Celebrate Every Day

Welcome to November 13, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate changing the world and making your mark.

The World Kindness Movement began in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan and today includes over 28 countries around the globe. Projects include photo contests that capture moments of goodwill and generosity along with those that mirror the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations. But you don’t have to be a formal member to inspire those around you. There are far reaching consequences to simple acts of kindness that you can initiate in your everyday life. In this season of giving you can donate far more than material gifts. On World Kindness Day celebrate making a difference where you stand with acts of courage, positivity and compassion.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens worked as a river pilot on the Mississippi River when he was a teen. All the while, he was writing. When the American Civil War brought trade to a halt, he went after his passion. You probably know Mr. Clemens better as Mark Twain, which is actually a nautical term that means the water is deep enough to navigate safely. Sounds like an odd pen name, but that sums up his writing style—smart, quirky, and utterly unexpected. With novels like Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain established his place as one of the greatest American authors of all time. November is National Novel Writing Month, a great time to put pen to paper and start writing that book you may already have in your head.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m John McClain. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 12, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the tale of two kitchens and the kitchen sink of pizzas.

Two Los Angeles restaurants take the credit for inventing the French Dip sandwich, Coles and Philippes. Both feature thinly sliced beef on crusty French bread that is slathered with spicy mustard and dipped in au jus sauce. Coles claims that its French Dip appeared in 1908, when chef Jack Garlinghouse softened the bread of his sandwich for a customer with sore gums. Chef Philippe Mathieu claims he accidentally dropped the bread in a pan with meat drippings and the policeman who ordered it said he would take the sandwich anyway. The next day he returned with his friends and the sandwich became a hit. To this day the French Dipped Sandwich is the star of both menus. On National French Dip Day, celebrate with your own mouth watering version of this American classic.

Sharks, halibut and yellowtail fish are not like us, but not for the obvious reason. These creatures actually like anchovies. In fact, anchovies are an important part of the diet for most fish. But putting them on a pizza, well, that’s a different thing altogether. Anchovies are not eaten fresh. Rather, they are salted in brine before they are consumed, by some people anyway. According to surveys, anchovies are the least popular pizza topping, even more disliked than broccoli or pineapple. On National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day, add this topping if you feel like swimming upstream. Otherwise, there are plenty of fish in the sea who enjoy celebrating the opposite.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 11, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate ice cream bliss and our enduring love for Veterans.

From the late 1800s on, states passed what were known as Blue Laws. They were intended to prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sunday. But the laws also prevented the sale of soda, which could be used as a mixer. That meant that drug stores couldn’t sell ice cream sodas. In order to keep sales up, a pharmacy in Illinois created the ice cream sundae. The origin of the name for the frozen dessert seems pretty straight forward—it was served on Sunday, so it should be called a sundae. But there’s also a story that someone with the last name Sontagg, which is German for “Sunday” invented it. No matter which version of the story you believe, enjoy your favorite ice cream creation on National Sundae Day.

Veterans Day always falls on November 11th to coincide with the ending of World War I. It was originally known as Armistice Day for the treaty that was signed on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour. It is also a day dedicated to the cause of world peace. While Memorial Day commemorates all those who lost their lives in service to their country and Armed Forces Day honors those in active duty, Veterans Day encompasses all United States military veterans. It is a steadfast reminder of our admiration for those willing to pay the ultimate price to protect our freedoms.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day

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Welcome to November 10th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the sweet life and the military branch that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War.

These days everyone could use a little sweetness. And what is sweeter than a personal sized vanilla cake with some buttercream and sprinkles? In fact the bakery known as Sprinkles tapped a trend that has continued to this day with their Los Angeles bakery that opened in 2005. The first recipe for cupcakes appeared in 1796 in Amelia Simmons’ “American Cookery,” and little did she know that chef Candace Nelson would eventually open a cupcake ATM in 2012 with Sprinkles bakeries from coast to coast. Have you guys seen the one in the Las Vegas airport? On National Vanilla Cupcake Day it has never been easier to celebrate the sweet life.

After a few defeats at the hands of British forces, George Washington had requested troops that could fight on both land and sea. On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to create two Battalions of Marines to serve with the Continental Army and these men changed the course of the Revolutionary War. Their first major test came when they landed on hostile shores in the Bahamas and captured New Providence Island. As a result, Captain Samuel Nicholas became the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines and is celebrated as the Marines first commandant. On the Marine Corps Birthday we celebrate those who are always loyal to each other, their country and their traditions.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day!

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Welcome to November 9, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the season of gratitude and a regional favorite.

Most people agree that the Thanksgiving meal is one they look forward to all year. And while the tradition of what's on the menu may vary from home to home, the secret ingredient that makes every meal delicious is gratitude. Perhaps you've noticed how counting your blessings makes everything in life appear sweeter, even when it's hard to see the silver lining. When life goes off course try keeping an attitude of gratitude. It's not an essential cooking ingredient, but it is one of life's best kept secrets. During National Gratitude Month, we invite you to watch as the things you're grateful for begin to multiply.

If you’re not from Philadelphia, you’ve probably never heard of Scrapple. This regional favorite was brought to Philly by immigrants from Germany, where it was popular with rural communities. Farmers butchered their hogs, and used most of the meat for sausages or bacon, but all of the remaining parts were made into scrapple. The traditional version was made with meat only, but Americans combine it with cornmeal or buckwheat, and form it into a loaf. This is then sliced and fried, and typically served as a breakfast side dish. Today the recipe may also include beef, chicken or turkey. You will see it topped with applesauce, ketchup, maple syrup or horseradish, though not all at the same time. On National Scrapple Day, celebrate by trying something different, which may just be easier now that you know how the sausage is made.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 8, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the technology that inspires us every day.

Science and technology are critical to our future. Plus they are just plain cool! That’s why STEM and STEAM education have become increasingly popular. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the terms, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The A was added to incorporate Art for a more well rounded curriculum. Young children are curious by nature, so introducing them to science and technology early in life can make a huge difference in their development. Even if your child doesn’t focus on a career in any of these fields, STEM and STEAM education can set them on a path towards success. On National STEM/STEAM Day, take time to inspire the little ones in your life, because they are the ones who will shape our future.

What we know as the cappuccino was first served in Vienna coffee houses in the early 1800s. The coffee, when mixed with cream and sugar, took on a shade of brown that reminded baristas of a monk’s robes, specifically, those worn by the Capuchin monks. Hence, the name cappuccino. FYI, the word cappuccino means hood in Italian, and the order of monks got the name because of their hooded robes. It wasn’t until post World War II, that cappuccinos became popular worldwide. And that was due to espresso machines becoming more readily available. On National Cappuccino Day, celebrate this Italian specialty that coffee lovers worship.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 7, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a sacred fruit and coziness in the kitchen.

Pomegranates have been a favorite of fruit lovers for a very long time. A big favorite. In Ancient Egypt, there are wall paintings depicting the fruit and King Tut was even buried with some so that he could enjoy pomegranates in the afterworld. This delicious fruit was a part of both Greek and Roman mythology and is even mentioned in the Torah. Buddhism considers the pomegranate a sacred fruit. It appears in the paintings of Botticelli and Raphael. So what’s all the fuss about? If you’re asking, then you’ve never had a taste. November is National Pomegranate Month, so get your hands on one of these heavenly fruits and enjoy!

November is National Roasting Month and this cooking method is the best way to add coziness to your kitchen when the weather outside turns chilly. Cooking things low and slow brings out flavor in both meats and vegetables. And since it all goes together in one pan, you can quickly prepare a delicious meal and let the oven do all the work. Start with a turkey or roast, add some vegetables, herbs and spices, and your meal will be fork tender in only a few hours. The best part of roasting is the way it perfumes your kitchen. The hardy meal calls your family to the table all by itself. During National Roasting Month, celebrate the easiest way to add warmth to the heart of your meal!

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 6, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the origins of our favorite snack and smooth solos.

Ignacio Nacho Anaya was the host of The Victory Club in the early 1940s. When the chef of the restaurant turned up missing one night, Ignacio hurried to the kitchen to whip up something for his favorite guests and nachos have been a favorite snack ever since. Though they started with humble chips, cheese and jalapenos, today’s recipes are inspired by almost every culture and cuisine. Not only can nachos feed a crowd, they can be a meal in themselves when piled high with any kind of protein and sauce. Try your favorite leftovers with melted cheese over chips and you are sure to make your culinary mark. On National Nachos Day celebrate this lightning fast meal that is always a crowd pleaser.

The song “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty is instantly recognizable and its all thanks to the epic saxophone solo. This classic is a pretty good rock song, but could have easily been forgotten, if not for that saxophone riff. Rafael Ravenscroft, who played the solo, was paid only about 36 dollars for his work. He came up with the music on the spot and afterwards hated his performance, which he thought was off key. Clearly no one else agreed. But don’t feel too bad for Mr. Ravenscroft. He went on to perform with Pink Floyd, ABBA, and even Daft Punk. On National Saxophone Day, we celebrate the birthday of Adolfe Sax, the inventor of the instrument that gave so many pop songs their smooth, memorable vibe.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 5, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate standing out in a crowd and our National mammal.

The genetic trait that causes red hair is found in only two percent of the population, so those of us with natural red have no trouble standing out. If you have both red hair and blue eyes then you are in a 1 percent category and chances are you are also left handed. And while redheads have a reputation for being feisty and stubborn we are also natural born leaders. This may have more to do with getting picked on or singled out in life and learning quickly to defend ourselves. Which seems to have worked well for Carrot Top, Carol Burnett, Ron Howard and Lucille Ball. On National Love Your Red Hair Day celebrate this unique trait and the bonus of standing out in a crowd.

You may think of the majestic bison as existing only in the Great Plains. In fact they can be found in all 50 states. This is good news if you plan to see one today while celebrating National Play Outside Day, but be careful! Weighing in at nearly 2000 pounds they are the largest land mammal in North America. You should know that they can run almost 45 miles an hour and can jump nearly six vertical feet! Here in North Dakota their thick fur comes in handy for its insulation against the cold. The animal can be covered in snow that will not melt thanks to a coat that is ten times more hairy than cattle. Bison have played a central role in the livelihood of Native Americans and because of their impact on our culture and environment they are now protected as our National Mammal. On National Bison Day, we celebrate this essential part of our Nation’s history.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to November 4, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a prehistoric fruit and the sweet invention born of necessity.

Figs are an interesting fruit. They’ve been around about 100 million years. Fig trees were on Earth at the same time as dinosaurs. Humans began cultivating them in the Middle East as the first civilizations grew across the region. When they made their way to Greece, figs became a staple of diets. This is also true for Italy, Spain, and Northern Africa. Figs trees were planted across California by the missionary Father Junipero Serra. And today the state produces 100% of the figs consumed in the United States. And if you’re not sure how to enjoy this Mesozoic fruit, there’s always the Fig Newton. During National Fig Week, take a fresh look at the fruit that outlived dinosaurs.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention and in the case of M&Ms candy, this phrase is certainly true. This candy was created in 1941, and during World War II M&Ms were exclusively sold to the military. Their small size and candy coating made them the perfect candy for military rations: they were easy to transport and the candy coating prevented the chocolate from melting. When soldiers returned home, they were hooked and wanted more, so the Mars Company made them available to the general public. Soon other companies made a knockoff version and Mars had to mark its candy coated chocolates with the trademark M that we still see today. On National Candy Day, treat yourself to something to make your day a little sweeter.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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