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Post by pennmom on Aug 29, 2021 14:02:15 GMT
Potteries Bottle Oven Day – August 29, 2021
On 29th August 1978, a traditional Potteries bottle oven was kindled and fired for the very last time. The event was organized by the 19 staff and 72 volunteers of Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke-on-Trent and hit the national headlines in print and broadcast media. It was a proud day for the Potteries and was described as ‘its biggest cultural event of the 20th century’.
Huge brick-built bottle ovens and kilns, integral to a pottery factory and essential in pottery manufacture, were once the dominant feature of the Potteries landscape. At their peak, around 2,000 existed in the City of Stoke-on-Trent. Most potters’ bottle ovens were fired once a week, some twice.
At each firing at least 10 tons of coal was burnt in each oven, with some very large examples consuming over 30 tons per firing. Oven firings could last over 72 hours and filled the air with thick, black, choking smoke. Ultimately, the Clean Air Act of 1956 put a stop to their use and sealed the fate of the traditional coal-fired oven.
By 1960 there were less than 200 operable coal-fired bottle ovens in north Staffordshire. New kilns, fired with gas or electricity, had replaced them. By 1963 all bottle ovens were redundant and the skills of the people who used them were gradually being lost.
Now only 47, complete with their bottle-shaped chimney, remain standing. The bottle oven chosen for the final firing formed part of the Hudson & Middleton works in Normacot Road, Longton. The bottle oven still exists today.
For the Last Bottle Oven Firing, it was filled with 1174 saggars containing specially made commemorative pottery. The eight fire mouths around the oven were then filled with a rolled newspaper, dry wooden sticks and 4 cwt (200kgs) of coal. At precisely 12:37 the first fire mouth was kindled and over the next 31 hours about 12 tons of coal were burnt to raise the temperature in the oven to around 1050°C to fire the pottery inside.
The firing was an outstanding success. The resulting pottery was fired to perfection. The glazed surface was lustrous and bright. The pottery and saggars used in the firing were sold to raise much-needed funds to help preserve the bottle ovens at Gladstone Pottery Museum which, today, is a multi-award-winning tourist attraction in the region.
Potteries Bottle Oven Day – the day the last oven was kindled – so special for the people of the Potteries.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 29, 2021 14:04:57 GMT
Pony Express Day – August 29, 2021
Pony Express Day celebrates those brave souls who made up the unique mail delivery system of the same name. Back in the days of the wild west, there was no Fed Ex, no Postal Service that ran that far west, no planes, and delivery by ship were likely to take months if it ever got there at all.
Seeing this need for a specialized delivery service, Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Express Company took an opportunity to expand into this void. From this important decision was born one of the most iconic pieces of American History, whose influence is felt in hundreds of Pony Express Day Festivals throughout the American Midwest.
LEARN ABOUT PONY EXPRESS DAY The Pony Express was a mail service that delivered mail, newspapers, and messages via horse-mounted riders. This service operated between California and Missouri from the 3rd of April in 1860 until the 24th of October in the following year. This represented a monumental investment in the United States. The time for messages to travel between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts were reduced to roughly ten days while the Pony Express was in operation.
Not only did the Pony Express make a huge difference with regard to the speed at which messages could be delivered, but it also led to a number of knock-on effects. For example, the creation of catalogs came as a consequence of this, enabling people to purchase products and have them delivered by horse. This became the most direct means of communication at the time. It is imperative in terms of ensuring the new state of California was tied with the rest of the country.
You may be wondering why the Pony Express only lasted for a short period of time considering how revolutionary it was during this period. The truth is that it went bankrupt. The company was not able to be a monetary success, despite the fact that it was heavily subsidized. This coincides with a quicker telegraph service being developed at the time. However, the short-lived venture showed that a unified communications system could be created and operated all year long.
When the Pony Express was replaced with the telegraph, it sone became romanticized, becoming a part of the American West lore. The fact that it relied on fast horses and hardy, young riders was evidence of the Frontier times and the rugged American individualism that had become associated with them, and that is why it is only right that we pay honor to these people and animals with the Pony Express Day.
HISTORY OF PONY EXPRESS DAY The Pony Express existed for 18 months between the days of April 3, 1860, to October 1861. In these days there was no airmail, no great American Highway, all there were was hundreds of miles of wide-open spaces with not much in between but animal-filled wilderness and bandito filled hollows.
During this time, if you wanted to send a letter or small package from anywhere East past the gateway of St. Joseph, Missouri, there was only one way to go. The Pony Express was a massive employer for its time, with up to 80 young riders employed at any given stage, with stringent requirements on their age, size, and weight.
The Pony Express preferred to employ the youngest riders they could, in part for their resilience, and in part for how light they were. The lighter a man was the longer the horse could run and the more cargo the rider could carry, and since the horses were put to go full tilt for 10 to 15 miles at a stretch before changing, this was of vital importance.
The rider changed out every 75 to 100 miles, but the mail never so much as slowed even in the worst of weather. While the average trip from coast to coast (On Horseback!) took 10 days, when they delivered Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, the trip was made in a mere 7 days and 17 hours.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:41:12 GMT
Frankenstein Day – August 30, 2021~U.K. & U.S.
Frankenstein Day is on August 30 and we are celebrating with all the details surrounding this classic novel. Can you believe it’s been over 200 years since the original “Frankenstein” story was published? That’s two centuries since a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein breathed life into his very own creature — the monster! And led to countless Halloweens of young children covered in green paint with box-shaped foreheads. Let’s dive into this fun holiday!
HISTORY OF FRANKENSTEIN DAY Published in 1818 by English author Mary Shelly, “Frankenstein” is considered one of the most important science fiction pieces ever written. It tells the tale of a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein who is fascinated with the creation of life. He conducts an experiment where, using a variety of human parts, he is able to bring life to a creature, which would later be known as ‘the monster.’ The story then follows Victor and the monster’s tumultuous connection, as both seek the secret to peace and happiness.
The novel received mixed reviews at the time of publication. As a female writer, Mary Shelly faced challenges in gaining acceptance and reverence from some of her male counterparts. But as time passed, especially since the mid-20th century, “Frankenstein” has received generally positive reviews. It is widely considered one of the seminal works in gothic-, science-fiction-, and romantic literature.
Almost as soon as it was published, “Frankenstein” quickly lent itself to a variety of mediums. Theatres and opera houses would put on fantastic shows and musicals based on the scientist and his creature. As film and television grew in prominence throughout the 1900s, the number of “Frankenstein” adaptations multiplied.
Two iconic additions of Frankenstein lore came in the 1930s, with the movies “Bride of Frankenstein” and its sequel “Son of Frankenstein.” While some stories would stick more closely to Mary Shelly’s source material, others would take a more liberal approach, adding new layers to the Frankenstein world, including time travel, superhuman abilities, and world domination.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:44:39 GMT
International Whale Shark Day – August 30, 2021~International
International Whale Shark Day on August 30 celebrates whale sharks and their epicness. The humongous fish happens to be the largest shark species on the planet, growing as much as 60 feet from the time of its birth. The whale shark is known for its slow and gentle behavior. It usually prefers to swim in shallow depths, but it is also found in waters as deep as 3,000 feet. Due to such factors, whale sharks are extremely easy to fish. People have been using them for their meat and fins. The whale shark market has led to at least a 50% decrease in the fish’s population. This is an alarming situation and the giant has now been placed on the endangered species list. The declining numbers also mean that the general marine environment is in danger too due to the threat of large numbers of plankton, which are one of the primary food sources for whale sharks.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL WHALE SHARK DAY The International Whale Shark Day was first commemorated in 2008 at the International Whale Shark Conference in Isla Holbox. The conference hosted 40 ocean experts, activists, and scientists who had a concern for the whale shark’s declining population. While said sharks have been around for more than 240 to 260 million years, it wasn’t until the 1820s that the whale shark was first discovered off the coast of South Africa. Dr. Andrew Smith rightfully described the fish as the largest shark to exist on earth. Despite their enormous size and the fact that their smaller cousins can prove to be more hostile, the whale sharks are known to have gentle demeanors. At birth, they are no bigger than 16 to 24 inches, but as they continue to grow, reaching their peak at 25, they can be as long as 46 to 60 feet. They have 300 rows of 3,000 teeth, which are only 0.2 inches long! Weighing in at some 12 tons, whale sharks are filter-feeders, mostly consuming planktons, squids, and fish. Like their size, they also tend to have enormous appetites that can lead them to eat 44 lbs of food every day.
The beautiful giant creatures, who also have unique patterns of dots and lines on their skin, are hard to locate. They have been around since the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, but it is reported that before the 1980s, there were less than 350 sightings recorded. This fact comes after more than 100 years since the whale shark’s discovery by the scientific community. These sharks swim in warm waters that are not too deep. Every spring, the whale sharks migrate to the Western continental shelf of Australia. The coral in the area’s Ningaloo Reef provides the fish with an ample amount of plankton. However, in recent decades, the whale shark has been placed on the endangered list of the world’s species. They are continuously hunted for meat, fins, and just pure fun. Parts of Asia like the Philippines continue the whale shark trade. If the whale sharks are not saved, it will affect our oceans too. Too many planktons will promote algal growth that in turn will lead to negative impacts on other fish species, the environment, and humans.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:47:02 GMT
National Beach Day – August 30, 2021~U.S.
Everyone loves a good day at the beach, right? Celebrate your affinity for the coast on August 30, National Beach Day. Started in 2014, this holiday raises our awareness of the beauty of beaches while also calling attention to keeping them clean and safe.
Here’s how you can help: after enjoying the beach, leave nothing behind. Keep animals from getting trapped or tangled in trash, on land and in the water. So, swim, dive, surf, and take in the world’s aquatic playgrounds. Just remember to do your part to protect one of our most cherished natural resources — our beaches.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:51:13 GMT
National Grief Awareness Day – August 30, 2021~U.S.
This National Grief Awareness Day on August 30 is dedicated to raising awareness of the myriad ways in which individuals cope with loss. It offers resources to those going through personal losses and reminds us to support people we know who are grieving. National Grief Awareness Day, founded by Angie Cartwright in 2014, hopes to encourage open communication on loss and bereavement and better inform the public on the facts of grief.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GRIEF AWARENESS DAY Grief is one of the oldest and most enduring aspects of the human experience. If you haven’t yet experienced grief, it’s unfortunately likely to happen. The term ‘grief’ encompasses all of the emotions around a loss, and ‘mourning’ is defined as the external expression of the pain. ‘Bereavement’ is another commonly-used term for grief. Throughout human history, there have been many attempts to describe and heal grief, and they have changed significantly over the years.
Due in part to our vastly improved physical and mental healthcare, grief is understood far differently today than even as little as 100 years ago. While we often have the privilege (for some, even the expectation) of only losing our loved ones when they are at a ripe old age, comfortable, and with nearby, this has rarely been the case throughout history. The lack of modern transportation often separated loved ones, wars ravaged populations, and poor medical and sanitation knowledge led to too many untimely deaths. Throughout history, the deaths of loved ones have been far more common, and grief was understood differently. Burials, often in groupings, occur throughout the world. In many cultures, and friends attend funerals or certain types of wakes to honor the deceased. Though mourning traditions vary from culture to culture, these aspects of the ritual often persist.
In part due to the frequency of death and grief, the topic was poorly researched or treated until the 1900s. In 1917, famous psychologist Sigmund Freud wrote: “grieving is a natural process that should not be tampered with.” This encapsulates the sentiment well: grieving is a part of life and needs no special attention. As the century wore on, however, there came to be more interest in grief and its stages.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross famously wrote her consequential book, “On Death and Dying,” in 1969. The book laid out the ‘Five Stages of Grief’ that many are familiar with today, under the name ‘The Kübler-Ross Method.’ This was easily accepted, and grief was managed along a distinct timeline for years. Simon Shimshon Rubin put forth the Two Track Model of Bereavement to further explain the phenomenon in 1981. However, it was only from 1996 to 2006 that great headway was made in the understanding of grief as something that resisted strict and chronological definition. In the 2000s, a more fluid understanding of grief, especially as a multifaceted and complex issue, has come to be understood and treated.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:53:23 GMT
National Holistic Pet Day – August 30, 2021~U.S.
Mind. Body. Spirit. Fetch. Fetch? When it comes to the well-being of our pets, any kind of movement is game — even fetch. On August 30, we can share valuable insights to help our pets have more fulfilling lives on National Holistic Pet Day.
A holistic approach to well-being is nothing new for humans, but applying the lifestyle to household pets is still a growing trend. It starts with the basics of good nutrition, lots of physical exercise, and even mental stimulation. Animals need to be mentally active and challenged or they risk listlessness and boredom. Take some time to learn about caring for your pet with the same generosity you give your own mind, body, and spirit.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 15:56:48 GMT
Summer Bank Holiday (England and Wales) – August 30, 2021~U.K.
On the last Monday of August we have Summer Bank Holiday (England and Wales), taking place on August 30 this year. It gives everyone a chance to enjoy the last of summer holidays before a continuous grind until Christmas starts. Initially created as a way to allow bank workers to watch a key cricket match, the Summer Bank Holiday is now a public holiday in England and Wales. What is interesting is that any public holiday is now referred to as a bank holiday. With a few exceptions, most businesses and bank branches are closed on the designated day. Festivals and carnivals become a source of entertainment for many people. The Notting Hill Carnival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival are just some of the most anticipated highlight events during the Summer Bank Holiday.
HISTORY OF SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY (ENGLAND AND WALES) The Summer Bank Holiday (England and Wales) goes all the way back to the 19th century. In 1871, Sir John Lubbock, who was a Liberal politician, scientist, and banker, introduced the Bank Holidays Act. Previously, the bank workers got holidays according to the customary religious festivals that the country celebrated. Such holidays included Easter and Christmas. However, Lubbock, who worked as a banker himself in his company, felt that more holidays needed to be given to bank workers during other important occasions, and in this case, this other important occasion included a cricket match. Once the Act was approved and implemented, it meant that no bank workers were compelled to go to their workplaces in order to provide service to incoming customers. Some people were so overjoyed with this new development that they initially referred to the first few years’ bank holidays as Sir John Lubbock’s Days.
The Summer Bank Holiday (England and Wales) takes place on the last Monday of August. Yet, this wasn’t always the case. Along with Scotland and Northern Ireland, England and Wales celebrated the Summer Bank Holiday on the first Monday of August. This was challenged by some politicians in court, and a trial started in 1965. More than half a decade later, the Summer Bank Holiday for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland was moved to the last Monday instead of the first. Scotland, to this day, continues to practice the Summer Bank Holiday on the first Monday of the month. During the three-day-long weekend, people spend the days out and about to enjoy the last of the summer festivities. One very renowned festival takes place in Notting Hill. It was first held in 1965 by immigrants from the Caribbean who were protesting against racism. The event is famous for its dances, music, and elaborate costumes. Being one of the popular festivals of all time, each year the event attracts at least two million audiences. Other festivals include the Manchester Pride Festival and the Creamfields Dance Music Festival of Cheshire.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 16:03:58 GMT
Amagwinya Day – August 30, 2021~South Africa
Are you a fan of Johnny Cakes? Do you salivate when someone mentions Dutch Oliebol? Does it feel like an instant fiesta when you get your hands on a Sopalillas? Then Amagwinya Day is going to fill you with another burst of joy by introducing you to the Afrikaner Amagwinya, a fried dough bread that is absolutely incredible, and is popular throughout the entire South African Region. If you’ve never heard of any of these breads then you’re in for a fantastic treat as you discover just how amazing fried bread can be!
HISTORY OF AMAGWINYA DAY It seems that almost every culture that has encountered flour has discovered that if you create a light yeast-based dough and drop it in boiling oil that something magical will happen. Like most fried dough breads Amagwinya has a distinct similarity to the doughnut in texture and composition, though its most popular preparations are a far cry away from the sweet and creamy fillings that most people associate with doughnuts. The word Amagwinya is Zulu in origin, and can be translated as simply ‘fat cake’.
Amagwinya is thought to find its roots in the Dutch Oliebol that found its way down thanks to trade and travelers, and has become a common favorite of the populace. Its two most common preparations involve frying the dough, opening it up, and stuffing it with a savory curry based meat filling, or this same combination only the meat is sealed in the bread before it’s fried. Either way this common treat is warming, filling, and a favorite convenience food that can be found anywhere people gather, from the mass transit in Joburg to open-air street markets. If you’re a lover of all things savory and fried, then Amagwinya Day is going to be your opportunity to dive into a whole new set of cuisine that follows a familiar theme.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 16:09:27 GMT
Slinky Day – August 30, 2021~U.S.
That little jingle has been heard by millions upon millions of people worldwide. Catchy, and with a toy that is a staple from our own childhoods, the Slink is a Toy Hall of Fame superstar.
Sitting up there with the likes of Barbie, G.I. Joe and LEGO, this powerhouse of a toy has the humblest of beginnings. But even with those humble beginnings, it was more than enough to bring it to the attention of children worldwide, and later having Slinky Day to remember, and play with, those metal and plastic coils.
HISTORY OF SLINKY DAY The Slinky was originally designed and sold in the 1940s. The inventor had accidentally knocked a spring off the shelf, and watched it ‘walk’ down a series of books, to a tabletop, and then to the floor where it neatly coiled itself. The creator, Richard James, had gone home to his wife Betty and said “I think if I got the right property of steel and the right tension, I could make it walk. “ It took the better part of a year, but he had done it. Making 400 Slinky units with a five hundred dollar loan, James and his wife had founded a company to make, and sell, this unique toy to the masses. With a dollar for a price tag, they were interesting, but not really a hit.
Until the fateful day, that they were granted permission to set up an inclined plane in the toy section of Gimbles Department Store. Within ninety minutes, they had sold all 400 of the units, with more being requested. Only a year later, the Slinky was introduced at the American Toy Fair, the largest gathering of businesses that produce, and market, toys to various stores.
Since then, the Slinky has been marketed around the world, with both plastic and metal finding placement around the world in various forms. During the Vietnam War, United States troops used them as mobile radio antennas, as have amateur radio operators ever since. NASA uses them in experiments on Space Shuttles, and teachers use them to simulate the properties of oscillation in waves.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 30, 2021 16:12:06 GMT
National Toasted Marshmallow Day – August 30, 2021~U.S.
National Toasted Marshmallow Day on August 30 is one of the most anticipated food holidays many look forward to every year. It not only allows us to enjoy a sweet treat like toasted marshmallows over a fire, but it also marks one of the last times people will be enjoying summer. Marshmallows, believe it or not, have been around for quite a while. In fact, ancient Egypt made the sugary treat thousands of years ago. History has also recorded people using it for treating ailments like angina. Now that’s something rather bizarre you don’t hear about every day. Let us take you on a journey of how this beloved treat came into being and how you can celebrate the day in all its glory.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TOASTED MARSHMALLOW DAY The National Toasted Marshmallow Day was created by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The organization promotes the sweets businesses in the U.S.A. One may think that promoting sugary food items might make for an unhealthy nation, but NCA aims to bring to light the benefits of choosing healthy options, which would, in turn, lead to a “balanced lifestyle” for many. Another of NCA’s goals includes lobbying for better communication frameworks, industrial insights, and regulatory business laws. All these factors would help candy businesses in America to grow and remain maintained in both the local and global market spheres. The candy business alone creates some 54,000 job opportunities in over 1,3000 factories in the country.
The exact date of when marshmallows were created has been lost to history, but many scholars cite ancient Egypt as somewhat of a starting point for the sweet treat. Ancient Egyptians made marshmallows by extracting the sap from the root of a plant called ‘Althaea officinalis.’ This plant is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe, and it grows, as you may have guessed, in marshes. Apart from being used to make marshmallows, the plant was also employed as an ornamental decoration throughout the world. Coming back to the sweet treat, the marshmallow-making process was extremely tedious and laborious in nature. The special final product, mixed with honey and nuts, was served to royalty and gods only, making it off-limits for the public. Over the centuries, the marshmallow went through several changes. From being produced by French confectioners by hand in the 1800s to being produced using machines in the 1900s, marshmallows were being enjoyed by more and more people. The key ingredient, which was the root of the marshmallow plant, was also replaced with gelatin/corn starch as the latter made the process easier and faster. People eat marshmallows in a variety of ways. They have it in milkshakes or with chocolate or crackers or simply toasted.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 16:21:18 GMT
Eat Outside Day – August 31, 2021 ~ U.S.
Eat Outside Day, falling on August 31, encourages everyone to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors whilst enjoying a meal, too. Our earliest ancestors ate outside, so it’s no wonder we love to eat in the open air as they did. Whether you want a luxurious al fresco dining experience or a simple, rustic bite surrounded by nature, we’ve got some suggestions to make you salivate over Eat Outside Day.
HISTORY OF EAT OUTSIDE DAY The human race has always eaten outside — in the early days, simply because there was no other option! But the choice to dine outside dates back to the Medieval period when men would fuel up with a hearty meal of bread, meat, and cheese just before setting off for a hunt.
In the centuries that followed, eating outside continued to be associated with hunting, when in the summer months the gentry would feast under large tents on the spoils of the day’s hunt. These would typically be lavish occasions, recreating the banquet they might have had inside, but in the open air.
It was the French people who made al-fresco dining an option for the masses when, following the French Revolution in 1789, the former Royal Parks were opened to the public, and people used them for socializing, bringing food to share, and enjoying it together. At a similar time, pleasure gardens were created in the U.S. These were private spaces where a could walk, play outdoor games, and enjoy a meal. These were replicated by the Germans as their beer gardens and, in the Prohibition era, they were made into tea gardens in the U.S.
The invention and later increasing affordability of the motorcar enabled people to travel further afield to enjoy a day out in the countryside, making picnics a highly popular way to socialize and stay energized. Our enjoyment of good weather combined with good food has also proven lucrative for restaurants, with al-fresco dining, and homes, with outdoor spaces for BBQs.
As we can’t always rely on the weather, we celebrate Eat Outside Day on August 31 when the weather should be at its best and we can celebrate the history of food, socializing, and the great outdoors!
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 16:24:36 GMT
Independence Day – August 31, 2021 ~ Malaysia
Malaysia Independence Day, also known as National Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ in Malay is observed on August 31 and commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957. It is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia as the official independence day when it gained its freedom from the British colonial administration. Usually, the celebrations start from the beginning of August with various programs and national competitions. Owing to the celebrations, the month of August is also known as the National Month.
HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY The efforts for the independence of Malaysia were headed by the first Malaysian prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. He led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya to negotiate with the British for independence.
When the threat of a communist revolt, posed during the Malayan Emergency gradually became less, an agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaysia to gain independence from the British Empire. But due to some logistical and administrative reasons, their actual independence was declared in the following year on August 31, 1957.
On the night of August 30, 1957, crowds gathered at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to witness the handover of power from the British. At the stroke of midnight, the Union Jack in the square was lowered. The new Flag of Malaysia was raised as the national anthem Negaraku was played. This was followed by seven chants of “Merdeka” by the crowd.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 17:02:09 GMT
International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31, 2021 ~ International
International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 is a stark reminder of the harm that drugs inflict on our society. It is a day to remember those who have fallen victims to overdose as well as those who have come out of the dark hole victorious with the help of loved ones. International Overdose Awareness Day also aims to reduce the stigma attached to the issue, most of which is faced by the families of the victims. Many who are not aware of the factors behind overdose unfairly blame victims. Such an attitude only works to flair the negativities surrounding the topic, suppressing any efforts to raise awareness. August 31 is the day to come out and stand in solidarity in order to reduce future overdose deaths.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY The first International Overdose Awareness Day was commemorated 20 years ago. It was started by Sally J. Finn who was in St. Kilda, Melbourne at The Salvation Army. In the beginning, she gave this suggestion to her friend Peter Streker, who worked at the Community and Health Development Program in Australia. Both Finn and Streker wanted to highlight the consequences people face when someone close to them overdoses, resulting in either a critical state or death. Another objective was to attempt to reduce the apathy and stigma the general public had towards the overdose victims. Since its inception in 2001, the day has been noted by governments and official organizations. Special events and kits are prepared every year to welcome the day and achieve the goals related to it.
Overdose is described as taking too much of a substance, and in this case, the overdose is related to drugs. Overdosing on drugs can be deliberate or otherwise. People deliberately overdosing on drugs may do it due to suicidal tendencies, mental illnesses, or looking to achieve higher levels of intoxication. On the other hand, people, who overdose on drugs by mistake, may do so because of incorrect measurements. Whatever the case may be, the resulting consequences are faced by the people who are close to the victims. These effects are felt on socio-economic levels. The prejudice and stigma surrounding the topic make it hard for families and friends to overcome their grief. This also, inevitably, results in less awareness. What we as a society can do is talk about the overdose more openly, support people in their struggles, and continue to fight. Even if one person is saved at the end of the day, it is a victory to be celebrated.
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 17:05:45 GMT
Love Litigating Lawyers Day – August 31, 2021
Love Litigating Lawyers Day — a special day to show lawyers, especially litigation lawyers, how much we appreciate them — is held on August 31 each year. Often, lawyers have a not-so-great reputation for being heartless, and this day also works to change this perception. The U.S. celebrates this day to remind everyone that lawyers are people too and that they do important work.
HISTORY OF LOVE LITIGATING LAWYERS DAY While legal systems were established a long time ago, the legal profession as we know it is a modern invention. The only known legal specialist was the judge, and he was technically a part-time specialist. In earlier times, only the kings, chiefs, or princes of societies dispensed justice.
The origins of law and lawyers (again, not the modern version) show up in Greek history. Ancient Greeks had orators who would plead a case for friends. At that time, only individuals or their friends could plead their cases. Also, these orators were not allowed to charge for their services. While literature shows evidence that this law was broken multiple times, the law itself was not abolished, making the lawyer trade an informal profession.
In ancient Rome, the case was much the same — ‘lawyers’ practiced, but could not officially charge their clients. This continued until Emperor Claudius (August 1, 10 B.C. to October 13, 54 A.D.) abolished this law and legalized the legal system. Now, people could charge a fee of up to 10,000 sesterces, an ancient Roman currency, for their services. However, this fee was considered to be too little pay, and lawyers were not able to sustain a living with it. Historians attribute much of the development of the early legal system to the Ancient Romans. The legal profession had collapsed by the time the medieval period rolled around. A resurgence saw many lawyers work with the church exclusively.
When British colonies settled in America, the people did not warm up to the idea of lawyers. Some colonies even outlawed this profession, and in places where lawyers were allowed to practice, their work and fees were strictly regulated. However, there was usually no special training or requirements for people to become lawyers. This situation changed in 1761. This year, the Bill of Rights was ratified, and this gave people in the U.S. the right to legal representation. Soon after, lawyers were required to have at least seven years of training before they could practice law. A code of professional ethics followed, and gradually, the negative perception that dogged this occupation began to change. Over the next decade, many small law schools were set up by lawyers across the U.S. The very first law degree, the Bachelor of Law, was granted by the College of William and Mary in 1793. This degree was called an L.B., and it eventually became an L.L.B. Law schools like these paved the way for future lawyers to get an education easily.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 17:07:46 GMT
National Trail Mix Day – August 31, 2021 ~ U.S.
We eat it without thinking about it but trail mix keeps us happy throughout the day. Every year on August 31, National Trail Mix Day honors this healthy snack created for noshing on hikes in the great outdoors.
What makes trail mix so special? Not only is it a nutritious combination of granola, nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes chocolate, but it’s also lightweight, easy to store, and provides a quick energy boost and sustained energy. So what are you waiting for? Grab a handful and let’s celebrate!
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 17:11:37 GMT
World Distance Learning Day – August 31, 2021 ~ World
World Distance Learning Day on August 31 is a day to embrace the learning that takes place outside of the physical classroom. Whether it is a remote learning program that is delivered entirely at a distance, or a hybrid blend of in-classroom and at-home learning, the added flexibility and often more cost-effective option of distance learning is benefiting more students around the world than ever before. In recent times, the internet and the resulting surge of high-quality online curriculum and courses have completely transformed traditional education methods and given birth to the popular distance learning movement. With that in mind, today is a day to be thankful for the distance learning opportunities we have and the countless resources that are available to use.
HISTORY OF WORLD DISTANCE LEARNING DAY Learning facilities haven’t always been a few clicks away. Back in 1728, Caleb Phillips was advertising his teachings on a new method of shorthand in the Boston Gazette, with the lessons to be delivered via mail on a weekly basis. Sir Isaac Pitman took the idea one step further in England in the 1840s. He was also teaching shorthand via mail, but his students would send him a postcard containing their own efforts, which he would correct and send back to them. Pitman’s course swelled in popularity and within a few years, the Phonographic Correspondence Society was established to formalize the courses on offer. This society led to colleges and by 1873 the first correspondence school to operate in the U.S was founded.
Universities began offering distance learning options and the idea was driven forwards by the Open University in the 1960s. They offered a respectable alternative to traditional learning methods and have been at the forefront of developing new technologies and teaching methods ever since their inception.
The internet revolutionized distance learning, making it easier, faster, and cheaper for students to learn. The first completely online course arrived in 1984 and both the resources available online and the number of students taking part have developed at a rapid pace ever since. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to widespread school closures, which in turn meant that more students than ever turned to distance learning.
World Distance Learning Day was established to raise awareness of the learning resources and options available to students and to celebrate how far the concept of distance education has advanced over the years.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Aug 31, 2021 17:16:15 GMT
We Love memoirs Day – August 31, 2021
A memoir is not the same as an autobiography. An autobiography covers the entire life of a person. A memoir does not do this. Instead, it can focus on a significant period or moment in a person’s life. Perhaps the most famous memoir of all-time is The Diary of a Young Girl, which is the memoir of Anne Frank.
LEARN ABOUT WE LOVE MEMOIRS DAY We Love Memoirs Day has been created so that readers and authors can be brought together to observe this incredible style of writing. A memoir is more focused than an autobiography. It looks at an intimate moment in time, rather than going through the full history of a person’s life. On We Love Memoirs Day, we honor this incredible form of writing and we take the time to appreciate some of the amazing memoirs that have been published over the years. We are also provided with the perfect opportunity to start our own memoir, should we wish.
HISTORY OF WE LOVE MEMOIRS DAY We Love Memoirs was set up on 31st August 2013 by two memoir authors, Victoria Twead and Alan Parks, who wanted to create a place where memoir readers and authors could come together and chat.
Victoria Twead is a New York Times bestselling author of “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools” and the “Old Fools” series, while Alan Parks is the author of “Seriously Mum, What’s an Alpaca?” and the “Seriously Mum” series. Victoria and Alan were determined to foster a warm community and have always discouraged authors from pushing their own books at readers.
The results have been astounding, and WLM has grown quickly. New friendships are formed every day, and WLM meet-ups across the globe have become common. Small wonder that the We Love Memoirs community – which can be found here – is often described as “the friendliest group on Facebook”.
Not only is it important to understand the history of We Love Memoirs Day, but it helps to know about the history of the memoir itself. This can be dated to 397 AD, when The Confessions of Saint Augustine was written by St. Augustine of Hippo. He used this as an opportunity to tell the world about his sins. Ever since then, getting to know a stranger intimately is something that we have all had a bit of an obsession with, especially when this stranger is someone famous or has been involved in a well-known incident.
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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 Sept 2, 2021 14:42:25 GMT
VJ Day – September 2, 2021 ~ U.S.
V-J Day, celebrated every September 2 in the U.S., stands for Victory over Japan Day, commemorating a shift in the Second World War in favor of the Allies (the U.S., Great Britain, France and other nations) that spelled the end of the massive conflict. It is commonly accepted knowledge that what precipitated the Japanese Empire’s ultimate surrender was the U.S. having bombed two major Japanese cities (Nagasaki and Hiroshima) with atomic warheads, causing such a concentrated and gigantic loss of Japanese lives that there really was no hope of a victory for the island nation thereafter.
WHEN IS VJ DAY 2021? America’s victory over Japan in the Second World War is celebrated on VJ Day on September 2.
HISTORY OF VJ DAY In much the same way as a statement like, “I’m not a hero, I just did what anyone would have done,” has come to sound trite, we’re sure that in the mid-20th century, the phrase “ultimate sacrifice” held a power that was more raw and personal than it may hold now. Americans had seen nothing like it. The First World War was, until that point, considered “the war to end all wars,” but in terms of death tolls, WWII saw the demise of around three times more than its predecessor (50-80 million souls lost in WWII, around three percent of the world population).
This is to say that the average Joe or Jane back then was indeed spontaneously overcome with joy and emotion on the day of declared victory, even to the point where some of the V-J Day celebrations around the world resembled riots, and cost lives in their own right. However, the nation and the western world were united. Good had triumphed over evil.
Today, the History Channel and other popular TV broadcasting, plus many Hollywood films, and a ton of printed fiction and nonfiction popular literature, all still frequently feature the events of the European and Pacific Theaters of WWII as story material. We think it’s a safe assumption that our readers have a basic working knowledge of the United States’ entry into the war following the kamikaze Japanese (conventional explosive) bombing of Pearl Harbor, forward in time through the American landing on the beaches of Europe, sacrificing life and limb to fetter the Nazi animal and gradually gaining more ground, on through to the bitter end.
The iconic images, too, are unforgettable. The famous scene of a sailor sweeping a Navy nurse into his arms and kissing her during the Times Square public celebration of V-J Day, as it happens, is actually two very similar photographs taken of the same couple by two different photographers who had their work published in two different national periodicals. More on that shortly. For now, though, let us all agree that the celebration of V-J Day every September 2 is not a thing to be taken lightly, considering the true costs of war, and yet it should be a source of positive pride and the relief brought by the end of a trying labor, passed down through generations.
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