Celebrate Every Day

Transcript from July 14th

Welcome to July 14th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  I’m John McClain sitting in for Marlo Anderson and today we celebrate the height of class and a tool that comes in handy.   More after the break from Anna Devere.

Everything about the orange flavored liqueur that we know as Grand Marnier signifies class, elegance and distinction.  It was first produced by Alexander Marnier-Lapostolle using Bigarade oranges from the Caribbean, fine cognac and sugar syrup then aged in oak casks.  The process took nearly ten years to perfect and the superior results have been celebrated ever since its 1880 debut. Also known as Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge for the red ribbon that adorns the bottle this illustrious liqueur has been served around the globe from the Ritz Hotel in Paris to Queen Elizabeth the II’s Golden Jubilee and even set sail aboard the RMS Titanic.  To this day a new bottle is purchased every two seconds. On National Grand Marnier Day, celebrate the spirit of class that adorns the heart of cocktails and desserts that are graced with this truly grand liqueur. 

Anna: Are you measuring the studio?

John: Yep. I’m looking to renovate so it looks good when Marlo is back. 

Anna: Can’t you wait to do that until we’re done recording? 

John: Anna, it’s National Tape Measure Day and I figured it was a good time to do this since we’re redoing the studio. Did you know that James Chesterman patented a steel measuring tape in 1829?

Anna: I did not. 

John: Yep. And it cost the equivalent of $300 in today’s world. 

Anna: So how much was the one you have there?

John [click and tape measure snapping back]: A lot less. [pause] Also, I think we might need to knock out that wall.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 13th

Welcome to July 13th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate the great American melting pot and the dishes that it inspires.  More after the break from Anna Devere.

Depending on where you are from you might call them chips, fries or French fried potatoes.  Add to that the special cut of curls, waffles, or crinkles and you would think we are celebrating all things potato.  But there is only one National French Fry Day and today we feature the sidekick that some folks call a meal in itself.  The expression French Fried Potatoes first appeared in an English cookbook in 1856 but some believe that the name French Fries became popular during World War I. When American soldiers discovered Belgian fries they became an instant hit, and since Belgians speak French the nickname was forged. Today we pile on toppings from all over the globe like chili and nacho cheese yet somehow this feels distinctly American.  And while some prefer them on the side with ketchup, no one will argue that French Fries can always be the main event.  

Baked beans were already a traditional Native American dish when the British first arrived in North America. The settlers quickly adopted the casserole making it a staple of their meals and while baked beans became a New England favorite, they were not well known outside of the region. During the American Civil War, however, their popularity spread across the country, and soon after they were canned and sold in stores. Somewhere along the way, sliced up hot dogs were added. And while no one knows who made up this classic duo the move was an inspired invention.  On National Beans 'N' Franks Day celebrate American ingenuity and a meal that’s guaranteed to please straight from the pantry.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 12th

Welcome to July 12th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate sweet beginnings that sometimes pack a punch.  More after the break from Anna Devere.

Pecan Pie has been a Southern favorite since the 1800s, though its contemporary counterpart serves up a bit of intrigue. It all began with a simple custard of sugar, eggs, nuts, sweet milk and flour in a recipe published as Texas Pecan Pie.  A form of this pie was made in Louisiana in the early 1800s but this Texas version was published in 1897 and folks began copying it ever since.  Then in the 1930s a certain wife of a corn syrup executive was said to have discovered a new use for corn syrup when she created the recipe that is now printed on every bottle of Karo syrup.  It might not be an actual conspiracy but this pie is certainly popular as the ultimate way to satisfy a sweet tooth.  On National Pecan Pie Day celebrate your own traditional recipe that sums up the phrase “sweet as pie.” 

At age 15, David Bowie and his friend were both love-struck over the same girl. They were so enamored of her that they got into a fight over it and started throwing punches. Bowie was hit in the eye hard enough that it left him with permanent damage. That injury, however, gave him his most recognizable physical trait: Different colored eyes. From that day on, his right eye was blue, while his left appeared brown, which added to his mysterious persona. The condition called heterochromia can be caused by genetics, medical conditions—or in Bowie’s case, injury. It’s a rare condition and definitely makes anyone stand out in a crowd. On National Different Colored Eyes Day, keep an eye out for people with this striking feature. And do your best to avoid fist fights.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 11, 2020

Welcome to July 11th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate prized Summer fruit and our favorite photo subject.  More after the break from Anna Devere.

Summer means the peak of freshness for fruit such as cherries, and Rainier cherries are a premium pick!  The creamy yellow fruits are more delicate than most and need to be handpicked which is why they cost more at the grocery store. One bite of their mellow sweetness tells you why they are worth every penny.  Named after Mount Rainier, it was Harry Fogle of Washington State University who developed the Rainier cherry in 1952.  By cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties he created a new mild taste that folks look forward to every year.  Even the birds know how special this fruit can be and about one third of the crop is eaten by this feathered pest.  But who can blame them!  On National Rainier Cherry Day celebrate the gold standard of this prized Summer beauty.

People love to take pictures. And with cameras built right into our phones, we’ve gone a little photo crazy. On Facebook alone, 350 million photos are uploaded every single day. And other than selfies, the thing people like best are pictures of their pets. On All American Pet Photo Day we say it’s okay to lose your head over your favorite dogs, cats, fish or birds, as long as you’re patient with them and don’t make them sit too long or put up with unreasonable costumes.  Celebrate by taking some snapshots of your furry or feathered companion and share away for a memory that’ll last a lifetime...or at least until you update your profile pic.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 10th

Welcome to July 10th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate unbridled cuteness and the flavor of paradise.  More after the break from Anna Devere.

So you’ve decided that life is just not complete without a little furball of love and National Kitten Day seems like a good excuse for taking the plunge.  Here are some things to remember when making the purrfect match.  Consider the breed and its unique characteristics.  Because all kittens become cats and some have specific personalities, you may want to rethink how a giant Maine Coon or an exotic bengal would feel in your tiny apartment.  Shelters are a great place to start the adoption process, as many are staffed with volunteers who can help you put the needs of your tiny pet first.  It’s important to spay and neuter pets so they don’t produce unwanted kittens and your shelter can offer advice on the long term care of your new bundle of joy.  On National Kitten Day get your heart ready for a celebration of cuteness that will last for years to come.  

Do you like getting caught in the rain? Are you into yoga? Do you have half a brain? Then today is the day for you, my friend. We’re celebrating a cocktail that is practically synonymous with tropical tans and cool beaches —the Piña Colada. This vacation favorite was invented in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1954 by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero. The mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice was an instant success and drew people from around the world to the Caribe Hilton to try the concoction. And in 1978 it was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico. On National Piña Colada Day you don’t need to hop on a plane to get this vacation in a glass. The island flavor is as close as your blender, your favorite dessert or even a handful of jelly beans! 

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 9th

Welcome to July 9th on the National Day Calendar.  I’m John McClain sitting in for Marlo Anderson and today we celebrate a cookie for all seasons and world class doodling. More after the break from Anna Devere.

Few desserts are as versatile as the sugar cookie with a shape and decoration that sweetens any event.  It is believed that the recipe originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers created a round buttery cookie that came to be known as the Nazareth Cookie.  But it's easy to see why renaming the treat after its main ingredient made the sugar cookie more popular.  Today, just about every occasion can be made more festive with a theme stamped in this delicious dough.  And frosting and decorating sugar cookies makes for a party in itself.  On National Sugar Cookie Day celebrate the joy of our favorite taste in a picture perfect bite. 

Before the invention of the printing press, books needed to be copied by hand. Monks were responsible for much of this work, laboring day and night to replicate and preserve manuscripts. But because this was so tedious, some of the monks got bored and began to add illustrations in the page margins. The eye-catching watercolor art often had nothing to do with the text at all, but they brought the pages to life. They drew everything from simple objects like plants to fantastical things like rabbits chasing people with swords. Rather than ruin the books, the colorful, sometimes elaborate watercolors transformed the manuscripts into treasured items. July is World Watercolor Month, the perfect time to create some art of your own. We recommend painting on paper, though, not books. Unless you’re painting an animal holding a sword. Because that’s just awesome.  

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 8th

Welcome to July 8th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate small wonders and the wonderful world of frozen pops.  More after the break from Marlo Anderson.

They say, good things come in small packages and this is especially true of the blueberry. Not only are they a popular fruit, blueberries are one of the healthiest things you can eat. This superfood provides more antioxidants than just about any other fruit or vegetable, and has been linked to reduced cholesterol levels. And while we could go on and on about all the health benefits that come from eating blueberries, the fact is they are just plain delicious.  You don’t hear people getting excited about broccoli season so there’s a reason that these juicy berries get a whole month of celebration.  During National Blueberry Month check your local farmer’s market or better yet, find a local patch to pick you own.

And if you’re fond of eating the rainbow, look no further than your freezer for a flavor parade that has something for everyone.  Little Orphan Orange and Sir Issac lime have been famous freezer pops since the 1990’s but when Jel Sert bought the Southern California company that made Otter Pops they soon dominated the market of the freeze at home popsicle that people have been crazy for since the 1960’s.  Whether you’re a fan of Fla-vor-Ice or the cartoon otter kind depends on if you live east or west of the Rockies, but even Canadians have “freezies” and Australians love their Zooper Doopers.  On National Freezer Pop Day enjoy this cool treat that has a way of delighting us all

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 7th

Welcome to July 7th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate food that sticks and traditions worth keeping.  More after the break from Marlo Anderson.

Thomas Jefferson was a true renaissance man. The third United States President completed the Louisiana Purchase, founded of the University of Virginia, and even invented the swivel chair. But something you may not know is that Jefferson introduced us to macaroni and cheese. He first tasted the dish while visiting France and experimented with his own version to get the recipe just right. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s guests at a State dinner gave the casserole mixed reviews. You can’t win them all, I guess. But mac and cheese caught on with the public and is still around to this day as a go-to for kids and those of us who are kids at heart. On National Macaroni Day serve up your own go-to recipe and stick a feather in the cap of the guy who knew how to spot a trend!

We all know that taking a stroll is good for us; the perfect healthy way to unplug from distraction.  Couple that with time alone to listen to your daughter or dad and the opportunity could have far reaching effects that are priceless.  Nature is a great backdrop for framing your thoughts, and an easy amble will guide the conversation no matter what your age.  Start with a simple route and no particular plan, and see where the road takes you both.  On National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day celebrate the gift of spending time together.  It’s a tradition you will likely want to keep more often.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 6th

Welcome to July 6th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate Great Scots and dinner on a roll.  More after the break from Marlo Anderson.

When you think of fried chicken you probably think of the American South.  Or maybe a certain Colonel whose eleven herbs and spices are hard to beat.  But I bet you didn’t know that this dish first came over with Scottish immigrants, who knew a thing or two about deep frying chicken in fat.  As they settled in the South, the Scots secured this culinary tradition and a regional specialty was born.

Anna: Does the clan McClain know how to fry up chicken?

Marlo: On National Fried Chicken Day hunt down your recipe or put your feet up and let the Colonel do the cooking.

Before it became a delicacy, sushi was a staple in the diets of poor fishermen. In the days before refrigeration, people figured out that they could preserve fish by packing it in fermented rice. But unlike modern sushi, the rice wasn’t eaten, as it was only meant to keep the fish from spoiling. Fermentation was eventually phased out and replaced with rice vinegar as a preservative. Sushi has since transformed into delicacy, with many variations, but none has the unique flair of the hand roll. It’s similar to other rolls in regards to the ingredients, but it’s not cut into pieces and is intended to be eaten as soon as it’s served. Celebrate National Hand Roll Day by visiting your local sushi restaurant, taking a prime seat at the sushi bar, and trying one with some sake. Kanpai!

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.

Transcript for July 5th

Welcome to July 5th, 2020 on the National Day Calendar.  Today we celebrate small things with big impact .  More after the break from Marlo Anderson.

If the graham cracker strikes you as being a bit plain, that’s the whole point. In the 1800s, reverend Sylvester Graham taught people that a bland, vegetarian diet was the best way to stay healthy and to avoid sinful urges. One of his followers invented a cracker in Graham’s honor which was exactly what the preacher would’ve wanted…dull. While graham crackers haven’t changed much over the years, they have certainly rounded out the edges of our most decadent desserts.  After all, what would cheesecakes and tarts be without the graham cracker crust? On National Graham Cracker Day, celebrate with s’mores and other treats with the wholesome balance of sinfully rich and sensibly plain. 

When the “atomic impact” of a revealing two piece bathing suit hit the fashion scene on July 5th 1946 it was banned in many places for the next few decades. French designer Louis Réard named his fashion statement after the Bikini Atoll where the United States was conducting atomic testing and it sent a shock wave that wouldn’t be embraced on American beaches until the early 1960’s.  But when Ursula Andress emerged from the sea in the iconic attire as the original Bond girl in “Dr. No,” few could argue that two well placed strips of fabric had a dangerous allure that was well worth the risk. On National Bikini Day go as bare as you dare without causing too much of a stir.

If you would like to Celebrate Every Day with us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out our website TheNationalDailyShow.com.