August 30, 2014

Today we celebrate:

International Whale Shark Day - I had never heard about whale sharks but you learn something new every day.  Whale sharks are the largest living fish in the oceans right now.  They are not whales, they are definitely sharks, but apparently they are so named because they eat in a way that is similar to whales.  But they use gills and so do not need to come to the surface to breathe like whales do.  Last year the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center celebrated this day by having a party which included music, food, drinks and a walking a slackline over water competition.

Slinky Day - Invented by Richard James in the 1940’s, its popularity has waxed and waned over the years.  I remember when they were made out of metal and I could start it at the top of our long staircase and it would go all the way down.  They are generally plastic now and too short to go down full size steps.  It makes me wish I had kept my old one.

International Bacon Day - Celebrated on the Saturday before Labor Day in the USA, this is a day to eat bacon all day long.  You can include bacon in all kinds of recipes from bacon pancakes for breakfast (or bacon and eggs for the traditionalists among us), to bacon on your salad for lunch, to bacon wrapped scallops for dinner.  There are innumerable recipes that you can find to incorporate this delicious but oh, so bad for you deliciousness.

International Bat Night – Created by an organization called EUROBATS, this is a two day event that is celebrated by more than 30 countries with bat walks, presentations, exhibitions and generally a lot of love for bats.

National Toasted Marshmallow Day – Who hasn't had toasted marshmallows over a campfire? There is nothing on this world that tastes even remotely that good.  If you combine it with chocolate and graham crackers in a s’more it’s even better.

National Holistic Pet DayMore and more people are moving toward a holistic lifestyle, but we don't always think of our pets. You can put your pets on an organic, green, and healthy lifestyle as well. Look into what that would entail today.

Frankenstein Day – This is a day to celebrate the life and creativity of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. She was born on this day in 1797 and although she wrote other books, she is best known for this famous monster, which is known today as Frankenstein even though that is not the name of the monster but the name of the doctor that created the monster.

Franchise Appreciation Day – Celebrated on the Saturday before Labor Day, this is a day to support local franchises. Franchises make up quite a number of small businesses in your area and some of them might have some celebratory activities today.
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances – There have been times throughout history, as well as the present time, when governments have caused people to disappear. They are arrested, or abducted, by the state or people acting on behalf of the state, who will then deny having taken that person or knowing anything about their fate. This clearly violates any number of human rights, but many governments in the world don't care about human rights.  This is a United Nations day that reminds us that this is a problem we need to fight against.

To celebrate everything in one day, read up on how to put your pet on a holistic lifestyle before you go shopping at local franchises in your area.  Then go online to find out if there is anything you can do to help fight against governments that make their citizens disappear.  While you are there, look up pictures of whale sharks so you know what to look for the next time you’re on the ocean.  Next, send your slinky down the stairs and read Frankenstein before you sit out this evening looking for bats and eating bacon wrapped toasted marshmallows.

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