August 12, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 12

Julienne Fries Day Each year, National Julienne Fries Day is observed on August 12th.

To julienne fries is to cut the potatoes into long thin strips, similar to matchsticks. Julienne fries are also sometimes called “shoestring fries”.

Although the origin of the julienne cut is uncertain, the oldest known print is in the 1722 edition of Francois Massialot’s Le Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-julienne-fries-day-august-12/

International Youth Day Youth Day presents an opportunity for every country to assess their investment in and commitment to youth, as well as general education (both of and to youth). Take the opportunity to find out about local youth culture, activities and education, and to get involved in the wellbeing of the next generation of humanity. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/youth-day/

Middle Child Day Let’s face it, being the middle child sucks, right? You have an older sibling, who you have to somehow live up to; you have a younger sibling, who gets all of the attention, and you are left with no clearly defined role. In fact, ‘Middle Child Syndrome’ is a recognised concept and birth order is believed to impact upon various personality traits.

As the middle child, you’re not the leader, so you aren’t able to have things your own way. You’re also no longer the baby of the family, so you aren’t as protected. And you’re certainly not excused for bad behaviour. It might seem like nothing ever really goes your way.

Well, no longer. Middle Child’s Day provides a well-deserved day to celebrate those special children who were neither the first-born or the last-born. Finally, a day where you get some attention and love, at the expense of your other siblings. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/middle-childs-day/

Vinyl Record Day Vinyl Record Day is organised by (you guessed it) the Vinyl Record Day Company – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to recognising the preserving vinyl music, its culture, art and sound. Whilst you could dust off some old vinyl records, you may be surprised to find many modern artists producing music in vinyl format to provide a richer, more immersive experience. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/vinyl-record-day/

World Elephant Day They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own. Taking into consideration all of that and much, much more, what’s not to love about elephants? Still, countless elephants are brutally killed every year for their ivory by greedy poachers who then leave their carcasses to rot in the sun. As Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair, put it:

We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits (…) but the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.

World Elephant Day is the perfect time to find out more about these amazing animals and what we can do to preserve and protect them so they do not go the way of the mammoth. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-elephant-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august12.html

August 11, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 11

Ingersoll Day Robert Green Ingersoll was a famous American orator, who lived and became famous during the nineteenth century. Ingersoll Day celebrates his contributions to society, which he made through passionate campaigning for womens’ and minority rights. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/ingersoll-day/

Play in the Sand Day What better way to enjoy a nice day out than to get down to the beach, paddle in the ocean, eat ice-cream and relax in the sun? Play In The Sand Day is all about building sandcastles, digging holes and burying your friends! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/play-in-the-sand-day/

Son and Daughter Day is the perfect opportunity to set aside some time to reflect on the joy that children bring to your life. Whether sons and daughters are young or old, teenagers or toddlers, the bond between parent and child is like no other on earth and this annual celebration ensures the miracle of bringing new life into the world is never forgotten. Though the origins of Son and Daughter Day are unknown, it is celebrated widely across the world simply by parents spending time with their children and letting them know how special they are to them. The best gift to give on Son and Daughter Day is the gift of time. If your children are still living at home, take some time out of your schedule to truly enjoy their company. If your children have moved away, make sure they return so you can spend quality family time together. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/son-and-daughter-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august11.html

August 10, 2015

A Moment for Prayer, Peace and Harmony Reflected at Pallottine Renewal Center

Although the day ended with gunfire and stores being looted, the anniversary of Michael Brown’s death was also observed through peaceful events across the area, including Florissant. Some organizations offered free school supplies and some groups joined in peaceful marches.

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Marillyn Webb, executive director of the Pallottine Renewal Center, 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road, welcomed guests to a service focused on praying for peace and harmony in North County.

Rance Thomas, president of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice, was among the leaders of the United Prayer for Peace service. In speaking beforehand, he said, “Because of the issues brought to light in the Ferguson community and in our nation by the Michael Brown incident, it is very important for the community to come together in prayer for peace, justice and unity for all on the anniversary of this tragic event.””

http://www.flovalleynews.com/a-moment-for-prayer-peace-and-harmony-reflected-at-pallottine-renewal-center

August 10, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 10

National S'mores Day Thinking about S’mores Day is likely to give you a warm, gooey feeling! This sweet summer celebration turns the spotlight on a popular campfire treat – the S’more. It’s traditionally created by sandwiching together two graham crackers, putting marshmallow and chocolate in the middle, then melting them over a bonfire.

The S’more apparently got its name because anybody tucking into this wickedly delicious treat is likely to want “some more”. US Girl Scouts included a recipe for the dessert in a 1920s handbook, but it’s thought the sweet may actually be much older.

It’s not known exactly when S’mores got their own day, but the best way to celebrate is to invite friends to a campfire party. Either cook up the confections in your own back yard or head off on a camping trip. However, if this isn’t possible, you can also prepare S’mores in the microwave. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/smores-day/

National Duran Duran Appreciation Day Duran Duran Day celebrates 80’s rock icons, Duran Duran – a band who pushed the limits of acceptable music video content. Try listening to some Duran Duran at work, in the car, and at home; don’t worry, it’s officially ok for just one day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/duran-duran-day/

Skyscraper Appreciation Day Skyscraper Appreciation Day is the birthday of the famous architect William Can Alen, who is the genius behind the construction of the Chrysler Building, which is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks.

Skyscraper Appreciation Day was initiated and founded by Dr. Tom Stevens. Interestingly, it was created so that the general public could admire the structural and architectural brilliance of skyscrapers. Furthermore, it also celebrates the triumph of reason and man’s ability to construct industrial masterpieces. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/skyscraper-appreciation-day/

Lazy Day is an ideal excuse to take a break and enjoy some precious “me” time, without feeling guilty about it.

Now’s your chance to stop tearing around doing chores and organising events. Sit down and relax, or go back to bed for a nap. You could even mark the occasion by pampering yourself with a massage treatment or visit to a spa – if getting there doesn’t seem too much like hard work, that is.

The founders of Lazy Day aren’t known, possibly because they were too busy chilling out to keep a record of their efforts! However, their idea has caught on, with many people enjoying the chance to get away from everyday stress. So lie back on the couch, give your TV remote control some exercise, and enjoy a well-earned rest. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/lazy-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august10.html

August 9, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 9

National Rice Pudding Day Nothing tastes quite as good as a homemade rice pudding from your favourite rice pudding recipe. Rice Pudding Day challenges you not only to indulge in more adventurous rice pudding recipes, from rum’n’raisin to more unusual ingredients like lychees and nuts. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/rice-pudding-day/

Book Lovers Day A day for those who love to read, Book Lovers Day encourages you to kick back and relax with a great book. From shaded spots under arching trees to being tucked up warm in bed, there’s no better way to celebrate Book Lovers Day than to while the hours away lost in a book. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/book-lovers-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august9.html

August 8, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 8

National Frozen Custard Day A delicious and refreshing cold dessert is celebrated each year on August 8th as it is National Frozen Custard Day.

Similar to ice cream, frozen custard is made with eggs in addition to cream and sugar.

Ice cream vendors, Archie and Elton Kohr invented frozen custard on Coney Island, New York in 1919 when they found that adding egg yolks to ice cream created a smoother texture and helped the ice cream stay cold longer. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-frozen-custard-day-august-8/

International Cat Day International Cat Day is a full 24 hours of recognition and veneration of one of humanity’s oldest and most beloved pets. The festivities were put together for the first time in 2002 by IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, among other animal rights groups, to celebrate the most popular pet on the planet.

An estimated 500 million cats are thought to be frolicking in neighbours’ gardens across the world, which means that most every extended family is bound to have an aunt with more kittens than former husbands, whatever the country or climate. And that’s great, because owning a cat has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. So when it’s raining cats and dogs outside and you don’t have someone to cuddle with, any black, ginger, Persian, Siamese, Burmese, Bengal, Shorthair, Munchkin, Balinese, RagaMuffin or any old stray cat will do the trick.

So roll out the red carpet and the catnip for your furry feline friend, because International Cat Day is that one day a year when black cats bring good luck and cat eye sunglasses match your entire wardrobe. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-cat-day/

Happiness Happens Day Founded in 1999 under the name of “Admit You’re Happy Day” by the Secret Society of Happy People, Happiness Happens Day aims to spread the joy of being happy, and to persuade people to look on the brighter side of life.

Happiness is contagious, so if you’re happy, tell someone! If someone else is happy, listen to them! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/happiness-happens-day/

Odie Day Odie Day celebrates the fictional character from the famous Garfield comic strip created by the iconic cartoonist Jim Davis. Odie has also appeared in Garfield and friends, two live-action feature films and three amazing CGI feature length films. Odie is the only character to mature in the Garfield cartoon universe.

Odie is characterised as a tremendously credulous and brainless bog, but he is also shown as extremely caring and loving. Garfield is seen to play on Odie’s gullibility by pushing him off objects or by simply making fun of him! Nevertheless, their relationship is distinguished by their playfulness and love for one another.

It is time to get the streamers, party-poppers and oreo ice-cream cake out and celebrate the existence of this adorable pooch. Despite his inability to formally communicate, I am sure this beagle will be thinking about us in his undersized canine brain. Have an Odie themed party; where all guests dress up as a character from the beloved Garfield cartoon strip and raise your glasses to Odie! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/odie-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august8.html

August 7, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 7

National Raspberries in Cream Day is observed annually on August 7th. With Raspberry season in full swing, what better way to celebrate with this simple and delicious treat. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-raspberries-n-cream-day-august-7/

Lighthouse Day If you’re the captain of an ocean-faring ship and frequently navigate through heavy fog (or regularly pull the night shift), you’ll already no doubt be a huge fan of Lighthouse Day. For our less nautical readers, this one’s all about shining big, bright lights from peninsulas to help ships, boats and sailors find their way. Good ole’ lighthouses, eh? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/lighthouse-day/

Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day Have you ever battled vainly to open a tightly sealed bottle of tablets – only to end up with a sprained wrist and an even worse headache? Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day aims to lift the lid on this kind of problem.

So, if you’re being forced to use knives or scissors to prise a toy or tool out of an impenetrable plastic case, don’t keep your feelings under wraps. Let the manufacturers know that their way of packing items just isn’t your bag.

As well as wasting customers’ time, unnecessary over-packaging also wastes precious resources. What’s more, it leaves us all with extra rubbish to dispose of. An ideal way to mark the occasion is to avoid unnecessary packaging as much as possible. This is a day to bypass burger cartons, say no to supermarket plastic bags and do some thinking outside the box! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/particularly-preposterous-packaging-day/

Purple Heart Day Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th.

A decoration consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk having a narrow edge of silver stitched with the word Merit across the face, was created by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. Considered to be the first official military combat badge of the United States Armed Forces, this is called the “Badge for Military Merit”. The official successor decoration of the Badge of Military Merit is the Purple Heart. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/purple-heart-day-august-7/

International Beer Day Whether you’re a lager lover or a cask ale connoisseur, there’s no excuse not to raise a glass to another yearly installment of Beer Day – the perfect opportunity for beer brewers, sellers and buyers to raise their frosty glasses in celebration of the oldest, and most popular alcoholic beverage on the planet!

Bars, restaurants and pubs all over the world join in with the celebration, so it’s easier than ever to show your appreciation for the people who brew beer, and those who make it available for us all to drink on that parched summer’s afternoon. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-beer-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august7.html

August 6, 2015

Businesses along West Florissant down but not out

The burned-out buildings are gone, but one year after Michael Brown’s death the scars at local businesses along West Florissant Avenue are still apparent.

At Zisser Tire & Auto Service in Dellwood there is plywood on several windows. Owner John Zisser said he’s just waiting on a city permit to change the window configuration.

"I hope to have glass in by winter," Zisser said. "The boards are a pretty good insulator, I think better than glass."

Zisser, who’s been at the location since 1987, maintains a good attitude. That’s after his business was broken into and looted in August and again following a St. Louis County grand jury’s decision not to bring charges against former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in late November. He said his business is down anywhere from 10 to 40 percent on a daily basis.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/businesses-along-west-florissant-down-not-out

August 6, 2015

Final curtain: The damaged Goldenrod Showboat poses for pictures one last time

The gloom of the skies over the Illinois River matched the mood aboard the historic Goldenrod Showboat Wednesday afternoon, as one of her loyal guardians ushered reporters and photographers around the creaky vessel for one last photo op.

The 106-year-old showboat appears to be headed for the salvage yard. The vessel suffered serious structural damage after it was moved on July 25 -- just feet from where it had been moored for years near Kampsville, Ill. Flooding on the river had put the showboat in a precarious position, and this was thought to be a safer -- and level -- location, said Jake Medford, vice president of the nonprofit Historic Riverboat Preservation Association.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/final-curtain-damaged-goldenrod-showboat-poses-pictures-one-last-time

August 6, 2015

Board rules Teach for America members in Detroit can be in teachers unions

DETROIT — The National Labor Relations Board ruled Friday that Teach for America teachers in a Detroit charter school have the right to be a part of a union.

According to a statement from the Michigan Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, the NLRB said Friday 14 Teach for America corps members should have been able to vote in an election last spring. That election was held to determine if teachers at University Prep Schools, a charter school network in Detroit, wanted to form a union.

Detroit 90/90, the private company that operates the schools, argued the Teach for America members, as well as long-term substitutes, were not professional employees.

"We are really pleased to be recognized as professional teachers," said Patrick Sheehan, a TFA corps member and second grade advisor at the time of the election. "U-Prep hired us to teach just like other teachers. Making the legal argument that we are not professionals means one of two things — either Detroit 90/90 doesn't respect the work we do with students or they lied to prevent us from organizing a union."

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/08/board_rules_teach_for_america.html