Celebrate Every Day

Welcome to October 4, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate an explosive food and a smooth drink.

One of America’s most popular foods got its start in the silver mines of Mexico. Here in the 1700s, miners would roll gunpowder in pieces of paper and insert them into the rocks, as an alternative to dynamite. They called the small charges “tacos.” These same workers lunched on a meal of meat and cheese wrapped in tortillas that looked like the explosive charges. The taco came to the United States with the Mexican immigrants, who worked in mines or on railroads. But their popularity exploded when Robert L. Gomez established the National Taco Council in 1964. On National Taco Day, celebrate your favorite version with any combination of explosive flavor.

During the golden age of Hollywood, vodka was popularized by celebrities, who drank cocktails at their swanky parties. However, America’s infatuation with Russian alcohol came under fire during the early years of the Cold War. In the 1950s, when countries like the US and England were staunchly anti-Russia, vodka sales dropped. But vodka’s image got some help from an unlikely source—super spy James Bond. When 007 made vodka martinis his signature cocktail, the public viewed the liquor in a different light. No longer was it simply Russian. It was now worldly and sophisticated. On National Vodka Day, celebrate the essence of smooth.

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

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Welcome to October 3, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate making an entrance and embracing our inner geek.

Joseph Merlin was a famous inventor who had a flair for the dramatic. When he came up with the idea for roller skates, Merlin decided to make a splash, and so he debuted his new skates at a high-society party. He rolled in dressed in full costume, playing a violin. As the hundreds of party-goers watched in amazement, Merlin zipped around the ballroom, showing off the roller skates. Unfortunately, this early design did not have brakes and he spun out of control and smashed into a mirror, breaking the violin and injuring himself. During National Roller Skating Month, play it safe at a roller rink and if you’re trying new tricks, please wear a helmet!

National Techies Day encourages students of all ages to consider a career in technology. You don’t have to be a math or science wizard to take advantage of this trend. People often assume that computers and artificial intelligence are beating people out of jobs. The truth is that more people now work in the software and services industry than they did in coal mining at its peak. We now know that for every high-tech job, four more jobs are created. No matter what drives you, it's a good time to invest in learning something new about the ways that technology is affecting your area of expertise. On National Techies Day boost your IQ for tech and don't be afraid to embrace your inner geek.

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

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Welcome to October 2, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a super smart business and cars with personality.

Anna: Hey Marlo. What’s that all over your pants?

Marlo: It’s my Halloween costume. Do you like it?

Anna: Are you a donut with sprinkles? Wait, wait, that’s candy!

Marlo: You’re getting warmer…

Anna: Those are rolls of Smarties candy…

Marlo: Warmer…

Anna: You’re a Smarty Pants!

Marlo: Ding, ding, ding!

Anna: Well, I already knew that. Did you know that the founder of Smarties Candy, Edward Dee was a graduate of Cambridge University in England?

Marlo: Yes. Did you know he named the candy Smarties to inspire people to continue their education?

Anna: Yes! Did you know that his company started in 1949 is now run by his three granddaughters: Sarah, Jessica and Liz Dee? Now that’s super smart!

Marlo: Did you know that we celebrate National Smarties Day on October 2nd because today is Eddie Dee’s birthday?

Anna: I didn’t know that but I feel like we show team up for a trivia contest.

If you’ve ever named your car then you are not alone. Movies and TV shows give top billing to everything from Herbie the Love Bug to Kit from Knight Rider and Smokey in Smokey and the Bandit. But perhaps the most loved car in today’s world is Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars. This animated feature film banks on our natural affinity to consider our car as something more human than machine. Maybe it’s been awhile since you played with matchbox cars or thought of your set of wheels as a trusty companion. But chances are good that giving your car a name will inspire you to give it some extra TLC. On National Name Your Car Day celebrate man’s other best friend and keep your engine purring.

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

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Welcome to October 1, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate letting our hair down and showing off our spots.

What do Audrey Hepburn, The Beatles, and Jennifer Aniston have in common? Every one of them had a major impact on pop culture. And not just for their performances, but for their hairstyles. Hepburn’s starring role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s popularized the beehive. The Beatles inspired a generation of kids to grow out their hair. And the haircut that Jennifer Aniston wore on Friends—the Rachel—was one of the hottest trends of the 1990s. It makes sense that people want to emulate what they think looks good. After all, our hair is one of the first things that people notice about us. On National Hair Day, you don’t need to be a fashion icon to make a statement.

The dalmatian dog has a long history of being known as a fire pup. This goes back to the early 1700s when fire trucks were actually horse drawn carriages. Dalmations have a natural affinity with horses and were trained to run ahead of the rig to keep the roads clear. Once they arrived, fire pups both calmed the horses and watched over the valuable carriage while firefighters did their job. Dalmations were excellent companions back at the station, where they bunked with the horses and earned their keep catching mice. This breed is known for their grace under pressure and one other feature that made them easy to “spot.” Today they mostly tag along as mascots for those teaching fire safety. On National Fire Pup Day celebrate the canine wonder that symbolizes the bravery of those who do this difficult job.

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

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Welcome to September 30th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate fresh breath and a Fall tradition.

While chewing gum may seem like a modern invention, it’s actually been around for 9,000 years. The ancient Aztecs chewed something called chicle, although they had to follow certain rules of etiquette. Children and unmarried women could chew it in public, but everyone else had to chew it at home. Chicle became the main ingredient in chewing gum in the mid 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that gum became popular. That’s when William Wrigley, Jr. launched an all out campaign, mailing free samples of his gum to every person in the phonebook. Apparently, this move paid off big! On National Chewing Gum Day, celebrate the freedom to chew wherever you please, though keeping it quiet is still appreciated.

Wassail is an old Norse expression that literally means “be you healthy” Wassailing was an old English drinking ritual of warming cider with spices and other ingredients to ensure a good harvest of cider apples for the following year. Now that’s thinking ahead. In ancient Roman times they mulled wine in the same way. Now that sounds like a good excuse for a drinking game. There are lots of recipes for hot mulled cider that include orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Now that sounds like a recipe to chase away the cold. On National Hot Mulled Cider Day, brew up your own favorite recipe and drink to your health: “Wassail!”

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

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Welcome to September 29th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate Veterans of Foreign Wars and an iconic buzz.

The VFW was founded in 1914 by veterans of the Spanish American War and soldiers who had served in the Philippines. The group was created to secure benefits and medical treatments for the sick and wounded veterans. The VFW also enabled veterans to help each other transition from the battlefield to normal life. The organization’s motto is “No one does more for Veterans,” and it’s easy to see why. No one understands a soldier better than someone who has served in the military. The individual posts also play a big role in their communities through fundraising and community service. On National VFW Day find out more about the organization that honors the fallen by helping the living.

When it comes to brand ambassadors, there are few more iconic than Juan Valdez. This fictional coffee farmer has been the face of the Coffee Growers of Colombia for over 6 decades. And for nearly 40 of those years, Carlos Sanchez portrayed the iconic spokesperson. The Colombian actor had actually been a coffee farmer in his youth, so he fit the role perfectly. With his wide brimmed hat and big smile, Juan Valdez became the center of a worldwide ad campaign that made the character nearly as popular as Colombian coffee itself. Sanchez retired from the role in 2006, but Juan Valdez lives on both as a spokesperson and as a chain of coffee shops. On National Coffee Day, celebrate your own favorite brand with a delicious cup of joe.

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

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Welcome to September 28th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate tickling the ivories and the folks on the porch next door.

Before the piano arrived on the scene, the most popular keyboard instrument was the harpsichord. It made beautiful music, but its volume could not be varied while playing. Composers and musicians wanted an instrument with the ability for more controlled expression. This led Bartolomeo Cristofori to create an instrument that allowed musicians to alter volume and tone with the force of their fingers. He called it the piano. Well, technically the original name was much longer. We’ll spare you the Italian name, but it translates to “soft and loud keyboard instrument.” September is National Piano Month and thanks to Mr. Cristofori, we can celebrate beautiful music in every genre from Classical to Rock.

In the early 1970s, National Good Neighbor Day was created by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana. What began as an effort to build goodwill in our communities, became a Presidential Proclamation in 1978. Jimmy Carter said: “... we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other the opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…” On National Good Neighbor Day celebrate the spirit of friendship that has far reaching consequences.

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

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Welcome to September 27th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate colorful scraps and comfort drinks.

The first scarves depicted in fashion are found in ancient Egypt, where Queen Nefertiti wore a tightly woven scarf beneath her conical headdress. Military ranks were often marked with scarves of varying value from expensive silk to lowly cotton. But our love for scarves as a fashion statement can be traced to the house of Hermes in the 19th century. Making use of the beautiful patterned fabrics from China and India, Hermes designed the first ready-to-wear graphic silk scarf in 1837. When it caught the eye of Queen Victoria and became a part of her iconic look, scarves were quickly embraced in Europe and America as the essence of chic. On National Scarf Day, enjoy the big impact of a small strip of fabric.

While hot chocolate has been around in one form or another for thousands of years, it’s believed that chocolate milk came from 17th century Jamaica. Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish botanist was given a post here, to serve an English Duke. While mixing with the locals, he discovered a drink made of cocoa and water that he described as nauseating. By substituting milk for the water he created a much smoother concoction that he later brought to apothecaries in Europe, where it was used as a medicine. And while chocolate milk may not be considered a health food, on National Chocolate Milk Day we remind you that some foods feed your body, while others feed your soul.

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

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Welcome to September 26th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate self awareness and a breakfast that’s older than dirt.

When singer songwriter Ellen Edwards began her music career she kicked up her heels with the best of them. Reaching new heights in 2020 she recorded a jazz album in the Big Apple with some of New York’s finest. But even those who soar with eagles know, sometimes you find yourself grounded with too much responsibility. That’s why Ellen wrote “Chicken Scratch.” Though her kids have all flown the coop this mother of three recently found life overwhelming and she turned to music for refuge. This time she found her flock in Nashville, TN. During National Chicken Month, you might be feeling like Ellen, with a thousand chickens on your back. Just don’t forget that it’s also Self-Care Awareness Month, and you can find your own patch of freedom far from the clucking crowds. Listen here for Ellen's song Chicken Scratch.

Today we celebrate a 30,000 year old breakfast food, the pancake. That’s right, the Stone Age folks were eating pancakes. Though they are not exactly featured on the menu of any cave paintings, scientists did find pancakes in the stomach of Otzi the Iceman, who dates back 5,300 years! When Shakespeare wrote about pancakes, the tradition of Shrove Tuesday already existed. And apparently quality cakes mattered in Elizabethan England. In a quote from the play As You Like It, “...a certain knight that swore on his honor they were good pancakes…” turned out to be lying! We hope he didn’t lose his head! Whether you call them hot cakes, crepes or johnnycakes, don’t settle for anything ordinary. On National Pancake Day, I celebrate with a dash of vanilla in the batter!

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

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Welcome to September 25th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate one-hit wonders and unsung heroes.

By definition one-hit wonders are songs by artists that make us swoon only once before fading into obscurity. So in honor of National One-Hit Wonder Day, which songs fit that description for you?

Every comic book fan knows the name, Stan Lee. But you may not be familiar with his partner, Jack Kirby. Together they created Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and the X-Men. Stan was the writer and Jack was the artist. Jack had been working in comics years before the two teamed up, creating his most famous character as World War II broke out. If you’ve ever seen Captain America punching Hitler in the face, Jack drew that. Shortly after he was drafted by the Army and assigned as a scout because he was able to quickly draw reconnaissance maps. After returning to the United States, Jack met Stan Lee and the rest is history. On National Comic Book Day, celebrate the men and women behind the heroes who may just prove that truth is more amazing than fiction.

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

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