pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246 
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:28:16 GMT
National Ice Cream Day – July 18, 2021
Thanks to President Reagan, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day every third Sunday in July, meaning July 18 this year. Reagan wanted to commemorate a treat enjoyed by over 90 percent of the US population. In 1984, he decreed a day for ice cream, and his proclamation actually glorified the dairy industry in America. In fact, Americans still lead the world when it comes to eating this frozen delight: 23 gallons a year to be precise. Reagan also proclaimed July as National Ice Cream month, describing ice cream as ‘‘a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States.’’ Since then, the holiday has sparked worldwide cravings and is traditionally celebrated year after year. Standing in the frozen food aisle trying desperately to make a choice? Or brainstorming how to celebrate this fabulous day? Well, look no further. Inspiration has arrived.
WHEN IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY 2021?
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream on National Ice Cream Day on July 18.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY
There’s no known inventor that can be credited with creating ice cream, unfortunately. But the history of ice cream is as rich as gelato. It’s been said that ice cream-like food was first consumed in China sometime between 618-97 AD. The first dish was made from flour, buffalo milk, and camphor, an organic compound commonly used in lotion. It’s also been noted that Alexander the Great adored ice and snow flavored with nectar and honey.
We’ve also identified that the Bible indicates that King Solomon enjoyed iced drinks during the harvest season. Speaking of homemade, during the Roman Empire, Caesar would send people to gather snow from the mountains, just to cover it in fruit and juices.
Close to a thousand years later in Italy, Marco Polo had returned from the Far East and bought back a recipe for what we now know as sherbet. It is assumed that this recipe developed into what we now know as ice cream which was once called ‘‘Cream Ice.’ It was in 1660 that the general public was presented with ice cream. An Italian man named Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli decided to perfect a machine made by his fisherman grandfather which produced top-quality gelato in his café. The recipe blended milk, butter, eggs, and cream and was sold in Paris.
The first mention of ice cream in the United States derives from a letter written in Maryland in 1744 by Governor William Bladen’s guest. Then, the New York Gazette on May 12, 1777, printed the first advert for ice cream in the United States. Following the American Revolution, ice cream became super popular in the US.
Since then ice cream has exploded onto the desert scene with the creation of home machines, as well as the emergence of ice cream vans, ice cream floats, sundaes, and well-known brands like ‘‘Ben and Jerry’s’’ and ‘‘Haagen-Dazs’’ that we still consume to this day. The effect of ice cream on society is so great, that the brain of an ice cream lover has been likened to that of an addict. When the brain wants ice cream, it reacts like a passionate fanatic.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:32:11 GMT
National Sour Candy Day – July 18, 2021
![]() 
It’s National Sour Candy Day this July 18, and our taste buds are already tingling in anticipation! Move over, sweet candy, and let the sour take over in honor of this day. These fun, zesty bite-sized candies come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, and we can’t wait to taste them all! From chewy twists and ropes to small hard candies, each one delivers on its promise to create a walloping big punch of sourness inside our mouths.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SOUR CANDY DAY
All throughout history, people have enjoyed sour fruits and foods, but sour candy is a relatively new phenomenon, even when compared to regular candy. The NPR says this is because mass-produced candy did not have a great reputation when the industry first came about, in the 19th century. People were concerned about the unclean conditions in which they were made and the potentially harmful chemicals being used in the colorful sweets. For the most part, manufacturers did not stray into unknown territory to manufacture sour candies. There were a few exceptions, however. These manufacturers relied on acidic ingredients — most commonly, vinegar — to convert cane sugar to glucose, creating a sweet-tart combination.
Over the years, candy makers began to crave an increase in appeal. So they turned to the greatest opportunity they could find — Halloween. They ran Halloween-themed advertising that created a long-lasting association between this festival and candy. This association allowed candy makers to experiment with flavors not normally sold to the public, and the sour candy market officially took off. For example, Ferrara Pan Candy Company introduced a sour candy called the Atomic Fireball right around the time of the U.S. military’s first detonation of the hydrogen bomb. This candy — filled with capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde — would end up leaving the mouth numb.
By the end of the 19th century, the sour candy craze had spread all over the U.S. A contributing factor was the sour candy known as Warheads, by the Foreign Candy Company. Their founder, Peter De Yager, actually traveled throughout East Asia — ground zero for sour candy — to find the sourest variety of candy and he found it in Taiwan.
The American Licorice Company — who have their own sour candy line — founded National Sour Candy Day. They wanted to celebrate this sweet and they encourage more people to experience all the wonderful flavors of sour candy on this day.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:35:33 GMT
Nelson Mandela International Day – July 18, 2021
Nelson Mandela has many accolades. He’s an iconic figure that triumphed over South Africa’s apartheid regime. He was a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, and an international peacemaker. And he was the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa (no biggie). So you see why the United Nations General Assembly would want to celebrate his life. Commemorated on July 18 — Nelson Mandela’s birthday — Nelson Mandela International Day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. So, in honor of his 67 years of public service, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the U.N. ask that you spend 67 minutes of your time helping others.
HISTORY OF NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY
Nelson Mandela International Day, also known as Mandela Day, is an international observance in honor of the revolutionary Nelson Mandela, celebrated annually on his birthday, on July 18. The day was officially set by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first observance of Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010.
Nelson Mandela International Day shines a light every year on the legacy of a man whose monumental achievements changed the 20th century and shaped the 21st. His values and determination — a deep commitment to human rights, freedom, and justice — are reflected on, and are a source of inspiration for others. Mandela advocated for the rightful dignity and equality of every living person, and encouraged engagement and solidarity across all borders. His relentless pursuit for equality was paralleled with his status as the founding father of peace in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela remains a symbol of power by resisting oppression. In times of turbulence, Mandela’s legacy teaches everyone to choose dignity over humiliation, speak up during injustice, and forgive rather than hate. He once said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” In 2014, the Nelson Mandela Prize was established by the UN General Assembly — an award recognizing the achievements of those who went far and beyond to serve humanity.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:39:29 GMT
World Listening Day – July 18, 2021
Shhh… do you hear that? It’s the sound of World Listening Day on July 18. World Listening Day is hosted every year by the World Listening Project, a nonprofit organization that is “devoted to understanding the world and its natural environment, societies, and cultures through the practice of listening and field recording.” They explore acoustic ecology, a discipline that studies the relationship between humans and the natural world as mediated through sound. So quiet down, open up your ears, and get ready to study soundscapes on World Listening Day.
WHEN IS WORLD LISTENING DAY 2021?
Practice less talking and more listening on World Listening Day on July 18.
HISTORY OF WORLD LISTENING DAY
World Listening Day falls on July 18 to honor the birthday of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer and environmentalist who is seen as the founder of acoustic ecology. Born on July 18, 1933, he developed his World Soundscape Project, which laid the fundamental ideas and practices of acoustic ecology in the 1970s. World Listening Day was established in 2010, and each year the holiday has a specific theme tied to it. Past themes include ‘H20,’ ‘Sounds Lost & Found,’ and ‘Listen to You!’ 2017’s theme was ‘Listening to the Ground,’ which honored the life and legacy of American composer Pauline Oliveros, who once said “Sometimes we walk on the ground, sometimes on sidewalks or asphalt, or other surfaces. Can we find ground to walk on and can we listen for the sound or sounds of ground? Are we losing ground? Can we find new ground by listening for it?”
Since the holiday’s inception, thousands of people from around the world have participated in its celebration. The theme for World Listening Day 2021 is ‘The Unquiet Earth,’ created by Lisbon-based filmmaker, curator, and organizer Raquel Castro.
Listening is indeed an art that requires undivided attention and patience from a person and benefits another who is in need of it. Listening is also beneficial for the listener, improving their listening skills and sharpening their awareness of their surroundings. As important as our sense of hearing is, we often don’t use it effectively, blocking out most sounds and voices, and not really listening to the message.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:44:12 GMT
Insurance Nerd Day - July 18, 2021
Have you ever met someone who loves working in their insurance firm? Have you tried to tell them to stop talking about insurance clients or new policies but they wouldn’t because they’re too excited about it? Well, there is a day dedicated just for those kinds of people. It’s Insurance Nerd Day! Insurance Nerds are the kinds of people who love to talk about insurance, read insurance publications, collecting insurance memorabilia, and posting about insurance news to their friends. So, if you want to give something to your friend, start here by learning more about Insurance Nerd Day!
History of Insurance Nerd Day
Insurance Nerd Day is intended to break the “boring” stigma that comes with what people think of when it comes to insurance nerds. Because of the lack of interest in the insurance industry, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company declared Insurance Nerd Day back in 2016. Each year, the company celebrates their employees in order to attract young talent and encourage other professionals to get involved in breaking the stereotype.
While Pioneer State Mutual founded the holiday, there are now multiple insurance companies and insurance nerd websites that have popped up to celebrate this holiday. One of those websites is InsuranceNerds.com, a website that defines insurance nerds and regularly posts about insurance news and learn from the experts about what the insurance industry is all about. If you’re into learning more about what the craze is about insurance, then follow some of your favorite blogs and learn from the best.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 18, 2021 14:47:39 GMT
Moth Week - July 18, 2021
Moths might not have the best reputation; you could argue they’re a little underappreciated. The people behind Moth Week would almost certainly argue that moths deserve more credit and appreciation than they get. And that’s what Moth Week is all about. The aim is to celebrate the beauty, distinctiveness and life cycles of moths and their habitats. It’s a time to learn about moths and takes place each year.
Moths are fascinating and unknown, which is quite incredible for such a ubiquitous creature. There are between 150,000 and 500,000 species of moths and we have a lot left to learn about them. Moth Week offers a unique opportunity to learn about them more.
It’s also a chance to contribute to the overall understanding we have of moths and how they life. You’re encouraged to become a Citizen Scientist and add data about moths to the biological data depositories that are found online. The more information that can be gathered, the better.
So, as well as celebrating and appreciating moths, Moth Week is also about finding out more about them because there’s plenty left for us to learn a lot about the species around the world.
History of Moth Week
Moth Week began as an event in 2012 and it was created by the Friends of the East Brunswick (NJ) Environmental Commission. It’s an organization that focuses on helping with environmental education for children and adults, as well as promoting conservation.
The aim was to promote not only an appreciation of moths, but also the citizen science project that’s sprung up around it. This has gone on to become one of the biggest and most successful citizen science projects in the world. And that’s because it’s so easy for people of all ages to get involved.
The success of the project up to now is inspiring and the organizers believe even more people can and will get involved as Moth Week continues to grow year on year since its inception.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:26:54 GMT
Day of Arafah – July 19, 2021
The Day of Arafah (or Arafat) is the ninth day of the Islamic lunar month — July 19 this year. It’s on the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul- Hijjah and is also on the second day of Hajj. Muslims view this as the best day of the year. The day is the culminating event for Muslims on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia who gather at the mountain plain of Arafah to pray, and supplicate for forgiveness. Pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam, so the Day of Arafah holds much weight for Muslims. The Day of Arafah is known as the day where if sought after, millions of Muslims’ sins are forgiven by Allah. Arafah is known as the day Allah perfected the religion of Islam. It is also momentous because it was the day an important verse of the Qur’an, Surah al Maa’idah 5:3, was revealed. In the UAE, the Day of Arafah is celebrated as a public holiday.
WHEN IS DAY OF ARAFAH 2021?
The Day of Arafah, signifying the time when the religion of Islam was perfected and approved as a way of life for all Muslims, is on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah on the Islamic calendar — which is July 19 this year on the Gregorian calendar.
HISTORY OF DAY OF ARAFAH
The Day of Arafah is known as a very sacred and virtuous day for Muslims. It is the day the Prophet Muhammad gave his farewell sermon upon Mount Arafah to the many Muslims with whom he completed Hajj, near the end of his life. While the Prophet Muhammad stood on the plain of Arafah, verse 5:3 of the Qur’an was revealed to him.
Another name for the Day of Arafah is ‘Freedom from Fire.’ The meaning of Arafah is ‘to know.’ In Islam, it is believed that when removed from heaven and separated, Adam and Eve (known as Hawa) were placed on Earth and both met up on the plains of Arafah. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad reinforced the importance of standing on Arafah as an essential part of performing Hajj.
Though fasting for those not on pilgrimage is desirable, most Muslims fast on this day as it is a day known to discard sins. The day commemorates finality of the religion of Islam, and of Divine revelation.
Islam teaches Muslims to view the Day of Arafah as a day of gratitude, hence the celebration of Eid the day after. It’s also a day of immense forgiveness with opportunity for great reward. Pilgrims doing Hajj, are not required to fast on this day. This follows the Sunnah of the Prophet, as he himself did not fast during this day because he was performing pilgrimage.
Today, it is possible to find up to 1.5 million Muslims headed toward the desert plains of Mecca to pray and supplicate to God. They can spend hours on the mountain, repenting and praying just as the Prophet Muhammad did. The entire day is usually spent in supplication, devotion and worship, prayer.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:30:25 GMT
Global Hug Your Kids Day – July 19, 2021
Global Hug Your Kids Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every July, which is July 19 this year. The day celebrates the bond between parents and children. The purpose of this day is simple — hug your children to express how much you love them. Hugging is a simple act of reassuring comfort, safety, and trust. Everyone can do with a hug, especially children. And when you hug your kids, you’ll realize that it makes you happy, too! A natural expression of love and a stress reliever, don’t forget to wrap your kids in a bear hug today.
HISTORY OF GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY
Global Hug Your Kids Day was started by Michelle Nichols in 2008. This was a decade after her son Mark died due to brain cancer at the age of eight. Nichols started observing the day as a reminder to mothers and fathers, especially those who spend long hours at work and often away, to express affection to their kids by hugging them.
Hugging is probably as ancient as humans themselves. It is practiced by almost all cultures as an act of affection and empathy without using words. People hug to convey a myriad of messages, some of which include a greeting or goodbye, to express sympathy or to congratulate, and to convey gratitude, support, and affection. The word ‘hug’ might have originated from ‘hugga,’ an Old Norse word that means ‘to comfort.’ In the early 17th century, ‘hug’ was used to describe a wrestling hold. The current meaning of the word came into existence sometime in the 1650s.
Hugging is good for your health, too. It releases a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream. Oxytocin is produced in the pituitary gland and it helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. Hugging may also reduce anxiety, improve mood and memory, and increase bonding and closeness. Studies show that those who hug often tend to have greater empathy for others. Hugging a kid can boost their oxygen levels, calm breathing, and ease pain signals. It may also help the brain grow and make infection and other illnesses, like hypoglycemia or hypothermia, less likely.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:32:52 GMT
National Daiquiri Day – July 19, 2021
National Daiquiri Day happens each year on July 19, when people fill their glasses with this rum-based cocktail. Did you know the daiquiri was likely invented by Cuban miners? An engineer named Jennings Cox supervised a mine in a village named Daiquiri in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. After work, Cox and his colleagues would gather at the local bar. One day Cox mixed Bacardi, sugar, and lime into a glass of ice. Named after the Daiquiri mines, the drink became a popular staple in Havana
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:36:03 GMT
National Flitch Day – July 19, 2021
National Flitch Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on July 19. It dates back to an ancient custom that saw married couples earning a flitch of bacon by proving the strength of their union after a year. The couple would stand trial to prove their love and faithfulness to each other after a year and a day of their marriage, and, if successful, they were given a flitch of bacon as an award. While this tradition is no longer actively practiced, it is still celebrated every three to four years at the Dunmow Flitch Trials.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FLITCH DAY
While the exact origins of National Flitch Day remain unknown, we do know the original tradition started in 1104, when Reginald Fitzwalter and his wife, the lord and lady of a manor, disguised themselves as commoners and sought the blessing of the prior at the local priory for their marriage. Impressed with their devotion to each other, the prior gave them a flitch of bacon.
This gave rise to the custom in which married couples were awarded a flitch of bacon if they did not regret their marriage after a year and a day. The couple would undergo a mock trial to prove their love and, if they succeeded, they were awarded a flitch of bacon — about half a pig. This custom took place in Wychnor, Staffordshire, and Little Dunmow in England.
In Little Dunmow, married couples would prove that neither one of them regretted their marriage in the previous year and a day and then would kneel in the churchyard on two hard and pointed stones. They would proceed to take an oath in front of monks and the town inhabitants. Once they succeeded, they were awarded a flitch of bacon and paraded around the town. This custom went on till the mid-18th century. Now, the flitch trials, organized by the Dunmow Flitch Trials Committee, are still held in Great Dunmow, England, but only in a leap year. It is said that Little Dunmow is the only location to have preserved this custom to date. Although the custom made its way into the United States by colonists, it did not survive for a long time.
The celebrations for National Flitch Day do not involve a trial and are just a reminder and acknowledgment of the tradition.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:40:14 GMT
National Get Out of the Dog House Day – July 19, 2021
National Get Out of the Dog House Day is observed on the third Monday of every July, on July 19 this year. ‘In the doghouse’ is an idiom that people (often men) use to express that they are in trouble with their significant other. It is also used to describe being the cause of someone’s anger. Basically, ‘being in the doghouse’ is not where a person wants to be
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOG HOUSE DAY
Everyone at some point in their life has faced anger, an emotional state that involves an uncomfortable response to a perceived provocation. People who experience anger often experience the physical effects of it, such as an accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased stress levels. Anger is the result of a person’s conscious decision to respond to a particular situation. However, sometimes it is just human nature to instantly feel anger towards situations that are not pleasant.
When our anger causes conflicts in relationships, it is also necessary to find a way to resolve it and hope to work towards forgiveness. Keeping this in mind, a florist, Heidi Richards Mooney of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, founded National Get Out of the Doghouse Day in 1999 as a unique way to promote her business.
One of the original popular representations of ‘being in the doghouse’ actually came from the early 1900s “Peter Pan” novel that was written by J. M. Barrie. In one of the chapters, Mr. Darling goes out and sleeps in the dog kennel, as he is remorseful for not paying enough attention to his  and allowing his children to be kidnapped. In the early days, most dogs lived outside the house in kennels or doghouses — and if a person was being relegated to the outdoors, it meant something was wrong in communication.
Thus, if you’re facing some hardships with a loved one currently, National Get Out of the Doghouse Day is your day for a reprieve. Use this day to make amends and try to fix things.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 19, 2021 10:43:46 GMT
Stick Out Your Tongue Day – July 19, 2021
Stick Out Your Tongue Day is celebrated annually on July 19. We’ve all stuck our tongues out at people in playful banter. While many cultures find it rude and childish, did you know that the gesture of sticking out your tongue is seen as a polite greeting in Tibet? You can even stick your tongue out without judgment at the doctor’s office, as they check your throat for any potential infections.
HISTORY OF STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE DAY
The tongue is an important organ of the body and is actually a group of muscles that work without the support of the skeleton. The tongue is primarily responsible for taste and serves as a means to detect potential infections or illnesses. It also helps to naturally clean the teeth, enable speech in humans, and for vocalization in other animals. This rather important organ has an unusual holiday dedicated to it in the form of Stick Your Tongue Out Day.
Stick Out Your Tongue Day is celebrated every year in July, mainly in the United States, however, the reason behind celebrating this peculiar holiday remains a mystery. There are different theories behind the significance of this day. While some say it encourages one to go to the doctor, others see it as an opportunity to playfully stick their tongue out at an unsuspecting individual. Several people believe it is extremely rude to stick your tongue out at someone and is a mark of disrespect. However, children stick their tongues out as a sign of silliness. Many times, sticking your tongue out can also be an automatic reaction when engaging in tasks that require maximum concentration.
There might be several reasons for this day, nevertheless, ever since it came about, it has been enjoyed by many as it provides some element of fun in our otherwise serious lives.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:32:09 GMT
Eid al-Adha – July 20, 2021
Eid al-Adha is the Muslim holy day that honors the sacrifice Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to make in obedience to God’s command: the life of his beloved son Isaac. But when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God —impressed with Ibrahim’s faith — provided a sacrificial ram in the boy’s place. Muslims now celebrate this event by sharing a slaughtered animal in three parts: one part for themselves, one for their , and the third part is given to the needy. We can all join in this spirit of sharing on this special day. The holiday will be mainly celebrated on July 20 this year.
WHEN IS EID AL-ADHA 2021?
The festival of Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
HISTORY OF EID AL-ADHA
The Prophet Ibrahim, known in Christianity and Judaism as Abraham, went through trials and tests throughout his life. One of these tests was when he was commanded by Allah (God) in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismael. Both father and son agreed to obey the will of God and headed to Mount Moriah. Ismail lay with his forehead against the ground with a sharp knife placed on his neck by his father. Just when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God sent a large ram to be slaughtered in the place of Ismael, which Ibrahim then sacrificed to the glory of God.
This event is of great significance, as it displayed the extent to which Ibrahim was willing to obey God’s decree, in order to please him. After getting tested time and time again, Ibrahim’s faith remained staunch and he was rewarded by God. Eid al-Adha is among the biggest Islamic holidays of the year. It is popularly known as ‘Qurbani’ or the Festival of Sacrifice, reminding everyone of God’s mercy and blessings to those who relentlessly do good.
Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, the obligatory sacred pilgrimage for Muslims to the holy city of Mecca. The main ritual of this day is to slaughter a goat, sheep, or camel, followed by its distribution. One-third of the meat goes to poor people, one-third is distributed to friends and neighbors, and one-third is enjoyed by one’s . This act emphasizes the importance of sharing with the less fortunate. The festival of Eid is a joyous one and is celebrated by dressing up, visiting friends and relatives, preparing special meat dishes and desserts, gifting children with gifts and money, and hosting barbecue parties.
There are different names for the occasion of Eid al-Adha. It is known as ‘Kurban Bayramı’ in Turkey, ‘Hari Raya Haji’ in Malaysia and Singapore, and ‘Tabaski’ in West Africa. Regardless of the name, the spirit of the holiday runs strongly among Muslims worldwide.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:34:22 GMT
International Chess Day – July 20, 2021
We celebrate International Chess Day on July 20, a day that was born from an idea the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had. Chess lovers around the world celebrate their favorite game on this day each year, in a tradition spanning more than 50 years.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL CHESS DAY
The origins of chess are a matter of debate. Multiple theories attribute the beginning of this game to countries like India, China, Russia, and Central Asia.
A popular theory credits the Indian war game — ‘chaturanga’ — as the inspiration for chess. People regard this as the precursor of chess as it had two key features found in later chess variants — different pieces had different functions and the victory was based on one piece (the king, in modern chess). Versions of this game reached the east, north, and west, taking on very different characteristics each time. A version of chaturanga or a later variant called ‘shatranj’ made its way into Europe through Persia, the Byzantine Empire, and the Arabian Empire.
It is believed that the reason chess pieces do not have distinctively human/animal features is because of the Islamic influence. Islam religion forbids making statues of people or animals, so this is probably why chess pieces are so vague looking.
The expanding Arabian empire took chess to North Africa, Sicily, and Spain by the 10th century. At the same time, chess was being spread around the globe, Eastern Slavs took it to Kievan Rus’ and the Vikings brought the game to Iceland and England.
Chess’s popularity can be attributed to the fact that it was associated with wealth, knowledge, and power. It evolved to resemble the current version of chess in England by the 15th century.
The game as we know it was soon established by an Englishman, adopting the black and white squares we know so well. Modern history shows many events and competitions in relation to chess and exciting new variations of the game, which added to chess’s popularity. Further advancements soon made this game what it is today — reliable timing mechanisms came around, rules of play were put into effect, and charismatic world players burst onto the scene.
The General Assembly proclaimed July 20 as International Chess Day to mark the date of establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Millions of chess players around the world celebrate this day and this game.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:36:45 GMT
National Lollipop Day – July 20, 2021
Without a doubt, National Lollipop Day on July 20 is a day that children of all ages can celebrate. We’re looking at you, grandparents — relive some childhood memories! People in the Midwest call lollipops suckers but they go by other names as well — lolly, or sticky pop. They come in many flavors but mostly fruit flavors for licking or biting. Lollipops are made of flavored sucrose, water, and corn syrup that are hardened on a stick.
WHEN IS NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY 2021?
We are suckers for lollipops on National Lollipop Day on July 20.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY
Lollipops have been around in some form or another since forever. In prehistoric times, cavemen would collect honey from beehives using a stick. The sweet nectar was licked off the stick, becoming the world’s first lollipops (in theory, at least). Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Arabs also ‘candied’ fruit and nuts by glazing them with honey and inserting sticks into the confection for easier eating.
With the surplus of sugar in the 17th century, the English started the trend of preparing boiled sugar candy and, of course, they too inserted sticks into the treats. In Northern England, the word for ‘tongue’ is ‘lolly’ and pop means ‘slap’ — so ‘lolly pop’ means ‘tongue slap.’ The term probably got popularized by street vendors in London.
In the 18th century, it seems like there was almost a clamor to create refined versions of the modern lollipop. In 1905, the McAviney Candy Company was producing boiled hard candies, the mixture of which was stirred using a stick. By the end of the day, the owner would take home sticks covered with hardened candy for his children to enjoy. Later on, in 1908, he marketed these ‘candy sticks.’ But it is George Smith, owner of the confectionery company Bradley Smith Company, who is credited for creating the modern lollipop that we all enjoy today. He started making them in 1908 and trademarked the word ‘lollipop’ in 1931. Lollipops were also referred to as ‘dum dum suckers’ to appeal to kids.
The first automated production of lollipops also started in 1908 in Wisconsin, U.S.A. The Racine Confectioners Machinery Company built a machine that attached hard candy on the end of sticks at 2,400 sticks per hour. Russian immigrant Samuel Born also invented a machine that did the same thing, in 1916. His machine was called the ‘Born Sucker Machine’ and was so well-received that San Francisco awarded Born the ‘key to the city’ that year. There are over 100 varieties of lollipops available today in all shapes and sizes.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:38:56 GMT
National Moon Day – July 20, 2021
When Neil Armstrong stepped down onto the moon’s cratered surface with the words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind, ” every nation on earth seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. National Moon Day celebrates not only the historic lunar landing on July 20, 1969, but the day also reminds us of the uphill slog to get the space program literally off the ground. On National Moon Day, we remember both the quirky and profound moments in the space race that ended with the Americans being the first to plant their flag on the moon. Stick around— the story is fascinating!
WHEN IS NATIONAL MOON DAY 2021?
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” is celebrated on National Moon Day on July 20.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MOON DAY
American astronauts Neil Armstrong, and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans in history to land on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The grand Apollo 11 mission took place eight years after the national goal announcement by President John F. Kennedy to send a man to the moon by the end of the 1960s.
The idea for the mission to send astronauts to the moon started when President Kennedy appealed to a special joint session of Congress in 1961, stating “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.”
At the time of Kennedy’s proposal, the United States was still head-to-head with the Soviet Union in advancements in space exploration and, since it was during the time of the Cold War, the proposal was welcomed. The first unmanned Apollo mission was initiated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, after five years of effort and hard work by their international team of engineers and scientists. The first mission served as a testing phase for the structural resilience of the launch spacecraft vehicle.
At 9:32 A.M. on July 16, 1969, the whole world witnessed Apollo 11 take off from Kennedy Space Center with three astronauts on board. Neil Armstrong was the commander of the mission. The spacecraft entered the lunar orbit after three days, on July 19. The lunar module, Eagle, disengaged from the main command module the next day, manned by Armstrong and Aldrin. When Eagle touched the lunar surface, Armstrong radioed his historical message to Mission Control in Houston, Texas: “The Eagle has landed.”
At 10:39 P.M., Armstrong exited the lunar module and made his way down its ladder. His progress was being recorded by a television camera attached to the module, transmitting signals back to Earth, where the world was watching with bated breath.
At 10:56 P.M., Armstrong stepped on the moon’s powdery surface, and spoke his iconic words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:41:02 GMT
Space Exploration Day - July 20, 2021
The origins of Space Exploration Day date back to man first walking on the moon, with the day itself first observed to commemorate this historic event during events held in the early 1970s. It is about more than just the moon landings though and is intended to pay homage to the incredible achievements of the past and fire up enthusiasm for the benefits of space exploration efforts to come in the future.
The Space Exploration Day website provides details of ways to take part, with these produced by the man behind the original idea for the event, J. David Baxter. These include taking a nature hike in the spirit of exploration, organizing public star gazing parties, setting off model rockets, or having a science fiction party to show a classic space movie. There are plenty of other options to have some fun and celebrate a universe to be explored.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 20, 2021 17:43:02 GMT
World Jump Day - July 20, 2021
Many ideas are floated to help combat global warming, and World Jump Day is one of them. The aim of the day is to shift the orbit of Earth, to extend daylight hours and to create a more standardized climate throughout the world.
The concept was promoted by German artist, Torsten Lauschmann, and the first World Jump Day was slotted for July 20, 2006. He claimed that 600 million people in the Western Hemisphere were going to jump at the same time. This proposal was actually a satirical art installation, but it reminded people about the effects of global warming.
Earth weighs 100 trillion trillion pounds, and the average weight of a human is 137 pounds, which multiplied by 600 million equals 8,220 million pounds. Working out the pound-force of that figure involves a complicated formula, but rest assured that 600 million people jumping simultaneously (if anyone could organize the event) would make no difference to Earth’s orbit.
But, hey, it’s fun. Jump!
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 21, 2021 15:29:28 GMT
Legal Drinking Age Day – July 21, 2021
We all fondly remember the day when we drank our first legal sip of alcohol. The United States of America celebrates Legal Drinking Age Day on July 21 every year. People not only get nostalgic about their first drinks and raise a toast to it, but it’s also a day to create awareness about responsible drinking among young people. On this day, conversations are also had on how to tackle the rising cases of alcoholism and DUI. The easiest way to celebrate Legal Drinking Age Day is by relaxing with your favorite drink after a long day, if you’re over the legal drinking age, of course.
HISTORY OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE DAY
Americans have always marveled at how you can legally marry, have children, go to war, purchase a gun, and drive a car before you are allowed to purchase alcohol. While some of these have higher risk factors than drinking alcohol, many Americans are of the opinion that the legal drinking age in the country is ridiculously high. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed by the United States Congress on July 17, 1984. The act stated that although younger people could drink alcohol under supervision, they would have to be at least 21 years of age to be able to purchase it. However, the seven American states of Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have imposed an outright ban on the consumption of alcohol on those who are younger than 21.
Many European countries, including the United Kingdom, have a more liberal drinking age. Some countries even allow children to drink, as long as they do it in the privacy of their homes and under parental supervision. Legal drinking ages have been a point of debate in many cultures and countries. Some feel that it inculcates the habit of drinking responsibly, and that prohibition, on the other hand, encourages children to drink in secret or find unlawful methods to purchase alcohol.
July 21 is also the birthday of the noted author and cocktail drinker, Ernest Hemmingway, who was born on this day in 1899. Legal Drinking Age Day is also the appropriate day to celebrate the drinking prowess of the author.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,246
|
Post by pennmom on Jul 21, 2021 15:31:39 GMT
National Be Someone Day – July 21, 2021
Child abuse is more common than we think. National Be Someone Day is celebrated on July 21 every year as a way to end child abuse and seek justice for the victims. The aim of the day is simple — it encourages adults to recognize instances of child abuse around them and to speak up about it. You can make a difference in ten seconds or less by simply reporting such cases to your local authorities. This is a day where we get to emerge as champions by saving a child’s life.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BE SOMEONE DAY
National Be Someone Day was started to restore dignity to a child who might be under physical and emotional duress. On July 21, adults are encouraged to take some time off their day to make a difference in a child’s life by committing to reporting child abuse. People take pledges to recognize, report, and rehabilitate a child who is facing abuse. The ultimate goal of the day is to usher in a future where every child will have a right to a happy and dignified childhood. The day was founded by Project Harmony to not only end child abuse but to bring communities together through education and awareness.
Child abuse or child maltreatment is understood as the physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse or neglect of a child, especially by a parent or a caregiver. It may also include any act or lack thereof by a parent, a caregiver, or other people that the child interacts with that results in the harm of a child’s well-being in their community, as well as in spaces such as their school. The terms ‘child abuse’ and ‘child maltreatment’ are often used interchangeably. However, child maltreatment is specifically understood as the neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of a minor. Different jurisdictions have different policies towards mandatory reporting, definitions of what constitutes child abuse to put them into foster care, and prosecuting a criminal charge. Nevertheless, it is unequivocally agreed upon that every child has a right to a safe childhood and it’s the responsibility of the adults around them to ensure this.
|
|
and allowing his children to be kidnapped. In the early days, most dogs lived outside the house in kennels or doghouses — and if a person was being relegated to the outdoors, it meant something was wrong in