Celebrate Every Day

More Than 80 Percent Of Us Have Siblings. And If You Are Not Into Celebrating Them, There's Always The Llama!

Welcome to April 10, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate our favorite frenemies and some new sounds from the farm. 

Today we celebrate our best friends, who are at times our worst enemies. Claudia Evart created Siblings Day in 1995 after losing a brother and a sister in her youth. The native New Yorker realized all too well, the important role that siblings play in our lives. In other parts of the world such as India, Spain and France there are celebrations for brothers and sisters that honor this special bond.  Here in the United States, more than 80 percent of us have siblings and this day is about giving them an extra special shout out!  On National Siblings Day, share your favorite memories with those you love, even if they still make you crazy. 

Every kid knows the song about Old MacDonald the farmer and his menagerie of animals. Cows, chickens, and pigs are farm mainstays, but in recent times, there’s another common animal roaming around pastures: the llama. These animals are lucky to be used as workers rather than as a source of food. Llamas keep an eye on other animals such as sheep, keeping them from wandering too far from the pack. And llamas are very alert, able to spot trouble from a ways off. If and when a wolf or other predator comes onto the farm, llamas will move the sheep to safety or chase off the intruder. On National Farm Animals Day, revisit some old farm animal friends with a song and if you’re adding  in a llama sound, feel free to improvise.

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

They Say That Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder. You Won't Believe How This Historian Viewed The Unicorn!

Welcome to April 9, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate larger than life figures who are seen through different lenses.  More after the break.

The unicorn appears in many historical texts and is generally described as a single horned goat or horse with the magical qualities of purity and strength.   Unless you ask Marco Polo.  He describes a brutish beast, who prefers to wallow in the mud, with hair like a buffalo and feet like an elephant. With a large black horn in the center of its boarlike head, this creature was hardly the stuff of legend to be tamed by a maiden of purity. We have since determined that Marco Polo was describing a rhinoceros.  Thankfully his account did not detract from the mythical creature who today inspires frappuccinos, slippers and bathrobes.  On National Unicorn Day, celebrate your own kind of magic that still reflects the beauty in the eye of the beholder. 

Winston Churchill will forever be remembered as a strong leader; a man who led England through the dark times of World War II. But his sharp tongue and wit are almost as impressive as his leadership skills. Although Churchill stuttered as a child, he was incredibly eloquent as an adult and gave us some of the most memorable quotations ever. For example: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” But it wasn’t just war and bravery that he spoke about. In reference to his marriage, he said: “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me.” On National Winston Churchill Day, we celebrate a man who shaped the world with a well turned phrase. 

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

Did You Know That Abraham Lincoln Donated Animals To The First Zoo In America?

Welcome to April 8, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate handy hot pies and original zoos. 

Anna: The name empanada comes from the Portuguese and Spanish verb em pandar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

Marlo: Hot pocket

Anna: No it’s not a hot pocket.  Empanadas are made by folding the dough or bread around a seasoned stuffing, which is then baked or fried. 

Marlo: Kinda like a hot pocket.

Anna: No. It’s more like a hand pie, with flaky crust and your choice of fillings…

Marlo: Like a hot pocket.

Anna: Ok Marlo, you win.

Marlo: (Pause) Hot pocket.

People have been fascinated by animals for centuries with the oldest public zoo opening in Vienna in 1752.  The Holy Roman Emperor himself traveled the globe in search of exotic animals that would be displayed there.  Here in the United States, the Central Park Zoo began as an accidental menagerie when a bear cub was left at the park in 1859. The bear attracted visitors and eventually more exotic animals turned up at Central Park. Eventually a formal zoo charter was granted in 1864 and even President Lincoln donated animals.  With about 2,400 zoos in the United State alone, lions and tigers and bears, oh my,  are practically in your own backyard.  On National Zoo Lovers Day, celebrate a trip around the animal kingdom in one easy stroll.  

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

Drink Beer and Give Up Housework? Seems Like A Pretty Good Mash Up!

Welcome to April 7, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate kicking back and cracking open a cold one. 

Anna: Okay, this is interesting: did you know that today is National No Housework Day?  I kinda made that a thing all last year.  

Marlo: Yeah, I noticed.

Anna: What’s that supposed to mean?

Marlo: You got a house full of dust bunnies just in time for Spring.

Anna: You’ve never been to my house before.

Marlo: Word gets out.

Anna:  What are you, Santa Claus?!  Today I get a free pass and I may just stretch this out for another year.

Marlo: Gross.

Niels Bohr was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1885. At a young age, he developed a love for science and learning and in 1922, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work paved the way for Atomic Research and many of the scientific advancements of the modern world. And after his big win, he got what some would consider an even better prize. Niels was a huge beer lover, so the Carlsberg brewing company in his hometown of Copenhagen gave him free beer. Lots of it! They gave him a house right next to the brewery, with a direct pipeline into his kitchen. In short, he had an endless supply of Carlsberg beer on tap whenever he wanted it. Pretty sweet deal! On National Beer Day, raise a glass to a man who got to live every beer lover’s dream. 

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

Did You Know That Teflon Was A Happy Accident?

Welcome to April 6, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate sweet revenge and a happy accident. 

When German immigrants Frederick and Louis Ruckheim first sold their caramel popcorn in Chicago, they had no idea what a huge success it would be. According to legend, one customer loved the snack so much that he exclaimed “That’s a crackerjack!” which meant it was pretty awesome. And that name stuck. The brothers called the new treat Cracker Jack and it soon became a favorite with people across the country. However, the thing that really put Cracker Jack on the map was the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” It’s one thing to have people buying your product, but it’s another to have an entire stadium full of sports fans singing “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” On National Caramel Popcorn Day, enjoy this classic snack. Watching a baseball game is optional.

Some inventions can be classified as happy accidents.  For Roy Plunkett, teflon was one of them.  In 1938, Dr Plunkett, a chemist for DuPont, was working on an idea for refrigeration when he stumbled upon the formula for poly tetra fluro ethylene.  He and his assistant discovered that this waxy material was resistant to corrosion.  This is why it was first used in the Manhattan Project to produce the atomic bomb. Later it was styled into the Happy Pan, which created a slippery surface that proved to be better than cooking oil.  Today, teflon reduces friction in fabric, aerospace fuel tanks and medical devices.  Dr Plunkett was added to the Inventors Hall of Fame in 1985 and on National Teflon Day, we celebrate his discovery made 83 years ago today.  Thanks to him you can give the brush off to anything sticky.  

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

You Gotta Love The Red Head Who Boldly Went Where No TV Executive Did Before!

Welcome to April 5, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate deep dish heaven and a red headed hero. 

Pizza was traditionally thin and crispy until someone in Chicago decided, “This is good, but it needs more cheese!” Yeah, that’s the ticket. Today, two Chicago based restaurants claim to have created this regional favorite.  Pizzeria Uno says their chef developed the recipe in 1943, while Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza has had deep dish on the menu since 1926. Add to that, the dismissive attitude of any New Yorker and deep dish pizza is steeped in controversy.  But you don’t need to take sides to enjoy this gooey slice of heaven. In fact, some Chicago eateries will ship a frozen pie right to your door.  Baking one up is gonna take more time, but on National Deep Dish Pizza Day, we know it’s worth the wait.  

Since its debut in 1964, Star Trek has had more than its fair share of heroes. Kirk, Spock, Picard…and Lucille Ball. This funny redhead is best known for her iconic sitcom I Love Lucy, but she was also the head of Desilu Studios. In 1964, Gene Roddenberry sold Star Trek to Ball, who became the show’s biggest champion. After the initial pilot for the show bombed, Lucille Ball put up the money for reshoots, something that was unheard of for a TV show. The new version introduced us to the original crew that the world has grown to love. Today is First Contact Day, a celebration of the moment (in 2063) when humans first come into contact with aliens. Vulcans, to be more specific. But none of these exciting stories would’ve been told if it weren’t for a real-life Hollywood hero: Lucille Ball.

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

What's Your Favorite Easter Tradition?

Welcome to April 4, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the adventurous spirit and an Easter tradition for everyone. 

Few vehicles have carved out a place in American history quite like the Jeep 4x4.  It replaced the horse during WWII and helped the Allies turn the tide!  Jeep’s “go anywhere, do anything” ability personified the American can-do spirit. To our troops the Jeep was second only to their rifle in order of importance. Maybe that’s why it still inspires record breaking feats like the pair of Jeep Wranglers that summited a volcano of more than 22,000 feet.  Or the Guinness Book holder for longest parade of 2,420 Jeeps in Bantam, Pennsylvania. On Jeep 4x4 Day, find out what you’re made of! Get outside and listen to that voice calling you on the next great adventure. 

Plenty of people have yelled at kids to get off their lawns, but never quite like Congress did in 1876. Every Easter, kids in Washington, DC had contests where they rolled eggs down hills and Capitol Hill was the best in town. However, the festivities were so disruptive that a law was passed to keep trespassers off the property. Two years later, President Rutherford B Hayes and his wife Lucy invited all the local children to roll their eggs on the South Lawn of the White House. And it’s been an Easter tradition ever since. The ceremonies and circumstances have changed a bit over the years. Kids now use wooden eggs rather than the hard boiled variety, but the contest itself is the same: roll an Easter egg down the hill and have a good laugh about it with your friends. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate many things, but especially our love for the renewal of Spring and the joy we can find through celebrating together.  

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

Did You Know That Some Cars Are Still Made By Hand?

Welcome to April 3, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate epic sounds and life in the slow lane. 

Remember that awesome moment in Return of the Jedi when Darth Vader arrives at the new Death Star in his shuttle? He walks off the ship and marches through the formations of Stormtroopers and you hear:

It’s just not the same without the dramatic music, is it? Film scores are an overlooked, but vital part of movie making. Whether it puts you on the edge of your seat, makes you swoon, or scares you silly, music can dictate how we view movies. Sometimes it’s big and epic, like the music from Star Wars, but other times, it’s just subtle enough that we barely notice it making us cry. Celebrate National Film Score Day by watching one of your favorite films and paying attention to the sounds that make the visuals more impactful.

The Industrial Revolution began in England in the 18th century bringing with it the culture of factories, which still make many goods and services we enjoy today. But it’s amazing to think that not so long ago literally everything was made by hand. And despite this quantum leap, some will argue that things made from scratch are best.  This is especially true in the case of pies and cakes, but in the world of luxury cars, the difference is nearly priceless.  Car makers such as Lamborghini and Aston Martin can fetch up to 4 million dollars for a handmade model.  Exotic car owners can spot the value immediately, but if that doesn't rev your engine or fit your budget, there are plenty of other items to celebrate.  On National Handmade Day, find your own one of a kind treasures and enjoy life in the slow lane.  

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

Did You Know That The First PB&J Sandwiches Were Served In Fancy Tea Rooms?

Welcome to April 2, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate surprisingly helpful pets and everyone’s favorite mash-up. 

When we think of domesticated animals, dogs, horses, and cows spring to mind. But one overlooked animal helper is the ferret. Since they were domesticated around 2,500 years ago, these furry little critters have helped farmers keep rodents away from grain storage. Because their long, slim bodies give them the ability to easily get down into holes, they were used to chase rabbits and other rodents from their burrows. Incidentally, this is where we get the expression “ferret out.” But anyone who owns one as a pet knows that they’re also very sweet, loyal and affectionate. On National Ferret Day, celebrate a pet that has more than a fuzzy appeal.

While it’s hard to imagine good old peanut butter and jelly as anything but kid stuff, these sandwiches got their start in the early 1900s in New York city’s finest tea rooms. Then in the 1920s the price of peanut butter fell, and kids finally got their hands on them.  During World War II, peanut butter was one of the only food commodities that wasn’t rationed.  This protein packed ingredient became even more packable when a layer of jelly kept the sandwich from gluing the mouths of soldiers shut.  The winning combination finally earned its stripes in 1968 when the JM Smucker Company started jarring Goober.  With vertical layers of alternating peanut butter and jelly, this mashup is still sold around the world today.  On National Peanut Butter And Jelly Day, get your mitts on an all time favorite that satisfies the kid in all of us.  

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

Have You Seen The Spaghetti Harvest In Ticino Switzerland?

Welcome to April 1, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate record fastest food and global gags. 

Burritos are one of the tastiest meals to go. And because of that, you can gobble one down way too fast. If you’re worried that you’re scarfing too fast, then you haven’t met Leah Shutkever, who holds the world record for fastest time eating a burrito. In November of 2019, Leah devoured a burrito in 35.26 seconds, breaking her own record of 44.2 seconds. Lest you think this was some average burrito, listen up. This was a legit, football-sized monstrosity like you’d order at Chipotle after realizing you and hadn’t eaten all day. Celebrate National Burrito Day by savoring this Mexican food favorite. We encourage you to slow down and chew your food. There’s no need to break any records.

Think Daylight Savings Time causes problems with scheduling?  Try changing an entire calendar!  In 1582, France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian one, which we still use today.  That meant that New Year’s Day moved from March to January and the folks who didn’t get the memo were often ridiculed as April Fools.  The great tradition of pulling off pranks to produce these April Fools has been a global favorite ever since.  If you’ve never seen the Spaghetti Harvest in Ticino Switzerland, you are in for a treat.  This was documented by the BBC tv show “Panorama” in 1957, and remains one of the world’s best spoofs. On April Fools Day, go ahead and play your favorite pranks. Just remember that what comes around, goes around. 

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