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 13^th 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.