Celebrate Every Day

Welcome to November 8, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the technology that inspires us every day.

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 the baristas of a monk’s robes. Specifically, the shade of brown 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 morning ritual that makes things much more tolerable. Boy that’s true. I feel more like a capuchin monkey than a monk before I get my coffee!

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.

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, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate sleeping in and coziness in the kitchen.

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson enacted Daylight Saving Time as a way to conserve energy. After the war, Congress repealed the Act due to its unpopularity. And that would have been the end of Daylight Saving Time, but New York City and Chicago kept using the system. So did the areas surrounding those cities. But other areas chose their own times, which made a real mess of things—at one point, Iowa had 23 different time zones! So in 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act and everyone was forced to be on the same page. Today is the Daylight Saving Time Ends. Turn back your clocks an hour and enjoy the extra hour of sleep.

If cooking the Thanksgiving meal is already stressing you out, one thing should ease your mind, roasting the turkey is the easiest part. And if you’re still not convinced, we are giving you all month to practice. November is National Roasting Month. This low and slow cooking method brings out flavor in both meats and vegetables. 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 meat or veggies and add simple herbs and spices. Some salt and a layer of tinfoil and your meal will be fork tender in only a few hours. The best part of roasting is the way the tantalizing meal calls your family to the table all by itself. During National Roasting Month, celebrate this easy way to add coziness to your menu!

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, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate smooth solos and our national beast.

The song “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty is instantly recognizable and it’s all thanks to the epic saxophone solo. This classic is a pretty good rock song, but could easily have been forgotten if not for that sax riff. Rafael Ravenscroft, who played the solo, was paid only about $36 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. It’s National Saxophone Day, when we celebrate the birthday of Adolfe Sax, the inventor of the instrument that gave so many pop songs smooth, memorable vibes.

The majestic bison can weigh in at nearly 2000 pounds making it the largest land mammal in North America. According to Native American legend, there was a great famine long ago and the chief of the Lakota tribe sent out scouts to hunt for food. They encountered the White Bison Calf Woman, who taught them religious rituals and told them that when she returned, harmony would be restored to the world. As she left, herds of bison surrounded the camps and the animal became an important part of tribal culture. Though the bison was nearly extinct by the late 1800s, today it can be found in all 50 states. In 2016, it was declared America’s National Mammal and 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For An Animal That Was Almost Extinct, This Mammal Really Gets Around.

Welcome to November 6, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate smooth solos and our national beast. 

The song “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty is instantly recognizable and it’s all thanks to the epic saxophone solo. This classic is a pretty good rock song, but could easily have been forgotten if not for that sax riff. Rafael Ravenscroft, who played the solo, was paid only about $36 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. It’s National Saxophone Day, when we celebrate the birthday of Adolfe Sax, the inventor of the instrument that gave so many pop songs smooth, memorable vibes.

The majestic bison can weigh in at nearly 2000 pounds making it the largest land mammal in North America.  According to Native American legend, there was a great famine long ago and the chief of the Lakota tribe sent out scouts to hunt for food. They encountered the White Bison Calf Woman, who taught them religious rituals and told them that when she returned, harmony would be restored to the world. As she left, herds of bison surrounded the camps and the animal became an important part of tribal culture. Though the bison was nearly extinct by the late 1800s, today it can be found in all 50 states. In 2016, it was declared America’s National Mammal and 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.

Welcome to November 5, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a bonus donut day and standing out in a crowd.

In America alone, more than 10 billion donuts are produced each year. That is roughly 30 donuts for each person in the country. But as common as this delicious bakery item may be, the last name Donut is just as rare. Really. There are really people with that last name. At last count, there were only about 10 in the United States. But it has nothing to do with the food. The name has been around since the 11th Century and some Donuts were even members of royalty. No word on how they became a favorite of the commoner, but if you think about it, who doesn’t love a donut? On National Donut Day, celebrate the perfect excuse to buy a dozen for breakfast…or lunch…or a snack. Sharing is optional.

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.

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

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Chances Are Slim You Were Born With This Last Name Or This Recessive Gene.

Welcome to November 5, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a bonus donut day and standing out in a crowd. 

In America alone, more than 10 billion donuts are produced each year. That is roughly 30 donuts for each person in the country. But as common as this delicious bakery item may be, the last name Donut is just as rare. Really. There are really people with that last name. At last count, there were only about 10 in the United States. But it has nothing to do with the food. The name has been around since the 11th Century and some Donuts were even members of royalty. No word on how they became a favorite of the commoner, but if you think about it, who doesn’t love a donut? On National Donut Day, celebrate the perfect excuse to buy a dozen for breakfast…or lunch…or a snack. Sharing is optional.

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.  

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

Welcome to November 4, 2021 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 a long time. Like a really long time—about 100 million years ago. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Fruit Outlived The Dinosaurs!

Welcome to November 4, 2021 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 a long time. Like a really long time—about 100 million years ago. 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.

Welcome to November 3, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate star-struck sandwiches and a trick for beating stress.

If you’re famous, it’s a rare honor for a restaurant to name a sandwich after you. Especially if the sandwich is good. For example: the Leonardo DiCaprio sandwich from Lioni’s in New York is roast beef, sun dried tomatoes, fried eggplants and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The Adam Sandler sandwich from The Stage Deli is salmon, lettuce, sturgeon, onion and tomato. And of course, the Elvis Presley is made from peanut butter, banana and bacon after his favorite combination. Be a star in your own kitchen on National Sandwich Day and celebrate with your favorite fixings.

We have all heard of the dangers of giving in to stress, but perhaps the biggest danger of all is not being aware of these stressors in the first place. The first Wednesday of November is National Stress Awareness Day, and if you haven’t checked in with yourself in a while, it’s time. The good news is that there are lots of ways to change things for the better, beginning with developing an attitude of gratitude. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to count your blessings. When life goes off course, this simple habit can change how you tackle even the toughest of circumstances. As Aesop said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” During National Gratitude Month, celebrate the silver linings and watch as the things you are grateful for begin to multiply.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Signature Sandwich Says A Lot About You!

Welcome to November 3, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate star-struck sandwiches and a trick for beating stress. 

If you’re famous, it’s a rare honor for a restaurant to name a sandwich after you.  Especially if the sandwich is good.  For example: the Leonardo DiCaprio sandwich from Lioni’s in New York is roast beef, sun dried tomatoes, fried eggplants and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  The Adam Sandler sandwich from The Stage Deli is salmon, lettuce, sturgeon, onion and tomato.  And of course, the Elvis Presley is made from peanut butter, banana and bacon after his favorite combination.  Be a star in your own kitchen on National Sandwich Day and celebrate with your favorite fixings.

We have all heard of the dangers of giving in to stress, but perhaps the biggest danger of all is not being aware of these stressors in the first place.  The first Wednesday of November is National Stress Awareness Day, and if you haven’t checked in with yourself in a while, it’s time. The good news is that there are lots of ways to change things for the better, beginning with developing an attitude of gratitude.  Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to count your blessings.  When life goes off course, this simple habit can change how you tackle even the toughest of circumstances.  As Aesop said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”  During National Gratitude Month, celebrate the silver linings and watch as the things you are grateful for begin to multiply. 

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