Celebrate Every Day

Welcome to January 17th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate class acts and visionary dreamers.

On December 31, 2021, actress, comedian, and producer Betty Marion White Ludden passed away at the age of 99. Born on January 17, 1922, Betty’s talent was so legendary that in 2018, Guinness World Records named her the female entertainer with the longest career. She first appeared in a 1939 radio broadcast at the age of 17, and for the next 82 years she never stopped. Her grace and charisma touched the world, while her endearing wit was featured in countless television shows and movies, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland. This year National Day Calendar created National Classy Day in her honor. We hope that her light never goes out and that many more follow in her footsteps.

Martin Luther King was once called the apostle of nonviolence by President Johnson, for his use of civil disobedience throughout his legendary service. As a clergyman, activist and leader of the civil rights movement Dr. King is perhaps best known for his “I Have A Dream” speech. Hundreds of streets throughout our country still bear the name of this Nobel Peace Prize winner. But Dr. King knew that the honor of that title belonged to many. For this reason he chose to share the prize money with several organizations including the Gandhi Society for Human Rights. For as he said, “we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” On Martin Luther King Jr. Day we honor the unifying spirit of a man whose voice still echoes that dream today.

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

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Welcome to January 16th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate deep thoughts and a bite of cookie history.

According to some philosophers, there is no such thing as nothing. With the very idea of thinking of the concept of nothingness, you’re proving that it doesn’t exist. That may sound like a big concept, but I think we can all relate. In the middle of our hectic lives, there’s almost no time for nothing. But the truth is we need to take a step back and relax— and basically, do nothing. Turn off your phone, stay away from social media, take a nap. Embrace the nothingness. It’s not often that you can get away with it, but on National Nothing Day, you’ve got the perfect excuse. When someone asks you what you’re doing, feel free to tell them to buzz off because you’re busy doing nothing. Which is actually something. Kinda.

19th Century physicians believed that most illnesses were caused by digestive problems. The remedy they most often prescribed was a small biscuit or cookie. So when Charles Roser invented a machine to fold fig jam into dough, the Kennedy Baking Company saw an opportunity. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts they were already naming cookies after nearby cities. When they purchased the recipe for Roser’s fig cookie in 1891 they had a few choices for the name. One was Shrewsbury. And thank goodness they had the sense to choose Newton, Massachusetts instead. And that is how Fig Newtons got their name. No offense to Shrewsbury—the Fig Shrewsbury just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. On National Fig Newton Day, pour yourself a glass of milk and enjoy this bite of cookie history.

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

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Welcome to January 15th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate causing a stir and carbs with a checkered past.

It’s said that on this day in 1797, John Hetherington—a London hat maker—stepped out into the street wearing his latest creation. A top hat. And to say it made an impression is an understatement. According to reports, Mr. Hetherington “appeared on the public highway wearing upon his head what he called a silk hat (which was of a shiny lustre and calculated to frighten timid people)”… Officers of the Crown stated that several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped and a boy was thrown down by the crowd…and had his right arm broken.” Mr. Hetherington was brought up on charges of inciting a riot and fined 500 Pounds. On National Hat Day, put on your favorite hat and step out in something that makes an impression on the folks around you.

The recipe for making bagels was once a closely guarded secret. Jewish immigrants in New York City had brought this baked good to America in the early 1900s. They formed a union to keep their tradition to themselves and to keep jobs within their community. Only the sons of members were offered membership, and meetings were conducted only in Yiddish. As crazy as it may sound today, this bagel union was extremely powerful. But they only made bagels, you’re thinking. Well, when workers went on strike in the 1950s, all but 2 bagel bakeries in Manhattan had to close, leading to what was called a Bagel Famine. And the sales of lox dropped by over 50%. On National Bagel Day, we celebrate our love for chewy, delicious bagels and the fact that you can find them almost anywhere today.

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

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Welcome to January 14th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a well traveled meat and the man who made all the difference just by rolling out of bed.

Pastrami, in its original form, was created by the Ottoman Turks. Their version was a salt-cured, spiced beef or lamb called pastirma. Because of its jerky-like texture it traveled easily and traders brought it to Eastern Europe. It became popular in Romania, where goose became the preferred meat rather than beef and it was called pastramă. When immigrants came to New York City, the recipe was switched back to beef brisket because that meat was cheaper and more readily available. The recipe was also changed to use a weaker salt brine, making for a softer cut of meat. No one’s entirely sure why the name changed to pastrami, but it’s probably because it rhymed with “salami,” which made it easier to order. On National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day, order up one of these well traveled subs.

We nearly missed the official founding of our nation because people couldn’t show up on time. The United States colonies signed the Treaty of Paris to end the war with England on September 3, 1783. They were then given 6 months to ratify the agreement and send it back to England to make it official. However, the ocean voyage took about 2 months, so the Continental Congress needed to vote on the treaty by January at the latest. Although delegates were called to meet in November, not enough of them showed up. If Richard Beresford of South Carolina hadn’t left his sickbed to vote, the whole war could have been for nothing. On Ratification Day we celebrate one of America’s lesser-known holidays and one man who made all the difference.

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

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Welcome to January 13th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate sticky stories and a man who topped the charts.

We see them every day, but have you ever paid attention to the stickers on many fruits and vegetables? These are known as PLUs, or "price look up" labels, and they’re the same everywhere around the world. So if you buy a banana in Germany the code on it will be identical to one you buy in Minnesota. These stickers also have a story to tell: If a fruit has been grown with pesticides, the 4-digit code starts with a 3 or 4. If it’s GMO, the code is 5 digits and starts with an 8. And if the produce is organic, there’s a 5-digit code that starts with a 9. A lot of info for such a small item, right? And here’s a tip for celebrating National Sticker Day, if you can’t remove that sticker from your apple, use a piece of tape to get it off more easily.

One of the greatest songwriters in American history was born on July 4th, 1826, which seems only fitting. Over a century before Elvis Presley or The Beatles were topping the charts, Stephen Foster was making his indelible mark on American culture. While his name may not be instantly recognizable, his songs certainly are. In 1847, the song Oh Susanna became his first big hit and catapulted him to fame. It became even more popular when the miners in the California gold rush adopted it as an anthem. Later, songs like Camptown Races, Beautiful Dreamer, and My Old Kentucky Home cemented his place in the pantheon of American music. On Stephen Foster Memorial Day, we celebrate the man who created hits that have stood the test of time.

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

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Welcome to January 12th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate historical healthcare and chickens with “kick.”

Because of its busy port Philadelphia was one of the fastest-growing cities in the American Colonies. As the population grew, so did the need for medical care. Enter Benjamin Franklin. In addition to all of his inventions and political influence, Franklin helped create America’s first public hospital along with the first hospital pharmacy. At the time, medicine was shipped in from Great Britain, so when the War of Independence began, drugs were in short supply. As a result, the role of the pharmacist became much more important. They found homeopathic remedies for their patients, which helped shape the future of medicine in the United States. On National Pharmacist Day we celebrate the men and women who continue to shape our healthcare system.

Country Captain is a chicken curry dish with a long association to the American South. But just when did this marriage of exotic spices and humble chicken take place? We know that Britain’s longtime presence in India gave them a taste for curry’s spicy mix of cumin, coriander, ginger garlic and turmeric. Country Captain was served aboard British trading ships, with the word “country” referring to things indigenous to India. This food sailed west to the ports of Charleston and Savannah and eventually became a favorite of Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Patton. It was even added to the United States Army’s Field Ration Menu because Patton loved it so much. On National Curried Chicken Day we celebrate the culinary union that has lasted for ages.

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

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Welcome to January 11th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate natural wonders and changing things up.

Arkansas is known for many things, but it has a valuable surprise up its sleeve. The Natural State is home to the only active diamond mine in the country; the Crater of Diamonds, near Murfreesboro. Most of the gemstones mined from this location are colored brown or yellow. But there have been a few whoppers found over the years. In 1924, miners unearthed the largest diamond ever found in North America: the Uncle Sam Diamond, a 40.23-carat white gem. Then in 1997, Shirley Strawn discovered a 3.03-carat stone that is certified as flawless and is considered one of the only perfect diamonds in the world. It’s displayed at the visitor center at the Crater of Diamonds State Park and you may want to check it out on National Arkansas Day.

January is National Hobby Month and if you’ve never thought of hobbies as part of your selfcare routine why not start today? This is your chance to explore what brings you a little bit of joy each day. Austin Kleon, the author of Steal Like An Artist says that hobbies are something creative that’s just for you; “something that gives but doesn’t take.” With this in mind, it’s time to try something new. Whether it’s painting, photography, exercising or crafting, making fun activities part of your daily routine will boost your mood and your overall well being. And that’s good for those around you too!

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

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Welcome to January 10th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate cutting costs and savory soup.

If you believe in the old adage that “a penny saved is a penny earned” then listen up! Did you know that tuning up your heating system can save from three to ten percent on your energy bill? And that’s not all. Tips such as carpooling, taking shorter showers and using energy efficient light bulbs can make a huge difference to your bottom line. On National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, celebrate the little things that add up to big savings!

Some say that the secret to delicious soup is letting the ingredients simmer for a long time. But how about a recipe that's been simmering for 45 years? On a busy street in Bangkok, one soup pot has been tended by three generations of cooks, who stir and add ingredients to it every single day. The flavor of this Beef Noodle soup is incomparable and those who have tried it are devoted fans. About 150 pounds of beef are used to make the soup each day. And each night a portion of it is placed in a separate pot to simmer while the main 5 foot pot is washed. Not all recipes take 45 years, and we bet that Mom’s chicken noodle tastes just as good to you. During National Soup Month simmer up your own favorite recipe for a bowl of warm comfort.

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

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Welcome to January 9th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate shocking effects and reaching great heights.

Did you ever rub your feet on the carpet and then zap someone? Then you already know the magic of static electricity! When the positive and negative charges of an atom are out of balance and have nowhere to go they build up and stay static in one place, until they are released. A spark of static electricity can measure thousands of volts, but has very little current and only lasts for a short period of time. Lightening is a powerful and dangerous example of static electricity and while it has the power to knock over trees it’s also relatively harmless. About 70 percent of people struck by lightning survive. On National Static Electricity Day celebrate this force of nature that’s useful in photocopiers and printers and also good for annoying your friends

The first manned balloon flight in America took place on January 9, 1793. Jean Pierre Blanchard, ascended to a height of nearly 6,000 feet in a hydrogen filled balloon and then made a successful landing in New Jersey. Almost 200 years later, another aeronaut made a spectacular, but less famous flight in California. Larry Walters attached 42 weather balloons to an aluminum lawn chair, pumped them full of helium and sailed off into the air. Unfortunately, he had not planned his flight very carefully and soon found himself 16,000 feet above the ground. Walters stayed there for nearly 2 hours before he got cold and descended by popping balloons with a pellet gun. On National Balloon Ascension Day, celebrate by taking a balloon ride but please leave the piloting to the professionals.

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

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Welcome to January 8th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate curious keys and Anglophile treats.

If you’ve ever looked at the top row of your keyboard, then you’ve noticed the made-up word QWERTY. How exactly did QWERTY come to be and not something more intuitive like alphabetizing the letters? Turns out that it was because the design was proprietary. The Remington company began producing typewriters based on the design of Christopher Latham Sholes, who had come up with the QWERTY arrangement. When the Remington company sold the typewriters, they also held trainings on how to use them. Similar to what Microsoft or Apple does today. This keyboard arrangement has been around so long that everyone just accepts it as normal. By the way, the word “typewriter” can be typed using only the top row of your keyboard. It’s World Typing Day and whether you’re a speed-typist or prefer the hunt-and-peck method keyboards show no favorites.

Fans of English toffee may be surprised to learn that the treat they’ve enjoyed all these years isn’t toffee at all. Hang on, let me explain. Most of the English toffee we eat in America is actually buttercrunch. So what’s the difference? It’s all about the ingredients. Toffee in England uses brown sugar in its recipe, but the buttercrunch we make in the United States is made with white sugar. Also, we often add nuts and other flavorings, while our British friends do not. Then why do we call this treat English toffee? Maybe it’s because it just sounds more posh. No matter which recipe you prefer, on National English Toffee Day celebrate the sweet, buttery crunch found on both sides of the pond.

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

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