solution for you.

National Answer Your Cat's Question Day – For all those cat lovers out there, your job today is to pay extra attention to what your cat is doing so that you can ascertain when your cat has a question and what it might be. Do they rub your leg or twitch their whiskers just so when want to know something? Every cat is different so pay close attention. Then, do your best to answer the question. For example, your cat might want to ask you, “Why do I have to go to the vet?” or “Why do you freak out when I present you with a dead mouse present?”

Celebration Of Life Day – We have all been given the wondrous gift of life. Some of us have had life altering experiences which cause us to realize just what an incredible gift that is, but today all of us must live life to the fullest, like it is our last chance to do so.

Roe vs. Wade Day – On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the right of women to have an abortion. Their vote was 7 – 2 in favor of Roe. It was a very controversial topic back then and nothing really has happened to change that.


To celebrate today give your cats, assuming you have any, extra attention and answer any and all questions they have about abortion. Then, make some blonde brownies, and do something wild and crazy to live life to the fullest like riding a bronco or bungee jumping or going fishing with your children or simply stopping to watch the sunrise.

January 21, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Granola Bar Day – Granola bars were developed in the 1970's when an inventor, possibly Stanley Mason, figured out that by compressing granola with something sticky, like honey, and baking it so it stays together, one can create a portable breakfast.

National Hugging Day – There are lots of different kinds of hugs: the Bear Hug, The Side to Side Hug, the Cheek Hug, the Back to Front Hug and the Heart Centered Hug. Pick the hug that suits the situation and the person and have at it today. Just don't get arrested for hugging the wrong person.

Squirrel Appreciation Day – Today is a day to appreciate those creatures that many of us consider to be pests. Instead of shooing them off your bird feeders, throw a few nuts out for them. Hey! I said out FOR them, not AT them! Come on, if you look at them the right way, they are kind of cute. Yes, they are! If you don't see it, try squinting. The black ones are the cutest, you don't see those too often.

National New England Clam Chowder Day – What a great lunch that would be. Isn't it great when I solve your dilemma about what to eat for lunch today!

Rid The World Of Fad Diets And Gimmicks Day – The Tuesday of the third full week of January is the day to realize the uselessness of fad diets that don't work long term, and sometimes not even short term, along with the gimmicks you can spend tons of money on that don't reduce the weight of anything but your wallet.

To celebrate today, share your granola bar with the neighborhood squirrels, then hug them when they get close. For lunch, ditch the fad diet and have some New England Clam Chowder.


January 20, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Bill Cosby Sweater Day – This is a day to celebrate the amazing collection of sweaters that Bill Cosby wore when he was in “The Cosby Show” years ago. If you are old enough to remember that show, you will remember those sweaters. So dig around in your drawers or in your attic and find your best Cosby type sweater to wear today.

National Coffee Break Day – This is a day with dubious origins but the basic idea is pretty obvious. Enjoy your coffee break today.

Martin Luther King Day – This is the day that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born. That great man, who was so important to the Civil Rights Movement, had a profound impact on all people, not just the African-Americans.

National Buttercrunch Day – I like chocolate but I'm not a big fan of stuff mixed into it so I'll take a pass on this day. But for all those buttercrunch lovers, here's a recipe for you to try. http://thechefmaven.com/2010/01/national-buttercrunch-day-is-january-20th/

National Cheese Lover's Day – Finally! A day that my husband can get excited about. Cheese predates written history so we're not sure who first started the cheese making process. But there is some speculation that it was begun by Nomadic tribes who carried their milk in animal skins and organs. If milk is carried in an animal stomach, it will turn to curds and whey which doesn't sound appealing, but it's starting to turn into cheese so the nomads probably enjoyed it.

National Penguin Awareness Day – Several species of these non-flying birds are endangered due to oil spills, climate changes and eroding habitat. A sad plight for this adorable little animal. Did you know that the Magellanic Penguin is named after Ferdinand Magellan? Mr. Magellan was the first to see them way back in 1520. Sadly, they live off the coast of Argentina and thousands are killed every year because of oil spills.

Camcorder Day – Does anyone still have one of these? They were the latest, most exciting gadget when I was young. These days we usually use digital cameras to take videos.

National Disc Jockey Day – I think that most everyone listens to the radio at some point in their day. Today is the day to call up your favorite disc jockey and tell them how much you appreciate what they do. Where would we be without invisible people speaking to us and playing music for us through little boxes in our cars or bedrooms?

National Squirt Your Children with Water Day – This is my very own made up holiday. The idea came to me when my dog was begging for food at dinner last night. We got out the spray bottle filled with water, which we never have to actually use because he stops begging as soon as he sees it, and my husband put it on the edge of the table where the dog can see it. Then my son starts trouble with one of his sisters, as he often does, by telling her that we threw out something that she considered important. So my husband picked up the water bottle and squirted him with it. Much to our surprise, it had the immediate effect of stopping him in his verbal tracks, possibly because he was laughing too hard, but regardless, it worked. So my husband spent the rest of the meal lording it over everyone and threatening them with the water bottle whenever my oldest daughter tried to be the mother of the house, my son started instigating trouble, or my youngest daughter started being fresh. I'm telling you that it worked. I told my husband that we should have done that years ago except that if we had, the kids would probably be afraid to take showers now.

To celebrate today, dress up as a penguin wearing a Bill Cosby sweater, eat nothing but cheese and buttercrunch all day while you listen to your favorite Disk Jockey. Then, find your old camcorder and record your co-workers on their coffee breaks. When you get home, tell your children all about Martin Luther King, Jr. and then chase them around the house with a spray bottle of water.

January 19, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Popcorn Day – This is my daughter's favorite day. She lives on popcorn. Try some fun popcorn related activities with the kids today. Decorate the house with popcorn strings, mix popcorn with different ingredients and see what it tastes like. Fill a container with popcorn and guess how many kernels are in it. Have popcorn fights. Your imagination (and tolerance for messes) is your only boundary.

Confederate Memorial Day – This day honors those who died during the Civil War while fighting for the Confederate States of America. It has other names in some other states and is mostly celebrated in the southern states.

National Gun Appreciation Day – Begun last year, this is a day to demonstrate American's support of their 2nd Amendment right to own a gun. I know this is a very controversial subject with strong feelings on either side and I am gifted (cursed?) with the ability to see and understand both sides of the issue but you may feel free to comment with your opinion if you wish.

Peter Durand
Tin Can Day – The tin can was patented in 1810 by Peter Durand and the ability to store food for long periods of time suddenly became possible. However, the can opener was patented by William Lyman in 1870. Hmmmm. Does anyone else see a 60 year problem here?

World Religion Day – Celebrated on the third Sunday in January, this is a day to acknowledge all of the many, many, many different religions in the world.


To celebrate today, take your antique gun to a civil war reenactment and play the part of a Confederate soldier. Make sure you bring a few tin cans of food with you to share as long as you remembered your can opener. Then explain your religious beliefs to your children over a bowl of delicious popcorn.

January 18, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Thesaurus Day – Peter Roget was born on this day in 1779. He created (authored, composed, devised, fathered, invented, made) Roget's Thesaurus, which I still use (employ, utilize) periodically (occasionally, sporadically).

Peking Duck Day – An interesting dish that I didn't really think was food at first. It has been a Chinese specialty for more than a thousand years.

National Winnie the Pooh Day – A.A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, was born on this day in 1882. A sweeter, more loveable bear was never created, in my opinion.

National Sanctity of Human Life Day (or Pro-Life Day) – This is a day to spread the idea that life begins at conception and abortion should be prohibited. I know that is a controversial topic and has been for a long time so don't bombard me with messages chastising me for promoting this day. I didn't make it up, I'm just telling you about it. I am not telling you how I feel about it yea or nay.


To celebrate (consecrate, dedicate, honor, observe, glorify, exalt) today, try reading (perusing, studying) the thesaurus to the Winnie The Pooh bear you know you have lying around somewhere. Then have Peking Duck for dinner while you debate your views on abortion and the sanctity of human life with a friend.

January 17, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Ditch New Years Resolutions Day – It is by this day that most people have given up on all those promises you made in the heat of the moment on New Years Eve. You know you were unrealistic about it anyway.

Cable Car Day – if you have access to a Cable Car because you live in San Francisco, take a ride on it today. The rest of us will just have to read about it. http://www.lowfares.com/blog/2011/01/17/cable-car-day-jan-17/

Hot Heads Chili Days (17-18) – This day is so hot, it needs two days to celebrate. Or maybe one day to partake and one day to recover.

Kid Inventors' Day – Today we honor the birthday of the famous inventor, Benjamin Franklin, by celebrating the inventions made by kids. Let's get busy kids, use those incredible brains of yours and make something new! http://www.kidinventorsday.com/.

Ben Franklin's Birthday – As previously mentioned, this is Benjamin Franklin's birthday. Born in 1706, he was one of our founding fathers and was just an incredible individual. If you go to Philadelphia today, you will probably see a parade in his honor.

Lee-Jackson Day – Celebrated on the Friday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this is a day to celebrate the birthdays of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. This day is usually celebrated with military ceremonies, a parade and a ball in Virginia.

Judgement Day – This is a day to prepare yourself for the end of the world, whenever it should come. I am NOT predicting that it will come today!


Hot-Buttered Rum Day – This is a warm alcoholic beverage that consists of butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves all mixed together with rum. This beverage was invented here in America in colonial days. I guess it must be good if it has lasted this long.

Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day – This is a Catholic celebration that must be fun to see. I imagine in some parts of the country, the animals that are brought for blessings are more than just cats and dogs.

Judgement Day – This is a day to prepare yourself for the end of the world, whenever it should come. I am NOT predicting that it will come today!


To celebrate today, forget about whatever New Year's resolutions you may have made and hop on a cable car to Philadelphia to watch the parade. Yes, I know it doesn't go that far so just go as far as it will take you and then rent a car to go the rest of the way. Have your kids work on their inventions on the way. Then have some chili before you take your animals to the Cathedral to be blessed. Finally toast Ben Franklin, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson with your hot-buttered rum before you prepare for the end of the world.

January 16, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Tu B'shuvat – This is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year for trees. Early blooming trees in Israel will wake from their winter sleep and begin their new growth cycle. It seems a little hard to understand for me in the Northeast of the United States where my trees are still covered in icicles but I guess the weather in Israel is a little different.

National Fig Newton Day – Created by Charlie Roser, a cookie maker from Ohio, who sold his creation to Kennedy Biscuit Works, which later became Nabisco. In 1891, James Henry Mitchell invented a funnel within a funnel device which allowed the Newton's (as they were originally named after the town of Newton nearby the factory) to become mass produced.

National Nothing Day- Interestingly enough, this day was suggested in 1972 by Harold Pullman Coffin, who clearly was tired of celebrating something every day even back then when there weren't nearly as many things to celebrate as there are today. So today is a day to not celebrate anything. So tough luck if your birthday is today, we are not celebrating it.

International Hot And Spicy Food Day – Do you have an international dish that is hot and spicy? If so, today is the day to make it for lunch or dinner.

Appreciate A Dragon Day – Donita K. Paul created this day to promote the release of her book, Dragonspell, in 2004. Read about some of your favorite dragons today.

Get to Know Your Customers Day - No business could survive without customers. So this is a day for business owners to get to know their customers so they can serve them better. Appreciate your customers for their desire to give you their business. Yes, even the annoying ones. This day occurs three more times this year, once each quarter.

Religious Freedom Day – Today celebrates the adoption, by the Virginia General Assembly, of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on this day in 1786. This became the basis for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing our right to have the freedom to practice any religion we choose.

Women in Blue Jeans Day – This day celebrates the women of rural America who wear jeans and work boots to work every day. There is a conference taking place today in South Dakota for women in blue jeans to come together to relax, learn and meet new people. It's too late to register for this year, but they do it every year so keep it in mind for next year. http://www.womeninbluejeans.org/


To celebrate today you have to make a choice. If you decide to celebrate National Nothing Day, you cannot celebrate anything else. If you decide to celebrate the rest, you cannot celebrate National Nothing Day. I'm sorry, that's just the way it has to be. For those of you in a more celebratory spirit, wear blue jeans while you get to know a little more about the customers who come into your stores today. Feel free to ask them about their religious beliefs. Then read a book about dragons while you eat some Fig Newtons. Finally, eat some international hot and spicy food while you look at pictures of trees in Israel.

January 15, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day – My son's favorite ice cream! I guess I'll just have to get him some.

National Hat Day – This is a day to celebrate hats of all kinds for men and women. Get your favorite hat out of the closet and show it off today, although you might want to brush off the cobwebs first, it's not Spooky Hat Day after all.

Humanitarian Day – This is Martin Luther King's birthday and the first of three Emancipation Days of Respect which honor the memory of Martin Luther King by promoting respect, unity and remembrance.


To celebrate today, wear a hat and eat strawberry ice cream while reading a book about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.

January 14, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day – Well, this is good. Now you don't have to worry about what you're having for lunch today. Here it is.

Organize Your Home Day – It is time to organize your home today! Wow! You've got a lot to do in only one day. Better get busy. Come to think of it, I'd better get busy too!

Orthodox New Year – Many Orthodox Christian churches in the world celebrate the New Year based on the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar that is so widely used these days. Which means that they celebrate the same holidays on different days. So, Happy New Year to all.

National Poetry at Work Day – This is a day to bring poetry to work or find poetry that is already there. I would not recommend taking time to compose poetry while you are at work unless that is already your job because I don't want you to get fired. But it would probably be acceptable to bring your favorite poem and post it somewhere where it can be enjoyed.

National Dress Up Your Pet Day – Created in 2009 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, this is a day to have fun with your pet and support pet fashion. The pet experts do ask that you not dress your pet in anything they might find uncomfortable. Which is funny to me since I think that pets would find any kind of clothing uncomfortable.

Cesarean Section Day – Cesarean sections have been performed throughout history as a last ditch effort to save a baby. Historically, the mothers were always either already dead or died shortly after. In the 1500's the first recorded survival of both mother and baby occurred. But it wasn't until the 19th century that women were considered to have a fighting chance of survival. On this day in 1794, Elizabeth Bennett became the first woman in the U.S. to give birth by this method and survive. Her husband was the doctor who performed the operation. She was convinced that she was going to die during her difficult labor so she requested a cesarean. Her doctor refused because he believed it would kill her so her husband stepped up and even in the crude, unsterile log cabin environment, the surgery was an amazing success to everyone's relief.

Ratification Day – On this day in 1784, the Treaty of Paris (which had been signed on September 3, 1783) was ratified at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland by the Confederation Congress. This act officially ended the American Revolution and established the United States of America as an independent entity separate from England.


To celebrate today, take your well dressed pet to the park. Next, stop to pick up a hot pastrami sandwich on your way to work where you can share your favorite poem with your co-workers. Then call your mother, wife, sister, friend or whoever you can think of who had a cesarean and let them know that you're glad they survived and wish them a Happy New Year. Next, it's time to organize your house. You know you want to, you just needed the excuse to get started. Then, before your kids go to bed, explain to them all about Ratification Day. You know they'll be fascinated.

January 13, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Peach Melba Day – Invented by the great French chef, Auguste Escoffier, in 1892 at the Savoy Hotel and named for the famous Australian Soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, this delicious dessert combines peaches, raspberries and vanilla ice cream.

Make Your Dream Come True Day – This is a day to work toward making your dreams come true. Do you dream about becoming an actress? Audition for a local theater group today. Do you dream about becoming a writer? Work on your Great American Novel and submit it to a publisher today. Would love to own your own business? Sign up for some classes at your local community college to learn how to make it work. Whatever it is you dream about, take steps to make it come true.

Poetry Break Day – This is a day to take a break and read some poetry. You can find some poetry books in your local library or you can search for poetry online. You can find thousands of poems here: http://www.poets.org/

National Rubber Ducky Day – Rubber Ducky, you're the one! You make bath time lots of fun! Rubber Ducky, I'm awfully fond of you! Today is Ernie's rubber ducky's birthday.

National Clean Off Your Desk Day – Celebrated on the second Monday in January, this is a day to clean off your desk. I know you've got stacks of important papers and not so important papers and assorted nicknacks and other such things that are there because you didn't know what to do with them. Well, today is the day to figure it out and clean it up.

Public Radio Broadcasting Day – On this day in 1910 the first public radio broadcast was made. It was an experimental transmission of a live Opera performance but only a few radios were able to pick up the signal and the microphones were so bad that most of the singing couldn't be heard at all plus there were tremendous amounts of static and interference. So it was mostly a failure. Fortunately, Public Radio has improved a great deal since then.

Stephen Foster Memorial Day – I wonder how many of you know who Stephen Foster was? He was a songwriter in the 19th century who wrote Oh Suzanna!, among other songs you've probably heard of. He died on this day in 1864.

Coming of Age Day – A holiday in Japan on the second Monday in January, this is a day to celebrate everyone who has reached the age of majority (20 years old) in the past year. There are coming of age ceremonies and parties among family and friends. This has been celebrated in Japan since 714 AD but it became official in 1948.

To celebrate today, clean off your desk while you listen to public radio, sing Oh, Suzanna!, and plan how to make your dreams come true. Take a break to read some poetry and have a bath with your rubber ducky. Tonight share some peach melba with someone you know that has turned 20 years old this past year.


January 12, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Marzipan Day – Marzipan is used by pastry chefs to decorate cakes. I've never decorated with it but I'll have to give it a shot today.

National Pharmacist Day – Where would we be without Pharmacists? I have one in the family and I don't know what we would do without him. You can ask them anything at all about medications and if they don't know the answer off the top of their heads, they have it at their fingertips.


To celebrate today, treat your neighborhood pharmacist to some marzipan decorated cake.

January 11, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Step In A Puddle And Splash Your Friend Day – I don't know where this day came from and I don't care. Watch out for puddles people because I'm right behind you!

Hot Toddy Day – A hot toddy is a drink made with honey, lemon, hot water and some sort of alcoholic item such as whiskey or rum. It is said that it is a remedy for cold or flu symptoms and I don't wonder why. A sip of this would probably open up every single airway that could possibly be opened in my body and probably create a few new ones.

Milk Day – On this day in 1878, milk was delivered in bottles for the first time. Not something I ever really thought about before but now I wonder how people got milk before then. Did someone wander the neighborhood with their cow filling pails for whoever asked or did people have to make a trip to a farm somewhere? Maybe they didn't get to have milk in their cereal unless they had their own cow?

International Thank You Day – Today is a day to appreciate everyone in your life, even someone who usually annoys you. Make sure you take the time to thank everyone for something today. Just think, maybe you'll start a trend that will spread around the world. And if you haven't written your holiday thank you notes yet, it's not too late.

Cigarettes Are Hazardous To Your Health Day – I know that this will come as a shock to some of you but I assure you that it is true. So quit today and start on a new and healthier you.

Learn Your Name In Morse Code Day – Use the translator on this web site: http://www.glassgiant.com/geek/morse/ and have fun tapping it out to your co-workers or children.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – It's hard to think about things like this sometimes but tragically it is true that in this day and age people are still bought and sold like commodities. And I do not like to even try to contemplate the way they are mistreated as if their lives have no meaning. All life is precious and everyone deserves to be loved and treasured by someone.

Secret Pal Day – Shhh! Don't tell anyone that you are the one who left that cute little gift on your friend's desk at work.


To celebrate today, start by quitting the smoking habit, then give your secret pal a gift of a hot toddy. Next, learn how to spell your name in Morse Code while you drink some milk. After that, write someone a thank you note to show your appreciation of them and say a prayer for those trapped in human trafficking slavery. Finally, take a walk with a friend so you can find an opportunity to splash them.

January 10, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Bittersweet Chocolate Day – Well, I know that not everyone likes chocolate. But I think those people are in the minority and I just have to feel sorry for them.

Peculiar People Day – I'm sure that someone knows how this day came about, but I couldn't find them. It's just plain peculiar. Kind of like some people I know.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day – Today is the day to spend some time figuring out how to save some money on energy. And when you figure it out, please share your secrets for the rest of us. The stores that sell appliances tout the energy star appliances but I don't think that any of us are going to go out and spend thousands of dollars on all new appliances at one time. You can also change your light bulbs to the energy efficient ones. Any other ideas?

League Of Nations Day – On this day in 1920 the League of Nations came into being. I didn't know there was a League of Nations. Is it anything like the Justice League?


To celebrate today, study ways to cut your energy costs and ponder the peculiar people in your life in general, and the League of Nations in particular, making sure you have plenty of bittersweet chocolate.

January 9, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Apricot Day – Apricots are one of my daughter's favorite fruits. Full of Vitamin A and beta-carotene, they are a delicious and nutritious option if you get tired of peaches.

Play God Day – This is meant to be a day where you are inspired to do something good for someone else, but people seem to be wary of well meaning interference that causes more problems than it solves so be cautious of your choice of good deed.

Panama's Martyr Day – This is a day for Panamanians to salute the martyrdom of soldiers who lost their lives on this day in 1964, defending their nation. Many countries celebrate a Martyr Day on different days of the year.

National Static Electricity Day – We've all experienced static electricity. Well today you can show your kids how static electricity will make balloons stick to walls. This Bill Nye the Science Guy video will help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-77IzaXGcg

Balloon Ascension Day – Dig out that hot air balloon you've been keeping in the closet. Today is the day to blow it up and take a ride. This day in 1793 was apparently the first recorded trip in a hot air balloon by Jean Pierre Blanchard and was witnessed by General George Washington.


To celebrate today, have some apricots while you watch the static electricity video. Then blow up your hot air balloon and take it for a ride. Play God by throwing some money to the peasants below you as you float by (not that God does this but since you can't do anything that God can do, it was all I could come up with) and salute Panama's martyred soldiers.