October 2, 2017

Today we celebrate:


International Day of Non-violence – Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this is a day to spread the message of non-violence all around the world through educational programs and public awareness. Again, this day was chosen to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

Guardian Angels Day – This day has been celebrated for a very long time. In the 16th century, Pope Clement X chose this day for the Feast of the Guardian Angels. On this day we should thank God for the guardian angel that He has given to each of us to inspire us to do good deeds and to protect us from evil and to guide us to God at the moment of our deaths.

National Custodial Workers Day – This is a day to recognize the dedicated, hard working people who keep our schools and businesses clean. It is often a thankless and unnoticed job, but we sure notice if it's not done because then we are surrounded by a mess. Make sure you talk to the custodians in your life today and thank them for their hard work.

Phileas Fogg's Wager Day – On this day in 1872, Phileas Fogg made his famous wager that the book “Around the World in Eighty Days” was based upon. He wagered 20,000 pounds that he could navigate around the world in eighty days. You'll have to check back with me on December 21st to see if he won the wager. Or, I suppose you could just look it up.

World Farm Animals Day or World Day for Farmed Animals – This day is dedicated to saving farm animals from being raised in deplorable conditions and then being slaughtered for food. It takes place on or near this day because this is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a man who stood for non-violence toward animals and people.

Name Your Car Day – This is a day to get closer to your car. We depend on our vehicles to reliably get us to wherever we need to go. So we need to treat our cars right and that begins with giving it a really good name. We tend to care for things we name more than we do things we do not name. This is why if you have a farm, you have to be careful to avoid naming the animals you intend to eat.

National Fried Scallops Day – I love scallops any way I can get them, but fried scallops are particularly delicious, in my opinion. You can have the small bay scallops or the larger sea scallops. It’s easier to fry the sea scallops because they are bigger. Whichever you choose, make sure you don’t overcook them. They cook up very quickly and if you over do it, they will be tough and not very good.

World No Alcohol Day - I’m not sure if they created it, but the International Council of Nurses certainly endorses the celebration of this day. Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of 2.5 million people every year. If people could just show some self control and stop at one drink, it wouldn’t be a problem at all. But it is an addictive substance and far too many people cannot stop drinking once they start. So today, take a break from drinking completely. This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

World Day of Bullying Prevention / Blue Shirt Day - Celebrated on the first Monday in October, this is a day to stomp out bullying. Wear a blue shirt today to show solidarity to those who are being bullied and to spread the news that this behavior needs to stop.

Child Health Day – This is a day dedicated to protecting the health of the children of the United States. It is always celebrated on the first Monday of October.

World Habitat Day – This is also celebrated on the first Monday of October and is for the purpose of reminding the world that habitats are of vital importance whether they are for humans or animals. Many countries in the world have poor habitats for humans and fundraising events are happening today to raise money for poor communities around the world.

World Architecture Day - This day is also celebrated on July 1st, but in 1996 it was moved to the first Monday in October by the International Union of Architects. Not everyone agrees with the change so it is celebrated twice. The theme we are focused on this year is “Architecture, Building, Climate.” Architects have to be involved in plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because they need to design or remodel environmentally friendly buildings.

Day of Unity - First celebrated in October 1981 after being created by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, it quickly turned into a week devoted to activities designed to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence. Then in 1987 it became a whole month devoted to the subject. During the month of October we mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, connect to people who have devoted their lives to ending the violence, and celebrate those among us who have escaped and lived to tell the tale. You’ll still see reference to this day on occasion (usually the first day of October), but no one devotes any time to celebrating just one day when they have the whole month to work with. And, by the way, it is not only women and children who suffer from domestic violence. Men can also be victims far more often than you might believe.

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