What Day is It? National ReGifting Day! Dec 19

December 19, 2013 JackieP6 Comments

Hello once more people! Getting closer to Christmas! This is the last weekend to spend all your hard-earned money on gifts. Just make sure it’s something they really want or need.

And if you are having any Christmas parties, please be careful out there. But have fun! You don’t need to get drunk or high to have fun people. Believe me. Do NOT drive drunk. Let someone else drive sober or call a cab. That’s my lecture for today.

Personally I never went to ‘office parties’. I only went to one, that was given at my very first job. Oh wow, after that one I never went to another no matter what job I was at. People are mean-spirited sometimes and crazy the other. Or maybe it was the witches I worked with. Anyway, I learned my lesson. Plus I’m not a party person. I hate them and I’ve never liked big gatherings where there was booze present. Reminds me too much of family reunions. Ha-ha!

So just be careful if you party is all I’m saying. Now on with the celebrations!

National ReGifting Day ~~ Every year the Thursday before Christmas is National Re-Gifting Day. There are re-gifting rules also. I think this could be a fun thing. Have a re-gifting party! There is even a website called Regiftable.com. It seems most office parties are scheduled on the Thursday before Christmas and it is becoming quite the thing to give re-gifts at these parties. It’s the theme! According to their website, “We’d like to suggest that you bring regifting out of the supply closet and turn your gift exchange into a regifting party. In case you are hesitant to break tradition, you can rest assured that the majority (60%) of people thinks that regifting is becoming more accepted; the top two reasons are to save some green.

25% believe that regifting is becoming more accepted because it is a way to save on holiday expenses.
14% believe that regifting is becoming more accepted because it is a method of recycling.

Also stated in their website are ‘rules’ for regifting. I like this one : Is this going to work? Successful regifters use common sense. If you are going to regift, be sure you know who gave you the item, so you don’t return something to the original giver. Only regift items to people who are not likely to see the original giver.

So if you were feeling guilty about thinking of regifting a present go to their website and enjoy your recycling efforts!

Look for an Evergreen Day ~~ I couldn’t find who started this holiday. My guess is someone who had a tree lot. If you haven’t bought or put up your Christmas tree yet, today is for you! Go out and get that perfect evergreen tree today. If you all ready have your tree up and decorated you could just sit with a good cup of coffee or tea or drink of your choice and admire your tree. There isn’t much time left to find that perfect tree. You wait much longer and you’ll likely have a Charlie Brown kind of tree.

(Via Wikipedia) The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which with electrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree to represent the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century, in which “devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes”. Christmas trees are hung in St. George’s Church, Sélestat since 1521. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. The Christmas tree has also been known as the “Yule-tree”, especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.

Oatmeal Muffin Day ~~ Again I wasn’t able to find the source of this holiday. But it’s no reason not to celebrate it by making or eating an oatmeal muffin. Why not enjoy a muffin that is good for you? It’s a healthy treat that can help lower your cholesterol. Celebrate this food holiday by enjoying a muffin that is delicious but has many health benefits such as helping to control weight, and is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I love muffins, so maybe I’ll go find me a muffin recipe and make some.

Oatmeal muffins are made with the primary ingredient of oatmeal. Additional ingredients can just about anything, however the most common are raisins, nuts, and chocolate chips depending on your preference. The level of sweetness can also vary greatly. So go ahead and find that old family recipe for oatmeal muffins! Enjoy!

National Hard Candy Day ~~ Now who doesn’t enjoy a piece of hard candy now and then? Well today is the day to pay tribute to Hard Candy! Hard candy is of course available all year, but it’s around Christmas time that it sells the most. I can understand that given how many candy canes and lollipops are sold this time of year.

(Via Wikipedia) A hard candy, or boiled sweet, is a candy prepared from one or more syrups boiled to a temperature of 160 °C (320 °F). After a syrup boiled to this temperature cools, it is called hard candy, since it becomes stiff and brittle as it approaches room temperature. Hard candy recipes variously call for syrups of sucrose, glucose, or fructose. Once the syrup blend reaches the target temperature, the confectioner removes it from the heat source, and may add citric acid, food dye, and some flavoring, such as a plant extract, essential oil, or flavorant. One might then pour the syrup concoction (which is now very viscous) into a mold or tray to cool. When the syrup is cool enough to handle, one can fold, roll, and mold it into the shapes desired. Hard candies and throat lozenges prepared without sugar employ isomalt as a sugar substitute, and are sweetened further by the addition of an artificial sweetener, such as aspartame, or a sugar alcohol, such as Xylitol. Among the many hard candy varieties are stick candy (such as the candy cane), the lollipop, the aniseed twist, and the bêtises de Cambrai.

So go ahead and enjoy a piece of your favorite hard candy to celebrate!

That’s it for today, but I’ll be back tomorrow with more! Enjoy your day!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Bake Cookies Day! ~~ Dec 18

December 18, 2013 JackieP12 Comments

Hey people! Once more I’m coming to you from frosty, snowy Canada to bring you another day of celebrations!

Yes, I’m having snow again. At least it’s not so bone chilling cold, so I’m grateful for that. Now if we could get rid of the wind for a while, I’d be happy, happy, happy.

Only a week left before the big day! Is everyone ready? No? That’s ok, you still have this weekend to finish that shopping. Um, guys, yeah you men, I’m talking to you! hahaha! Oh oh, sorry guys, that would be me too almost every year. Sorry! This year is different though, my husband and I have agreed not to give gifts this year. We be poor folks! Well, that and we get enough during the year, so we thought we would put that money we would normally spend on each other in the house. So we bought a door to put in between the mud room and the kitchen/living room. Makes a big difference in how warm the main house stays!

So let’s get to the celebrations!

Bake Cookies Day ~~ (for my British friends, biscuits are cookies) Now what better time to bake those Christmas cookies than today? A week before Christmas and maybe you might have some left for the big day. So go whip up some cookies (my favorite is Snickerdoodles, hint hint). Make the whole house smell good and treat yourself and your family. Not a baker? No problem! They have all sorts of pre-made dough in the grocery stores. Easy, peasy! Get the kids to help decorate them, make it a fun family affair!

(Via Wikipedia) Cookies appear to have their origins in 7th century AD Persia, shortly after the use of sugar became relatively common in the region. They spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14th century, they were common in all levels of society throughout Europe, from royal cuisine to street vendors. With global travel becoming widespread at that time, cookies made a natural travel companion, a modernized equivalent of the travel cakes used throughout history. One of the most popular early cookies, which traveled especially well and became known on every continent by similar names, was the jumble, a relatively hard cookie made largely from nuts, sweetener, and water. Cookies came to America in the early English settlement (the 17th century), although the name “koekje” arrived with the Dutch. This became Anglicized to “cookie” or cooky. Among the popular early American cookies were the macaroon, gingerbread cookies, and of course jumbles of various types. The most common modern cookie, given its style by the creaming of butter and sugar, was not common until the 18th century.

International Migrants Day ~~ (from the UN website) On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day. On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly had adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Many organizations and communities celebrate the day through various activities to alert the general public on the facts about migrants, problems with human trafficking, the lives of migrant workers’ children, the plight of refugees and ways in combating racism. Websites, such as www.britkid.org, give people the opportunity to have a virtual experience of what it is like to come from a migrant background. Lobby groups may also use this day as an opportunity to pressure local public officials to look at issues concerning legalization, immigrant enforcement and migrants’ human rights. Special films and documentaries about migrants are also screened or broadcast on this day.

National Roast Suckling Pig Day ~~ Thought to be a delicacy, roast suckling pig dates back to ancient Rome and China. Young pig meat is said to be extremely tender and sweet compared to older pigs. It’s typically roasted, whole, with the head on. It is difficult to imagine that anyone would actually have the time to roast a pig. It typically takes two days to fully prepare the pig and then roast it. Nevertheless, roast suckling pigs are an iconic holiday dish, often depicted as the centerpiece of a massive feast. Personally I have never had suckling pig. Suckling pigs are young piglets that are not weaned from their mother yet. Today, pig roasts are a popular tradition in cultures all around the world.

Have you ever had roast suckling pig? Ever made it? Let me know!

International Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day ~~ Now you know I have to add the odd ones in too. So here it is! Who is Buddy the Elf? Buddy is an over-zealous character played by Will Ferrell in the 2003 Christmas comedy film called Elf; Buddy is a human raised by Santa’s elves. The movie takes a humorous journey with Buddy on his quest to find his birth father. Hm, I have to admit I have never seen the movie. If you have then you know how Buddy the Elf would answer the phone. For those of us who don’t know I guess we need to rent the movie, huh? I did however find a few quotes that might help you answer your phone like Buddy.

Buddy the Elf! What’s your favorite color?

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear… it’s just like talking, except longer and louder, and you move your voice up and down.

Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day ~~ Yeah, right. Okay, I wasn’t able to find the source of this um, holiday. Maybe it was started by a bunch of partying plumbers? I have no idea! Just remember, if you plan on playing along, use a new plunger and not that one out of your bathroom. Yikes!

Flake Appreciation Day ~~ No I don’t mean that flaky person in your office. Ha-ha! I’m talking about the white stuff. No! Not dandruff either, geesh. Snow, people! Snow flakes! Today is the day we are supposed to appreciate those beautiful and all different snow flakes. The kind that is falling outside my window right now. Big, fluffy stuff. They are actually quite amazing. If you live somewhere like I do with lots of snow, try catching the flakes on your tongue, have a snowball fight, build a snowman or snow fort. If you live somewhere without snow make paper snowflakes, or go to this website I found and make virtual cut out snowflakes. Go here and have fun!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Let’s Fly! ~ Wright Brothers Day ~~ Dec 17

December 17, 2013 JackieP10 Comments

Good day people! Hope this day finds you full of love and light.

I also realize the holidays can be a trigger for depression. It used to be for me also, for many years. If anyone out there needs a safe place to talk or just to vent, email me, I’m always available. (jlroeder at mail dot com). I’ve been there so I do understand. I’m a good reader/listener.

Also, I will be online on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, so if you get lonely or sad or just want someone to talk to, get hold of me, I’ll be around. No reason for anyone to feel left out, if I can help I will.

Now let’s get going on those celebrations for today.

Wright Brothers Day ~~ Wright Brothers Day commemorates the date (in 1903) that the Wright Brothers first successful flight occurred near Kitty Hawk, NC. Orville and Wilbur Wright were self-taught and self-financed. True American entrepreneurs. North Carolina license plates say “First in Flight” to commemorate their accomplishment. I love to fly in planes, so thank you Wright brothers!

National Maple Syrup Day ~~ The national maple syrup day gives us an opportunity to enjoy this delicious American/Canadian treat throughout the day. Do you know maple syrup is only made in North America? True it seems. And did you know Native Americans were the first ones to make maple syrup? True again! It is actually not easy to make. The timing is everything as the sap only “runs” for a 2 to 3 week period and once the maple tree buds the sap isn’t good anymore. It also takes a lot of sap to make maple syrup so enjoy every sweet sticky bite.

My grandfather used to make his own maple syrup. He lived in upper Wisconsin and had his own maple trees. I remember me and my siblings helping him ‘tap’ the trees. I also remember he used the old metal sap buckets to catch the sap. Then he would heat the sap and add sugar and make the syrup. There is nothing like ‘real’ maple syrup on a stack of homemade pancakes.

So go ahead and incorporate some real maple syrup into one of your meals today! Then invite me over. ahaha!

Underdog Day ~~ Today is the day to cheer for the underdog! An underdog is a person or group who is expected to lose. However, sometimes they pull off the unexpected.

The original meaning of the word “underdog” originated from sawsmen who built ships. Planks of wood called “dogs” were placed over the top of a pit, and two men would have to supervise the placing of these planks. One man would stand on top of the planks, and one man would stand underneath the planks in the dark pit, where he would be covered in sawdust. This poor man was known as the underdog.

So today lets salute all of the underdogs and unsung heroes—the Number Two people who contribute so much to the Number One people we read about. (Sherlock Holmes’s Dr. Watson and Robinson Crusoe’s Friday are examples.) This holiday was founded in 1976 by the late Peter Moeller, THE Chief Underdog.

Now how about something a little different. Some facts about December itself:

December 17th was known for centuries, as the beginning of the Roman/Pagan Saturnalia Festival, held in honor of the God of Agriculture.

The Mason-Dixon Line was established in December of 1782.

The Charles Dickens classic story ‘A Christmas Carol’ was 1st published in December 6, 1843.

Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday, and the tradition began in 1836.

Electric Christmas lights were first used in 1854.

The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson’s store in Philadelphia in 1841.

The most popular Christmas song of all time is Bing Crosby’s version of “White Christmas.” And “Silent Night”-arguably the most recognizable Christmas hymn-was written in 1818, by an Austrian pastor, Joseph Mohr. As Christmas Eve came, that year, the organ in his church was broken, so together with his friend, Franz Gruber, he wrote this new tune for the service that night, and played it on his guitar for his congregation.

There is an ancient legend that all animals of the forest can speak in human language on Christmas Eve.

According to an almanac prediction snow on Christmas means Easter will be warm and green.

The term Yuletide comes from a Norse tradition of cutting and burning a huge tree on December 21st.

People always mistake Santa’s reindeer ‘Donder’ and call him ‘Donner’. Editor Edmund Clarence Stedman reprinted Moore’s version of the poem, and included the German spelling of Donder and Blitzen rather than the Dutch version of Dunder and Blixem. Both translate into English as Thunder and Lightning. The German word for thunder is Donner. Technically, they’re both correct, although Dunder is evidently the true original spelling.

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

A Chocolate Holiday ~~ Dec 16

December 16, 2013 JackieP8 Comments

Hello once again people! I bet you all are thinking, Wow, Jackie has posted every day so far this month! I know, I know! Wonders never cease.

I’m enjoying finding all these reasons to celebrate this month. I love research so it’s no hardship for me. I do hope you are enjoying yourselves also.

Today for some reason I’m starting to get the Christmas spirit. I have no idea why as nothing has changed. I haven’t even watched any Christmas specials. No Christmas music, nothing. But the sun is shining bright and it makes me feel good and cheerful. I’m going to just enjoy the feeling while it lasts and spread some joy.

So let’s go and celebrate!

Chocolate Covered Anything Day ~~ Wow, my kind of day. If I could eat chocolate that is. Being a diabetic at this time of the year sucks big time. I will have to admit I do cheat a bit, but I make sure my blood sugars stay down in other ways. I mean, how can I not cheat just a bit with all these goodies floating around?? Ack, enough about me. Today is the day for us all to eat us some chocolatey goodness. Any way you can!

Barney and Barbie Backlash Day ~~ Now even I found this to be a bit much. But I’m adding it because, well in a way it’s funny. According to the creators of this ‘holiday’ (Wellcats.com) This is the day you (if you’re a parent of little ones) as a parent are supposed to tell your kids that Barney and Barbie are not real. Do you need a special day to do this?? Just wondering. I mean let them be kids as long as possible is my thinking. Yeah, I think Barney is a big purple annoying blob, but I don’t have kids. And yes, Barbie is a not something a little girl should aspire to. But kids will eventually outgrow them and really how relevent is Barney nowadays?

Boston Tea Party ~~ This isn’t really a holiday, but I was running short and thought, what the hell, I’ll add it. Hey, I’m writing this post, I can do that. haha! (Via Wikipedia) The Boston Tea Party (initially referred to by John Adams as “the Destruction of the Tea in Boston”) was a nonviolent political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston, on December 16, 1773. Disguised as American Indians, the demonstrators destroyed the entire supply of tea sent by the East India Company in defiance of the American boycott of tea carrying a tax the Americans had not authorized. They boarded the ships and threw the chests of tea into Boston Harbor, ruining the tea. The British government responded harshly and the episode escalated into the American Revolution. The Tea Party became an iconic event of American history, and other political protests often refer to it.

Los Posadas ~~ This is a wonderful Mexican celebration that starts today. las posadas literally translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings” and symbolizes the Biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. (Via Wikipedia) The procedure has been a tradition in Mexico for 400 years.

The head of the procession will have a candle inside a paper lampshade. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and Mary and Joseph are finally recognized and allowed to enter. Once the “innkeepers” let them in, the group of guests come into the home and kneel around the Nativity scene to pray (typically, the Rosary). Latin American countries have continued to celebrate this holiday to this day, with very few changes to the tradition. In some places, the final location may be a church instead of a home.

Individuals may actually play the various parts of Mary (María) and Joseph with the expectant mother riding a real donkey (burro), with attendants such as angels and shepherds acquired along the way, or the pilgrims may carry images of the holy personages instead. Children may carry poinsettias. The procession will be followed by musicians, with the entire procession singing posadas such as pedir posada. At the end of each night’s journey, there will be Christmas carols (villancicos), children will break open star-shaped piñatas to obtain candy and fruit hidden inside, and there will be a feast. Piñatas are traditionally made out of clay. It is expected to meet all the invitees in a previous procession.

Doesn’t that sound like a fun thing to do and watch?

That’s about all I could find for today people. See you tomorrow! Celebrate!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Another Day to Celebrate! ~~ Dec 15

December 15, 2013 JackieP11 Comments

Hello people! Well I didn’t get blown away by the winds yesterday, but I bet there are a lot of peoples roofs without some shingles. The wind went on until late last night, today is not quite so bad and we are well above freezing. I get so thankful for the little things in the winter.

Today is another day to celebrate. Only 10 more days till Christmas too! I got my very first Christmas card yesterday with a handmade ornament inside. It’s special for a couple of reasons. One, it was made by a two-year old girl and it’s my first new ornament in our new home. Well, it’s our first ornament period as we lost all our Christmas stuff when we moved and I had nothing. Now I have something. Feels good. Thank you Jazzy!

Now on with todays reasons for celebration!

Bill of Rights Day ~~ On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified by the (former)13 colonies, and went into effect. States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect a number of rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution. On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. So be thankful and celebrate the wisdom of people way back when and spend a few minutes reflecting upon the freedoms that you enjoy. These freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world. Celebrate!

National Lemon Cupcake Day ~~ A day set aside for eating and presenting lemon cupcakes to each other. Now I love anything made with lemons and this would be especially tasty I’m thinking. And while they may not be standard Christmas fare, lemon cupcakes will be a hit item at your annual gathering. While I wasn’t able to find the origin of this holiday I thought it was a fun one. After all the holiday sugary treats, maybe a little sour on your taste buds wouldn’t hurt. Cleanse the palate so to speak. So go ahead and bake up a bunch of lemon cupcakes and share! Celebrate!

Cat Herders Day ~~ Yes, you read it right. Now me, I’m not sure I’d want to try to herd a bunch of cats. I have two and there is no way I’m going to herd those two much less any more. Cats have minds of their own and they might decide to stampede! Ha-ha! According to the originators of this particular holiday (Wellcat.com) If you can say that your job, or even your life, is like trying to herd cats, then this day is for you, with our sympathy. And have you seen the Superbowl Cat herding commercial? Try this link, it’s cute! So if you’re having a bad day, or a bad week, this one is for you! Celebrate!

Todays list is short but has a bit of everything, serious, silly, and yummy. If you could have a holiday what would you call it? And when would it be?

Until tomorrow then, have a wonderful day and celebrate!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

The Day of the Horse Celebrate! Dec 14

December 14, 2013 JackieP12 Comments

Happy weekend people! How is your weekend been so far?

Mine started out crappy. Can I hear an ‘awwww’? No really it started out strange. I was woken up this morning to what sounded like a train whistle in my bedroom. It was barely light out for crying out loud!

Every time I would start to nod off again the train whistle sound did it again. It was loud! So I finally thought I might as well get up and see what the hell it was. Found out quick enough when I went to let Sam out to do his morning business. I had a hard time opening the front storm door!

The wind was so fierce and in just the right direction that it pushed against the door. And that whistling sound? Well it was the wind whipping between mine and the neighbor’s place! I kid you not! It acted like a damn wind tunnel. It was bizarre and kind of cool at the same time. And standing in the doorway, wow, was that loud! The wind had to have been at least 70 – 80 mph gusts through the yard. It was wicked! By the time I thought about the possibility of capturing the sound with my camera the wind died just enough that it didn’t make that sound anymore. Course it was a few hours after I got up. I’m kind of slow. But I swear if or when it happens again I’m recording it!

Now let’s get going on those celebrations for today!

The Day of the Horse ~~The horse is a living link to the heritage and history of our nation and represents a common bond among all peoples who led the way in building our country. Today, the horse industry contributes more than $112 billion annually to the American economy. Therefore, the US Senate (in 2004) has declared the second Saturday of December to be the Day of the Horse in honor of these magnificent creatures. I’ve always loved horses and vowed to one day own one of my own. Unfortunately I never could afford one, but I still love them. Celebrate by donating to a wild horse charity, visit a horse show, or just admire them. Celebrate!

International Shareware Day ~~ This day is celebrated every second Saturday in December. A day to take time to reward the efforts of thousands of computer programmers who trust that if we try their programs and like them, we will pay for them. Unfortunately, very few payments are received, thus stifling the programmers’ efforts. This observance is meant to prompt each of us to inventory our PCs and Macs, see if we are using any shareware and then take the time in the holiday spirit to write payment checks to the authors. Hopefully this will keep the shareware coming. Celebrate!

Monkey Day ~~ Yes today is the day we celebrate the monkey. (Via Wikipedia) The holiday was started in 2000 when artist Casey Sorrow, then an art student at Michigan State University, jokingly scribbled Monkey Day on a friend’s calendar, and then first celebrated the holiday with other MSU art students. It gained notoriety when Sorrow and fellow MSU art student Eric Millikin began including Monkey Day in their artwork and Fetus-X comic strips, and began promoting it online along with other artists. Since then, Monkey Day has been celebrated internationally, across countries like the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Monkey Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated internationally on December 14. While the holiday is mainly about the monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Sorrow also maintains a comprehensive “Monkeys in the News” blog with stories on topics like monkey attacks, monkey smuggling, and monkey science. Every Monkey Day, Sorrow’s “Monkeys in the News” blog counts down the previous year’s “top 10 Monkey and Primate News highlights”.

Go visit a zoo and say hi to the Monkeys! Celebrate!

National Bouillabaisse Day ~~ Today celebrates this Mediterranean dish which is a kind of seafood stew/soup. It originated in Marseilles, France the French and Mediterranean people have been eating it since 600 B.C. The fishermen would make it when they pulled into port. Ideally it should be made with a few different kinds of white fillets like cod, flounder, sea bass or snapper and includes various herbs and vegetables like garlic, fennel, saffron, bay leaf, orange peel, leeks, onions, potatoes, or celery. Since this holiday falls in the middle of December it’s a perfect time to warm your body inside and out with a bowl of Bouillabaisse. To celebrate today, try your hand at making your own bouillabaisse stew for your family to enjoy! Celebrate!

That’s all for today folks. I’ll be back tomorrow with more! Celebrate!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays

Celebrate! Celebrate! ~~ Dec 13

December 13, 2013 JackieP8 Comments

Good day people! Today I bring you great tidings of joy, or some more celebrations, which ever works for you.

Here’s hoping your weekend turns out to be super! Done Christmas shopping yet? Got all those presents wrapped? Got your tree up? Yeah, I’m nosey. hahaha!

That special day is getting closer and closer! So tell me, what does Christmas mean to you? Let me know, I’m really interested.

So let’s get onto those celebrations for today shall we.

National Violin Day ~~ I couldn’t find the source of this holiday, but popular opinion is (I’m inclined to agree) that it was started because of all the music that is performed this time of year. Violins are usually a big part of Christmas music. The violin is the smallest yet the highest pitched instrument in the violin family. The violin family consists of the violin, viola, bass viola and cello. The violin can be played in a number of musical genres, classical, jazz, folk music and even rock and roll. It is also called a fiddle. So go ahead and listen to the violin, however you like it. Or if you play, even better! Play a tune for me today!

National Cocoa Day ~~ The history of this day is unknown, but who doesn’t love cocoa? Especially when it’s cold and blustery like it is here. A nice hot cup of cocoa would be great! What is the difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa? Hot cocoa is made from a powdered mix of cocoa, sugar and is made with hot milk or water, and hot chocolate is made from chocolate bars melted into cream. While both are delicious, cocoa is the one being celebrated today. Some may celebrate baking with cocoa, while some want to mainline it in a good cup of cocoa. Either way, cocoa lovers, this day is for you!

Via Wikipedia; The cacao tree may have originated in the foothills of the Andes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America where today, examples of wild cacao still can be found. However, it may have had a larger range in the past, evidence for which may be obscured because of its cultivation in these areas long before the Spanish arrived. It may have been introduced into Central America by the ancient Mayas, and cultivated in Mexico by the Toltecs and later by the Aztecs. It was a common currency throughout Mesoamerica and the Caribbean before the Spanish conquests.

Chocolate and cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. As with all things people, moderation is the key!

Pick a Pathologist Pal Day ~~ Some people think Pathologists and coroners are a happy lot. I wouldn’t know, as I don’t know any. But I’m thinking they have their own brand of humor. So find yourself a Pathologist today and become pals with them! I have no idea where this started, or why, but hey I’m all for making new friends!

That’s all I got for today folks, come back tomorrow for another edition!

Blogging · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays

Celebrations for This Day ~~ Dec 12

December 12, 2013 JackieP2 Comments

Hello again people! Hope this day finds all right in your world. If not, wait, the day will change into tomorrow soon enough.

The day has warmed up here to above freezing! Yea!! But….. Well you know there seems to always be a but……. But the wind is vicious! It is at least 35mph with gusts up to 50. By Saturday we will have a melt as it is supposed to get to 40F (4C). That’s one thing about where I live in Southern Alberta, we have Chinooks a lot. But enough about me.

Today’s celebrations are:

National Poinsettia Day ~~ I love Poinsettia’s, they are always so cheerful in the winter dreary days. Today is the day we celebrate this wonderful Mexican flower. National Poinsettia Day honors Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who is credited for introducing the “Flor de Noche Buena” or the Christmas Eve flower to the U.S. in 1825. By 1936, this plant became more widely known as the Poinsettia. This is a day to enjoy this beautiful plant that is so popular for the holidays. Celebrate this holiday by buying a beautiful Poinsettia in your favorite color. The red Poinsettia is the most common choice, but this beautiful plant comes in a wide array of other colors like pink, white, marbled, speckled, and yellow. The date chosen for National Poinsettia Day recognizes Joel Roberts Poinsett who died on December 12th, 1851 for his contribution to the popularization of the Poinsettia in the U.S.

Gingerbread House Day ~~ Now what better month to celebrate Gingerbread houses. I love to look at them, but can’t eat them. Not because they are beautiful and whimsy. I’m a diabetic, so all I can do is admire. Darn it! Gingerbread is a sweet, soft, cake-like aromatic biscuit associated with the festivities of Christmas. The gingerbread house is made of gingerbread which is typically made of flour, brown sugar, butter and dried or ground ginger. Before actually constructing the gingerbread house, the gingerbread is baked on large baking sheets.
Then, with the help of cardboard cutouts and detailed instructions, the house is assembled with the icing as glue. Finally colorful candy is used to decorate the house. The legend of the Gingerbread house has origins in the story of Hansel and Gretel. That’s why many children like to build gingerbread houses for Gingerbread House day.

According to an article online at Mail Online, there is a life-size Gingerbread house! How great is that? At the Fairmont in San Francisco they have a life-size gingerbread house. I am adding one picture from the article, you really must go and read it and look at the fantastic pictures. It is fabulous! Go now, I’ll wait.

National Ding-A-Ling Day ~~ A great time of the year to help those stressed over the holidays to find a day to release all the built up tension from Thanksgiving with the family. It will make Christmas with them a lot easier. No one really knows when or who thought up this holiday but some think it comes from Chuck Berry’s song “My Ding-a-Ling”. When it first came out radio stations had their doubts about playing the song and reserved it for playing late at night or not at all. Even though it made it to the top 14 on the charts it was still censored by many stations. Did you all know that the song is really referring to a couple of jingle bells his grandmother gave him on a string? He wore it around his neck and they helped him through tense times. That’s what I found after lots of digging, whether it’s true or not I don’t know. Either way today is the day to let loose and act silly! Go for it, I won’t tell.

National Ambrosia Day ~~ Not to be confused with the food of the Greek gods in ancient mythology, modern-day ambrosia salad is a fluffy combination of marshmallow, coconut and various fruits. And that is what is celebrated today. Ambrosia, yum yum. Recipes for Ambrosia began to appear in American cookbooks in the late 1700s. So why not whip up a tasty version of your own? Here is a couple of links for some fine-looking and tasty Ambrosia. Ambrosia Salad by Alton Brown and Delectable Ambrosia Salad.

Bonza Bottler Day ~~ To celebrate when the number of the day is the same as the number of the month. Bonza Bottler Day™ is an excuse to have a party at least once a month. To quote the website “ August 8, 2010 marked the 25th year anniversary of the first official celebration of Bonza Bottler Day, which was created by Elaine Fremont in 1985 when she realized there were no special occasions to celebrate one month. She decided to give herself a reason to have a party and some fun with this special day every month. Ms. Fremont held a contest to name the day, which a student from Australia won. When Australians like something, they might exclaim, “Bonza !” Which means “super,” “great,” or “fantastic.” “Bottler” is slang for “something excellent.” Thus, the celebration each month is now known as Bonza Bottler Day, which was first officially celebrated on August 8, 1985 in Greenville, South Carolina, where Elaine Fremont was born and lived.”

Any day for a party is a good day! So party on!

Well that’s it for today folks. Join me tomorrow for more celebrations! See you then.

Source unknown– but so damn true! hahaha!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays

Happy Birthday UNICEF! And Other Things Celebrated Today Dec 11

December 11, 2013 JackieP12 Comments

Good morning/afternoon/evening people!

I hope you are having a fantabulous day! Getting into the holiday spirit yet? Yes? No? If not why not?!

I’m not sure I’m in the full spirit as of yet, but it sometimes takes till the week of Christmas to get there. This year has been a rough one for me in so many ways. It has also been a good one too in some ways. So far the bad has outweighed the good, but I’m not going to whine over it. Well, ok, maybe a little. All things considered I’m just thankful I have a roof over my head, am warm and have my fur babies. Ok, the husband too I guess. hahaha!

Has everyone got their tree up? Decorations throughout the house? I don’t. Yeah, I know, you’re probably thinking to yourself, This lady is weird, telling us to get in the holiday spirit and she’s not there herself!

Well someone has to do it, dammit! I don’t even have any decorations or tree anymore. They got left in the house accidentally when we moved in May. The woman who lives there now is not very friendly and she doesn’t like me (long story), so she probably trashed it all anyway. Yeah sad story time.

Anyway, enough of that. Let’s get on to the celebrations of the day!

UNICEF’s Birthday ~~ (Via Wikipedia) UNICEF was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System and its name was shortened from the original United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund but it has continued to be known by the popular acronym based on this previous title.

International Mountain Day ~~ Quoting a post I saw on the United Nations website, “International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands.” You can find the entire article here.

This day was adopted by the UN as the day every year for the international community to organize events at all levels on that day to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development. Now I think this day is a step in the right direction!

National Noodle Ring Day ~~ I have to admit, I didn’t find where this one originated or what it is exactly. There seem to be two camps. One is that today is the day that you celebrated that old-fashioned noodle ring of the 70’s. Which was a concoction by mixing eggs and noodles together with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and cheese and then putting the ingredients into a ring mold to bake. After you have made the ring, it should be properly plated. The center of the ring can then be filled with creamed chicken, vegetables or other ingredients of your choice.

Or it is a day to just celebrate noodles of any kind. Make homemade, buy noodles, but make something with noodles and enjoy!

Well folks that’s all I got for today. Yes, it’s short, but sweet. Tomorrow is another day though so stay tuned! And have a wonderful day!

Source unknown - probably for their own good. hahah! — Source unknown – probably for their own good. hahah!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Human Rights Day ~~ Dec 10

December 10, 2013 JackieP9 Comments

Hello once more people! Hope your day is going the way you want it to go. If it’s not, just remember everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believer in that. Big hugs and stay strong!

Today is a day of celebration, as is every day.

So with that let’s see what kind of holidays are going on today.

Human Rights Day ~~ The United Nations’ (UN) Human Rights Day is annually observed December 10 to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France, on the December 10, 1948. All states and interested organizations were invited to mark December 10 as Human Rights Day at a UN meeting on December 4, 1950. It was first observed on December 10 that year and has been observed each year on the same date. Each year Human Rights Day has a theme. Some of these themes have focused on people knowing their human rights or the importance of human rights education.

Nobel Prize Day ~~ Today is the day that the Nobel Prizes are given. If you go to Nobelprize.org you can read all about it. It’s a very interesting website. The Nobel Prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award available in the fields of literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, peace, and economics. The Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm, Sweden, at the annual Prize Award Ceremony on 10 December, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.

Dewey Decimal Day ~~ According to Wikipedia:

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), or Dewey Decimal System, is a proprietary library classification system first published by Melvil Dewey in 1876. It has been revised and expanded through 23 major editions, the latest issued in 2011. The classification was notable in its time because it introduced the concepts of relative location and relative index. It makes use of three-digit Arabic numerals for main classes, with decimals as expansions for more detail. A library assigns a Dewey Decimal number that unambiguously locates a particular volume in a position relative to other books in the library. This makes it easy to find any particular book and return it to its proper place on the library shelves. The system is used in 200,000 libraries in at least 135 countries.

Today marks the inventor’s birthday, Melville Louis Kossuth (Melvil) Dewey (December 10, 1851 – December 26, 1931) was an American librarian and educator, inventor of the Dewey Decimal system of library classification.

So go to your local library to celebrate and check out a book while you’re there!

Festival for the souls of Dead Whales ~~ You know I’m always good for a strange one now and then. Here is today’s. Festival of the Souls of Dead Whales is according to an old National Geographic article is a festival that supposedly the Inuit people of Alaska celebrate. About 70 percent of the Inuit’s diet consists of whale meat. The Inuit people (as many Native Indians) believe that animals have souls. They have numerous rituals that ask these spirits to bless them with good hunting days. They also give thanks to these spirits of the animals they hunt for food and greatly respect them. Sounds like a good one to me, but then I have always believed this to be true, that animals have souls. So let’s give thanks for all those animals that give up their lives so we may live ours.

It’s a short list for today people. Tomorrow I’ll bring you another. Till then may light and love be yours always.

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Today’s List of Holidays! ~~ Dec 8

December 8, 2013 JackieP7 Comments

Hello, people! Hope you are having a wonderful day where ever you are.

Today is a frosty sunny day here, so I’m sitting with a hot cup of coffee browsing the internet just for you. I’m surrounded by fur babies as my office seems to be the warmest room in the house. Every time I get up to refresh my coffee, Pouncer (my female cat) jumps into my chair thinking to take over.

I just push her off and she goes lays with her brother Notwen till the next time. It’s a game we play all day.

So, like I said I was browsing the internet looking for holidays for today and came across a few. Hope you enjoy!

National Brownie Day ~~ Yes that fudgy, cakey chocolatey delight has its own holiday! Can you say yummy?! From what I could find, the brownie made its first appearance at the Columbian Exposition in 1893. Apparently, according to Wikipedia, a chef at the Palmer House Hotel created the confection after Bertha Palmer requested a dessert for the ladies attending the fair that would be smaller than a piece of cake, and easily eaten from boxed lunches. So go make a batch of brownies, add nuts or whatever else your heart desires and enjoy!

http://just-edith.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-brownies.html

Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day ~~ Doesn’t this sound like fun? Today is the day that you actually pretend to be a time traveler! You are supposed to dress and act like you have time traveled all day, without actually telling anyone what you are doing! Now of course if some people in white coats show up, then I think it’s ok to tell them you are acting. I do hope they believe you. hahaha! There seem to be several options for you also:

1) Utopian/cliche future
– “If the Future did a documentary of the last fifty years, this is how badly the reenactors would dress.” Think Star Trek: TNG or the Time Travelers from Hob. Ever see how the society in Futurama sees the 20th century? Run with it. Your job is to dress with moderately anachronistic clothing and speak in slang from varying decades. Here are some good starters:
– Greet people by referring to things that don’t yet exist or haven’t existed for a long time. Example: “Have you penetrated the atmosphere lately?” “What spectrum will today’s broadcast be in?” and “Your king must be a kindly soul!”
– Show extreme ignorance in operating regular technology. Pay phones should be a complete mystery (try placing the receiver in odd places). Chuckle knowingly at cell phones.

2) Dystopian Future:
– This one offers a little more flexibility. It can be any kind of future from Terminator to Freejack. The important thing to remember is dress like a crazy person with armor. Black spray painted football pads, high-tech visors, torn up trench coats and maybe even some dirt here or there. Remember, dystopian future travelers are very startled that they’ve gone back in time. Some starters:
– If you go the “prisoner who’s escaped the future” try shaving your head and putting a bar code on the back of your neck. Then stagger around and stare at the sky, as if you’ve never seen it before.
– Walk up to random people and say “WHAT YEAR IS THIS?” and when they tell you, get quiet and then say “Then there’s still time!” and run off.
– Stand in front of a statue (any statue, really), fall to your knees, and yell “NOOOOOOOOO”
– Stare at newspaper headlines and look astonished.
– Take some trinket with you (it can be anything really), hand it to some stranger, along with a phone number and say “In thirty years dial this number. You’ll know what to do after that.” Then slip away.

3) The Past:
– This one is more for beginners. Basically dress in period clothing (preferably Victorian era) and stagger around amazed at everything. Since the culture’s set in place already, you have more of a template to work off of. Some pointers:
– Airplanes are terrifying. Also, carry on conversations with televisions for a while.
– Discover and become obsessed with one trivial aspect of technology, like automatic grocery doors. Stay there for hours playing with it.
– Be generally terrified of people who are dressed immodestly compared to your era. Tattoos and shorts on women are especially scary.

Take it in the Ear Day ~~ I know, I know, you are probably raising an eyebrow and thinking, Jackie has finally lost it and is just making things up. I’m not, I promise! I found this one all over the internet but no one seems to know where it started or why. No one seems to even know exactly what it means. It could mean you listen to a verbal tongue ‘lashing’, or it could mean you just give someone a listen while they vent about the holidays. It could even mean just go get another ear-piercing. Hell, it could mean a wet tongue in the ear like a ‘wet willy‘. I have no idea!

Whatever you decide to celebrate today, do it in fun and love. Until tomorrow!

Blogging · Humor · nonfiction · postaday · strange holidays · writing

Happy International Ninja Day! ~~ Dec 5

December 5, 2013 JackieP12 Comments

As I try to type with frozen finger tips I remember the warmer weather fondly. Was it only a short month or so ago? Seems like forever.

Hello people! Yes, I’m whining about being cold. I get that way when my fingers and feet feel like ice cubes. It’s -26c (-13F) here today and damn it I’m cold! I find as I grow older I feel the cold more than I used to, of course it might also have to do with not wearing my winter coat when I go out. I wear a lined, nylon jacket I’ve had forever. No gloves and no scarf or hat. I hate hats, they drive me crazy. As for gloves I’m not even sure where they are.

So ok, I have to say I’m partly to blame for my frozen condition, but I’m still going to whine. 😉

So let’s go on to the fun things for today. Like International Ninja Day! Yes, it really is International Ninja day today, isn’t that awesome. I so want to dress up like a ninja and sneak up on people! Eh, it’s too cold for that so I’ll let others do it.

How about those other celebrations slated for today? Let’s see what I found.

International Ninja Day ~~ The International Day of the Ninja or Ninja Day was founded in 2003, by a blog called Ninjaburger.com. According to the “Day of the Ninja” website, December 5th is a day to dress like a ninja, show you’re a ninja and post pictures and videos related to ninjas.

Bathtub Party Day ~~ How about this for a celebration? Go draw yourself a nice hot bath, with bubbles if you like, and relax. No phones, no computer, maybe a good book and just relax. Or if you are really in the ‘party’ spirit ask someone special to join you in that bath and party your own way! This is a day for kids or adults. Let the kids play with fun bubbles for a while in the tub. They come out clean and they have fun, what more could you want?

National Sacher Torte Day ~~ Sachertorte is a specific type of chocolate cake, or torte, invented by Austrian Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna, Austria. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties (according to Wikipedia). The cake consists of two layers of dense chocolate sponge cake with a thin layer of apricot jam in the middle, coated in dark chocolate icing on the top and sides. It is traditionally served with whipped cream without any sugar in it. Now that’s a delicious sounding cake! From my findings this day is celebrated today in the USA. But hey, I’m sure they won’t mind sharing.

International Volunteer Day ~~ The United Nations annually observes the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on December 5. The day, which is also known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. To quote the UN website “International Volunteer Day (IVD) offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions – at local, national and international levels”. I’ve provided a link to the UN website if you are interested in reading more. Just click on the link above.

National Communicate with Your Baby Day ~~ Yes even babies have their say today. Today is the day for talking to your baby. I think that’s every day myself, but hey I just write what I find.

Repeal Day ~~ Repeal Day celebrates the end of Prohibition with the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 5th, 1933. Almost 15 years prior, the 18th Amendment was passed to outlaw alcohol. Though, Prohibition increased America’s thirst for alcohol and the outlawing of alcohol provided fertile grounds for organized crime to spread its influence. I added a link to repealday.org if you’re interested in reading more. Have a drink for me today and let’s clink glasses, mugs, solo cups, cans, bottles or anything else you happen to be sipping from and wish us all a happy day!