December 1, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Pie Day – There seems to be two pie day in the year.Today and January 23rd.  They are pretty close together but we are in the swing of what I consider to be cookie and pie season.  So let’s celebrate both days.

Civil Air Patrol Day – The Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. It was created on this day in 1941 under Major General John F. Curry. It was created to provide air support to the war effort in WWII by patrolling American borders and coasts and assisting the military in any way necessary. It is comprised of volunteers who these days have three objectives set by Congress: perform emergency services such as search and rescue missions and assisting local law enforcement and the American Red Cross, aerospace education programs for the public and cadet programs for teens.

Day With(out) Art Day – Created on this day in 1989 as a day of mourning for those suffering because of the AIDS crisis, it is also a call to positive action that will spread awareness of the fact that AIDS can affect everyone. On the first celebration day in 1989, Museums were shut down and museum staff spent the day volunteering at AIDS services or worked on several sponsored exhibits of work about AIDS. In 1997 the day changed to a Day With Art in order to increase the programming of cultural events to increase the attention to the rapid spread of the disease all over the world. The name was kept (with parentheses added) in order to keep our attention on the horrible possibility of a future world without art or artists so we now highlight the art projects by artists living with the disease.

Eat a Red Apple Day – This is a day to eat a red apple. I generally prefer the yellow or green varieties but the occasional red apple is also very good. Since you should be eating an apple every day in order to keep the doctor away, I'm sure you won't have any trouble indulging in your favorite red variety today.

Rosa Parks Day – Who doesn't know of Rosa Parks? She was that very brave woman who on this day in 1955, refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man, something that was against the segregation laws of the time. She is known now as “the mother of the civil rights movement.” I know it sounds crazy to kids today but back then in Montgomery, Alabama, and in many other southern states, African-Americans were required to sit in the back of the bus and were obligated to give up their seats to the white riders if the front of the bus filled up. Well, the front of the bus filled up and a white man wanted Rosa Parks' seat. Ms. Parks refused and the rest is history.

Cyber Monday – This is the Black Friday for online businesses. Today focus your buying power online. If you look, you will find some great deals to snatch up.

World Aids Day – This is a day to get the facts about about HIV/AIDS. How you can get it, how you can avoid it, and what to do if you or a loved one have it. With proper treatment, people with HIV/AIDS can live a long time and don't have to infect other people. Spread the news around the world because there are some countries where AIDS is rampant because people just don't know anything about how to protect themselves and their families.

To celebrate everything in one day, make an red apple pie and decorate the top crust with artsy designs that resemble a close up of the AIDS virus. Don't worry, eating pie that looks like AIDS will not give you AIDS. Read books about Rosa Parks and the Civil Air Patrol to your kids before they go to bed, then get online to buy some Christmas gifts.

November 30, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Perpetual Youth Day - Celebrated on Dick Clark’s birthday, this is a day to celebrate those people who never seem to age.  Dick Clark is known for looking far younger than his age right up until his death.  I don’t know how he did it, but I’m sure that everyone should be able do the same.

National Mousse Day – Combine egg whites and cream, along with some other wonderful additions, to create this creamy, deliciousness.

Computer Security Day – This day was begun in 1988 to raise awareness of security issues related to computers. Prior to this, such a thing wasn't necessary since few people had computers in their homes.

Advent – This is more of a season than a day and can begin anywhere between November 27th and December 3rd. It is celebrated by Christian Churches as a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many different churches have many different traditions during this time which begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25th.

National Meth Awareness Day – Created by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), (and no, I didn't make that up) for the purpose of spreading awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine abuse on families, communities and the people who fall victim to the addiction.

To celebrate today, check on the security settings and programs for your computer so it stays safe.  Then make some mousse for your children, who will remain young forever, while you warn them about the danger of methamphetamine.  Finally, get out the Advent calendar so you can start counting down days.

November 29, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Chocolates Day – Chocolate lovers rejoice! Then run out and get your favorite chocolates to enjoy today.

Electronic Greetings Day – This is a day to greet your friends and family with a nice electronic greeting card or email. Like it or not, we are a part of the electronic age and we need to embrace it and participate.

International Day of Solidarity With The Palestinian People – This day was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 for the purpose of encouraging a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the Middle East.

Square Dancing Day – Square Dancing is a purely American style of dancing that mixes elements from many different countries. It isn't very popular any more but there was a time when everyone knew how to do it. These days you have to find a Square Dancing club to join.

Small Business Saturday – Celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this is a day to support the small businesses in your community by spending money in their establishments. Money spent in small local businesses stays in your local community and benefits everyone.

To celebrate everything in one day, send electronic greetings to the people of Israel and Palestine, encouraging them to be peaceful with each other, while you munch on chocolates.  Then go shopping at small businesses in your area before you finish up the day at a square dancing party.

November 28, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National French Toast Day – If you were wondering what on earth you were going to have for breakfast today, fear not for I have your solution right here. Who doesn't love French Toast?  Although apparently it should be called Roman Toast since the Apicius, a collection of recipes that appear to be from Romans back in the 5th century, has a dish that is very similar to the French Toast that we eat today.

Black Friday – This is the day that retailers look forward to all year long. This is what used to be the one day when most retailers made more money than any other day or even week, maybe even month, all year. Of course, many retailers are trying to extend that time, in the hopes that more people will spend more money, by moving up their openings to Thanksgiving Day, but this is still the official Black Friday.  I bet if you venture out and brave the crowds, you can find some good deals today.

Buy Nothing Day – I am not a Black Friday shopper, the crowds of people scare me away so I choose to celebrate this day instead. I don't generally go anywhere on this day or spend any money unless I absolutely have to.

Make Your Own Head Day – This is a day to get creative and artistic. Use whatever materials you have on hand and make your own head today. Make it however you would like it to be, it doesn't have to look anything like you.

Sinkie Day – This day is always on the day after Thanksgiving and is celebrated by eating Thanksgiving leftovers over the sink. My daughter asked me why anyone would want to do that and truthfully I'm not sure unless it's that we have had enough of sitting at tables after yesterday's festivities and we don't want to bother cleaning up after ourselves.

Flossing Day – This day is always celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. It is a day to focus on the health of your teeth and gums and right after Thanksgiving, when you loaded up on all that good food, is a great day to make sure none of it stayed behind in your teeth.

National Day of Listening – Celebrated on the day after Thanksgiving, this is a day to really listen to what your loved ones have to say. It is the most precious gift that you can give to anyone.  And if you really pay attention and listen closely, you might be surprised by what you hear.

National Native American Heritage Day – This is a day to acknowledge and honor the rich history and culture of all of the Native American tribes that shaped our nation in so many ways. Some of that history is full of broken promises, violence and injustice toward all of the Native Americans and we need to acknowledge that as well as the centuries of strong and enduring history that came before the arrival of our European ancestors.  This day is celebrated on the day after Thanksgiving every year.

Red Planet Day – On this day in 1964, Mariner 4 was launched. Mariner 4 was an unmanned spacecraft that passed within 9,844 kilometers of Mars and took many up close pictures of the red planet that it sent back to scientists here on Earth.

To celebrate everything in one day, have some french toast for breakfast while you decide if you will celebrate Black Friday or Buy Nothing Day, there is no way to celebrate both of those in one day.  Whichever you decide, make sure you make time for crafting your head with your children while you listen to whatever they have to say.  Then tell them about Native Americans and Mariner 4.  Dinner will be eaten over the sink, after which you should make sure you floss your teeth.

November 27, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Bavarian Cream Pie Day – This is a pie that has a cooked egg custard filling in a pie shell with a whipped cream topping. Oh, boy! I want some!  I love Bavarian Cream Donuts and this must be even better!

National Day of Mourning – This is a day of protest for the Native American people. They remember how their ancestors were murdered, lied to, poisoned, demonized and displaced by the people who came to this country after them beginning with the Pilgrims.  Not the finest chapter of our Nation’s history, but one that needs to be acknowledged.

Thanksgiving Day – This is a day for Americans to give thanks. We stuff ourselves to the bursting point with a feast and we thank God for a bountiful harvest and our ability to spend time with the ones we love.

Turkey-free Thanksgiving – And for the vegans, vegetarians, and the turkey dislikers among us,  you absolutely do NOT have to have Turkey today. Have a pork roast or steak or delicious vegetarian or vegan meal instead.

Turtle Adoption Day - This is a day to consider adopting a turtle.  Why would you consider adopting a turtle?  Well, you need to consider that some people are allergic to other animals like cats and dogs.  Turtles don’t make a lot of noise or mess, and…..well, that’s it.  I’m out of good points for turtles.  I would strongly suggest, that if you want to take advantage of this day, make sure you do your research on the turtle you decide to adopt as they have very specific care needs.

Pins and Needles Day – On this day in 1937, a famous play called Pins And Needles opened on Broadway. It is famous because it was the first, and possibly the only, Pro-Labor play at a time when Unions were struggling to get a foothold among the people.

To celebrate everything in one day, eat a turkey free Thanksgiving dinner with your family and your adopted turtle, including some Bavarian Cream Pie with the desserts, while you watch Pins and Needles. There's a revival starring Barbra Streisand if you can't find any recordings of the original. Then tell your children about the true history of Native Americans that they might not learn much about in school history books.

November 26, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Cake Day – We don't often think of cakes at this time of year. Our focus seems to be more along the lines of pies. But cakes are one of the world's favorite desserts and should not be ignored. You can make any kind of cake you want today so pick your favorite and enjoy.

Tie One On Day – I know what this sounds like, but you are incorrect. Today we are tying on an apron and celebrating all the generations of women who came before us. Women over the last several thousands years are best represented by the image of the apron. And in the spirit of all those women who were well known for sharing what they had with those who had less, do something to help someone in need today.  This day is celebrated on the day before Thanksgiving every year.

Celebrating everything in one day is going to be soooo easy. Simply tie on an apron so you can make a cake for someone in need.

November 25, 2014

Today we celebrate:

International Vegetarian Day – Mostly celebrated in Asian Pacific Rim countries and India, this day celebrates the birth of Sadhu Vaswani. Sadhu Vaswani “is a name synonymous with reverence for all life. Indeed, he was the living embodiment of an unsullied love that knew no bounds, an all-embracing love that included all mankind, animals and all creation.” He was born on this day in 1879. Read about his life here: http://www.sadhuvaswani.org/sadhu.html

National Parfait Day – We have had some parfait days in the past, but they were specific to a certain flavor. Today you can have any flavor parfait that you want. Enjoy.

International Day For the Elimination of Violence Against Women – Created in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly, this day commemorates the three Mirabal sisters who were assassinated in the Dominican Republic on the orders of Rafael Trujillo, the Dominican ruler at the time. The women were political activists fighting against violence. In their honor, the United Nations wants us to spend the day fighting against the discrimination that causes people to perpetuate the murders, assaults, rapes and mutilations of women all over the world.

Shopping Reminder Day – This is a day celebrated worldwide, one month before Christmas, that reminds us that we need to start our holiday shopping. I frankly don't care to be reminded of this kind of holiday stress right before Thanksgiving. But I recognize that some people need to be reminded because they need to plan their strategy for Black Friday.

To celebrate today, teach your kids about respect for women and how to change the world through non-violence over a vegetarian dinner and parfait dessert.  Then, plan your holiday shopping strategy.

November 24, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day – Do you have a unique, odd and/or gross talent? I think if you think about it hard enough you'll come up with something. Well, this is the day to figure it out and share it with others.

D.B. Cooper Day – This is the name given to an unidentified criminal who hijacked a Boeing 727 flying between Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington on this day in 1971. He received $200,000 in ransom money before parachuting out of the plane. He had boarded the plane with the alias Dan Cooper, which the media messed up causing him to be called D. B. Cooper. Neither he nor all the money has ever been found, and the FBI believes that he didn't survive the jump. A small amount of money was found and some believe it is part of the ransome. All passengers and crew members of the airplane survived the incident.

National Use Even If Seal Is Broken Day - This is a day that I cannot, in good conscience, recommend.  I guess it just depends on what it is that you are going to use.  Food products that have a seal, have it there to protect you from tampering.  Please do not consume anything that has a broken seal unless you broke it yourself.  If you find something that is relatively unimportant but has a seal anyway, feel free to use it if the seal is broken.  Heaven knows that sometimes we are just too careful about a lot of things in today’s society.

To celebrate today, find something that has a broken seal and use it anyway today while you read a book about D.B. Cooper.  Then you can entertain your family with your unique talent.

November 23, 2014

Today we celebrate:

National Cashew Day – One of my favorite kinds of nuts, get ready for a nutty day today.

National Espresso Day - The Espresso was created in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera who wished to give his employees a super shot of caffeine in a short amount of time to make them more productive.  He created a machine that quickly made this very strong cup of coffee and sold it to Desidero Pavoni who mass produced them all over Europe.

Dr. Who Day – Today is the 51st Anniversary of the first time Doctor Who was aired on television on this day in 1963.  This is a show that my teenage daughter fell in love with a few years ago and I admit that I enjoy watching it also, although I have only watched a few episodes as opposed to my daughter who has watched every one of the more modern episodes.  She doesn’t care too much for the original series, and after seeing both, I see her point.  But when it first aired, it was pretty high tech for its time and had quite the following.

Fibonacci Day – This day celebrates Leonardo of Pisa, AKA Fibonacci, who created the Fibonacci Sequence which is a pattern where every number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two numbers. Fibonacci was a very important contributor to the field of mathematics.

Eat a Cranberry Day – I believe that cranberries are considered to be a Super Food because they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. Thanksgiving is coming up so test out a recipe using cranberries today so you can decide if it is Thanksgiving worthy.

To celebrate today, adopt a child who is old enough to understand when you explain the Fibonacci Sequence during the commercials while you watch Dr. Who and eat cranberries together.  I would, however, drink the espresso yourself and not give it to the child unless you want said child to be hopping all over the place in short order.

November 22, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Humane Society Anniversary Day – Founded on this day in 1954, the Humane Society was created by Fred Myers, Helen Jones, Larry Andrews and Marcia Glaser. In the years since, the Society has made great strides in rescuing animals that are being abused.

Family Volunteer Day – Celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this is a day to get your whole family involved in volunteering. Pick your favorite activity whether it's helping your local food pantry, helping at a local homeless shelter, picking up the garbage at your local park or any other worthy cause and get the family working on it today.

International Aura Awareness Day – Celebrated on the fourth Saturday in November, this is a day to become more aware of our human energy, also known as our auras. See if you can figure out what your aura says about you.

National Start Your Own Country Day - The Hallmark people say this was begun in 1939 at the World’s Fair in New York.  I have not been able to confirm that but it sounds like something the World’s Fair people would do.  Starting your own country is a complicated thing to do but I advise you to start with a National Anthem.  Writing a song is difficult but if you can get the right one, it might inspire you to the next step which is creating a National flag and choosing a National animal, flower, bird, etc.

National Adoption Day - Celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, today we celebrate a day that was begun in 2000 by several organizations including: The Alliance for Children’s Rights, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Freddie Mac Foundation and the Children’s Action Network.  Thousands and thousands of adoptions from foster care have been finalized on this day over the years and we celebrate both the families who adopt and the children who are adopted.

International Survivors of Suicide Day – Also celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this is a day for the friends and family members of those who have died by suicide to join together and share a healing spirit. There will be events happening all over the world for the purpose of uniting these survivors. This day was begun by Senator Harry Reid in 1999 and started out as a National Day but when other countries began celebrating it as well it was changed to an International Day.

Go For A Ride Day – This is a day to de-stress by going out for a ride. It doesn't even matter what you choose to ride. Take your pick of any mode of transportation: car, bus, train, scooter, bicycle, horse, donkey, airplane, elephant...whatever you have handy that will get you from one place to another in a relaxing way.

To celebrate today, take a ride with your adopted family to the nearest Humane Society and volunteer to help them.  Then find someone who can read auras and ask for help interpreting yours before you search out survivors of suicide and share some moral support with them.  Finally, put some thought into how you should start your own country.

November 21, 2014

Today we celebrate:

World Hello Day – This is a day that was begun in 1973 because of the problems between Israel and Egypt. Yes, I know, I don't remember what was up with that either. I had to look it up.  I found out that it was called the Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or the October War. Several Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur.  It also happened to be during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, hence one of the names.  The war lasted 20 days before a ceasefire was arranged.  One hundred and eighty countries have celebrated this day ever since. The goal is to greet ten people today to spread a message to world leaders and encourage them to talk about their problems instead of fighting.

World Television Day – Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, this is a day that commemorates the anniversary of the World Television Forum that year.

False Confession Day – This is a day to make a false confession to some transgression that you didn't commit. Why, you ask? I haven't the slightest idea.  But I do have some advice:  If you’re going to do it, do it up big, just don’t do it in front of a judge!

To celebrate today, say hello to the first ten people you meet today and invent some dastardly deed that you can make a false confession to before you go home to watch television.

November 20, 2014

Today we celebrate:

Beaujolais Nouveau Day – Celebrated on the third Thursday in November by the French, this is a day that celebrates the release of a specific type of wine called....want to guess? That's right! Beaujolais Nouveau! They celebrate this day every year with fireworks, big festivals and music.

African Industrialization Day – Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, and first celebrated the next year, this is a day to encourage the countries of the world to support the industrialization of Africa.  

Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day aka G.O.H.A.R.D. - Begun in 2011, this is a day to support people who are motivated to run. I am not a runner, but I have a lot of respect for those who are. So wrap your arms around a runner today no matter where you are in the world. You don't even need to know them personally.  Although, perhaps an hug accompanied by an explanation would be appropriate in that circumstance.

Name Your PC Day – This is another unexplained, odd day. Today is a day to pick a name for your computer. I'm not one to go around naming things. I don't name my car or my stuffed animals (when I was young enough to have them) and I found naming my children to be a difficult proposition so I'm not sure why we need to name our computers, but I don't create the days, I just tell you about them.

National Peanut Butter Fudge Day – This is a day for fudge, but not just any fudge. Today you must make and eat, or buy and eat, peanut butter fudge. Creamy and delicious, but filled with nuts so I will excuse you from this celebration if you have allergy issues.

Transgender Day of Remembrance – This is a day to remember all those who have lost their lives in anti-transgender violence. It's hard for me to understand why someone who is opposed to a transgender lifestyle would resort to violence. I have never heard of anyone forcing anyone else to be transgender. If it's not for you, just go about your business and let them go about their business. If you are opposed because of your religious beliefs, please remember that killing is a sin in almost every religion I have ever heard of and it’s not our job to judge others.  That responsibility belongs to whatever higher power you believe in.

Great American Smokeout – Also celebrated on the third Thursday in November, this is a day to quit smoking. This is an easy day for me because it is very easy to quit something that you don't do to begin with. So I pledge to quit smoking today! Who is going to join me and be healthier for it!

Universal Children's Day – There are many Children's Days celebrated around the world on different days, but this one is the day that was recommended by the United Nations. So let's all celebrate our children today.

International Philosophy Day – This day was created eleven years ago by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is celebrated on the third Thursday in November and we will be sharing our experiences and worldviews with each other with complete respect to each others' cultural diversity.

Use Less Stuff Day – Celebrated on the 3rd Thursday in November, this is a day to use less stuff so that you end up throwing away less stuff. Apparently we throw away 25% more garbage between Thanksgiving and New Years than we do at any other point in the year. That is good incentive to create less waste and thereby put less garbage into our landfills. Here are some ideas to help you get started: http://www.use-less-stuff.com/ULSDAY/42ways.html

To celebrate today, give your PC a name and quit smoking before you head outside to flag down a runner so you can give him/her a hug.  Then, have some Beaujolais Nouveau and peanut butter fudge while you go online to find out how you can support African industrialization.  Then discuss philosophy and nonviolence toward those with different lifestyles than yours with your children while you sort your recycles.