October 18, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Chocolate Cupcake Day – Cupcakes are the standard treat for school birthday parties and there is a reason for that. Kids love cupcakes. But not just kids, adults love these tasty mini cakes too. Make some chocolate ones today.

World Menopause Day – The theme for this day is “Oncology in midlife and beyond,” because there is an increased risk of cancer for women after menopause. There are things that you can do to minimize your risks such as stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol, lose weight, eat healthy and exercise. Sounds like not a lot of fun, I know, but it's worth it because you'll feel better than you have in years.

Alaska Day – This is a holiday in the state of Alaska that celebrates the fact that on this day in 1867, the Territory of Alaska was transferred from Russia to the United States for $7.2 million dollars. The actual purchase took place on March 30th of that year, but this day was the formal Russian flag-lowering and U.S. flag-raising ceremony with all the appropriate pomp and circumstance. The delay was probably because it took all of them that long to actually get to Alaska back then.  Since this is a state holiday, it is observed on a weekday when it falls on a weekend like it does this year so everyone in Alaska got the day off yesterday.

National No Beard Day – On this day, beards are not allowed for reasons that escape me. So anyone with a beard needs to shave it off today. You can have it back tomorrow.

Bridge Day – Celebrated on the third Saturday in October, this day commemorates the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge. It's a four lane bridge that was finished in 1977 but on this day, cars are not allowed on it, only pedestrians.

Sweetest Day – This day is also celebrated on the third Saturday in October. It is a day to remember friends, co-workers, family, and anyone else who has been kind and/or helpful to you by giving them a piece of candy. It was first celebrated in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio.

International Cravat Day - This is a day to celebrate the cravat which has been keeping men’s shirt collars together for hundreds of years.  Invented by the Croatians hundreds of years ago, the French adopted it in the 17th century and never really let it go.

To celebrate everything in one day, shave off your beard and put on your cravat.  Don’t worry, you look dashing.  Then drive over a bridge on your way to deliver candies to your friends and family.  The ones who have menopause deserve chocolate cupcakes while you  plan to take a cruise with them to Alaska.