February 16, 2018

Today we celebrate:

Innovation Day – Today is a day to think outside the box. Find a problem, brainstorm possible solutions, be creative, pick one and implement. This is innovation.

Kyoto Protocol Day – Countries that signed and ratified this protocol from the UN are required to limit or reduce their emissions of four greenhouse gases. It was adopted in 1997 and put into practice on this day in 2005. The US signed but did not ratify the protocol and Canada backed out in 2012. Many complain that the protocol doesn't go far enough and has no ability to make sure that member countries follow through with their promises to reduce their emissions.

Do A Grouch A Favor Day – It isn't usually too difficult to find a grouch around somewhere. Sometimes in your very own house. There might even be one hiding in your own shoes. But since all of my readers are generally very cheerful people, you might have to work to search one out. When you find one, do something nice for him/her and see if you can de-grouchify him/her and reduce the number of grouchy people out there by one...or two...or even more. Make it a mission today and we'll see how many times we can convert frowns to smiles.

National Almond Day – Almonds are a powerful food. One serving gives you 35% of your Vitamin E for the day and will help to lower your cholesterol. They also contain good amounts of protein and other important nutrients and can even help you with asthma and other lung problems.

Chinese New Year – The Year of the Dog begins today and will last until February 4, 2019. Yeah, that is a little shorter than a year which confuses me too, but as long as the Chinese know what's up, who am I to judge? And in case you are wondering, some Chinese years are a little longer than a year so it all evens out somehow. I did read that the Chinese New Year always falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th.  Other dog years were 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934 and 1922. Dog years are considered to be unlucky years for people who were born in a previous year of the Dog. People born in these years are considered to be: honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart, straightforward, venerable and have a strong sense of responsibility.