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Post by pennmom on Aug 16, 2021 12:00:12 GMT
Surveillance Day – August 16, 2021
These days there are more and more people who think that the whole surveillance issue has gone a bit too far. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing, if we’re outdoors, especially in a city, there is a very high probability that we’re being recorded.
Of course, surveillance cameras have helped to make countless cities safer by catching various crimes on video—from theft to vandalism to assault—thus allowing the police to apprehend the criminals committing them faster and easier.
Still, many can’t help but feel uncomfortable with the fact that almost all of their actions are being monitored, especially those who would not think of committing crimes. Some have even gone as far as to call surveillance cameras an Orwellian invasion of the privacy everyone should be entitled to.
HISTORY OF SURVEILLANCE DAY The first surveillance cameras were created by German engineer Walter Bruch and was installed by Siemens AG in Germany in 1942 to observe the launch of V-2 rockets. In the U.S. the first commercial closed-circuit television system, Vericon, became available in 1949.
The earliest video surveillance systems required constant human monitoring because at the time there was no way to record and store information. Then, when VCR technology became available in the 1970s, it became possible to record and erase information, causing the use of video surveillance to become much more practical and thus much more common.
Olean, New York was the first city in the United States to install video cameras along its main business street in an effort to fight crime in 1968. A few years later, in 1973, cameras also appeared in Times Square in New York City. In the 1980s video surveillance began to spread across the country, especially in public areas. Businesses that were especially prone to theft, such as banks and stores, also began to install surveillance cameras. In 1998, 3,000 CCTV systems were in use in New York City.
Today, surveillance cameras are also used in traffic monitoring, transport safety, control of retail, as well as home and school security. The use of video surveillance in public places became more common after the September 11th Terrorist attacks so as to deter future terrorist attacks. In 2010, there were more than 10,000 CCTV systems and counting in Chicago. Greater London also has a large amount, with the number being estimated around 500,000, and the total number of cameras in the UK to be around 4,200,000.
Surveillance Day was created several years ago to help us all take a step back and having a bit of fun with issues that are usually gravely serious.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 17, 2021 14:49:22 GMT
National Black Cat Appreciation Day – August 17, 2021
On National Black Cat Appreciation Day, August 17, black cats could use a good spin doctor. They’re so sleek and seductive with their all-knowing yellow and green eyes, but black cats seldom get positive press even though they’re just as adorable as other cats. Let’s look at facts about this national day that honors our beautiful, sleek cats, and the reason why it was created in the first place.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY Have you ever feared a black cat crossing your path? This is from ancient superstitions where people thought this meant bad luck. For many cultures and historical settings, black cats were actually meant for positive things. So, to try and dispel these myths about black cats, National Black Cat Appreciation Day was created to be celebrated on August 17 every year.
Today, pop culture loves black cats. There’s the sarcastic Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus”, Salem, in “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” and Pyewacket in the classic “Bell, Book and Candle,” and we can’t forget the classic cartoon black cat, Luna in “Sailor Moon.” Black cats are seen as loyal companions, and this is what they were seen as for a lot of cultures in history too.
So, who’s to blame for this negative black cat spin? Superstition! But mostly because during the Middle Ages, people (mainly the Catholic Church) saw witches as shape-shifting black cats and the damage was done. From then on, black cats were seen as evil entities for years and years to follow.
But not everyone sees black cats this way. In fact, black cats are actually welcomed by a lot of people. For some, a visit from a black cat means good luck, and for others it meant prosperity or romance. Hey — in some cultures black cats are even worshipped. Basically, there’s no need to fear them. On this day, we celebrate our cuddly friends, no matter what color their coat is!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 17, 2021 14:51:41 GMT
National Thrift Shop Day – August 17, 2021
National Thrift Shop Day, celebrated on August 17, is all about supporting local thrift shops and raising awareness for charitable organizations. Thrift shops aim to help those most vulnerable in communities and give back to the needy. Known by a myriad of other names, thrift shops are also referred to as consignment stores, second-hand stores, resale shops, and hospice shops. Volunteers willing to help out usually work at the shops, often sorting through donated items people drop off. These used pieces are then sold to the public, providing those in need a convenient service at an affordable price!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY Before thrift shopping became common, people usually liked to repurpose their clothes. During the eighteenth century, many new ways of using old items were created. If someone’s clothing became worn, they’d give it to a younger sibling as a hand-me-down and made into clothes for them. Even after the siblings tired of this, the material would be recycled as furniture stuffing. People also often sold their items if they needed the money, but the thrift shop concept had not yet been created.
By the late nineteenth century, the United States experienced a massive cultural shift. The Industrial Revolution increased the production of clothes and goods, while the pursuit of the American dream led to heightened immigration. Many moved to urban areas, causing the process of buying new clothes and disposing of old ones to quicken. Pawnshops and scrap yards arose to provide for this need, but there was an unfavorable opinion surrounding clothes that were once owned by a stranger, as it indicated a lower social status.
Christian ministries needed funding for their outreach programs, and religious affiliation groups such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill changed the narrative. In 1897, the Salvation Army launched the “salvage brigade.” Residents would go around the neighborhood asking for used clothes. In return, they’d receive food and lodging. Then, In Boston 1902, a Methodist minister created Goodwill that hired poor and disabled people to collect goods and make necessary repairs to them. These shops provided immigrants with a place to find clothes, assimilating Christian values with social service activities.
Thrift shops reflected the department stores of the time in the 1920s. Initial impressions began to change after thrift shops stopped being known as “junk shops.” By 1935, there were nearly 100 Goodwill stores nationwide and they were useful during hard times the nation faced. The Great Depression and World War II made thrift shops more viable as a more affordable option to full-priced stores. People warmed up to the idea of thrift shops as a way to find vintage items and niche goods, and ever since, the thrift shop has steadily shed its negative image.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 17, 2021 14:54:02 GMT
Vanilla Custard Day – August 17, 2021
There is nothing quite so delicious as Vanilla custard, the rich creamy texture, the light and delicious vanilla flavor, it’s just the perfect ending to any day. Custards are one of the most amazing desserts and have been eaten on their own, used to fill pies, and even injected into donuts. Vanilla Custard Day celebrates this delicious treat.
HISTORY OF VANILLA CUSTARD DAY The custard traces its ancestry back to the days of Ancient Rome, and Custard Tarts were incredibly popular in the Middle Ages. While vanilla custard is a delicious treat, custards weren’t just made as a dessert! You could find fruit custards, fish and meat custards, just about anything you could think of! Custards were truly a diverse type of food well loved throughout the ages.
There’s a lot of different ways to enjoy your vanilla custard, and it can be just amazing with toppings. Whether it’s a simple scoop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of raspberries, the subtle flavor of vanilla compliments many different food types. What can you come up with for a dessert? A strawberry vanilla custard pie? Ice cream with vanilla custard? Vanilla Custard Day is your chance to get creative!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:45:49 GMT
Ashura – August 18, 2021
Ashura is a holy day for Muslims all over the world, celebrated on the 10th day of Muharram, according to the Islamic calendar. This year, Ashura falls on August 18. The Shia Muslims see it as the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram and the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) at the battle of Karbala.
For the Sunnis, Ashura is the day Moses fasted to show his gratitude for the freedom of the Israelites. Today is also a holy day of mourning observed primarily by Shia Muslims. Other Muslim sects spend the day fasting and meditating.
WHEN IS ASHURA 2021? The Day of Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram — the first month of the Islamic calendar. The day holds great religious and historical significance for Muslims.
HISTORY OF ASHURA Ashura marks the tragic ‘Battle of Karbala’ incident in which the 7th-century revolutionary leader Husayn ibn Ali was killed. Millions of Muslims across the world observe the day of Ashura to remember Husayn’s sacrifice and dignified stance on social justice.
The story dates back to events that took place 13 centuries ago, following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 A.D. The leader and caliph of the Muslim community were to be decided, over which a dispute started. Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s close companion, was backed by most Muslims to inherit the leadership and become the first caliph. Others advocated for the Prophet’s son-in-law and cousin, Ali, as the rightful successor. Those who supported this claim led to the creation of the Shia sect of Muslims. Whether or not he was selected as caliph, Ali is considered by Shia Muslims as their first imam, a divinely appointed leader. Sons and descendants of Ali would carry the title. Shias started following their Imam as the true leader, regardless of the title of caliph.
When Ali’s second son Husayn became the third imam, the dispute between the imam and the caliph intensified. From 661 to 750 A.D., the Umayyad dynasty ruled the Islamic kingdom. One of the caliphs named Yazīd ordered Husayn to pledge allegiance to him and his caliphate in the holy month of Muharram in 680 A.D. Husayn rejected the order, as he believed Yazīd to be an illegitimate and unjust ruler.
His refusal resulted in a massive battle in the desert of Karbala (modern-day Iraq) between Husayn’s small tribe and Yazīd’s vast army, which lasted 10 days. Husayn’s tribe included his sisters, half-brother, wives, children, and closest companions.
Husayn and his followers were surrounded and stopped by Umayyad soldiers at Karbala. On the Day of Ashura, Husayn and his men made their final prayers at dawn, anticipating their fate. Despite knowing they would die that day, the men stayed loyal to Husayn and his cause. The battle of Karbala began at noon. Knowing that their sacrifice would ignite the revolution, Husayn’s men fought Yazīd’s army bravely. One after another, the companions were killed. Only Husayn remained standing alone.
Food and water supplies were cut off for Husayn and his companions by the Umayyad army. Heavily wounded and thirsty, Husayn did not give up. As the evening drew near, the army of Yazīd attacked Husayn from all sides, brutally killing him.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:48:10 GMT
National Couple's Day – August 18, 2021
National Couple’s Day is August 18, a date where love is in the air, and it smells sweet with a hint of spice! It’s National Couple’s Day, the time to celebrate the one you adore. Your partner in crime, your ride or die, your pain in the…well, you know what we mean. Love isn’t always easy, but when you find that special someone, it’s definitely worth it. Though you should tell your partner how you feel everyday, today is definitely the day to light up some candles, turn the lights down low, and dance to your song (every couple has one)!
WHEN IS NATIONAL COUPLE'S DAY 2021? Whether you are a couple of lovebirds, a couple of troublemakers, or a couple of twits, the bond between couples is celebrated on National Couple’s Day on August 18.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COUPLE'S DAY National Couple’s Day is a bigger deal now more than ever. As the world becomes more progressive and inclusive to the many forms of love, different types of couples are able to celebrate their existence. Whether you’re in a same-sex, opposite sex, or gender non–conforming relationship, your love and existence is valid.
Gender roles within relationships are changing! More women in opposite sex relationships are becoming the primary bread winner while their male partners are opting to stay home. Also, more men are choosing to take their female partner’s last name in marriage than the traditional norm.
As roles evolve and the collective mind broadens, couple’s become stronger and happier. A happy couple is a healthy couple. Let’s spread the love this National Couple’s Day and celebrate the many forms it comes in!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:50:39 GMT
National Fajita Day – August 18, 2021
Get some steak sizzling over an open flame because August 18 is National Fajita Day. It’s a day to celebrate the authentic taste of the Southwest with the fiesta of flavor known as the fajita. Throw in some awesome black beans or even add a little hot sauce, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese. The combinations are endless. It’s National Fajita Day so you know what you’ve got to do (eat fajitas, obviously).
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FAJITA DAY A true manifesto of what Tex-Mex culture is, the fajita has taken the culinary world by storm but it all started from some very humble beginnings.
The concept of fajitas began to make the rounds in the early 1930s when Mexican vaqueros in Texas developed the fajita from throwaway cuts of beef – part of their payment for their job. Because of this, said workers learned to use the tough cuts the best they could, especially the flavorsome skirt steak. They cooked the steak over an open fire or grill and were typically served with flour or corn tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and southwestern spices. Soon the cheap, efficient meal meant as a quick fix for workers was becoming a staple in the area, finding its way into new mouths and bellies.
As such, there are numerous different joints that were around at the time that claim to be the launchpad for the fajita. It’s not surprising, everyone wants to be part of a success story. It was in the late 1960s that Sonny Falcon started selling fajitas. He sold so many that he was eventually christened “The Fajita King” as recognition for his role in introducing fajitas to the general public.
Other big moments in fajita history include the restaurant Ninfa’s creating their own version of fajitas in 1973, and Austin’s La Vista restaurant putting “sizzling fajitas” on the menu in 1982. National Fajita Day itself was coined by the restaurant chain On the Border to celebrate the show-stopping dish. If all of this hasn’t got you watering at the mouth then we don’t know what will.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:53:23 GMT
Bad Poetry Day – August 18, 2021
Let’s face it – not everybody can be the best writer, lyricist or poet. But don’t let that put a stop to doing it anyway! Bad Poetry Day is the perfect opportunity to read, write and create any type of poetry desired, even if it’s really bad.
HISTORY OF BAD POETRY DAY Whether using sonnets, limericks, free verse or haiku, poetry certainly has the potential to be beautiful and powerful–but it can also be very, very awful.
Of course it’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which probably also means that the judgment of what types of poetry are bad or good are relative based on personal preference. However, in some cases, poetry can just be so bad that everyone agrees that no good can come of it!
I should be glad Bad poetry is just a fad But nonetheless would like to say I wish that it would go away.
Bad Poetry Day was created to feature poetry that is so very bad it simply needs to be paid attention to! Twitter is one platform that many people use to get their bad poetry out into the world so that everyone can enjoy hating it.
It’s time to celebrate Bad Poetry Day!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:57:10 GMT
Never Give Up Day – August 18, 2021
Never Give Up Day is all about cultivating a mindset of determination, which helps us to get through all of the difficult challenges that life throws our way. It is about motivating and inspiring ourselves and others, as well as remembering people that have never given up on those. We should use this day not only to applaud people for reaching their goals but also to support those who are still trying to achieve their goals and have not quite got there yet.
MASTERING THE ART OF NEVER GIVING UP While this day is all about never giving up, we realize that it is a lot easier said than done! So, we have put together some tips to help you master the art of it.
-Start by pausing, not quitting – You don’t need to go full steam ahead all of the time. Sometimes, pausing and taking a step back can be exactly what you need. It will give you a brand new perspective on things. It enables you to find the wisdom and strength you need for the next steps. Resting is a weapon that a lot of people fail to use!
-Motivate yourself – Losing motivation is something we can all relate to! This is why you need to look for ways to motivate yourself. Figure out what works for you. This could be watching, listening, or reading motivational material, for example.
-Surround yourself with people who are resilient – Jim Rohn once said that we are the average of the five individuals we spend the majority of our time with. If you spend your time with five people who always give up, well, you can do the math! Surrounding yourself with resilient people can make a huge difference.
-Choose to be positive – It pays to be positive in this cynical world that we live in today! This does not mean that you have to try and be blindly happy all of the time. However, what it does mean is that you should try and focus on the good things that are around you.
-Be honest with yourself – One of the main reasons why people quit is because they have not been honest with themselves. Be honest about how you feel, what you want, and who you are. For example, if you don’t really like the job you are in right now and you simply pretend to because it is what everyone expects of you, you are going to be more inclined to feel like you want to give up.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 15:59:31 GMT
Pinot Noir Day – August 18, 2021
Pinot is a fantastic wine, but a temperamental grape. With its rich color and complex flavors, it is largely considered one of the most hedonistic wines ever made. Elegant and berry-lie, its velvet flavor is the perfect addition to any affair. Pinot Noir Day celebrates this wine and the regions of the world in which it’s cultivated.
HISTORY OF PINOT NOIR DAY Every wine deserves to have a day dedicated to its consumption, and none more so than Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is so named due to the dark color of the grapes, and the pine-cone shaped clusters they grow in on the vine. Showing a strong preference for cooler climates, the grape of the same name is grown primarily in Burgundy, France, though Willamette Valley, Oregon in the USA and Walker Bay region of South Africa both produce notably large crops. Of course, cultivating Pinot Noir is not a task for the faint of heart, for these grapes are difficult to cultivate and tricky to turn into wine.
Perhaps that’s appropriate for a wine that is both rich and complex. The skin of the grapes are thin and don’t offer the protection of thicker skinned grapes, and can be finicky during the aging process, frequently being uneven and unpredictable. The tight clusters require careful management lest rot set in, and this often involves careful management of the canopy.
For those who are willing to brave it and cultivate the skill, the wine that is produced is beyond measure. Pinot Noir Day celebrates all that is required to produce this wine and the delicious bounty that unfolds.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 16:02:13 GMT
Serendipity Day – August 18, 2021
Serendipity is the term for a “happy accident” or a “pleasant surprise.” Thus, Serendipity Day encourages people to look for and notice those unexpected good things that are always out there, if people would just have the eyes to see them.
In fact, the creators of this lovely day believe that serendipity is no accident at all, but an attitude or a lifestyle in which people are always reaching for those unexpected things and expecting happy surprises to occur.
Come along to learn something new and fascinating about Serendipity Day!
HISTORY OF SERENDIPITY DAY The word serendipity was coined in the mid 1700s by a man named Horace Walpole. In a letter to a friend, he explained how he had created the term from a Persian fairy tale known in English as The Three Princes of Serendip.
The story tells of three princes who were banished from the kingdom of Serendip (another term for Sri Lanka) in order to have a chance to prove their worth. As they wander the world, “serendipitous” moments occur to them time after time, in a rather unbelievable amount. In fact, it is much like many children’s stories in that the characters often just happen to run across the perfect place or the clue to solve the mystery. Or it could be likened to old, corny superhero movies, where they just happen to have the antidote to the problem lying around!
In other words, it seems that Walpole first created the word serendipity as some mild ridicule of these “happy accidents” and now the term is a favorite inspirational line everywhere: “seek serendipity!”
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Post by pennmom on Aug 18, 2021 16:03:51 GMT
Mail Order Catalog Day – August 18, 2021
Although Benjamin Franklin has a good claim to be the world’s first mail order entrepreneur, it is the anniversary of the first Montgomery Ward catalogue of 1872 that has provided the date for Mail Order Catalog Day. Over the intervening years, it grew from a single page of products to a monster capable of striking fear into the stoutest of postal workers!
Alas, the Montgomery Ward behemoth is no longer with us, having faded away in 1985, but stalwarts such as Sears still carry the torch, whilst the catalogue with the longest run to date, the Hammacher Schlemmer, still plies tools and building materials (no doubt including torches, should Sears ever drop theirs).
Celebrate the day in style by signing up for a few mail order catalogues and ordering some goodies. Running shoes are a great place to start, especially if your postman is not of a forgiving nature.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:31:43 GMT
Gold Cup Parade – August 20, 2021
The Gold Cup Parade falls on the third Friday in August and proves that when the people of Charlottetown throw a party, everyone turns out. Famous for being Atlantic Canada’s largest annual parade. It’s the Main Event during Old Home Week on Prince Edward Island.
Granted, it’s a whole lot of fun for tourists, but for the Islanders, the parade is a well-preserved piece of history and its roots can be traced back as far as 1888. The two-day event held that year showed off the hard work of the island’s agricultural community. Today thousands of tourists join the residents for the week’s activities. Should you decide to take part, along with seeing a great parade, don’t miss the Gold Cup and Saucer Race the following day. It will be a blast!
HISTORY OF GOLD CUP PARADE Although Old Home Week has been running since 1905, the first-ever Gold Cup Parade happened in 1962. The event was founded by Bill Hancox and Frank Acorn whose intention was to revive Old Home Week in Charlottetown. They wanted to give Prince Edward Island’s racing industry a boost as it was starting to lose its appeal to audiences.
After those initial attempts to revive some local industry, the parade’s popularity began to grow at a rapid rate. In 1986 the original group of businesses that had started the parade decided to become a non-profit company and took up the name of the “Charlottetown Parade Committee’’
Each year lots of volunteers get involved with the designing and building of floats, which are a key attraction and are especially popular with the thousands of children who enjoy waving at them as they pass. The Gold Cup Parade has become a key date on the Charlottetown folks calendar, and with so much fun to be had it’s a huge hit with the tourists too.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:33:58 GMT
National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day – August 20, 2021
National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day is on August 20 and we are ready to put on our aprons and step into the kitchen to celebrate. There is evidence in North America that Native Americans used pecans 10,000 years ago, which means we have a long history to explore. Today, chocolate pecan pie has become a staple in cookbooks and on restaurant menus around the globe.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE DAY As the only nuts native to North America, pecans have come to have a special place in many kitchens. There is evidence that Native Americans were consuming pecans as far back as 10,000 years ago. The word ‘pecan’ is thought to have roots in the Algonquin word meaning ‘hard nut to crack.’ With access to protein sources sometimes being limited, Native Americans would often turn to nuts as a staple in their diet.
Sugar pies were extremely popular in medieval Europe, and as Europeans started to immigrate to America, many sugar pie recipes were reimagined using local ingredients. Pecan pie is believed to be a variant of chess pie, which also has a butter and sugar custard center.
While pecan pies were likely being eaten before the 1800s, the first official published recipe was in an issue of “Harper’s Bazaar” magazine in 1886.
Pecan pie’s big break came in the 1920s when the makers of Karo syrup started writing a recipe for pecan pie on the outside of their packaging. This led to widespread awareness of the pie and a massive surge in its popularity.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:37:44 GMT
National Radio Day – August 20, 2021
On August 20, we’ll be coming to you on all frequencies for National Radio Day. Radio was once one of the most incredible technologies on Earth – used by militaries and governments alike for navigation, news distribution, and more. It made news and music more accessible and brought us closer as a nation and a planet. Though today we rely more heavily on the internet and television for what we once relied on radio for, radio is far from dead and increasingly appreciated for its vintage and fantastic content.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL RADIO DAY Though we typically attribute the invention of the radio to Gugliemo Marconi in the 1890s, the process spanned decades, with many scientists making small but significant contributions to the understanding of electromagnetic induction, electric conduction, and radio waves. For example, Heinrich Rudolph Hertz discovered radio waves in the 1880s, which helped prove a theory of electromagnetism put forth by James Clerk Maxwell in 1873.
It took quite a bit of time after the discovery of the radio for the technology to be used as communication – this was both because the inventors hadn’t yet realized the practical and life-changing applications of their development and because there were many more components needed to transmit and detect electrical waves. However, Marconi finally figured out a way to communicate with radio long-distance, and he takes the credit for the invention of what we think of as the radio today.
Public radio broadcasting has its own inventor and that’s Lee de Forest. He transmitted the first public radio broadcast, which featured the voices of opera stars, in 1910. De Forest’s Radio Telephone Company went on to manufacture the first commercial radios which could pick up a signal from miles away.
Obviously, radio was huge for music and changed the landscape of the industry immediately. News took to the radio, as well, and announcers could quickly hop on air to deliver the happenings of the day to a massive audience. The first radio news program was broadcast on August 31, 1920, out of Detroit – at a station that survives today as WWJ. In the early 20th century, radio also began to be used for broadcasting sports, aiding telephone services, and even navigating by airplane.
With the digital revolution and the wireless era, radio changed and adapted. Today, though radio is used for a variety of functions, it no longer holds its former top slot in entertainment and news media. With television, the internet, and more, it’s hard for radio to compete in that space – but people still love it, and it doesn’t look like radio is going away anytime soon. In fact, we appreciate radio even more these days for its old-school vintage.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:42:44 GMT
National Tooth Fairy Day – August 20, 2021
National Tooth Fairy Day on August 20 celebrates the excitement and wonder of kids losing their teeth! National Tooth Fairy Day is a reminder for kids, young and old, to relive the fun of visits from the Tooth Fairy when a newly lost tooth was exchanged for a fun surprise as they looked under their pillow in the morning! The Tooth Fairy Collection, which includes the book “A Visit From The Tooth Fairy”, helps celebrate the passage of youth with a gift set that encapsulates this childhood tradition and creates a sense of anticipation every time a child loses a tooth. The Collection includes three beautiful elements to make the experience even more exciting and memorable: an enchanting story Book, a special Pouch that holds the tooth while they wait for a visit from The Tooth Fairy, and an opulent Vault used to store their teeth. The Collection is the perfect way to create an exciting experience for a child during these special times. The Tooth Fairy is committed to helping every child and as part of their mission, for every Tooth Fairy Collection purchased, up to seven toothbrushes will be donated to America’s Tooth Fairy. We love The Tooth Fairy Collection because it speaks to the wonder and innocence of childhood and reminds us to cherish the memories we make with our children as they grow.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY There are three figures that are the pillars of modern mythology for children — Claus, the , and the Tooth Fairy. While the first two are well documented and discussed, not much is known about our elusive flying friend. But the Tooth Fairy is quite popular because every night children around the world excitedly anticipate the Tooth Fairy’s arrival after they have lost a tooth.
The origin of fairies dates back to 13th-century England when they were described for the first time by Gervase of Tilbury. The tradition of a child receiving a gift for a lost tooth can be traced back to medieval Europe. In a collection of writings called the “Eddas” about the Norse and Northern European traditions, there is a reference to a ‘tand fe,’ which directly translates to ‘tooth fee.’ As part of this tradition, children would receive a small fee from their parents when they lost their first tooth. This is because teeth were a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Some Viking warriors would even wear a string of teeth as a necklace during battle to protect them.
The closest counterpart of the modern Tooth Fairy came in the form of an 18th-century French fairytale, “La Bonne Petite Souris” (“The Little Good Mouse”). However, the first written American record of a reference to the ‘Tooth Fairy’ dates back to a 1908 “Chicago Tribune” article in which the author, Lillian Brown, provided parents with a magical suggestion on how to get their children to have their loose milk teeth pulled. That suggestion was, you guessed it, telling their kids that the Tooth Fairy would leave five cents under their pillow for every tooth they lost. In 1927, an eight-page script for a children’s play titled “The Tooth Fairy” was written by Esther Watkins Arnold. The play became widely popular, with schools reenacting it and imaginations being stirred with thoughts of a tooth fairy collecting teeth in exchange for money or presents. Since then, the Tooth Fairy has become a global phenomenon, reportedly paying visits to children in the U.K., Canada, and Australia.
In 2021, The Tooth Fairy Collection came up with an idea to make this decades-old American tradition even more fun and memorable for families and children. The limited-edition Tooth Fairy Collection is designed to support positive reinforcement and encouragement as kids experience this unforgettable milestone in fun and memorable ways. To celebrate and capture these precious yet fleeting moments, every Collection includes:
A beautifully illustrated hardcover Book called “A Visit From The Tooth Fairy,” which is written as a poem to support memory development, vocabulary, expression, and reading and writing in young children.
A special Pouch designed for children to slip their tooth under their pillow as they dream while waiting for a visit from the Tooth Fairy.
An elegant keepsake Vault that helps protect and store children’s precious baby teeth for years to come.
Just like the mystery surrounding the fairy, the origin of the holiday is just as mysterious. Someone somewhere created National Tooth Fairy Day to be celebrated in August but in the lives of children who are losing their baby teeth, the Tooth Fairy is celebrated all year round, as they partake in the enchanting experience of receiving visits and surprises from the Tooth Fairy for every tooth they lose.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:46:27 GMT
St. Stephen’s Day – August 20, 2021
St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated on August 20 and is an official national holiday in Hungary. Its celebrations are pivotal since this is the day when the foundations of the state of Hungary were laid. This day is observed in order to pay tribute to King Stephen thanks to whom the establishment of the state of Hungary became possible. The celebrations are marked primarily by a massive fireworks display beside the river Danube. St. Stephen’s Day is considered a very sacred day by the people of Hungary.
HISTORY OF ST. STEPHEN’S DAY St. Stephen’s Day holds a long and interesting history. It begins with Stephen the Grand Prince of the Hungarians who laid the foundations of the state. Until the end of the 10th century, the Hungarians were in conflict with other European countries. In 955 A.D., Hungarian tribes suffered a major military loss and the tribal heads decided to give up their raids and concentrate on building a strong state. Stephen was of the view that the conversion of Magyar to Christianity can serve as a great way of settling down and strengthening the state.
Stephen received a crown from Pope Sylvester II and the honor of becoming the first King of Hungary in 1000 A.D. His crown is considered a holy treasure and is still found in Hungary’s precious treasures. Stephen died on August 15, 1038 A.D. On August 20, 1083 A.D., he was made a Catholic saint. Ladislaus I declared August 20 a holy day and it was first celebrated in 1092 A.D. It was celebrated as St. Stephen’s Feast Day until 1771 when Queen Maria Theresia expanded it from a church feast to an official national holiday. It further went through amendments and in 1950 the holiday’s name was changed to Constitution Day. The Hungarian parliament reinstated it as the commemoration of St. Stephen’s Feast Day to celebrate the foundation of the Hungarian state. In the canonization process, it was found that King Stephen’s right hand had not decayed at all, hence it was removed and can now be seen in St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest.
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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 20, 2021 15:49:40 GMT
World Mosquito Day – August 20, 2021
More than just annoying summertime pests, mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading malaria, a disease that kills over half a million people every year. When Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes transmit malaria in 1897, he revolutionized our understanding of the disease and led to increased awareness about malaria prevention.
Today, the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid bites by infected mosquitoes. Insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and indoor residual spraying are all ways to reduce transmission, but the prevalence of mosquitoes in hard-hit areas like Sub-Saharan Africa pose a challenge to eradication measures.
HISTORY OF WORLD MOSQUITO DAY Mosquitoes, those tiny blood-sucking insects, are responsible for transmitting serious diseases such as malaria. With no vaccine currently available, malaria — an ancient disease that began afflicting humans from the beginning of agriculture and modern civilization — remains a deadly threat to people around the world. Caused by Plasmodium parasites, malaria shows up in historic texts as far back as the first millennium BCE. In fact, the first traces of malaria parasites were found in mosquito remains that are over 30 million years old!
Malaria has affected every continent except Antarctica, and remains a widespread problem in parts of the world including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. Over 200 million people still contract malaria each year. In 2010, 90% of malaria deaths occured in Africa. The World Health Organization reports concerns about drug-resistant malaria, which can hamper efforts to reduce the spread of the disease.
World Mosquito Day honors the date when Sir Ronald Ross, a British army surgeon working in India, proved that mosquitoes transmit malaria by identifying pigmented malaria parasites in mosquitoes that fed on an infected patient. This discovery revolutionized our knowledge of the disease and led to new preventive measures. Ross won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902.
Ross declared the first World Mosquito Day then and there, stating that the world must be made aware of the link between mosquitoes and malaria. Although an improved understanding of the disease has led to more innovative preventive measures and medical treatments, a malaria vaccine remains elusive.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 20, 2021 15:52:17 GMT
Men's Grooming Day – August 20, 2021
There’s a lot of stigma around male grooming. But in today’s society, it’s simply not acceptable to be scruffy, smelly and unkempt. So catch up, men!
Getting on the bandwagon to make sure the body and appearance are appropriately taken care of is what Men’s Grooming Day is all about.
HISTORY OF MEN'S GROOMING DAY Men’s Grooming Day encourages men everywhere to buy and use grooming products and to proactively manage their appearance. Salons, hairdressers and beauty parlors often cater especially to men on this day with offers, education, and special consideration.
Founded and sponsored by American Crew, a company dedicated to redefining what it means to be a well-groomed man, this day was created as a reminder for men to spruce up their grooming practices and take care of themselves!
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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 20, 2021 15:54:46 GMT
International Day of Medical Transporters – August 20, 2021
Whether you’re being rushed down the freeway in an ambulance after a tragic accident or being taken to an appointment in a van provided by your community or medical provider, Medical Transporters can hold your life in their hands. All over the world, people celebrate the International Day of Medical Transporters in recognition of those who are there to ease the way when your health is on the line.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MEDICAL TRANSPORTERS The history of Medical Transportation can be traced back to World War I where Field Ambulances transported those in need of medical care to facilities where they could be treated. This innovation moved into hospitals in the form of Medical Orderlies, and into the community in the form of ambulances.
These intrepid souls would see their roles expand as time went by to include emergent care on the scene, assistance with surgery, handing out medication, and treating patients who are in isolation for their medical conditions.
As the healthcare industry expands, so does the number of Medical Transporters working in the field, and the roles they have continue to expand as different niche practices find ways to incorporate them into the daily flow of treatment. From the local Medi-Van that transports patients to appointments for things like dialysis to the ambulance driver administering care to stabilize you while you’re on the way to the hospital, these professionals take our lives in their hands every day.
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