pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258 
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:50:47 GMT
Book Publishers Day – January 16, 2022~World
Book Publishers Day is on January 16 every year. It is a day set aside to celebrate book publishers worldwide. Have you ever wondered how ideas get from the authors’ minds until they manifest into books that end up in the hands of readers all over the globe? These amazing people make it possible, and it is only proper that we have a special day to celebrate them!
HISTORY OF BOOK PUBLISHERS DAY
Publishing became possible with the invention of writing, and book publishers have been around for that long! Before the printing press, scribes would sit down and hand copy the works of other authors. However, the printing press introduced by Johannes Gutenberg sparked a new age of book publishing. The printing press gave a new tool to book publishers, and books started to get widely distributed.
The Chinese inventor Bi Sheng made a moveable type of earthenware circa 1045, but there are no known surviving examples of his work. The Korean civil servant Choe Yun-ui who lived during the Goryeo Dynasty invented the first metal moveable type around 1234. Early printed books, single sheets, and images were before 1501 in Europe these were known as ‘incunables’ or ‘incunabula.’
Traditional book publishers are selective about what they publish. They did not accept manuscripts straight from the authors, instead got a proposal of the manuscript then decided if they wanted to take on the job or otherwise. Book publishers buy or commission copy from independent authors; newspaper publishers, by contrast, usually hire staff to produce texts or employ freelance journalists. Magazine publishers may employ in-house writers and freelancers or have a mixture of both.
The publishing sector extends to governments, civil society, and private companies for administrative or compliance requirements, business, research, advocacy, or public interest objectives. These can include annual reports, research reports, market research, policy briefings, and technical reports.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:52:50 GMT
Appreciate a Dragon Day – January 16, 2022~U.S.
Appreciate a Dragon Day is celebrated annually on January 16. With loud flapping wings, flaming breath, and steely scales, dragons are viewed as unstoppable masters of chaos. However, they are also presented as tamable and friendly creatures that can be great buddies with humans. This day is set to encourage people worldwide to appreciate the history and socio-cultural significance of the mythical creatures.
HISTORY OF APPRECIATE A DRAGON DAY
The word ‘dragon’ first entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which in turn comes from Latin’s ‘draconem,’ meaning ‘a serpent of huge size.’
Dragons have always been a part of world history, with the first depiction of dragons being as far back as 4500 B.C. during the times of the Romans and Egyptians. Since then, dragons and dragon motifs have featured in many works of modern literature, particularly within the fantasy genre.
Appreciate a Dragon Day was created in 2004 by Donita K. Paul. The author was promoting the release of her novel “DragonSpell,” which is part one of a five-book series. The book is about a former slave that changes her fate and is the savior of dragons. It is a celebration of dragons in literature, as well as literacy in general and pop culture.
Dragons are diverse in presentation with the fire-breathing variety, some like gargoyles found in medieval churches. Others are many-headed hydras that pop out of the ocean. Others are wyverns, basilisks, and other mythical creatures with loose connections to the real world.
Ultimately, the idea of dragons interacting with humans fills our minds with awe and inspires us to delight our minds with fancy.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:54:36 GMT
National Good Teen Day – January 16, 2022~U.S.
National Good Teen Day is celebrated annually on January 16. Do you realize that the transitional phase of adolescence can be a difficult one, as teenagers are just getting to discover their own unique identities? This day helps parents and everyone alike, recognize the efforts put in by teenagers to successfully go through a unique phase in their lives, and appreciate them.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GOOD TEEN DAY
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that is generally associated with the teenage years. During this period, there is an identity development stage in the teen life cycle. For most, the search for identity begins with more openness to trying on different behaviors and appearances to discover who they are. Growing while maintaining an identity in this period is a difficult task due to multiple factors such as  life, environment, and social status.
In 1995, the U.S. Congress, by Public Law 103 – 463, designated the day in celebration of teens throughout the nation. Congress authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of the day, which he — William J. Clinton — went on to do, urging all Americans to observe with appropriate programs and activities.
The holiday is known to have roots tracing back to Salem City schools of Ohio where they praised the desirable qualities of every teen in their school, and the trend has continued to date.
Many teenagers from the past and present have gotten a stereotype of either being excellent or problematic. National Good Teen Day is meant to observe various qualities of teens across the board during this phase of their lives. It helps appreciate them for who they are and encourages them that they are loved and cherished.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:56:20 GMT
International Hot and Spicy Food Day – January 16, 2022~International
January 16 is International Hot and Spicy Food Day, a day where you get to celebrate and devour some of the spiciest dishes in the world. Every country on the globe has its cooking style and recipes. And while some nations eat mild food, others enjoy hot food items that will make you gulp down a jug of water. Yes, there are some super spicy dishes available and, guess what, people aren’t afraid to consume them. Here’s a tip before you head out on a spice-eating spree, make sure your stomach can handle the chili. Happy munching!
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY
Spices have been consumed for over 6,000 years to add flavor to a dish and for their many health benefits. For instance, spices can combat inflammation and have healing properties. It’s due to these reasons that spices grew popular in ancient times.
Ancient Greeks imported Eastern spices such as pepper, cassia, cinnamon, and ginger to the Mediterranean since spices and herbs played a role in medical science. According to sources, Around 460 to 377 B.C. Hippocrates wrote of herbs and spices that included saffron, cinnamon, thyme, coriander, mint, and marjoram. The “Father of Botany,” as Theophrastus was known, in his two books, wrote about 600 spices and herbs in the period between 372 B.C. and 287 B.C. Romans created another use for spices — they often utilized them in spice-flavored wines and spice-scented balms and oils. Some spices also were used in poultices and healing plasters due to their healing properties. Curcumin too was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, headaches, and nausea.
That is not all. Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, is known to destroy cancer cells. A 2015 U.S. and China study found that eating spicy food six or seven days a week lowered mortality rates by 14%. So yes, if you never liked spicy food, it is about time you change your diet. Trust us it’s a decision you will enjoy for the rest of your life.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:57:44 GMT
National Fig Newton Day – January 16, 2022~U.S.
You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. But you can’t deny their popularity. Fig Newtons have remained a much-loved pastry for over a century, so no wonder they get their own day. January 16 is National Fig Newton Day and we know you can’t wait to enjoy a few in celebration. Fig Newtons came into existence when, in the 19th century, physicians began to promote an increase in biscuits and fruit in one’s diet as a remedy for digestive problems. Fig rolls became a popular food item as a result and in 1891 Charles Roser invented a machine to insert fig paste into dough. After several business deals, the fig roll became a product of Nabisco and the name was changed to “Fig Newton”. So go on and get figgy with it.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:59:42 GMT
National Healthy Weight Week – January 16-22, 2022~U.S.
National Healthy Weight Week is observed during the third week of January. The celebration was inaugurated in 1994. It is a week dedicated to understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
We are going through a time where lifestyle diseases are skyrocketing. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), a shocking 40% of the population is at risk of obesity. This condition also causes an increase in the number of diabetes and stroke diagnoses.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HEALTHY WEIGHT WEEK
In his famous book “The Physiology of Taste,” Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” So eating healthy is a necessity for a healthy life.
The modern lifestyle and food habits are deteriorating our health. The number of people suffering from being overweight is at an all-time high. Diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and cancer follow obesity.
National Healthy Weight Week is observed in response to all these. It was started in 1994, but it is not clear who initiated the celebration. This week falls in the middle of winter, and most of us are snuggled inside a blanket. It may sound hard to start a consistent workout and a healthy diet now. But for us, this is also the best time of the year.
Remember your New Year’s resolution to start a diet. We know you have forgotten it. But this week provides a perfect opportunity to renew your commitment.
The early human lifestyle required a lot of manual labor, and this ensured a somewhat fit body. But that trend changed with the advent of technology and the age of automation. We are no longer moving our muscles as much as we used to. The stagnant work style and the fast-food culture essentially destroyed our healthy lifestyle. In light of all of this, a National Healthy Weight Week is critical for the body’s health and wellness.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:30:38 GMT
Benjamin Franklin Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
Benjamin Franklin Day is celebrated on January 17 every year, to pay tribute to one of the greatest Founding Fathers of the U.S. on the anniversary of his birth. For those of you who did not know how big a deal he was, just take a look at $100 bills, commonly known as ‘Benjamins’. The number of hats Benjamin Franklin wore is mind-boggling, with inventor, author, printer, politician, musician, diplomat, and scientist being but a few. So join us as we dive into the life of this polymath — someone who is an expert in many different subject areas. He was a man of many exceptional talents, and that fact alone is worth celebrating.
HISTORY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DAY
Though the origin or founding of Benjamin Franklin Day is not known to us, it is worthwhile deep-diving straight into the life of the man himself to better understand why he so richly deserves a day of his own, especially for the contributions he made to society at large. The day has been created to honor a man, born of humble circumstances, who quickly worked his way up in the world while making immense contributions that would go down in history. Since he was a man with his fingers in many an important pie, we’ve highlighted some of his key accomplishments according to category.
Science — Benjamin Franklin made many contributions to studies in the field of electricity, with his most notable one being the invention of the lightning rod, in 1752. He also coined common terms related to electronics today, such as ‘battery,’ ‘charge,’ ‘conductor,’ and ‘electrify.’ In the 1740s his scientific pamphlets helped found the American Philosophical Society, the first of its kind in the colonies. He also invented bifocals and the Franklin stove.
Education — In 1731, Franklin founded the first subscription library, the Library Company of Philadelphia. In 1741, his pamphlet on the need to educate youth in Pennsylvania resulted in the founding of the modern-day University of Pennsylvania, which remains one of the top schools in the country.
Civics — In 1757, he began to serve as a representative for Pennsylvania and by the 1770s, he also became the first American Ambassador to France. He also was a part of the committee of five who were responsible for drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence. Another feather to his cap was becoming the first Postmaster General of the United States, and he was put on the first U.S. postage stamp after his death.
All this, and more, from a man who dropped out of school, but continued on an enduring path of learning, sticking to his guns, and committing to making the world a better place. It’s no wonder he gets a day all to himself!
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:35:38 GMT
Blue Monday – January 17, 2022~World
Blue Monday rolls around every year on the third Monday in January. The meaning of this day is filled with controversy because it is supposedly the saddest day of the year. Many of us find ourselves in subzero weather this time of year, looking at our post-Christmas credit card bills and realizing we might already be breaking our new year’s resolutions. Are we destined to be blue on this specific Monday? Read on and decide, if so!
HISTORY OF BLUE MONDAY
The Blue Monday concept surfaced in 2005 during a press release from British travel company, Sky Travel, during a PR stunt. Citing psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall, a formula pointing to the third Monday in January described the day as being the gloomiest of the year. Apparently, this equation manages to calculate the most depressing day of the year precisely.
Arnall’s formula considers many factors, including the weather at this time of year, people’s probable level of debt, time after Christmas and new year’s resolutions, generally lower motivation levels and feeling a need to take action.
Since the release of this concept, debates are on-going. This theory may make sense in opinion, but in reality, some experts consider this pseudoscience. The science behind the formula is frequently questioned and highly scrutinized for possibly trivializing depression. One of Arnall’s university colleagues, Dr Dean Burnett commented, “There is no such thing as a 24-hour depression”.
There is a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression that may manifest in certain seasons. However, according to Dr Burnett’s point, the condition doesn’t last just one day. Symptoms of SAD can include irritability, persistent low mood and feelings of worthlessness. It may affect up to 3% of people in the US, as many as 10 million Americans.
Despite the debate, it didn’t take much for companies to embrace the idea of Blue Monday and use it to sell products that can improve a gloomy outlook, eventually perpetuating the use of the term Blue Monday.
Arnall since apologized for misleading anyone about the third Monday of January and its depressive capacity, renewing a campaign emphasizing the essential message of maintaining good mental health and taking the necessary actions to ensure this.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:40:03 GMT
Brew Monday – January 17, 2022~U.S.
Brew Monday, on the third Monday in January every year, January 17 this year, is a time to schedule an online, phone, or in-person meeting with someone who may have otherwise found a cold, gray winter’s day an almost insurmountable obstacle. The day was brought about by an international charity called “Samaritans” — which does not endorse any religious faith or sect — started in 1953 by a vicar named Chad Varah.
HISTORY OF BREW MONDAY
A good place to start learning the history of Brew Monday is with the original Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. In the story, a traveler is set upon by thieves and left injured and nearly naked on the side of the road. As the daylight approaches, a Jewish priest happens along, and though the robbery victim is a Jew, the priest averts his eyes and passes by. A while later, a Levite also passes by without giving any aid to the man. Finally, a Samaritan — traditional enemies of the Jews — arrives and sets aside his politics to bring the man to help and safety.
It’s in this spirit that the charity Samaritans operates today. In the last 60 years, the organization has undergone several changes in leadership and acquisitions, while expanding outside the UK — its original birthplace — to the US, Asia, and elsewhere. By 2014, Samaritans was receiving over five million calls for help each year, and in 2020 they created the “Brew Monday” campaign to give groups of friends a reason to stay in touch and share their troubles. Always, their main thrust has been to operate a toll-free helpline — at the number 116 123 in the UK.
Part of Brew Monday is commercial, as it is intended to raise funds for Samaritans’ ongoing operations. And we recommend staying inside the lines, we can afford to. But even if not, choose a Monday this winter and make a note to reach out to a friend who needs to hear that they’re worthwhile and loved.
Today, Samaritans fields millions of calls, emails, and other types of contacts in several countries, offering a confidential listening ear to anyone who suffers from emotional distress, up to and including suicidal ideation. In recent years, the org has encouraged individuals to set aside any Monday — especially in wintertime — to get a group together for tea and cakes and to discuss participants’ troubles without fear of reprisal in any way.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:43:24 GMT
Elementary School Teacher Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
Elementary School Teacher Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January to appreciate the people who work with children in their formative years. Elementary schools are part of primary education for students around the age of four to eleven, from pre-kindergarten or kindergarten to fifth grade. These schools teach us socialization and basic academic skills — fundamentals that will help students throughout their lives. Elementary teachers are often the first educators in our lives who kindle the knack of learning in us. Becoming one requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
HISTORY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER DAY
Elementary schools were once synonymous with primary schools. Schools up to grade eight were considered elementary schools. Following World War I, junior high schools came about, which educated students between their elementary and secondary school years, leaving elementary schools to educate students from kindergarten through to sixth grade. In the 1960s, a shift from junior high schools to middle schools began, now including sixth grade.
The elementary school curriculum helps students with the educational basics: reading, writing, arithmetic, an introduction to natural and social sciences, health, arts and crafts, and physical education. Elementary schools also help students socialize with their peers and create an identity within the community and nation. At the beginning of the 21st century, the elementary curriculum was shaped by an emphasis on subject-matter fluency in English, mathematics, and basic sciences. Later on, computer literacy, computer-assisted instruction, and other technologies were introduced into school programs to keep up with the high demand for technical knowledge.
The standards movement, which gained momentum in the late 1990s, advocated for more standardized testing in the American elementary education curriculum. Standards advocates argue that academic achievement can be best assessed through standardized tests. These tests help determine whether students are performing at prescribed levels in key areas such as reading and mathematics. Most of the states have established standards and require testing in these areas. Strongly endorsed by U.S. President George W. Bush, the standards approach was infused into the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:46:29 GMT
Idaho Human Rights Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
Idaho Human Rights Day is observed on the third Monday in January every year. The day is a holiday in the state of Idaho. It is a day to celebrate the birthday of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
M.L.K. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, as the second child of Martin Luther King Sr.
We use this day to honor his achievements and celebrate diversity. There was a time when we considered diversity and a minority population to be weaknesses rather than strengths. Now, things are different, thanks to great people like King, and the change he inspired among the entire U.S. population.
HISTORY OF IDAHO HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Governor Dirk Kempthorne started Idaho Human Rights Day on January 16, 2006. It is celebrated close to the birthday of the famous civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. In Idaho, the day is known as Martin Luther King Jr. — Idaho Human Rights Day.
Michael was the second child of Martin Luther King Sr. and later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. M.L.K. was a fortunate kid to have been born into a financially secure middle-class . He had a better education and more opportunities than other children of his race. M.L.K. understood his good luck and wanted his fellow black people to enjoy the opportunities that he had.
At the start of his education, King was not an exceptional student by any means. But that changed when he started his studies at Crozer. He became an avid reader of theology and philosophy. During his time at Crozer, he became acquainted with the pacifist ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the nationalist movement in India, against the British.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott incident of 1955 brought M.L.K. to the national frontier. He was successful in leading a campaign against the practice of segregating black and white people inside buses. The black people had to leave their seats for any white person. The campaign was a success, with the supreme court verdict illegalizing discrimination on public transport systems. M.L.K. went on to create campaigns against civil injustice throughout the rest of his life. The Birmingham conflicts made M.L.K. a national figure and forced the federal government to enact the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The life of M.L.K. is a story of endurance, willpower, and conviction. He inspired the whole world to celebrate diversity and fight oppression. Idaho Human Rights Day is a celebration of his legacy.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:49:00 GMT
Michelle Obama’s Birthday – January 17, 2022~U.S.
On January 17, we celebrate Michelle Obama’s Birthday! As first lady, Michelle Obama won our hearts with inspiring speeches and acts of kindness. She encouraged young women to believe in their futures — promising that hard work can lead to endless possibilities. “When they go low, we go high.”
HISTORY OF MICHELLE OBAMA’S BIRTHDAY
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born on January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois to Fraser Robinson III and Marian Shields Robinson. Despite her high school adviser telling her not to set her sights too high in terms of applying to colleges, she and her older brother, Craig, both went to Princeton University, where Michelle majored in sociology and minored in African American studies, graduating cum laude with a BA in 1985. Michelle mentions that being at Princeton was the first time she was aware of her race and economic class, and despite the willingness of her classmates and teachers to reach out to her, she merely felt like a visitor on campus.
She then went on to receive her JD (Juris Doctor) degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. Her faculty mentor at Harvard Law was Charles Ogletree, who said that she had answered the questions plaguing her throughout Princeton by the time she arrived at Harvard: whether she would remain the product of her parents or keep the identity she had acquired at Princeton. She had come to the conclusion that she could be both brilliant and black. She is the third First Lady with a postgraduate degree, after her two immediate predecessors Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
Michelle met Barack Obama when they were among the few African Americans at their law firm: Sidley Austin LLP. She was assigned to mentor him while he was a summer associate, and though she didn’t immediately take a romantic interest in him, he continued to impress and woo her throughout the short time they spent with each other.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:51:07 GMT
National Bootlegger’s Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
National Bootlegger’s Day is celebrated on January 17, every year, to mark several key events — the start of prohibition in the U.S., the distillation of Templeton Rye whiskey, and the birthday of the infamous gangster Al Capone. What is most interesting is how all three events are interconnected too. It was the onset of prohibition that prompted both Capone and farmers in Templeton, Iowa, to distill their own whiskey to sell. This was how the famous Templeton Rye whiskey was born, and its popularity spread like wildfire during prohibition… so much so that it became Al Capone’s favorite whiskey.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BOOTLEGGER’S DAY
Just as Robin Hood is famed for being an outlaw, we all love a little subversion every now and then. With National Bootlegger’s Day, we get a chance to raise a toast to the daring bootleggers of prohibition who painted the otherwise hazardous occupation in a more romantic light, and caused many bootleggers to become the stuff of legends.
The first observance of National Bootlegger’s Day was in 2015, instated by Infinium Spirits to celebrate the birth of Templeton Rye, a whiskey distilled by farmers in Templeton, Iowa, during the heights of the prohibition. Though Infinium Spirits sells a variety of brands, Templeton Rye has a special day to itself owing to its legendary history.
The term bootlegger itself has its origins in Midwest America, during the 1880s. White folk would often conceal flasks of liquor in their boots when engaging in illegal liquor trade with Native Americans, and this nifty method of hiding liquor in boots was utilized by the military too. Soldiers would often sneak alcohol into base camp by hiding the flasks in their boots. Thus the term came to be used for any smuggler of liquor who smuggled booze over land. Those who smuggled alcohol via water were referred to as ‘rum-runners’.
Although prohibition was declared on January 17, 1920, the gangsters and other underworld participants refused to let this down their vibe. When one thinks of the 1920s, immediately lavish, jazz-filled, and liquor-fuelled soirees come to mind, and so these could not come to a halt because of the law. While others hired bootleggers to smuggle alcohol from Canada and Mexico, Alphonse Kerkhoff decided to capitalize on both production and distribution by hiring farmers in Templeton, Iowa, to distill their own whiskey and sell it. This lucrative endeavor was a success on all counts, as Templeton Rye spread to speakeasies across Omaha, Kansas City, and Michigan.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:52:48 GMT
National Hot Buttered Rum Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
It’s hot. It’s buttered. It’s hot buttered rum! Haven’t had it? No worries. January 17 is National Hot Buttered Rum Day and it’s the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Hot buttered rum is a mixed drink containing rum, butter, hot water or cider, sweetener, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It dates back to colonial America, but likely originates from Europe. It’s most often enjoyed in the fall and winter, when it’s cold and cozy and has been described as “comfort food in a mug”. Craving a warm mug of it already? We are too.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 13:55:40 GMT
Ditch New Year's Resolution Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.~World
Grab some ice cream, skip that workout, and spend more time on your phone on Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day on January 17! If all your grand resolutions for the year have started to seem unrealistic or more of a chore than actual commitment, then today is your guilt-free opportunity to scrap these resolutions and run for the hills!
HISTORY OF DITCH NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION DAY
There’s not a lot of history behind this holiday, as it is quite unofficial, but there are plenty of reasons backing this day’s coming into existence. Did you know that one in three people fail their New Year’s resolutions in the first month? And only 10% of people are successful at keeping their resolutions throughout the year? According to a study by the University of Scranton, an estimated 80% of people don’t stick to their resolutions.
Ditching New Year’s resolutions has been a practice for almost as long as New Year’s Resolutions themselves. Beginning with the ancient tradition of making resolutions for the new year at the Babylonian festival of Akitu over 4,000 years ago, the Earth completing a single orbit around the Sun brings with it the opportunity to turn over a new leaf and the hope of a ‘New Year, New Me.’ Unfortunately, most of the time, New Year’s Resolutions are as effective as pouring water into a colander.
But the thing is, the commitment to make a change in your life and actually stick to it happens only when you have the willpower to do it. A date change or orbital cycle won’t miraculously make you want to alter your lifestyle. This is probably why New Year’s resolutions are mostly so unsuccessful. Why is the day celebrated on January 17? Most probably because it takes at least a fortnight for people to realize that they don’t actually care all that much about the resolutions they have made, and don’t want to feel tied to them any longer.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 17, 2022 14:20:14 GMT
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 17, 2022~U.S.
Each year on the third Monday of January we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. This January 17, make the holiday more than just a day off and take time to reflect and take action on civil rights issues across the globe.
WHEN IS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY 2022?
Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January — on January 17 this year. King was an influential civil rights leader — best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day.
HISTORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
The concept of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions. After King’s death, U.S. Representative John Conyers and U.S. Senator Edward Brooke introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979; however, it fell five votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments mentioned by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition, as King never held public office. At the time, only two other figures had national holidays honoring them: George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
Soon after, the King Center looked for support from the corporate community and the general public. The success of this strategy was cemented when musician Stevie Wonder released the single ‘Happy Birthday’ to popularize the campaign in 1980 and hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981. Six million signatures were collected for a petition for Congress to pass the law and is considered the largest petition in favor of an issue in U.S. history.
President Reagan originally opposed the holiday, citing cost concerns. But on November 2, 1983, Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Representative Katie Hall, to create a federal holiday honoring King. The bill had passed the Senate by a count of 78 to 22, and the House of Representatives by 338 to 90. The holiday was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986. It’s observed on the third Monday of January rather than directly on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday because it follows the guidelines of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY TIMELINE
January 15, 1929
Birth of a King
Martin Luther King, Jr. is born in Atlanta, GA.
May 17, 1957
The King's Speech
King makes his first address to the nation, 'Give Us the Ballot,' at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
August 28, 1963
The Dream
King delivers his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech at the Lincoln Memorial on the day that more than 200,000 demonstrators participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
December 10, 1964
The Ultimate Prize
King wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
April 4, 1968
Tragedy Strikes
After delivering his final speech, 'I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,' in Memphis the day before, King is shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
1980
Stevie Wonder Calls for Action
Stevie Wonder releases 'Happy Birthday,' a song in which he not only celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday but also laments the fact that anyone would oppose the idea of a Dr. King holiday.
1986
The First Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed for the very first time.
2000
Unity
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed by all 50 states for the first time.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 18, 2022 15:05:53 GMT
National Thesaurus Day – January 18, 2022~U.S.
When you’re looking for that perfect word to convey your thought, or don’t want to repeat the same word over and over again, where do you go? The thesaurus, of course! You’ve got Peter Mark Roget to thank for that wonderful book, and we celebrate his creation on National Thesaurus Day on January 18! Roget started the book in 1848 and finished in 1852 with 15,000 words. The book’s full original title was “Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases Classified and Arranged so as to Facilitate the Expression of Ideas and Assist in Literary Composition.” Thanks to the thesaurus, we can do more than just tell friends we are happy but merry, delighted, and overjoyed! We can do more than have a conversation, but a discussion, a talk, or an exchange! Writers and non-writers alike can be thankful for all the word options available in a thesaurus, and celebrate the work of Peter Mark Roget on National Thesaurus Day!
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 18, 2022 15:08:20 GMT
Printing Ink Day – January 18, 2022~U.S.
Printing Ink Day is celebrated annually on the closest Tuesday to January 16, since 1977. It is a day we can all come together to remember one of our most essential office tools. We get to know what inks are made of, where they come from, and what they are used for.
Ink is generally a colorant, such as a pigment or dye used to deliver color to a surface like paper.
Back in the day, there were no printers or ball pens to take notes so people used materials like colored vegetables or blood of fish amongst others. Imagine having to kill a fish every time you needed to send a note to a friend. This could take the fun out of it.
HISTORY OF PRINTING INK DAY
Ink has been around for a long time. The first man-made ink was most likely developed in Egypt about 4,500 years ago. It was formulated by mixing carbon suspensions in water with additives like egg albumen and natural gums to hold it together. Later on, in 2500 B.C. the Chinese and Egyptians simultaneously developed inks made from similar materials, soot derived from wood smoke and animal fat, and condensed with a substance from animal skin called gelatin. Soot is a dark pigment, hence why most writings found from that time were black. They would use an adhesive gum material to mold them into rods which were eventually dried and stored. Upon use, they would take the rod and dilute it in water to activate it before application.
Around 400 B.C., Indians developed their ink called Masi, it was made from burnt bones, tar, and pitch, and like our modern-day pens, a needle was used to apply the ink to parchments. Following them, the Romans created a new type of ink with the use of ground irons and tannin from gallnuts, which formed the basis for inks through the coming centuries. In 1440, the mechanical printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg, but it had a unique problem. Existing ink did not absorb fast enough into the paper and inconveniently smudged as the press moved. To find a solution to this problem Gutenberg came up with the first oil-based ink made from turpentine, walnut oil, and soot. This singular contribution to the print world earned him the title “Father of Print.”
In 1772, the first patent was issued in England for making colored ink and as the millennia advanced, new print technology developed. In the 1970s, there was an oil crisis and printers started looking for an alternative to petroleum-based inks. Such as water, soy, and vegetable-based ink which are more sustainable and friendlier to our environment.
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 18, 2022 15:09:46 GMT
National Winnie the Pooh Day – January 18, 2022~U.S.
Winnie the Pooh has been a childhood favorite for generations. Originally created in 1926, his stories have sparked wholesome, honey-loving, childhood dreams for nearly a century. Although there are many other characters within the Winnie the Pooh universe (Kanga, Rabbit, Roo, and Tigger — just to name a few), there is not doubt that the bear wearing a red shirt — with his fist shoved into a jar of honey — is most certainly a fan favorite. National Winnie the Pooh Day, on January 18, is your time to return to the Hundred Acre Wood!
|
|
pennmom
Bear
Chief Ranger
[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
Posts: 19,258
|
Post by pennmom on Jan 18, 2022 15:12:10 GMT
National Michigan Day – January 18, 2022~U.S.
National Michigan Day is celebrated every year on January 18. Michigan is fondly called ‘The Great Lakes State’ because it is bordered by four of the five Great North American Lakes — Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Superior. The state is also the only one that’s spread across lower and upper peninsulas with over 60,000 ponds and inland lakes, and the Upper Peninsula is an important tourist destination thanks to its stunning natural vistas. Michigan is famous for its automobile industry, home to the ‘Big Three’ which refers to the three largest automobile manufacturers — General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MICHIGAN DAY
Michigan is an upper Midwestern state in the United States, located in the Great Lakes region. The name is a French variant of the Ojibwe word ‘mishigami,’ which means ‘large water or lake.’ Michigan has a population of about 10.1 million and an area of roughly 97,000 square miles, making it the 10th largest state by population and 11th largest by area. Lansing is the state capital, and Detroit is its largest city. The Straits of Mackinac — a five-mile channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan — separates the Lower Peninsula (shaped like a mitten) from the Upper Peninsula (or ‘the U.P.’), and the Mackinac Bridge connects the two peninsulas.
Rich in iron and copper, Michigan was first explored by the French, and was soon a center of industrial activity, becoming an American territory in 1783. In the past, ferries would carry travelers back and forth the Straits of Mackinac to move from one peninsula to the other. The Mackinac Bridge was built in 1957 to connect the two sides, making the journey safer and more convenient. At 26,372 feet long, it is the third-longest suspension bridge in the world! Industry dominated the early 20th century in Michigan, from logging and shipping to rail and automotive. This resulted in a population boom with the influx of workers during war and peacetime. Through skilled trades like engineering and manufacturing, employment grew exponentially, and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, assembly workers were in great demand across the country. Since Michigan was the epicenter of the automobile industry, it was inevitable that skilled workers found their way to the state. Of the many factory workers in Michigan, the most famous was a Willow Run worker who became the main Rosie the Riveter spokesperson, wearing the iconic bandana and flexing her muscles to sell war bonds. Rose Will Monroe’s efforts, as well as thousands of other women in Michigan and across the country, changed the status of women for generations to come.
Also known for its Motown sound and legendary music makers, Michigan launched some of the most memorable names in jazz and gospel music. Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder were some of the most influential musicians in their genre, and they all came from Michigan.
|
|
life, environment, and social status.