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Post by pennmom on Nov 26, 2021 18:35:48 GMT
Maize Day – November 26, 2021~U.S.
National Maize Day is on November 26 this year, a day after Thanksgiving. Maize is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and this yellow gift of nature is worth so much more. Maize is so beneficial that it has a day carved out every year just to celebrate it. Corrine Lightweaver started the holiday, and we’ve found it beneficial to observe it. Did you know yellow isn’t the only Maize color? Its other rare colors are white, pink, red, blue, and black. Some are spotted, or striped, or multicolored.
HISTORY OF MAIZE DAY In 2004, artist Corinne Lightweaver unintentionally launched the holiday as a small research experiment with her family to observe Thanksgiving Day from the standpoint of the indigenous people.
Maize (‘Zea mays’) can be traced back to 1500 B.C. in southern Mexico. Early Mexican farmers domesticated a wild grass called ‘teosinte’ by picking the best and biggest kernels, and ultimately, the famous crop we recognize today as maize was established. The domesticated maize circulated fast throughout Mexico because it is rich in nutrients, easy to grow, store, carry, prepare, and eat. It went down the coast to Peru and beyond, moving across the North until it eventually reached the Native Americans. Today, maize is global and is a major part of our diet. 297,624,053.95 imperial tons are produced yearly in the U.S. alone.
Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world, produced more than rice or wheat. In addition to being eaten directly by humans, maize is used as feed for animals and made into cornstarch and corn syrup products. Sugar-rich varieties called sweet corn are grown for human consumption as kernels, while field varieties are typically used for animal feed and corn-based human food.
Maize grows as tall as 23 feet and as short as eight feet, and the beloved sweet corn is usually the shorter kind. Maize is rich in vitamin C; the antioxidant helps protect your cells from damage and ward off cancer and heart diseases. Yellow corn is rich in carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against lens damage that causes cataracts, making it great for the eyes. The six types of maize or corn are sweet corn, dent corn, pod corn, flour corn, flint corn, and popcorn.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 26, 2021 18:41:02 GMT
National Cake Day – November 26, 2021~U.S.
“LET THEM EAT CAKE” National Cake Day is on November 26. We believe Marie Antoinette said it best when she (allegedly) said “let them eat cake!”
We’re not sure the peasants of 18th century France were too fond of the sentiment but nevertheless we’ll take her advice do just that!
“Let Them Eat Cake!” – A Real Quote from Marie Antoinette…Probably
WHAT IS NATIONAL CAKE DAY? Can’t wait for your birthday? Remember, National Cake Day falls on November 26. No one really knows how this holiday came about, but we all know that we all love to eat cake.
One Cake to Rule Them, One Cake to Burn the House Down
Birthday parties, wedding receptions, baby showers, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceañeras, and pretty much any social event has cake for dessert.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CAKE DAY The term “cake” has a rather complicated history. The word itself is of Viking origin, from the Old Norse word “kaka.”
It’s All Greek to Me! The ancient Greeks called cake “plakous,” which was derived from the word for “flat.” The simple ingredients include flour mixed with eggs, milk, nuts, and honey. They also had a cake called “satura,” which was a flat heavy cake. During the Roman period, the name for cake became “placenta,” which was derived from the Greek term. A placenta was baked on a pastry base or inside a pastry case.
Baklava is considered an “O.G. Cake” by all Major Historians
(The name placenta is still used today on the island of Lesbos in Greece to describe a baklava-type dessert of layered pastry leaves containing crushed nuts that is baked and then covered in honey.)
When in Rome The Greeks invented beer as a leavener, frying fritters in olive oil, and cheesecakes using goat’s milk. In ancient Rome the basic bread dough was sometimes enriched with butter, eggs, and honey, which produced a sweet and cake-like dessert.
Get Down(ton) With The Queen Early cakes in England were also mainly bread. The most obvious differences between a “cake” and “bread” were the round, flat shape of the cakes, and the cooking method, which turned cakes over once while cooking, while bread was left upright throughout the baking process.
Sponge cakes, leavened with beaten eggs, originated during the Renaissance.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 26, 2021 18:44:14 GMT
National Law Day – November 26, 2021~India
National Law Day — also known as Samvidhan Divas — is celebrated in India on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. Constitution Day is not a public holiday, however, government departments and schools across the country acknowledge the day with various events and activities. As per the Department of Education and Literacy, the preamble of the constitution is read in all schools by all students. Also, there are quiz and essay competitions both online and offline on the subject. The Department of Higher Education also requests various universities to arrange mock parliamentary debates in colleges.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LAW DAY On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution of India. It came into force on January 26, 1950. Constitution Day aims to bring awareness about the importance of the Constitution and Dr. B R Ambedkar. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, is considered to be the chief architect of the Constitution of India. He is also called the Father of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution of India was drafted by the members of the Constituent Assembly.
The Constitution is a set of written principles and precedents of the Government of India. It frames fundamental political principles, procedures, rights, directive principles, restrictions, and duties of the government and the citizens of the country. The Constitution of India declares the country a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic. It assures its citizen’s equality, liberty, and justice.
The preamble is a brief statement which records the aims and aspirations of the people of India. The Constitution of India reads: “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, and to secure to all its citizens:
“Justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and opportunity, and to promote among them all — fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution.”
From 1947 to 1950, India continued to use the legislation implemented when it was a dominion of Britain. In the meantime, the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of India, which would replace the Government of India Act, 1935, as the country’s fundamental governing document. The Constitution was drawn from several sources, while India’s needs and conditions were given paramount importance. B R Ambedkar studied the Constitutions of over 60 countries before drafting the Constitution of India. Now, various programs are held by ministries and departments throughout the year to spread thoughts and ideas of Ambedkar across the country.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 26, 2021 18:46:45 GMT
Native American Heritage Day – November 26, 2021~U.S.
National Native American Heritage Day is observed on November 26, a day after Thanksgiving. American Indians are accorded special honor on this day, and their rich cultures, accomplishments, contributions, and heritage are celebrated. The history of America begins with Native Americans, and the bald eagle on the U.S. shield is an Iroquois symbol. On this day, we can enjoy displays of their cultural fashion and unique recipes and speak out against the grave injustices they have experienced.
HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca nation first protested for National Native American Heritage Day between 1912 and 1915. At first, he was fighting for an “American Indian Day” to be recognized within the Boy Scouts of America. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca, to designate the day after Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day. The law was established on November 28 as a day to pay respects to the Native Americans for their numerous contributions to the United States. The American Indian Heritage Day was supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes.
The Native American Heritage Day encourages Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate the indigenous cultures appropriately, with ceremonies and activities. Schools are also encouraged to enhance their students’ awareness of Native Americans by providing classroom activities focused on their history, contributions, and achievements.
The United States House of Representatives initially passed the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009, with technical adjustments made by a collective consent in the United States Senate. The House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass the legislation again, including the Senate’s adjustments. The legislation was then signed into public law by President Barack Obama on October 30, 2009.
Native American Heritage Day and Month is a huge platform for Indigenous people to educate society about their communities. On this day, more than ever, they lead the discourse on culture, celebrate their heritage by donning traditional footwear (“rocking the moccasin”), and shed some light on the diverse tribal communities.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 26, 2021 18:49:24 GMT
Sinkie Day – November 26, 2021~U.S.
Sinkie Day — or Dine Over Your Kitchen Sink Day — is the day after Thanksgiving, which is November 26 this year, and it is especially for those of us to whom leftovers taste much better when eaten over the sink. Imagine that after spending hours cleaning up the house, you want to give yourself a treat, a juicy or crunchy bite that will get crumbs everywhere. Taking it out of the kitchen may not be wise unless you love cleaning. One of the best places to eat that yummy but messy treat is over the sink. And some of us are natural sinkies; it’s just in us. Yes, sinkies are a thing. A ‘sinkie’ is someone who dines over the kitchen sink, grabs a quick bite in the car, drinks milk straight from the carton, or snacks right out of the refrigerator.
HISTORY OF SINKIE DAY Sinkie Day was founded in 1991 by the International Association of People Who Dine Over the Kitchen Sink (IAPWDOTKS). The aim is to celebrate the tradition of saving precious time by eating while standing over the kitchen sink and donating revenues to charities that help combat world hunger. Norm Hankoff came up with the idea while chowing down some tuna salad over his kitchen sink using potato chips as a spoon. Hankoff’s idea enthralled him so much that he asked everyone around him to join. In March 1994, when Hillary Clinton was looking for an American chef, Hankoff sent a letter suggesting that the Clintons try this alternative dining style. He got a favorable reply letter from the White House, and Sinkie Day kicked off. The IAPWDOTKS motto is: “Everybody does it. Sinkies proudly admit it.”
Being a sinkie isn’t something to be ashamed of. The sinkie attitude is about de-stressing and having fun with food without worrying about the mess it’ll make. As a sinkie, you don’t have to go through the tiring routine of getting a table set and ready. It makes so much sense that Sinkie Day is a day after Thanksgiving because there are always leftovers of food, snacks, and desserts from Thanksgiving dinner. We understand how much work gets put into Thanksgiving Day, so we observe this holiday designated for snacking over the kitchen sink right after it. All we truly need is the kitchen sink to lean over and chow down while crumbs and food juices fall in the sink for effortless cleanup.
Sinkie Day coincides with Black Friday and the rush to get the best deals on items we’ve had our eyes on for months. In a rush, we may forget to eat or deliberately skip meals for later. Sinkie Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in thanksgiving leftovers or fresh treats. We don’t need to explain why we’re eating over the sink, or drinking out of the carton, on this particular day. The Day after Thanksgiving is for munching anything, anytime, anywhere, with no plate.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 27, 2021 21:05:53 GMT
Small Business Saturday – November 27, 2021~U.S.
Small Business Saturday® falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — November 27. In the age of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to skip over the mom-and-pop shop for the big box store or online retailer. But SBS sponsors hope you don’t forget about smaller neighborhood shops.
HISTORY OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Oddly enough, American Express, a U.S. corporation with $37 billion in revenue in 2018, started Small Business Saturday in 2010. (Yes, most small retailers do accept credit cards.) The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined as a cosponsor five years later. SBS has become an important part of how many small businesses launch their busiest shopping season.
According to the 2018 SBS Consumer Insights Survey, total reported spending among U.S. consumers who said they shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on the day reached a record high of approximately $17.8 billion. The same survey reported that more than 70% of consumers are now aware of the Small Business Saturday initiative. Based on this annual survey over the years, SBS spending has now reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since the day began.
SBA, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and American Express hope to drive traffic and revenue to America’s 30 million independent businesses through Small Business Saturday events.
The U.S. Small Business Administration, created in 1953, helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. It’s an independent agency of the federal government built to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Among other things, the SBA provides small businesses with access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy. Perhaps most importantly, the SBA offers free counseling and low-cost training to new entrepreneurs and established small businesses in over 1,800 locations.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 27, 2021 21:08:42 GMT
Aura Awareness Day – November 27, 2021~International
In 2002, the world began to celebrate International Aura Awareness Day every fourth Saturday in November, on November 27 this year. Since then, more people have become aware of the auras that surround all living things. An aura is a distinctive feeling or character, the air of a person or place perceived by those who encounter or experience them. In Latin and Ancient Greek, the literal word, ‘Aura,’ means wind, breeze, or breath, and it also meant ‘a gentle breeze’ in medieval English. International Aura Awareness Day celebrates the valid belief in the existence of auras as the energy around every creature of this world.
HISTORY OF AURA AWARENESS DAY Cynthia Sue Larson began International Aura Awareness Day in 2002, but Indian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have mentioned ‘auras’ since time immemorial, connecting them to chakras and kundalini.
As early as in the 19th century, the word ‘aura’ already described a quality or energy emitting from someone or something, particularly with the rise of New Age Religions. Charles Webster Leadbeater was the first to talk about auras in that context. He was a priest of the Church of England who had studied theosophy in India. Leadbeater acknowledged that he had mystic powers, and he could use those powers to make scientific investigations. In his book “Man Visible and Invisible,” published in 1902, he illustrated man’s aura in various stages. A British occultist of the 20th century, W.E. Butler was the first to link auras with clairvoyance after discovering that they helped measure the body’s physical health.
Every human on earth has an energy field, or an aura, around them. This is also true for other living things such as plants and animals. Specific types of cameras capture auras, displaying them as halos or projections of light surrounding the body. Auras have different colors, which can change over time. Each color is believed to have an alternate importance. Red often depicts a fearless and passionate personality. Orange is imaginative and full of emotion. Pink is delicate and calm. White is devoted and has an uplifting positivity. Yellow has high self-esteem and is confident. Green is drawn to wildlife and nature, and are natural healers. Tan cherishes detail. Blue is caring. Purple has a richly powerful personality. These are the colors seen in different auras.
Conceptual artist Christina Lonsdale once said, “As human beings, we radiate a very low level of electricity that’s otherwise known as an electromagnetic field.” She became famous with the growing prominence of the Aura Camera lab “Radiant Human,” she started in 2014, where she takes portraits and reads auras. The camera in question is a Polaroid hand-built by Guy Coggins in the ‘70s. A few people claim to see auras around others; saying auras give an understanding of an individual’s convictions, thoughts, and personality. Auras can be dark too or injured, and a damaged aura demonstrates an emotional, physical or mental issue. Meditation, positive affirmations, visualization, and energy balancing can help cleanse the aura and bring recovery when an aura is damaged.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 27, 2021 21:10:25 GMT
National Bavarian Cream Pie Day – November 27, 2021~U.S.
If you are a pie lover, then you will love what National Bavarian Cream Pie Day on November 27 is all about! The renowned dessert’s history is older than a lot of us, dating back to as far as the 19th century, and some may say even older. Though we might be unsure of this timeline, one thing is certain: we can thank the French for spicing up our lives with this delectable creamy dessert.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BAVARIAN CREAM PIE DAY There’s a rumbling in our tummies, and it’s all thanks to the delicious Bavarian cream. Also called crème bavaroise, this tasty dessert made its grand entrance in the early 19th century, and has been filling bellies ever since.
A French celebrity chef called Marie-Antoine Carême is credited for perfecting Bavarian cream. He created the high art of French cooking and established many of the French cooking techniques still used today. The concept and creation of the cream itself are said to have been around since the 17th century when French chefs cooked for the House of Wittelsbach — a German royal that ruled Bavaria from the 12th century until 1918.
Bavarian cream is a custard made with heavy cream and whipping cream and coated with gelatin that enables the cream to set more firmly in molds. It allows a variety of flavors, numerous recipes, and is mostly used as a dessert alongside a fruit puree or a fruit sauce.
Bavarian cream became popular after the 1900s when instant pudding and custard mixes helped advance the process of making these kinds of desserts. True Bavarian creams first appeared in the United States in Boston Cooking School cookbooks in 1884, and “The Fannie Farmer Cookbook” in 1896. With so many flavors and recipes to choose from, today is the best opportunity to enjoy the delicious creamy goodness that is the Bavarian cream pie.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 28, 2021 22:26:20 GMT
First Sunday of Advent – November 28, 2021~International
The First Sunday of Advent, the start of a four-week observation beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, takes place on November 28 this year. Derived from the Latin word for arrival — “adventus” — Advent is observed by Christian denominations worldwide to mark the start of the spiritual period of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day, and the beginning of a new Christian year.
HISTORY OF FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT The First Sunday of Advent is a reverent day in the Christian community and offers an opportunity for renewal and the beginning of the holy Advent season. The Advent season marks the ushering in of the liturgical year which is observed as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the nativity or birth of Christ and his return in the Second Coming.
There is no certainty on when the Advent season came to be, however it was certainly in existence from about 480 with the introduction of a novelty that ordered monks to fast every day in December until Christmas. According to Saint Gregory of Tours, the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when Bishop Perpetuus directed the start of fasting three times a week, from St. Martin’s Day on November 11 until Christmas. This is why Advent was sometimes also named Lent of St. Martin, and by the year 581, all of France was abiding by this practice. In fact, more devout followers fasted every day.
In the 13th century, the fast of Advent was not commonly practiced although it was still generally observed. It was then limited to the period from the feast of Saint Andrew on November 30, until Christmas Day, and falls on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Day, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
The liturgy of Advent remained unchanged until the Second Vatican Council introduced minor changes, differentiating the spirit of Lent from that of Advent, emphasizing Advent as a season of hope for Christ’s resurrection.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 28, 2021 22:29:32 GMT
Hanukkah – November 28, 2021~World
The Jewish Festival of Rededication, also called the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration that falls each year on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, which generally falls in December in the Gregorian calendar. (In 2021, Hanukkah is November 28 through December 6.) Hanukkah, also referred to as Chanukah, celebrates the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
WHEN IS HANUKKAH 2021? Hanukkah, which means ‘dedication’ in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
HISTORY OF HANUKKAH The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. This group of Jews are known as the Maccabees. The name was formed from the first letters of a Hebrew phrase, “Mi Kamocha Ba’eilim Hashem,” which translates to “Who is like You, God.”
The history of Hanukkah – much like the histories of many religious or ancient holidays – has various starting and ending points. The events that inspired the Hanukkah holiday took place during a particularly turbulent phase of Jewish history. Around 200 B.C., Judea — which is modern-day Israel/Palestine — came under the control of Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, who allowed the Jews who lived there to continue practicing their religion. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent. Ancient sources recount that he outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods.
In 168 B.C., Antiochus IV Epiphanes soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.
Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a large-scale rebellion broke out against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee — ‘the Hammer — took the helm. Within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, relying largely on guerilla warfare tactics. The revolts turned out to be a success, and the Jews regained the rights to practice their religion in their temples. In order to do so, Judah called on his followers to cleanse the temple and light a menorah with oil that had been blessed by the high priest all night every night until the new altar could be built over the old one.
This is the gold candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation and was meant to be kept burning every night. But, there was only one flask of oil left that would only last for one night. They lit it anyway and it stayed lit for eight days, the amount of time needed to press new oil.
According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.
The story of Hanukkah does not appear in the Torah because the events that inspired the holiday occurred after it was written. It is, however, mentioned in the New Testament, in which Jesus attends a ‘Feast of Dedication.’
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Post by pennmom on Nov 28, 2021 22:31:42 GMT
National French Toast Day – November 28, 2021~U.S.
No need to wonder about what to make for breakfast on November 28 — it’s National French Toast Day. You know — that thick, sweet, savory dish that’s become a staple of the American breakfast diet. Just writing about this topic has us thinking about heading out for a late breakfast. That’s why we’re so jazzed about National French Toast Day.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRENCH TOAST DAY Here’s the first thing you need to know: The French do not call this French toast. It’s called “pain perdu,” or “lost bread,” because you can literally use stale bread to make it. (Most Americans, however, might find that objectionable.)
French toast, according to Frenchly, comes from a desire to not waste food. Also, please note that it’s a major faux pas to throw bread way. (Bread has religious meaning.) Most experts agree that French toast dates back to ancient Rome. A similar recipe can be found in the book of Apicius from the 5th century BC. The Romans dipped slices of bread in milk (and sometimes eggs) before frying them, and called it “Pan Dulcis.”
Fast forward to the 1400s and you’ll find a similar recipe at the court of Henri V where the “lost bread” attracted many fans. Still, it wasn’t until the mid 17th century that the term “French Toast” appeared in England. Food historians believe the term “French” does not even mean France; instead, it refers to the verb “to French” which means “to slice” in Old Irish.
So, “French toast” is actually “sliced toast.”
Irish settlers traveling to the U.S. and Canada may have brought the term with them. The phrase “French toast” first appeared in The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink in 1871. However, similar recipes were also called “Egg toast,” “Spanish toast,” and even “German toast.”
There’s another less exotic theory. French toast may have been called “French” because it enabled chefs to inflate the price. “Traditionally in the United States, we have an admiration for French cuisine, which we consider elaborate and gastronomic,” says Kitchen Project Editor-in-Chief Stephen Block. “And that’s probably why this dish was named that way. It’s just marketing. There’s no chance that ‘Lost Bread’ could have worked. And since the dish was successful and the recipe was easy, the name spread.”
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Post by pennmom on Nov 28, 2021 22:33:50 GMT
Red Planet Day – November 28, 2021~World
Red Planet Day, November 28, recognizes the planet which has captivated human observers for countless years, Mars. Right now, we know that Mars is red thanks to photographs beamed back to Earth from American rovers.
For centuries, the naked human eye has been able to detect the reddish tinge of the solar system’s fourth planet, glimmering in the night sky. Little did scientists know, the red on Mars’ surface came from a preponderance of iron oxide, common rust. On Red Planet Day we celebrate our fascination with Mars, along with all the scientific advancements into understanding the dusty planet.
HISTORY OF RED PLANET DAY Around 400 BC, the Babylonian’s began keeping record of celestial events. They called Mars “Nergal,” The King of Conflicts, ostensibly because of the association between the planet’s color and the blood spilled during armed encounters with enemies. The ancient Greeks and Romans must have made the association as well, because in both their pantheons, Ares and Mars, respectively, were known as the gods of war.
As time went on and it became a possibility that man might one day travel among the stars, authors and filmmakers availed themselves of the sense of wonder surrounding the Red Planet and created works of science fiction and just plain fancy, imagining walking on that rusty ground.
One big question was whether Mars held good old fashioned water, the source of any life on a planet. Flyby missions detected polar ice caps. Ancient “canals” were shown to be an optical illusion, but that didn’t stop many believers from presuming that there had previously been civilizations on the fourth planet from the sun.
It still stands to reason that imaginations have blossomed around the notion of life on Mars, from the classic novel “Stranger In a Strange Land” by 1950’s author Robert Heinlein, to 2015’s Ridley Scott film starring Matt Damon, “The Martian.”
During this century, orbiter missions and rover missions sent back more and more detailed information about Mars, until NASA and its international counterparts began to plan manned missions to Mars. Now, National Red Planet Day commemorates the launch of the Mariner 4 spacecraft on November 28, 1964. Mariner 4 performed the first successful flyby of the planet Mars returning the first pictures of the Martian surface.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 29, 2021 15:41:19 GMT
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People – November 29, 2021~International
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People falls on November 29 every year and serves as a reminder of the absence of inalienable rights, national independence, and sovereignty of the Palestinian people. Territories in Palestine have been occupied by Israel since 1967, and there has never been a formation of an Arab state, even after Israel gained its independence in 1948.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE For as long as we have known it, Palestine and Israel have struggled for territories and have had shared borders alongside the city of Jerusalem. This has always been a major cause of concern and dispute, seeing as Palestine is mostly Arab-dominated, and Israel has always been Jewish-dominated. For decades, there has been a need to separate both states and make them independent. This gave rise to the adoption of Resolution 181 (II) on November 29, 1947.
The resolution was the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which was a proposal that recommended a partition of Mandatory Palestine at the end of the British Mandate. This simply meant the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states and a Special International Regime for the city of Jerusalem. The new states were to be formed two months after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom, no later than October 1948. The Plan also called for an Economic Union between the proposed states, and for the protection of religious and minority rights.
It was all cut short and never fully implemented, however, with the outbreak of a one-year civil war in Palestine. Following that, Israel became a country in 1948, but an Arab state was never formed. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly called for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine, which was to start in 1978.
November 29 was chosen because of its meaning and significance to Palestinian people, and to serve as a reminder to the world at large that Palestinians have yet to attain their inalienable rights. This means the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 29, 2021 15:43:24 GMT
National Lemon Cream Pie Day – November 29, 2021~U.S.
We hope your sweet tooth is ready to celebrate National Lemon Cream Pie Day on November 29. (Today we commonly call this lemon meringue pie.) Although this time of year is more typically associated with pie, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate any kind of pie—especially a pie that’s been around this long.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LEMON CREAM PIE DAY Food historians believe lemon desserts have been around since the Middle Ages! Whipped cream, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer: it didn’t show up until the 16th century. It first appeared in recipes in Italy in the mid 1500s and then traveled to France and showed up in recipes there just after 1600. Somewhere between then and now, someone had the brilliant idea to marry them together in a way that’s basically sunshine baked into a pie dish.
While lemon custards, puddings, and pies have been made since Medieval times, meringue was perfected in the 17th century. Lemon meringue pie, as it is known today, is a 19th-century product. The earliest recorded recipe was attributed to Alexander Frehse, a Swiss baker from Romandy.
Travel writer Larissa Milne credits chef/entrepreneur Elizabeth Goodfellow for this pie. According to noted food historian William Woys Weaver, Goodfellow was “one of the most creative forces in American cookery during the early nineteenth century.” Her shop was unique. Unlike the many bakeries that supplied bread and daily baked goods, Goodfellow’s pastry shop provided elegant cakes, pies and sweets for Philadelphia’s high society parties.
While known for many treats, including jumbles (an early version of sugar cookies) and queen’s cakes, and individual spiced cakes flavored with brandy and madeira, her most lasting legacy is the advent of lemon meringue pie.
Food historian Becky Diamond refers to Goodfellow as “the mother of lemon meringue pie.” Lemon pudding was considered one of Goodfellow’s signature creations; she is credited with several varieties, whether served alone, or in a pastry crust as a “pie.” Lemons were a delicacy in the early 1800s, but readily available in a busy port such as Philadelphia.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Nov 29, 2021 15:46:16 GMT
Chadwick Boseman Day – November 29, 2021~U.S.
Chadwick Boseman Day, observed on November 29, is held on the late star’s birthday and is a day for us to remember the actor who sadly left us too soon. Boseman was perhaps most famous for playing Black Panther in the Marvel franchise, but also played James Brown in “Get On Up” as well as featuring prominently in “21 Bridges” and “42”. Known for his welcoming, humble personality and down to earth nature, Boseman died on August 28, 2020, as a result of complications due to colon cancer. He was 43. On Chadwick Boseman Day we remember his talents, but also the wonderful person that he was.
HISTORY OF CHADWICK BOSEMAN DAY Chadwick Aron Boseman was born in Anderson, South Carolina on November 29, 1976, and was the son of Leroy and Carolyn Boseman. As a child, he was a basketball enthusiast and played for the school team before graduating from T. L. Hanna High School in 1995. Boseman wrote his first play in his junior year. “Crossroads” was in memory of a classmate who was shot and killed and was staged at the school.
Boseman studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing at Howard University and graduated in 2000. During this period Boseman committed most of his efforts to becoming a writer and director. He moved to New York City and graduated from the city’s Digital Film Academy before moving to LA in 2008 to pursue an acting career.
Having picked up numerous small roles, his big breakthrough came in 2013 when he played Baseball star Jackie Robinson in the film “42”. In 2014 he played James Brown in “Get On Up” as well as starring in Draft Day alongside Kevin Costner, with his character being an NFL draft prospect.
The Marvel President had noticed Boseman playing James Brown and by 2016 he was making his first appearance as Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War.” In 2018 “Black Panther” was released to critical acclaim and was one of the best performing movies of the year.
In 2019 Boseman got engaged to Taylor Simone Ledward with the two reportedly getting married in secret not long before his death. Boseman had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 but kept the diagnosis a secret. His condition worsened and Boseman died at his home on August 28, 2020. His death was greeted with shock and sadness across the world, with a huge outpouring of grief, respect, and fond memories all being shared online.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Nov 29, 2021 15:49:02 GMT
Cyber Monday – November 29, 2021~U.S.
WHAT IS CYBER MONDAY Cyber Monday is celebrated the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. Established in 2005, Cyber Monday is the Internet’s answer to brick-and-mortar holiday shopping. Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday gives you the chance to shop those amazing Black Friday deals from the comfort of your couch or office.
HISTORY OF CYBER MONDAY Cyber Monday was invented in 2005 by Ellen Davis, the president of the National Retail Foundation. Data had shown that the Monday after Thanksgiving was experiencing higher than usual traffic for retail shopping while individuals were at work. Analysts were led to believe that’s because individuals had spent the weekend window shopping among the madness of Black Friday and, rather than use the typically slower residential internet speeds, waited until Monday when they were bored at work to buy what they liked over the weekend.
Thus, Cyber Monday was created as a way for brands to leverage two things: Workplace boredom and the convenience of shopping online versus in store during the Wild West of Black Friday.
Since then, Cyber Monday has steadily grown as one of the major shopping days of the year. With the likes of Amazon and increasingly affordable high-speed internet, shopping online has become more woven into the fabrics of American lives. Nearly everything can be bought and sold with about one click or two.
Additionally, as the holiday grew, so too did the day. Now, Cyber Monday sales may start the Monday before Cyber Monday (making it Cyber Week?). The nomenclature is still unknown. But what we do know is that Cyber Monday is much bigger now than just an ahead of its time insight in 2005
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Nov 30, 2021 12:52:36 GMT
Cities for Life Day – November 30, 2021~International
On Cities for Life Day, which falls annually on November 30, we recognize the right of every human being to live. The day, observed by cities around the world, commemorates the first abolishment of the death penalty. The concept of the abolishment of capital punishment was first mentioned in a 1764 treatise written by Cesare Beccaria, in which he argued against the death penalty as punishment.
HISTORY OF CITIES FOR LIFE DAY There is one thing no force on earth can take away from each of us, and that is our right to live. That was, however, not the case in our justice system, when the death penalty was established. This brash criminal punishment is as old as human civilization and was more popular than we would like to admit.
That was until Cesare Beccaria, one of the greatest European Enlightenment writers of the time had something to say about it. He is noted for his masterpiece on criminal law and the reform system, “On Crimes and Punishments”, which he published in 1764. In fact, the work is so notable that it has been translated into 22 languages.
In it, Beccaria put forth some of the first modern arguments against the death penalty, which made it the first full-scale work to tackle criminal reform and to suggest that criminal justice should comply with rational principles. Beccaria also argued against torture, believing it was cruel and unnecessary to treat another human being in such a way.
As a consequence, Grand Duchy of Tuscany in Italy became the first pre-unitarian state to abolish the death penalty on November 30, 1786, under the reign of Pietro Leopold II. This made Tuscany the first civil state in the world to do away with torture and capital punishment.
In 2002, in memory of this anniversary, the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Christian organization, began promoting the Cities for Life Day worldwide with the support of international human rights organizations. Since then, the death penalty has become less and less common in the world at large.
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Post by pennmom on Nov 30, 2021 12:55:07 GMT
Giving Tuesday – November 30, 2021~U.S.
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people take the time to kick off the holiday season by giving back to their community. Whether it is donating money to a charitable cause or volunteering, Giving Tuesday is a day set to benefit the community.
HISTORY OF GIVING TUESDAY Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. The holiday was first announced in September 2012, two months prior to the first Giving Tuesday occurring on November 27. The announcement was made by the technology website, Mashable. The purpose of the day is to inspire people and companies to take action, just like Black Friday and Cyber Monday created a framework for retailers to sell merchandise.
Shortly before and after November 27, 2012, Giving Tuesday was covered by “The Washington Post,” the White House official blog, ABC News, and “Huffington Post.” Forbes also used the occasion to publish a guide on effective giving.
In 2013, Mashable partnered with Google+ to hold a ‘hangout-a-thon’ for Giving Tuesday. The holiday received coverage on many philanthropy information websites, including “The Chronicle of Philanthropy” and Charity Navigator. “The Chronicle of Philanthropy” article highlighted a donation by Good Ventures to GiveDirectly, Google’s hangout-a-thon, and matching grants announced by the Case Foundation. Charitable giving on Giving Tuesday in 2013 was approximately twice the value of that in 2012, with over 7,000 participating nonprofits.
For the 2018 holiday occurrence, Facebook and PayPal announced they’d match up to $7 million in donations to United States nonprofits on a first come first serve basis. The match limit was hit after only an hour, with an announcement saying the match was achieved within seconds. A total of $125 million was raised via Facebook on Giving Tuesday, the highest for a single day on the platform.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Nov 30, 2021 12:57:08 GMT
Guru Nanak Jayanti – November 30, 2021~India
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak and will be celebrated on November 30 this year. It is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. In the Sikh faith, festivities revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh gurus. These gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as ‘Gurpurab’, are occasions for celebration and prayer among the community. Guru Nanak Jayanti is marked with prayer processions, hymns, free sweets, martial arts (‘Gatka’), as well as services to the community.
HISTORY OF GURU NANAK JAYANTI The festival is celebrated on the day of Kartik Poornima, which is the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar, and usually falls sometime in October or November as per the Gregorian calendar. Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations are generally similar for all Sikhs — only the hymns are different. The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. Generally, two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the ‘Gurdwaras.’
The day before the birthday, a procession referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers chanting hymns and devotees sing the chorus.
There are brass bands playing different tunes and ‘Gatka’ teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The joyful procession passes through streets decorated with flags and flowers, with the leader spreading the message of Guru Nanak.
On April 15, 1469, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, near Lahore, which is the modern-day Sekhpura district of Pakistan. A Gurudwara was built on his birthplace and the city is also known as Nankana Sahib and is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is regarded as a spiritual teacher who founded Sikhism in the 15th century. He started writing the Guru Granth Sahib and wrote 974 hymns in it.
The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe was one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity, prosperity, and social justice for all irrespective of any demographic differences. Sikhism also forbids the concept of messengers and reincarnation. The role of a guru as a spiritual and social master forms the base of the Sikh religion.
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