August 31, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 31

A few technical issues this morning, (I forgot to put more coal in the back of the sometimes steam driven computer system ) so it's a bit of slim pickin's today as we end August!


National Trail Mix Day Trail mix is a high energy snack comprised of dried fruits, nuts and energy snacks, designed to keep you alert and energised when walking, hiking, and partaking in similar endurance and intense activities. Trail Mix Day is all about creating good trail mix and testing it out on the road. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/trail-mix-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august31.html

August 30, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 30

National Toasted
 Marshmallow Day Most people have fond memories of childhood, sat by a roaring campfire toasting marshmallows on wooden sticks… Yum! Toasted Marshmallow Day is a chance to re-live those memories, and for people who’ve never experienced toasting marshmallows to find out what all the fuss is about. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/toasted-marshmallow-day/

International Whale Shark Day Started in 2012, International Whale Shark Day celebrates these gentle giants. Growing up to 14 metres long and 12 tons heavy, whale sharks have a face only a mother could love: no whale shark will ever win a beauty contest, so it’s right they’re made to feel special one day a year. However, there’s a serious purpose to the day, which aims to raise awareness of how this animal has been hunted to vulnerability for its highly prized fins and meat.

So, why not show a little solidarity on International Whale Shark Day and celebrate our finned friends? Go coastal and try and glimpse a whale or perhaps bake a (fish)cake. Whatever you do, just don’t watch Jaws. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-whale-shark-day/

National Holistic Pet Day Holistic medicine has grown in popularity over recent years but many people will not have considered it in terms of treating their pets. Holistic Pet day was set up to try and bring more publicity to the idea that holistic treatments, where a pet’s lifestyle, diet and environment are fully considered, are more beneficial. Using holistic treatments is said to improve nutrition, increase your pet’s energy and even cure some chronic conditions.


Holistic Pet Day was started by Coleen Paige from the Animal Miracle Foundation to encourage owners to look at all issues that could impact on the welfare of their pet. There are no set celebrations to commemorate the day although it is used as an annual opportunity to promote holistic treatments with press articles and support from many animal organizations. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/holistic-pet-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august30.html

August 29, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 29

More Herbs, Less Salt
 Day Eating a healthy, balanced diet is often easier said than done – it takes thought, time and effort to prepare fresh and nutritious food, when less healthy options are often much easier and more convenient!

More Herbs, Less Salt Day encourages you to take a simple step to re-align this balance, through the use of herbs in home-cooked dishes in place of salt. It doesn’t take much room or effort to grow a variety of fresh herbs, and a little rosemary, thyme, mint or other herbs can do just as much to enrich a dish as a heavy dose of salt. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/more-herbs-less-salt-day/

Chop Suey Day Chop suey, which literally means, “assorted pieces” is a dish in American Chinese cuisine, consisting of meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs that are cooked quickly with vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage and celery) and bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Rice normally accompanies this delicious dish.

“A prime example of culinary mythology” and typical with popular foods, there is a long list of colorful and conflicting stories of the origin of chop suey, according to food historian Alan Davidson.

It is believed, by some, that chop suey was invented in America by Chinese Americans however, anthropologist E.N. Anderson concludes that it is based on tsap seui (“miscellaneous leftovers“) which is common in Taishan, a district of Guangdong Province. Taishan is the home of many early Chinese immigrants to the United States.

Another account claims that chop suey was invented by Chinese American cooks that were working on the transcontinental railroad in the 19th century. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

Individual Rights Day In honor of John Locke, whose philosophical writings argued for the rights of each single human being, Individual Rights Day is celebrated on August 29th, the date of Locke’s birth. According to Locke, “Anything that a man has as a matter of human rights or civil rights is to remain inviolably his,” and although Locke conceded that humans surrendered some natural rights in exchange for the collective protection afforded by societies, he held that basic individual rights include life, liberty, property, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to petition government.

Individual Rights Day was initiated by the founder of the Objectivist Party, Dr. Tom Stevens, who supports John Locke’s philosophies regarding the rights of society’s smallest minority and basic unit – the individual. Celebrations of Individual Rights Day include reading about John Locke and his views, reviewing your country’s commitment to the protection of rights and appreciating the value of freedom and the sacrosanct nature of individual rights. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/individual-rights-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august29.html

August 28, 2015

Authorities charge O'Fallon, Mo., man, 21, in death of 9 year old in Ferguson

An O'Fallon, Mo., man is facing six felony counts including murder in the second degree in last week's shooting in Ferguson that killed 9-year-old Jamyla Bolden and wounded her mother.

Police said Thursday De'Eris Brown, 21, confessed to shooting into Bolden’s home. Brown is being held on a $750,000 cash-only bond. Court records show Brown previously pleaded guilty to felony robbery.

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles said community members at vigils who urged the public to speak to the police helped move the investigation forward.

“That was absolutely an extremely important part of this investigation. The tips, the leads and the cooperation with the community (were) absolutely what made this investigation move so quickly,” Knowles said.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/authorities-charge-ofallon-mo-man-21-death-9-year-old-ferguson#stream/0

August 28, 2015

Jennings settles federal lawsuit over municipal court; voluntary reforms coming elsewhere

The changes are part of a proposed settlement to a federal lawsuit brought on behalf of 10 individuals who say they were held in the Jennings jail solely because they could not pay a traffic fine. Federal judge Carol E. Jackson must still formally accept the terms for them to take effect.

"We are very happy with the agreement," said Michael-John Voss, with the nonprofit legal agency Arch City Defenders, which filed the suit along with Washington, D.C.-based Equal Justice Under Law and the Saint Louis University legal clinic. "The city of Jennings worked from the outset to address our concerns. In the end, everyone agrees that it violates fundamental and longstanding principles of equality and fairness at the core of our legal system to keep a human being in a cage because of poverty."

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/jennings-settles-federal-lawsuit-over-municipal-court-voluntary-reforms-coming-elsewhere#stream/0

August 28, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 28

National Cherry 
Turnover Day Cherry turnovers are a sweet dessert that are a type of pastry made by placing a cherry filling on a piece of dough, folding the dough over, sealing it then either baking it or frying it. http://nationaldaycalendar.com

Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day It’s almost unresistable – when your computer is slow to load, and when you’re waiting for something to happen, you can’t resist the urge to play with the mouse and the cursor.

Whether you’re procrastinating, plain bored or it’s actually one of your favourite sporting activities (if so, you should probably re-evaluate a few things… just saying), then this day is your day to go nuts. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

Race Your Mouse Around The Icons Day embraces this, and encourages you to go crazy with your cursor! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/race-your-mouse-around-the-icons-day/

Radio Commercials Day Radio commercials are often seen as an irritation to be endured while waiting for some music to come on, but they have been part of the entertainment business for nearly a century and provide employment for many people. Radio Commercials Day commemorates the day when the very first radio commercial was broadcast on New York station, WEAF. This took place on August 28th 1922 and was for an American estate agent, Queensboro Realty. It wasn’t until 1973 that the UK had its first radio commercial, which ran on LBC and promoted Birds Eye frozen food. Many early radio commercials can be found online, and a great way to celebrate Radio Commercials Day is to listen to a few and be transported back in time. Alternatively, track down some radio commercials from around the world and be entertained by the huge variety of tone and style that are used in radio adverts from different countries. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/radio-commercials-day/

Bow Tie Day Bow ties are cool, right? On any other day, when at work, school, or reclining at home, wearing a bow tie might earn you some funny looks. Bow Tie Day is different, and wearers of bow ties can be found everywhere from the office to the street. Take advantage, and show off your bow tie to the world! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bow-tie-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august28.html

August 27, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 27

National Pots de
Crème Day National Pots De Creme Day is observed annually on August 27th.

This delicious French desert is a loose french custard dating back to the 17th century. It’s name means “pot of custard” or “pot of creme” which is also referring to the white porcelain cups in which the dessert is traditionally served in.

Pot de creme is made by combining eggs, egg yolks, cream, milk and typically either vanilla or chocolate flavoring. The mixture is baked, in the porcelain cups, in a water bath at a low temperature. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

The Duchess Who Wasn't Day “The Duchess” Who Wasn’t Day celebrates the life of Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, an irish novelist who was always published under the pen name “The Duchess” in the United States – also the name of her most popular novel, published in 1887. Margaret is responsible for the popular phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, in her book Molly Bawn, so try and slip it into conversation!

In total, The Duchess had at least 57 works attributed to her name but could have written many, many more as a lot of her early work was published as Anonymous, and later as Mrs Hungerford, before “The Duchess” became popular in the States. She also wrote many newspaper articles and had a large family – four daughters and two sons.

Born on the 27th April 1855 in County Cork, she won prizes in school for writing stories. After the death of her first husband in 1876 The Duchess took to writing more seriously to support her three daughters, and it was shortly after this that her first book “Phyllis” was written, and a little later on “Molly Bawn”.

She remarried in 1882, had two sons and a daughter with her second husband and eventually died of typhoid fever in 1897. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/the-duchess-who-wasnt-day/

Burger Day Do you fancy yourself as a burger connoisseur? Then Burger Day is your excuse to indulge and to try new flavors and experiences! Burger Day is run by a Mr Hyde, who sample, test and revel in the delights (and doubtless horrors) of burger vendors. Why not join them and try a new burger venue, flavor or style in your city? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/burger-day/

National Just Because Day. Feel free to celebrate this day any way you choose, “just because” !

Every day we all do things that are expected or required of us or because we have to, well today that does not apply. Today is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason.

It could be that there is an outfit at the mall that you are admiring; buy it…. just because.
Maybe you want to use a vacation day just to go fishing; do it…… just because. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august27.html

August 26, 2015

Fallowses talk creating successful cities, bettering America

The solutions to America’s biggest problems can be found in its smallest communities, according to James and Deborah Fallows.

The Fallowses returned to Chautauqua for the third time Tuesday to discuss highlights of their ongoing project for The Atlantic titled “City Makers: American Futures.” The duo has spent the last two years crisscrossing the country in a single-engine, propeller plane to investigate how small and mid-size cities are forging livable communities in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

What they both found is a landscape of audacious, pragmatic communities banding together to forge an American future in opposition to the negativity emanating from what James called an “insurmountable coastal centrism.” The headlines might shout doom and despair, he said, but the actions of individuals at the local level say otherwise.

“News media often portray the country as if we’re all objects of these big historic forces,” he said. “But the country is made of people who don’t think of themselves as objects. They think of themselves as taking creative control of what they’re doing.”

http://chqdaily.com/2015/08/26/fallowses-talk-creating-successful-cities-bettering-america/

August 26, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 26

National Cherry Popsicle Day Popsicle lovers across the United States celebrate National Cherry Popsicle Day.

In San Francisco, California, in 1905, 11-yr-old Frank Epperson was outside on his porch, mixing water with a white powdered flavoring to make soda. Upon going inside, it left it there, on the porch, with the stirring stick still in it. That night in California, the temperature reached a record low and the following morning, Frank discovered the drink had frozen to the stick. This inspired the fruit-flavored “Popsicle”.

Years later, in 1922, Epperson introduced his treat at a fireman’s ball, found it to be a huge success, and then in 1923, he made and sold his frozen treat-on-a-stick at an amusement park in Alameda, California. In 1924, he applied for a patent for his frozen confectionery, which he called “Epsicle” ice pop. He then renamed it “Popsicle“.

Popsicle’s are one of summertime’s favorite treats, for kids of all ages, and today honors one of the great flavors; CHERRY! http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

National Dog Day No one can win hearts like man’s best friend and in honour of this bond between man and canine, Dog Day is celebrated.

Take time to appreciate the love and value that dogs bring to our daily lives, and to do your bit for homeless and abused dogs the world over. From keeping us safe working for the emergency services to supporting people who are blind, deaf or disabled, dogs do a lot for us humans, and this is an opportunity to give something back.

Recommendations for ways to celebrate Dog Day range from adopting a dog from a rescue home to giving your dog a holistic spa treatment or even buying yourself and your dog matching t-shirts.

The National Dog Day Foundation supports all breeds and varieties of dogs and discourages purchasing from unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills; instead, support reputable breeders or adopt from rescue homes. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/dog-day/

Women’s Equality Day Women’s Equality Day commemorates 26th August 1920 when votes to women officially became part of the US constitution. This day marks a turning point in the history of the struggle for equal treatment of women and women’s rights.

In 1920, the day stood for the result of 72 years of campaigning by a huge civil rights movement for women. Prior to movements like these, even respected thinkers such as Rousseau and Kant believed that woman’s inferior status in society was completely logical and reasonable; women were ‘beautiful’ and ‘not fit for serious employment’.

Over the last century, great women have proved these views wrong as the world has witnessed just what women are capable of achieving, from the likes of Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt fighting for civil rights and equality to great scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and Jane Goodall. The last century has shown more than ever what both women and men are capable of achieving, given the opportunity.

Today, women’s equality has grown to mean much more than just sharing the right to the vote. Organisations such as Equality Now and Womankind Worldwide continue to work to provide women across the globe with equal opportunities to education and employment, pushing against suppression and violence towards women and against the discrimination and stereotyping which still occur in every society. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/womens-equality-day/


http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august26.html

August 25, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 25

Whisky Sour Day The Whisky Sour is a drink that has an excellent pedigree, with the first mention of being found in 1870 in a Wisconsin Newspaper. This drink has been a favorite of the world’s manliest men since its inception, being enjoyed by soldiers and officers alike. It’s somewhat strange that in recent years it has gained something of a reputation as a ‘girly drink’, but the contestation of which side of that line of machismo it falls on matters not when you’re enjoying this refreshing bit of historical liquor.

One thing that’s decidedly not girly about this drink is the robustness of whisky, which has the staying power any man would envy. Whisky, when kept in an unopened bottle, can see the passing of a century without becoming undrinkable, and once opened is still good for a solid 5 years after the seal has been broken. Needless to say, with a durability like that, there’s nothing weak or frail about this bold drink. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/whisky-sour-day/

Kiss and Make Up Day We all have fights with our nearest and dearest now and again. Whether a sibling dispute, a marital tiff, a spat with a best friend or a clash with the parents; whether it’s about a lie, a misunderstanding, relationships or the state of the kitchen, today it’s time to kiss and make up.

Sometimes a grudge gets held too long or we allow the little things that irritate us in a relationship to become bigger than they really are; Kiss and Make Up Day works to end those frosty silences, mood swings and critical comments. Instead, buy the person you love flowers, say sorry and tell them how much they mean to you, or if all else fails chocolate is usually a swift way to a person’s heart.

Today celebrates the fact that kissing and making up is the best part of an argument (especially where lovers are concerned), and sometimes even makes the fight worthwhile. Annoying habits and irritability aside, it’s good to have the people you love around you. So remember not to take loved ones for granted and appreciate the good stuff in your relationship. Top it all off with a big smooch and you’ve fully embraced the spirit of the day. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/kiss-and-make-up-day/

National Second-hand Wardrobe Day There is nobody who does not like to save money and today is a good day to do just that. National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is celebrated each year across the United States on August 25.

The practicality and thriftiness of second-hand shopping in today’s economy, it’s earth-saving benefits as well as donating some of your own slightly worn clothing is what National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is all about.

Freeing up some of your closet space and donating some of your rarely worn clothes will benefit you with extra space. Donating your clothing will be helping someone else who is a secondhand store shopper. Your donation will be a blessing to them as well as to the charity that runs the store.

This above scenario is the recycling, reusing, re-purposing cycle that we are trying to teach the next generation. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

National Banana Split Day Classically served in a long dish, called a boat, a banana is cut in half lengthwise and laid in the dish with scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream placed in between. The strawberry ice cream is complimented with pineapple topping, chocolate syrup is poured on the vanilla ice cream and strawberry topping covers the chocolate ice cream. Crushed nuts, whipped cream and maraschino cherries garnish the entire boat.

Today, there are many variations to the classic banana split.

The banana split was invented by a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1904. David Evans Strickler enjoyed inventing sundaes at the store’s soda fountain. The first “banana-based triple ice cream sundae” sold for 10 cents which was double the cost of all other sundaes. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august25.html