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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:17:14 GMT
National Father-in-Law Day – July 30, 2021
Parents bring you into the world, giving you life and raising you to be the person you are. They also do that for your spouse, the person of your dreams. Fathers play a truly unique role in that experience. That’s why we celebrate National Father-in-Law Day every July 30. Although there are plenty of ways to celebrate your Dad-in-Law, the best way is simply to let him know you care.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:19:13 GMT
National Get Gnarly Day – July 30, 2021
National Get Gnarly Day is celebrated on the last Friday of every July, and this year it will be celebrated on July 30. This is a brand new holiday that has been in existence only since 2016! National Get Gnarly Day offers us an opportunity to toss out old ideas and embrace new ones. Unfortunately, we all know that the word ‘gnarly’ gets a bad rap. Many of us understand ‘gnarly’ as a word that means ‘bad’ or ‘dangerous’ but it can also mean something exciting! Surfers often use the term to describe the unruly waves that they ride. On this day, challenge yourself to add some gnarliness into everything you do.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GET GNARLY DAY In 2016, Whirlpool Corporation started a campaign to put some “gNARliness” into their work as a way to encourage their employees to reach their goals and satisfy customers. The “NAR” in “gNARliness” stood for the North American Region. The campaign turned out to be a great success among the employees and Whirlpool Corporation decided to share this gnarliness by creating National Get Gnarly Day.
Whirlpool Corporation had a humble beginning, based on a business failure and the vision of one . In 1908, Lou Upton invested his savings in a venture to manufacture household equipment. However, the company failed to materialize and Upton was offered the opportunity to select something of value from the failed venture as a return on his investment. He chose the patents on a handwashing machine that he thought might be electrified in the future. In 1911, Upton and his uncle Emory patented an electric motor-driven wringer washer. They received funding from Lowell Bassford and help from Upton’s brother Fred to kickstart the washer for Upton Machine Company. Only a few years later, World War II halted the washer production and the factories were modified to provide components for aircraft and military equipment.
In the summer of 1945, Upton Machine Company began producing washers again. This period witnessed an explosive growth that would take the company from a small manufacturer of washers and ironers to a large one with a full line of major home appliances, including the first fully automatic washer and electric dryer! It was only in 1949 that the company’s name changed to Whirlpool Corporation in recognition of the signature brand. For the first time since its inception, the company achieved $48 million in sales and annual earnings of $3 million in 1951.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:21:28 GMT
National Support Public Education Day – July 30, 2021
There’s no doubt that children are the future of any country, and National Support Public Education Day on July 30 aims to raise awareness about this fact. Education is a basic and important right of all human beings. A nation can only hope to move forward in all aspects of life if its citizens are sufficiently educated and learned. By learning about the intricacies of science, technology, social issues, and commerce, people will be able to pinpoint which sectors need improvement and which can lead them to a most advantageous position on the world stage. This is why we should strive to support public education by raising our voices for it.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION DAY The first National Support Public Education Day was commemorated in 2010. If we are to look at the history of formal schooling, many records state that Egypt may have had precedent in forming a school system. During the reign of Mentuhotep II in 2000 B.C., schools were developed to educate rich and influential people’s children. These pupils were all male, and they only included royal families, ministerial staff, temple administrators, and physicians. Females, be it royal or otherwise, stayed at home to learn about familial and household duties. As time passed, more and more people enrolled their children into schools, and this time, females also had the opportunity to become pupils. One example of the earliest records of females going to school can be traced back to the early Islamic eras. Once Prophet Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam, started preaching, he ensured that females were given their due rights to education. He believed that an educated individual, male or female, can work to progress the Islamic society in sectors of science, technology, and other areas of life.
Coming to the public education sector in America, it wasn’t developed until public schools were established and encouraged. The Founding Fathers of the U.S. were of the strong belief that a truly democratic country can only become strong if all of its citizens have access to education. If people are educated, they can be more aware of the political and social issues plaguing the nation. People will also be able to make better decisions when taking part in civilian duties and elections. Being aware of their rights, morals, and virtues would allow people to lead a good life and become better human beings in the long run. Thus, schooling would teach people to critically analyze the information presented to them, and make better decisions as a result of it. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to education. Moreover, the public education sector needs funding to not only provide better education but also to retain its employees and students.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:23:46 GMT
National Talk in an Elevator Day – July 30, 2021
Did you know that elevators have been around since 200 B.C.? That’s right, people have been using elevators since before the birth of Jesus. This is all the more reason to celebrate and strike up a conversation with a stranger on National Talk in an Elevator Day, on the last Friday of July, which falls on July 30 this year. Taking a moment to talk to another human being can do wonders to refresh your and the other person’s day. If you are shy and are looking to become a bit more confident, this is also your day to shine. Elevators may just be a means of transport, but they can also help to forge new friendships.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TALK IN AN ELEVATOR DAY National Talk in an Elevator Day takes place every year on the last Friday of July. Elevators were invented quite early on in human history. Archimedes, who was a famous Greek mathematician, scientist, and engineer, is credited with inventing the first elevator in the world in 200 B.C. His invention included the usage of pulleys that were operated by either people or animals. Almost 800 years later, Ibn Khalaf al-Muradi, an Andalusian scientist, wrote about elevators in his book called “Book of Secrets.” The book described the anatomy of an elevator and how it can be used to lift animals to great heights.
The modern-day elevator wasn’t invented until the 1800s. Elisha Graves Otis established the Otis Elevator Company in the mid-1850s. He debuted his invention in New York City at the Crystal Palace Convention. Before Otis’ invention, many avoided using an elevator due to safety concerns. The cables/ropes hoisting an elevator up and down would at times snap, bringing all of the elevator’s occupants down, too. This safety hazard was soon solved by Otis’ ingenious idea of installing spring technology into the elevator. Soon, the success of Otis’ invention spread all over America, and his company got the contracts to build elevators in renowned buildings like Euclid Arcade and Rockefeller. Elevators all over the world are now much safer. In fact, they are safer than driving a car.
Take this opportunity to talk to people while you are on your way up or down. The conversation doesn’t have to be something complicated or too intense. You can ask them about their day, hobbies, and/or work. Human beings are social animals and we must interact with others in order to develop and learn more about ourselves and the world in general.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:25:54 GMT
National Whistleblower Day – July 30, 2021
National Whistleblower Day on July 30 is an important commemorative event for the protection and sanctity of America. Corruption and illegal activities can weaken and cripple any society or industry. Oftentimes, when such things go unreported or unnoticed, they will only continue to grow. Whistleblowing, which is the act of reporting or exposing illegal deeds to the authorities, is, therefore, essential in protecting the public’s rights and the nation’s sovereignty. After a revolutionary whistleblowing event in the 1700s, the American Congress passed a resolution to protect the involved whistleblowers. Since then, the day has been recognized and celebrated to encourage whistleblowers to come forward.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY On July 30 in 1778, when the American Revolution was taking place, the Continental Congress passed the first protection law for whistleblowers. The landmark legislation came after 10 whistleblowers exposed a superior officer in the Continental Navy. Commodore Esek Hopkins was committing grievous crimes against British prisoners. Upon learning of such acts, Lieutenant Richard Marven along with midshipman, Samuel Shaw, reported Hopkins to the authorities. Marven and Shaw’s brave act is noted to be the first whistleblowing act in the United States. The National Whistleblower Center, established in 1988 by lawyer Stephen M. Kohn, holds annual celebrations each year. Another example of a notable whistleblowing event in the history of America happens to have been during President Richard Nixon’s re-election. Mark Felt, who was a law enforcement officer at the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942 to 1973, aided “Washington Post” journalists, Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein, in investigating and exposing the Watergate scandal.
Apart from governmental organizations, corruption also takes place in industries like trading, health services, and banking, and, in such agencies, it is usually the employees and the customers who become the whistleblowers. For instance, the Public Health Service, in collaboration with the Tuskegee Institute, conducted a study on the corruption of health-service professionals. It was revealed that people were not given penicillin treatment even when it became readily available. In another case, a police detective working in the NYPD raised the alarm when he realized corrupt activities were taking place in his department. It was the dream of the Founding Fathers of America to see a country where whistleblowers are protected and encouraged to expose any corruption and illegal activities.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:27:45 GMT
Paperback Book Day – July 30, 2021
If you are an avid reader, you will know the joy that comes with reading paperback books, and to celebrate this very joy, Paperback Book Day is commemorated on July 30. Books, both fiction and nonfiction, contain worlds of wonderment. They allow us to explore new insights into all matters of life, death, and beyond. By reading, we also become better at vocabulary and other linguistic skills. Books are also a great way to understand and develop emotional skills like empathy. Knowing the countless benefits of paperback books, which include being able to easily carry them with you anywhere, publishers opted for the much more cost-friendly option of softcovers/softbacks over hardcovers/hardbacks.
HISTORY OF PAPERBACK BOOK DAY Paperback Book Day is an ode to the paperback books in the world and the journey they’ve come along since their inception. Many people think of the English publishing house, Penguin, when they think of paperback history. While it is true that paperbacks’ popularity on a large scale took place when Penguin started commercializing the idea in the 20th century, the history of paperbacks goes further back to the 17th century. European countries like Germany and France were already publishing stories and papers in the paperback-like format then. James Fenimore Cooper, an American writer, also published frontier stories in a similar style. With the invention of the printing press and other publication technologies, more and more stories were being published in a similar paperback fashion on a greater scale. The publishing world’s ‘dime novels’ and ‘penny dreadfuls’ are, in fact, products of the same business phenomena.
Coming back to Penguin, its owner, Allen Lane, was going bankrupt due to his publishing business, The Bodley Head, facing a heavy recession during the 1930s, at the start of the Depression period. Lane was riding a train with Agatha Christie and her husband. At the time, Christie had already published her works with Lane’s publishing house. Lane was troubled with his failing business, and he was on the lookout for any idea that would save it. Whilst waiting for his train, he was browsing through a station stall for something to read. Upon finding nothing good except for magazines and low-quality paperback fiction, he realized that he could bank on the idea of high-quality paperbacks, which would automatically raise profits by allowing more people to access good fiction at lower price rates. From then on, paperbacks became a favorite with publishers and readers. Many new books first come out in paperbacks before they are released in hardbacks.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:30:02 GMT
System Administrator Appreciation Day – July 30, 2021
The System Administrator Appreciation Day on the last Friday of July, on July 30 this year, celebrates the professionals who are working around the clock in order to keep our virtual world running. System administrators are people who take care of installing and troubleshooting anything and everything related to I.T. They also keep up with the regular technological advancements, upgrading all devices accordingly. These I.T. professionals, having learned from experience, allow companies, both small and big, to reach out to their target audiences without any technical issues. This is why the job of a system administrator is indispensable. You can show your appreciation for the I.T. professionals by throwing them a party and/or doing their bidding for a day.
HISTORY OF SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR APPRECIATION DAY The first System Administrator Appreciation Day was held by Ted Kekatos in 2000. Kekatos, being a system administrator himself, had a slew of Hewlett-Packard (HP) printers installed into his office. Kekatos had watched an HP advertisement about these printers, with the system administrator in the ad being showered with appreciation, flowers, and gifts by the rest of the office workers. Knowing the hard work and dedication that goes into his job as a system administrator, Kekatos decided to create a special day on which system administrators all over the country and the world can enjoy a day of being recognized. He declared the last Friday of July as System Administrator Appreciation Day. He has also been recorded saying that the day does not have to be filled with grand celebrations. A simple party with cake and ice cream would also suffice.
A system administrator, shortened to sysadmin, is a professional who keeps an eye on the operating systems of computers, servers, and other technological devices. A sysadmin takes care of ensuring that everything is running smoothly in terms of performance, security, and resources while staying within a budget limit. In addition, a sysadmin will also make sure that the users/clients can use the devices without any problems related to upgrading. Sysadmins must, at all times, also be aware of the ins and outs of a device. One of the most important aspects of their job relates to problem-solving. This job tends to require long hours of troubleshooting system malfunctions, many of which are often very complicated. During such times, it is up to the sysadmin to keep their cool while under time constraints and stress. Many companies looking to hire system administrators require people who have a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in areas like electrical engineering, I.T., and computer science.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 30, 2021 16:34:24 GMT
Share A Hug Day – July 30, 2021
There’s something amazing about a hug that just makes the day so much better. Maybe it’s the warmth of someone you care about being close to you, maybe it’s the feeling of security and solidarity that happens when you’re surrounded by the arms of others, maybe it’s the fact that you can’t give one without getting one back. Whatever it is, there’s never a bad time to share a hug with someone who’s willing to give or receive one. Share a Hug Day is your opportunity to politely offer someone else a hug when they look like they’re feeling down!
History of Share a Hug Day Share a Hug Day was born out of tragedy one night when Mike Brundritt lost his wife and son in a terrible auto accident. With a dedication to turning anything negative into a positive Brundritt decided to share one of his families most important traditions with the world, that of giving and receiving hugs frequently and with abandon. He knew from personal experience just how life-changing a hug could be, and how a simple show of compassion like that in a hug can be exactly what someone needs in their life.
Mike’s Story I am Mike Brundritt, I once lived a wonderful life. I was married to the woman of my dreams with plans to be married forever, and had spent 19yrs together. We both had successful jobs, were positive members of the community, and our church. We were raising two great sons; our oldest son was involved with every sport he could play, while our youngest enjoyed video games. As a , friends and other members have always surrounded us and have been a part of our lives. I would have said I was pretty fortunate.
On the afternoon of July 30, 2017, everything changed, we were returning home from a vacation, camping. During our drive we were involved in a motor vehicle collision in which we were hit from behind by a transport truck. This collision, in the blink of an eye changed my whole world. My wife and oldest son passed away immediately. My youngest son and I both survived the accident but we both have mental issues since, and I am also recovering from back injuries. It has been a long road to make a recovery, and it still is.
Fast forward to the first anniversary of the accident. A few days before the anniversary I was thinking of ways that I could honour and remember my wife and son. I was remembering how much of a loving we were, always sharing hugs, both as a greeting, or a goodbye. It was also a way to say I love you. A hug was also shared between many friends after the accident. A hug is a special connection between people that lets each other know they are cared about. The idea came to me that I could start a hug day to honour the lives of my .
I woke up on July 30, 2018 with the idea that I wanted to start a special day, the problem was that I did not know how to start it. I started with a post on my facebook profile, and it was shared with friends. Friends and then shared my message further, and the message magically took off. Within days it was shared across Canada, to various parts of the United States, to England, Lebanon, and Australia. I was contacted by the local news and my message was spread even more. I was amazed how fast and far my message has travelled.
Hugs have been shown to do incredible things for the human body, including releasing endorphins and easing stress and emotional distress. People who hug more frequently have been shown to have higher levels of compassion and to cope better with situations that may be incredibly stressful for someone else. Hugs have been shown to elevate moods, ease pain, and otherwise be hugely beneficial for everyone involved.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:20:47 GMT
Harry Potter's Birthday – July 31, 2021
How do we celebrate the birthday of someone who is entirely fictional? Pack your wand, hop on your broomstick and join us on July 31! We are exploring the inspiration behind the magical world of Harry Potter, one of the world’s most beloved characters. Author J.K. Rowling, who set this whole universe in motion with the release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 1997, also — if you can believe it — shares the same birthday as Harry himself. Coincidence?
WHEN IS HARRY POTTER'S BIRTHDAY 2021? The Boy Who Lived is celebrated on Harry Potter’s Birthday on July 31.
HISTORY OF HARRY POTTER'S BIRTHDAY Harry James Potter is the protagonist of J.K. Rowling’s phenomenal fictional book series. The story’s plot spans seven years of his life, starting on his 11 birthday when he learns that he is a wizard. He attends the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, run by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, to learn magic under the guidance of his revered school professors. He becomes best friends with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, and soon discovers that his fate and destiny are tied to the dark wizard and murderer, Lord Voldemort. The record-breaking fictional series follows Harry as he juggles his school life and his predestined battle with Voldemort.
Harry Potter is an icon in pop culture and has been ranked by numerous readers, critics, and audiences as among the greatest fictional characters of all time. Actor Daniel Radcliffe played Harry in the live-action movie adaptations, from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001) to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” (2011).
According to author J.K. Rowling, she conjured up the idea for the Harry Potter series while waiting for a train from Manchester to London, England, in 1990. During the train ride, she came up with the story and the main characters. Over the next five years, Rowling worked on the manuscript for her story, writing many of the first drafts in cafes in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, her story was met with multiple rejections, until it was finally picked up by Bloomsbury. And so, 500 copies of the hardback print of the first title in the series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” were introduced to the world on June 26, 1997.
That’s when the real magic started. The first book caused a sensation in the literary world and sold more than 450 million copies worldwide. Harry Potter became an addiction for both children and adults, and we have Rowling to thank for piquing children’s interest in reading again.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:25:35 GMT
National Avocado Day – July 31, 2021
A thought for National Avocado Day: “The avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise.”
So said early 20th-century adventurer and U.S. Department of Agriculture botanist, David Fairchild, when he introduced the gorgeous fruits to the U.S. And he was right. Avocados are creamy, delicious, vitamin-heavy symbols of nature offering us the good life at a bargain price. All this, plus their versatile value for your body both inside and out make avocados well worth celebrating, as we do every July 31 on National Avocado Day.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:27:23 GMT
National Mutt Day – July 31, 2021
Dogs are special and there are oodles of national (and international) holidays to prove it. But unlike most of our doggy days, National Mutt Day, on July 31, focuses on the mixed breed dogs who sometimes get overlooked. This holiday inspires people to learn more about adopting one.
National Mutt Day also brings attention to the many great mixed breed dogs in need of homes. In fact, they benefit from the spotlight so much that we celebrate mixed breed dogs not just once, but twice a year! On both July 31 and December 2, join us in celebrating all the mutts and mixed breed dogs that make our lives so great.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:30:16 GMT
National Cake Day – July 31, 2021
We are always up for a celebration of cake and fruit, and when you mix them, you get the lovely National Cake Day on July 31! This day recognizes the refreshing dessert that is a summer favorite for many. Raspberries infuse this cake with a unique flavor, elevating it to another level entirely.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CAKE DAY The grows in all temperate zones of the world and was once only a midsummer crop. However, as with everything, advances in technology have allowed this berry to be produced all year long. The freshest, juiciest berries are harvested from July to September, however, making July the perfect month to celebrate National Cake Day.
The itself has been eaten since the early ages. Our ancestors from the Paleolithic age would pluck them off bushes to eat. It wasn’t until the 4th century B.C. that people began to cultivate raspberries. Their sweetness was a valued taste, and they were also used in everything from herbal teas to medicinal sachets. Records of this cultivation have been found in Rome and seeds were discovered at some Roman forts in Britain. This is why it is thought that Romans spread the cultivation of raspberries throughout Europe.
Medieval Europe used these wild berries in many ways; they added them to medicines and used them as pigments in paintings and in manuscripts. At that time, the only people who could afford these berries were the upper class. By the 17th century, however, these berries were grown all over British gardens, and the cultivation of raspberries gradually spread around Europe.
When European settlers traveled to America, they discovered that the Native Americans had already been eating this fruit for a long time. The cultivated version was introduced to America, and soon, commercial plants were being sold all over the country. By the time the world entered the 19th century, raspberries were being produced in many major states across America, and by 1880, approximately 2,000 acres of land was used to cultivate this berry.
These berries have also been linked to multiple myths. According to one of them, raspberries used to be white until a nymph named Ida pricked her finger while she was picking berries for a crying infant. Her blood dripped on them, turning them red. Another myth, this time from Germany, claims a twig was tied onto a ‘bewitched’ horse’s body to calm it down. Yet another myth attributes the fox’s red coat to eating too many raspberries.
At this point, there is no information on this particular day, its founder, or even how the cake came into existence. All we know is, we are very thankful to whoever came up with the idea, and we are raising a slice (of cake, of course) in their honor.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:33:16 GMT
Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day – July 31, 2021
It’s time for music appreciation, only of the less common variety, on Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day, held on July 31 each year! This day is a reminder to music lovers that there are many special and uncommon instruments just waiting to be discovered. This unusual holiday encourages everyone to learn about and try a new and unusual musical instrument.
HISTORY OF UNCOMMON INSTRUMENT AWARENESS DAY Since as far back as we can tell, societies have always considered music to be integral to their culture. The history of uncommon instruments is, in fact, the history of musical instruments in general. For more about their history, read Buy A Musical Instrument Day. Today, we focus on the history of various (now uncommon) musical instruments.
Statues in ancient Cyprus show people playing the lyre. The British Museum exhibits one such statue of a woman playing the lyre. Her dress and style indicate she was a member of the upper class. The ancient Cyprians also used animal-shaped rattles that might have been used to keep a beat, scare off evil spirits, or as a toy for young children.
The ancient Romans invented an instrument they called ‘hydraulis,’ which worked when water pressure from a tank forced air up into the keys and pipes. While playing this instrument, they needed multiple assistants to work the pumps that kept the water pressure high. Ancient Greeks were also famous for their musical celebrations. Each event — birth, death, work, and even illness — would be accompanied by music. They used an instrument called ‘auloi,’ which was a pipe made of wood, bone, or metal. Blowing into the reed inserted at the end of this instrument would produce sound.
On the other side of the continent, in Asia, Buddhists used trumpets made of different items — like conch shells — to call monks to services. The ancient Egyptians, too, had their own special musical instruments, like the harp. Examples of this are shown in scenes covering the walls of tombs. These scenes show people plucking two strings at a time, and they are accompanied by instruments that resemble lutes and oboes.
By the 12th century, many more musical instruments were invented, including a medieval instrument that resembled a guitar, called the citole. This instrument is actually the precursor to the violin, having been converted at some point during the 16th century.
Over the years, new, amazing, and uncommon inventions have increased the expansive variety of musical instruments. By the 19th century, electric instruments came around, and along with this, another unique invention. The Soviet government had sponsored research into proximity sensors. A researcher on the team accidentally invented an electric instrument that can be played without being touched. While not a commercial success initially, it has since been used in film scores, on television, and occasionally in pop and rock music.
We can trace the history of uncommon instruments around the world, but we are still unsure about who created this special day. All we know is they wished to spotlight the unusual and unique musical instruments.
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Post by pennmom on Jul 31, 2021 19:36:27 GMT
World Ranger Day – July 31, 2021
‘Park ranger’ may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that it’s World Ranger Day on July 31. You may be more likely to have visions of army rangers, Texas rangers, or New York rangers. But World Ranger Day is not about military- or sports heroes. Today, we pay tribute to park rangers, also known as forest rangers — the unsung heroes who protect, preserve, and defend America’s dwindling wilderness land resources. And we commemorate rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Most of us can easily picture that park ranger verifying passes and collecting entrance fees at an entrance booth of a national park, or the forest ranger interpreting wildlife and discussing conservation as they lead visitors on tours. But few among us are familiar with how often a park ranger’s duties bring him or her face-to-face with life-threatening dangers inherent to their profession.
HISTORY OF WORLD RANGER DAY In 2004, concerned about the lack of respect for and awareness of the dangers park rangers face worldwide, documentary filmmaker and conservationist Sean Willmore made it his mission to bring real-life stories of the plight of park rangers into the public spotlight through the lens of a camera. A park ranger himself, Willmore spent nearly one full year interviewing rangers in 23 countries, uncovering and recording inspirational stories of service and sacrifice for the documentary film, “The Thin Green Line.”
Since its premiere in 2007, “The Thin Green Line” has been viewed by people in over 50 countries, restoring dignity, pride, and hope to park rangers around the world. The documentary provides a rare glimpse into the daily lives of park rangers, sharing the sacrifices they and their families make amid common risks they take every day. The film became the catalyst for Ranger Willmore to establish The Thin Green Line Foundation, now the official charity arm of the International Rangers Federation, or IRF, founded in 1992. Together the two organizations work to provide support and assistance for families of rangers who have died or been injured in the line of duty, not unlike the organizations that support the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
The Thin Green Line Foundation and The International Rangers Federation joined forces in 2007 to celebrate the first World Ranger Day in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the founding of the International Rangers Foundation. World Ranger Day draws attention to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting and preserving our parks, forests, and preserves, and honors the fallen rangers who have lost their lives while serving. Well-known primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall became the ambassador for The Thin Green Line Foundation in 2011. Dr. Goodall promotes World Ranger Day vigorously to draw attention to the vital role park rangers play in protecting and preserving our planet’s natural resources and wildlife.
Park rangers serve as law enforcement officers, environmentalists, cultural historians, and sometimes all three of these roles. Regardless of their primary role, all rangers are the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, natural resources, and ecosystems within the national-, state-, and local parks, while ensuring the safety of park visitors. Rangers live, work, and sometimes literally die while risking their lives to protect wildlife habitats from poachers and other human threats like wildfires caused by careless behavior. On any given day, a ranger may be required to confiscate firearms, intercept poachers and smugglers, suppress wildfires, prevent illegal grazing of livestock on federal lands, and stop thefts of timber and cultural objects of historical significance. Rangers are always the first responders who perform dangerous and daring rescues by land, sea, or air when park visitors are lost, trapped, or injured. In fact, nonprofit groups report that during the past 10 years, over 1,000 park rangers have been killed in the line of duty.
“Rangers are the missing link in conservation. That’s why I’ll do everything I can to support The Thin Green Line Foundation.” — Dr. Jane Goodall.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 1, 2021 13:01:31 GMT
American Day – August 1, 2021
American Day on the first Sunday in August, on August 1 this year, is a time for, you guessed it, . More specifically, this day celebrates the bonds that laid the foundation for our lives, be it blood or otherwise. Unlike other holidays, however, this day discourages gift-giving, unless your present is the gift of time. The makers of this day intended for it to be all about the relationships built in a , and cherishing them in person. HISTORY OF AMERICAN DAY Historically, many cultures have been patriarchal. While this practice continued in Roman times, women were given slightly more freedom than before, although they were still not free to manage their own affairs. By the time we reached the Middle Ages, two distinct patterns began to emerge in Europe. In the southern and eastern parts of Europe, marriage between an older male and a younger female was common. Both would typically live with their parents for a long time, and their combined household would contain several generations of people. In Northwestern Europe, couples were usually of the same age and would wait until their early 20s to marry. They would then set up their independent household as a precursor to the nuclear . The Industrial Revolution brought about a change in units, although some historians believe that this change had already begun before this period. The previous joint- or extended broke up because people, mainly the unmarried youth, left their homes to work at industrial facilities. The male-female dynamic in the home also changed. Equality between the sexes gained more ground, and gender roles began to blur. The concept of the today is both a physical and a mental structure and consists of familial and emotional bonds.
This day has its beginnings in a one-year proclamation, which was signed by then-Governor of Arizona Raúl Héctor Castro. This proclamation declared August 7 as American Day. Many sources credit Arizona resident John Makkai as the force behind this legislation, although not much more is known about how this happened. The year after the proclamation, the new Governor Bruce Babbitt signed this day into law as an official Arizona holiday. This makes American Day the 14th state-recognized holiday in Arizona. Burgeoning interest spread this holiday to North Carolina, then Georgia, and, now, all of America celebrates this day each year.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 1, 2021 13:05:10 GMT
DOGust 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs – August 1, 2021
August 1 is known as Dogust 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs. Thousands of sweet dogs land at animal shelters until they can find forever homes. If you’ve ever visited a shelter, you know the heart-wrenching looks on their faces. But there’s always hope. Back in 2008, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, North Shore Animal League America chose August 1 (or “DOGust 1st) as the universal birthday for all shelter dogs, or as it refers to them, “mutt-i-grees.” This date inspires all of us to consider their plight. Join us this summer by sharing your love for these precious creatures. Shelters across America join North Shore Animal League on this day by making an extra effort to facilitate adoptions. Read on to learn how you can help.
HISTORY OF DOGUST 1ST: UNIVERSAL BIRTHDAY FOR SHELTER DOGS DOGust 1st was a date picked by the North Shore Animal League America to symbolize the birthday of all shelter dogs across America. This “birthday” applies to dogs who don’t have an official record in place. Shelter workers can estimate a dog’s age, but they can never know precisely when they were born and nobody wants to see a dog go without a birthday! When these dogs are adopted, their new might give them a new birthday, but for those without a home, this date serves as a universal celebration.
North Shore Animal League America uses this date to work with shelters across the country to promote adoption and acceptance of shelter dogs into new forever families. The aim is keep their lives happy, healthy, and fulfilled. On DOGust 1st, it is encouraged to spread the word and raise awareness about pet adoption services and shelters in general, praising them for all the incredible work they do in rescuing and caring for animals across the country and the world.
As NSALA states, DOGust 1st is an opportunity to look into the world of these wonderful animals who are waiting for a . This day we can return the unconditional love and adoration they give us and help find them a home that is full of the love they deserve.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 1, 2021 13:08:06 GMT
Doll Day – August 1, 2021
We celebrate Doll Day on the first Sunday in August, on August 1 this year. Dolls look like miniature people and every child plays with a doll at some point while growing up. Many dolls have names, personalities, families, houses, cars, and a whole backstory, too! A child can spend hours upon hours in the company of dolls and their make-believe worlds. Dolls aren’t just toys but a great way for children to express their feelings long before they really understand them. They also teach children the important lessons of friendship and sharing. Children often seek comfort in dolls on sad or lonely days. We can even go as far as saying that dolls can help shape our personalities.
HISTORY OF DOLL DAY It seems like children have always played with dolls and these toys have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that dolls are in fact the oldest known toy, with the earliest dolls being made of clay, stone, wood, bone, ivory, leather, wax, and other crude materials. Excavations of Egyptian tombs dating to as early as the 21st century B.C. have unearthed dolls made of wood. Clay dolls have also been found in the graves of ancient Greek and Roman children. Just like the children of today, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian children also dressed their dolls in clothing and jewelry according to the latest fashion trends. Apart from dolls made from sturdy materials, children also played with ragdolls that were traditionally made from spare scraps of material. Ragdolls, dating back to the 5th century A.D. have been found in parts of the Roman empire.
But of course, in modern times, Mattel’s Barbie has become one of the world’s most popular dolls. First created in 1959, the Barbie doll has continuously enjoyed its status for being one of the best-loved children’s toys of all time. Mattel owes its success to adapting to the ever-changing markets of various cultures and countries by coming out with Barbie dolls of various shapes, colors, and sizes, each individually personalized to the inhabitants of a certain region. Since dolls hold such an importance in our formative lives, Doll Day was created to celebrate the contributions dolls have made to the development of children and how they continue to be one of the best-loved toys, centuries after their inception.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 1, 2021 13:11:33 GMT
National Friendship Day – August 1, 2021
After a tough year, friends have proven they have always been there for us. Choose Friendship Day 2021 to appreciate the connections you have in life or use this holiday to reach out to past friends and rekindle that bond.
National Friendship Day occurs every year on the first Sunday of August — August 1, 2021 — and celebrates the importance of loving platonic relationships. Friendships are the purest type of human relationships. For more than a century, we’ve celebrated the strength of friendship, and thanks to social media, we’re able to continue celebrating with our friends no matter where they are in the world.
WHEN IS NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2021? Friends — the that we choose — is celebrated on National Friendship Day on August 1.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY Humans are the most social beings on earth: we need to relate to others, just as Abraham Maslow exposed in his Hierarchy of human needs. Our sociological needs motivate our behavior, encouraging us to make interpersonal relationships and connect with others on a deeper level. With such a huge need for human connection with people other than our significant other, it’s no wonder that we celebrate an entire holiday based on the importance of friendship.
National Friendship Day was originally a marketing strategy for Hallmark Cards in the 1930s. Founder Joyce Hall designated the day would take place on August 2 and decided it would be a day to celebrate the people closest to you — and send them a card or two in the process. It soon became a bigger deal than originally planned when the 1935 U.S. Congress pronounced the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.
The holiday continued gaining popularity, and in 1998 the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship. In 2011, during their 65th session, the U.N. designated July 30 International Friendship Day.
Nowadays, we celebrate National Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August. Thanks to advancements in technology, it is easier to get in touch with friends, to share, and to be thankful for them. This August 2, celebrate the lover you create and share with the that you chose — the friends who get you through hard times and cheer you on during your most successful moments.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 1, 2021 13:14:23 GMT
Lammas Day – August 1, 2021
Lammas Day, celebrated every August 1, is a wheat harvest festival that is also known as Loaf Mass Day. The holiday encourages celebrations and mass gatherings where individuals thank God for the first harvest of the season. According to tradition, a loaf of bread has to be taken to mass on Lammas Day, hence, it is not a surprise that it is famously recognized as ‘Loaf Mass Day.’ Though Lammas Day originated as a Christian holiday, it is also celebrated by others who want to offer thanks to spiritual entities for blessing the world with a fruitful wheat harvest for a particular year.
HISTORY OF LAMMAS DAY Due to superstitions and religious beliefs of people, harvest festivals such as Lammas Day have been a part of ancient history. In the early times, sacrifices were often made to the gods to yield a fruitful harvest. In fact, according to Greek mythology, Adonis was the god of grain and rebirth. Although the religious aspect may be less apparent today, the spirit of gratitude and sharing the harvest with the whole community exists even today. One of the harvesting festivals that are celebrated across the world is Lammas Day – an occasion that marks the day of the first harvest. It also serves as a warning of the arrival of the fall season and is considered a time when communities start gathering food for the winter.
As mentioned in a book published in 1838 by William Hone, the celebrations on this day included the building of towers and the competition of breaking down the towers of others. According to historical records, some of these competitions proved to be dangerous and often lead to serious injuries and even cases of death. Another ancient Lammas tradition in Scotland included a Burryman marching around town with a crown of roses and a staff. This was known as the Burryman ritual. By the 20th century, the celebrations evolved into Lammas fairs that included market stalls, food, and drinks. One of the largest and most remembered Lammas fairs was held at Kirkwall in Orkney. According to the rules of the festival, couples could enter into a year-long temporary union and then later decide if they want to delve further into the commitment.
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