Celebrate Every Day

The Very First Photograph Was Anything But Instant!

Welcome to June 29th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate capturing the moment and one giant leap for sneakers. 

In 1838, Louis Daguerre set up his camera near the Boulevard du Temple in Paris. Then he took a picture. Today we are used to the almost instantaneous photo process. Touch the button on your phone or camera and the picture is taken. But for Daguerre, the exposure time was nearly 10 minutes. This meant that nothing in frame would appear in the photo if it weren’t standing perfectly still. For this reason, the busy Paris streets look abandoned in this photo. Except for one solitary figure in the lower left-hand corner: a man getting his boots shined. And this is the very first image of a human being caught on camera. On National Camera Day, get out your phones and start clicking away.  And be thankful that technology has slowed things to the speed of the present. 

The waffle iron got its start in the Low Countries of the 14th century.  These early metal plates heated over an open flame pressed images such as a coat of arms into batter.  And the waffle pattern still inspires us today!  Something about all those extra nooks and crannies soaking up melted butter, syrup and jam can turn ordinary pancake batter into a special occasion.  And for Nike Co-Founder Bill Bowerman, his wife’s waffle iron inspired a shoe.  Bill used the pattern to design a running shoe that would grip the road while remaining lightweight.  The “Moon Shoe” and “Waffle Trainer” set Nike apart in the 1970s and they’ve been out in the lead ever since.  On National Waffle Iron Day, cook up your own inspiration.  Jogging afterwards is optional.  

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

Did You Know That The Grand Canyon Was Carved By Paul Bunyan?

Welcome to June 28th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate peace of mind and tall tales.  More after the break.

Just about everyone buys insurance in one form or another, most likely it’s for their cars or homes. But there’s one insurance company that does things a bit differently. Lloyd’s of London offers policies for things most of us wouldn’t even think to insure. For example, Bruce Springsteen insured his voice for $6 million. Keith Richards has his hands insured in case he’s no longer able to play guitar. Both Heidi Klum and David Beckham have insured their legs, though for different reasons. On National Insurance Awareness Day, take the time to review your policies and coverages. Insurance is something you think you’ll never need—until you do.

Paul Bunyan first appeared in print in 1906.  But it wasn’t until 1914 that a logging company advertisement made the lumberjack with the red plaid shirt and his blue ox a part of American folklore.  These tall tales fueled our imagination with larger than life explanations. His ax carved the Grand Canyon as he dragged it behind him. The Great Lakes became watering holes for Babe the big blue ox.  Today there are statues of this legendary duo that remind us of the grandeur of our own natural resources.  It’s as if Paul Bunyan’s character showed us how to take in the size and splendor of our precious country.  On National Paul Bunyan Day, celebrate the tall tales that help us measure the worth of our own neck of the woods. 

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

Did You Know That We Owe The Ice Cream Cake To A Flat Tire?

Welcome to June 27th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate staying cool under pressure and looking cool while you’re at it.

On Memorial Day weekend of 1929, Tom Carvel was driving around in his ice cream truck when he got a flat tire. He pulled into the parking lot of a local shop and watched helplessly as the ice cream began to melt. But he came up with the idea to sell the slightly melted ice cream to passersby. The softer texture was a big hit and he quickly sold out his entire stock. Buoyed by this success, Carvel opened a permanent store to sell the new style of ice cream. The name Carvel became synonymous with sort-serve and, later, for ice cream cakes. On National Ice Cream Cake Day enjoy this perfect way to have your cake and ice cream and eat them too. And thank goodness for flat tires.

Sure sunglasses are cool, but thanks to the Vision Council, most of us know they’re our first line of defense from harmful UV rays.  And seeing as they’re that important, this might be your excuse to pick out a fancy pair or two. After all, your eyes are worth it.  If you’re going for chic, why not try a classic pair like the Ray-Ban Wayfarers worn by Tom Cruise in Risky Business? The oversized pair worn by fashion icon Jackie O. are still popular today.  And who doesn’t like turning heads in a pair of Aviator glasses that also have the benefit of anti glare lenses?  You don’t have to spend thousands on the most expensive brands.  On National Sunglasses Day, be sure to pick a pair that offers the best protection for your peepers. 

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

Did You Know That Lots Of Coconuts Take A Trip Across The Ocean?

Welcome to June 26th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate adventurous fruits and our best friends in beauty. 

If you find yourself walking the beaches of Ireland or the UK, you may be in for a surprise. Yes, you’ll see all the usual things like seashells and gulls, but you may also stumble across coconuts. How did these tropical fruits come to be found in such a far off locale? As unusual as it may seem, there is a perfectly logical explanation. Coconuts fall from palm trees in the Caribbean and get caught up in the Gulf Stream. The current picks up the coconuts and takes them on a journey across the Atlantic of nearly 4,500 miles. From there they wash up on beaches, much to the surprise of residents and tourists. On National Coconut Day, enjoy the exotic taste of this adventurous island fruit.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With nearly 100 billion dollars spent each year on cosmetic and personal care products in the United States alone, that’s a market that depends heavily on how we see ourselves.  Regardless of economic downturns, these self-esteem boosters are high on our list.  Products like lipstick trended upwards, even while folks stood in line for food during the Great Depression. Today we celebrate our trusted friends in our quest to be our personal best: our beauticians, barbers, aestheticians and cosmetologists. They know us in our weakest moments, when we can’t face the mirror alone.  And the transformation is much deeper than listening to our troubles while they whisk away our flaws.  On National Beautician’s Day, we celebrate those who help us find beauty in ourselves.  

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

Leon Day Is For Folks Who Like To Get A Jump On Things.

Welcome to June 25th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate Christmas in June and the Dog Days of Summer. 

Summer is in full swing, and if you’re like us, the heat may be getting to you. But today is a day to stay cool and take heart in the fact that it’s a mere 6 months until Christmas. It may sound a bit premature to be thinking about the holiday, but this is the perfect time to start planning for Christmas, especially if you are the crafty type. Why wait until the last minute when you can get a head start on the festivities? That doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your summer. It means you have more time to get your ducks in a row. So hang by the pool, take some time for lampin’ in the Hamptons, and know that you’re way ahead of the game today on National Leon Day. If you’re confused, don’t be— Leon is just Noel spelled backwards!

If your work life has changed these days to working at home, there is one family member who won’t be complaining.  That’s because they would prefer to celebrate National Take Your Dog To Work Day every day! And if you’re going back to an office, you may want to consider the feelings of your pet today, who probably got used to having you around.  There’s no doubt about the benefit of having your pooch close by for some extra TLC, or the pleasant interruption of their goofy smile.  Most people lower their blood pressure just by being near their furry companion.  On National Take Your Dog To Work Day, make room in your day for tummy rubs, playtime and extra treats.  Your boss may notice that this animal intern is good to have around. 

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

This Treat Has Been Around Since The Cold War, But It's Still The Best Way To Stay Frosty.

Welcome to June 24th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate sweet “nut-things” and patriotic pops. 

There are lots of stories about the origin of the candy known as the praline, but they all point to the same 17th century nobleman —Count du Plessis-Praslin. The most popular version was that the Count asked his personal chef to create an irresistible candy that he could give out to the women he was courting. This confection, which was originally made with almonds, became very popular and was brought to the Southern United States by French immigrants in the 1800s. It was there that the candy was given a local twist—replacing almonds with pecans—and the praline that we know and love in the States was born. On National Pralines Day, give your sweet tooth a love note with this classic confectionary creation.

Doc Abernathy and James Merrit were supposedly on a road trip when they came up with the idea for the bomb pop.  In 1955 during the height of the Cold War, these guys from Kansas City, MO were inspired by a patriotic theme.  Today the red, white and blue trio of cherry, lemon and blue raspberry still appeals to the kid in all of us.  If you remember scrambling for money at the sound of music from the ice cream truck turning down your street, you’ll remember your first bomb pop.  Some original popsicle flavors have been retired, but the bomb pop is still the best way to stay cool on any given day in Summer.  On National Bomb Pop Day, stay frosty with this iconic blast from the past. 

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

Have You Ever Had Detroit-Style Pizza? Apparently, Mixing Up The Order Of Ingredients Has Some Delicious Results!

Welcome to June 23rd, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate Motown pizza and being in the pink. 

8x10 is the size of a photo frame. Unless you’re in Detroit. Here, an 8x10 or a 10x14 are pizza sizes. While New York and Chicago usually get all the attention, Motor City has its own spin on the Italian favorite. Their brand of pizza is similar to the Sicilian style—thick, square slices. But what sets Detroit-style pizza apart is the way it’s constructed and baked. First, the dough is shaped into the pan, then the add-ons like pepperoni are placed on top, then cheese, then pizza sauce. This seemingly mixed-up order of ingredients prevents the dough from getting soggy while it’s being cooked. If you haven’t tried this type of pizza, National Detroit-Style Pizza Day is the perfect time to give it a whirl.

Some people have streets named after them.  Others have landmarks.  But not many people can say they have a color named in their honor.  Madame du Pompadour, a mistress of Louis XV loved pink so much that a designer created a shade just for her.  The color Rose Pompadour became very fashionable with European royalty during this time, and was used for clothing and fine china.  While it may be traditionally associated with women’s fashion, pink has been gaining popularity with men nowadays.  If you’re “in the pink” today, it means you are in good health, top form or condition.  Though you may prefer to call it salmon, rose or fuchsia, on National Pink Day, we hope you’re feeling uplifted with good reasons to celebrate.  

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

This Word Is French For "Lightning" And That's How Quickly The Pastry Disappears.

Welcome to June 22nd, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate great moments in greasy spoon history and carbs fit for a king. 

It’s not often that a fried food becomes a lightning rod for controversy, but on June 10, 2007, that’s exactly what happened to onion rings. After 6 seasons, The Sopranos took its final bow. But rather than the series ending with a bang, it ended with the main character sitting in a diner, eating an onion ring. The frustration at this show’s “big finale” is understandable, but so is the moment of solace that Tony Soprano gets from this diner grub. Usually French fries get all the love, but there’s really nothing better with a burger than a crispy order of onion rings. Whether thickly battered or lightly fried, this comfort food is absolute heaven. On National Onion Rings Day, hook up your meal with the side dish that truly satisfies.

Not much is known about the origin of eclairs, but we do know they became famous in nineteenth century France. Chef Careme is thought to be their creator, as he baked them at the Court of King Louis the 18th.  The word eclair means flash of lightning, which may be a nod to its shiny frosting. Or it could be the speed at which Louis devoured his favorite pastry.  Today, chocolate eclairs can be found in bakeries around the world, although they shouldn’t be confused with the Long John.  This is a doughnut that’s shaped like an eclair with a cream filling and chocolate glaze.  On National Chocolate Eclair Day, celebrate in courtly style, with the pastry that still goes down lightning fast. 

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

Anyone Who Likes Shredding The Half-Pipe Can Thank The Z-Boys For This Sport!

Welcome to June 21st, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate shredding the half pipe and the need to overshare. 

The Z-boys were a group of Los Angeles teenagers who rode the waves near the Santa Monica pier. On days when the ocean was too calm for surfing, they would go skateboarding. In the early 1970s, there was a major drought in Southern California and when pools began to dry up, the teens found a silver lining to the situation. They skated the walls of empty pools, which was the origin of skate parks and half-pipes that every skateboarder knows today. Without the Z-boys, there would never have been a Tony Hawk or X-Games and skaters everywhere owe these kids a debt of gratitude. On Go Skateboarding Day, grab your longboard and cruise the streets or get out to the skate park and start shredding.

Folks can’t seem to resist sharing every aspect of their lives with the ever popular selfie.  Nowadays, there are even categories of selfies that express our favorite moments.  There are duck face selfies which need no explanation and selfies we take in the car.  Foodie Selfies which show off our good taste in meals, and Pet Selfies that may capture how much we look like our pets.  Travel Selfies are a given for showing off that “we were there” moment and Celebrity Selfies are a big boost on Social Media.  If you’re looking extra glamorous or buffed out at the gym, Selfies capture that air of confidence.  And perhaps most popular of all are the Bestie Selfies who always make us look and feel our best no matter what we’re up to. On National Selfie Day, celebrate sharing what you care about the most. 

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

Today There Are Lots Of Ways To Celebrate Dear Old Dad!

Welcome to June 20th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the symbols of strength in nature and at home. 

After the Declaration of Independence officially marked the United States becoming a sovereign nation, the Founding Fathers requested that a Presidential Seal be made. But it took nearly 6 years to find an acceptable design that Congress could agree on. It’s the one we know today, with a Bald Eagle as the focal point, and its appeal was nearly unanimous. Well, nearly. As we mentioned a few days ago, Benjamin Franklin thought the illustration made the eagle look like a turkey. Thankfully, Ben was outnumbered on this one and the eagle took its place as the symbol of our country. On National American Eagle Day, we celebrate the majestic bird that still inspires us to reach great heights.

Father’s Day was made for honoring the guy in your life who taught you how to fish or ride a bike. Maybe you haven’t always seen eye to eye, but just for today give your dad the choice of how he wants to celebrate.  Fortunately there’s something for everyone.  It’s National Hike With A Geek Day, for the dad who likes to get outdoors with his favorite nerdy gadgets.  Or why not celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day, for the dad who likes to take it easy at home.  And if your Dad is old enough to remember spending a nickel at the soda fountain, he might just prefer National Ice Cream Soda Day.  No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day, spending quality time together is the very best present of all.  

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